Machines and methods for manufacturing of an object closed onto itself

Abstract

A machine for manufacturing tyre components, which machine includes a first part or combination of parts for guiding and carrying a tyre material to be arranged round itself, which part can change form in controlled manner between a first form and a second form. The machine may also comprises means for folding the tyre material arranged round the first part or combination of parts, which includes a number of folding members movable relative to each other, which folding members can engage on the tyre material for folding and can therein move inside recesses provided for this purpose in the first part or combination of parts. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing tyre components.

1 . Machine ( 1 ) for manufacturing a component of a car tyre, which machine comprises first means ( 4 ′) for guiding and supporting a tyre material to be arranged round the first means, characterized in that the machine also comprises sixth means ( 20 ) for folding the tyre material arranged round the first means, for which purpose the sixth means comprise a number of folding members ( 21 ) movable relative to each other, which folding members can engage on the tyre material for folding and can therein move inside recesses ( 22 ) provided for this purpose in the first means. 
     
     
         2 . Machine as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the sixth means also comprise pressing members ( 23 ) for pressing together the folded tyre material. 
     
     
         3 . Machine as claimed in  claim 2 , characterized in that folding members ( 21 ) are arranged on both sides of the tyre material for engaging on edges of the tyre material for folding. 
     
     
         4 . Machine as claimed in  claim 3 , characterized in that the pressing members ( 23 ) are arranged on both sides of the tyre material for in between the pressing member ( 23 ) pressing the edges of the tyre material against each other. 
     
     
         5 . Machine as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the machine also comprises seventh means ( 11 ) for displacing the first means from a first position, for instance for splicing the tyre material, to a second position, for instance for folding the tyre material, and vice versa. 
     
     
         6 . Machine as claimed in  claim 5 , characterized in that the machine also comprises a second set of first means ( 4 ′), which second set is conversely displaced from the second to the first position when the first means are displaced from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. 
     
     
         7 . Method for manufacturing a component of a car tyre, comprising the step of arranging a tyre material round first means ( 4 ′) provided for this purpose, characterized in that the method also comprises the step of folding the tyre material arranged round the first means by means of folding members ( 21 ) provided for this purpose and movable relative to each other, by causing these folding members to engage on the tyre material for folding and to therein move inside recesses ( 22 ) provided for this purpose in the first means. 
     
     
         8 . Method as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that the method also comprises the step of pressing together the folded tyre material by means of pressing members ( 23 ) provided for this purpose by causing these pressing members to engage on the folded tyre material. 
     
     
         9 . Method as claimed in  claim 8 , characterized in that the pressing members engage the folded tyre material on opposite sides. 
     
     
         10 . Method as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that the method also comprises of displacing the first means from a first position, for instance for splicing the tyre material, to a second position, for instance for folding the tyre material, and vice versa by means of seventh means ( 11 ) provided for this purpose. 
     
     
         11 . Method as claimed in  claim 10 , characterized in that the method also comprises of displacing a second set of first means ( 4 ′) from the second position to the first position during displacement of the first means from the first position to the second, and vice versa.