Tire curing apparatus and tire curing method

Abstract

A tire curing apparatus having two guide rods, a mold having an upper mold and a lower mold, an upper plate, a lower plate, and an upper-mold raising/lowering device. Two clamp grooves (a first clamp groove and a second clamp groove) are formed on a path along which the upper plate moves on an outer peripheral surface of the guide rod. The upper plate has a clamping device. The clamping device is formed of a clamp block and fixes the upper plate by being fitted to the first or second clamp groove.

Claims

1. A tire curing apparatus comprising: a first plate to which a first mold provided with a bladder that heats and pressurizes a green tire is attached; a second plate to which a second mold is attached wherein the second plate is configured to cooperate with the first plate such that the bladder can be sandwiched between the first mold and the second mold; a cylindrical guide rod that is attached to the first plate and to the second plate and that guides relative movements of both the first plate and the second plate; a mold moving mechanism that relatively moves the first plate and the second plate along the guide rod; a mold pressurizing mechanism that applies pressure to both the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together and holds the first mold and the second mold in a closed state when the green tire is heated and pressurized by the bladder; and a clamping mechanism that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate and holds the first plate and the second plate in a closed state at a first clamp position or a second clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together when the green tire is heated and pressurized by the bladder, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises: a first clamp groove that is formed at the guide rod and that serves as the first clamp position; a second clamp groove that is formed at the guide rod and that serves as the second clamp position wherein the first clamp groove and the second clamp groove are longitudinally spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and a clamp portion that is disposed at least at either one of the first plate and the second plate wherein the clamp portion fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the clamp groove, wherein the clamp portion includes a clamp-portion adjusting mechanism which is configured to change a distance between the clamp portion and either the first plate or the second plate that is provided with the clamp portion, wherein the second plate is disposed above the first plate in a vertical direction, wherein a mold-height adjusting mechanism is connected to the first plate in order to change a height of the first mold.

2. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a position detecting means that is capable of detecting the clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together.

3. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the clamp grooves are formed.

4. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the clamp portion is disposed at the second plate.

5. A tire curing apparatus comprising: a first plate to which a first mold provided with a bladder that heats and pressurizes a green tire is attached; a second plate to which a second mold is attached wherein the second plate is configured to cooperate with the first plate such that the bladder can be sandwiched between the first mold and the second mold; a cylindrical guide rod that is attached to the first plate and to the second plate and that guides relative movements of both the first plate and the second plate; a mold moving mechanism that relatively moves the first plate and the second plate along the guide rod; a mold pressurizing mechanism that applies pressure to both the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together and holds the first mold and the second mold in a closed state when the green tire is heated and pressurized by the bladder; and a clamping mechanism that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate and holds the first plate and the second plate in a closed state at a first clamp position or a second clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together when the green tire is heated and pressurized by the bladder, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises: a clamp rod that is positioned at a surface, which faces the second plate, of the first plate, that is a cylindrical body formed so as to protrude in a direction of the second plate, and that has a first clamp groove, serving as the first clamp position and formed at a front-end side of the clamp rod, and a second clamp groove, serving as the second clamp position and formed at a front-end side of the clamp wherein the first clamp groove and the second clamp groove are longitudinally spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and a clamp portion that is disposed at the second plate and that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the clamp groove, or wherein the clamping mechanism comprises: a clamp rod that is positioned at a surface, which faces the first plate, of the second plate, that is a cylindrical body formed so as to protrude in a direction of the first plate, and that has a clamp groove serving as the clamp position and formed at a front-end side of the clamp rod; and a clamp portion that is disposed at the first plate and that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the clamp groove, wherein the clamp portion includes a clamp-portion adjusting mechanism that is capable of changing a distance between the clamp portion and either the first plate or the second plate that is provided with the clamp portion, wherein the second plate is disposed above the first plate in a vertical direction, wherein a mold-height adjusting mechanism is connected to the first plate in order to change a height of the first mold.

6. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the clamp portion is disposed at the second plate.

7. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the clamp grooves are formed.

8. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a position detecting means that is capable of detecting the clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together.

9. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a position detecting means that is capable of detecting the clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together.

10. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a position detecting means that is capable of detecting the clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together.

11. The tire curing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the clamp grooves are formed.

12. A tire curing apparatus comprising: a first plate to which a first mold provided with a bladder that heats and pressurizes a green tire is attached; a second plate to which a second mold is attached wherein the second plate is configured to cooperate with the first plate such that the bladder can be sandwiched between the first mold and the second mold; a cylindrical guide rod that is attached to the first plate and to the second plate and that guides relative movements of both the first plate and the second plate; a mold moving mechanism that relatively moves the first plate and the second plate along the guide rod; a mold pressurizing mechanism that applies pressure to both the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together and holds the first mold and the second mold a closed state when the green tire is heated and pressurized by the bladder; and a clamp mechanism that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate and holds the first plate and the second plate in a closed state at a clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together when the green tire is heated and pressurized by the bladder, wherein the clamping mechanism has at least one of a first clamping mechanism and a second clamping mechanism, wherein the first clamping mechanism comprises: a first clamp groove I serving as a clamp position I and formed at the guide rod a first clamp groove II serving as a clamp position II and formed at the guide rod wherein the first clamp groove I and the first clamp groove II are longitudinally spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and a first clamp portion disposed at least at either one of the first plate and the second plate wherein the first clamp portion fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the first clamp groove, wherein the second clamping mechanism compromises: a clamp rod that is positioned at a surface, which faces the second plate, of the first plate, that is a cylindrical body formed so as to protrude in a direction of the second plate, and that has second clamp grooves serving as the clamp positions, respectively, and formed at a front-end side of the clamp rod and at a plurality of mutually different positions in the longitudinal direction; and a second clamp portion that is disposed at the second plate and that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the second clamp groove, or wherein the second clamping mechanism compromises: a clamp rod that is positioned at a surface, which faces the first plate, of the second plate, that is a cylindrical body formed so as to protrude in a direction of the first plate, and that has second clamp grooves serving as the clamp positions, respectively, and formed at a front-end side of the clamp rod and at a plurality of mutually different positions in the longitudinal direction; and a second clamp portion that is disposed at the first plate and that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the second clamp groove, wherein at least one of the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion has a clamp-portion adjusting mechanism that is capable of changing a distance between the first clamp portion or the second clamp portion and either the first plate or the second plate that is provided with the first clamp portion or with the second clamp portion, wherein the second plate is disposed above the first plate in a vertical direction, wherein a mold-height adjusting mechanism is connected to the first plate in order to change a height of the first mold.

13. A tire curing method comprising: a mold closing step of relatively moving a first plate, to which a first mold provided with a bladder that heats and pressurizes a green tire is attached, and a second plate, to which a second mold configured such that the bladder can be sandwiched between the first mold and the second mold in cooperation with the first mold is attached, along a guide rod attached to the first plate and to the second plate to close the first mold and the second mold together; and a clamping step of fixing relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate and holding a closed state at a first clamp position or a second clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together, wherein a first clamp groove serving as the first clamp position is formed at the guide rod, wherein a second clamp groove serving as the second clamp position is formed at the guide rod such that the first clamp groove and the second clamp groove are longitudinally spaced apart by a predetermined distance, wherein a clamp portion that fixes relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate by being fitted to the clamp groove is formed at at-least either one of the first plate and the second plate, and the clamping step further includes a step of changing a distance between the clamp portion and either the first plate or the second plate that is provided with the clamp portion, wherein the second plate is disposed above the first plate in a vertical direction, wherein a mold-height adjusting mechanism is connected to the first plate in order to change a height of the first mold.

14. A tire curing method comprising: a mold closing step of relatively moving a first plate, to which a first mold provided with a bladder that heats and pressurizes a green tire is attached, and a second plate, to which a second mold configured such that the bladder can be sandwiched between the first mold and the second mold in cooperation with the first mold is attached, along a guide rod attached to the first plate and to the second plate to close the first mold and the second mold together; and a clamping step of holding the first plate and the second plate a closed state at a first clamp position or a second clamp position corresponding to a size of the first mold and the second mold that have been closed together, the clamping step including: a step of fixing relative positions of both the first plate and the second plate either by fitting a first clamp groove formed at a front end of a cylindrical clamp rod disposed at the first plate or the second plate to a clamp portion disposed at the second plate or first plate respectively or by fitting a second clamp groove formed at a front end of a cylindrical clamp rod disposed at the first plate or the second plate to a clamp portion disposed at the second plate or first plate respectively wherein the first clamp groove and the second clamp groove are longitudinally spaced apart by a predetermined distance; and a step of changing a distance between the clamp portion and either the first plate or the second plate that is provided with the clamp portion, wherein the second plate is disposed above the first plate in a vertical direction, wherein a mold-height adjusting mechanism is connected to the first plate in order to change a height of the first mold.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a conventional tire curing apparatus, and FIG. 1B is a schematic front view showing the structure of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 1A;

(2) FIG. 2A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is largest has been closed in a conventional tire curing apparatus, and FIG. 2B is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is smallest has been closed in the conventional tire curing apparatus;

(3) FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a first embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3B is a schematic front view of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;

(4) FIG. 4A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is largest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4B is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is smallest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;

(5) FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a tire curing apparatus that has a conventional clamp rod, and FIG. 5B is a schematic front view showing the structure of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 5A;

(6) FIG. 6A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is largest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 5A;

(7) FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a second embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 7B is a schematic front view of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 7A;

(8) FIG. 8A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is largest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is smallest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 7A;

(9) FIG. 9A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a conventional twin-type (two-mold) tire curing apparatus, and FIG. 9B is a schematic front view showing the structure of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 9A;

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a third embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied;

(11) FIG. 11A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a fourth embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 11B is a schematic front view of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 11A;

(12) FIG. 12A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is largest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12B is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is smallest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 11A;

(13) FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a guide-rod adjusting mechanism when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes largest, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the guide-rod adjusting mechanism when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes smallest;

(14) FIG. 14A is a schematic front view of a tire curing apparatus in which a pressurizing mechanism has a doughnut-type cylinder, and FIG. 14B is a schematic front view of a tire curing apparatus in which a pressurizing mechanism has a hydraulic-type cylinder; and

(15) FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes largest in a clamp adjusting mechanism of a fifth embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the clamp adjustment mechanism when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes smallest.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(16) Modes for carrying out the invention (which are hereinafter referred to simply as “embodiments”) will be hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.

(17) In all of the drawings to describe embodiments, the same or related reference sign is given to a functionally equivalent component, and a repetitive description of this component is omitted. The same applies to not only drawings that depict structures of embodiments of the present invention but also drawings that depict conventional apparatus structures.

(18) Additionally, in the following description, a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of a guide rod 1 is referred to as an “up-down direction” or “vertical direction” on the basis of FIG. 3B. Additionally, the position of a lower plate 10 with respect to an upper plate 5 is referred to as a “downward side (vertically downward side)” or “lower side” in the up-down direction (in the vertical direction) on the basis of FIG. 3B, and the position of the upper plate 5 with respect to the lower plate 10 is referred to as an “upward side (vertically upward side)” or “upper side” in the up-down direction (in the vertical direction) on the basis of FIG. 3B.

(19) Additionally, in the following description, a direction substantially perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction) is referred to as a left-right direction on the basis of FIG. 3B. Additionally, the position of a bladder 11a with respect to two guide rods 1 is referred to as “inside” or “inner side,” and the positions of the two guide rods 1 with respect to the bladder 11a are each referred to as “outside” or “outer side” in the left-right direction on the basis of FIG. 3B.

First Embodiment

(20) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

(21) FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of a first embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 3B is a schematic front view of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 3A. The structure shown below is an example of the present invention, and the contents of the present invention are not limited to this.

(22) A tire curing apparatus A that is the first embodiment of the tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is composed of two guide rods 1, a mold 2 consisting of an upper mold 2a and a lower mold 2b, an upper plate 5, a lower plate 10, and an upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

(23) The upper mold 2a mentioned here corresponds to a second mold defined in the claims of the present application, and the lower mold 2b corresponds to a first mold defined in the claims of the present application. Additionally, the upper plate 5 mentioned here corresponds to a second plate defined in the claims of the present application, and the lower plate 10 corresponds to a first plate defined in the claims of the present application. Additionally, the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 mentioned here corresponds to a mold moving mechanism defined in the claims of the present application.

(24) The guide rod 1 is a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped body that connects the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 10 together, and is a component that guides a movement that raises and lowers the upper plate 5 through the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8.

(25) The upper plate 5 is a plate-shaped component that attaches the upper mold 2a through a thermal insulation plate 7 and an upper heat plate 6a. Additionally, the upper plate 5 can ascend and descend through the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 as described above, and is configured to be capable of changing the distance between the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 10. In other words, the upper plate 5 and the upper mold 2a ascend and descend in a mutually united state, and serve to close and unclose the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b together.

(26) Additionally, the upper plate 5 has a clamping device 4 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). The clamping device 4 is formed of a clamp block 4a, and is a component that fixes the upper plate 5 by being fitted to a clamp groove 1a or a clamp groove 1b described later. The clamp block 4a mentioned here corresponds to a clamp portion defined in the claims of the present application. Additionally, the clamp block 4a and either the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b mentioned here correspond to a clamping mechanism defined in the claims of the present application.

(27) In other words, the clamp block 4a is, along with the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b, a constituent of a clamping mechanism that fixes the upper plate 5 at a tire curing position and holds the pressurizing force of the mold 2. A known structure provided in the conventional tire curing apparatus (see Patent Literature 2, for example) can be employed as a structure in which the upper plate 5 is fixed by fitting the clamp block 4a to either the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b, and therefore a detailed description of its contents is omitted.

(28) The lower plate 10 is a tabular component by which the lower mold 2b is attached through the screw 3b, which is a constituent of the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3, a mold pressurizing mechanism 9′, the thermal insulation plate 7, and the lower heat plate 6b. The lower plate 10 is one of a pair consisting of the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 10, and is a component that performs the closing of the mold 2 between these plates. Additionally, the lower plate 10 serves as a component that clamps the mold 2 in order to hold the pressurizing force of the mold 2 that has been closed in cooperation with the upper plate 5.

(29) The tire curing apparatus A has the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3. The mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 is a mechanism that changes the height position of the lower mold 2b with respect to the lower plate 10 in the up-down direction.

(30) The mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 of the tire curing apparatus A has the same structure as that of the tire curing apparatus 100 mentioned above. However, the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 of the tire curing apparatus A is provided with a plurality of clamp grooves of both the clamp groove 1a and the clamp groove 1b, and, as a result, the distance by which the lower mold 2b ascends and descends is made shorter than the distance by which the lower mold 2b in the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 of the tire curing apparatus 100 ascends and descends.

(31) The tire curing apparatus A has the mold pressurizing mechanism 9′. The mold pressurizing mechanism 9′ is a component that applies pressure onto the mold 2, which has been closed, from outside and that holds the pressurizing force of the mold 2.

(32) Additionally, the mold pressurizing mechanism 9′ is formed of a hydraulic cylinder attached to the lower mold 2a through the screw 3b. A known structure provided in the conventional tire curing apparatus can be employed as a mold pressurizing mechanism formed of a hydraulic cylinder, and therefore a detailed description of its contents is omitted (see FIG. 14B).

(33) Additionally, in the present invention, a doughnut-type mold pressurizing mechanism 9 (see FIG. 14A) in which a cylinder piston is formed in the shape of a hollow doughnut, in which the area is greater than the inner/outer-diameter area of a maximum outer-diameter tire, and in which pressurization is performed with a compressed gas, such as nitrogen or air, can also be employed as the mold pressurizing mechanism.

(34) Additionally, in the present invention, a structure in which a mold pressurizing mechanism is provided at an upper portion of a mold can also be employed. Additionally, a method in which a hydraulic cylinder, which serves as the mold pressurizing mechanism, is disposed at a lower end of a guide rod and in which a pressurizing force is applied to the mold by pulling the guide rod down after performing clamping can also be employed.

(35) The guide rod 1 has its lower-end side fixed to the lower plate 5. Additionally, the upper-end side of the guide rod 1 is inserted in a through-hole 5a formed in the upper plate 5 (see FIG. 3A). Additionally, the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 is formed of a hydraulic cylinder.

(36) Additionally, two clamp grooves, i.e., the clamp groove 1a (lower side) and the clamp groove 1b (upper side) are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the guide rod 1 and on a path along which the upper plate 5 moves (see FIG. 3B). The clamp groove 1a and the clamp groove 1b are each a part at which the aforementioned clamp block 4a is fitted thereto, and hence the position in the up-down direction of the upper plate 5 is fixed.

(37) Additionally, the clamp groove 1a is a groove portion that serves as a clamp position when the mold 2 (minimum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes smallest is used. In other words, the clamp groove 1a is a groove portion formed to fix the position of the upper plate 5 in the up-down direction with respect to the mold 2 whose mold thickness becomes smallest when closed.

(38) Additionally, the clamp groove 1b is a groove portion that serves as a clamp position when the mold 2 (maximum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes largest is used. In other words, the clamp groove 1b is a groove portion formed to fix the position of the upper plate 5 in the up-down direction with respect to the mold 2 whose mold thickness becomes largest when closed.

(39) Here, the upper mold 5 is not necessarily required to be configured such that the upper mold 5 can ascend and descend by means of the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8, and all that is required is to enable the mold 2 to be closed and is to have a structure in which the mold 2 that has been closed can be clamped by the upper and lower plates. In other words, the mechanism is not required to be limited to a mechanism in which the upper mold 5 is raised and lowered with respect to the lower mold 10 that has been fixed. For example, a structure in which the lower mold 10 is raised and lowered through a mold raising/lowering device in a state in which the upper mold 5 has been fixed may be employed.

(40) Additionally, the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 is not necessarily required to be formed of a hydraulic cylinder, and another mechanism may be employed as long as the upper mold 5 can ascend and descend. For example, the structure may be formed so as to raise and lower the upper plate 5 in accordance with a motor-drive screw method created by combining a motor with a screw structure.

(41) Additionally, although a plurality of clamp grooves are formed at the guide rod 1 in accordance with the size (mold height) of a mold that is attachable to the tire curing apparatus A, specific limitations are not imposed on the number of clamp grooves as long as the number thereof is two or more. In the structure of the present invention, it is also possible to form three or more clamp grooves at the guide rod as long as the clamp grooves are within a range that corresponds to the size of a mold to be used and within which the strength of the guide rod can be secured.

(42) Additionally, the clamp groove 1a is not necessarily required to serve as a clamp position when the mold 2 (minimum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes smallest is used. For example, the structure may be formed so that the clamp groove 1a is formed at the guide rod in accordance with a mold that has a mold height falling within a range within which the mold is attachable to the tire curing apparatus A and whose mold height exceeds a minimum value of the range.

(43) Additionally, the clamp groove 1b is not necessarily required to serve as a clamp position when the mold 2 (maximum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes largest is used. For example, the structure may be formed so that the clamp groove 1b is formed at the guide rod in accordance with a mold that has a mold height falling within a range within which the mold is attachable to the tire curing apparatus A and whose mold height is less than a maximum value of the range.

(44) As shown in FIG. 3B, the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b are respectively components that serve as a pair and of which the mold 2 consists (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B). The upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b are closed together, and a green tire 13 placed thereinside is heated and pressurized.

(45) More specifically, the bladder 11a is disposed between the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b. The bladder 11a is a component that supports a green tire 13 and a cured tire and that undertakes to perform tire molding under the conditions of high temperature and high pressure while pressing the green tire 13 against the mold 2.

(46) Additionally, the bladder 11a is configured to be supplied with a curing medium from a curing-medium supply source (not shown) to its inside and to be freely expanded and contracted. In tire curing, the green tire 13 that has been held by the bladder 11a from its inner-peripheral-surface side is covered with the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b.

(47) Additionally, the tire curing apparatus A has a bladder raising/lowering device 11. The bladder raising/lowering device 11 is a device that changes a height position in the up-down direction while raising and lowering the bladder 11a in a tire curing process. The bladder raising/lowering device 11 is configured so that its movement can be controlled in conjunction with the movement of the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8.

(48) Here, the guide rod 1 is not necessarily required to be employed as a component that guides the ascent and descent of the upper plate 5, and a component other than the guide rod 1 may be employed as long as the structure is formed so that the ascent and descent of the upper plate 5 can be guided and so that a plurality of clamp grooves can be formed. For example, in a structure in which an upper plate is guided through a guide rail or a guide groove in a conventional plate-type tire curing apparatus, it is also possible to employ a structure in which a plurality of clamp grooves are formed at the guide rail or at the guide groove.

(49) A description will be given of the contents of a series of operations that perform tire curing by means of the tire curing apparatus A that is the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

(50) First, the green tire 13 is held by a tire loading device (not shown), and the tire loading device descends to attach the green tire 13 to the outside of the bladder 11a.

(51) Additionally, the upper plate 5 is lowered along the guide rod 1 by means of the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8, and the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b are engaged with each other, and are closed together (closing of the mold 2). The upper plate 5 is lowered, and the clamp block 4a of the upper plate 5 is fitted to the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b of the guide rod 1 selected in accordance with the height of the mold 2.

(52) FIG. 4A shows a state in which the position of the upper plate 5 in the up-down direction has been fixed by the clamping mechanism by allowing the clamp block 4a of the upper plate 5 to be fitted to the clamp groove 1b of the guide rod 1 (the thickness of the mold 2 becomes largest, i.e., the height of the mold 2 becomes largest).

(53) Additionally, FIG. 4B shows a state in which the position of the upper plate 5 in the up-down direction has been fixed by the clamping mechanism by allowing the clamp block 4a of the upper plate 5 to be fitted to the clamp groove 1a of the guide rod 1 (the thickness of the mold 2 becomes smallest, i.e., the height of the mold 2 becomes smallest).

(54) In other words, the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b are engaged with each other and are closed together, and then the clamp block 4a of the upper plate 5 is fitted to the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b of the guide rod 1, and the mold 2 is clamped by the upper plate 5 and the lower plate 10.

(55) Additionally, the inside of the bladder 11a is supplied with a curing heat medium, such as steam, and is expanded along the inside of the green tire 13. Additionally, the bladder 11a is lowered to a fully closed position of the mold 2 through the bladder raising/lowering device 11 synchronizedly with a downward movement of the upper mold 5a.

(56) The mold 2 is closed and clamped, and then the mold 2 is pressurized by a pressure device 9′. Additionally, the green tire 13 is heated from outside through the upper and lower heat plates 6a and 6b from the outer peripheral side of the mold 2. Additionally, a curing heat medium, such as steam, is supplied into the bladder 11a, and the green tire 13 is pressed against the inner surface of the mold 2, and is pressurized while being heated from inside, and tire curing is started.

(57) After ending the tire curing, the pressure of the pressure device 9′ is reduced, and pressurization is released from its held state, and the clamp block 4a and either the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b are disengaged from each other. Additionally, the tire that has already been cured is released from a closed state by raising the upper mold 2a.

(58) Additionally, the bladder 11a is peeled from the tire by means of the bladder raising/lowering device 11, and the tire is taken out of the tire curing apparatus A by means of a tire taking-out device (not shown), and is moved to a subsequent process step. The tire curing of the green tire in the tire curing apparatus A is finished through this process flow.

(59) Next, a description will be given of an example of a working procedure performed when a mold is replaced by another mold differing in size in the tire curing apparatus A that is the first embodiment of the present invention.

(60) First, in order to install a mold by which the previous mold is replaced, the screw 3b of the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 is lowered to a lowest limit. If the height of the mold by which the previous mold is replaced is beforehand known, the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 is beforehand lowered so that the screw 3b is placed below the position of a clamp groove to be used during clamping.

(61) Next, the upper plate 5 is lowered to a mold closing position by means of the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8. Here, the mold closing position can be detected by pressure or position control if the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 is a device formed of a hydraulic cylinder. Additionally, the mold closing position can be detected by torque control or position control if the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8 is an electrically-driven device.

(62) Thereafter, the processing force of the upper plate 5 is made free (a state in which pressure is not applied by the pressurizing mechanism 9′), and the lower mold 2b is pushed up by means of the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3. The upper mold 2a is pushed up by means of the lower mold 2b, and a projection (not shown) provided at the upper plate 5 is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided at the position of the clamp groove of the guide rod 1 when the projection arrives at the clamp position (clamp groove). In other words, the projection is detected by the sensor, hence making it possible to detect the clamp groove.

(63) Next, the clamp block 4a of the clamping device is fitted to the clamp groove, and, after ascertaining this fitness, pressure is introduced into the pressurizing mechanism 9′, and it is ascertained by a pressure sensor provided in the pressurizing mechanism 9′ that the mold, by which the previous mold has been replaced, is normally pressurized. If it is ascertained that the mold, by which the previous mold has been replaced, has been pressurized, the mold replacing operation in the tire curing apparatus A is finished.

(64) Apart of the mold replacement operation described above is automated, and yet may be manually performed by an operator.

(65) In the tire curing apparatus A that is the first embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to select the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b formed at the guide rod 1 in accordance with the height of the mold 2 to be used.

(66) In other words, it is possible to clamp the mold 2, which has been closed, by means of the clamping device 4 at an appropriate clamp position. As a result, the distance by which the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 raises the lower mold 2b is shortened, hence making it possible to configure the tire curing apparatus so that the height position of the mold 2 from the floor surface on which the tire curing apparatus A is placed does not become extremely high.

(67) Additionally, the apparatus has a simple structure in which a plurality of clamp grooves are formed at the guide rod 1. Therefore, it is possible to realize an apparatus configuration without greatly rearranging existing pieces of equipment.

Second Embodiment

(68) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In the following description, the second embodiment is described while focusing on parts differing from those of the aforementioned first embodiment, and an overlapping description of the same component is omitted.

(69) FIG. 7A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of the second embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 7B is a schematic front view of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 7A.

(70) A tire curing apparatus B that is the second embodiment of the tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes two clamp rods 14 as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.

(71) The clamp rod 14 is a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped body having an upper end side fixed to the upper plate 5, and is a component that fixes the upper plate 5 by allowing a clamp groove 14a (lower side) or a clamp groove 14b (upper side) formed at a lower end side of the clamp rod 14 to be fitted to the clamp block 4a disposed at the lower plate 10. The clamp block 4a and either the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b mentioned here correspond to a clamping mechanism defined in the claims of the present application.

(72) Additionally, the clamp groove 14a is a groove portion that serves as a clamp position when the mold 2 (maximum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes largest is used. In other words, the clamp groove 14a is a groove portion formed to fix the position of the upper plate 5 in the up-down direction with respect to the mold 2 whose mold thickness becomes largest when closed (see FIG. 8A).

(73) Additionally, the clamp groove 14b is a groove portion that serves as a clamp position when the mold 2 (minimum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes smallest is used. In other words, the clamp groove 14b is a groove portion formed to fix the position of the upper plate 5 in the up-down direction with respect to the mold 2 whose mold thickness becomes smallest when closed (see FIG. 8B).

(74) Additionally, in the tire curing apparatus B, a clamp groove is not formed at the guide rod 1 unlike the tire curing apparatus A. In other words, in the tire curing apparatus B, the structure is formed so that the upper plate 5 is fixed by fitting the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b of the clamp rod 14 and the clamp block 4a, which is a constituent of the clamping device 4 of the lower plate 10, together, and as a result, the pressurizing force of the mold 2 is held during tire curing.

(75) In the tire curing apparatus B, the upper plate 5 is lowered through the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8, and, as a result, the clamp rod 14 is also lowered, and the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b formed at its lower end side is fitted to the clamp block 4a.

(76) For reference, a structure of a conventional tire curing apparatus having a clamp rod is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

(77) Here, the structure is not necessarily formed so that the upper end of the clamp rod 14 is fixed to the upper plate 5, and is fitted to the clamp block 4a disposed at the lower plate 10. For example, the structure can also be formed so that the lower end of the clamp rod is fixed to the lower plate 10, and a clamp groove is formed at its upper end side, and the clamping device 4 (clamp block 4a) is disposed at the upper plate 5.

(78) Additionally, although a plurality of clamp grooves are formed at the clamp rod 14 in accordance with the size of a mold that is attachable to the tire curing apparatus B, specific limitations are not imposed on the number of clamp grooves as long as the number thereof is two or more. Here, it is also possible to form three or more clamp grooves at the clamp rod as long as the clamp grooves are within a range that corresponds to the size of a mold to be used and within which the strength of the clamp rod 14 can be secured.

(79) Additionally, the clamp groove 14a is not necessarily required to serve as a clamp position when the mold 2 (maximum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes largest is used. For example, the structure may be formed so that the clamp groove 14a is formed at the guide rod in accordance with a mold that has a mold height falling within a range within which the mold is attachable to the tire curing apparatus B and whose mold height is less than a maximum value of the range.

(80) Additionally, the clamp groove 14b is not necessarily required to serve as a clamp position when the mold 2 (minimum-thickness mold) whose mold height becomes smallest is used. For example, the structure may be formed so that the clamp groove 14b is formed at the guide rod in accordance with a mold that has a mold height falling within a range within which the mold is attachable to the tire curing apparatus B and whose mold height exceeds a minimum value of the range.

(81) Additionally, the clamp groove is not necessarily required to be formed only at the clamp rod 14. For example, it is also possible to employ a structure in which a clamp groove is formed at the guide rod 1 in addition to the clamp rod 14 and in which the clamp block 4a is disposed at the upper plate 5. Additionally, a plurality of clamp grooves can also be formed at the guide rod 1.

(82) Still additionally, it is also possible to firmly fix the position of the upper plate 5 through each clamp groove by allowing clamp grooves formed at the clamp rod 14 and clamp grooves formed at the guide rod 1 to positionally correspond to each other so that a clamping force is heightened with respect to the mold 2 that has been closed. Additionally, it is also possible to form a structure in which the number of clamp positions that can be selected is raised by allowing clamp grooves formed at the clamp rod 14 and clamp grooves formed at the guide rod 1 to positionally differ from each other so that a mold having a different size can be handled more easily.

(83) In the tire curing apparatus B that is the second embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to select the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b formed at the clamp rod 14 in accordance with the height of the mold 2 to be used.

(84) In other words, it is possible to clamp the mold 2, which has been closed, by means of the clamping device 4 at an appropriate clamp position. As a result, the distance by which the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 raises the lower mold 2b is shortened, hence making it possible to configure the tire curing apparatus so that the height position of the mold 2 from the floor surface on which the tire curing apparatus B is placed does not become extremely high.

(85) Additionally, the apparatus has a simple structure in which a plurality of clamp grooves are formed at the clamp rod 14. Therefore, it is possible to realize an apparatus configuration without greatly rearranging existing pieces of equipment.

Third Embodiment

(86) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In the following description, the third embodiment is described while focusing on parts differing from those of the aforementioned first and second embodiments, and an overlapping description of the same component is omitted.

(87) FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing a structure of the third embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

(88) A tire curing apparatus C that is the third embodiment of the tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes one guide rod 1 and two clamp rods 14 as shown in FIG. 10. Additionally, the tire curing apparatus C is a twin type tire curing apparatus having two molds 2 each of which consists of the upper mold 2a and the lower mold 2b.

(89) The tire curing apparatus C is configured to simultaneously raise or simultaneously lower the two molds 2 of the tire curing apparatus C. The two upper molds 2a are each attached to the upper plate 5 through the thermal insulation plate 7 and the upper heat plate 6a. Additionally, the two lower molds 2b are each attached to the lower mold 2b through the screw 3b, the mold pressurizing mechanism 9′, the thermal insulation plate 7, and the lower heat plate 6b.

(90) Additionally, in the tire curing apparatus C, the clamp rod 14 is a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped body having an upper end fixed to the lower plate 10, and is a component that fixes the lower plate 10 by allowing the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b formed at its upper end side to be fitted to the clamp block 4a disposed at the upper plate 5.

(91) Additionally, in the tire curing apparatus C, the upper plate is configured to be able to ascend and descend through the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8. Additionally, in the tire curing apparatus C, a guide block 15 that guides the upper end side of the clamp rod 14 toward the clamp block 4a is disposed.

(92) Additionally, in the tire curing apparatus C, two clamp grooves, i.e., the clamp groove 1a (lower side) and the clamp groove 1b (upper side) are formed on a path along which the upper plate 5 on an outer peripheral surface of the guide rod 1 moves. The position of the clamp groove 1a and the position of the clamp groove 1b are formed so as to be adjusted to the position of the clamp groove 14a and the position of the clamp groove 14b formed at the clamp rod 14, respectively. In other words, the tire curing apparatus C has a clamp position at which the mold is clamped by both the clamp groove 1a and the clamp groove 14a and a clamp position at which the mold is clamped by both the clamp groove 1b and the clamp groove 14b.

(93) Here, the two molds 2 are not necessarily required to be configured to simultaneously ascend or simultaneously descend. For example, the structure may be formed such that the two molds are configured to be able to ascend or descend independently of each other and so that the clamping mechanism is disposed in accordance with the height of each mold.

(94) Additionally, the position of the clamp groove 1a and the position of the clamp groove 1b are not necessarily required to be formed so as to be adjusted to the position of the clamp groove 14a and the position of the clamp groove 14b formed at the clamp rod 14, respectively. For example, the position of the clamp groove 1a and the position of the clamp groove 1b may be formed so as to differ from the position of the clamp groove 14a and the position of the clamp groove 14b, respectively. Hence, the number of clamp positions that can be selected in accordance with the mold height is raised, and molds having different mold heights can be handled easily and more widely.

(95) Additionally, clamp grooves are not necessarily required to be formed at the guide rod 1 and the clamp rod 14, respectively. For example, a manner in which a plurality of clamp grooves are formed only at the guide rod 1 or a manner in which a plurality of clamp grooves are formed only at the clamp rod 14 may be employed. Additionally, a structure in which two or more guide rods 1 are provided or a structure in which one clamp rod 14 or three or more clamp rods 14 are provided may be formed.

(96) In the tire curing apparatus C, the upper plate 5 is lowered through the upper-mold raising/lowering device 8, and, as a result, the clamp block 4a disposed at the upper plate 5 is fitted to the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b of the guide rod 1. Additionally, the upper plate 5 is lowered, and, as a result, the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b formed at the upper end side of the clamp rod 14 and the clamp block 4a disposed at the upper plate 5 are fitted to each other.

(97) For reference, a structure of a conventional tire curing apparatus having two molds, a guide rod, and a clamp rod is shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

(98) In the tire curing apparatus C that is the third embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to select the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b formed at the guide rod 1 and the clamp groove 14a or the clamp groove 14b formed at the clamp rod 14 in accordance with the height of the mold 2 to be used.

(99) In other words, it is possible to clamp the mold 2, which has been closed, by means of the clamping device 4 at an appropriate clamp position. As a result, the distance by which the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 raises the lower mold 2b is shortened, hence making it possible to configure the tire curing apparatus so that the height position of the mold 2 from the floor surface on which the tire curing apparatus B is placed does not become extremely high.

(100) Additionally, the apparatus has a simple structure in which a plurality of clamp grooves are formed at the clamp rod 14. Therefore, it is possible to realize an apparatus configuration without greatly rearranging existing pieces of equipment.

Fourth Embodiment

(101) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13. In the following description, the fourth embodiment is described while focusing on parts differing from those of the first to third embodiments described above, and an overlapping description of the same component is omitted.

(102) FIG. 11A is a schematic plan view showing a structure of the fourth embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 11B is a schematic front view of the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 12A is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is largest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 11A, and FIG. 12B is a schematic front view showing a state in which a mold whose mold thickness is smallest has been closed in the tire curing apparatus shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a guide-rod adjusting mechanism when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes largest, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the guide-rod adjusting mechanism when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes smallest.

(103) A tire curing apparatus D that is the fourth embodiment of the tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes two guide rods 1 as shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B. Additionally, a guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200 is disposed at the lower end side of each guide rod 1, and the guide rod 1 is configured to be able to ascend and descend with respect to the lower plate 10 in the vertical direction.

(104) The guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200 mentioned here is a guide-rod adjusting mechanism defined in the claims of the present application. For descriptive convenience, only a right-hand guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200 that is one of two guide-rod adjusting mechanisms 200 is shown, and its cross-sectional structure is partially shown in FIG. 11B.

(105) Additionally, the guide rod 1 has two clamp grooves, i.e., the clamp groove 1a (lower side) and the clamp groove 1b (upper side) formed on a path along which the upper plate 5 moves.

(106) The guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200 of the tire curing apparatus D has a guide bush 22, an adjusting screw 23, an adjusting-screw drive device 24, a bearing 25, a thrust pad 26, and a whirl-stop guide 27 (see FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B).

(107) The guide bush 22 is rotatably held by the lower plate 10 through the bearing 25 and the thrust pad 26. Additionally, a threaded portion (whose reference sign is omitted) is formed in an inner peripheral surface of a lower portion of the guide bush 22.

(108) Additionally, the guide rod 1 slidably passes through the guide bush 22, and the adjusting screw 23 is fixed to a lower end of the guide rod 1. Additionally, the whirl-stop guide 27 is disposed near a lower end of the adjusting screw 23. The adjusting-screw drive device 24 is a component that rotates the guide bush 22.

(109) Additionally, the threaded portion formed in the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion of the guide bush 22 is engaged with the adjusting screw 23 fixed to the guide rod 1. The adjusting screw 23 ascends and descends along the threaded portion by rotating the guide bush 22 by means of the adjusting-screw drive device 24, and, in accordance with this movement, the guide rod 1 ascends and descends with respect to the lower plate 10.

(110) In the tire curing apparatus D, it is possible to raise and lower the guide rod 1 with respect to the lower plate 10 by means of the guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200. This makes it possible to change the position of the clamp groove 1a and the position of the clamp groove 1b formed at the guide rod 1 to a desired height position.

(111) In other words, it is possible to freely change the clamp position with respect to different mold heights and adjust its position without providing the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 unlike the first to third embodiments of the present invention described above.

(112) Still additionally, it is also possible to set the number of clamp grooves formed at the guide rod 1 at one by lengthening the distance by which the guide rod 1 can ascend and descend by means of the guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200. In other words, it becomes possible to adjust the clamp position with respect to different mold heights merely by performing the operation of adjusting the position of a clamp groove to an appropriate height position while raising and lowering the guide rod 1 without providing a plurality of clamp grooves.

(113) Here, in the tire curing apparatus D, it is also possible to additionally provide both a clamp rod at which a clamp groove is formed and a clamp block that can be fitted to the clamp groove so as to serve as a clamping mechanism.

Fifth Embodiment

(114) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In the following description, the fifth embodiment is described while focusing on parts differing from those of the first to fourth embodiments described above, and an overlapping description of the same component is omitted.

(115) FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes largest in a clamp adjusting mechanism of the fifth embodiment of a tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the clamp adjustment mechanism when corresponding to a mold whose mold height becomes smallest.

(116) In a tire curing apparatus E that is the fifth embodiment of the tire curing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, the clamping device 4 is disposed at the upper plate 5, and is configured so that its height position with respect to the upper plate 5 can be changed through the clamp adjusting mechanism as shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. With respect to the tire curing apparatus E, a description of its overall structure is omitted, and is given while focusing on a structure of the clamp adjusting mechanism that is the present embodiment.

(117) The tire curing apparatus E includes two guide rods 1 (only one of which is shown in the drawing). For descriptive convenience, only a right-hand clamp adjusting mechanism that is one of two clamp adjusting mechanisms is shown, and its cross-sectional structure is partially shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B.

(118) The guide rod 1 has two clamp grooves, i.e., the clamp groove 1a (lower side) and the clamp groove 1b (upper side) formed on a path along which the upper plate 5 moves.

(119) The clamp adjusting mechanism has the clamp block 4a, a sleeve 4b, a whirl-stop collar 4c, the guide bush 22, the adjusting screw 23, the adjusting-screw drive device 24, the thrust pad 26, and the whirl-stop guide 27 (see FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B).

(120) The sleeve 4b that has a substantially cylindrical shape is attached to the clamp block 4a, which serves to fit and fix the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b, of the clamping device 4. The sleeve 4b is a component that supports the clamp block 4a and that ascends and descends with respect to the upper plate 5 together with the clamp block 4a.

(121) An inside screw (not shown) that is engaged with the adjusting screw 23 rotatably attached to the upper plate 5 is disposed at an inner periphery of the sleeve 4b. Additionally, the whirl-stop collar 4c that is slidably engaged with the whirl-stop guide 27 disposed at the upper plate 5 is formed at an outer periphery of a lower end portion of the sleeve 4b. Additionally, the guide rod 1 slidably passes through the guide bush 22.

(122) Additionally, the adjusting screw 23 is configured such that the adjusting screw 23 is held by the thrust pad 26 and can be rotated by the adjusting-screw drive device 24.

(123) In this tire curing apparatus E, the adjusting screw 23 is rotated through the adjusting-screw drive device 24, and, as a result, the sleeve 4b being engaged with the adjusting screw 23 ascends and descends, hence making it possible to change the height position with respect to the upper plate 5 of the clamping device 4 (clamp block 4a). In other words, it is possible to adjust a clamp position at which the clamping device 4 and either the clamp groove 1a or the clamp groove 1b of the guide rod 1 are fitted to each other by changing the position of the clamping device 4.

(124) As thus described, it is possible to change the clamp position by means of the clamp adjusting mechanism in the tire curing apparatus E, and therefore it is possible to freely change the clamp position with respect to different mold heights and adjust its position without providing the mold-height adjusting mechanism 3 unlike the first to third embodiments of the present invention described above.

(125) Still additionally, it is also possible to set the number of clamp grooves formed at the guide rod 1 at one by lengthening the distance by which the clamping device 4 can ascend and descend by means of the clamp adjusting mechanism. In other words, it becomes possible to adjust the clamp position with respect to different mold heights merely by performing the operation of adjusting the position of the clamp block 4a to an appropriate height position while raising and lowering the clamping device 4 without providing a plurality of clamp grooves.

(126) Here, in the tire curing apparatus E, it is also possible to additionally provide both a clamp rod at which a clamp groove is formed and a clamp block that can be fitted to this clamp groove as a clamping mechanism. Additionally, in a configuration in which a clamp rod is provided, it is also possible to provide the aforementioned clamp adjusting mechanism at a clamping device corresponding to a clamp groove formed at the clamp rod. Additionally, it is also possible to combine a clamp groove formed at a clamp rod and the aforementioned clamp adjusting mechanism together without forming a clamp groove at a guide rod.

(127) Additionally, the clamping device 4 or the clamp adjusting mechanism is not necessarily required to be provided at the upper plate 5, and it is also possible to configure the lower plate 10 such that the lower plate 10 can ascend and descend along the guide rod 1 and to provide the clamping device 4 and the clamp adjusting mechanism at this lower plate 10. It should be noted that the clamping device 4 and the clamp adjusting mechanism are provided at the upper plate 5, hence making it possible to dispose these structures at a position away from the bladder 11a disposed at the lower plate 10 or from a mold that has been closed. As a result, a high temperature generated from the bladder 11a or from the mold, the leakage of a curing medium, and the like do not easily affect the clamp adjusting mechanism, and it is possible to improve the durability of the clamp adjusting mechanism. Additionally, it becomes unnecessary to demount the bladder or the mold when the clamp adjusting mechanism breaks down and is repaired or checked, and hence it is possible to facilitate a maintenance task.

(128) Additionally, in the tire curing apparatus E, the guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200 is not required to be disposed at the long, large guide rod 1 in such a manner as in the tire curing apparatus D in comparison with the tire curing apparatus D that is the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In other words, it is possible to dispose the clamp adjusting mechanism more easily than the guide-rod adjusting mechanism 200 in assembling or in a built-in operation into the structure of an existing tire curing apparatus. Additionally, even if the clamping device 4 or a constituent member of the clamp adjusting mechanism is worn out, the guide rod 1 is affected only a little, and it becomes easy to maintain the accuracy of a mold opening/closing operation.

(129) As described above, the tire curing apparatus according to the present invention is capable of corresponding to various mold heights although its mechanism is simple, and is capable of reducing its apparatus size, and is excellent in handleability.

(130) Additionally, the tire curing method according to the present invention is a method of performing tire curing by use of a tire curing apparatus that is capable of corresponding to various mold heights although its mechanism is simple, that is capable of reducing its apparatus size, and that is excellent in handleability.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

(131) 1 Guide rod 1a Clamp groove 1b Clamp groove 2 Mold 2a Upper mold 2b Lower mold 3 Mold-height adjusting mechanism 3a Nut 3b Screw 4 Clamping device 4a Clamp block 4b Sleeve 4c Whirl-stop collar 5 Upper plate 6a Upper heat plate 6b Lower heat plate 7 Thermal insulation plate 8 Upper-mold raising/lowering device 9 Mold pressurizing mechanism (Doughnut type) 9′ Mold pressurizing mechanism (Hydraulic cylinder type) 10 Lower plate 11 Bladder raising/lowering device 11a Bladder 12 Tire 13 Green tire 14 Clamp rod 14a Clamp groove 14b Clamp groove 15 Guide block 200 Guide-rod adjusting mechanism 22 Guide bush 23 Adjusting screw 24 Adjusting-screw drive device 25 Bearing 26 Thrust pad 27 Whirl-stop guide