| 摘要 |
<p>A tire mold (10) is provided which includes an upper mold section (12), a lower mold section (14) and a plurality of segments (22) pivotally and slidably connected to a plurality of mounting blocks (18) that are fixedly attached to the lower mold section. The upper mold section includes a pressure ring (13) having an upper register surface (20) that selectively engages segment register surfaces (21) of the segments (22) as the tire mold is closed. Slide biasing means (34), such as a first plunger/spring assembly biases the segments to slide toward an open, radially outward position and tilt biasing means (40), such as a second plunger/spring assembly biases the segments to tilt toward an open position. To close the tire mold, a green tire (50) is placed on the lower mold section (14) and the upper mold section (12) is lowered onto the lower mold section. As the upper mold section is lowered, the segment register surfaces (21) are engaged by the upper register surface (20) of the upper mold section (12). This engagement causes the segments (22) to move radially inward toward the green tire (50) and to both tilt and slide toward a closed position. The second plunger/spring assembly (40) is fully depressed before the segments (22) contact the green tire (50). Thus, all tilting movement is stopped before the segments (22) contact the green tire (50). Subsequently, the segments (22) slide into engagement with the green tire (50). During opening of the mold, the segments (22) are moved radially outward and then tilted away from the tire to avoid wiping damage to the tire.</p> |
