Patent GB-1414019-A (GB)
Title: Pnejmatic tyre building apparatus and method
IPC: B29C67/00
Filed: 1973-06-01
Abstract: 1414019 Building tyres GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO 1 June 1973 [28 June 1972] 26341/73 Heading B7C  In a tyre building system, preformed endless carcass bands, e.g. of radial, metal cords, and tread and inextensible belt assemblies are transferred in succession from their respective building machines A, C by respective carriers 130, 180 to a radially expansible tyre shaping drum B40 when the latter is in the appropriate one of its positions B-1, B-2. When the band, possibly with chafer strips supplied via A32, has been formed on a drum A12 and stitched by means (not shown) the carrier 130 is moved to a position surrounding the drum A12 and radially movable pads 165 carried by two rings 135 are moved into engagement with the surface of the band by admitting air to chambers 146<SP>1</SP> and by connecting chambers 146 to a suction line 158. Suction is also applied to the pads via bores 161, 163. The drum A12 may be formed for collapsible segments (A195) (Fig. 8, not shown) or may be non-collapsible and formed with air nozzles (A204) (Figs. 9 and 10, not shown) for applying air between the drum and the carcass band. Upon collapse of the drum or application of air to the surface thereof, the carrier is moved along a bridge 120 to the Fig. 3 position, in which position it may be retained prior to application to the drum B40. When the carcass band surrounds the drum B40 the latter is expanded to engage the band. Removal of the carrier 130 is succeeded by movement of a bead forming mechanism B65 transverse of axis B41 into alignment with the drum B40. Axial movement of the bead forming mechanisms B63, B65 to form the beads than takes place. Lower-sidewall strips and/or shoulder wedges may also be wound about the formed carcass on drum B40. The mechanism B65 is then returned to its rest position (Fig. 2, not shown). The drum B40 is swung about vertical axis B50 into alignment with tread and inextensible belt assembly collapsible, segmented building drum C60 which, concurrently with the building of a carcass band, receives two or more belt plies from a serivcer C75 and a length of tread stock from a conveyer C98 which, when the servicer is swung about axis C79, is moved into alignment with the drum C70 (Fig. 2, not shown) Stitching of the assembly is effected by means (not shown). Preferably shaping of the carcass into its toroidal form commences during such swinging of the drum B40. When the drum B40 is in its B-2 position, carrier 180 which comprises radially movable assembly engaging segments (182) (Fig. 7, not shown) is moved along bridge 172 to apply the preformed assembly to the drum B40. Shaping of the carcass continues until engagement between the carcass and the assembly is effected. The segments (187) are then moved radially outwardly and the carrier 180 returns to its Fig. 6 position. Sidewall strips may be applied, and the tyre is stitched by means (not shown). At position B-3, the drum B40 is collapsed and the completed green tyre is removed. Removal of the green tyre may take place whilst a further band and belt and tread assembly are being built.