Cutting station and method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip

Abstract

The present invention is related to a cutting station (1) and a method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip, wherein the cutting station comprises a cutter for cutting the continuous strip along a cutting line at a cutting angle and a cutting table (5) for supporting the continuous strip relative to the cutter, wherein the cutting table is rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the cutting line to adjust the cutting angle, wherein the cutting table, at the first side of the cutting line, comprises a plurality of first retaining sections (S1I) for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the first side of the cutting line, wherein each first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections (s1) is switchable between an enabled state and a disabled state independently of at least one other first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections.

Description

[0001] P143396PC00

[0002] Cutting station and method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] The invention relates to a cutting station and a method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip .

[0005] It is known to form cord-reinforced tire components by extruding an elastomeric material while embedding cords to form a cord-reinforced extrudate . The cord-reinforced extrudate is subsequently cut into oblique parallelograms before being stitched back together over the uncut side of the oblique parallelograms , resulting in a continuous strip in which the cords are embedded at an oblique cord angle with respect to a longitudinal side of the continuous strip . The continuous strip is then cut to size in a cutting station along a cutting line extending at a cutting angle parallel to the oblique cord angle . During the cutting, the continuous strip is retained . The cutting angle is adj ustable to match dif ferent oblique cord angles of different continuous strips .

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The cutting angle has to be adj ustable over a wide range of cutting angles to match a corresponding variety of oblique cord angles encountered in practice . However, depending on the cutting angle that is set , the shape of the continuous strip directly upstream and directly downstream of the cutting line varies considerably . Consequently, it is dif ficult to reliably retain the continuous strip as close as possible to said cutting line over a wide range of cutting angles .

[0008] Moreover, the width of the continuous strips may vary from relatively narrow to relatively wide . Providing retaining means that can reliably retain continuous strips across a wide range of widths and a wide range of cutting angles , has proven even more di fficult . It is has been particularly di fficult to ef fectively and / or reliably retain a relatively narrow strip, such as a chafer, at a relatively sharp cutting angle .

[0009] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a cutting station and a method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip, wherein the cutting station can retain the continuous strip more effectively and / or reliably across a wide range of widths and / or across a wide range of cutting angles .

[0010] According to a first aspect , the invention provides a cutting station for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip, wherein the cutting station comprises a cutter for cutting the continuous strip along a cutting line at a cutting angle and a cutting table for supporting the continuous strip relative to the cutter, wherein the cutting table is rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the cutting line to adj ust the cutting angle, wherein the cutting table, at the first side of the cutting line , comprises a plurality of first retaining sections for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the first side of the cutting line , wherein each first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections is switchable between an enabled state and a disabled state independently of at least one other first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections .

[0011] As the cutting table is rotated, the orientation and / or positioning of the first retaining sections relative to the cutting line can be maintained, independently of the cutting angle . In particular, the first retaining sections that are closest to the cutting line can effectively remain at the same distance from said cutting line, irrespective of any adj ustments to the cutting angle . Moreover, by switching the first retaining sections between the enabled state and the disabled state, the area of the cutting table that is enabled to retain the continuous strip can be selectively adj usted to best match the adj usted cutting angle and / or the width of the continuous strip . Hence, it is the combination of the rotatable cutting table and the selectively switchable first retaining sections dividing said rotatable cutting table that allows the cutting station according to the present invention to retain the continuous strip more effectively and / or reliably across a wide range of widths and / or across a wide range of cutting angles .

[0012] In a preferred embodiment the cutting table , at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side, comprises a plurality of second retaining sections for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the second side of the cutting line, wherein each second retaining section of the plurality of second retaining sections is switchable between the enabled state and the disabled state independently of at least one other second retaining section of the plurality of second retaining sections . Hence, the same principles that are applied to the first side of the cutting line can be applied in the same or a similar manner to the second side of the cutting line . In other words , the continuous strip can be retained more ef fectively and / or reliably across a wide range of widths and / or across a wide range of cutting angles , on both sides of the cutting line . This also opens up opportunities to selectively retain the continuous strip at one side of the cutting line, while releasing the cut off tire component at the other side of the cutting line by deactivating the retaining sections at said other side .

[0013] In another embodiment the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a first array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a first distribution direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and the cutting line . The first retaining sections of the first array can thus be arranged in an order or a sequence from closest to the cutting line to progressively further away from the cutting line in the first distribution direction . Depending on the cutting angle, the first distribution direction extends with at least a vector component in a width direction of the continuous strip, thereby allowing the first retaining sections of the first array to effectively retain continuous strips of dif ferent widths .

[0014] Preferably, the first retaining sections of the first array extend concentrically to the rotation axis and to each other . Because of the concentric placement, the first retaining sections of the first array can extend at least partially around the rotation axis and around each other, to provide retaining capability to an area of the cutting table that can be ef fective at various cutting angles .

[0015] More preferably, the first retaining sections of the first array are semi-circular . Hence , the first retaining sections of the first array can effectively retain a continuous strip across a wide variety of cutting angles within a semicircular range about the rotation axis .

[0016] In a further embodiment the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a second array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a second distribution direction parallel to the cutting line . Depending on the cutting angle, the second distribution direction extends with at least a vector component in a lateral direction perpendicular to the rotation axis . Hence , the first retaining sections of the second array can be particularly useful when retaining a relatively wide continuous strip at a relatively sharp cutting angle .

[0017] Preferably, the second array comprises a first group of first retaining sections and a second group of first retaining sections on opposite sides of the first array in the second distribution direction . Consequently, the first retaining sections in both groups can be used to ef fectively retain both sides of a relatively wide continuous strip that protrudes from the opposite sides of the first array .

[0018] More preferably, the first group and the second group are separated in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis at the first side of the cutting line over a separation angle of at least thirty degrees , preferably at least fi fty degrees and most preferably at least seventy degrees . In other words , the first retaining sections in the first group and the second group are not interconnected . In particular, the first retaining sections in the first group and the second group only need to be present in proximity to the cutting line to reliably retain the sides of the continuous strip relative to said cutting line . By having the first retaining sections of the first group and the second group extend circumferentially around the first retaining sections of the first array would results in a relatively large unused retaining surface for most continuous strips . Moreover, retaining the continuous strip in the area circumferentially between first group and the second group does not have any significant advantage for the positioning of the continuous strip at the cutting line . Hence, the separated groups are relatively compact and can reduce the overall size and / or footprint of the cutting table .

[0019] In an embodiment that includes the previously discussed second retaining sections , the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a first array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a first distribution direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and the cutting line, wherein the plurality of second retaining sections comprises a third array of second retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in the first distribution direction . Again, the same principles that are applied to the first side of the cutting line can be applied in the same or a similar manner to the second side of the cutting line .

[0020] Preferably, the second retaining sections of the third array extend concentrically to the rotation axis and to each other . Because of the concentric placement , the second retaining sections of the third array can extend at least partially around the rotation axis and around each other, to provide retaining capability to an area of the cutting table that can be ef fective at various cutting angles .

[0021] More preferably, the second retaining sections of the third array are semi-circular . Hence, the second retaining sections of the third array can ef fectively retain a continuous strip across a wide variety of cutting angles within a semicircular range about the rotation axis .

[0022] Most preferably, each second retaining section of the third array forms a circle together with a respective first retaining section of the first array . Hence, the second retaining sections of the third array, together with the first retaining sections of the first array, can effectively retain a continuous strip on both sides of the cutting line and across a wide variety of cutting angles within the circular range about the rotation axis .

[0023] In a further embodiment the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a second array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a second distribution direction parallel to the cutting line , wherein the plurality of second retaining sections comprises a fourth array of second retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in the second distribution direction . The first retaining sections of the second array can thus be distributed along the cutting line to ef fectively retain continuous strips of dif ferent widths along said cutting line, in particular continuous strip having a width that can not be fully retained by the first retaining sections of the first array .

[0024] Preferably, each second retaining section of the fourth array is located opposite to a respective first retaining section of the third array in the first distribution direction . Hence, each pair of a first retaining section and a second retaining section of the third array and the fourth array, respectively, can work together to reliably retain the continuous strip on opposite sides of the cutting line . In another embodiment each first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections comprises one or more first retaining elements for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the respective first retaining section . The first retaining elements can be arranged at or in the first retaining sections to retain the continuous strip to the cutting table from below . Hence, there is no requirement for a retaining means to be positioned above the continuous strip .

[0025] Preferably, the one or more first retaining elements comprises one or more first suction openings . The first suction openings can be used to reliably retain the continuous strip to the cutting table in the respective first retaining sections . In particular, when the continuous strip contains fabric cords instead of steel cords , magnetic retaining elements will not be effective .

[0026] More preferably, the cutting table comprises a plurality of vacuum chambers , wherein each vacuum chamber of the plurality of vacuum chambers communicates with the one or more first retaining elements of a respective first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections . Consequently, all first retaining elements of a single first retaining section can be simultaneously controlled by controlling the connection of the respective vacuum chamber to a source of partial vacuum.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the cutting station comprises a plurality of valves , wherein each valve of the plurality of valves controls connection of the one or more first retaining elements of a respective first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections to a first source of partial vacuum . The valves can therefore be used to effectively switch groups of first retaining elements associated with the respective first retaining sections between the enabled state and the disabled state . When the source of partial vacuum is subsequently activated, only the first retaining elements of the first retaining sections for which the valves are opened are connected to the source of partial vacuum and are activated to retain the continuous strip to the cutting table .

[0028] Preferably, the plurality of valves are controllable manually, automatically or semi-automatically in response to an adj ustment of the cutting angle . By manually controlling the valves , the cutting station can be less complex and / or costly . However, by at least partially automating the control of the valves , the change-over time of the cutting station can be reduced and / or the risk of human error can be reduced .

[0029] In another embodiment the cutting station comprises a first support member for supporting the continuous strip at the first side of the cutting line and a second support member for supporting the continuous strip at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side, wherein the cutting table is rotatable about the rotation axis relative to the first support member and the second support member . The support members can support the parts of the continuous strip which extend beyond the cutting table at either side .

[0030] In another embodiment the cutting table is rotatable about the rotation axis relative to a neutral line perpendicular to the rotation axis between a maximum positive cutting angle and a maximum negative cutting angle, opposite and / or equal to the maximum positive cutting angle . The cutting station can thus be used to cut tire components with oppositely inclined cutting angles .

[0031] Preferably, the maximum positive cutting angle is at least thirty degrees , preferably at least fifty degrees and most preferably at least seventy degrees . With a higher the maximum positive cutting angle, a sharper leading end and trailing end can be cut .

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the cutting table comprises a central body extending up to a first radius and two lateral protrusions extending from said central body up to a second radius , wherein the cutting station comprises a first support member for supporting the continuous strip at the first side of the cutting line and a second support member for supporting the continuous strip at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side , wherein the first support member and the second support member protrude at the first side and the second side, respectively, of the cutting line beyond the second radius towards and / or up to the first radius , wherein the first support member and the second support member are complementary shaped to the two lateral protrusions when the cutting table is rotated to the maximum positive cutting angle and when the cutting table is rotated to the maximum negative cutting angle . Hence, the support members can extend up to or into close proximity of the central body while facilitating freedom of movement of the lateral protrusions across the full cutting angle range .

[0033] In another embodiment the cutting table is provided with a cutting slot extending at the cutting line . The cutting slot allows for a cutter to pierce through the continuous strip somewhere along the cutting line to start cutting .

[0034] Preferably, the cutting slot has a narrow center width at the rotation axis and widens bidirectionally away from rotation axis . The widening of the cutting slot allows for the cutter to deviate slightly from the cutting line to find a path of least resistance while cutting through the continuous strip, without colliding with the cutting table . In particular, when the continuous strip is provided with cords , the cutter may veer off course while staying between a pair of adj acent cords .

[0035] In another embodiment the first side of the cutting line is upstream of the cutting line and wherein the second side of the cutting line is downstream of the cutting line . Hence, the first retaining sections can effectively retain the body of the continuous strip prior to cutting and the leading end of the continuous strip after cutting, upstream of the cutting line . Similarly, the second retaining sections can effectively retain the body of the continuous strip prior to cutting and the trailing end of the tire component after cutting, downstream of the cutting line . According to a second aspect , the invention provides a method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip using the cutting station according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of : adj usting the cutting angle by rotating the cutting table about the rotation axis ; switching, in response to the adj ustment of the cutting angle , one or more first retaining sections of the plurality of first retaining sections , between the enabled state and the disabled state independently of at least one other first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections ; retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table with the plurality of first retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state ; and cutting the tire component from the continuous strip along the cutting line .

[0036] The method relates to the practical implementation of the cutting station according to the first aspect of the invention and therefore has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0037] Preferably, the cutting table, at the second side of the cutting line, comprises a plurality of second retaining sections , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : switching, in response to the adj ustment of the cutting angle, one or more second retaining sections of the plurality of second retaining sections , between the enabled state and the disabled state independently of at least one other second retaining section of the plurality of second retaining sections ; and retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table with the plurality of second retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state .

[0038] More preferably, the method further comprises the steps of : prior to and / or during the cutting of the tire component from the continuous strip : retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table simultaneously at the plurality of first retaining sections and the plurality of second retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state ; and after the cutting of the tire component from the continuous strip has been completed : retaining a leading end of the continuous strip to the cutting table at the plurality of first retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state, while releasing a trailing end of the tire component from the cutting table by temporarily deactivating the plurality of second retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state . By deactivating the second retaining sections only, the leading end of the continuous strip can be retained while the tire component is released . The tire component can subsequently picked-up by a suitable transfer gripper and / or trans ferred to a downstream tire building station .

[0039] In another embodiment of the method the plurality of first retaining sections are switched between the enabled state and the disabled state manually, automatically or semi- automatically in response to the adj ustment of the cutting angle .

[0040] In another embodiment of the method the tire component is a cord-reinforced tire component, in particular a chafer or a fabric chafer . The invention is particularly useful when cutting cord-reinforced tire components , because the cutting angle can be adj usted to match the oblique cord angle of the embedded cords . Moreover, chafers are relatively narrow tire components , which can be effectively and / or reliably retained by the cutting station, as previously described .

[0041] 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 .

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which : figure 1 shows an isometric view of a cutting station for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip; figure 2 shows a top view of the cutting station according to figure 1 with a cutting table of said cutting station in at a first cutting angle ; figure 3 shows a top view of the cutting station according to figure 1 with the cutting table at a second cutting angle ; figures 4A-4D show top views of retaining sections of the cutting table according to figure 1 being switched between an enabled state and a disabled state in response to dif ferent cutting angles and di fferent widths of the continuous strip ; figure 5 shows a top view of the retaining sections of the cutting table according to figure 1 being selectively deactivated to release the tire component from the cutting table ; figure 6 shows a side view of the cutting station according to figure 1 ; figure 7 shows a cross section of the cutting station according to the line VI I-VI I in figure 1 prior to cutting; and figure 8 shows a cross section of the cutting station according to figure 7 after cutting .

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] Figure 1- 6 show a cutting station 1 according to an embodiment of the invention . The cutting station 1 may be part of a tire manufacturing line (not shown) . As shown in figure 1 , the cutting station 1 is configured for cutting a tire component 91 from a continuous strip 90 in a manner that will be described in more detail hereafter . The continuous strip 90 is ' continuous ' in the sense that it is continuously produced, resulting in a continuous length from which multiple tire components 91 may be cut . The tire components 91 obtained by the cutting may ultimately be used to build a green or unvulcanized tire in a downstream tire manufacturing station .

[0046] In this example , the continuous strip 90 has a body of elastomeric or rubber material in which cords (not shown) are embedded at an oblique cord angle with respect to a longitudinal side of the continuous strip 90 . The cords may be steel cords or fabric cords . Moreover, in this example, the tire component 91 is a cord-reinforced tire component, i . e . with steel or fabric cords . More in particular, the tire component 91 is a chafer, a steel chafer or a fabric chafer . The cutting station 1 according to the invention may alternatively be used to cut other cord-reinforced tire components , such as breaker plies .

[0047] As best seen in figure 1 , the cutting station 1 comprises an input member 11 for receiving the continuous strip 90 into the cutting station 1 and an output member 12 for discharging the tire component 91 out of the cutting station 1 in an output direction E . In this example , the input member 11 and the output member 12 are conveyors , in particular belt conveyors . Alternatively, roller conveyors or other suitable types of conveyors may be used . In yet a further alternative embodiment , the input member 11 and / or the output member 12 may be stationary to receive the continuous trip 90 and tire component 91 , respectively . The cutting station 1 may be provided with or interact with one or more transfer devices , such as pick-and-place grippers , for handling the continuous strip 90 and / or the tire component 91 . The cutting station 1 further comprises a cutter 2 for cutting the continuous strip 90 along a cutting line L at a cutting angle H to the output direction E . The cutter 2 comprises a kni fe 20 for cutting into the continuous strip 90 . In this example, the kni fe 20 is configured for stabbing or piercing the continuous strip 90 at a start position somewhere along the width of the continuous strip 90 , and to start the cutting from said start position to at least one of the longitudinal sides of the continuous strip 90 . More in particular, as shown in figure 6, the kni fe 20 has a first kni fe part 21 and a second knife part 22 which separate after piercing the continuous strip 90 and which are movable along a cutting line L in opposite cutting directions .

[0048] As shown in figure 6, the cutting station 1 is provided with a first support member 3 for supporting the continuous strip 90 at a first side A of the cutting line L relative to the output direction E and a second support member 4 for supporting the continuous strip 90 at a second side B of the cutting line L relative to the output direction E , opposite to the first side A. The first support member 3 and the second support member 4 define a support plane P for supporting the continuous strip 90 . The cutting station 1 is further provided with a cutting table 5 between the first support member 3 and the second support member 4 for supporting the continuous strip 90 relative to the cutting line L . The cutting table 5 is configured for supporting the continuous strip 90 relative to the cutting line L in the support plane P .

[0049] In this example, the first side A of the cutting line L is located upstream of the cutting line L relative to the output direction E . The second side B of the cutting line L is located downstream of the cutting line L relative to the output direction E . Consequently, the first support member 3 is located between or at a transition between the cutting table 5 and the input member 11 . In particular, the first support member 3 bridges the gap between a head pulley of the input member 11 and the cutting table 5 . The second support member 4 is located between or at a transition between the cutting table 5 and the output member 12 . In particular, the second support member 4 bridges the gap between a tail pulley of the output member 12 and the cutting table 5.

[0050] As best seen by comparing figures 2 and 3 , the cutting table 5 is rotatable about a rotation axis X extending perpendicular or in a direction perpendicular to the cutting line L . In particular, the cutting table 5 is rotatable relative to the first support member 3 , the second support member 4 and / or a base 50 of said cutting table 5. By rotating the cutting table 5, the cutting angle H can be adj usted to best match and / or align with the cords embedded in the continuous strip 90 . The cutting table 5 is rotatable about the rotation axis X relative to a neutral line Y perpendicular to the output direction E and the rotation axis X between a maximum positive cutting angle H+ and a maximum negative cutting angle H- , opposite and / or equal to the maximum positive cutting angle H+ . In this example, the maximum positive cutting angle H+ is approximately seventy-five degrees . The maximum negative cutting angle H- is approximately minus seventy-five degrees .

[0051] As further shown in figure 2 , the cutting table 5 comprises a central body 60 extending up to a first radius R1 . The central body 60 has a circular or substantially circular contour . In this example, the central body 60 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical . The cutting table 5 further comprises a first lateral protrusion 61 and a second lateral protrusion 62 extending from opposite sides of said central body 60 up to a second radius R2 , greater than the first radius R1 . The lateral protrusions 61 , 62 can be useful for supporting a relatively wide continuous strip 90 along the cutting line L when said cutting line L is arranged a relatively sharp angle to the output direction E .

[0052] The first support member 3 and the second support member 4 protrude at the first side A and the second side B, respectively, of the cutting line L beyond the second radius R2 towards and / or up to the first radius R1 . The first support member 3 and the second support member 4 are complementary shaped to the two lateral protrusions 61 , 62 when the cutting table 5 is rotated to the maximum positive cutting angle H+ and when the cutting table 5 is rotated to the maximum negative cutting angle H- . The resulting shape or contour of the support members 3 , 4 can be described as a part of planetary gear with a single tooth, extending up to the central body 60 , and two bottom lands that receive the lateral protrusion 61 , 62 at the opposite maximum cutting angles H+ / H- . Hence , the support members 3 , 4 can extend up to or into close proximity of the central body 60 while facilitating freedom of movement of the lateral protrusions 61 , 62 across the full cutting angle range .

[0053] As further shown in figure 2 , the cutting table 5 is provided with a cutting slot 7 extending at , along and / or coinciding with the cutting line L . The cutting slot 7 allows for the knife 20 to pierce through the continuous strip 90 somewhere along the cutting line L to start cutting . Note that the cutting slot 7 has a narrow center width at the rotation axis X and widens bidirectionally away from rotation axis X . In this example, the cutting slot 7 widens linearly . Alternatively, the increase may be non-linear . The widening of the cutting slot 7 allows for the kni fe 20 to deviate slightly from the cutting line L to find a path of least resistance while cutting through the continuous strip 90 , without colliding with the cutting table 5. In particular, the knife 20 may veer of f course while staying between a pair of adj acent cords .

[0054] As best seen in figures 1 and 7 , the surface of the cutting table 5 at the second side B of the cutting line L is provided with a chamfer 53 and / or is slightly chamfered sloping down in a direction towards the cutting line L, away from or to a level slightly below the support plane P to reduce sharp angles or edges in the surface of the cutting table 5 that could bite into the continuous strip 90 or the tire component 91 as it is moved further in the output direction E . Moreover, as shown in figure 7 , in this example, the cutting table 5 , at the rotation axis X, is provided with a piercing insert 8 that is inserted into the cutting slot 7 at the rotation axis X to provide additional support to the continuous strip 90 as close as possible to the rotation axis X where the knife 20 initially pierces through the continuous strip 90 .

[0055] As further shown in figure 2 , the cutting table 5 comprises or is divided into a plurality of first retaining sections SI at the first side A of the cutting line L . In this example, the cutting table 5 similarly comprises or is divided into a plurality of second retaining sections S2 at the second side B of the cutting line L . The cutting station 5 is provided with a plurality of first retaining elements 51 distributed over the plurality of first retaining sections SI for retaining the continuous strip 90 to the cutting table 5 at the plurality of first retaining sections SI . In particular, each first retaining section SI has or holds at least one first retaining element 51 . In this example, each first retaining section S I has or holds multiple first retaining elements 51 of the plurality of first retaining elements 51 .

[0056] Similarly, the cutting station 5 is provided with a plurality of second retaining elements 52 distributed over the plurality of second retaining sections S2 for retaining the continuous strip 90 to the cutting table 5 at the plurality of second retaining sections S2 . In particular, each second retaining section S2 has or holds at least one second retaining element 52 . In this example, each second retaining section S2 has or holds multiple second retaining elements 52 of the plurality of second retaining elements 52 .

[0057] In the embodiment as shown, the plurality of first retaining elements 51 comprises a plurality of first vacuum cups or first suction openings . Similarly, the plurality of second retaining elements 52 comprises a plurality of second vacuum cups or second suction openings .

[0058] In this example , the distribution of the retaining elements 51 , 52 over the cutting table 5 is most dense closest to the center of the cutting slot 7 and / or towards the rotation axis X and becomes less dense further away from the center of the cutting slot 7 and / or away from the rotation axis X . Hence , the continuous strip 90 can be retained most effectively at or near said center of the cutting slot 7 where the knife 20 first pierces the continuous strip 9. Further away from said center of the cutting slot 7 , the ef fectiveness of the retaining is less important as the knife 20 is already travelling between pairs of adj acent cords and is less likely to j ump out of position over said cords .

[0059] The cutting table 5 further comprises a plurality of first vacuum chambers extending along and / or corresponding in shape to the first retaining sections SI , and a plurality of second vacuum chambers extending along and / or corresponding in shape to the second retaining sections S2 . For simplicity, the vacuum chambers are not shown separately from the retaining sections SI , S2 . It will however be understood that the vacuum chambers are formed or located in the respective bodies 60 , 61 , 62 of the cutting table 5 below the respective retaining elements 51 , 52 .

[0060] In particular, each first vacuum chamber of the plurality of first vacuum chambers communicates with the retaining elements 51 of a respective first retaining section SI . In other words , for each first retaining section S I there is a first vacuum chamber dedicated to communicate with all first retaining elements 51 of the respective first retaining section SI . Hence, all first retaining elements 51 of the respective first retaining section SI communicate with the same first vacuum chamber 53 .

[0061] Similarly, each second vacuum chamber of the plurality of second vacuum chambers communicates with the second retaining elements 52 of a respective second retaining section S2 . In other words , for each second retaining section S2 there is a second vacuum chamber dedicated to communicate with all second retaining elements 52 of the respective second retaining section S2 . Hence , all second retaining elements 52 of the respective second retaining section S2 communicate with the same second vacuum chamber .

[0062] As shown in figure 1 , the cutting station 1 further comprises a plurality of first switches or first valves 55 and a plurality of second switches or second valves 56. Each first valve 55 controls connection of one of the first vacuum chambers of the plurality of first vacuum chambers to a first source of partial vacuum 57 . Each second valve 56 controls connection of one of the second vacuum chambers of the plurality of second vacuum chambers to a second source of partial vacuum 58 . The number of valves 55 , 56 as shown in figure 1 is not representative of the actual number of valves 55, 56. In particular, the valves 55, 56 for operating the first retaining sections SI and the second retaining sections S2 in the lateral protrusions 61 , 62 . It will however be understood that further valves are provided at , in, alongside or below the central body 60 for controlling the first retaining sections SI and the second retaining sections S2 in said central body 60 .

[0063] In this example, the plurality of first valves 55 and the plurality of second valves 56 are controlled manually . Alternatively, the valves 55 , 56 may be controlled automatically or semi-automatically . The valves 55, 56 may for example be switched automatically in response to a signal indicative of the adj usted cutting angle H . The valves 55, 56 may be located at, in or near the cutting table 5, as shown in figure 1 , or further away from the cutting table 5 in a separate valve unit .

[0064] Using the first valves 55, the plurality of first retaining elements 51 , per first retaining section SI of the plurality of first retaining sections SI , are switchable between an activatable state or an enabled state and an inactivatable or a disabled state .

[0065] In the enabled state, the first retaining sections SI are activatable or activated, when the cutting station 1 is controlled to retain the continuous strip 90 to the cutting table 5 , to actively retain said continuous strip 90 to the cutting table at the respective first retaining sections SI . In this example , the switching is done during downtime of the cutting station 1 and the activation occurs later, during the cutting operation . Alternatively, the activation may occur simultaneously with the switching and / or as a direct result of the switching .

[0066] In the disabled state, the first retaining sections

[0067] 51 are in-activatable or remain inactive while the cutting station 1 is being controlled to retain the continuous strip 90 to the cutting table 5.

[0068] More specifically, in the enabled state, the plurality of first retaining elements 51 of the respective first retaining section SI are connected, via the respective first valve 55, with the first source of partial vacuum 57 . The first source of partial vacuum may be powered down during the switching . When the first source of partial vacuum 57 is powered to provide a partial vacuum, the first retaining elements 51 of the respective first retaining section S I will be in communication with said partial vacuum, thereby retaining the continuous strip 90 to the cutting table 5 at the respective first retaining section S I through suction .

[0069] In contrast , in the disabled state, the plurality of first retaining elements 51 of the respective first retaining section SI are disconnected, by the respective first valve 55 , from the source of partial vacuum. Hence, when the source of partial vacuum provides a partial vacuum, the first retaining elements 51 of the respective first retaining section S I will not be in communication with said partial vacuum .

[0070] The same principle is used to switch the plurality of second retaining elements 52 , per second retaining section

[0071] 52 of the plurality of second retaining sections S2 , between an activated state or an enabled state and a deactivated state or a disabled state .

[0072] By using the valves 55 , 56, the retaining capability of the respective retaining sections SI , S2 can be selectively or independently enabled or disabled to form an overall retaining area that best matches an area of the cutting table 5 that is covered by the continuous strip 90 during the cutting operation .

[0073] In this example, all retaining sections SI , S2 are independently switchable between the enabled state and the disabled state . However, it is noted that, in the context of claim 1 , not all of the retaining sections S I , S2 as shown in the drawings need to be independently controllable . In fact, some of the innermost retaining sections SI , S2 are always covered by the continuous strip 90 , regardless of the width of the continuous strip 90 . Hence, said retaining sections S I , S2 closest to the rotation axis X, may always be enabled and / or directly connected to the respective sources of partial vacuum 57 , 58 without a corresponding valve 55, 56 . Hence, the 'plurality of first retaining sections ' referred to in claim 1 may relate to a selection of first retaining sections , excluding the first retaining sections that are not independently switchable between the enabled stated and the disabled state .

[0074] By controlling the first source of partial vacuum 57 independently of the second source of partial vacuum 58 , the retaining elements 51 , 52 of the retaining sections SI , S2 which have been switched to the enabled state can be selectively connected to the respective sources of partial vacuum 57 , 58 , for example to release the continuous strip 90 or the tire component 91 at one side A, B of the cutting line L only, while retaining the other of the continuous strip 90 and the tire component 91 at the other side A, B of the cutting line L .

[0075] Hereafter, reference is made to 'enabled retaining elements ' and 'disabled retaining elements ' , referring to the switched state of said retaining elements 51 , 52 . Moreover, as the retaining elements 51 , 52 are switched between the enabled state and the disabled state for each respective retaining section SI , S2 as a whole, the state of the retaining elements 51 , 52 , per retaining section SI , S2 effectively determines the state of the retaining capability of the respective retaining section S I , S2 as a whole . Therefore, reference is made hereafter to 'enabled retaining sections ' and 'disabled retaining section' , thereby referring to the retaining capability of the respective retaining section SI , S2 and / or the switched state of the retaining elements 51 , 52 of the respective retaining section SI , S2 .

[0076] Moreover, in figures 4A-4D and 5, the retaining elements 51 , 52 of figures 1-3 are hidden to reduce the complexity of the drawings . Instead, only the enabled state of the retaining sections S I , S2 is schematically reflected by the different hatched retaining areas Z1-Z5 .

[0077] As best seen in figure 2 , the plurality of first retaining sections SI comprises a first array N1 of first retaining sections SI distributed over the cutting table 5 in a first distribution direction DI perpendicular to the rotation axis X and the cutting line L . The first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 can thus be arranged in an order or a sequence from closest to the cutting line L to progressively further away from the cutting line L in the first distribution direction DI . In this example, the first distribution direction DI corresponds to a radial direction relative to the rotation axis X . Consequently, the first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 are progressively further away from the rotation axis X in the radial direction .

[0078] In this example, the first retaining sections S I of the first array N1 are formed on, in or by the central body 60 of the cutting table 5 .

[0079] Moreover, in this example, the first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 extend concentrically to the rotation axis X and to each other . In particular, the first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 are semiannular or semi-circular . Note that the outermost first retaining section SI of the first array N1 extends concentrically along or within the circular outer contour of the central body 60 .

[0080] As further shown in figure 2 , the plurality of first retaining sections SI comprises a second array N2 of first retaining sections S I distributed over the cutting table 5 in a second distribution direction D2 parallel to the cutting line L and / or perpendicular to the first distribution direction DI . In particular, the second array N2 comprises a first group G1 of first retaining sections SI and a second group G2 of first retaining sections SI on opposite sides of the first array N1 in the second distribution direction D2 . In other words , the first group G1 and the second group G2 are separated over a separation angle V in a circumferential direction C about the rotation axis X at the first side A of the cutting line L .

[0081] In this example, the first retaining sections S I of the second array N2 are formed on, in or by the lateral protrusions 61 , 62 .

[0082] As further shown in figure 2 , the plurality of second retaining sections S2 comprises a third array N3 of second retaining sections S2 distributed over the cutting table 5 in the first distribution direction DI at the second side B of the cutting line L . Like the first retaining sections SI of the first array Nl , the second retaining sections S2 of the third array N3 extend concentrically to the rotation axis X and to each other . Also like the first retaining sections SI of the first array Nl , the second retaining sections S2 of the third array N3 are semi-circular . In particular, each second retaining section S2 of the third array N3 forms an annulus , a ring or a circle together with a respective first retaining section SI of the first array Nl .

[0083] Note that, in this example , the second retaining sections S2 of the third array N3 are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to the first retaining sections S I of the first array Nl about the cutting line L .

[0084] Furthermore , the plurality of second retaining sections S2 comprises a fourth array N4 of second retaining sections S2 distributed over the cutting table 5 in the second distribution direction D2 at the second side B of the cutting line L . Like the first retaining sections S I of the second array N2 , the second retaining sections S2 of the fourth array N4 are divided into a third group G3 of second retaining sections S2 and a fourth group G4 of second retaining sections S2 on opposite sides of the third array N3 in the second distribution direction D2 .

[0085] Each second retaining section S2 of the fourth array N4 is located opposite to a respective first retaining section SI of the third array N3 in the first distribution direction DI . In other words , each second retaining section S2 of the fourth array N4 can form a pair with a respective first retaining section SI of the third array N3 for retaining the continuous strip 90 to the cutting table 5 on opposite sides of the cutting line L .

[0086] Note that, in this example , the second retaining sections S2 of the fourth array N4 are symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to the first retaining sections S I of the second array N2 about the cutting line L .

[0087] As schematically shown in figure 1 , the cutting station 5 comprises a control unit 10 that is electronically, functionally and / or operationally connected to the sources of partial vacuum 57 , 58 and / or the plurality of valves 55, 56 to control the operation of the cutting station 1 , and in particular the operation of the cutting table 5 , during the cutting process .

[0088] A method for cutting a tire component 91 from a continuous strip 90 using the aforementioned cutting station 1 will now be elucidated with reference to figures 1- 6 .

[0089] Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show the cutting table 5 at dif ferent cutting angles H to the neutral line Y . By using the valves 55, 56, shown in figure 1 , the retaining capability of the first retaining sections SI and the second retaining sections S2 can be selectively, individually and / or independently switched between the enabled state and the disabled state to form an overall retaining area that best matches the area covered by the continuous strip 90 at a particular cutting angle H . The switching is done prior to, during or after an adj ustment of the cutting angle H, between cutting operations . As mentioned earlier, the switching may be performed manually, automatically or semi-automatically .

[0090] Figures 4A-4D show di fferent examples of retaining areas Z1-Z4 that can be formed in this manner .

[0091] Specifically, figure 4A shows a situation in which a relatively narrow continuous strip 90 ' is supposed to be retained to the cutting table 5 at a relatively large cutting angle H to the neutral line Y . In particular, the cutting angle H in figure 4A corresponds to the maximum positive cutting angle H+ . Only the first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 that are adj acent to the cutting slot 7 where the continuous strip 90 ' intersects with the cutting line L are switched to or remain in the enabled state , as reflected by the hatched first retaining area Z l . In this example, the five first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 closest to the rotation axis X are switched to or remain in the enabled state . The outermost two first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 remain in or are switched to the disabled state , despite being covered by the continuous strip 90 ' . The reason for this is that the cutting line L does not intersect with the continuous strip 90 ' in the area of these two outermost first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 . Hence , retaining the continuous strip 90 ' to the cutting table 5 in the area of these two outermost first retaining sections SI of the first array N1 does not have any significant ef fect on the positioning of the continuous strip 90 relative to the cutting line L . The first retaining sections SI of the second array N2 all remain in or are switched to the disabled state .

[0092] In this example, the second retaining sections S2 of the third array N3 are switched to the enabled state in a manner symmetrical to the first retaining sections S I of the first array N1 .

[0093] Figure 4B shows a situation in which a relatively wide continuous strip 90 is supposed to be retained to the cutting table 5 at the same maximum positive cutting angle H+ . Note that, in contrast to the situation as shown in figure 4A, the entire cutting slot 7 is covered by the continuous strip 90 in figure 4B . Hence , the continuous strip 90 is cut along the entire length of the cutting slot 7 . Hence , all of the first retaining sections SI and all of the second retaining sections S2 are switched to or remain in the enabled state to form a second retaining area Z2 that covers the entire cutting table 5 .

[0094] Figure 4C shows a situation in which the relatively narrow continuous strip 90 ' of figure 4A is supposed to be retained to the cutting table 5 at a smaller cutting angle H compared to the cutting angles of figures 4A and 4B . Hence, the cutting table 5 is rotated to adj ust the cutting angle H to the orientation as shown in figure 4C . At said smaller cutting angle H, only a small portion of the cutting slot 7 is covered by the continuous strip 90 . In other words , the cutting length is relatively short . Consequently, only the first retaining section SI of the first array N1 and the second retaining section S2 of the third array N3 that are closest to the rotation axis X are switched to or remain in the enabled state, as reflected by the hatched third retaining area Z3 . The remaining retaining sections SI , S2 remain in or are switched to the disabled state .

[0095] As previously mentioned, the third retaining area Z3 as shown in figure 4C is always covered by the continuous strip 90 , regardless of the width of said continuous strip 90 , and may therefore alternatively be always enabled, for example by connecting the respective retaining sections SI , S2 directly to the respective sources of partial vacuum 57 , 58 . In that scenario, obtaining the third retaining area Z3 of figure 4C would only require switching the remaining retaining sections SI , S2 to the disabled state .

[0096] Figure 4D shows a situation in which the relatively wide continuous strip 90 of figure 4B is supposed to be retained to cutting table 5 at the smaller cutting angle H as shown in figure 4C . Note that the retaining sections S I , S2 are switched between the enabled state and the disabled state to form a fourth retaining area Z4 similar to the first retaining area Z 1 of figure 4A, despite the continuous strip 90 being wider . That is because the smaller cutting angle H significantly reduces the length of the cutting slot 7 that is covered by the continuous strip 90 .

[0097] Figure 5 shows the situation in which, starting from the situation as shown in figure 4D, the continuous strip 90 is cut along the cutting line L to form the tire component 9. As a result of the cutting, a leading end LE is formed at the continuous strip 90 at the first side A of the cutting line L, whereas a trailing end TE is formed at the tire component 91 at the second side B of the cutting line L .

[0098] Figure 6 schematically shows the knife 20 above the cutting slot 7 . During the cutting operation, the knife 20 pierces the continuous strip 90 at the center of the cutting slot 7 , i . e . at the rotation axis X . the knife parts 21 , 22 subsequently separate and travel through the cutting slot 7 in opposite cutting directions , as reflected with arrows KI , K2 .

[0099] As shown in figure 4D, prior to and / or during the cutting of the tire component 91 from the continuous strip 90 , the continuous strip 90 is retained to the cutting table 5 simultaneously at the plurality of enabled first retaining sections SI and the plurality of enabled second retaining sections S2 .

[0100] As further shown in figure 5, after the cutting of the tire component 91 from the continuous strip 90 has been completed, the leading end LE of the continuous strip 90 is still retained to the cutting table 5 at the plurality of enabled first retaining sections SI . Meanwhile , the trailing end TE of the tire component 9 is released from the plurality of enabled second retaining sections S2 by selectively deactivating said enabled second retaining sections S2 . The enabled first retaining sections SI now form a fifth retaining area Z5 that is half of the fourth retaining area Z4 of figure 4D . In particular, the second source of partial vacuum 58 , as shown in figure 1 , is deactivated or disconnected from the enabled second retaining elements 52 while the first source of partial vacuum 57 remains active or connected to the enabled first retaining elements 51 . The deactivation of the sources of partial vacuum 57 , 58 can be controlled manually, automatically or semi-automatically, for example by using the control unit 10 .

[0101] In the aforementioned method, the first retaining sections S I and the second retaining sections S2 are switched between the enabled state and the disabled state symmetrically and / or in pairs , relative to the cutting line L . In other words , for each enabled first retaining section SI , there is an enabled second retaining section S2 opposite to the cutting line L . Alternatively, the first retaining sections S I and the second retaining section S2 may be switched between the enabled state and the disabled state asymmetrically and / or independently of the corresponding retaining sections SI , S2 at the other side of the cutting line L .

[0102] In particular, referring to the situation as shown in figure 5 , the second retaining sections S2 may alternatively be selectively deactivated by switching the second retaining elements 52 of said second retaining sections S2 , as shown in figure 1 , from the enabled state to the disabled state after the cutting has been completed . This switching may be automated to be performed without human intervention during the cutting operation using the control unit 10 .

[0103] The tire component 91 is now ready to be transferred or conveyed further towards a downstream tire manufacturing station, for example by using a pick-and-place unit to pick-up the tire component 91 from the cutting table 5.

[0104] 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 . LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0105] 1 cutting station

[0106] 10 control unit

[0107] 11 input member

[0108] 12 output member

[0109] 2 cutter

[0110] 20 kni fe

[0111] 21 first knife part

[0112] 22 second knife part

[0113] 3 first support member

[0114] 4 second support member

[0115] 5 cutting table

[0116] 50 base

[0117] 51 first retaining element

[0118] 52 second retaining element

[0119] 53 chamfer

[0120] 55 first valve

[0121] 56 second valve

[0122] 57 first source of partial vacuum

[0123] 58 second source of partial vacuum

[0124] 60 central body

[0125] 61 first lateral protrusion

[0126] 62 second lateral protrusion

[0127] 7 cutting slot

[0128] 8 piercing insert

[0129] 90 continuous strip

[0130] 90 ' continuous strip

[0131] 91 tire component

[0132] A first side

[0133] B second side

[0134] C circumferential direction

[0135] DI first distribution direction

[0136] D2 second distribution direction

[0137] E output direction

[0138] G1 first group G2 second group

[0139] G3 third group

[0140] G4 fourth group

[0141] H cutting angle

[0142] H+ maximum positive cutting angle

[0143] H- maximum negative cutting angle

[0144] KI first cutting direction

[0145] K2 second cutting direction

[0146] L cutting line

[0147] LE leading end

[0148] N1 first array

[0149] N2 second array

[0150] N3 third array

[0151] N4 fourth array

[0152] P support plane

[0153] R1 first radius

[0154] R2 second radius

[0155] 51 first retaining section

[0156] 52 second retaining section

[0157] TE trailing end

[0158] V separation angle

[0159] X rotation axis

[0160] Y neutral line

[0161] Z1 first retaining area

[0162] Z2 second retaining area

[0163] Z3 third retaining area

[0164] Z4 fourth retaining area

[0165] Z5 fifth retaining area

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Cutting station for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip, wherein the cutting station comprises a cutter for cutting the continuous strip along a cutting line at a cutting angle and a cutting table for supporting the continuous strip relative to the cutter, wherein the cutting table is rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the cutting line to adj ust the cutting angle, wherein the cutting table, at a first side of the cutting line, comprises a plurality of first retaining sections for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the first side of the cutting line, wherein each first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections is switchable between an enabled state and a disabled state independently of at least one other first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections .2 . Cutting station according to claim 1 , wherein the cutting table, at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side, comprises a plurality of second retaining sections for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the second side of the cutting line, wherein each second retaining section of the plurality of second retaining sections is switchable between the enabled state and the disabled state independently of at least one other second retaining section of the plurality of second retaining sections .3 . Cutting station according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a first array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a first distribution direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and the cutting line .4 . Cutting station according to claim 3 , wherein the first retaining sections of the first array extend concentrically to the rotation axis and to each other .

5. Cutting station according to claim 4 , wherein the first retaining sections of the first array are semicircular .

6. Cutting station according to any one of claims 3-5 , wherein the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a second array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a second distribution direction parallel to the cutting line .7 . Cutting station according to claim 6 , wherein the second array comprises a first group of first retaining sections and a second group of first retaining sections on opposite sides of the first array in the second distribution direction .8 . Cutting station according to claim 7 , wherein the first group and the second group are separated in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis at the first side of the cutting line over a separation angle at least thirty degrees , preferably at least fi fty degrees and most preferably at least seventy degrees .

9. Cutting station according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a first array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a first distribution direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and the cutting line, wherein the plurality of second retaining sections comprises a third array of second retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in the first distribution direction .10 . Cutting station according to claim 9 , wherein the second retaining sections of the third array extend concentrically to the rotation axis and to each other .11 . Cutting station according to claim 10 , wherein the second retaining sections of the third array are semicircular .12 . Cutting station according to claim 11 , wherein each second retaining section of the third array forms a circle together with a respective first retaining section of the first array .13 . Cutting station according to any one of claims 9-11 , wherein the plurality of first retaining sections comprises a second array of first retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in a second distribution direction parallel to the cutting line , wherein the plurality of second retaining sections comprises a fourth array of second retaining sections distributed over the cutting table in the second distribution direction .14 . Cutting station according to claim 13 , wherein each second retaining section of the fourth array is located opposite to a respective first retaining section of the third array in the first distribution direction .

15. Cutting station according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein each first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections comprises one or more first retaining elements for retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table at the respective first retaining section .

16. Cutting station according to claim 15 , wherein the one or more first retaining elements comprises one or more first suction openings .17 . Cutting station according to claim 16 , wherein the cutting table comprises a plurality of vacuum chambers , wherein each vacuum chamber of the plurality of vacuum chambers communicates with the one or more first retaining elements of a respective first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections .18 . Cutting station according to claim 16 or 17 , wherein the cutting station comprises a plurality of valves , wherein each valve of the plurality of valves controls connection of the one or more first retaining elements of a respective first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections to a first source of partial vacuum .

19. Cutting station according to claim 18 , wherein the plurality of valves are controllable manually, automatically or semi-automatically in response to an adj ustment of the cutting angle .20 . Cutting station according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the cutting station comprises a first support member for supporting the continuous strip at the first side of the cutting line and a second support member for supporting the continuous strip at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side, wherein the cutting table is rotatable about the rotation axis relative to the first support member and the second support member .21 . Cutting station according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the cutting table is rotatable about the rotation axis relative to a neutral line perpendicular to the rotation axis between a maximum positive cutting angle and a maximum negative cutting angle, opposite and / or equal to the maximum positive cutting angle .22 . Cutting station according to claim 21 , wherein the maximum positive cutting angle is at least thirty degrees , preferably at least fifty degrees and most preferably at least seventy degrees .23 . Cutting station according to claim 21 or 22 , wherein the cutting table comprises a central body extending up to a first radius and two lateral protrusions extending from said central body up to a second radius , wherein the cutting station comprises a first support member for supporting the continuous strip at the first side of the cutting line and a second support member for supporting the continuous strip at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side, wherein the first support member and the second support member protrude at the first side and the second side, respectively, of the cutting line beyond the second radius towards and / or up to the first radius , wherein the first support member and the second support member are complementary shaped to the two lateral protrusions when the cutting table is rotated to the maximum positive cutting angle and when the cutting table is rotated to the maximum negative cutting angle .24 . Cutting station according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the cutting table is provided witha cutting slot extending at the cutting line .

25. Cutting station according to claim 24 , wherein the cutting slot has a narrow center width at the rotation axis and widens bidirectionally away from rotation axis .

26. Cutting station according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first side of the cutting line is upstream of the cutting line and wherein the second side of the cutting line is downstream of the cutting line .27 . Method for cutting a tire component from a continuous strip using the cutting station according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the method comprises the steps of : adj usting the cutting angle by rotating the cutting table about the rotation axis ; switching, in response to the adj ustment of the cutting angle , one or more first retaining sections of the plurality of first retaining sections between the enabled state and the disabled state independently of at least one other first retaining section of the plurality of first retaining sections ; retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table with the plurality of first retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state ; and cutting the tire component from the continuous strip along the cutting line .28 . Method according to claim 27 , wherein the cutting table, at a second side of the cutting line opposite to the first side, comprises a plurality of second retaining sections , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : switching, in response to the adj ustment of the cutting angle, one or more second retaining sections of the plurality of second retaining sections between the enabled state and the disabled state independently of at least one other second retaining section of the plurality of second retaining sections ; and retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table with the plurality of second retaining sections thathave been switched to the enabled state .

29. Method according to claim 28 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : prior to and / or during the cutting of the tire component from the continuous strip : retaining the continuous strip to the cutting table simultaneously at the plurality of first retaining sections and the plurality of second retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state ; and after the cutting of the tire component from the continuous strip has been completed : retaining a leading end of the continuous strip to the cutting table at the plurality of first retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state, while releasing a trailing end of the tire component from the cutting table by temporarily deactivating the plurality of second retaining sections that have been switched to the enabled state .30 . Method according to any one of claims 27-29, wherein the plurality of first retaining sections are switched between the enabled state and the disabled state manually, automatically or semi-automatically in response to the adj ustment of the cutting angle .31 . Method according to any one of claims 27-30 , wherein the tire component is a cord-reinforced tire component, in particular a chafer or a fabric chafer .-o-o-o-o-o- o-o-o-RM / HZ

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