System and method for assembly and disassembly of a tire curing mold

摘要

An apparatus and a method for assembly and disassembly in axial and radial directions mold segments forming a toroidally shaped mold is described. The apparatus includes a mold gripping apparatus operatively engaging and disengaging the mold, and a mold transport apparatus for operatively moving the mold gripping apparatus and engaged mold between a mold assembly and disassembly station and a tire curing station. The mold gripping apparatus engages and unlocks an upper mold sidewall segment and mold loading apparatus engages and unlocks a lower mold sidewall segment. Tread segment closing apparatus is provided for operatively opening and closing the tread segments of the mold in a radial direction.