Transfer wheel, retaining member, transfer device and method for transferring a tire component to a tire building drum

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer wheel for transferring a tire component to a tire building drum, wherein the transfer wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the transfer wheel comprises a support surface extending in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis, wherein the transfer wheel further comprises one or more retaining members, preferably trailing end retaining members, for retaining a trailing end of the tire component to the support surface, wherein the one or more retaining members each comprise a first retaining element for retaining the tire component and a second retaining element different from the first retaining element, for retaining the tire component, and wherein the second retaining element is arranged in a central region defined by the first retaining element.

Description

[0001] Transfer wheel , retaining member, transfer device and method for transferring a tire component to a tire building drum

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a transfer wheel for trans ferring a tire component to a tire building drum. The invention further relates to a retaining device for use in said trans fer wheel for trans ferring a tire component to a tire building drum. The invention further relates to an transfer device comprising the trans fer wheel for trans ferring a tire component to a tire building drum. The invention further relates to a method for trans ferring a tire component to a tire building drum.

[0004] CN216300233U relates to a chafer transfer wheel for transferring a chafer onto a pre-transfer device on a building drum, wherein the chafer transfer drum comprises a chafer transfer surface extending in a circumferential direction about a central axis at a first radius with respect to said central axis , wherein the chafer trans fer wheel further comprise a pressing segment extending outside said chafer transfer surface in a radial direction transverse to the central axis , wherein the pressing segment defines a pressing surface extending in the circumferential direction about the central axis at a second radius greater than the first radius , wherein the pressing surface , in the circumferential direction, has a trapezoid contour for supporting the chafer .

[0005] The pressing segment may comprise a magnetic strip for retaining the chafer to the transfer drum. Additionally or alternatively, the pressing segment may be provided with one or more suction or vacuum apertures for retaining the chafer .

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In practice , an elastomeric strip or gum strip is applied to a lateral side of the chafer before said chafer is trans ferred to the building drum. The gum strip has to be applied to the building drum with a small overlap to create an overlapping splice . In contrast, the chafer has to be applied to the building drum without overlap . More particularly, the leading and trailing ends of the chafer are butt spliced on the tire building drum or arranged on said building drum at a small mutual distance . As a consequence , the gum strip requires to be stretched during the application to the building drum.

[0008] Although the known trans fer wheel may adequately transfer the chafer to a pre-transfer device on the building drum, a disadvantage of the known transfer drum is that the retaining of the trailing end of the chafer and / or the trailing end of the gum strip may be insuf ficient . In particular, the trailing end of the gum strip may shi ft and / or deform in the circumferential direction of the transfer wheel when a stretch is applied to said elastomeric strip .

[0009] Accordingly, the overlapping of the trailing end and the leading end of the gum strip and / or the chafer on the tire building drum may be inaccurate . Hence , the splice quality may be inadequate and / or insuf ficient . This may result in inferior tires .

[0010] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a transfer wheel , a retaining member, an trans fer device and a method which can more accurately transfer a tire component to a tire building drum.

[0011] According to a first aspect , the present invention provides a trans fer wheel for retaining a tire component , wherein the trans fer wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis , wherein the trans fer wheel comprises a support surface extending in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis , wherein the trans fer wheel further comprises one or more trailing end retaining members for retaining a trailing end o f the tire component to the support surface , wherein the one or more trailing end retaining members each comprise a first retaining element for retaining the tire component and a second retaining element , di fferent from the first retaining element, e . g . in operation or in the way in which tire component is engaged, for retaining the tire component, and wherein the second retaining element is arranged in a central region of the first retaining element .

[0012] Preferably, the first retaining element can retain the tire component independent from the second retaining element . Additionally or alternatively, the second retaining element can retain the tire component independent from the first tire component . Preferably, the first retaining element and the second retaining element are conf igured to act on the tire component simultaneous ly and / or at the same time . Preferably, one of the first retaining element and the second retaining element comprises a suction aperture for retaining the tire component through suction . The first retaining element and the second retaining element can act on the tire component at the same or substantially the same position . Accordingly, the first retaining element can improve or enhance the retaining of the tire component by the second retaining element and vice versa . Moreover, the first and second retaining members can act on the tire component at the same or substantially the same position . Hence , the retaining member can more reliably retain a small area of the tire component . Thi s can be especially advantageous in the case of retaining a gum strip of which only a small width protrudes from the chafer . Hence , the position of the trailing end, e . g . the trailing end of the gum strip, in the circumferential direction of the trans fer wheel can be controlled more accurately and / or precisely . Accordingly, the tire component can be trans ferred to the building drum more accurately and / or precisely . In a preferred embodiment, the first retaining element comprises one or more suction apertures that debouches at the support surface, and the second retaining element comprises a piercing element , for example a nail , that is arranged to protrude from the support surface .

[0013] In an alternative embodiment thereof , the first retaining element comprises one or more piercing elements , and the second retaining element comprises a suction aperture that debouches at the support surface .

[0014] The piercing elements or nails of the one or more retaining members can be driven at least partially into the tire component . More particularly, the piercing elements or nails can penetrate and / or pierce the tire component , in particular the trail ing end of said tire component , to retain the tire component . By penetrating and / or piercing the tire component , the nail s can rel iably retain the trailing end of the tire component in the circumferential direction of the trans fer wheel . Hence , the position of the trailing end in the circumferential direction of the trans fer wheel can be controlled more accurately and / or precisely . Accordingly, the tire component can be trans ferred to the building drum more accurately and / or precisely .

[0015] Additionally, the suction apertures can pull the tire component onto or over the nails or piercing elements . Hence , the tire component can be retained to the nails or piercing elements more reliably . Thus accidental and / or unintentional release of the tire component from the nails or piercing elements can be prevented .

[0016] In an embodiment thereof , the second retaining element is at least partially surrounded by the first retaining element . In other words , the central region is at least partially enclosed by the first retaining element . Said suction aperture may for example be ring shaped, generally ring shaped or substantially ring shaped . Additionally or alternatively, the nail or piercing element may be arranged within the suction aperture . Hence , the suction aperture can pull on the tire component in the area directly surrounding the nail . Thus , the suction aperture can more ef fectively and / or precisely retain the tire component to the support surface at the location of the nail .

[0017] In a further embodiment , each of the one or more trailing end retaining members comprises a valve that is switchable between an open state in which the respective one or more suction apertures are open and a closed state in which said one or more suction apertures are closed . Preferably, the valve is automatically switchable . Hence , the one or more suction apertures can selectively be opened and / or closed by switching the respective valves . Accordingly, an unintended opening of a respective valve , e . g . a valve not covered by the tire component, can be prevented . Hence , pressure loss or air leakage through said valve can be prevented .

[0018] In a further embodiment , the valve is a push-to- open check valve that is switchable from the closed state to the open state when the tire component is received on the support surface through direct contact with said tire component . Hence , the mere presence or absence of the tire component on the valve can switch the respective valve between the open state and the close state .

[0019] In a further embodiment, the one or more piercing elements are connected to the valve , wherein the valve is switchable through direct contact of the tire component with at least one of the respective one or more piercing elements . More particularly, the valve can be switched to the open position by depressing at least one of the one or more piercing elements relative to the support surface . Hence, when the one or more piercing elements do not pierce the tire component initially and / or are only partly pressed into the tire component , the resistance to piercing can cause at least one of the one or more piercing elements to be depressed by the tire component , thereby automatically activating the one or more suction apertures . Accordingly, the one or more suction apertures can further pull the tire component towards the support surface to drive the one or more piercing members further into the tire component . When the one or more piercing elements are driven further into the tire component , the activation of the one or more suction apertures may be cancelled again and / or the suction force may be reduced because the one or more piercing elements return towards their original , undepressed position . However, at this moment , the one or more piercing elements are sufficiently driven into the tire component , such that the tire component can be retained reliably, solely by the one or more piercing elements .

[0020] In a further embodiment, the one or more piercing elements of the respective one or more trailing end retaining member extend in a radial direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the transfer wheel . In other words , the one or more piercing elements extend in a direction normal to or substantially normal to the support surface . Hence , the one or more piercing elements can ef fectively retain the tire component in the circumferential direction . Additionally, the orientation of the one or more piercing elements can improve a release of the tire component in the radial direction when trans ferring the tire component to the tire building drum. Alternatively, the one or more piercing elements may for example extend in a direction at an angle with respect to said direction normal to the support surface .

[0021] In a further embodiment, the transfer wheel further comprises one or more body retaining members that are distributed over the support surface along the circumferential direction for retaining the tire component to the support surface . Said body retaining members can ef fectively retain the retain the part or body of the tire component between the leading end and the trailing end to and / or around the support surface of the trans fer wheel .

[0022] In an embodiment thereof , the tire component comprises ferromagnetic material , wherein the one or more body retaining members comprise one or more magnets for retaining the tire component through magnetic attraction . Said one or more magnets may for example comprise magnetic slab . Such a magnetic slab can be applied around a circumferential surface of the transfer wheel to form at least a part of the support surface . The one or more magnets can ef fectively retain the tire component by attracting the ferromagnetic material .

[0023] In a further embodiment, which may be applied independent of the retaining members according to the present invention, the support surface is a first support surface and wherein the transfer wheel further comprises a second support surface , wherein the second support surface is arranged adj acent to the first support surface in a lateral direction parallel to the rotation axis , and wherein the second support surface is recessed with respect to the first support surface in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis . In other words , the first support surface forms a step relative to the second support surface . Optionally, both the first support surface and the second support surface extend in the circumferential direction over a distance that is larger to or equal to a length of the tire component . Preferably, the first support surface is at least arranged at the radial position of the trailing end retaining members and / or at the radial position of the leading end retaining members . Optionally, the first support surface may be arranged at the radial position of the trailing end retaining members and / or at the radial position of the leading end retaining members only . The first support surface and the second support surface can each support a respective tire component . More particularly, the first support surface can support a second tire component relative to a first tire component supported on the second support surface . For example , the second support surface can support a chafer and the first support surface can support a gum strip relative to said chafer at a first lateral side of the chafer . Accordingly, sagging and / or deformation of the second tire component , e . g . the gum strip, can be reduced or ultimately prevented . Preferably, a height di fference in the radial direction between the first support surface and the second support surface corresponds or substantially corresponds to a thickness of the first tire component , e . g . the chafer or steel chafer . Optionally, the first support surface and / or the second support surface may be adj ustable in the radial direction relative to one another to adapt said height di fference between the first support surface and the second support surface .

[0024] In an embodiment thereof , the one or more body retaining members are arranged at the second support surface . Hence , the one or more body retaining members can retain the first tire component to said second support surface . The second and / or third tire component may be adhered to the first tire component . Accordingly, the transfer wheel can retain said tire components by adherence .

[0025] In a further embodiment , the one or more retaining members are arranged at the first support surface . Hence , said retaining members can retain a trailing end of the second tire component , i . e . the elastomeric strip or the gum strip . Hence, the trailing end of said second tire component can reliably retained by the one or more retaining members . Accordingly, a stretch of said second tire component can be controlled more precisely and / or accurately . Additionally, when trans ferring the trailing end of the sub-assembly of tire components to the tire building drum, a position of the trailing end of the second tire component can be adj usted relative to the portion first tire component that has already been applied to the tire building drum.

[0026] In a further embodiment thereof , the trans fer wheel further comprises a third support surface adj acent to the second support surface and opposite to the first support surface in the lateral direction . The third support surface can support a third tire component , e . g . a second gum strip, relative to the first tire component . Preferably, the first support surface and the third support surface are movable relative to one another in the lateral direction . Accordingly, a mutual distance between the first support surface and the third support surface can be adj usted to a width of the first tire component .

[0027] According to a second aspect , the present invention provides a retaining member as described in the first aspect of the invention for use in a transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the invention .

[0028] The advantages of the retaining member have already been discussed in relation to the transfer wheel of the first aspect and will not be reiterated for conciseness .

[0029] According to a third aspect , the present invention provides a transfer device comprising the transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the transfer device further comprises a supply conveyor for supplying the tire component in a transport direction and a first drive for driving a relative displacement between the supply conveyor and the transfer wheel in a first engagement direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the trans fer wheel .

[0030] The transfer device comprises the transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the invention and, hence , has the same advantages as described above .

[0031] In a preferred embodiment thereof , the trans fer device comprises a tire building drum, and wherein the transfer device further comprises a second drive for driving a relative displacement between the transfer wheel and the tire building drum in a second engagement direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis .

[0032] According to a fourth aspect , the present invention provides a method for transferring a tire component to a tire building drum using the transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention or the transfer device according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of : a) applying the tire component around at least a part of the support surface of the trans fer wheel ; b) applying a leading end of the tire component to the tire building drum; and c) trans ferring the tire component from the transfer wheel to the tire building drum by rotating the transfer wheel about the rotation axis in a first rotation direction and simultaneously rotating the tire building drum about a drum axis in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction .

[0033] The method uses the transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the invention and, hence , has the same advantages as described above .

[0034] In an embodiment thereof , step a) comprises retaining the trailing end of the tire component with at least one of the one or more retaining members , i . e . the trailing end retaining members . The trailing end retaining members can reliably retain the trailing end of the tire component .

[0035] In an embodiment thereof , step c) comprises stretching the trailing end of the tire component before trans ferring said trailing end to the tire building drum. The tire component may for example be stretched by applying a speed dif ference between the tire building drum and the transfer wheel , i . e . between the circumferential velocities of the tire building drum and the transfer wheel , respectively . The trailing end retaining members can reliably retain the tire component in the circumferential direction while stretching said tire component . Accordingly, a length of the tire component and / or a position of the trailing end on the tire building drum can controlled more accurately and / or precisely . For example an overlapping portion of the trailing end and the leading end of the tire component on the tire building drum can be controlled more accurately . Hence , the quality of a resulting splice can be improved .

[0036] 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 .

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which :

[0039] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a trans fer wheel for transferring a tire component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2A shows a section view according to the line I I-I I in figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 2B shows the section view of figure 2A with a tire component retained to said transfer wheel ;

[0042] Figures 3A-3D show an transfer device according to the present invention for trans ferring a tire component from a supply conveyor to a tire building drum during exemplary method steps according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 shows an alternative transfer wheel according to a further embodiment of the invention in the section view according to figure 2B;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a top view of the transfer wheel of figure 4 according to the line V-V;

[0045] Figure 6 shows a further alternative trans fer wheel according to a further embodiment of the invention in the section view according to figure 2B; and

[0046] Figure 7 shows a top view of the transfer wheel of figure 6 according to the line VI I-VI I .

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Figures 3A-3D show an trans fer device 1 for trans ferring a tire component or a sub-assembly 9 of tire components 91 , 92 to a tire building drum 12 . The trans fer device 1 comprises a supply conveyor 11 for supplying the sub-assembly 9 and a transfer drum or transfer wheel 2 for trans ferring the sub-assembly 9 from the conveyor 11 to the tire building drum 12 . Optionally, the tire building drum 12 may be a part of the trans fer device 1 .

[0049] The conveyor 11 is arranged to support the subassembly 9 and to transport or convey the sub-assembly 9 in a transport direction T towards the transfer wheel 2 . The conveyor 11 may for example be a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor . The conveyor 11 is arranged to convey the subassembly 9 towards or into a transfer position as is shown in figure 3A.

[0050] The trans fer wheel 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis A. Said rotation axis A is arranged to extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the transport direction T . Preferably, the transfer wheel 2 and the conveyor 11 are movable relative towards and away from one another in a first engagement direction Y . Said first engagement direction Y extends perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the transfer wheel 2 . In the embodiment as shown, the transfer wheel 2 is movable towards and away from the conveyor 11 in the first engagement direction Y . Additionally or alternatively, the conveyor 11 may be movable towards and away from the transfer wheel 2 in the engagement direction Y . The conveyor 11 may for example be translatable in said first engagement direction Y or pivotable about a pivot axis (not shown) that extends parallel to the rotation axis A of the transfer wheel 2 . Preferably, the transfer device 1 comprise a first drive (not shown) for driving the relative displacement between the transfer wheel 2 and the conveyor 11 .

[0051] The tire building drum 12 is rotatable about a drum axis D . The drum axis D and the rotation axis A are arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel for trans ferring the sub-assembly 9 from the transfer wheel 2 to the tire building drum 12 . Preferably, the tire building drum 12 and the trans fer wheel 2 are movable towards and away from one another in a second engagement direction X . Said second engagement direction X extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the transfer wheel 2 . In this particular embodiment , the second engagement direction X extends transverse to the first engagement direction Y . More particularly, the second engagement direction X extends in or parallel to transport direction T . Preferably, the transfer device 1 comprises a second drive (not shown) for driving the relative displacement between the transfer wheel 2 and the tire building drum 12 . Said second drive may for example be arranged to drive a displacement of the transfer wheel 2 in the second engagement direction X .

[0052] As is best shown in figures 2A and 2B, the subassembly 9 comprises a first tire component 91 and a second tire component 92 . Said first tire component 91 is a cord reinforced tire component . More particularly, the first tire component 91 is a chafer strip or steel chafer . The first tire component 91 comprises an elastomeric material 90 with ferromagnetic cords 97 embedded therein . The second tire component 92 comprises a strip of elastomeric material . Preferably, the second tire component 92 is an elastomeric strip or a gum strip . In the embodiment , as shown, the second tire component 92 is positioned at the first tire component 91 at a first lateral side 93 thereof . Preferably, the sub-assembly 9 further comprises a third tire component, i . e . a second elastomeric strip or gum strip, (not shown) to be positioned at a second lateral side of the first tire component 91 opposite to the first lateral side 93 in the lateral direction L .

[0053] As is shown in figures 3A-3D, the sub-assembly 9 comprises a leading end LE and a trailing end TE . Optionally, said leading end LE and said trailing end TE are beveled edges , i . e . the edges of the leading end LE and the trailing end TE extend at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the sub-assembly 9.

[0054] In the embodiment as shown in figure 1 , the transfer wheel 2 comprises an annular or substantially annular body 20 that extends about the rotation axis A in a circumferential direction C . In the embodiment as shown, the body 20 does not make a full circle about the rotation axis A. Alternatively, the body 20 may be fully annular or cylindrical , i . e . the body 20 may be continuous in the circumferential direction C .

[0055] The body 20 comprises a first support surface 21 for supporting the second tire component 92 . The body 20 further comprises a second support surface 22 for supporting the first tire component 91 . The second support surface 22 is located adj acent to the first support surface 21 in a lateral direction L parallel to the rotation axis A. The first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 extends in the circumferential direction C . The first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 face outward in a radial direction B perpendicular to the rotation axis A.

[0056] Optionally, as is best shown in figure 1 , the first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 protrude from the body 20 of the trans fer wheel 2 in the radial direction B . Preferably, a shape of the second support surface 22 corresponds to or substantially corresponds to a shape of the first tire component 91 . More particularly, the shape of an edge of the second support surface 22 in the circumferential direction C corresponds to or substantially corresponds to a shape of the trailing edge TE of the first tire component 91 . Accordingly, said edge extends at an angle relative to the lateral direction L . In other words , said edge extends along a helical path . Preferably, an edge of the first support surface 21 in the circumferential direction C extends along the same helical path .

[0057] As is best shown in figures 2A and 2B, the second support surface 22 is recessed with respect to the first support surface 21 . More particularly, the second support surface 22 is recessed with respect to the first support surface 21 in the radial direction B . In other words , the first support surface 21 forms a step in the radial direction B with respect to the second support surface 22 . Said stepped first support surface 21 may support the second tire component 92 relative to the first tire component 91 .

[0058] In the embodiment as shown, the body 20 comprises a single first support surface 21 for supporting a single second tire component 92 at a first lateral side of the first tire component 91 . Additionally, the body 20 may comprise a third support surface (not shown) for supporting a third tire component at a second lateral side of the first tire component 91 opposite to the first lateral side in the lateral direction L . The third support surface is located adj acent to the second support surface 22 in the lateral direction L . The third support surface is arranged opposite to the first surface 21 in said lateral direction L . Preferably, the third support surface and the first support surface are arranged at the same radius with respect to the rotation axis A. Similar to the first support surface 21 , the third support surface may form a step in the radial direction B relative to the second support surface 22 . Said stepped third support surface may support the third tire component relative to the first tire component 91 . Optionally, the first support surface 21 and / or the third support surface may be movable in the lateral direction . In particular, the first support surface 21 and / or the third support surface may be movable in the lateral direction L to adapt a mutual distance in said lateral direction L to a width of the first tire component 91 .

[0059] As is further shown in figures 2A and 2B, the transfer wheel 2 comprises a body retaining member 5 for retaining the first tire component 91 to the second support surface 22 . Preferably, said body retaining member 5 comprises one or more magnets for attracting the ferromagnetic cords 97 of the first tire component 91 . Alternatively, the body retaining member 5 may for example comprise a plurality of suction apertures . In this particular embodiment , the body retaining member 5 comprises a magnetic slab that extends in the circumferential direction C .

[0060] As is further shown in figure 1 , the trans fer wheel 2 comprises one or more leading end retaining members 8 for retaining a leading end LE of the sub-assembly 9 . More particularly, the leading end retaining members 8 are arranged for retaining a leading end LE of the first tire component 91 . Said leading end retaining members 8 may for example comprise vacuum apertures or suction apertures .

[0061] The transfer wheel 2 further comprises one or more trailing end retaining members 6 for retaining the trailing end TE of the sub-assembly 9 . More particularly, the trailing end retaining members 6 are arranged for retaining the trailing end TE of the second tire component 92 .

[0062] As is shown in figure 1 , said trailing end retaining members 6 are arranged along an edge of the first support surface 21 in the circumferential direction C . In other words , the trailing end retaining members 6 are arranged along a helical path . Preferably, an angle of said helical path with respect to the circumferential direction C corresponds to an angle of the trailing edge TE of the second tire component 92 with respect to the longitudinal direction of said second tire component 92 . Hence, the second tire component 92 may be placed on the first support surface 21 , such that the trailing edge TE of said second tire component 92 overlaps two or more of the trailing end retaining members 6.

[0063] As is best shown in figures 2A and 2B, the trailing end retaining members 6 each comprise a first retaining element 61 for retaining the trailing end TE of the sub-assembly 9 . In the embodiment as shown, said first retaining element 61 comprises a vacuum aperture or suction aperture 61 . The suction apertures 61 are open to first support surface 21 . In other words , the suction apertures 61 debouch in or debouch to the first support surface 21 . The suction apertures 61 are arranged to be connected to a source of partial vacuum or source of low pressure (not shown) for retaining the second tire component 92 by suction .

[0064] The trailing end retaining members 6 further comprise a valve 63 at each suction opening 61 . In this example , the closing valves 6 are located at , near, close to or flush with the first support surface 21 . More particularly, the valves are located within the body 20 of the transfer wheel 2 . Each valve 63 is operable , movable and / or switchable between an enabled or open state , as shown in figure 2B, in which the respective suction aperture 61 is open and a disabled or closed state , as shown in figure 2A, in which the respective suction opening 61 is closed . In the open state , the suction aperture 61 can be brought into fluid communication with a source of partial vacuum . In the closed state , the suction aperture 61 can be disconnected from the source of partial vacuum . The valves 63 are independently and / or individually switchable with respect to each other . In other words , one or more valves 63 may be switched to the closed state , while others remain in the open state . In the embodiment as shown in figures 2A and 2B, the valves 63 each comprises a base 60 that is movable towards and away from an opening of the suction aperture 61 at the first support surface 21 . The base 60 is arranged to be moved between a closed position as is shown in figure 2A and an open position as is shown in figure 2B . Preferably, the base is movable in a direction normal or substantially normal to the first support surface 21 . Preferably, said direction corresponds or substantially corresponds to the radial direction B of the transfer wheel 2 . In the closed position, the base 60 covers , blocks or substantially blocks the opening of the suction aperture 61 at or near the first support surface 21 . In the open position, the base 60 is displaced in a direction away from the first support surface to unblock the opening of the suction aperture 61 . The valve 63 comprises a biasing element 64 for urging the base 60 towards and / or into the closed position . The closes position of the base 60 corresponds to the closed state of the valve 63 . Accordingly, the open position of the base 60 corresponds to the open state of the valve 63 .

[0065] In this example , the valves 63 are push-to-open check valves that are switchable from the closed state to the open state when the sub-assembly 9 , in particular the second tire component 92 , is received on the first support surface 21 through direct contact with said second tire component 92 . In other words , the push-to-open check valves are operated solely by the weight of the second tire component 92 exerted thereon . Alternatively, the switching of the valves 63 may be automated mechanically, for example by using actuators , servos , solenoids or the like . Alternative types of closing valves may be used with the same ef fect , such as linear slide valves , gate valves , diaphragm valves , or the like .

[0066] As is further shown in figures 2A and 2B, the retaining members 6 each comprise a second retaining element 62 . In the embodiment as shown, the second retaining element 62 comprises a piercing element , in particular a needle , pin or nail 62 . Said nails 62 are arranged to protrude from the first support surface 21 . Preferably, the nails 62 extends in or substantially in the radial direction B . In other words , the nails 62 extend in a direction normal or substantially normal to the support surface 21 . Alternatively, the nails 62 may extend at an angle to the normal direction of the support surface 21 . Preferably, the nails 62 extend within a radial plane that is spanned by the radial direction B and the lateral direction L .

[0067] The nails 62 are arranged to be driven into the sub-assembly 9. In particular, said nails 62 are arranged for piercing or at least partially penetrating the second tire component 92 . The nails 62 are arranged for retaining the second tire component 92 in the circumferential direction C . Optionally, the nails 62 may be provided with a toothed structure or saw tooth structure for retaining the second tire component 92 .

[0068] In the embodiment as shown, the nails 62 are each arranged on the base 60 of a respective valve 63 . Accordingly, the nails 62 are movable relative to the first support surface 21 together with the base 60 of the valve 63 . Preferably, the nails 62 protrude from the first support surface 21 in both the open position and the closed position of the base 60 .

[0069] Each nail 62 is arranged, positioned or located in a central region of the respective retaining member 6 . Said central region is defined by the suction aperture 61 . In the embodiment of figures 2A and 2B, the nail 62 is arranged within said suction aperture 61 .

[0070] Figures 4 and 5 show an alternative trans fer wheel 102 comprising alternative trailing end retaining members 106 according to a further embodiment of the present invention . The alternative trailing end retaining members 106 dif fer from the previously discussed trailing end retaining members 6 in that the central region is at least partially surrounded and / or enclosed by the suction aperture 161 . Said suction aperture 161 may debouch to or at the first support surface 121 through multiple openings . In other words , the suction apertures 161 may comprise multiple openings at the first support surface 121 . Additionally or alternatively, the multiple suction apertures 161 may be arranged around the central region to at least partially surround and / or enclose said central region . As is further shown in figures 4 and 5, the retaining member 106 further comprises a nail aperture 165 for accommodating the nail 162 and to allow the nail 162 to protrude from the first support surface 121 .

[0071] Figures 6 and 7 show a further alternative transfer wheel 202 comprising alternative trailing end retaining members 206 according to a further embodiment of the present invention . The alternative trailing end retaining member 206 di ffer from the previously discussed trailing end retaining members 6 , 106 in that the first retaining element 261 comprises one or more piercing elements 261 . Accordingly the second retaining element 262 comprises a suction aperture 262 . The suction aperture 262 is located in a central region defined by the one or more piercing elements 261 . The one or more piercing elements 261 and the suction aperture 262 function in a manner similar as described above for the retaining members 6 , 106 .

[0072] In particular, the suction aperture 262 is open to the first support surface 221 and arranged to be connected to a source of partial vacuum or low pressure for retaining the second tire component 92 by suction . The retaining member 206 comprises an alternative valve 263 for opening and closing the suction aperture 262 . As is best shown in figure 5, the valve 263 di ffers from the previously discussed valves 63 , 163 in that the base 260 of the valve 263 i f further provided with a stem 266 for opening and / or closing a further aperture to connect or disconnect the suction aperture 262 from the source of partial vacuum or low pressure . The stem 266 extends from the base 260 in a direction away from the first support surface 221 . Optionally, the stem 266 is further provided with a sealing ring 267 .

[0073] The stem 266 and / or the sealing ring 267 are not limited to the present embodiment and may equally be applied to the retaining members 6, 106 of the embodiments as discussed above .

[0074] The one or more piercing elements 261 are each arranged to be driven into the sub-assembly 9 . The piercing elements 261 are arranged to protrude from the first support surface 221 in the radial direction B . Preferably, the piercing elements 261 are arranged on the base 260 of the valve 263 to be movable relative to the first support surface 221 together with the base 260 in a manner similar as described for the nails 62 , 162 above . The first support surface 221 is provided with one or more piercing aperture 265 that are each configured for accommodating a respective piercing element 261 . The piercing apertures 265 are further configured to allow the piercing apertures 265 to move in the radial direction B and to protrude from the support surface 221 .

[0075] Alternatively, the first support surface 221 may comprise a single piercing aperture 265 for receiving the base 260 of the valve 263 . Accordingly, one or more suction apertures 262 may extend through the base 260 of the valve 263 to retain the second tire component 92 . Moreover, in this configuration, the retaining member 206 may comprise a single ring shaped, substantially ring shaped or annular piercing member 261 .

[0076] A method for transferring a tire component 9 to a tire building drum 12 is now further described using figures 2A-2B and 3A-3D .

[0077] As is shown in figure 3A, the sub-assembly 9 has been supplied in the transport direction T on the conveyor 11 . The sub-assembly 9 comprises the first tire component 91 , i . e . the chafer or steel chafer, the second tire component 92 and the third tire component (not shown) , i . e . the first and second elastomeric strips or gum strips , respectively .

[0078] The first tire component 91 has been arranged on top of the second tire component 92 and the third tire component . Preferably, the first tire component 91 has been adhered to the second tire component 92 and the third tire component .

[0079] The trans fer wheel 2 has been positioned above the sub-assembly 9 in the second engagement direction Y . More particularly, the transfer wheel 2 has been rotated and / or positioned such that the leading end retaining members 8 extends above the leading end LE of the subassembly 9 . The leading end LE of the sub-assembly 9 is retained by the leading end retaining members 8 .

[0080] As is shown in figure 2A, the tire components 91 , 92 have not yet been applied to the first and second support surfaces 21 , 22 at the radial location of the trailing end retaining members 6 . Accordingly, the valves 63 are not being depressed and are urged into the closed position by the respective biasing members 64 .

[0081] As is shown in figure 3B, the transfer wheel 2 has been rotated about the rotation axis A in a first rotation direction R1 to apply the sub-assembly 9 around the first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 . The first tire component 91 is retained by the one or more body retaining members 5. The second tire component 92 is being retained to the first tire component 91 by adherence .

[0082] As is best shown in figure 2B, the trailing end TE of the second tire component 92 has been retained by the trailing end retaining members 6 . In particular, the first support surface 21 has been rotated and / or placed over the second tire component 92 . As a consequence , the valves 63 of the trailing end retaining members 6 which have been covered by the second tire component 92 have been depressed . Hence , said valves 63 are in the open position thereof . Accordingly, the suction apertures 61 are activated and the second tire component 92 is retained to the first support surface by suction . The nails 62 have been partly driven into the second tire component 92 .

[0083] As is shown in figure 3C, the transfer wheel 2 and the conveyor 11 have been moved relative to one another in the first engagement direction Y to separate the subassembly 9 from the conveyor 11 . The transfer wheel 2 has further been moved towards and into contact with the tire building drum 12 .

[0084] The leading end LE of the sub-assembly 9 has been deposited on the tire building drum 12 . Subsequently, the transfer wheel 2 has been rotated about the rotation axis A in the first rotation direction R1 while simultaneously rotating the tire building drum 12 about the drum axis D in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1 . Preferably, the tire building drum 12 and the transfer wheel are rotated at the same or substantially the same circumferential speed .

[0085] Usually, one or more tire layers (not shown) have already been applied around the tire building drum 12 before the sub-assembly 9 is trans ferred to the tire building drum 12 . In other words , the sub-assembly 9 is trans ferred to and / or applied around said one or more tire layers .

[0086] As is shown in figure 3D, a further part of the sub-assembly 9 has been applied around the tire building drum 12 . The trailing end TE of the sub-assembly 9 is retained by the transfer wheel 2 . More particularly, a trailing end of the first tire component 9 is retained by the one or more body retaining member 5. Accordingly, a trailing end of the second tire component 92 is retained by the one or more trailing end retaining members 6 .

[0087] The method now comprises adj usting a rotation speed of the tire building drum 12 and / or a rotation speed of the transfer wheel 2 such that a circumferential velocity of an external support surface of the tire building drum 12 is greater than a circumferential velocity of the first support surface 21 . Accordingly, the second tire component 92 may be stretched before and / or during applying the trailing end TE to the leading end . In particular, the second tire component 92 may be stretched relative to the first tire component 91 . Hence , an overlap of the trailing end TE and the leading end LE of said second tire component 92 may be increased .

[0088] In the described method, the sub-assembly 9 has been supplied pre-assembled on the conveyor 11 . Accordingly, the tire components 91 , 92 have been trans ferred to the trans fer wheel 2 in the form of the subassembly 9 . Alternatively, the method may comprise subsequently supplying the first tire component 91 and the second and third tire components 92 . More particularly, the method may first comprise supplying the first tire component 91 to the trans fer wheel 2 and subsequently supplying the second and third tire components 92 to the trans fer wheel 2 .

[0089] 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 .

[0090] Reference Numerals

[0091] 1 trans fer device

[0092] 2 trans fer wheel

[0093] 20 body

[0094] 21 first support surface

[0095] 22 second support surface

[0096] 5 body retaining member

[0097] 6 trailing end retaining member base suction aperture nail valve biasing element leading end retaining member sub assembly first tire component second tire component first lateral side reinforcement cord supply conveyor building drum alternative transfer wheel body first support surface alternative trailing end retaining member base suction aperture nail valve nail aperture further alternative transfer wheel body first support surface alternative trailing end retaining member base suction aperture piercing element valve nail aperture stem sealing ring A rotation axis

[0098] B radial direction

[0099] C circumferential direction

[0100] D drum axis L lateral direction

[0101] LE leading end

[0102] TE trailing end

[0103] R1 first rotation direction

[0104] R2 second rotation direction T transport direction

[0105] X second engagement direction

[0106] Y first engagement direction

Claims

1. C L A I M S1. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) for transferring a tire component (9, 91, 92) to a tire building drum (12) , wherein the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) is rotatable about a rotation axis (A) , wherein the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) comprises a support surface (21, 22; 121; 221) extending in a circumferential direction (C) about the rotation axis (A) , wherein the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) further comprises one or more retaining members (6, 106,206) , preferably trailing end retaining members (6, 106,206) , for retaining a trailing end (TE) of the tire component (9, 91, 92) to the support surface (21, 22; 121; 221) , wherein the one or more retaining members (6, 106,206) each comprise a first retaining element (61, 161, 261) for retaining the tire component (9, 91, 92) and a second retaining element (62, 162, 262) different from the first retaining element (61, 161, 261) , for retaining the tire component (9, 91, 92) , and wherein the second retaining element (62, 162) is arranged in a central region defined by the first retaining element (61, 161) .

2. Transfer wheel (2, 102) according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining element (61, 161) comprises one or more suction apertures (61, 161) that debouches at the support surface (21, 22; 121) , and wherein the second retaining element (62, 162) comprises a piercing element (62, 162) that is arranged to protrude from the support surface (21, 22; 121) .

3. Transfer wheel (2, 102) according to claim 2, wherein the piercing element (62, 162) is a nail.

4. Transfer wheel (202) according to claim 1, wherein the first retaining element (261) comprises one or more piercing elements (261) , and wherein the second retaining element (262) comprises a suction aperture (262)that debouches at the support surface (21, 22; 121) .

5. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the claims 2-4, wherein the second retaining element (62, 162, 262) is at least partially surrounded by the first retaining element (61, 161, 261) .

6. Transfer wheel (2) according to claim 3, wherein the nail (62) is arranged within the suction aperture ( 61 ) .

7. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the claims 2-6, wherein each of the one or more retaining members (6, 106, 206) comprises a valve (63, 163, 263) that is switchable between an open state in which the respective one or more suction apertures (61, 161, 262) are open and a closed state in which said one or more suction apertures (61, 161, 262) are closed.

8. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 7, wherein the valve (63, 163, 263) is automatically switchable .

9. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 8, wherein the valve (63, 163, 263) is a push-to-open check valve that is switchable from the closed state to the open state when the tire component (9, 91, 92) is received on the support surface (21, 22; 121; 221) through direct contact with said tire component (9, 91, 92) .

10. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 6, wherein the respective one or more piercing elements (62, 162, 261) are connected to the valve (63, 163) , wherein the valve (63, 163) is switchable through direct contact of the tire component (9, 91, 92) with at least one of the one or more piercing elements (62, 162, 261) .

11. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the claims 2-10, wherein the one or more piercing elements (62, 162, 261) of the respective one or more retaining members (6, 106) extend in a radial direction (B) perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to therotation axis (A) of the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) .

12. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the claims 2-11, wherein the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) further comprises one or more body retaining members (5) that are distributed over the support surface (21, 22; 121; 221) along the circumferential direction (C) for retaining the tire component (9, 91, 92) to the support surface (21, 22; 121; 221) .

13. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 12, wherein the tire component (9, 91, 92) comprises ferromagnetic material (97) , wherein the one or more body retaining members (5) comprise one or more magnets for retaining the tire component (9, 91, 92) through magnetic attraction .

14. Transfer wheel (2, 102) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the support surface is a first support surface (21, 121, 221) and wherein the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) further comprises a second support surface (22) , wherein the second support surface (22) is arranged adjacent to the first support surface (21, 121, 221) in a lateral direction (L) parallel to the rotation axis (A) , and wherein the second support surface (22) is recessed with respect to the first support surface (21, 121, 221) in a radial direction (B) perpendicular to the rotation axis (A) .

15. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 14, wherein the one or more body retaining members (5) are arranged at the second support surface (22) .

16. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the one or more retaining members (6, 106, 206) are arranged at the first support surface (21, 121, 221) .

17. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) further comprises a third support surface adjacent to the second support surface (22) and opposite to the firstsupport surface (21, 121, 221) in the lateral direction(L) .

18. Transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to claim 17, wherein the first support surface (21, 121, 221) and the third support surface are movable relative to one another in the lateral direction (L) .

19. Retaining member (6, 106, 206) as described in any one of the preceding claims for use in a transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the preceding claims .

20. Transfer device (1) comprising the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) according to any one of the claims 1- 19, wherein the transfer device (1) further comprises a supply conveyor (11) for supplying the tire component (9, 91, 92) in a transport direction (T) and a first drive for driving a relative displacement between the supply conveyor (11) and the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) in a first engagement direction (Y) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (A) of the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) .

21. Transfer device (1) according to claim 20, wherein the transfer device (1) comprises a tire building drum (12) , and wherein the transfer device (1) further comprises a second drive for driving a relative displacement between the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) and the tire building drum (12) in a second engagement direction (X) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (A) .

22. Method for transferring a tire component (9, 91, 92) to a tire building drum (12) using the transfer wheel (2, 102) according to any one of the claims 1-18 or the transfer device (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) applying the tire component (9, 91, 92) around at least a part of the support surface (21, 22; 121; 221) of the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) ;b) applying a leading end (LE) of the tire component (9, 91, 92) to the tire building drum (12) ; and c) transferring the tire component (9, 91, 92) from the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) to the tire building drum (12) by rotating the transfer wheel (2, 102, 202) about the rotation axis (A) in a first rotation direction (Rl) and simultaneously rotating the tire building drum (12) about a drum axis (D) in a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction (Rl) .

23. Method according to claim 22, wherein step a) comprises retaining the trailing end (TE) of the tire component (9, 91, 92) with at least one of the one or more retaining members (6, 106, 206) .

24. Method according to claim 23, wherein step c) comprises stretching the trailing end (TE) of the tire component (9, 91, 92) before transferring said trailing end (TE) to the tire building drum (12) .-o-o-o-o-o- o-o-o-

Images