JP2018502741A - Joining device for joining tire parts - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a joining apparatus and method for joining tire parts on a support member, the support member being arranged to support a tire part along a joining line, the joining apparatus comprising: Including a first peristaltic member that is movable in a peristaltic plane along a bond line to cooperate and press the tire component, the first peristaltic member being arranged to face the support member; An arcuate pressing body with a convex contact surface is included, the convex contact surface having a radius defining a center of rotation for the first peristaltic member, the center of rotation of the first peristaltic member. Located on the outside, the first peristaltic member is arranged to perform a peristaltic movement on the peristaltic surface about this center of rotation.

Description

Background of the Invention

  The present invention relates to a joining apparatus for joining tire parts.

  WO 2012/099458 A1 discloses a stitcher for connecting a strip of rubber material to a substantially continuous strip. The stitcher includes a stitch head with a stitch roller. The strips are pressed against each other and the stitch rollers move over the stitches so that the strips begin to form a single body. A disadvantage of the known stitcher is that the rubber material of the strip tends to swell in front of the rollers, which can adversely affect the consistency of the stitching operation.

  US 3,933,565A is for butt-connecting rubberized steel cord plies by pneumatically moving the upper contact beam onto the lower contact beam to simultaneously contact the ply across the entire width of the ply. An alternative device is disclosed. The disadvantage of this alternative device is that its upper contact beam can bend between pneumatic cylinders. Furthermore, the pressure is substantially constant along the contact beam. Finally, non-uniformity in the ply can cause some parts of the ply to be joined, while other parts are not joined or are hardly joined.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a joining device for joining tire parts, which can improve the joining quality of tire parts.

  According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a joining apparatus for joining tire parts on a support member, wherein the support member is arranged to support the tire part along a joining line. The joining device includes a first peristaltic member that is movable at a peristaltic surface along the joining line to press the tire component together with the support member, the first peristaltic member comprising: An arcuate pressing body with a convex contact surface arranged to face the support member, the convex contact surface having a radius defining a center of rotation for the first peristaltic member; The center of rotation is located outside the first peristaltic member, and the first peristaltic member is arranged to move in peristaltic motion on the peristaltic surface around the center of rotation.

  Since the center of rotation is located outside the first peristaltic member, the location of the center of rotation is not limited to the physical extent of the first peristaltic member. Thus, this center of rotation can be a virtual center of rotation that can be selected to be far away from a physically limited center of rotation. This takes into account the radius of the convex contact surface, which should be increased considerably over conventional stitch rollers. A larger radius can significantly reduce the amount of force transmitted by the peristaltic member along the bond line. In particular, the relatively large radius ensures that the contact force directed on the tire component during joining can be exerted in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the joining line. As a result, the expansion of the material of the tire part in front of the peristaltic member in a peristaltic movement can be reduced or even prevented. Furthermore, the arc shape of the arcuate pressing body can prevent bending of the peristaltic member as a result of joining. Finally, due to the convex contact surface, contact force can act on the tire component at the local contact point, which provides precise control of the contact force applied to the tire component along the bond line. to enable. Using the advantages described above, the overall quality of the joining of tire components can be improved.

  In certain embodiments, the convex contact surface has a length that is less than 2 radians relative to the radius. Preferably, the length of the convex contact surface is less than 1 radian with respect to the radius. The small length of the convex contact surface relative to the entire virtual circumference allows for a compact peristaltic member with a relatively large radius.

  In one embodiment, the joining device includes a peristaltic guide for guiding peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member relative to the base. This peristaltic guide can improve the stability and repeatability of peristaltic motion. This peristaltic guide can further prevent the peristaltic member from moving in a plane other than the peristaltic plane.

  In that embodiment, the first peristaltic member includes a first coupling element, wherein the peristaltic guide is followed by a first coupling element during a peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member. A first arcuate guide element for receiving and guiding the first coupling element relative to the base along the cycloid path of In a further embodiment thereof, the first peristaltic member includes a second coupling element, wherein the peristaltic guide is followed by the second coupling element during the peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member. A second arcuate guide element is provided for receiving and guiding a second coupling element relative to the base along a second cycloid path. The interaction between the coupling elements and their respective arcuate guide elements improves the consistency of the peristaltic movement along the cycloid path. Furthermore, the coupling between the coupling element and the arcuate guide element prevents the peristaltic member from shifting in a direction parallel to the joining line.

  In a further embodiment thereof, the first coupling element and the second coupling element are spaced apart from each other, preferably in the direction of the peristaltic movement, at the opposite end of the first peristaltic member. Spacing between the coupling elements can further improve the stability of the peristaltic motion.

  Preferably, the arcuate pressing body is symmetrical or substantially symmetric about the center between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. The peristaltic members can thus move symmetrically in a peristaltic movement between the coupling elements and their respective arcuate guide elements.

  In one embodiment, the joining device comprises an actuator for driving the peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member relative to the base. This peristaltic movement can thus be actively driven and / or controlled, for example, instead of manually.

  In that embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the first peristaltic member at a radial distance from the center of rotation of the first peristaltic member. Thus, although this rotation center is virtually located outside the physical boundary, it can be located, for example, at the physical boundary of the peristaltic member or in the vicinity of its center. .

  In a further embodiment thereof, the peristaltic movement comprises rotation of the first peristaltic member in the direction of rotation about the center of rotation and translation of the center of rotation in a translation direction parallel to the bond line, wherein The actuator includes a carriage that is movable in a driving direction parallel to the bond line, the carriage being arranged to impose a peristaltic movement on the first peristaltic member. The carriage can be used to drive translation of the peristaltic member and to impose or allow peristaltic member rotation.

  In that embodiment, the joining device further includes a linear guide extending parallel to the joining line, wherein the carriage is movable along the linear guide. The linear motion can be easily controlled and / or actuated by, for example, a linear actuator.

  In a further embodiment thereof, the carriage is arranged to drive the first peristaltic member at a radius of the convex contact surface that is perpendicular to the bond line. Thus, the carriage can exert a force on the peristaltic member at or in parallel with the contact force at the contact point between the tire part and the peristaltic member. Therefore, it can be sure that the sliding member is firmly pressed against the tire part at the contact point.

  In a further embodiment thereof, the first swinging member is movable relative to the carriage in the rotational direction of the first swinging member. The peristaltic member can thus rotate while the center of rotation is translated to perform peristaltic motion.

  Preferably, the arcuate pressing body has a concave drive surface opposite the convex contact surface, wherein the carriage is one or more arranged to contact and / or get over the concave drive surface. Drive wheels are provided. The drive wheel can significantly reduce the resistance between the carriage and the peristaltic member during the peristaltic movement.

  In an alternative embodiment, the peristaltic member is mounted on the arcuate pressing body and further comprises an arcuate drive rail mounted on the convex contact surface and concentric, wherein the carriage is an arcuate drive rail. Are slidably received and / or engaged. The arcuate drive rail can be located closer to the same radial distance from the arcuate pressing body and the center of rotation or at the same radial distance. The resulting joining device can be made more compact.

  In that embodiment, the carriage includes one or more drive wheels arranged to contact and / or get over the arcuate drive rail. The drive wheel can significantly reduce the resistance between the carriage and the arcuate drive rail during the peristaltic movement.

  In one embodiment, the joining device comprises a first clamp and a second clamp on the opposite side of the first peristaltic member relative to the joining line for clamping the tire component against the support member. ing. The clamp can prevent displacement of the tire parts during the joining operation.

  In certain embodiments, the convex contact surface forms a circular arc. Thus, the peristaltic member can move in a rolling motion with a circular arc point following the cycloid path.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the support member includes a flat or substantially flat support surface for supporting the tire component in a support plane parallel to the bond line, wherein the first peristaltic member is , Arranged to be moved in a peristaltic motion on the opposite side of the support plane relative to the support member. The flat support surface can be any support surface as long as the tire parts to be joined are supported by the support surface along the joining line. This support surface can be formed, for example, by a belt conveyor, chain conveyor, pick and place unit table or head.

  In that embodiment, the peristaltic plane is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the support plane. The peristaltic member can thus move in a peristaltic motion perpendicular to the support plane.

  In further embodiments thereof, the joining plane is horizontal or substantially horizontal. Preferably, the first peristaltic member is above the joining plane when the support member is positioned below the joining plane, or below the joining plane when the support member is located above the joining plane. It is positioned. The joining device can thus be used both upright and upside down or in an inverted configuration. In the reverse vertical arrangement, the support member and / or the joining device preferably includes a holding means for holding the tire component against the support member.

  In an alternative embodiment, the support member is formed by the peripheral surface of the drum, wherein the first peristaltic member is in a peristaltic motion along the joining line in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the drum. Arranged to be moved. When the diameter of the drum is substantially constant in this axial direction, the tire component is supported along a linear or substantially linear joining line. Therefore, the tire parts can be joined on the peripheral surface of the drum by the first peristaltic member along the joining line in the same manner as on the flat support surface.

  In a further alternative embodiment, the support member is arranged to support the tire component in a joining plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the sliding plane, wherein the joining device is attached to the first sliding member. And a second peristaltic member positioned opposite the joining plane and arranged to operate in mirror symmetry with the first peristaltic member about the joining plane. The tire component can thus be pressed from the opposite side of the joining plane, thereby increasing the quality of the joining.

  In a further alternative embodiment, the support member is arranged to support the tire component in the joining plane, wherein the first peristaltic member extends under an oblique angle with respect to the joining plane. Movable in the existing peristaltic plane, the joining device is located on the same side of the joining plane as the first peristaltic member, but on the opposite side of the vertical plane extending perpendicular to the joining plane and parallel to the joining line. A second peristaltic member, the second peristaltic member being arranged to operate in mirror symmetry with the first peristaltic member about a vertical plane. This embodiment can be particularly effective when there is a small gap between opposing edges of the tire component. The tire component can be pressed from the opposite side of the vertical plane under an opposite bevel towards the joining line. As a result, the tire parts can be pressed toward each other from the opposite side of the joint line to close the small gap therebetween.

  In the embodiment, the convex contact surfaces of the first swing member and the second swing member extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the joining plane. This can improve the contact of the peristaltic member for the tire component, despite the oblique arrangement of the peristaltic member.

  In a further alternative embodiment, the support member is arranged above the peristaltic member, where the tire component is held on the support member by magnetic suction or vacuum suction. Therefore, the joining device can be used upside down.

  According to a second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for joining tire parts using the joining device described above, wherein the method is the first side on the opposite side of the joining line. A step of positioning a rear end portion of the tire component and a tip portion of the second tire component, a step of moving the first peristaltic member having the convex contact surface in a peristaltic motion along the joining line, a first peristaltic motion And a step of pressing the rear end portion and the front end portion against each other at the convex contact surface between the member and the support member.

  The method according to the second aspect of the invention has the same advantages as the above-mentioned joining device according to the first aspect of the invention and will not be repeated thereafter.

  In the specification, the various aspects and features described and shown can be applied individually wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be the subject of a divided patent application.

  The invention will become clearer on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a joining apparatus for joining tire components according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a side view of the joining apparatus according to FIG. 1 in an initial position prior to the joining operation. FIG. 2B shows a side view of the joining device according to FIG. 2A during the subsequent steps of the joining operation. FIG. 2C shows a side view of the joining device according to FIG. 2A during the subsequent steps of the joining operation. FIG. 3 shows a side view of an alternative joining device for joining tire components according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a front view of a further alternative joining device for joining tire components according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a front view of the joining apparatus according to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C using the peripheral surface of the drum. FIG. 6 shows a side view of a further alternative joining device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

  1 and 2A show a joining device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This joining apparatus 1 is a splice that stitches the rear end TE of the first strip or first tire part 91 to the front end LE of the second strip or second tire part 92 along the joining line S. And / or used in joining operations to join. This joining device 1 can thus also be referred to as a stitcher or splicer, although it operates completely different compared to any known stitcher and splicer. The tire components 91, 92 can be used to form various tire components such as body plies or breaker plies to build green or unvulcanized rubber tires.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the joining device 1 includes a support member 2 for supporting tire components 91 and 92 along a joining line S. In this exemplary embodiment, the support member 2 has a flat or substantially flat support surface 20, such as an anvil, for supporting the tire components 91, 92 in the joining plane X. This support surface 20 preferably extends horizontally or substantially horizontally. The first tire part 91 and the second tire part 92 can be positioned on the joining device 1 by a pick and place unit (not shown), a conveyor belt, or other suitable transport device. The tire parts 91 and 92 are positioned at the joining positions on the support surface 20 with the front end portion LE and the rear end portion TE extending along the joining line S and on the opposite side thereof.

  The joining device 1 includes a first clamp 31 for clamping the first tire component 91 against the support member 2 at or near the rear end TE, and the support member 2 at or near the front end LE. A second clamp 32 for optionally clamping the second tire part 92 is provided. The clamps 31 and 32 can prevent the tire parts 91 and 92 from being displaced with respect to the joining position during the joining operation.

  As best shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the joining device 1 is arranged to guide the peristaltic member 4 in a rocker or peristaltic member 4, reciprocating rolling or peristaltic movement M along the joining line S. The guide 5 includes a peristaltic drive 6 arranged to drive the peristaltic member 4 in peristaltic movement M. The peristaltic member 4 includes a first end 41, a second end 42, and an arcuate pressing body 40 having a convex pressing or contact surface 43 extending between both ends 41, 42. It has. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved or arcuate shape of the convex contact surface 43 forms or follows a portion of an imaginary circle. The convex contact surface 43 has constant radii R1, R2 between the end portions 41, 42 of the arcuate pressing body 40 and the rotation center C at the starting point of the radii R1, R2. This rotation center C is located outside the peristaltic member 4 and thus can be considered virtual. The radii R1, R2 are quite large and are preferably a factor of at least 5 and most preferably a factor of at least 10 compared to the radius of a conventional stitch roller.

  Alternatively, the curved or arcuate shape of the convex contact surface 43 can be an almost circular ellipsoid or other curved part that closely matches a portion of the circle, in which case the convex contact surface is rotated It has at least two points with radii R1, R2 intersecting at the center C. The ellipsoidal part has a changing radius along the length of this part, which is a slightly changing contact force F on the tire parts 91, 92 when the arcuate pressing body 40 extends along the joining line S. Can be used to act.

  In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the radii R1, R2 are schematically shortened by broken lines to save space in the drawings and to indicate the center of rotation C within the boundaries of the drawings. The actual center of rotation C will be well located outside the drawing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, both the arcuate pressing body 40 and the rotation center C of the swing member 4 extend on the swing plane W. This peristaltic plane W extends perpendicularly or perpendicularly to the joining plane X. The peristaltic member 4 is arranged to move in a peristaltic motion M that reciprocates in the peristaltic plane W. In this exemplary embodiment, the peristaltic plane W is vertical or substantially vertical. The joining plane X and / or the joining line S extend horizontally or substantially horizontally.

  2A, 2B, and 2C, the convex contact surface 43 is a tire part 91 at a contact point P that moves along the joint line S when the peristaltic member 4 moves in a peristaltic motion M around the peristaltic center C. , 92 are arranged in contact with each other. The convex contact surface 43 is formed on the ends 41 and 42 of the arcuate pressing body 40 that is sufficiently long for the contact point P to move along the entire width of the tire parts 91 and 92 in a single stroke of the peristaltic movement M. It has a length L between. This length L is preferably less than 2 radians and preferably less than 1 radian for the radii R1, R2. During the joining operation, the convex contact surface 43 of the arc-shaped pressing body 40 is arranged so that the contact force F acts on the tire components 91 and 92 at the contact point P. Due to the very large radii R1, R2 and the relatively small length L of the arcuate pressing body 40 with respect to the very large radii R1, R2, the contact force F is perpendicular, perpendicular, substantially perpendicular to the joining plane X. 91, 92, thereby preventing the material of the tire parts 91, 92 from expanding as a result of the peristaltic movement M.

  As best shown in FIG. 2A, the arcuate pressing body 40 of the peristaltic member 4 does not extend to or intersect the rotational center C of the convex contact surface 43. In particular, the rotation center C is located outside the physical boundary of the peristaltic member 4. The sliding member 4 includes a concave drive surface 44 facing in the opposite direction to the convex contact surface 43. The convex contact surface 43 and the concave drive surface 44 are preferably separated over a certain separation distance between the first end 41 and the second end 42 of the arcuate pressing body 40. As a result, the contour of the peristaltic member 4 in the side view of FIG. 2A is similar to a portion of an annulus or ring.

  As further shown in FIG. 2A, the peristaltic member 4 has a first coupling element 45 at the first end 41 of the arcuate pressing body 40, in the form of an arc, for coupling the peristaltic member 4 to the peristaltic guide 5. A second coupling element 46 at the second end 42 of the pressing body 40 is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the first coupling element 45 and the second coupling element 46 are formed by guide rollers that interact with the peristaltic guide 5 in a manner as will be described in detail below. . The coupling elements 45 and 46 limit the range of the reciprocating peristaltic motion M. It can be observed that the convex pressing contact surface 43 is symmetric or substantially symmetric around the center between the two coupling elements 45, 46. Thus, between the limitations of the coupling elements 45, 46, the peristaltic movement M is the same or substantially the same in both directions of reciprocation.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the swing guide 5 includes a base 50 for holding the swing member 4 on the opposite side of the joining plane X with respect to the support member 2. In the base 50, the peristaltic guide 5 includes a first guide element 51 and a second guide element 52 for guiding the first coupling element 45 and the second coupling element 46, respectively, with respect to the base 50. It has. In this exemplary embodiment, the first guide element 51 and the second guide element 52 receive, engage and / or guide the first coupling element 45 and the second coupling element 46, respectively. It is formed by a guide slot arranged for the purpose. The first guide element 51 and the second guide element 52 are slightly arcuate. In particular, the first guide element 51 and the second guide element 52 extend along the first cycloid path A and the second cycloid path B, respectively. The first cycloid path A coincides with the trajectory moved by the first coupling element 45 as a result of the peristaltic movement M of the peristaltic member 4 around the rotation center C with respect to the peristaltic guide 5. Similarly, the second cycloid path B coincides with the trajectory moved by the second coupling element 46 as a result of the peristaltic movement M of the peristaltic member 4 about the center of rotation C relative to the peristaltic guide 5. .

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative coupling elements and guide elements can be used to obtain the same guiding interaction between the peristaltic guide 5 and peristaltic member 4.

  2A, 2B and 2C are linear in the driving direction D parallel to the joining line S and / or the joining plane X along the concave drive surface 44 of the peristaltic member 4 to drive the peristaltic movement M of the peristaltic member 4. A peristaltic drive 6 is shown that includes an actuator 60 that is arranged to move or advance. The actuator 60 is coupled to the swinging member 4 at a distance spaced radially from the rotation center C of the swinging member 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuator 60 is formed by a carriage 61. The actuator 60 is movable along the linear guide 62 in this example in the form of a timing belt that drives the movement of the actuator 60 in the driving direction D. The linear guide 62 extends in parallel to the joining line S and / or the joining plane X. The linear guide 62 is disposed at a fixed position with respect to the guide elements 51 and 52. Preferably, the actuator 60 is arranged to contact or abut the concave drive surface 44 and move over the concave drive surface 44 when the actuator 60 moves in the driving direction D. A freely rotating drive wheel 63 is included.

  2A and 2C show the peristaltic member 4 at the two ends or end positions of the peristaltic movement M. FIG. FIG. 2B shows the peristaltic member 4 in a central position between both end positions. The position of the end portion is determined by the degree of freedom of movement of the coupling elements 45 and 46 within the boundary between the guide elements 51 and 52.

  The peristaltic motion M includes a combination of rotation of the peristaltic member 4 in the rotational direction E around the rotational center C and translation of the rotational center C in the translational direction T parallel to the joint line S. The peristaltic member 4 is movable relative to the peristaltic drive 6 in the rotational direction E of the peristaltic member 4. The translation T of the rotation center C is driven by the movement of the peristaltic drive 6 in the driving direction D. During the translation T, it is observed that the carriage 61 remains below the center of rotation C in the vertical direction and continuously presses on the peristaltic member 4 in the direction perpendicular or perpendicular to the cutting line S. it can. In other words, the peristaltic drive 6 is arranged to drive the peristaltic member 4 at a radius of the convex contact surface 43 that is perpendicular or perpendicular to the joining line S. Effectively, the carriage 61 pushes each end 41, 42 of the peristaltic member 4 toward the joining plane X when the peristaltic drive 6 moves to the respective end 41, 42, thereby performing peristaltic movement M. Imposing on the peristaltic member 4. Preferably, the circumferential speed or speed of the rotation E of the peristaltic member 4 around the rotation center C is substantially equal to the translation T speed of the rotation center C. This prevents slipping between the peristaltic member 4 and the tire parts 91, 92, thereby reducing the opportunity for expansion formed in front of the peristaltic member 4.

  The length L of the convex contact surface 43 allows the tire components 91, 92 to be fully joined, spliced or stitched across the entire width of the leading end LE and the trailing end TE. It has become. Due to the large radii R1, R2, the joining of the tire parts 91, 92 by the peristaltic member 4 requires only a small angle of rotation E around the center of rotation C which affects the peristaltic movement M. Preferably, the angle of rotation E is less than 60 degrees, or preferably less than 30 degrees.

  As schematically shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the convex contact surface 43 of the swinging member 4 applies a pressing force or a contact force F to the tire components 91 and 92 at the contact point P. The angle of the contact force F is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the joining plane X. In any case, the angle is significantly closer to the vertical arrangement than the angle of contact force between conventional stitch rollers and tire components. During the joining, the contact force F acting on the tire parts 91, 92 is thus mainly directed perpendicular to the joining plane X, so that any substantial force in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the joining plane X is obtained. Prevent force. Thus, deformation or expansion of the rubber material of the tire parts 91 and 92 in front of the contact point P can be prevented. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the convex contact surface 43 of the peristaltic member 4 cooperates with the support surface 20 of the support member 2 to press the tire parts 91 and 92 along the joining line S. Join.

  FIG. 3 shows an alternative joining device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The alternative joining device 101 comprises the same peristaltic member 4, peristaltic guide 5 and peristaltic drive 6 as in the previously discussed embodiment. However, the support member 2 of the first embodiment functions, moves and / or operates with respect to their respective complements about the joining plane X, a further peristaltic member 104, a further peristaltic. It has been replaced by or provided with a guide 105 and a further peristaltic drive 106. Basically, the further peristaltic member 104 moves simultaneously and / or synchronously with a mirror-symmetric peristaltic movement M ′ relative to the peristaltic movement M of the peristaltic member 4 discussed previously. It was made to do it. Therefore, the tire components 91 and 92 are simultaneously brought into contact at the contact point P by the opposed swing members 4 and 104. The clamps 31, 32 of the first embodiment of the present invention are not applied in this particular embodiment or are not replaced by other suitable fastening means.

  FIG. 4 shows a further alternative joining device 201 according to a third embodiment of the invention. A further alternative joining device 201 has already been discussed of the invention in that it comprises a first peristaltic member 204 and a second peristaltic member 304 which are located on the same side of the joining plane X. This is different from the first embodiment. The first peristaltic member 204 and the second peristaltic member 304 remain supported by and guided by the first peristaltic guide 205 and the second peristaltic guide 305, respectively. The first peristaltic member 204 and the second peristaltic member 304 are each a first peristaltic that extends perpendicular or perpendicular to the joining plane X and extends under an opposite oblique angle with respect to the vertical plane V. They are arranged to move relative to their respective peristaltic guides 205, 305 in a synchronized reciprocating peristaltic motion in the plane W1 and the second peristaltic plane W2.

  Considering the peristaltic planes W1 and W2, each peristaltic member 204, 304, each peristaltic guide 205, 305, and each peristaltic drive (not shown) are each a single peristaltic member 4 as shown in FIG. 2A. The same or substantially the same configuration as the peristaltic guide 5 and peristaltic drive 6. When the convex contact surfaces 243 and 343 come into contact with the tire components 91 and 92 at the contact point P, the swinging members 204 and 304 extend in parallel with the arrangement of the joining plane X, or to meet the same. , Which differs from the previously discussed embodiments only in that it is chamfered or slanted with respect to their respective sliding planes W1, W2. The clamps 231 and 232 in FIG. 4 are the same or substantially the same as the clamps 31 and 32 in FIG. 1, but are movable between and / or movable in directions parallel or substantially parallel to the respective swing planes W1 and W2. Alternatively, the two acting swinging members 204 and 304 are separated from each other.

  The peristaltic planes W1, W2 are symmetrical with each other on the opposite side of the joining line S. The peristaltic planes W1 and W2 intersect each other at an intersecting line (not shown) parallel to the joining line S. As such, the first swinging member 204 and the second swinging member 304 cause the first contact force F1 and the second contact force F2 to act on the tire components 91 and 92 along the joining line S. Are located symmetrically on the opposite side of the joining line S. In particular, due to the tilted or slanted arrangement of the peristaltic planes W1, W2, the first contact force F1 and the second contact force F2 are either parallel to the peristaltic planes W1, W2 and perpendicular to the joining line S, It has the component which is suitable. Thus, the tire parts 91, 92 are pressed together in the transverse direction Y extending perpendicular to the joining line S and in parallel to the joining plane X.

  Thus, the large radii R1, R2 prevent the material of the tire components 91, 92 from expanding along the joint line S or in front of the peristaltic members 204, 304, but oblique to the peristaltic members 204, 304. The arrangement causes the pressing of the material of the tire parts 91, 92 in the lateral direction Y. This pressing in the lateral direction Y may improve the joining of the tire components 91 and 92, particularly when a small gap exists between the front end portion LE and the rear end portion TE. Preferably, the peristaltic members 204, 304 have continuous or substantially continuous contact surfaces 243, 343 at or near the contact point P as close as possible or in contact with each other on the opposite side of the joining line S. Form.

  FIG. 5 shows the drum 8 having a peripheral surface 80 for supporting the tire components 91 and 92. The drum 8 can form or replace the support member 2 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows the peristaltic member 4 and peristaltic guide 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention used together with the drum 1 for joining the tire parts 91 and 92 on the peripheral surface 80 of the drum 1. ing. Other suitable fastening means such as clamps 331, 332 or magnetic elements on the peripheral surface 80 of the drum 8 are provided to hold the tire components 91, 92 on the peripheral surface 80 of the drum 8. The swing member 4 is arranged so as to move in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the drum 8. Accordingly, the joining line S in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C extends parallel to the axial direction of the drum 8, and the joining plane X is an imaginary plane where the joining line S contacts at or near the peripheral surface 80 of the drum 8. It is. This embodiment of the present invention shows that the support surface 20 of the support member 2 does not necessarily have to be flat. The swing member 4 can be used to join the tip end portion LE and the rear end portion TE of the breaker ply on the peripheral surface 80 of the drum 8.

  Basically, the peristaltic member 4 can move in a peristaltic motion M on any support surface as long as the tire components 91 and 92 to be joined are supported by the support surface along the joining line S. Various support surfaces are contemplated, including but not limited to conveyor belts, chain belts, stitch tables, tire building drums, and the like.

  Furthermore, it can even be considered that the joining device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention or the further alternative joining device 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is used upside down. . In such an embodiment, the joining devices 1, 201 are mirrored at the joining line X so that the support member 2 is disposed above the peristaltic members 4, 204, 304. If the tire parts 91 and 92 are to be held on the support member 2 by magnetic attraction or vacuum attraction, this can also be achieved. The support member 2 instantaneously moves the tire parts 91 and 92 to the joining position on the joining line S above the sliding member 4 in order to join the tire parts 91 and 92 by the sliding members 4, 204, and 304. After the tire parts 91, 92 are joined, a part of the manipulator, such as a pick and place, can be formed that is moved away from the swinging members 4, 204, 304 and continues to move.

  FIG. 6 shows a further alternative joining device 401 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. This further alternative joining device 401 includes the present invention in that the peristaltic member 404 comprises an arcuate drive rail 447 that follows and / or is concentric with the same arc as the convex contact surface 43. This is different from the already discussed first embodiment. This arcuate drive rail 447 is located behind and mounted on the arcuate pressing body 40 and is therefore only shown in dotted lines in FIG.

  A further alternative joining device 401 is the already discussed first of the present invention in that the peristaltic drive 6 is replaced by an alternative peristaltic drive 406 including an actuator 460 in the form of a driving shoe or carriage 461. This is further different from the first embodiment. The carriage 461 includes drive wheels 463 that surround and / or engage the arcuate drive rail 447 from the opposite side. The carriage 461 is attached to the linear guide 462, particularly the timing belt, so as to be driven in the driving direction D along the arcuate drive rail 447. The drive wheel 463 causes the carriage 461 to slide and / or move on the arcuate drive rail 447 in the drive direction D. Like the carriage 61 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the carriage 461 moves the end portions 41 and 42 of the peristaltic member 404 to the joining plane when the peristaltic drive 406 moves to the end portions 41 and 42. It is arranged to engage and / or push X and thereby impose a peristaltic motion M on the peristaltic member 404. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this alternative configuration of the peristaltic member 404 and peristaltic drive 406 is applicable to each of the previously discussed embodiments.

  Finally, the first tire part 91 and the second tire part 92 can have a rear end TE and a front end LE, respectively, having shapes optimized for joining by the joining device 1. In particular, the front end portion LE and the rear end portion TE may have chamfered edges so that they can be overlapped and positioned at the joining line S. Additionally or alternatively, the tip portion LE and the rear end portion TE are somewhat surplus along the joint line S to fill any gaps between the tip portion LE and the rear end portion TE during the joining operation period. The rubber material can be provided.

  The front end LE and the rear end TE as shown in the figure are joined in the same joining plane X. Instead, one of the tire parts 91, 92 can be located in a configuration that slightly overlaps the other of the tire parts 91, 92. However, this does not affect the operation of the above-described joining devices 1, 101, 201, 401.

  It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that would be further encompassed by the scope of the present invention.

Claims (29)

  In a joining apparatus for joining tire parts on a support member, the support member is arranged to support the tire parts along a joining line, and the joining apparatus cooperates with the support member. Together, it includes a first peristaltic member that is movable in a peristaltic plane along the joining line to press the tire component, wherein the first peristaltic member is arranged to face toward the support member An arcuate pressing body having a convex contact surface, the convex contact surface having a radius defining a rotation center for the first peristaltic member, wherein the rotation center is the first A joining apparatus that is located outside of one peristaltic member, and wherein the first peristaltic member is arranged to perform a peristaltic movement on the peristaltic surface around the rotation center.   The joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convex contact surface has a length that is less than 2 radians with respect to the radius.   The joining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a length of the convex contact surface is less than 1 radian with respect to the radius.   The joining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining apparatus includes a peristaltic guide for guiding the peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member relative to the base.   The first peristaltic member includes a first coupling element, and the peristaltic guide follows a first cycloidal path followed by the first coupling element during peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member. A joining device according to claim 4, further comprising a first arcuate guide element for receiving and guiding the first coupling element relative to the base.   The first peristaltic member includes a second coupling element, and the peristaltic guide follows a second cycloidal path followed by the second coupling element during the peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member. A joining device according to claim 5, further comprising a second arcuate guide element for receiving and guiding the second coupling element with respect to the base.   7. The joining device according to claim 6, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are spaced apart from each other, preferably in the direction of the peristaltic movement, on the opposite side of the first peristaltic member.   The joining device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the arcuate pressing body is symmetrical or substantially symmetric around a center between the first coupling element and the second coupling element.   The joining apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining apparatus includes an actuator for driving the peristaltic movement of the first peristaltic member with respect to the base.   The joining device according to claim 9, wherein the actuator is coupled to the first swinging member at a distance in a radial direction from the rotation center of the first swinging member.   The peristaltic motion includes rotation of the first peristaltic member in a rotational direction about the center of rotation and translation of the rotational center in a translational direction parallel to the joint line, and the actuator includes the joint 11. The joining device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a carriage that is movable in a driving direction parallel to a line, the carriage being arranged to impose the peristaltic movement on the first peristaltic member. .   The joining apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the joining apparatus further includes a linear guide extending in parallel with the joining line, and the carriage is movable along the linear guide.   13. The joining device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the carriage is arranged to drive the first peristaltic member at a radius of the convex contact surface perpendicular to the joining line.   The joining apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first swinging member is movable with respect to the carriage in the rotation direction of the first swinging member.   The arcuate pressing body has a concave drive surface opposite the convex contact surface, and the carriage is one or more drives arranged to contact and / or get over the concave drive surface. The joining device according to claim 14, comprising a ring.   The peristaltic member includes an arcuate drive rail mounted on the arcuate pressing body and concentric with the convex contact surface, and the carriage slidably receives and / or engages the arcuate drive rail. 15. A joining device according to claim 14 arranged to do so.   The joining apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the carriage comprises one or more drive wheels arranged to contact and / or get over the arcuate drive rail.   The joining apparatus further includes a first clamp and a second clamp on the opposite side of the first swinging member with respect to the joining line for clamping the tire component against the support member. A joining device according to any one of the preceding claims.   The joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the convex contact surface forms a circular arc shape.   The support member includes a flat or substantially flat support surface for supporting the tire component on a support plane parallel to the joining line, and the first peristaltic member is The joining device according to claim 1, wherein the joining device is arranged to be moved in a peristaltic motion on the opposite side of the support plane.   The joining apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the peristaltic plane is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the support plane.   The joining apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the joining plane is horizontal or substantially horizontal.   When the support member is positioned below the joining plane, the first swing member is positioned above the joining plane, or when the support member is positioned above the joining plane. The bonding apparatus according to claim 22, which is positioned below the plane.   The support member is formed by a peripheral surface of the drum, and the first peristaltic member is arranged to be moved in a peristaltic motion along the joining line in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the drum. The joining device according to claim 1.   The support member is arranged to support the tire component in a joining plane that is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the sliding plane, and the joining device is disposed on the joining plane with respect to the first sliding member. 20. A second peristaltic member located on the opposite side and arranged to operate mirror-symmetrically on the first peristaltic member about the joining plane. The joining apparatus according to one.   The support member is arranged to support the tire component in a joining plane, and the first sliding member is movable in the extending sliding plane under an oblique angle with respect to the joining plane. And the joining device is located on the same side of the joining plane as the first swing member, but on the opposite side of the perpendicular plane extending perpendicular to the joining plane and parallel to the joining line. 20. A second peristaltic member, wherein the second peristaltic member is arranged to operate in mirror symmetry with respect to the first peristaltic member about the vertical plane. The joining apparatus as described in any one.   27. The joining apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the convex contact surfaces of the first swing member and the second swing member extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the joining plane.   The said support member is arrange | positioned above the said peristaltic member, The said tire component is hold | maintained at the said support member by magnetic attraction | suction or vacuum attraction, The one of Claim 1-19 Joining device.   A method for joining tire parts using the joining device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises a rear end of a first tire part on the opposite side of the joining line. Positioning the tip of the second tire component, moving the first peristaltic member with the convex contact surface in peristaltic motion along the joining line, the first peristaltic member and the A method comprising the step of pressing the rear end portion and the front end portion against each other at the convex contact surface with a support member.

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