BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a cutting device for cutting a tire component and a method for cutting a tire component .

EP1262288A2 discloses an apparatus for cutting segments from a strip of multi-layered elastomeric material containing reinforcing cords , the cords being substantially parallel and more or less oriented in the direction of a cutting path, the apparatus characteri zed by : a) a cutting blade for cutting the strip to form cut ends , the cutting blade having a cutting edge oriented to cut along a line, the line being tangent to one or more cords and inclined at a desired skive angle ; b) a means for supporting the strip along the cutting path, the means for supporting having a first surface oriented at an angle less than the skive angle and a second surface oriented at an angle greater than or equal to the skive angle ; c) a means for restraining the strip against the means for supporting, the means for restraining being located ahead of the cutting element ; and d) a means for moving the cutting element and the means for restraining .

The restraining means is a wheel that rotates and is moveable along the same path as the cutting means . This wheel traverses directly in front of the cutting path but is at a suf ficient distance to enable the strip to lift and pass over the cutting blade as the blade is traversing .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In tire building, tire components , such as a breaker cushion or a gum strip, may taper towards the lateral or longitudinal edges thereof forming tips or wing tips . Due to the tapering thereof , said tips or wing tips may curl up at the lateral edges .

A disadvantage of the known apparatus is that the supporting means is provided with a vacuum system over the entire width thereof . Accordingly, the strip is retained over the entire width thereof as well . As a result , when the blade cuts through the strip, the frictional forces between the strip and the blade surface may cause the blade to 'bite ' into the strip material . The biting of the blade into the strip may cause an irregularity which negatively influences the quality of the cut , or the ability to success fully splice the strip during a subsequent process , potentially resulting in an inferior tire . The biting may further damage the strip and/or the blade , requiring the process to be interrupted . Moreover, the damage to the blade may severely reduce the lifetime of the cutting device .

Another disadvantage of the known apparatus is that the wheel of the restraining means approaches the strip laterally while rolling over the supporting means . As a result , the wheel may damage the strip at the curled up wingtips or may even fold said wingtips onto the tire component itsel f . Since the tire components are usually constituted of strips of unvulcanized or uncured rubber, which are still tacky and/or sticky, the wheel may even stitch the curled up lateral edges onto the tire component itself , thus irreversibly deforming said tire component . As a result, after the tire component has been cut to length, the cut to length tire component may be damaged, misshaped or deformed at or near the cutting line . In other words the tire component may be damaged, misshaped or deformed at the respective leading and/or trailing edges . Said damages , misshaping or deformations render the tire component unusable in the further tire building process or may result in a tire of inferior quality .

It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a cutting device and method for cutting a tire component which can improve the reliability of the cutting process .

According to a first aspect , the invention provides a cutting device for cutting a tire component having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to said first lateral edge, wherein the cutting device comprises a support surface for supporting the tire component in a support plane, wherein the cutting device further comprises a cutter which is movable in a cutting direction along a cutting line for cutting through the tire component on the support surface, wherein the support surface is provided with one or more retaining members for retaining the tire component at or near the cutting line, wherein the one or more retaining members are arranged to retain a preselection of one or more regions of the tire component which are distributed in the cutting direction along the cutting line .

For example , the cutting device may be arranged for retaining the lateral regions of the tire component only . In other words , the central region of the tire component to be cut may be allowed to slightly move when the cutter cuts through the tire component . Hence , biting of the kni fe into the tire component can be reduced or ultimately prevented . Thus , the quality of the cutting process can be more reliable .

In an embodiment thereof , the preselection of the one or more regions of the tire component is a first preselection, wherein the one or more retaining members are further arranged to retain a second preselection of the one or more regions of the tire component, wherein the second preselection is di fferent from the first preselection . In other words , the configuration of the cutting device can be adapted to the dimensions of the tire component . Moreover, the cutting device may selectively retain any one or more of the regions .

In a further embodiment , the cutting device is arranged to selectively retain the tire component at a first lateral region at the first lateral edge . Preferably, the cutting device is further arranged to selectively retain the tire component at a second lateral region at the second lateral edge . In other words , the cutting device is arranged to allow the central region of the tire component to slightly move with respect to the first region and/or the second region . Hence, the biting of the kni fe can be reduced or ultimately prevented .

In a further embodiment, the one or more retaining members comprise a first retaining member for retaining the first lateral edge and a second retaining member for retaining the second lateral edge, wherein the first retaining member and the second retaining member are spaced apart in the cutting direction . The retaining members can selectively retain the tire component in the first lateral region and the second lateral region . Preferably, no retaining member is provided at the central region . Hence, the central region of the tire component can be allowed to slightly move .

In an embodiment thereof , the first retaining member and the second retaining member are movable relative to one another in the cutting direction . Hence , the retaining members can each be positioned at a preselected zone . Moreover, the position of the retaining members can be adapted to the lateral dimensions of the tire component .

In a further embodiment thereof , the cutting device comprises a first setting drive for moving the first retaining member . Optionally, the cutting device comprises a second setting drive for moving the second retaining member . The first setting drive and the second setting drive can facilitate the positioning of the first and second retaining elements .

In a further embodiment, the tire component is a first tire component , wherein the cutting device is further arranged for cutting a second tire component arranged parallel to the first tire component , wherein the cutting device further comprises a third retaining element and a fourth retaining element along the cutting line for retaining a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge of said second tire component , respectively . The cutting device can thus be used for subsequently cutting two tire components arranged in parallel . Hence , the cutting process can be more ef ficient . This can for example be beneficial for the cutting of gum strips or breaker cushions which are generally supplied to a tire assembly process in pairs .

In an embodiment thereof , the first retaining member and the fourth retaining member are symmetrically arranged with respect to a central plane extending transverse to the cutting line , and wherein the second retaining member and the third retaining member are symmetrically arranged with respect to said central plane , wherein the first setting drive is arranged for simultaneously moving the first retaining member and the fourth retaining member in opposite directions with respect to the central plane along the cutting line, and wherein the second setting drive is arranged for simultaneously moving the second retaining member and the third retaining member in opposite directions with respect to the central plane along the cutting line . Said first setting drive and said second setting drive may for example comprise a spindle drive with opposite treads for displacing the respective retaining members . By simultaneously controlling the positions of the first retaining member and the fourth retaining member, and the positions of the second retaining member and the third retaining member, said retaining members can be displaced symmetrically with respect to the central plane . Moreover, the positions of the four retaining members can be controlled using only two drives .

In a further embodiment , the cutting device further comprises a control unit for controlling the first setting drive and the second setting drive . The control unit can automatically set and control the positions of the respective retaining members .

In a further embodiment, the one or more retaining members comprise a plurality of controllable retaining elements distributed in the cutting direction along the cutting line and a control unit for selectively actuating one or more of said retaining elements . By selectively actuating one or more of the retaining elements the tire component can be retained in the pre-selected regions . Preferably, the control unit is arranged for actuating the retaining elements in the first lateral region and/or the second lateral region . The control unit can be arranged to selectively actuate individual retaining elements or groups of retaining elements simultaneously . By actuating individual retaining elements , a higher accuracy can be obtained . By simultaneously actuating groups of retaining elements , the retaining member can be simpler and/or more cost efficient .

In an embodiment thereof , the retaining elements are vacuum cups or vacuum bores , wherein the retaining member further comprises a valve arrangement for selectively applying a vacuum to one or more of the vacuum cups or vacuum bores , wherein the valve arrangement is operationally connected to the control unit . The valve arrangement can be arranged to actuate or switch of f individual vacuum cups or vacuum bores , or groups of vacuums cups or vacuum bores .

In a further embodiment , the cutting device further comprises a pressing device , preferably a pressing device as described in the second aspect of the invention, wherein the pressing device is movable in the cutting direction along the cutting line to press the tire component onto the one or more retaining members .

According to a second aspect , the invention provides a cutting device for cutting a tire component having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to said first lateral edge, wherein the cutting device comprises a support surface for supporting the tire component in a support plane, wherein the cutting device further comprises a cutter which is movable in a cutting direction along a cutting line for cutting through the tire component on the support surface from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge , wherein the cutting device further comprises a pressing device which is movable in the cutting direction along the cutting line for pressing the tire component onto the support surface, wherein the cutting device is arranged to actively move the pressing device towards the support plane in a pressing direction transverse or perpendicular to the support plane from a clearance position at a clearance height from said support plane .

The movability of the pressing device in the pressing direction allows the pressing device to approach a lateral edge , in particular the wing or wing tip, of the tire component to be cut in the pressing direction, i . e . from above , instead of in the cutting direction . Hence , the lateral edge of the tire component can be pressed against the support surface without folding said lateral edge over the body of the tire component . Accordingly, the tire component can be cut more reliably .

In an embodiment thereof , the cutting device comprises a pressing drive for driving a movement of the pressing device in the pressing direction . The pressing drive can actively move the pressing device in the pressing direction to approach the lateral edge of the tire component in the pressing direction .

In a further embodiment thereof , the pressing drive comprises a pneumatic actuator, a servomotor, a cam shaft or a cam wheel . These are examples of drives which can actively drive the pressing device in the pressing direction .

In a further embodiment , the cutting device comprises a control unit which is operationally connected to the pressing drive, wherein the control unit is arranged to control the pressing drive to move the pressing device from the clearance position in the pressing direction to press the first lateral edge onto the support surface . The control unit can be arranged to automatically control the pressing drive to engage the lateral edge of the tire component . Alternatively, the control unit can for example be connected to a user interface to enable an operator to control the movement of the pressing drive in the pressing direction .

In a further embodiment thereof , the cutting device comprises a lateral drive for moving the pressing device in the cutting direction along the cutting line , and wherein the control unit is operationally connected to said lateral drive, wherein the control unit is arranged to control the pressing drive and the lateral drive to subsequently : a) position the pressing device into the clearance position at the clearance height upstream of the tire component relative to the cutting direction; b) move the pressing device in the cutting direction up to the first lateral edge ; c) move the pressing device from the clearance position in the pressing direction to press the first lateral edge onto the support surface ( 20 ) ; and d) move the pressing device in the cutting direction from the first lateral edge towards the second lateral edge while applying a pressure force to the tire component in the pressing direction . The control unit can thus automatically press the lateral edge, in particular the wing or wing tip, of the tire component onto the support surface in the pressing direction . The control unit can subsequently press the remainder of the tire component to the support surface by moving the pressing device along the cutting line .

In a further embodiment thereof , the cutting device is arranged to receive the tire component with the first lateral edge aligned along a lateral reference line , and wherein the control unit is arranged to, in step b ) , move the pressing device in the cutting direction up to the lateral reference line before moving the pressing device in the pressing direction . By aligning the tire component with a predetermined reference line, the pressing device can more accurately press the lateral edge , in particular the wing or wing tip, of the tire component onto the support surface in the pressing direction .

Additionally or alternatively, the cutting device comprises a sensor for detecting the first lateral edge , wherein the sensor is operationally connected to the control unit . In other words , the control unit can automatically detect the first lateral edge . Accordingly, the control unit can automatically move the pressing device in the pressing direction at the location of said lateral edge .

In a further embodiment , the cutting device comprises a guide rail extending over the cutting line along a guide curve, and wherein the pressing device comprises a guide follower for cooperating with said guide rail , wherein the guide curve is shaped to move the pressing device from the clearance position in the pressing direction at the first lateral edge . The guide rail can urge the pressing device in the pressing direction at the lateral edge , in particular at the wing or wing tip, of the tire component without the need for a pressing drive . Preferably, the cutting device comprises a biasing member for biasing the pressing device in the pressing direction . Said biasing member can compensate for a thickness profile of the tire component without the need to adapt the guide curve to said thickness profile .

In a further embodiment, the pressing device is arranged upstream of the cutter in the cutting direction, and wherein the pressing device and the cutter are arranged to move together in the cutting direction along at least a part of the cutting line . Hence, a single lateral drive can move the cutter and the pressing device in the cutting direction .

In a further embodiment , the cutter is a blade comprising a blade body, wherein said blade comprises a first blade surface facing away from the support plane and a second blade surface opposite to the first blade surface with respect to the blade body and facing towards the support plane , wherein the first blade surface and the second blade surface terminate in a cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge extends at an acute skive angle with respect to the support plane , and wherein the cutting edge extends away from the cutting line at an oblique blade angle at a first side of said cutting line . The blade may for example be an ultrasonic blade or a heated blade . The blade angle of the blade can affect a tapered leading edge and trailing edge of the tire component on the respective sides of the cutting line . The skive angle of the blade can reduce a force required to move the blade in the cutting direction through the material of the tire component .

In a further embodiment , the cutting device further comprises a conveyor for conveying the tire component in a transport direction transverse or perpendicular to the cutting line , wherein the conveyor forms at least a part of the support surface . The conveyor can convey the tire component towards and/or away from the cutting line . Preferably, the cutting device comprises a first conveyor upstream of the cutting line in the transport direction and a second conveyor downstream of the cutting line in the transport direction .

In an embodiment thereof , the pressing device is arranged upstream of the cutting line in the transport direction . Preferably, the cutting device further comprises a clamping element, such as a clamping bar or a clamping roller, for pressing the tire component on the support surface downstream of the cutting line in the transport direction . Alternatively, the pressing device may be arranged downstream of the cutting line in the transport direction .

In a further embodiment, the support surface is provided with one or more retaining members for retaining the tire component at or near the cutting line, and wherein the pressing device is movable along the cutting line for pressing the tire component onto said one or more retaining members . Preferably, at least one of said one or more retaining members is arranged at the first lateral edge of the tire component . Hence, said at least one retaining element can retain the lateral edge , in particular the wing or wingtip, of the tire component after said lateral edge has been pressed towards the support surface by the pressing device . Moreover, by pressing the tire component onto the one or more retaining members , said one or more retaining members can retain the tire component more reliably .

In an embodiment thereof , the retaining members comprise vacuum cups for retaining the tire component . Alternatively, the retaining members may for example comprise retractable needles that can be inserted into the material of the tire component .

In a further embodiment, the clearance height is more than five millimetres , preferably between ten and one hundred millimetres , more preferably between twenty and eighty millimetres , most preferably, between twenty- five and sixty millimetres . Said clearance height can allow a clearance position above a wing or wing tip of the tire component . Hence, the wing or wing tip of the tire component can reliably be pressed onto the support surface . The preferred range can allow a shorter stroke of the pressing device in the pressing direction . Hence, the process efficiency of the cutting device can be improved .

In a further embodiment , the pressing device comprises a pressing roller or pressing wheel which is rotatable about a rotation axis that extends transverse to the cutting line and parallel to the support plane, wherein the pressing roller or pressing wheel is arranged to roll over the tire component in the cutting direction . Preferably the pressing roller or the pressing wheel is arranged to roll over the tire component while a pressing force is applied to said pressing roller or pressing wheel in the pressing direction . The pressing roller or pressing wheel can reliably press the tire component onto the support surface .

According to a third aspect , the invention provides a method for cutting a tire component along a cutting line, wherein the method comprises the steps of : a) providing the tire component at the cutting line ; b) retaining a first lateral region of the tire component at the cutting line at a first lateral edge of said tire component while allowing a central region of the tire component between the first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to said first lateral edge to freely move with respect to the first lateral region; and c) cutting through the tire component from the first lateral edge in a cutting direction transverse to said first lateral edge .

By retaining the first lateral region and allowing the central region of the tire component to freely move with respect to the said first lateral region, when the cutter cuts through the tire component , biting of the kni fe into the tire component can be reduced or ultimately prevented . Thus , the quality of the cutting process can be more reliable .

In an embodiment thereof , step b) further comprises retaining a second lateral region of the tire component at a second lateral edge of said tire component opposite to the first lateral edge , wherein the central region is located between the first lateral region and the second lateral region .

In a further embodiment thereof , the method comprises , prior to step b) , the step of positioning a first retaining member along the cutting line at the first lateral region for retaining said first lateral region . Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises , prior to step b) , the step of positioning a second retaining member at the second lateral region for retaining said second lateral region . The retaining members can selectively retain the tire component in the first lateral region and the second lateral region . Preferably, no retaining member is provided at the central region . Hence, the central region of the tire component can be allowed to slightly move .

In an alternative embodiment , the method comprises the step of providing a retaining member having a plurality of retaining elements distributed along the cutting line, wherein step b ) comprises selectively actuating the retaining elements at the first lateral region and/or the second lateral region . By actuating individual retaining elements , a higher accuracy can be obtained . By simultaneously actuating groups of retaining elements , the retaining member can be simpler and/or more cost ef ficient .

In a further embodiment , the method comprises using a cutting device according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the present invention .

According to a fourth aspect , the invention provides a method for cutting a tire component along a cutting line, wherein the method comprises the steps of : a) providing the tire component at the cutting line on a support surface extending in a support plane ; b) pressing a first lateral edge of the tire component onto the support surface at the cutting line by moving a pressing device in a pressing direction transverse to the support plane ; c) moving the pressing device along the cutting line from the first lateral edge to a second lateral edge of the tire component opposite to the first lateral edge while applying a pressing force onto the tire component in the pressing direction; and d) cutting through the tire component along the cutting line .

By pressing the pressing device in the pressing direction said pressing device can approach a lateral edge , in particular the wing or wing tip, of the tire component to be cut in the pressing direction, i . e . from above , instead of in the cutting direction . Hence , the lateral edge of the tire component can be pressed against the support surface without folding said lateral edge over the body of the tire component . Accordingly, the tire component can be cut more reliably .

In an embodiment thereof , the support surface comprises one or more retaining members at the cutting line for retaining the tire component , wherein step b) comprises pressing the tire component on the one or more retaining members . The retaining members can reliably retain the tire component when said tire component has been pressed down by the pressing device .

In a further embodiment , step a ) comprises aligning the first lateral edge along a lateral reference line . Additionally or alternatively, the method comprises , prior to step b ) , the step of detecting the first lateral edge . Hence , the lateral location of the movement of the pressing device in the pressing direction can be predetermined . Hence, said pressing device can press the lateral edge onto the support surface more accurately .

In a further embodiment , the method comprises using the cutting device according to any of the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention .

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 .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which : figures 1-4 show a cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention during exemplary steps of cutting a tire component ; figure 5 shows a section view according to the line V-V in figure 1 ; figures 6 shows a section view according to the line VI-VI in figure 2 ; figure 7 shows the section view of figure 6 during a further method step; figure 8 shows a section view according to the line VI I I-VI I I in figure 3 ; figure 9 shows the section view of figure 8 during a further method step; figure 10 shows a section view according to the line X-X in figure 4 ; figure 11 shows a section view of an alternative cutting device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and figure 12 shows a section view of a further alternative cutting device according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1-10 show a cutting device 1 for cutting a tire component 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention . In particular, the cutter 1 is arranged for cutting through the tire components 9 from a first longitudinal or lateral edge 91 to a second longitudinal or lateral edge 92 thereof . Said first lateral edge 91 and said second lateral edge 92 extend in the lateral direction of the tire component 9. Preferably, said tire component 9 is an unvulcanised or uncured tire component , such as a breaker cushion or a gum strip .

In the embodiment as shown, the cutting device 1 is arranged for subsequently cutting through two tire components 9 . The two tire components 9 are arranged on either or both sided of a central plane C . After cutting, both tire components 9 may for example be simultaneously applied to a tire building drum (not shown) such as a carcass drum. The respective longitudinal directions of said tire components 9 extend in parallel or substantially in parallel .

As is best shown in figures 1-4 , the cutting device 1 comprises a support surface 20 for supporting the tire components 9. The support surface 20 extends in a support plane P . The cutting device 1 further comprises a cutter 8 for cutting through the tire components 9 along a cutting line K . Said cutting line K extends across the support plane P in a cutting direction Y . The cutter 8 may for example comprise an ultrasonic blade or a heated knife .

In the embodiment as shown, the cutter 8 is a blade . The cutter 8 comprises a blade body 80 having a first blade surface 81 and a second blade surface 82 terminating in a cutting edge 83 . The second blade surface 82 is located opposite to the first blade surface 81 with respect to the blade body 80 . The first blade surface 81 faces away from the support plane P . Accordingly, the second blade surface 82 faces towards the support plane P .

As can best be seen in figure 1-4 , the cutting edge 83 extends away from the cutting line K at an oblique blade angle at a first side of said cutting line K . The blade angle is defined about an axis perpendicular to the support plane P . As is shown in figures 5-10 , the cutting edge 83 further extends at an acute skive angle with respect to the support plane P . Consequently, when the cutter 8 cuts through the tire component 9, downstream of the cutter 8 in the cutting direction Y, an inclined leading end LE is formed to the tire component 9 at the first side of the cutting line K . Accordingly, an inversely inclined trailing end TE is formed to the elastomeric profile 9 at a second side of the cutting K opposite to the first side .

In the embodiment as shown, the cutting device 1 comprises two conveyors 2 for conveying the tire components 9 in a transport direction T . Preferably, the respective longitudinal directions of the tire components 9 are in line with the transport direction T . The conveyors 2 form a part of the support surface 20 . Additionally or alternatively, the cutting device 1 may for example be provided with a cutting table to constitute at least a part of the support surface 20 .

As is further shown in figure 1-10 the cutting device 1 comprises a first retaining member 31 and a second retaining member 32 for retaining a first one of the two tire components 9 during the cutting thereof . The cutting device 1 further comprises a third retaining member 33 and a fourth retaining member 34 for retaining a second one or the other one of the two tire components 9 during the cutting thereof . In particular, the first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 form a part of the support surface 20 . In other words , the support surface 20 is provided with the first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 . The first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 are arranged along the cutting line K .

In this particular embodiment, the first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 are arranged upstream of the cutting line K in the transport direction T . The cutting device 1 further comprises a clamping element 5, such as a clamp bar or a clamp roll , for clamping the tire component downstream of the cutting line K in the transport direction T . Alternatively, the retaining members 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 may be arranged at the cutting line or downstream of the cutting line K in the transport direction T .

As is best shown in figures 5-10 , the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 are movable relative to each other in the cutting direction Y . In particular, the first retaining member 31 is movable in the cutting direction Y to position said first retaining member 31 at the first lateral edge 91 . The first retaining member 31 is arranged for retaining a first lateral region Z1 of the tire component 9 at said first lateral edge 91 . Accordingly, the second retaining member 32 is movable in the cutting direction Y to position said second retaining member 32 at the second lateral edge 92 . The second retaining member 32 is arranged for retaining a second lateral region Z2 of the tire component 9 at said second lateral edge 92 . As can further be seen in figures 6- 10 , a central region Z0 of the tire component 9 is defined between the first lateral region Z 1 and the second lateral region Z2 in the cutting direction Y . Said central region Z0 is not directly retained by the first retaining member 31 or the second retaining member 32 . Instead, said central region Z 0 may be allowed to slightly move relative to the first lateral region Z1 and the second lateral region Z2 . For example , the central region Z 0 may locally extend or compress in the cutting direction Y in reaction to the cutter 8 cutting through the tire component 9 .

Preferably, as is best shown in figures 5- 10 , the first lateral edge 91 is aligned along a lateral reference line R . Hence, the first retaining member 31 can be positioned at said lateral reference line R . The second lateral edge 92 may be positioned in accordance with a predetermined width of the tire component 9 between the first lateral edge 91 and the second lateral edge 92 . Alternatively, the respective positions of the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 along the cutting line may for example be adj usted manually, i . e . by an operator of the cutting device 1 .

In this particular embodiment , the cutting device comprises a first setting drive 35 for driving the movement of the first retaining member 31 back and forth in the cutting direction Y . The first setting drive 35 comprises a first spindle 37 and an associated first spindle nut 331 . Said first spindle nut 331 is movable in the cutting direction Y by a rotation of the first spindle 37 . The first spindle nut 331 is coupled to the first retaining member 31 for moving said first retaining member 31 in the cutting direction Y .

Accordingly, the cutting device 1 comprises a second setting drive 36 for driving the movement of the second retaining member 32 in the cutting direction Y . The second setting drive 36 comprises a second spindle 38 and an associated second spindle nut 332 which is coupled to the second retaining member 32 . Alternatively, the first spindle nut 331 and the second spindle nut 332 may be coupled to a single spindle having opposite treads at the first spindle nut 331 and the second spindle nut 332 . Hence, said first spindle nut 331 and said second spindle nut 332 may be movable with respect to one another using only a single spindle .

Analogue to the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 are movable relative to each other in the cutting direction Y as well . The third retaining member 33 is movable in the cutting direction Y to position said third retaining member 33 at the first lateral edge 91 of the second tire component 9 . Accordingly, the fourth retaining member 34 is movable in the cutting direction Y to position said fourth retaining member 34 at the second lateral edge 92 of the second tire component 9. In particular, said third retaining member 33 and said fourth retaining member 34 are arranged for respectively retaining a first lateral region Z 1 at the first second lateral region Z2 of the second tire component 9 at the second lateral edge 92 of the second tire component 9 . Preferably, the second lateral edge 92 of the second tire component 9 is aligned with a further lateral reference line R .

In the embodiment as shown in figures 5- 10 , the third retaining member 33 is coupled to a third spindle nut

333 associated with the second spindle 38 . Accordingly, the fourth retaining member 34 is coupled to a fourth spindle nut

334 associated with the first spindle 37 . In other words , the first setting drive 35 is arranged for simultaneously adj usting the respective positions of the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 in the cutting direction Y . Accordingly, the second setting drive 36 is arranged for simultaneously adj usting the respective positions of the second retaining member 32 and the third retaining member 33 in the cutting direction Y . The first spindle 37 has reversed or opposite treads on the respective sides of the central plane C, such that a rotation of the spindle 37 causes the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 to move in opposite directions along the cutting line K . Analogously, the second retaining member 32 and the third retaining member 33 are arranged to move in opposite directions along the cutting line upon a rotation of the second spindle 38 . Preferably, the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 are arranged to move symmetrically with respect to the central plane C . Accordingly, the second retaining member 32 and the third retaining member 33 are arranged to move symmetrically with respect to the central plane C .

The first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 each comprise one or more retaining elements 30 for retaining the respective tire components 9 . Said retaining elements 30 may for example comprise vacuum cups , vacuum bores or vacuum holes . Preferably, the vacuum cups , vacuum bores or vacuum holes have an increased diameter or surface area at the support plane P . In other words , the respective openings of the vacuum cups , vacuum bores or vacuum holes debouching into the support plane P have an increased diameter or surface area as compared to the diameter or surface area below the support plane P . This may reduce the vacuum force needed to retain the tire component 9.

Alternatively, the retaining elements may for example comprise retractable needles . When handling tire components comprising metal reinforcement cords , the retaining elements may for example comprise magnets . When handling tacky or sticky tire components , in particular uncured or unvulcanised tire components , such as a breaker cushion or a gum strip, the retaining elements 30 may comprise a smooth or polished metal surface . In particular, the retaining elements 30 may comprise a retaining surface having a better adherence than the surrounding support surface 20 .

As is shown in figures 1-10 , the cutting device 1 further comprises a pressing device 4 for pressing the tire components 9 onto the first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 . In particular, the pressing device 4 is arranged for pressing the tire components 9 onto the first retaining member 31 , the second retaining member 32 , the third retaining member 33 and the fourth retaining member 34 in a pressing direction B towards the support plane P . Said pressing direction B is transverse of perpendicular to the support plane P .

The pressing device 4 is movable in the cutting direction Y along the cutting line K . Preferably, the pressing device 4 is movable along the cutting line K together with the cutter 8 . In this embodiment, the cutting device 1 comprises a common base 44 for supporting the cutter 8 and the pressing device 4 . Said common base 44 is movable in the cutting direction Y along the cutting line K . Alternatively, the pressing device 4 may be movable along the cutting line K independent of the cutter 8 . Hence, the pressing device 4 may press the tire components 9 to the respective retaining members 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 prior to cutting .

The pressing device 4 comprises a pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 which is rotatable about a rotation axis transverse or perpendicular to the cutting line K . Said rotation axis extends parallel or substantially parallel to the support plane P . Preferably, the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 is freely rotatable about the rotation axis thereof . The pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 is arranged to roll over the tire component 9 in the cutting direction K while a pressing force is applied to said pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 in the pressing direction B .

As is best seen in figures 7 and 8 , the pressing device 4 is movable in the pressing direction B towards the support plane P and in a clearance direction A away from the support plane P . Said clearance direction A is transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P . Preferably, the clearance direction A is opposite to the pressing direction B .

As is shown in figures 5-8 , the tire component 9 forms a wing or wing tip W at the first lateral edge 91 thereof . Said wing or wing tip W is curled upwards , i . e . away from the support plane P . The pressing device 4 , in particular the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 , is movable in the clearance direction A into a clearance position spaced apart form the support plane P at a clearance height H . Preferably, said clearance height H is sufficiently large to allow the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 to be moved in the cutting direction Y without colliding with the wing or wing tip W of the tire component 9. The clearance height H may for example be a predetermined and/or pre-set height . Alternatively, the cutting device 1 may comprise one or more sensors (not shown) for measuring a required height , e . g . the height of the wing or wing tip W with respect to the support plane P . Accordingly, the clearance height H may be set at or above the measured required height . Preferably, said clearance height H is more than five millimetres to allow the pressing device 4 , in particular the pressing roller or the pressing wheel 40 , to pass over the wing tip W . Preferably, the clearance height H is between ten and one hundred millimetres . More preferably, the clearance height H is between twenty and eighty millimetres . Most preferably, the clearance height H is between twenty-five and sixty millimetres .

As is further shown in figures 5-10 , the cutting device 1 comprises a pressing drive 41 for driving the movement of the pressing device 4 in the pressing direction B and the clearance direction A. In particular, the pressing drive 41 is arranged to drive the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 in the pressing direction B and the clearance direction A relative to the common base 44 . The pressing drive 41 may for example comprise a linear drive, such as a pneumatic cylinder . Alternatively, the pressing drive 41 may for example comprise a servomotor and/or a crank shaft, a cam shaft or cam wheel to affect the movement of the pressing device 4 in the pressing direction B and the clearance direction B . The cutting device 1 further comprises a lateral drive 42 for driving the pressing device 4 in the cutting direction Y . In particular the lateral drive 42 is arranged for driving the common base 44 in the cutting direction Y . Alternatively, when the cutter 8 and the pressing device 4 are individually movable in the cutting direction Y, the cutting device 1 may additionally comprise a lateral cutter drive (not shown) for driving the movement of the cutter in the cutting direction Y .

As is further shown in figures 6-10 , the cutting device 1 further comprises a control unit 7 . In this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 7 is operably and/or functionally connected to the pressing drive 41 , the lateral drive 42 , the first setting drive 35 and the second setting drive 36. The cutting device 1 may further comprises one or more sensors (not shown) for detecting the first lateral edge 91 . The one or more sensors are operationally connected to the control unit 7 as well . Said one or more sensors may for example comprise a line camera or a probe .

The control unit 7 is arranged to position the retaining members 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 at the respective lateral regions Zl , Z2 of the tire components 9. The control unit 7 may for example be arranged control the first lateral drive 35 to position the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 along the respective lateral reference lines R . Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 7 may be arranged to position the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 along the first lateral edge

91 of the first tire component 91 and the second lateral edge

92 of the second tire component 9, respectively, in response to signals of the one or more sensors .

The control unit 7 may further be arranged to control the second lateral drive 36 to position the second retaining member 32 and the third retaining member 33 at the respective second lateral region Z2 of the first tire component 9 and the first lateral region Zl of the second tire component 9 . The control unit 7 may for example be arranged to position said retaining member 32 and said third retaining member 33 at a predetermined distance with respect to the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 , respectively . The control unit 7 may be derived to determine said predetermined distance for example from a predetermined or measured width of the tire component 9.

The control unit 7 is further arranged to control the pressing drive 41 to move the pressing device 4 from the clearance position in the pressing direction B to press the first lateral edge 91 , in particular the wing or wing tip W, of the first tire component onto the first retaining member 31 . In particular, the control unit 7 is arranged to control the pressing drive 41 to move the pressing device 4 in the pressing direction B at or near the lateral reference line R . Additionally, the control unit 7 may be operationally connected to the one or more sensors for measuring a required height . Preferably, the control unit 7 is arranged to set the clearance height H in response to the measured required height .

Preferably, the control unit 7 controls both the lateral drive 42 and the pressing drive 41 to af fect the movement of the pressing device 4 in the pressing direction B to press the first lateral edge 91 at the first retaining member 31 .

A method for cutting the tire component 9 will now be further discusses using figures 1-10 .

As is shown in figures 1 and 5 , the two tire components 9 have been placed on the support surface 20 at the cutting line K . The tire components 9 may for example have been transported past the cutting line K in the transport direction T by the conveyor 2 upstream of the cutting line K in the transport direction T . The tire components 9 are each located on a respective side of the central plane C . In particular, the tire components 9 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central plane C . The first lateral side 91 of the first tire component 9 has been aligned with the reference line R . Accordingly, the second lateral sider 92 of the second or further tire component 9 has been aligned with the second or further reference line R . Downstream of the cutting line K in the transport direction T, the tire components 9 are clamped by the clamping element 5.

As is shown in figures 2 and 6, the retaining members 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 have been moved to the respective lateral edged 91 , 92 of the tire components . In particular, the first setting drive 35 is driven to move the first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 in opposite directions in the cutting direction Y . The first retaining member 31 and the fourth retaining member 34 are moved into alignment with the respective reference lines R . Accordingly, the second setting drive 36 is driven to move the second retaining member 32 and the third retaining member

33 in opposite direction in the cutting direction Y . Preferably, the positions of the retaining member 31 , 32 , 33 ,

34 along the cutting line K are pre-set based on the dimensions of the tire components 9. Hence, the retaining members 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 need only to be moved when adapting to tire components 9 having a different width in the cutting direction Y and/or tire components with a different mutual spacing in the cutting direction Y .

As is shown in figure 7 , the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 has been positioned in the clearance position at the clearance height H with respect to the support plane P . In particular, the pressing drive 41 has been activated to move the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 in the clearance direction A towards the clearance position .

As is shown in figures 3 and 8 , the pressing device 4 has been displaced in the cutting direction Y towards the first lateral edge 91 of the first tire component 9 . In particular, the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 has been displaced in the cutting direction Y into a predetermined position relative to the lateral reference line R . As is best shown in figure 8 , in said predetermined position, the pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 is positioned above the wing tip W of the tire component 9. Next, as is shown in figure 9, the pressing drive 41 has been actuated to displace the pressing device 4 in the pressing direction B . The pressing roller or pressing wheel 40 has pressed the first lateral edge 91 or the wing tip W onto the first retaining element 31 . Said first retaining element 31 is now at least partially retaining the first lateral region Z 1 of the tire component 9.

As is further shown in figures 4 and 10 , the pressing device 4 has been displaced further in the cutting direction Y . Said pressing device 4 is now pressing the second lateral region Z2 of the tire component 9 onto the second retaining element 32 . Accordingly, the cutter 8 has been displaced in the cutting direction Y together with the pressing device 4 . As is best shown in figure 4 , the cutter 9 cuts into the tire component 8 along the cutting line K, thus forming a leading edge LE and a trailing edge TE on the respective sides of the cutting line K .

After the first tire component 9 has been cut, the abovementioned steps are repeated for the second tire component 9. The cutter 8 and the pressing device 4 are then returned to their initial positions . Subsequently, the tire components 9 may be transferred in the transport direction T and the entire cutting process may be repeated .

Optionally, when the retaining elements 30 comprise vacuum cups or vacuum bores , the method may further comprise the step of applying a positive pressure to said vacuum cups or bores . In particular, a gaseous medium, preferably air, is supplied to said vacuum cups or bores . The gaseous medium may help releasing the tire component 9 from the retaining elements 30 . Moreover, the gaseous medium may remove accumulated debris or contamination from the vacuum cups or bores .

Figure 11 shows an alternative cutting device 101 according to a further embodiment of the present invention . The cutting device 101 di ffers from the previously discussed cutting device 1 in that it comprises an alternative retaining member 103 . The retaining member 103 comprises a plurality of retaining elements 30 for retaining the tire component 9. The retaining elements 30 are distributed along the cutting line K . Preferably, said retaining elements 30 are equally distributed along the cutting line K . In other words , the retaining elements 30 are distributed at equal intervals . The retaining elements 30 are selectively controlled by the control unit 107 . Said control unit 107 is arranged to actuate the retaining elements 30 within the first lateral region Z1 and the second lateral region Z2 of the tire component 9 . Preferably, the retaining elements 30 within the central region Z0 are not actuated to allow said central region Z 0 to move with respect to the first lateral region Z1 and the second lateral region Z2 .

In the embodiment as shown, the retaining elements 30 are vacuum bores or vacuum cups . Alternatively, the retaining elements 30 for example be retractable needles which may be driven in the tire component, or magnets which may retain tire components comprising embedded metal chords . The cutting device 1 further comprises a valve arrangement 130 for selectively operating one or more of the retaining elements 30 . Said valve arrangement 130 is operationally connected to the control unit 107 .

Figure 12 shows a further alternative cutting device 201 according to a further embodiment of the present invention . The cutting device 201 dif fers from the initially described cutting device 1 in that it comprises an alternative pressing device 204 and a guide system 206 for guiding said pressing device 204 . The guide system 206 replaces the pressing drive 41 .

As is shown in figure 12 , the guide system 206 comprises two guide rails 261 which are arranged along the cutting line K . In particular, said guide rails 261 are arranged above the support plane P in the clearance direction A. The pressing device 204 is freely movable in the clearance direction A and the pressing direction B relative to the common base 244 . The pressing device 204 comprises two guide followers 241 each cooperating with a respective one of the guide rails 261 to move the pressing device 204 relative to the common base 204 in the clearance direction A and the pressing direction B .

The guide rails 261 each extend along a guide rail path . Said guide rail path is defined as height profile with respect to the support plane P . The height profile is designed to lift the pressing device 204 over the clearance height H in the clearance direction A upstream of the lateral reference line R in the cutting direction Y . The height profile is further designed to urge the pressing device 204 in the pressing direction B at or near the lateral reference line R .

Preferably, the pressing device 204 further comprises a biasing element 243 for exerting a biasing force on the tire component 9 in the pressing direction B . The biasing element 243 may further account for variations in the thickness of the tire component 9 in the clearance direction A by allowing the pressing device 204 to be displaced in the clearance direction against the biasing force . Although not shown in figures 5-11 , the previously described cutting devices 1 , 101 may be provided with a similar biasing element .

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 .

In summary, the invention relates to a cutting device for cutting a tire component, wherein the cutting device comprises a support surface for supporting the tire component, a cutter which is movable along a cutting line for cutting through the tire component on the support surface, and a pressing device which is movable along the cutting line for pressing the tire component onto the support surface, wherein the cutting device is arranged to move the pressing device from a first position at the support plane to a second position at a clearance height from said support plane in a clearance direction transverse or perpendicular to the support plane, and from the second position towards the first position in a pressing direction opposite to the clearance direction .

REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 cutting device

2 conveyor

20 support surface

30 retaining element

31 first retaining member

32 second retaining member

33 third retaining member

34 fourth retaining member

35 first setting drive

36 second setting drive

37 first spindle

38 second spindle

331 first spindle nut

332 second spindle nut

333 third spindle nut

334 fourth spindle nut

4 pressing device

40 pressing wheel

41 pressing drive

42 lateral drive

44 common base

5 clamping element

7 control unit

8 cutter

80 blade body

81 first blade surface

82 second blade surface

83 cutting edge 9 tire component

91 first lateral side

92 second lateral side

101 alternative cutting device

103 alternative retaining element

105 valve arrangement

107 alternative control unit

201 alternative cutting device

204 alternative pressing device

241 guide follower

242 alternative lateral drive

243 biasing element

244 alternative common base

206 guide system

261 guide rail

207 alternative control unit

LE leading end

TE trailing end

A clearance direction

B pressing direction

C Central plane

H clearance height

K cutting line

P support plane

R lateral reference line

T transport direction

W wing tip

Y cutting direction

Z0 central region

Z1 first lateral region

Z2 second lateral region