VEHICLE WHEELS

The present invention regards a process and an apparatus for building tyres for vehicle wheels.

In particular, the invention can be conveniently employed for improving the coupling of a carcass sleeve with an outer sleeve during the building of a tyre.

A tyre for vehicle wheels generally comprises a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply having respectively opposite end flaps engaged with respective anchoring annular structures, integrated in the zones normally identified with the name "beads", having an internal diameter substantially corresponding to a so- called "fitting diameter" of the tyre on a respective mounting rim. The carcass structure is associated with a belt structure which can comprise one or more belt layers, situated in radial superimposition with respect to each other and with respect to the carcass ply, having textile or metallic reinforcement cords with cross orientation and/or orientation substantially parallel to the circumferential extension direction of the tyre (at 0 degrees). In radially outer position with respect to the belt structure, a tread band is applied, also made of elastomeric material like other semifinished product constituents of the tyre.

Respective sidewalls made of elastomeric material are also applied in axially outer position on the lateral surfaces of the carcass structure, each extended from one of the lateral edges of the tread band up to the respective anchoring annular structure at the beads. In the tyres of "tubeless" type, an air impermeable coating layer - normally termed "liner" - covers the inner surfaces of the tyre.

The building of a green tyre essentially provides that the carcass ply/plies, the anchoring annular structures and/or other components of the carcass structure are made and/or mutually assembled on a building drum to form a so-called "carcass sleeve" having substantially cylindrical shape.

The carcass sleeve is then shaped according to a toroidal configuration, in order to be coupled with a so-called "outer sleeve", previously attained by making and/or assembling together the belt layers, the tread band and/or other components. Also known are building processes, of the type termed "single- step", in which the action of shaping the carcass sleeve for the purpose of the assembly with the outer sleeve is executed by axially approaching two axially opposite half parts of the building drum, such that the assembly can be completed without having to remove the carcass sleeve from the building drum.

Other building processes, of the type termed "two-step", require the use of a so-called shaping drum, used for the purpose of coupling the carcass sleeve with the outer sleeve. In these processes, it is required that the carcass sleeve made on the building drum be transferred on the shaping drum for the execution and assembly with the outer sleeve.

Following the building of the green tyre actuated by assembly of respective components, a moulding and vulcanisation treatment is generally executed, aimed to determine the structural stabilisation of the tyre by cross-linking the elastomeric compositions as well as to imprint thereon, if requested, a desired tread design and possible distinctive graphic marks at the sidewalls of the tyre. The term "axial" and the expression "axially inner/outer" are used with reference to the axial direction of the rotation axis of a tyre, of a carcass sleeve or of an outer sleeve, as well as of a building drum or of a shaping drum employed during the building. The terms "radial" and "axial" and the expression "radially inner/outer" are used with reference to the radial direction (i.e. to a direction perpendicular to the respective rotation axis) of a tyre, of a carcass sleeve or of an outer sleeve, as well as of a building drum or of a shaping drum employed during the building. A radial plane of the tyre, of a carcass sleeve or of an outer sleeve, as well as of a building drum or of a shaping drum contains the respective rotation axis thereof.

US 5,861,079 describes an apparatus for building tyres, comprising a transfer ring for a carcass sleeve or a belt ring having gripping elements that are circumferentially spaced and radially movable in order to come into contact with the carcass or the belt. W02008007398, in the name of the same Applicant, describes a process in which a tyre is built on a toroidal support, having an outer shaping surface coinciding with the inner shape of the finished tyre. Before proceeding with the vulcanisation of the tyre, the beads thereof are moulded, shutting each between the toroidal support and an annular restraining portion axially opposed to the toroidal support itself. The restraining portions keep the beads of the tyre shut during the transfer thereof with the toroidal support within a vulcanisation mould and during the vulcanisation. W02008007400, in the name of the same Applicant, describes a process in which a green tyre is removed from a building drum and transferred into a moulding and prevulcanisation station, in which the beads are each shut between two restraining surfaces in order to be moulded and prevulcanised. The beads are maintained shut between the restraining surfaces during the transfer of the tyre within a vulcanisation mould and during the vulcanisation.

The Applicant has observed that in the two-step building processes, the quality of the final product in terms of geometric and structural precision, balancing of the masses, repetitiveness of the results, can be lower than the expectations. On such matter, the Applicant deems that in the two-step building processes, a critical aspect in terms of final product quality is represented by the need to remove the carcass sleeve from the building drum and engage it on the shaping drum for the execution of the assembly. In particular, the Applicant has observed that when the building drum is removed from the carcass sleeve, the latter tends to be deformed due to the force of gravity and/or internal tensions present in the components of the tyre, altering the geometric configuration previously set thereto during the building on the building drum.

These deformations can be in part corrected when the carcass sleeve is engaged on the shaping drum, but the initial shape of the carcass sleeve is not always restored in a sufficiently precise manner. It follows that the coupling of the carcass sleeve with the outer sleeve can occur in a non-optimal manner, and/or in the presence of deformations or distortions that can affect the final product.

The Applicant has however perceived that by suitably supporting the carcass sleeve during the steps of removal of the building drum and coupling with the shaping drum, it is possible to suitably oppose undesired structural distortions thereof and achieve significant qualitative improvements.

More particularly, it was found that by engaging and retaining the carcass sleeve at the beads during the removal from the building drum and the transfer thereof to the shaping drum, it is possible to obtain an improved centring of the carcass sleeve, effectively obstructing undesired structural distortions thereof.

In a first aspect thereof, the invention thus regards a process for building tyres for vehicle wheels.

Preferably, provision is made for forming on a building drum a carcass sleeve comprising at least one carcass ply having end flaps engaged with respective annular reinforcing structures incorporated in respective beads.

Preferably, provision is made for picking up the carcass sleeve from the building drum.

Preferably, provision is made for engaging the carcass sleeve on a shaping drum.

Preferably, provision is made for toroidally shaping the carcass sleeve carried by the shaping drum to couple it with an outer sleeve comprising a belt structure.

Preferably, picking up the carcass sleeve comprises arranging the building drum carrying the carcass sleeve in coaxial and axially centred position between two gripping members mutually side by side and coaxial with respect to an alignment axis.

Preferably, picking up the carcass sleeve comprises gripping each of the beads of the carcass sleeve by means of a plurality of coupling elements carried by each of the gripping members and circumferentially distributed around the alignment axis. Preferably, picking up the carcass sleeve comprises contracting the building drum to disengage it from the carcass sleeve retained by the coupling elements.

According to a further aspect, the invention regards an apparatus for building tyres for vehicle wheels.

Preferably, provision is made for a building drum, a shaping drum, and a conveyor configured for picking up a carcass sleeve from the building drum and arranging it on the shaping drum. Preferably, the conveyor comprises two gripping members mutually side by side and coaxial with respect to an alignment axis.

Preferably, each gripping member comprises an annular support. Preferably, each gripping member comprises a plurality of coupling elements carried by the annular support and circumferentially distributed around the alignment axis. Preferably, each coupling element has a support stem slidably engaged with the annular support of the respective gripping member.

Preferably, each coupling element has a gripping protrusion which protrudes axially from the support stem towards the other gripping member.

The Applicant deems that the retention action exerted on the beads allows fixing the mutual positioning thereof even when, following the contraction of the building drum, there is no more mechanical support action exerted thereby on the carcass sleeve. The positioning stability of the beads prevents deformations and distortions due to internal tensions or due to the weight of the components, and arranges the carcass sleeve in optimal conditions for a subsequent engagement with the shaping drum. Also preserved is an easy introduction and extraction of the building drum and of the shaping drum with respect to the carcass sleeve itself, both for the purpose of transfer of the carcass sleeve on the shaping drum, and for the purpose of the removal of the shaping drum carrying the carcass sleeve for the subsequent step of assembly with an outer sleeve.

In one of the aforesaid aspects, the present invention can also comprise one or more of the following preferred characteristics. Preferably, before contracting the building drum, an action of retaining the carcass sleeve is actuated by means of a retention action distributed on a radially outer surface thereof.

The retention action on the radially outer surface assists the retention of the beads by the coupling elements, so as to facilitate an effective maintenance of the shape of the carcass sleeve in the absence of the building drum. Undesired distortions of the carcass sleeve are in fact prevented, for example due to internal tensions in the components of the carcass sleeve itself and/or due to the weight. Preferably, the action of retaining the carcass sleeve is maintained during at least one part of the action of engaging the carcass sleeve on the shaping drum.

Preferably, retaining the carcass sleeve comprises placing a plurality of retaining elements against the radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve.

Preferably, retaining the carcass sleeve comprises fixing said radially outer surface against the retaining elements by means of attraction actions towards the retaining elements themselves. Preferably, gripping each bead comprises radially translating the coupling elements of each gripping member towards said alignment axis, to position gripping protrusions of the coupling elements themselves at a smaller diameter than an internal diameter of the beads.

Preferably, gripping each bead comprises axially translating the coupling elements towards the carcass sleeve, to position the gripping protrusion of each coupling element in a position radially aligned with the respective bead.

Preferably, gripping each bead comprises radially translating the coupling elements away from the alignment axis, to bring the gripping protrusion of each coupling element against a radially inner edge of the respective bead. Preferably, gripping each bead comprises radially translating the coupling elements of each gripping member towards said alignment axis, to position gripping protrusions of the coupling elements themselves in axial alignment with an undercut defined along an axially outer circumferential edge of the respective bead. Preferably, gripping each bead comprises axially translating the coupling elements towards the carcass sleeve, to position the gripping protrusion of each coupling element in engagement relationship with said undercut.

Preferably, the building drum is axially extracted with respect to the gripping members, after the action of contracting the building drum.

Preferably, the action of engaging the carcass sleeve on the shaping drum comprises axially inserting the shaping drum in a position coaxially centred in the carcass sleeve retained by the gripping members.

Preferably, the action of engaging the carcass sleeve on the shaping drum comprises radially expanding annular shoulders carried by each of two axially opposite half parts of the shaping drum, from a contracted condition in which a maximum diameter of the annular shoulders is smaller than an internal diameter of the beads, to an expanded condition in which said maximum diameter is greater than the internal diameter of the beads. Preferably, the action of engaging the carcass sleeve on the shaping drum comprises moving the annular shoulders axially away from each other in the expanded condition, in order to carry each of them against an axially inner wall of one of the beads. Preferably, the action of engaging the carcass sleeve on the shaping drum comprises radially expanding annular gripping elements carried by each of two axially opposite half parts of the shaping drum, from a contracted condition in which a maximum diameter of the annular gripping elements is smaller than an internal diameter of the beads, to an expanded condition in which each annular gripping element operates in radial thrust relationship against a radially inner edge of one of the beads. Preferably, the action of retaining the carcass sleeve is maintained at least until completion of the action of moving the annular shoulders axially away from each other in the expanded condition. Preferably, before radially expanding the annular gripping elements, said coupling elements are disengaged from the beads. Preferably, disengaging the coupling elements from the beads comprises axially translating the coupling elements away from the carcass sleeve, to position each gripping protrusion in axially outer position with respect to the respective bead. Preferably, disengaging the coupling elements from the beads comprises radially translating the coupling elements away from the alignment axis, to position the gripping protrusions according to a minimum diameter greater than a maximum diameter presented by the carcass sleeve. Preferably, disengaging the coupling elements from the beads also comprises radially translating the coupling elements towards the alignment axis in order to space each gripping protrusion from the radially inner surface of the respective bead, before axially translating the coupling elements away from the carcass sleeve. Preferably, each gripping member also comprises at least one actuator, carried by the annular support and operating on one or more of the coupling elements to move them radially with respect to the alignment axis between a contracted condition and an expanded condition.

Preferably, said actuator comprises a first cylinder active on the support stem, and an additional cylinder operating against a contrast bracket rigidly carried by the annular support.

Preferably, the first cylinder and the additional cylinder are mechanically connected in series to selectively position the coupling element in the contracted condition, in the expanded condition, and in an intermediate condition between the contracted condition and the expanded condition.

Preferably, when the coupling element is in the intermediate condition the first cylinder and the additional cylinder are each in a respective limit stop condition.

Preferably, the radial positioning of the coupling element in the intermediate condition is mechanically determined by limit stops in both the first cylinder and the additional cylinder. In such a manner, greater precision in the positioning of the coupling elements in the intermediate position is obtained. Preferably, the conveyor also comprises at least one axial movement device for axially translating the coupling elements of the gripping members in mutual approaching and moving away. Preferably, the axial movement device operates on the annular supports of the gripping members.

Preferably, the axial movement device comprises at least one actuator, carried by a central support ring axially arranged between the gripping members.

Preferably, radially outer retaining elements are also provided for, distributed according to a substantially cylindrical area of action between the gripping members and activatable to retain a radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve. Preferably, the retaining elements comprise suction cups activatable through a suction circuit.

Preferably, the retaining elements are carried by arms axially overhanging from the annular support of each gripping member towards the other gripping member. Preferably, each of the retention elements is movable radially towards and away from the alignment axis.

Preferably, each of the retention elements is engaged with the respective arm by means of a radial movement actuator. Preferably, the shaping drum comprises two half parts that are axially movable with respect to each other.

Preferably, each half part comprises a radially expandable annular shoulder.

Preferably, each half part comprises a radially expandable annular gripping element, arranged in axially outer position with respect to said annular shoulder.

Preferably, the annular shoulder of each half part has an axial thrust surface facing axially away from the other half part of the shaping drum.

Preferably, the annular shoulder of each half part comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed and radially movable abutment sectors.

Preferably, the annular gripping element of each half part comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed and radially movable expansion sectors.

Preferably, the annular gripping element of each half part also comprises an elastomeric ring fit around the expansion sectors and having a radially outer thrust surface.

Further characteristics and advantages will be clearer from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a process and an apparatus for building tyres for vehicle wheels, in accordance with the present invention. Such description will be set forth hereinbelow with reference to the enclosed drawings, provided only as a non-limiting example, in which:

- figure 1 schematically shows a side view of the apparatus according to the present invention integrated in a plant for building tyres;

- figure 2 shows a perspective view of a building drum carrying a carcass sleeve, arranged in a relationship of axial alignment with a conveyor;

- figure 3 shows, in an interrupted perspective view, a particular structure of the conveyor of figure 2;

- figure 4 shows, partially in diameter section, the building drum carrying the carcass sleeve, inserted coaxially and in axially centred position in the conveyor;

- figure 5 shows an operating step subsequent to figure 4, in which coupling elements were radially approached to an alignment axis;

- figure 6 shows an operating step subsequent to figure 5, in which the coupling elements were radially approached to the beads of the carcass sleeve;

- figure 7 shows an operating step subsequent to figure 6, in which retaining elements are brought against the radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve, while the coupling elements were radially moved away in order to engage the beads;

- figure 8 shows an operating step in which the building drum is radially contracted in order to be removed by the transfer, while the retaining elements operate against the radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve, and the coupling elements retain the beads;

- figure 9 shows an operating step in which a shaping drum, arranged in a radially contracted condition, was coaxially inserted in axially centred position in the carcass sleeve retained by the retaining elements and by the coupling elements;

- figure 10 shows an operating step in which axially inner annular shoulders of the shaping drum were radially expanded;

- figure 11 shows an operating step in which axially opposite half parts of the shaping drum were axially moved away to bring the annular shoulders against axially inner walls of the beads;

- figure 12 shows an operating step in which the coupling elements are disengaged from the beads, retained by the annular shoulders;

- figure 13 shows an operating step in which the coupling elements are positioned radially moved away from the alignment axis, while annular gripping elements are expanded against radially inner edges of the beads and the retaining elements have disengaged the outer surface of the carcass sleeve;

- figure 14 shows an embodiment variant of the apparatus in an operating step in which the coupling elements were radially approached to the alignment axis; - figure 15 shows the embodiment variant of the apparatus during the engagement of the beads by the coupling elements, while the retaining elements are brought against the carcass sleeve;

- figure 16 shows the embodiment variant of the apparatus with the shaping drum inserted in the carcass sleeve retained by the retaining elements and by the coupling elements;

- figure 17 shows the embodiment variant with the annular gripping elements and the annular shoulders of the shaping drum activated against the beads;

- figure 18 shows the embodiment variant with the coupling elements removed from the beads and the retaining elements removed from the radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve;

- figure 19 schematically shows, in radial section, a tyre for vehicle wheels that is attainable in accordance with the present invention. With particular reference to figure 1, reference number 1 overall indicates an apparatus for building tyres usable for actuating a building process according to the present invention.

One example of a tyre typically attainable by means of the apparatus 1 is represented in figure 19 and overall indicated with 2. The tyre 2 comprises a carcass structure 3 having at least one carcass ply 4. A layer of impermeable elastomeric material or so- called liner 5 can be applied inside the carcass ply/plies 4. Two anchoring annular structures 6, each comprising a so-called bead- core 6a carrying an elastomeric filler 6b in a radially outer position, are engaged with respective end flaps 4a of the carcass ply/plies 4. The anchoring annular structures 6 are integrated in proximity to zones normally identified with the term "beads" 7, at which the engagement between the tyre 2 and a respective mounting rim normally occurs. A belt structure 8, comprising one or more belt layers 8a, 8b, is extended circumferentially around the carcass structure 3, and a tread band 9 is circumferentially superimposed on the belt structure 8. The belt structure 8 can be associated with so-called "under-belt inserts" 10, each situated between the carcass ply/plies 4 and one of the axially opposite terminal edges of the belt structure 8.

Two sidewalls 11 are applied in lateral opposite positions on the carcass ply/plies 4. Each sidewall has a radially inner apex 11a joined to the corresponding bead 7 and a radially outer terminal portion lib possibly joined to an axially outer apex 12 carried by the tread band 9 at an axially outer end 9a thereof.

The apparatus 1 is integrated in a plant arranged for building tyres in which a carcass production line 13, an outer sleeve production line 14 and an assembly station 15 can be identified, schematically indicated with dashed line in figure 1.

In the carcass production line 13, at least liner 5, beads 7, carcass ply or plies 4 and preferably at least one part of the sidewalls 11 are made and/or mutually assembled, in order to attain a substantially cylindrical carcass sleeve 16 on at least one building drum 17 moved according to a pre-established path through a plurality of work stations, not represented and not described in detail since they can be attained in any convenient manner.

Belt layers 8a, 8b, tread band 9 and preferably at least one part of the sidewalls 11 are made and/or mutually assembled in the outer sleeve production line 14, in order to attain a substantially cylindrical outer sleeve 18 on at least one auxiliary drum 19 moved according to a pre-established path through a plurality of further work stations, not represented and not described in detail since they can be attained in any convenient manner.

The paths followed by the building drums 17 and by the auxiliary drums 19 respectively in the carcass production line 13 and in the outer sleeve production line 14 converge towards the assembly station 15.

Operating in the assembly station 15 are at least one shaping drum 20 that is adapted to receive the carcass sleeve 16 previously removed from the building drum 17, and a transfer ring 21 operatively couplable with the auxiliary drum 19 and with the shaping drum 20. The transfer ring 21 is adapted to pick up the outer sleeve 18 from the auxiliary drum 19, to retain it in axially centred position with respect to the shaping drum 20 coaxially inserted within the outer sleeve 18 while the latter is retained by the transfer ring itself. The shaping drum 20 has two half parts 20a axially movable in mutual approaching and moving away. Following a mutual axial approaching of the half parts 20a of the shaping drum 20, the carcass sleeve 16, initially attained according to the substantially cylindrical shape of the building drum 17, assumes a substantially toroidal shape. Hence, the mutual assembly is obtained between the carcass sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 18 previously placed in axially centred position around the shaping drum 20. The green tyre 2 thus obtained is adapted to be subsequently subjected to a moulding and vulcanisation treatment.

The transfer of the carcass sleeve 16 from the building drum 17 to the shaping drum 20 occurs by means of the aid of a conveyor overall indicated with 22 in figures 1 and 2.

The conveyor 22 comprises two gripping members 23 mutually side by side and coaxial with respect to a mutual alignment axis x-x.

Preferably, the gripping members 23 are slidably guided with respect to a central support ring 24, axially interposed between the same in an axial centre line plane M. At least one axial movement device 25, for example operatively carried by the central support ring 24, is activatable for moving the gripping members 23 axially in mutual approaching and moving away. The axial movement device 25 can for example comprise at least one rotary actuator that drives two racks respectively carried by drive bars 26 axially projecting from each of the gripping members 23 towards the central support ring 24.

Each of the gripping members 23 comprises an annular support 27, preferably in disc form, carrying a plurality of coupling elements 28 circumferentially distributed around the alignment axis X-X. Each coupling element 28 has a support stem 28a slidably engaged with the annular support 27 of the respective gripping member 23, for example through a guide block 29 fixed to the same annular support 27.

At a radially inner end of each of the support stems 28a belonging to one of the gripping members 23, a gripping protrusion 30 is arranged that is axially projecting towards the other gripping member 23. The gripping protrusion 30 has an abutment surface 31 arranged to act against the bead 7 of the carcass sleeve 16.

In one embodiment, the abutment surface 31 faces radially outward, and is adapted to act against a radially inner edge of the respective bead 7.

In one possible embodiment variant, illustrated in figures 14 to 18, the abutment surface 31 faces axially inward, i.e. towards the axial centre line plane M, and is adapted to act against an undercut S defined along an axially outer circumferential edge of the respective bead 7. The undercut S is radially facing towards the alignment axis X-X, and the abutment surface 31 can be counter shaped thereto. At least one actuator carried by the annular support 27 operates on at least one of the coupling elements 28 in order to move it radially with respect to the alignment axis X-X, between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. In the illustrated example, provision is made for an actuator for each of the coupling elements 28, but it is possible that a single actuator can drive the simultaneous movement of multiple coupling elements 28 belonging to a same gripping member 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, each actuator comprises a first cylinder 32, with fluid-dynamic actuation, acting with a drive stem thereof on an attachment bracket 33 axially projecting from the support stem 28a. The first cylinder 32 can be directly fixed to the guide block 29, or slidably guided with respect to the latter and integral with an additional cylinder 34, which operates with a stem thereof against a contrast bracket 35 axially projecting from the guide block 29.

In other words, the first cylinder 32 and the additional cylinder 34 are mechanically connected in series in order to drive the movement of the coupling element 28 between the contracted condition and the expanded condition. The selective activation of the first cylinder 32 and of the additional cylinder 34 determines the selective positioning of the respective coupling element 28 in the expanded condition, in the contracted condition, and in an intermediate condition between the contracted condition and the expanded condition. Preferably, when the coupling element 28 is in the intermediate condition, the first cylinder 32 and the additional cylinder 34 are each in a respective limit stop condition. In other words, the radial positioning of the coupling element 28 in the intermediate condition is mechanically determined by limit stops in both the first cylinder 32 and the additional cylinder 34.

Preferably, the coupling elements 28 have a radial self-centring movement.

The conveyor 22 can also comprise radially outer retaining elements 36, distributed according to a substantially cylindrical area of action between the gripping members 23 and selectively activatable for retaining a radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve 16.

The retaining elements 36 can for example comprise suction cups pneumatically activatable through a non-illustrated suction circuit. In the illustrated example, the retaining elements 36 are carried by respective arms 37 axially and projectingly extended with respect to the annular support 27 of each gripping member 23. More particularly, provision is made such that each arm 37 extends overhanging from one of the guide blocks 29 fixed to the annular support 27 of the respective gripping member 23. In the illustrated example, each arm 37 carries three retaining elements 36 axially spaced from each other. The arms 37 carried by each of the gripping members 23 are each arranged between two of the arms 37 carried by the other gripping member 23. In other words, the arms 37 belonging to both of the gripping members 23 circumferentially follow each other according to an alternated sequence.

Provision can be made such that each of the retaining elements 36 is engaged with the respective arm 37 by means of a radial movement actuator 36a. The activation of the radial movement actuators 36a determines the movement of the retaining elements 36 between a work condition, in which they are radially approached with respect to the alignment axis X-X in order to operate on the outer surface of the carcass sleeve 16, and a rest condition in which they are radially moved away from the alignment axis X-X and spaced from the carcass sleeve 16.

The conveyor 22 is adapted to interact with the building drum 17 in order to pick up the carcass sleeve 16 previously formed thereon. For such purpose, the building drum 17, carrying the carcass sleeve 16, is arranged in an axial alignment X-X relationship with the conveyor 22 arranged with the coupling elements 28 and the retaining elements 36 in radially expanded condition, as in figures 1 and 2. In the illustrated example, the building drum 17 is supported by a robotic arm 38 and the conveyor 22 is supported by a movement arm 39.

With a movement of the conveyor 22 and/or of the building drum 17, the latter is arranged in coaxial and axially centred position between the gripping members 23, as in figure 4. The positioning of the coupling elements 28 in the expanded condition and of the retaining elements 36 in the rest condition allows the easy axial insertion of the building drum 17, in the absence of interferences between the carcass sleeve 16 and the components of the conveyor 22. Indeed, in the expanded condition, the gripping protrusions 30, as with the retaining elements 36, are preferably positioned tangent to an ideal circumference whose minimum diameter is greater than a maximum diameter presented by the carcass sleeve 16. Upon executed positioning, the actuators of the gripping members 23 are activated to position the coupling elements 28 in radially contracted condition exemplified in figure 5. In the example illustrated in figures 2 to 13, the combined activation of the first cylinders 32 and of the additional cylinders 34 radially translates, preferably in a self-centring manner, the coupling elements 28 of each gripping member 23 towards the alignment axis X-X, positioning the gripping protrusions 30 with the respective abutment surfaces 31 distributed according to diameter circumferences smaller than an internal diameter of the beads 7. By means of the axial movement device 25, the coupling elements 28 are translated axially and preferably symmetrically towards the carcass sleeve 16, to position the gripping protrusion 30 of each coupling element 28 with the abutment surface 31 thereof radially aligned with the respective bead 7, as exemplified in figure 6. In this circumstance, the gripping protrusions 30 of each gripping member 23 are traversed by a radial plane, also intersecting the respective bead 7.

A new activation of the actuators determines a radial translation of the coupling elements 28 away from the alignment axis X-X. The gripping protrusion 30 of each coupling element 28 is consequently brought with the abutment surface 31 thereof against the radially inner edge of the respective bead 7, as exemplified in figure 7, such that the beads 7 are effectively retained coaxial to the alignment axis X-X.

In the example illustrated in figures 2 to 13, this translation can be obtained by means of the activation of only the additional cylinders 34.

The operating sequence executed in the embodiment variant of figures 14 to 16 instead provides that, before the activation of the axial movement device 25, the activation of the actuators comprising for example only the first cylinders 32 brings the coupling elements 28 into the radially contracted condition, with the respective abutment surfaces 31 axially facing in axial alignment relationship with the undercut S defined along the axially outer circumferential edge of the respective bead 7, as exemplified in figure 14.

By means of the axial movement device 25, the coupling elements 28 are axially translated towards the carcass sleeve 16, positioning the gripping protrusion 30 of each coupling element 28 in engagement relationship with said undercut S, as exemplified in figure 15. The abutment surface 31 of each coupling element 28, having geometric shape substantially complementary to the undercut S, acts against the latter such that the beads 7 are effectively retained coaxial to the alignment axis X-X. Simultaneously with the above-described grasping of the beads 7, for example before, during or after the execution thereof, the activation of the retaining elements 36 can be actuated. For such purpose, the action of the radial movement actuators 36a, determines the approaching of the retaining elements 36 against the radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve 16, as exemplified in figures 7 and 15, while the activation of the aforesaid suction circuit determines the fixing of the radially outer surface by means of attraction actions towards the retaining elements themselves. The carcass sleeve 16 is thus subjected to a retention action 36 distributed on the radially outer surface thereof.

After having activated the retaining elements 36, these are preferably radially constrained to the coupling elements 28. This constraint prevents relative movements between the outer surface of the carcass sleeve 16 and the beads 7 to arise, which relative movements can create undesired deformations, in particular in the action of removing the building drum 17 as described hereinbelow. The building drum 17 can then be radially contracted, as exemplified in figure 8, in order to be axially extracted with respect to the gripping members 23 and consequently removed from the carcass sleeve 16, while the latter is firmly retained at the beads 7 and at the radially outer surface thereof, so as to not undergo significant deformations.

The carcass sleeve 16 is then adapted to be engaged on the shaping drum 20.

As is visible in figures 9 to 13 and figures 16 to 18, each of the half parts 20a of the shaping drum 20 preferably has an annular shoulder 40 and a radially expandable annular gripping element 41, preferably in a self-centring manner, arranged in axially outer position with respect to the annular shoulder 40.

The annular shoulder 40 of each half part 20a consists of a plurality of abutment sectors 42 which are circumferentially distributed and radially movable, preferably in a self-centring manner, between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. In the contracted condition, the abutment sectors 42 confer to the annular shoulder 40 a maximum diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the beads 7, so as to not obstruct the axial insertion of the carcass sleeve 16 on the shaping drum 20. In the expanded condition, the abutment sectors 42 confer to the annular shoulder 40 a maximum diameter greater than the internal diameter of the beads 7 and define, for each of the half parts 20a of the shaping drum 20, an axial thrust surface 40a facing axially away from the other half part.

The annular gripping element 41 of each half part 20a in turn comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed expansion sectors 43, around which an elastomeric ring 44 is fit, in elastic dilation condition; such elastomeric ring 44 has a radial thrust surface 44a facing towards the radially inner edge of the respective bead 7. The expansion sectors 43 are radially movable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. When the expansion sectors 43 are in the contracted condition, a maximum diameter of the annular gripping element 41, detectable externally on the elastomeric ring 44, is smaller than the internal diameter of the beads 7, so as to not obstruct the axial insertion of the carcass sleeve 16 on the shaping drum 20. When the expansion sectors 43 are in the expanded condition, the radial surface 44a of the elastomeric ring 44 acts against the radially inner edge of the respective bead 7 in order to exert a mechanical thrust action against it and, preferably, also an action of hermetic seal useful for the purpose of the subsequent step of shaping the carcass sleeve 16. The engagement of the carcass sleeve 16 with the shaping drum 20 provides that the latter be axially inserted in a position coaxially centred in the carcass sleeve itself, while the latter is retained by the gripping members 23 and by the retaining elements 36 of the conveyor 22, as exemplified in figures 9 and 16. The insertion can be executed by means of axial movement of the conveyor 22 with respect to the shaping drum 20, or vice versa.

The annular shoulders 40 carried by each of two half parts 20a are expanded, preferably in a self-centring manner by means of a self centring kinematic mechanism (not illustrated), from the contracted condition to the expanded condition, as in figure 10. With an axial moving away movement of the half parts 20a, the annular shoulders 40 are substantially moved away and preferably symmetrically with respect to each other in order to be approached to the respective beads 7, until each brings the axial thrust surface 40a thereof to act against an axially inner wall of the bead itself, as exemplified in figure 11. The axial translation of the annular shoulders 40 preferably occurs in a symmetric manner in order to prevent irregular axial movements of the carcass sleeve 16.

The retaining elements 36, up to now maintained active on the radially outer surface of the carcass sleeve 16, can now be deactivated and moved away from sleeve itself, or maintained active in engagement relationship up to the completion of the subsequent expansion of the annular gripping elements 41.

Preferably, disengaging the retaining elements 36 comprises radially translating the retaining elements 36 away from the alignment axis X-X, in order to position them according to an outer diameter greater than a maximum diameter presented by the carcass sleeve 16.

The expansion of the annular gripping elements 41 can be preceded by the disengagement of the coupling elements 28 from the beads 7, as in figure 12. More particularly, such disengagement can be actuated by axially translating coupling elements 28 away from the carcass sleeve 16, to position each gripping protrusion 30 in axially outer position with respect to the respective bead 7. Subsequently, the coupling elements 28 are translated away from the alignment axis X-X, in order to reposition the gripping protrusions 30 in the expanded condition. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 to 13, the axial moving away of the coupling elements 28 is preferably preceded by a radial translation of the coupling elements 28 towards the alignment axis X-X in order to space each gripping protrusion 30 from the radially inner surface of the respective bead 7, as displayed with a dashed line in figure 12. In the embodiment variant illustrated in figures 14 to 18, the disengagement of the beads 7 can instead occur also after the expansion of the annular gripping elements 41, without requiring the radial approaching of the coupling elements 28 before their mutual axial moving away. Upon reaching the expanded condition, the annular gripping elements 41 each operate in radial thrust relationship against the radially inner edge of the respective bead 7, as exemplified in figures 13, 17 and 18. The carcass sleeve 16 is at this point correctly engaged with the shaping drum 20, which can therefore be axially extracted from the conveyor 22 in the absence of mechanical interferences.

The shaping drum 20 carrying the carcass sleeve 16 will be subsequently brought into engagement relationship with the transfer ring 21 in the assembly station 15, in order to actuate - in a known manner - the shaping of the carcass sleeve 16 according to a toroidal configuration for the purpose of coupling with the outer sleeve 18.