GB1468717A - Apparatus for and method of applying a strip of elastic material to a tyre bead - Google Patents

Abstract

1468717 Manufacturing apex strip and bead wire assemblies BRIDGESTONE TIRE KK 25 Nov 1974 50989/74 Heading B7C Apparatus for use in preparing a bead wire and open strip assembly BS comprises a plurality of radially movable bead wire holding members 20, and a plurality of strip support members 77 movable, see Fig. 7, to transfer the strip to an annular support surface 47 adjacent the radially outer periphery of the members 20. The strip S, when transferred, is deformed such that its inner periphery is contracted into engagement with the outer periphery of a bead wire B supported by the members 20. In the illustrated apparatus a stationary housing 11 supports a shaft 14 rotatable by a motor 48, and axial movement of rod 23 relative to the shaft by means of a cylinder 40 causes the radial movement of the members 20. A housing 12 movable towards and away from the stationary housing 11 by means of a cylinder 59 supports a shaft 65 rotatable by a motor 92. Pivoting of the members 77 to transfer the strip is effected by a cylinder 88. In operation the end of a continuous length of strip material is applied a support member 77, when the latter is in its solid line position and motor 92 is energized to effect one revolution of the shaft 65. The length is then cut and the ends are joined together. A bead wire is placed on the radially collapsed members 20 prior to, during, or after applicaton of the strip to support members 77 and the members 20 are moved to their radially outer positions. The housing 12 is then moved to the Fig. 1 position, and the strip is transferred to the surface 47 to thus contact the bead wire. Thereafter the cylinders 88, 59 are respectively retracted and extended. The strip may be forced against the bead wire to increase the bond by means of a stitcher roller 101 being moved into contact with the strip and the shaft 14 (and thus members 20 and surface 47) being rotated by motor 48. Finally, the members 20 are moved radially inwardly and the bead wire and apex strip assembly is removed. The housing 11 may be movable towards housing 12, and the housing 12 may then be stationary or movable towards the housing 11. Where the stitching roller is unnecessary, the shaft 14 will not be rotatable. If the roller is necessary, it may be rotated around the axis of the shaft 14, or the shaft 14 may be rotated manually. The shaft 65 may also be rotated manually.