INJECTION MOLDING OF A TIRE COMPONENT

摘要

Molds for injection molding tire components have controlled temperature passages leading to a manifold (40) surrounding each mold cavity (16). The manifold (40) is positioned to minimize weld lines in the injected tire component (18). In addition, a narrow gate opening (42, 44, 46) between the manifold (40) and mold cavity (16) provides an elevated temperature of the injected material for decreasing the curing time of the tire component in the mold. Blade members (48) may support and position tire components (50) such as bead apex assemblies in the mold. These tire components (18) may be unloaded by an unloader ring (172) in communication with a source of vacuum for pulling the tire component out of the mold.