Process and apparatus for applying noise-reducing elements to a tyre for vehicle wheels

A process for applying noise-reducing elements to a tyre for vehicle wheels, comprising:

• arranging a plurality of noise-reducing elements on a feeding belt movable along a predetermined feeding direction;
• aligning at least two of said noise-reducing elements along said feeding direction;
• bringing said at least two noise-reducing elements into mutual contact along said feeding direction;
• transferring said at least two noise-reducing elements from said feeding belt on a service plane arranged downstream of said feeding belt along said feeding direction and having, on an upper surface thereof, a continuous film which supports a layer of adhesive material;
• applying said layer of adhesive material onto a lower surface of each of said at least two noise-reducing elements taking it from said continuous film;
• transferring one by one said at least two noise-reducing elements from said service plane to a conveyor belt arranged downstream of said service plane along said feeding direction;
• and
• positioning one by one said at least two noise-reducing elements on a radially inner surface of a tyre.