JPH03210403A - Device for measuring connecting superposition between rubber cloths - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable measurement of a standstill strip, to make manufacture/ mounting easier and to improve reliability by performing reading on the upper surface of a sensor layer structure which is different from an overlapping part. CONSTITUTION: A strip 3 wherein a rubber coated fabric 4, continuously jointed together, is farmed advances on a sliding surface 2, and at each halt time, a lap joint part 5 between two continuous rubber coated fabrics 4 is assigned below an assembly of a sensor layer structure 7 which rises first at a standstill position. A fluid operation cylinder 16 activates the lower sensor layer structure 7 through a box-like housing structure 8, and a detection end 7a contacts to the rubber coated fabric 4, and then through a spring element 11, applies a specified force on the strip surface. The sensor layer structure 7 acting on the lap joint 5 rises slightly above the other sensor layer structure 7 which contains a detection end positioned at the same plane, so that a profile is accurately regenerated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Application Field) The present invention is an apparatus for measuring the connection type alignment between two rubberized fabrics when manufacturing vehicle tires. Connection of the ends of the rubberized fabrics with a sliding surface that moves in stages several rubberized fabrics that are continuously joined at each end to define an overlapping area of a predetermined width. The present invention relates to a measuring device of the type comprising detection means acting in a region and adapted to measure the overlap width in the longitudinal direction of the rubberized fabric.

More specifically, the device is a so-called "radial tire"
It is intended for use in the manufacture of components used to manufacture tires of the type called. Of course, the solution of the invention can be used to manufacture components used for applications other than those mentioned above.

PRIOR ART AND ITS PROBLEMS When producing a carcass for a radial tire, the components that are used continuously are continuous thread sections that are oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the strip. The cylindrical sleeve is formed of rubberized fabric and encapsulated in a layer of elastomeric material that interweaves the yarn sections.

Such components are formed by performing several steps, starting from joining a rubberized fabric with longitudinally oriented thread sections. More particularly, the braai is subjected to a transverse cutting process into sections of predetermined length, after which the sections are interconnected to form said continuous strip having transversely oriented yarn sections. be obtained.

The connection of the rubberized fabric is carried out automatically by means of a device which overlaps one end of the cut length with the free end of the length cut in the previous step (as disclosed in Italian Patent No. 1).
．． 063.614). These devices also bond the joined rubberized fabric sections by applying a local compressive action to the connection area so that the adhesive properties of the materials cause the single lengths of thread to interweave. It serves the function of making a strong connection.

It must be recognized that the process of connecting the ends of rubberized fabric is quite delicate and must be carried out with maximum precision. This is done to ensure that the overlapping width of the edges of the overlapping ends is as small as possible so that the unavoidable discontinuities formed by the overlapping parts of the strip structure do not impart undesirable effects on the finished tire. Because it has to be.

At the same time, the overlapping portion must have a width dimension sufficient to provide a strong and efficient connection of the joined rubberized fabric sections.

In practice, the connections of the ends of the rubberized fabric must be such that each of them has no less than three (but not less than two) overlapping thread sections at the end of the other rubberized fabric. Must be.

To ensure that the connection can be made in the prescribed manner,
Devices aimed at automating such processes are equipped with a detection system capable of measuring the overlap width at each connection and signaling the presence of defects, while, if necessary, issuing commands to interrupt the cutting and joining process. Of course, it must be related to the means.

However, such a detection device is not available, and the quality control of the connection part is carried out by stopping the automatic joining device at intervals or periodically and checking the most recently performed joining process. This is done statistically based on samples.

Additionally, wider joints than strictly necessary are allowed to avoid narrow connections.

In this way, not only is the quality level of the finished tire adversely affected by this excessively wide joint, but unacceptable joints pass through inspection, which inevitably leads to the final quality control There are tires that must be removed at this stage. This results in an economic loss of wasted work, energy, and raw materials. However, solving such problems is extremely difficult.

In fact, if one wishes to read the overlap by acting on the top area of the strip, rather than on the edges,
The problem arises because only the beginning of the overlap is visible. In other words, only the front edge of the overlapping rubberized fabric is visible, and the rear edge of the overlapping rubberized fabric cannot be seen.

Therefore, if one wishes to measure the overlap width by acting on both sides of the strip simultaneously so that both the front and rear ends are visible, the measurement must be taken while the strip is in motion. Therefore,
A new problem arises in that the speed of the strip needs to be related to the elapsed time between detecting the two edges.

First, the stripping device is pulsed (starts at a very high speed and then stops almost immediately);
Therefore, the detection will be inaccurate and secondly, the sensors located on the underside of the strip will be difficult to install and due to their location will be affected by dust or other impurities, resulting in reading errors.

Finally, if we want to measure the overlap width at the edge of the strip, the height will be 1 (compatible with the wall thickness of the rubberized fabric) and will extend across the length of the strip, which can be over 1400. .

Attempts have nevertheless been made to carry out such detection by means of a device consisting essentially of suitable telephoto cameras arranged in a row along one side edge of a strip of bonded rubberized fabric. . On the opposite side of the strip, a light source is arranged which projects the contour of the connected form passing in front of the telephoto camera on a reading screen that is part of the telephoto camera itself.

Associated with the telephoto camera is an electronic control box that reads the overlap width by the size of the shadow projected on the reading screen. More particularly, a predetermined amount of uniformly distributed pixels is defined on the reading screen partially darkened by the shadow. The overlap width can be determined by the number of dark pixels corresponding to the projected shadow area.

However, such devices also have problems that make them unacceptable.

Firstly, in order for the reader to be able to function with some degree of reliability, the connecting edge of the rubberized fabric must be placed in such a way that it is completely parallel to the lens axis of the telephoto camera. It is necessary to determine the direction. If the connecting edge is not placed perfectly parallel to the telephoto camera's lens axis, the overlapping shadow area projected onto the reading screen will inevitably be wider than the actual overlapping dimension. (In this case, even in the case of exact joining,
Detected as a poor bond. Additionally, the tested reader was unable to discern whether the edges of the mutually joined ends extended parallel to each other or whether undesirable errors existed between the edges. .

If the edge of the rubberized fabric is brought close to the strip-side and joined in a precise manner, but unavoidably deviates towards the opposite side, the shadow projected towards the telephoto camera will not be accurate. It becomes a shadow related to the joined area. Therefore, in this case, it is impossible to detect a bonding defect.

The overlap width reading is also significantly influenced by the contour of the rubberized fabric area closest to the overlap.

More specifically, the edge of the end of the rubberized fabric overlapping the adjacent rubberized fabric inevitably rises above the sliding surface. As a result, the portion of the rubberized fabric directly behind the overlapping portion stretches in an inclined manner, causing the overlapping portion itself to be integrated with the other portion of the rubberized fabric resting on the sliding surface. This sloped portion exhibits a more or less pronounced degree of slope depending on the case, so that the shadow cast by it will be different in each case. In such a case, the reading of the overlap width will necessarily be inaccurate.

Additionally, creases and/or undulations or wrinkles may be formed inadvertently at certain locations, both in the rubberized fabric portions close to the connection area and in the rubberized fabric portions remote from the connection area, which may , the connecting portion may be erroneously interpreted by the reading device as having an overly wide overlap.

Finally, mounting the light source and telephoto camera flat against the layered surface of the rubberized fabric introduces significant structural complications.

In view of the above, the main object of the present invention is to provide a measuring device of simple construction that can provide good efficiency and reliability during detection and during normal operation.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The above object, and other objects that will become clearer from the following description, is to improve the connection type between two rubberized fabrics during the manufacture of vehicle tires. The measuring device includes a sensor layer in which the detection device is arranged in the vertical direction and in the filling direction in a state in which the detection device is arranged one after another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the edge of the joined rubberized fabric end. At least one assembly consisting of a structure is provided, and when the sensor layered structure has respective detection ends facing the sliding surface and the detection ends are arranged in the same plane, the sensor layered structure is aligned with each other. at least one thrust bar pivotally engaging the sensor layered structure in a generally vertical direction; and acting on the thrust bar, the sensor layered structure actuator means for moving from a rest position in which it is lifted from the rubberized fabric portion to an active position in which its sensing end is under pressure against the connection area of two adjacent rubberized fabric portions; reading means for measuring the overlap width based on the amount of the sensor layered structure, wherein said sensor layered structure acts on the overlap itself in the operative position and acts on a single rubberized fabric; In comparison, this is substantially achieved by a measuring device characterized in that it appears slightly raised.

Further features and advantages of the present invention are provided below, by way of non-limiting example only, with respect to the device of the present invention for measuring the connection overlap between two braises during the manufacture of tires for vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The detailed description given herein can be understood by reading it in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In particular, with reference to FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 generally designates an apparatus for measuring the connection overlap between two plies during the manufacture of vehicle tires according to the invention.

The measuring device 1 conventionally comprises a sliding surface 2 on which a rubberized fabric strip 3 is preferably moved in a stepwise manner known in the art, the strip 3 being continuously moved at each end. It consists of a large number of rubberized fabrics 4 (here, only two rubberized fabrics are partially shown) joined together. More specifically, a rubberized fabric 4 having a number of laterally oriented threads spaced apart from each other at a distance and interconnected by a layer of elastomeric material 4b is provided with are overlapped to form an overlapping portion of a predetermined width. The width of the overlapping portion 5 is preferably in the range of twice or three times the distance by which the threads 4a are separated from each other.

Detection means, generally designated by the reference numeral 6, act on the connection area of a number of rubberized fabrics 4 and are directed towards the rubberized fabrics 4 themselves so that the width of the overlapping portion can be measured. Related to 2.

According to the invention, these detection means 6 include at least one or more detection means 6 arranged side by side so as to form a filling part, following a direction substantially perpendicular to the end edges of the upright and joined rubberized fabric parts. Consists of one sensor layered structure assembly.

In embodiments in which the edges of the rubberized fabric ends are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the strip 3, the sensor layered structure 7 is aligned according to the longitudinal direction of the strip 3.

Four plates 8a arranged to form a rectangular shape
The sensor layered structure 7, which is slidably housed in a box-shaped housing box 8 defined by is provided at the top. The positioning ends 7b are arranged so as to align with each other when the detection ends 7a are positioned in the same plane.

The sensor layered structure 7 has a downwardly sloping shape, becoming narrower towards the respective sensing end 7a, so that when the device 1 is in operation the sensor layered structure 7 and the rubberized fabric It is desirable to be able to appropriately reduce the contact area between the two. Due to such a sloped shape, there is less possibility that the positioning of the sensor layered structure will be influenced by folds or wrinkles that may be present in the rubberized fabric 4.

Each sensor layered structure 7 also has an inclined shape in its upper part, and its upper edge is partially inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, which moderates the degree of extension of the positioning end 7b. This is to reduce and thus prevent reading errors due to inaccurate alignment of the telephoto camera.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor layered structure 7 is provided at its upper end with oppositely directed side protrusions 7C which contact the upper edge of the box-shaped housing structure 8.

The entire assembly of the sensor layered structure 7 and the box-shaped housing structure 8 has a respective shaped hole 9 passing through the thrust parr 10 in such a way that the sensor layered structure 7 can pivot vertically to the thrust parr 10. Engage at. Beneath the thruster 10 at least one spring element 11 made of rubber or another elastomeric material is adapted to act between the thruster 10 and the sensor layered structure 7, as explained below. Preferably it extends through the shaped hole 9.

The device 1 comprises a sensor layered structure from a rest position raised from a rubberized fabric 4 to an active position with a sensing end 7a in pressurized relation in the connection area of the rubberized fabric 4, as clearly shown. It further comprises actuator means 12 for vertically moving the body 7.

This actuator means 12 fixedly engages the box-shaped housing structure 8 and slides vertically along two flyers 14 which are part of the fixed structure and are rigidly connected to the sliding surface 2. It has a movably guided skeleton 13. The framework 13 is acted upon by a fluid-actuated cylinder 16 or similar means attached to a cross member 17 which is also part of the fixation structure 15.

The fluid-actuated cylinder 16 is skeletal to one position in which the sensor layered structure 7 maintains its rest position and to a second position in which the skeleton 13 acts on the thruster 10 and maintains the sensor layered structure 7 in the working position. 13 can be moved.

The framework 13 is connected to the thruster 10 by means of two threaded adjustment pins 18 provided with respective locking nuts 18a.
It is desirable to have it act on both ends. The individual axial positioning of the adjusting pins 18 is set after loosening the respective locking nut 18a, so that in the active position the load transmitted to the sensor layered structure 7 by the spring element 11 can be varied. I can do it.

Finally, the device 1 comprises reading means acting at the positioning end 7b and measuring the width of the overlap portion 5 on the basis of the amount of sensor layer structure.

The sensor layer structure acts by the respective detection end 7a of the overlap part itself and is somewhat raised compared to the sensor layer structure which acts only on the rubberized fabric 4 without contacting the overlap part. appear.

The reading means preferably consist essentially of a conventional telephoto camera 19 positioned behind the positioning end 7b and associated therewith with a light source 20 located facing the positioning end and in front of the telephoto camera itself.

The structure and operation of the telephoto camera 19 and the light source 20 are known per se and have already been shown and described and will not be described further here. However, the telephoto camera 19 is equipped with an electronic control box that is able to evaluate the shadow area projected by the positioning end 7b of the sensor layered structure 7 onto its receiving screen.

In the working position, the sensor layer is slightly raised relative to other sensor layers that are part of the assembly.

Mainly, the operation of the device according to the invention described above in terms of structure is as follows.

As mentioned above, the strip 3 on which the continuously bonded rubberized fabric 4 is formed moves along the sliding surface 2 according to a stepwise movement.
advance above. For this reason, at each stop time, the connecting mating section 5 between two continuous rubberized fabrics 4 is located below the initially raised assembly of sensor layers 7 in the rest position. .

As the translational movement of the strip 3 ceases, the fluid-actuated cylinder 16 is actuated to activate the lower sensor layered structure 7 through the skeleton 13 and the box-shaped housing structure 8, thus causing its The detection end 7a contacts the rubberized fabric in the connection area therebetween.

Near the end of the stroke of the fluid-actuated cylinder, and thus of the skeleton 13 and of the box-shaped housing structure 8, by that time it is seated by the spring element 11 at the bottom of the hole 9 formed in the sensor layered structure 7. The adjustment pin 18 comes into contact with the thrust par 10 that is being held. The force transmitted to the thrust par 10 is evenly distributed to each sensor layered structure 7 via the spring elements 11, so that the sensing end 7 of each sensor layered structure 7
a applies a predetermined force to the strip surface.

Under this situation, the rubberized fabric 4 is adhered to the sliding surface 2 in the area overlying the sensor layered structure 7, and any creases and wrinkles that may be present in the rubberized fabric in the connection area are removed. It is desirable to be able to make it smooth. The force with which the sensor layered structure 7 is acted upon significantly reduces the width of the single area, designated 5a, between the overlapping portion 5 and the rest of the rubberized fabric 4. The end of the rubberized fabric 4 is overlapped with the end of the other rubberized fabric.

Under this situation, the sensor layered structure 7 having the sensing edge 7a acting on the overlapping portion 5 is slightly raised relative to the other sensor layered structure having the sensing edge located approximately on the same plane. As a result, the positioning end 7b of each sensor layered structure 7 accurately reproduces the surface contour of the rubberized fabric 4 in the connection area, in particular the contour of the overlapping part.

In a known manner, the shadow of the contour reproduced by the positioning end 7b is projected onto the reading screen of the telephoto camera 19 by the action of the light source 20.

This detects the overlap width and checks whether the value is within a predetermined parameter range.

The present invention achieves the intended objectives.

In fact, the device 1 can take a reading of the overlap width by acting on the local junction area by the action of pressure by the sensor layered structure 7. The folds and wrinkles present in the rubberized fabric are eliminated, and an integral part 5 close to the overlapping part 5 is formed.
The width of a is significantly reduced. This, of course, significantly improves the reading accuracy compared to known techniques.

Furthermore, since the reading is carried out within the local joint area, the shadows of folds or wrinkles that may be present in the other area of the rubberized fabric close to the overlap are undesirably projected onto the telephoto camera. It is possible to solve the problems of This same reason eliminates the possibility of reading errors when the lines connecting the rubberized fabric are not placed in perfect alignment with the telephoto camera.

If the localized reading is done in the mid-region of the strip width, it eliminates the possibility of undetected connection failures if the end edges are not placed perfectly parallel, as described above. I can do it. This possibility can be reduced to virtually zero if two sensor layered structures 7 are used, each with a telephoto camera and placed on either side of the strip 3.

In conclusion, the device is easy to manufacture and install and is reliable both in terms of connection area detection and functionality. This is primarily done by taking readings in a conveniently selected area different from the overlap (i.e. on the top surface of the sensor layered structure rather than on the surface directly flush with the sliding surface) and upstream of the device itself. Detection is performed on stationary strips rather than on movable strips by making appropriate use of the strip stoppage time required to automatically perform new joints.

Of course, the present invention is susceptible to variations and modifications, all of which are within the scope of the inventive features.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a device of interest during connection overlay measurements; FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a plurality of sensor layered structures that are part of the device of interest during connection overlay measurements. It is an enlarged partial front view. 1: Measuring device 2; Sliding surface 3: Rubber coated fabric strip 4; Rubber coated fabric 4a: Thread 4b: Elastomer material 5: Overlapping portion 6: Detection means 7: Sensor layered structure 7a: Detection end 7b = positioning end 7C: Side protrusion 8: Housing box 8a: Plate 0 1 2 3 5 6 8 9 Shape hole varnish Last bar: Spring element: Actuator means: Frame: Fixed structure Two-fluid actuation cylinder: Locking nut: Telephoto camera 14: Biller 18a : Adjustment pin 20: Light source (4 other people) Procedural amendment (method) % formula % 2. Name of the invention Device for measuring the connection and overlap between rubber fabrics 3゜Supplement 1 Relationship with the case of the person who does ``Patent application Name of address: Bireri Coordinamento Buneumatici Soceta Conflict Per Azioni 4; Agent address: 2-2-1-5 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Higashifu; Date of amendment order: February 12, 1991 ( 6. Appropriate drawing T1 da for correction

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus for measuring the connection and overlap between two rubber fabrics when manufacturing vehicle tires, and a method for partially overlapping so as to define an overlapped portion of a predetermined width. in a device comprising a sliding surface joined continuously at each end of the strip, along which the rubber fabric is moved stepwise, while acting on only one side of said strip, while the strip is stationary; An apparatus characterized by comprising a detection means capable of measuring the overlapping width of the rubberized fabric in the longitudinal direction of extension in the connection area of the end of the rubberized fabric. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means comprises at least one of the detecting means arranged vertically in a packed state next to each other according to a direction substantially perpendicular to the edges of the ends of the joined rubberized fabric parts. An assembly of one sensor layered structure, comprising sliding surfaces arranged to align with each other when the detection ends are arranged in the same plane, and respective detection ends facing respective positioning ends. at least one thrust bar slidably engaged with the sensor layered structure in a substantially vertical direction; and at least one thrust bar that engages the thrust bar and moves the sensor layered structure with the rubber actuator means for moving from a rest position raised from the fabric to an active position providing a sensing end in pressure relationship on the connection between two adjacent rubberized fabrics; and a reading means for measuring the overlapping width by the amount of the sensor layered structure that appears to be slightly raised from the position where it acts on the single rubberized fabric by acting on the overlapping portion of the rubberized fabric. Featured device. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator means comprises a box-shaped housing structure housing the sensor layered structure so that the sensor layered structure can be slid in a vertical direction; and a fixed bearing structure. a skeleton slidably guided vertically on the body; and from one position in which the sensor layered structure is held in a stationary position, said skeleton acts on a thrust bar and causes the sensor layered structure in the working position. The second part acts to press against the rubberized fabric.
and at least one fluid-actuated cylinder acting on said skeleton so as to be able to move it to a position. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one element acts between the thrust bar and the sensor layered structure and is capable of distributing the force transmitted by the bar to the sensor layered structure in the position of action. Device characterized in that it comprises two spring elements. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor layered structure is tilted downward to reduce the contact surface of the sensing end of the rubberized cloth. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor layered structure is inclined at its upper part to reduce the width of the positioning end. 7. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor layered structure is provided with respective side protrusions on its upper part that allow it to abut against the upper end of the box-shaped housing structure. . 8. The device according to claim 3, wherein when the frame is positioned in the second position, at least one of the at least one member acts in contact with both ends of the thrust bar and biases the thrust bar downward. two threaded adjustment pins are operatively attached to the skeleton, the threaded pins being vertically positioned and positioned to adjust the pressing force acting on the sensor layered structure in the operative position; device to do. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reading means comprises at least one remote camera facing the positioning end of the sensor layered structure and at least one light source arranged in front of the remote camera. A device characterized by: