CA2277932A1 - Method and apparatus for removing tire treads from storage device - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for removing tire treads from storage device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2277932A1 CA2277932A1 CA002277932A CA2277932A CA2277932A1 CA 2277932 A1 CA2277932 A1 CA 2277932A1 CA 002277932 A CA002277932 A CA 002277932A CA 2277932 A CA2277932 A CA 2277932A CA 2277932 A1 CA2277932 A1 CA 2277932A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tread
- arms
- gripping means
- inverting
- vacuum bar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
- B29D30/00—Producing pneumatic or solid tyres or parts thereof
- B29D30/0016—Handling tyres or parts thereof, e.g. supplying, storing, conveying
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C31/00—Handling, e.g. feeding of the material to be shaped, storage of plastics material before moulding; Automation, i.e. automated handling lines in plastics processing plants, e.g. using manipulators or robots
- B29C31/04—Feeding of the material to be moulded, e.g. into a mould cavity
- B29C31/08—Feeding of the material to be moulded, e.g. into a mould cavity of preforms to be moulded, e.g. tablets, fibre reinforced preforms, extruded ribbons, tubes or profiles; Manipulating means specially adapted for feeding preforms, e.g. supports conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G61/00—Use of pick-up or transfer devices or of manipulators for stacking or de-stacking articles not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G65/00—Loading or unloading
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2030/00—Pneumatic or solid tyres or parts thereof
- B29L2030/002—Treads
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Robotics (AREA)
- Tyre Moulding (AREA)
Abstract
An apparatus and method for removing an unvulcanized tire tread from a storage device (14) includes the step of inverting the tread (12) and transporting it to a roller conveyor in a single step. The tread (12) is picked up by a vacuum bar (80) fitted with a series of suction cups (76). Individual suction cups (76) can be selectively supplied with vacuum depending on the length of the tread (12). After the suction cups (76) have engaged the tread, the tread is raised from the storage device (14), inverted through 180 degrees, and then set onto a special slotted roller conveyor (130). The slotted roller conveyor (130) has a center slot (142) to receive the vacuum bar (80) as it passes therethrough. Side slots (144, 146) in the conveyor receive arms (90, 92) attached to the vacuum bar (80).
Description
UN199b073 9~~Imrl016a.c7U51~17 1.
1Il~;THOD A~~ APP~~.a'~1~5 FOR QE~IUVL'IG TIRI~;
'TREADS FROM STORAGE DEVICE
Te hrdc~ 1 field This irtvc:ntion per~.aii>s to 4he art of methods and apparams~s fc:r st~~ra~e of i unvulcar,i~.ed tire trc:~ds. side~ualls, and ocher :ire components, anti n~orr specifically to :, an improved r:tethul and apparatus to ren~,c;ve an unwlcanired trend from a Storage device.
8ack»utmd Art It is known in the art to sloe;, umrulcanilxd tire treads in staragc ~ievicos ' I7 cocnme~nl5~ known as "hear traps" which have a aeries of planar vleir.ente upon which the treads see stored. Previously) treads removed from such storage devices were removed manually by a human tire buiidtr) lJepending on the size of the tire tread, the task of removing tLc tread from the stc:rage device could be cane of the most distasteful and urcomfvrtable in the entire tire huildinfi prcxess. For cxampie. for truck tires and fwr i ~ aircraf t tires ) the ass«ciated :rends in their ~:nvulcaniz~.i tat: can approach one hundred pounds in weight aml can be up t<.~ twelve fee: long. In addition, tJ,.c treads are "booked"
or stared upside dawn so that a sticky. tacky layer of rubber is ulsward.
Manual i:.anipulation of the tire treads is rhysically taxing for the tire Luilde-.
in additii~n, ;:ertain r.cm-unifornutes and unde;:irablr qualities could tie imparted to the tire tread, and .U evcntuaily to the arc. :'.trouGh !nanual hand?ing of the unwlcanized tre;aci. JP-~-0 X175 ,'316 discl~~~~es an automated apparatus ti;r rem:>ving and inverting a tread. This app;uacus however dms not readily adjust to misaligne:i treads.
The present invention contemplates a new arid improv~i mEthod and apparatus for removing unvulcanized tire treads tro;.~ th: storage devices. The nethod and apparatus 2~ is simple in design, effective in use) and overcomes the foregoing difficulties in otters while prcwiding better and sdvantag~~us overall result..
Disclosure of Invention in accordance with the present invention. a ae~.w and improved method and app;~ratus for removing uw:clo.~ni~ed tire treads from a Storage device is provided.
30 Vlore parti;:ular!y is acoc~rdancc will: the invention, the apparan~s inc:lu~tes a tame, an arm movably mounted an the frame, the arm having a horizontal axis, a first transtaac~n moans for translating the arm along the vertical axis of the frame, a gripping ;~~iE~GED Sf-~EET
means for gripping the associated tire tread, a second horizontal translation means for translating the gripping means along the horizontal axis of the arm.
According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a frame with a vertical axis and an arm assembly movably mounted on the frame. The arm assembly has a horizontal axis, a vertical moving means for moving the arm assembly along the vertical axis, a first horizontal moving means for moving the arm assembly along the horizontal axis, a gripping means for gripping the associated tire tread, translation means for translating the gripping means about the horizontal axis, and a second horizontal moving means for moving the gripping means horizontally along the horizontal axis.
One advantage of the present invention is the provision of a new apparatus which can effectively remove tire treads from a storage device, and invert the treads) and place them on an appropriate conveyor for further processing.
Another advantage of the present invention is the fact that such removal includes the step of inverting, thereby in a single step removing the tread from the storage device and inverting it for application to the tire.
Another advantage of the present invention is the labor savings, increase in joh satisfaction, and the easing of strain on the tire builders body by automating the difficult task of lifting and positioning an unvulcanized tire tread.
Another advantage of the invention is that the above-recited advantages are accomplished by an apparatus with relatively few moving parts.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent t~
those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the f~llowin~
detailed specification.
Brief Descri~ion of Drawing The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Figure 1 is a top view of a tread debooking system including a lifting apparatus and conveying apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a front view of the lifting apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 3 is a side view from perspective 3-3 of Figure 1.
1Il~;THOD A~~ APP~~.a'~1~5 FOR QE~IUVL'IG TIRI~;
'TREADS FROM STORAGE DEVICE
Te hrdc~ 1 field This irtvc:ntion per~.aii>s to 4he art of methods and apparams~s fc:r st~~ra~e of i unvulcar,i~.ed tire trc:~ds. side~ualls, and ocher :ire components, anti n~orr specifically to :, an improved r:tethul and apparatus to ren~,c;ve an unwlcanired trend from a Storage device.
8ack»utmd Art It is known in the art to sloe;, umrulcanilxd tire treads in staragc ~ievicos ' I7 cocnme~nl5~ known as "hear traps" which have a aeries of planar vleir.ente upon which the treads see stored. Previously) treads removed from such storage devices were removed manually by a human tire buiidtr) lJepending on the size of the tire tread, the task of removing tLc tread from the stc:rage device could be cane of the most distasteful and urcomfvrtable in the entire tire huildinfi prcxess. For cxampie. for truck tires and fwr i ~ aircraf t tires ) the ass«ciated :rends in their ~:nvulcaniz~.i tat: can approach one hundred pounds in weight aml can be up t<.~ twelve fee: long. In addition, tJ,.c treads are "booked"
or stared upside dawn so that a sticky. tacky layer of rubber is ulsward.
Manual i:.anipulation of the tire treads is rhysically taxing for the tire Luilde-.
in additii~n, ;:ertain r.cm-unifornutes and unde;:irablr qualities could tie imparted to the tire tread, and .U evcntuaily to the arc. :'.trouGh !nanual hand?ing of the unwlcanized tre;aci. JP-~-0 X175 ,'316 discl~~~~es an automated apparatus ti;r rem:>ving and inverting a tread. This app;uacus however dms not readily adjust to misaligne:i treads.
The present invention contemplates a new arid improv~i mEthod and apparatus for removing unvulcanized tire treads tro;.~ th: storage devices. The nethod and apparatus 2~ is simple in design, effective in use) and overcomes the foregoing difficulties in otters while prcwiding better and sdvantag~~us overall result..
Disclosure of Invention in accordance with the present invention. a ae~.w and improved method and app;~ratus for removing uw:clo.~ni~ed tire treads from a Storage device is provided.
30 Vlore parti;:ular!y is acoc~rdancc will: the invention, the apparan~s inc:lu~tes a tame, an arm movably mounted an the frame, the arm having a horizontal axis, a first transtaac~n moans for translating the arm along the vertical axis of the frame, a gripping ;~~iE~GED Sf-~EET
means for gripping the associated tire tread, a second horizontal translation means for translating the gripping means along the horizontal axis of the arm.
According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a frame with a vertical axis and an arm assembly movably mounted on the frame. The arm assembly has a horizontal axis, a vertical moving means for moving the arm assembly along the vertical axis, a first horizontal moving means for moving the arm assembly along the horizontal axis, a gripping means for gripping the associated tire tread, translation means for translating the gripping means about the horizontal axis, and a second horizontal moving means for moving the gripping means horizontally along the horizontal axis.
One advantage of the present invention is the provision of a new apparatus which can effectively remove tire treads from a storage device, and invert the treads) and place them on an appropriate conveyor for further processing.
Another advantage of the present invention is the fact that such removal includes the step of inverting, thereby in a single step removing the tread from the storage device and inverting it for application to the tire.
Another advantage of the present invention is the labor savings, increase in joh satisfaction, and the easing of strain on the tire builders body by automating the difficult task of lifting and positioning an unvulcanized tire tread.
Another advantage of the invention is that the above-recited advantages are accomplished by an apparatus with relatively few moving parts.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent t~
those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the f~llowin~
detailed specification.
Brief Descri~ion of Drawing The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
Figure 1 is a top view of a tread debooking system including a lifting apparatus and conveying apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a front view of the lifting apparatus according to the invention.
Figure 3 is a side view from perspective 3-3 of Figure 1.
Figure 3A is a partial front view of an arm assembly in a topmost position before the tread is inverted.
Figure 3B is a partial front view of the arm assembly in a topmost position after the tread is inverted.
Figure 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the tread debooking system according to the invention.
Figure 5 is an additional front view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4 wherein the lifting apparatus is in a different position.
Figure 6 is another front view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the lifting apparatus is in yet another position.
Figure 7 is another front view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the lifting apparatus is shown in yet another position.
Figure 8 is a half top view of the second embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 is a half top view of the second embodiment showing the lifting apparatus in the position shown in Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a half top view of the second embodiment showing the lifting apparatus in the position shown in Figure 7.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same) Figures 1-3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a tread dehooking system according to the invention. The invention is directed to the problem of removing and inverting an associated, unvulcanized tire tread 12 from an associated tread storage device 14. The storage device 14 illustrated is commonly known in the tire industry as a "bear trap. " It comprises a series of planar steel sheets 18 which are hinged at one end 20 so that they can be flipped upwardly and out of the way when the tread 12 is removed, as is illustrated by a tray 18A. Unvulcanized treads 12 are stored in the storage device 14 on the trays 18. As the associated treads 12 are removed by the inventive apparatus, the trays 18 can be pushed upwardly to the position illustrated by tray 18A. At the present time, this process is manual, i.e., the human tire builder pushes the trays 18 upwardly, but in the preferred and foreseen embodiment this process is autornatrrd firs at a future date in cunjunctiun with the invention described herein.
The aasociateri treads 12 .are aoFed in an invcrtesi position un the trays i8 so that the ground-contac:ing portion cf the tread is resting on the. upper surface of the tray 18, S as is illu:;trater n Figure 3. a~id t: a underside 2=t of the tread is expusc3. TSis is f;ritnarii,r due to the tac'~y layer of cushic~lt gum 25 whichyis affixes: :u the) ur~;:ervide ?4 ,~f a tread. The cushion gt:m ?5 is a :elatively tacky unvulcaniTed n:bber.
The cushion i~u!n 25 performs the important function of hclpine to adhere the tread 12 to the unvulcanized carc::tss knot shown) of the tire ;not s.hownj during a separate step it the tire-building process. If the treaa I'._' were to ba stored on the tray 1~ in tl:e stc;rage device 1~ with undersic:a ?4 resting on uhe upF~er surface c.~f the tray 18, the cushion gutn 25 would tend to cause the tread 12 to stiilc to the tray 18. In addition to the uctdesirable di;f:culties this nresears in the manufacturir~ process, tire unif.~rtriry would also be detrimcncally a:fectcd. 1 ~mre.'orc, one of the steps in sunpiy ing ~he tread to the S ti:~ buildin g ma4hine is the inversion step where the Lnvertcd tire tread i y is turned 1 gt;E ::o the cushion ttm sieie ~?f the tre::d 12 is oriented downwaraly .
The' irvc:tirtg of the tire tread 12 is aucu'-nplish~d by lifting ~.pparants 30. Thsr iiftinb apparae~s 30 includes a game 32 generally comprised ~f two ,tationary unrig.ht rr:ambers 3ti joined at one end by a t~'~c~r member ~0, hest shown in Figure ?, although ?p she invention works equally well with free-standing upright memhers :~6.
Thr ir:ime 32 ~n:at be Strong enough to withstand r.he static aru dynamic loads placid upon it by the manipulatior of the trends I'~. In the przferrPd embodiment, upright n:e:nbers 36 and t poor member :~4 arc made ~~f steel. The calculation of the size and str~ng-a~ reqLired for the upright members s6 and Ilc;or member :10 is a typical calculaticm using sound '=S engineering principles and ;iePends on the weight of the tire component involved.
However, these materials and dimensions may vary from application to application and materials anti dimetaioiting should be made with regard to common enQireering judgment.
The rifting apparatus 30 also includes an arm assembly n0. In a preferred 30 embodiment. arm assembly 60 includes f first arm 90 and second arni 92 which are spaced from each other along a rod .~ which extaads between upright members 36.
Ftod ~~ is rotatable about its axis as will be discussed in further detail later in this a?~i~yGL~ ~i ~~t"T
disclosure. The rod 44 is preferably made of steel and has a diameter adequate to handle the torque required.
A first translation means 50 provides vertical movement for arm assembly 60.
The first translation means 50 includes pneumatic cylinders and one or more chain 5 drives 54. In the preferred embodiment, each chain drive 54 is a double chain drive, as is illustrated best in Figure 2. Each of the chain drives 54 operates between a pair of sprockets 56. Parallel to floor member 40 is an axle 64 which is driven by pneumatic cylinders mounted within the upright members 36. The chain drives 54 keep the machine in alignment) as the movement of the axle 64 via the air cylinders may not provide the requisite precision. The axle 64 is supported by bearings 66.
Couplings can also be used instead of bearings, if desired. The first translation means 50 operates tc~
lift or lower arm assembly 60 along the vertical axes of the upright memhers 36.
The lifting apparatus 30 further includes gripping means 74 for securely gripping tread 12. Gripping means 74 preferably comprises a series of suction cups 76 operatively associated with a vacuum bar 80. The vacuum bar 80 is mounted at the t first ends 68,69 of arms 90.92 respectfully, of the arm assembly 60 and is operatively connected to a source of vacuum (not shown). The preferred suction cup 76 is about four and one half inches (4.5 inches) in diameter and has a bellows with a relatively large volume. The preferred arrangement of suction cups is illustrated in Figure 2.
2U Note that at the first and second ends 84,86 of vacuum bar 80 the spacing between thr individual suction cups 76 narrows. The purpose of the narrowing spacing is two-fold.
First, it enables a secure grip to be had on the end of the associated tread 12. Second.
because the length of the tread 12 may vary, it enables any suction cups 76 which would extend beyond the end of the tread 12 to be shut off from vacuum. Each of the suction cups 76 is provided with a shut off valve so that vacuum can be suppl ied only tee those suction cups 76 which are actually to come in contact with the tread 12.
The suction cups 76 are a preferred interfacing means for interfacing between the vacuum bar 80 and the associated tread 12. However, other devices could be used to accomplish many of the objectives of this invention. The suction cups 76 do not damage the cushion gum 25 on the underside 24 of the tread 12. In the preferred embodiment, a single row of suction cups 76 is utilized although, depending on the size of the suction cups 76, amount of vacuum pulled and the size of the tread 12 involved, .r s r~ : w .- b - 5 ~ ...: 5 : .r n r~
different configurations of suction cups 7(i might be preferred. For rxar:~pl;.. the sucticn ~~ups 7G could be sta~;fiered car br pla;.ed symmctricslly or nonun::brmlv.
The first dad szc;cmd arms 90. 9'' o= ar m assembly 6U ar a essrntia! l~' pneumatic, hydraulic, or ~lec:rically actuated cylinders wnic;Z can extct:d outwar3l~~ or rct:ac:
inw,~r~!iy rclativ~e m the S~e:ticsl axes of ugriyht tllt'IIIIJCf~ ~~, ShUv~:1 ~a; C.'.L! in Figure 3.
The first am 9t) is c. F~erarie separately fr~~m tl~e src:~nd a: n: 92 is tl:e even: that the tread ? 2 is nusaligned on tray 1~ in the storage device 1~. (n th.3t event, the first arm 90 wn ~ extended a distance either greater or irss tlmn the second arm 9~ so that the centerline CL? ~3f the vacuum hag ~U tnay nc aligned with the c:ent~rline on the tread 12.
Joints 110, 112 are ~.rovdai at the interface hctwern t~5e vacuum bar QU . rd a.-ms 90.92 which allow the vacuum bar 8C to swivel. ~ second tran.~lation means 9F
~°hich ;allows the r~ctrnsion or retraction of arms 9l),92 comprises lirear hearings 100, iU?
thrc;ugh which the first and sr';.ond ar:n. 90.92 slide, respectively.
First rotation mean for r~~cating the arrn assembly 6t) includes at least ono, a.Td 1 ~ pre:rrably two, hyclrauiie act~,ators 120,122 locates at the ends of r«d ~=.~, .W LuatOrS .
120.122 :~ausc rod -1' tie he rotated about its axis- As rod ~ rntates, the arms 9iJ.92 revUvc around the axis c~f rod ~ as shown the arrow in Fivur~ 3~1 and thereoy invert the vacuum bar ~U and t;Ze associated tread 12. The rotat;oii of raci ~ cx:cu; s aftc: the tread 12 is ~rpped by ,~rippine means ?4 ar.d the ssrn~s 90.92 are retracted towird the upright '0 member:: 36 in order for the tread 1'' to char the trays 18.
!n a preferred e:nhcid,imert, the arm assetnhty 6G is vertically trans!atcd tc a topmast position, ill~astra:rd 3s 60B in Figure 3A, before rod ~ is rotatcfl.
It is readily apparent :hen that during lifting c~i the tread 12 from trays 1$, vacuum oar 80 is ab~av~
tread 12. After rod ~ is rotated, vacuum bar 80 is lxisitioned beneath tread 12 as 25 illustrated as 60C in Figure 3B. The arms 9r~. 92 are then extended away from upright m~mbtrs 36 and the srm asse~.nbiy 6t3 is nasitioned as illustrate~,1 by 6017 in Figure 3.
A related eletre nt in the systers is a ccmveying apparatus 123. As is best illustrated in figure 1, com~eJ ing apparatus 12$ includes a slc>tted eonveyc~r ? .:0. The upper su~~acr 132 of the slatted convayc~r l30 comprises a plurali~y of rollers t38, such 30 as arc lcncwn in the art. Fach roller 13$ i, supportrcl by a ball bearing (nest shown) at either end. ~n impcmtant advantage of the present invention is the capability of inverting the tread 12 and p lacins it ontW he s f otted conveyer 130 ~.vith its undcrs idc 24 ~:-'1 ,~,_._~.~.
~,/t ~~'.::.r vi ~Lt WO 98/31621 PCT/US9?100455 down. The structure of the slotted conveyor 130 enables the lifting apparatus 30 to accomplish this desirable event by the provisions of center slot 142 and side slots 144,146. From the position illustrated as 60D, arm assembly 60 vertically translates downwardly toward the conveyor 130. The first ends 68,69 of the arms 90,92 pass through the side slots 144,146 and vacuum bar 80 passes through the center slot 142 as the arm assembly 60 is lowered below the upper surface 132 of the slotted conveyor 130. However, tread 12 is prevented from passing through the center slot 142 because the width W 1 of the tread 12 is wider than the width W2 of the center slot 142. In that way, the outer edges of the tread 12 rest upon the rollers 138 and the tread 12 is suspended upon the upper surface 132 of the slotted conveyor 130 while the first ends 68,69 of the arms 90,92 pass downwardly through the side slots 144,146 and the vacuum bar 80 passes downwardly through the center slot 14? . The vacuum is turned off as the arms 90.92 pass through the slotted conveyor.
When the vacuum bar 80 is positioned ahove a tread 1'' , as shown in Figure 1, the second ends 70,71 of the arms 90.92 may also pass through the side slots 144,146.
After the tread 12 is placed on the slotted conveyor 130, an associated advancing means 150 advances the tread 12 forward via tread advance cylinder 154. The translation device 150 progresses the tread 12, in its proper orientation with the underside 24 down, through the building machine for inclusion into the tire itsel(~.
With the apparatus described as atxwe, the inventive method of removing a tread from a storage device will now he drscritx:d with reference to an operator who manually operates a joy stick to control some of the movements of the inventive apparatus. However, it is within the scope of the present invention tc~
incorporate a fully automated system. The unwlcanized treads 12 are placed on the trays 18 of the "bear trap style" storage device 14. In the present embodiment, the treads 12 are placed manually but it is foreseen that the treads will be automatically placed in the near future. Presently, two treads 12 are placed side by side and parallel on each tray 18 although the invention will work with alternate configurations of tread. An electric eye 164 mounted on the front side of each of the arms 90,92 can sense the edge of the top most tray 18. From a home position, the human operator of the inventive apparatus and method has manual control of the arms 90,92. The operator pushes a joy stick on a control panel (not shown) to the "cylinder forward" position. The arms 90,92 are CA 02277932 1999-07-14 F'.03 extended until v;~cuum bar 80 iyositionea aver tread 12. tensors 16~ located nn the front side of each of the arms 90,92 sense the lc;catian of the trt:ad, trereby .stc;ppi::g each ar~r: 90,92 independently aF the other. The operator now rnw~s the jo~:
stick (non shown) ie~ a c~ncrol position callrcl "down" and the arm assCZnialy 6i; movCs downward until all suction cups 76 have erga~~c: 4'~e underside ~?~. of th°
tread 1?. At this point, the operator releases the joy stink. ~'pon release of the joy =tick, the vacuum in each individual suction cup 76 is drawn. As rnentionesi previously, suction cups 'o extending beyond the limits of the tread 12 siioulc b~ shut off to Save vacuum. ,~
pressure rele;tse cylinder is i~stalled so tha orerator can nat ioadvertentlv apply too much pressure down:vardly on tag ai thz tread I2 through the vacuum bar 80 and suction cups 76. 1n :he pre:crred c~r!bodiment, each suction cap 7fi has an irdividua!
vacuum source. 'Tl:e vacuum supplied to each individual suction cup 76 is activated when the cup 76 in question touches the underside ?4 of the tread 12. The operator now moves the jciy stick to the "up" positic;n. .Again) a pressure release regulator is installed so that the orator can not inadvertently apply too much nressure in the upwarc! direction, c7nce the: tread 2 is vertically tree from the tray 18, the ope:ator moves the jp stick to an "in" position to retract arna 90,92 while th=
gripping mans ?4 engages the tread 12. 'The arm assembly 60 returns to a "home position" in whit h the vacuum bar 8U is near tlae t:pright members 36 cy frame 32. 'i'his ~siticn is illus Crated ac 60 g ir, rigure 3 _ ~!'hr arm assembly 50 mo :~es vertically upward along fr::tne 32 in response u~ chain drive ~q.. When the arm assembly 50 reaches tee tc~pmnst positing. :~
illustrated as 60B in rigare 3A, sensors (not shown) tt1<~icc contact and sigml actuators IZU, I22 to rotate rod .~4. These a;;tustors 120,122 rotate the rod ~1:;, causing arm assembly fi0 a:.d vacuum bar ZS SU to revolve about the axis of rod .i.~ approximately 1 ~0 deere;.s in the d;rection illustrated by the arrow shown in Figure 3A. Note that during this process, the trend I2 is inverted so that the underside 24 is down. A further embodiment of the present invention would allow rod :f:: to he rotated simultanermsly with the vertical translation ~>f arm assembly 60 as long as cleararu;e from trays 18 is achieved.
With the tread 12 now p«aitic~ned above vacuum bar SU, as shown in higurr 313, the amts 90, 92 extend to the ful l stroke of the cylinder tc~ the position illustrated as 60D in Figure 3. 'The arm assembly ti~J tnoves vertically downward toward the slotted ppAE~DED S~iEFT
conveyor 130. The arms 90,92 pass through the side slots 140,146 while the vacuum bar 80 passes through the center slot 142. In the process, the tread 12 contacts the upper surface 132 of the slotted conveyor 130 and is retained thereon. As the tread 12 is lowered, the vacuum ceases, enabling the tread 12 to be easily disengaged from the suction cups 76.
The tread 12 is now advanced by advancing means 1 SO toward the tire building machine (not shown) and the arm assembly 60 is repositioned to lift and invert another tread 12. Generally) arms 90,92 retract toward upright members 36, arm assembly 60 is returned to the topmost position, and rod 44 is again rotated.
One method of advancing the tread 12 incorporates a tread advance cylinder 154 to move suction cups 152 over the tread 12. The suction cups 152 are provided with vacuum at this point so that they can grip the tread 12 and move it forward. A
pressure sensor will indicate when vacuum has been made) thereby causing the cylinders 154 to lift the end of the tread 12. When the lift is made) tread advance cylinder 154 will I S make a full stroke forward, thereby moving the tread 12 over power rolls (not shown).
Other advancing means such as powered rollers may be employed.
With reference to Figures 4-10, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. This embodiment may be preferred in some applications, such as when there is a shortage of headroom in the manufacturing facility. One primary advantage of the second embodiment is that less overhead room is needed to operate the lifting apparatus 30A because the arm assembly 60D does not swing around the axis of rod 44.
For ease of illustration and for brevity, the like components of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4-10 will not be again described, as their operation is the same as in the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3. Instead, the differences between the embodiments will be more thoroughly described.
The primary difference between the first and second embodiments of the invention concerns the use of twin linear cylinders, first cylinder 202 and second cylinder 204, attached to each of the upright members 36A of the lifting apparatus 30A.
Figures 8-10 show only one upright member 36A and its associated first and second cylinders 202, 204. However, the lifting apparatus 30A is generally symmetric about centerline CL3 and comprises a second upright member 36A (not shown) and its associated first and second cylinders 202, 204 (not shown). The presently preferred linear cylinders 202,204 are available from Parker Hannifin and sold under the trade name Parker Series RC. The preferred type linear cylinder is a rodless air cylinder.
Another important difference between the second embodiment and the first includes the provision of at least one, and preferably two, rotary actuators 212 which 5 are operably connected to the ends of vacuum rod 80A. This rotary actuator is commercially available from a variety of sources and inverts the tread 12 soon after it is lifted from the tray 18.
The operation of the second embodiment of the invention will now be described.
As before, the operation will be described with reference to a human operator, although 10 a fully automated system is within the scope of the present invention.
Unvulcanized treads 12 are placed on the trays 18 of the storage device 14. The human operator of the second embodiment of the lifting apparatus 30A manipulates a joy stick on a control panel (not shown) to a "cylinder forward" position. Cylinders 202 extend outward from upright members 36A until the vacuum bar 80A and associated suction cups 76A
art 1 S positioned over the tread 12. The operator now moves the joy stick to the control position called "down" until all suction cups 76A have engaged the underside 24 of the tread 12. At this point, vertical translation means) such as chain drives previously described (not shown), are employed to lift the arm assembly 60E so that the tread 1 clears the tray 18. In addition, cylinders 202 may be retracted to insure clearance of the tread 12 from tray 18. Rotary actuator 212 is activated and vacuum bar 80A
is rotated in the direction represented by the arrow in Figure 4 approximately degrees. The vacuum bar 80A is selectively positioned at the first ends 220 of cylinders 202 when the tread 12 is engaged and inverted.
With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the vacuum bar 80A holding the tread 12 is moveable along cylinder 202 to be selectively positioned at the second ends 222 of cylinders 202. With particular reference to Figure 10, cylinders 202 are further moveable along the lengths of cylinders 204. Therefore tread 12 may be translated from tray 18 toward the slotted conveyor 130 by moving vacuum bar 80A from first ends 220 to second ends 222 of cylinders 202 and by moving cylinders 202 with respect to cylinders 204. The operator of the lifting apparatus 30A manipulates the joy stick on the control panel to a "cylinder backward" position to move cylinders 202 toward slotted conveyor 130. As is readily apparent, the vacuum bar 80A must be vertically CA 02277932 1999-07-14 P . 04 . I1 positioned above the slotted cunve;ror 130 hcforz it can urLoad the tread 12.
:Aa illustrated in t~'igsres ~ and ~, verric :1 lifting nP the arm assembly 60F
may be acce,~mplished vt any poir.: attar the vacuum har 80A and tread 12 have cleared tray 13.
.as illast.~atvd i;y Fi~ares 7 and 10, once the vacuum bar ROA and tread 12 arc L~~sitioned show the sloct;~d conveyer 130) the aim assembly ~0~ is la!~ered ~~v the vertics;
trarnlstion means Ccinders 202 an;i vacuum bar 80A pass tlvUSah slots as ~.rcviousiy dCSCr ihcd, anu t.-gad 13 is retained on slotted conveyor 1:;0. As with th4 first embc;ulimcnt, the suctian cups i6r~ are then .released from the tread 12. and the tread 12 is advanced toward a tire buildi~e machine.
The invantion bas heen described ~.vith reference io preferred embodiment.
Obviously, mcdii~c;dtiorts and alE~ratoons will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specii'tcarion, it is intended to include atl suca modii'ications and altcrn.3t:ons in so far as they cotne within the scope of t,5e appended claims.
IIaving thus described the inve noon, it is :.o:v claimed:
L11.~c1~;r~~ Sift ~~.ilL. ~Jwr i
Figure 3B is a partial front view of the arm assembly in a topmost position after the tread is inverted.
Figure 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the tread debooking system according to the invention.
Figure 5 is an additional front view of the second embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 4 wherein the lifting apparatus is in a different position.
Figure 6 is another front view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the lifting apparatus is in yet another position.
Figure 7 is another front view of the second embodiment of the invention wherein the lifting apparatus is shown in yet another position.
Figure 8 is a half top view of the second embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 is a half top view of the second embodiment showing the lifting apparatus in the position shown in Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a half top view of the second embodiment showing the lifting apparatus in the position shown in Figure 7.
Detailed Description of the Invention Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same) Figures 1-3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a tread dehooking system according to the invention. The invention is directed to the problem of removing and inverting an associated, unvulcanized tire tread 12 from an associated tread storage device 14. The storage device 14 illustrated is commonly known in the tire industry as a "bear trap. " It comprises a series of planar steel sheets 18 which are hinged at one end 20 so that they can be flipped upwardly and out of the way when the tread 12 is removed, as is illustrated by a tray 18A. Unvulcanized treads 12 are stored in the storage device 14 on the trays 18. As the associated treads 12 are removed by the inventive apparatus, the trays 18 can be pushed upwardly to the position illustrated by tray 18A. At the present time, this process is manual, i.e., the human tire builder pushes the trays 18 upwardly, but in the preferred and foreseen embodiment this process is autornatrrd firs at a future date in cunjunctiun with the invention described herein.
The aasociateri treads 12 .are aoFed in an invcrtesi position un the trays i8 so that the ground-contac:ing portion cf the tread is resting on the. upper surface of the tray 18, S as is illu:;trater n Figure 3. a~id t: a underside 2=t of the tread is expusc3. TSis is f;ritnarii,r due to the tac'~y layer of cushic~lt gum 25 whichyis affixes: :u the) ur~;:ervide ?4 ,~f a tread. The cushion gt:m ?5 is a :elatively tacky unvulcaniTed n:bber.
The cushion i~u!n 25 performs the important function of hclpine to adhere the tread 12 to the unvulcanized carc::tss knot shown) of the tire ;not s.hownj during a separate step it the tire-building process. If the treaa I'._' were to ba stored on the tray 1~ in tl:e stc;rage device 1~ with undersic:a ?4 resting on uhe upF~er surface c.~f the tray 18, the cushion gutn 25 would tend to cause the tread 12 to stiilc to the tray 18. In addition to the uctdesirable di;f:culties this nresears in the manufacturir~ process, tire unif.~rtriry would also be detrimcncally a:fectcd. 1 ~mre.'orc, one of the steps in sunpiy ing ~he tread to the S ti:~ buildin g ma4hine is the inversion step where the Lnvertcd tire tread i y is turned 1 gt;E ::o the cushion ttm sieie ~?f the tre::d 12 is oriented downwaraly .
The' irvc:tirtg of the tire tread 12 is aucu'-nplish~d by lifting ~.pparants 30. Thsr iiftinb apparae~s 30 includes a game 32 generally comprised ~f two ,tationary unrig.ht rr:ambers 3ti joined at one end by a t~'~c~r member ~0, hest shown in Figure ?, although ?p she invention works equally well with free-standing upright memhers :~6.
Thr ir:ime 32 ~n:at be Strong enough to withstand r.he static aru dynamic loads placid upon it by the manipulatior of the trends I'~. In the przferrPd embodiment, upright n:e:nbers 36 and t poor member :~4 arc made ~~f steel. The calculation of the size and str~ng-a~ reqLired for the upright members s6 and Ilc;or member :10 is a typical calculaticm using sound '=S engineering principles and ;iePends on the weight of the tire component involved.
However, these materials and dimensions may vary from application to application and materials anti dimetaioiting should be made with regard to common enQireering judgment.
The rifting apparatus 30 also includes an arm assembly n0. In a preferred 30 embodiment. arm assembly 60 includes f first arm 90 and second arni 92 which are spaced from each other along a rod .~ which extaads between upright members 36.
Ftod ~~ is rotatable about its axis as will be discussed in further detail later in this a?~i~yGL~ ~i ~~t"T
disclosure. The rod 44 is preferably made of steel and has a diameter adequate to handle the torque required.
A first translation means 50 provides vertical movement for arm assembly 60.
The first translation means 50 includes pneumatic cylinders and one or more chain 5 drives 54. In the preferred embodiment, each chain drive 54 is a double chain drive, as is illustrated best in Figure 2. Each of the chain drives 54 operates between a pair of sprockets 56. Parallel to floor member 40 is an axle 64 which is driven by pneumatic cylinders mounted within the upright members 36. The chain drives 54 keep the machine in alignment) as the movement of the axle 64 via the air cylinders may not provide the requisite precision. The axle 64 is supported by bearings 66.
Couplings can also be used instead of bearings, if desired. The first translation means 50 operates tc~
lift or lower arm assembly 60 along the vertical axes of the upright memhers 36.
The lifting apparatus 30 further includes gripping means 74 for securely gripping tread 12. Gripping means 74 preferably comprises a series of suction cups 76 operatively associated with a vacuum bar 80. The vacuum bar 80 is mounted at the t first ends 68,69 of arms 90.92 respectfully, of the arm assembly 60 and is operatively connected to a source of vacuum (not shown). The preferred suction cup 76 is about four and one half inches (4.5 inches) in diameter and has a bellows with a relatively large volume. The preferred arrangement of suction cups is illustrated in Figure 2.
2U Note that at the first and second ends 84,86 of vacuum bar 80 the spacing between thr individual suction cups 76 narrows. The purpose of the narrowing spacing is two-fold.
First, it enables a secure grip to be had on the end of the associated tread 12. Second.
because the length of the tread 12 may vary, it enables any suction cups 76 which would extend beyond the end of the tread 12 to be shut off from vacuum. Each of the suction cups 76 is provided with a shut off valve so that vacuum can be suppl ied only tee those suction cups 76 which are actually to come in contact with the tread 12.
The suction cups 76 are a preferred interfacing means for interfacing between the vacuum bar 80 and the associated tread 12. However, other devices could be used to accomplish many of the objectives of this invention. The suction cups 76 do not damage the cushion gum 25 on the underside 24 of the tread 12. In the preferred embodiment, a single row of suction cups 76 is utilized although, depending on the size of the suction cups 76, amount of vacuum pulled and the size of the tread 12 involved, .r s r~ : w .- b - 5 ~ ...: 5 : .r n r~
different configurations of suction cups 7(i might be preferred. For rxar:~pl;.. the sucticn ~~ups 7G could be sta~;fiered car br pla;.ed symmctricslly or nonun::brmlv.
The first dad szc;cmd arms 90. 9'' o= ar m assembly 6U ar a essrntia! l~' pneumatic, hydraulic, or ~lec:rically actuated cylinders wnic;Z can extct:d outwar3l~~ or rct:ac:
inw,~r~!iy rclativ~e m the S~e:ticsl axes of ugriyht tllt'IIIIJCf~ ~~, ShUv~:1 ~a; C.'.L! in Figure 3.
The first am 9t) is c. F~erarie separately fr~~m tl~e src:~nd a: n: 92 is tl:e even: that the tread ? 2 is nusaligned on tray 1~ in the storage device 1~. (n th.3t event, the first arm 90 wn ~ extended a distance either greater or irss tlmn the second arm 9~ so that the centerline CL? ~3f the vacuum hag ~U tnay nc aligned with the c:ent~rline on the tread 12.
Joints 110, 112 are ~.rovdai at the interface hctwern t~5e vacuum bar QU . rd a.-ms 90.92 which allow the vacuum bar 8C to swivel. ~ second tran.~lation means 9F
~°hich ;allows the r~ctrnsion or retraction of arms 9l),92 comprises lirear hearings 100, iU?
thrc;ugh which the first and sr';.ond ar:n. 90.92 slide, respectively.
First rotation mean for r~~cating the arrn assembly 6t) includes at least ono, a.Td 1 ~ pre:rrably two, hyclrauiie act~,ators 120,122 locates at the ends of r«d ~=.~, .W LuatOrS .
120.122 :~ausc rod -1' tie he rotated about its axis- As rod ~ rntates, the arms 9iJ.92 revUvc around the axis c~f rod ~ as shown the arrow in Fivur~ 3~1 and thereoy invert the vacuum bar ~U and t;Ze associated tread 12. The rotat;oii of raci ~ cx:cu; s aftc: the tread 12 is ~rpped by ,~rippine means ?4 ar.d the ssrn~s 90.92 are retracted towird the upright '0 member:: 36 in order for the tread 1'' to char the trays 18.
!n a preferred e:nhcid,imert, the arm assetnhty 6G is vertically trans!atcd tc a topmast position, ill~astra:rd 3s 60B in Figure 3A, before rod ~ is rotatcfl.
It is readily apparent :hen that during lifting c~i the tread 12 from trays 1$, vacuum oar 80 is ab~av~
tread 12. After rod ~ is rotated, vacuum bar 80 is lxisitioned beneath tread 12 as 25 illustrated as 60C in Figure 3B. The arms 9r~. 92 are then extended away from upright m~mbtrs 36 and the srm asse~.nbiy 6t3 is nasitioned as illustrate~,1 by 6017 in Figure 3.
A related eletre nt in the systers is a ccmveying apparatus 123. As is best illustrated in figure 1, com~eJ ing apparatus 12$ includes a slc>tted eonveyc~r ? .:0. The upper su~~acr 132 of the slatted convayc~r l30 comprises a plurali~y of rollers t38, such 30 as arc lcncwn in the art. Fach roller 13$ i, supportrcl by a ball bearing (nest shown) at either end. ~n impcmtant advantage of the present invention is the capability of inverting the tread 12 and p lacins it ontW he s f otted conveyer 130 ~.vith its undcrs idc 24 ~:-'1 ,~,_._~.~.
~,/t ~~'.::.r vi ~Lt WO 98/31621 PCT/US9?100455 down. The structure of the slotted conveyor 130 enables the lifting apparatus 30 to accomplish this desirable event by the provisions of center slot 142 and side slots 144,146. From the position illustrated as 60D, arm assembly 60 vertically translates downwardly toward the conveyor 130. The first ends 68,69 of the arms 90,92 pass through the side slots 144,146 and vacuum bar 80 passes through the center slot 142 as the arm assembly 60 is lowered below the upper surface 132 of the slotted conveyor 130. However, tread 12 is prevented from passing through the center slot 142 because the width W 1 of the tread 12 is wider than the width W2 of the center slot 142. In that way, the outer edges of the tread 12 rest upon the rollers 138 and the tread 12 is suspended upon the upper surface 132 of the slotted conveyor 130 while the first ends 68,69 of the arms 90,92 pass downwardly through the side slots 144,146 and the vacuum bar 80 passes downwardly through the center slot 14? . The vacuum is turned off as the arms 90.92 pass through the slotted conveyor.
When the vacuum bar 80 is positioned ahove a tread 1'' , as shown in Figure 1, the second ends 70,71 of the arms 90.92 may also pass through the side slots 144,146.
After the tread 12 is placed on the slotted conveyor 130, an associated advancing means 150 advances the tread 12 forward via tread advance cylinder 154. The translation device 150 progresses the tread 12, in its proper orientation with the underside 24 down, through the building machine for inclusion into the tire itsel(~.
With the apparatus described as atxwe, the inventive method of removing a tread from a storage device will now he drscritx:d with reference to an operator who manually operates a joy stick to control some of the movements of the inventive apparatus. However, it is within the scope of the present invention tc~
incorporate a fully automated system. The unwlcanized treads 12 are placed on the trays 18 of the "bear trap style" storage device 14. In the present embodiment, the treads 12 are placed manually but it is foreseen that the treads will be automatically placed in the near future. Presently, two treads 12 are placed side by side and parallel on each tray 18 although the invention will work with alternate configurations of tread. An electric eye 164 mounted on the front side of each of the arms 90,92 can sense the edge of the top most tray 18. From a home position, the human operator of the inventive apparatus and method has manual control of the arms 90,92. The operator pushes a joy stick on a control panel (not shown) to the "cylinder forward" position. The arms 90,92 are CA 02277932 1999-07-14 F'.03 extended until v;~cuum bar 80 iyositionea aver tread 12. tensors 16~ located nn the front side of each of the arms 90,92 sense the lc;catian of the trt:ad, trereby .stc;ppi::g each ar~r: 90,92 independently aF the other. The operator now rnw~s the jo~:
stick (non shown) ie~ a c~ncrol position callrcl "down" and the arm assCZnialy 6i; movCs downward until all suction cups 76 have erga~~c: 4'~e underside ~?~. of th°
tread 1?. At this point, the operator releases the joy stink. ~'pon release of the joy =tick, the vacuum in each individual suction cup 76 is drawn. As rnentionesi previously, suction cups 'o extending beyond the limits of the tread 12 siioulc b~ shut off to Save vacuum. ,~
pressure rele;tse cylinder is i~stalled so tha orerator can nat ioadvertentlv apply too much pressure down:vardly on tag ai thz tread I2 through the vacuum bar 80 and suction cups 76. 1n :he pre:crred c~r!bodiment, each suction cap 7fi has an irdividua!
vacuum source. 'Tl:e vacuum supplied to each individual suction cup 76 is activated when the cup 76 in question touches the underside ?4 of the tread 12. The operator now moves the jciy stick to the "up" positic;n. .Again) a pressure release regulator is installed so that the orator can not inadvertently apply too much nressure in the upwarc! direction, c7nce the: tread 2 is vertically tree from the tray 18, the ope:ator moves the jp stick to an "in" position to retract arna 90,92 while th=
gripping mans ?4 engages the tread 12. 'The arm assembly 60 returns to a "home position" in whit h the vacuum bar 8U is near tlae t:pright members 36 cy frame 32. 'i'his ~siticn is illus Crated ac 60 g ir, rigure 3 _ ~!'hr arm assembly 50 mo :~es vertically upward along fr::tne 32 in response u~ chain drive ~q.. When the arm assembly 50 reaches tee tc~pmnst positing. :~
illustrated as 60B in rigare 3A, sensors (not shown) tt1<~icc contact and sigml actuators IZU, I22 to rotate rod .~4. These a;;tustors 120,122 rotate the rod ~1:;, causing arm assembly fi0 a:.d vacuum bar ZS SU to revolve about the axis of rod .i.~ approximately 1 ~0 deere;.s in the d;rection illustrated by the arrow shown in Figure 3A. Note that during this process, the trend I2 is inverted so that the underside 24 is down. A further embodiment of the present invention would allow rod :f:: to he rotated simultanermsly with the vertical translation ~>f arm assembly 60 as long as cleararu;e from trays 18 is achieved.
With the tread 12 now p«aitic~ned above vacuum bar SU, as shown in higurr 313, the amts 90, 92 extend to the ful l stroke of the cylinder tc~ the position illustrated as 60D in Figure 3. 'The arm assembly ti~J tnoves vertically downward toward the slotted ppAE~DED S~iEFT
conveyor 130. The arms 90,92 pass through the side slots 140,146 while the vacuum bar 80 passes through the center slot 142. In the process, the tread 12 contacts the upper surface 132 of the slotted conveyor 130 and is retained thereon. As the tread 12 is lowered, the vacuum ceases, enabling the tread 12 to be easily disengaged from the suction cups 76.
The tread 12 is now advanced by advancing means 1 SO toward the tire building machine (not shown) and the arm assembly 60 is repositioned to lift and invert another tread 12. Generally) arms 90,92 retract toward upright members 36, arm assembly 60 is returned to the topmost position, and rod 44 is again rotated.
One method of advancing the tread 12 incorporates a tread advance cylinder 154 to move suction cups 152 over the tread 12. The suction cups 152 are provided with vacuum at this point so that they can grip the tread 12 and move it forward. A
pressure sensor will indicate when vacuum has been made) thereby causing the cylinders 154 to lift the end of the tread 12. When the lift is made) tread advance cylinder 154 will I S make a full stroke forward, thereby moving the tread 12 over power rolls (not shown).
Other advancing means such as powered rollers may be employed.
With reference to Figures 4-10, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. This embodiment may be preferred in some applications, such as when there is a shortage of headroom in the manufacturing facility. One primary advantage of the second embodiment is that less overhead room is needed to operate the lifting apparatus 30A because the arm assembly 60D does not swing around the axis of rod 44.
For ease of illustration and for brevity, the like components of the second embodiment shown in Figures 4-10 will not be again described, as their operation is the same as in the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3. Instead, the differences between the embodiments will be more thoroughly described.
The primary difference between the first and second embodiments of the invention concerns the use of twin linear cylinders, first cylinder 202 and second cylinder 204, attached to each of the upright members 36A of the lifting apparatus 30A.
Figures 8-10 show only one upright member 36A and its associated first and second cylinders 202, 204. However, the lifting apparatus 30A is generally symmetric about centerline CL3 and comprises a second upright member 36A (not shown) and its associated first and second cylinders 202, 204 (not shown). The presently preferred linear cylinders 202,204 are available from Parker Hannifin and sold under the trade name Parker Series RC. The preferred type linear cylinder is a rodless air cylinder.
Another important difference between the second embodiment and the first includes the provision of at least one, and preferably two, rotary actuators 212 which 5 are operably connected to the ends of vacuum rod 80A. This rotary actuator is commercially available from a variety of sources and inverts the tread 12 soon after it is lifted from the tray 18.
The operation of the second embodiment of the invention will now be described.
As before, the operation will be described with reference to a human operator, although 10 a fully automated system is within the scope of the present invention.
Unvulcanized treads 12 are placed on the trays 18 of the storage device 14. The human operator of the second embodiment of the lifting apparatus 30A manipulates a joy stick on a control panel (not shown) to a "cylinder forward" position. Cylinders 202 extend outward from upright members 36A until the vacuum bar 80A and associated suction cups 76A
art 1 S positioned over the tread 12. The operator now moves the joy stick to the control position called "down" until all suction cups 76A have engaged the underside 24 of the tread 12. At this point, vertical translation means) such as chain drives previously described (not shown), are employed to lift the arm assembly 60E so that the tread 1 clears the tray 18. In addition, cylinders 202 may be retracted to insure clearance of the tread 12 from tray 18. Rotary actuator 212 is activated and vacuum bar 80A
is rotated in the direction represented by the arrow in Figure 4 approximately degrees. The vacuum bar 80A is selectively positioned at the first ends 220 of cylinders 202 when the tread 12 is engaged and inverted.
With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the vacuum bar 80A holding the tread 12 is moveable along cylinder 202 to be selectively positioned at the second ends 222 of cylinders 202. With particular reference to Figure 10, cylinders 202 are further moveable along the lengths of cylinders 204. Therefore tread 12 may be translated from tray 18 toward the slotted conveyor 130 by moving vacuum bar 80A from first ends 220 to second ends 222 of cylinders 202 and by moving cylinders 202 with respect to cylinders 204. The operator of the lifting apparatus 30A manipulates the joy stick on the control panel to a "cylinder backward" position to move cylinders 202 toward slotted conveyor 130. As is readily apparent, the vacuum bar 80A must be vertically CA 02277932 1999-07-14 P . 04 . I1 positioned above the slotted cunve;ror 130 hcforz it can urLoad the tread 12.
:Aa illustrated in t~'igsres ~ and ~, verric :1 lifting nP the arm assembly 60F
may be acce,~mplished vt any poir.: attar the vacuum har 80A and tread 12 have cleared tray 13.
.as illast.~atvd i;y Fi~ares 7 and 10, once the vacuum bar ROA and tread 12 arc L~~sitioned show the sloct;~d conveyer 130) the aim assembly ~0~ is la!~ered ~~v the vertics;
trarnlstion means Ccinders 202 an;i vacuum bar 80A pass tlvUSah slots as ~.rcviousiy dCSCr ihcd, anu t.-gad 13 is retained on slotted conveyor 1:;0. As with th4 first embc;ulimcnt, the suctian cups i6r~ are then .released from the tread 12. and the tread 12 is advanced toward a tire buildi~e machine.
The invantion bas heen described ~.vith reference io preferred embodiment.
Obviously, mcdii~c;dtiorts and alE~ratoons will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specii'tcarion, it is intended to include atl suca modii'ications and altcrn.3t:ons in so far as they cotne within the scope of t,5e appended claims.
IIaving thus described the inve noon, it is :.o:v claimed:
L11.~c1~;r~~ Sift ~~.ilL. ~Jwr i
Claims (17)
1. An apparatus (30) for removing an associated tire tread (12) from an associated storage device (14), said apparatus comprising a frame (32) having a pair of spaced vertical members (36), an arm assembly (60), first translating means (50) for vertically translating said arm assembly along a vertical axis of said frame, gripping means (74) for gripping the associated ~ire tread, and inverting means for inverting said gripping means, said apparatus being characterized by:
said arm assembly comprising:
a pair of spaced arms (90, 92), each of said arms being associated with one of said pair of vertical members wherein said gripping means extends between said pair of spaced arms; and, second translation means (96) for allowing independent extension or retraction of each of said arms relative to said vertical axis of said frame.
said arm assembly comprising:
a pair of spaced arms (90, 92), each of said arms being associated with one of said pair of vertical members wherein said gripping means extends between said pair of spaced arms; and, second translation means (96) for allowing independent extension or retraction of each of said arms relative to said vertical axis of said frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gripping means comprises:
a vacuum bar (80, 80A) having spaced ends; and, interfacing means for interfacing between said vacuum bar and said associated tire tread.
a vacuum bar (80, 80A) having spaced ends; and, interfacing means for interfacing between said vacuum bar and said associated tire tread.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said inverting means includes a rotary actuator (212) mounted between one of said arms (90) and one of said ends of said vacuum bar, said rotary actuator being operable to rotate said vacuum bar about an axis thereof.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said arm assembly further comprises:
a rod (44) extending between said vertical members, and wherein said inverting means comprises:
a hydraulic actuator (120) located at a first end of said rod and being operable to rotate said rod about an axis thereof.
a rod (44) extending between said vertical members, and wherein said inverting means comprises:
a hydraulic actuator (120) located at a first end of said rod and being operable to rotate said rod about an axis thereof.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said arms comprises a tread sensor (164), said tread sensor sensing a location of said associated tread.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said tread senior is an electric eye.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said arms is a pneumatic cylinder.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said arms comprises first and second linear cylinders (202, 204), each of said cylinders having an associated length.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said gripping means is mounted to said first cylinders and said gripping means is moveable along said lengths of said first cylinders.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each of said first cylinders is moveable with respect to said second cylinders along said length of said second cylinders.
11. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said interfacing means comprises a plurality of spaced suction cups (76, 76A) extending in a first direction from said vacuum bar.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a spacing between adjacent suction cups narrows near said ends of said vacuum bar.
13. A system for removing an associated tire tread (12) from an associated storage device (14) the system including a lifting apparatus (30) comprising a frame (32) having a pair of spaced vertical members (36), and arm assembly (60), first translating means (50) for vertically translating said arm assembly along a vertical axis of said frame, gripping means (74) for gripping the associated tire tread, and inverting means for inverting said gripping means; and a conveying apparatus (130) having an upper surface for supporting the associated tread, the system being characterized by:
said arm assembly of said lifting apparatus comprising a pair of spaced arms (90, 92), each of said arms being associated with one of said pair of vertical members wherein said gripping means extends between said pair of spaced arms, and second translation means (96) for allowing independent extension or retraction of each of said arms relative to said vertical axis of said frame; and, said upper surface of said conveying apparatus having a center slot (142) and a pair of side slots (144,146) therein for passage of said gripping means and an end portion (68, 69) of each of said spaced arms from a position above said upper surface to a position below said upper surface, said center slot being aligned with a longitudinal axis of said associated tread and having a width narrower than a width of the associated tread.
said arm assembly of said lifting apparatus comprising a pair of spaced arms (90, 92), each of said arms being associated with one of said pair of vertical members wherein said gripping means extends between said pair of spaced arms, and second translation means (96) for allowing independent extension or retraction of each of said arms relative to said vertical axis of said frame; and, said upper surface of said conveying apparatus having a center slot (142) and a pair of side slots (144,146) therein for passage of said gripping means and an end portion (68, 69) of each of said spaced arms from a position above said upper surface to a position below said upper surface, said center slot being aligned with a longitudinal axis of said associated tread and having a width narrower than a width of the associated tread.
14. A method of removing an associated tire tread (12) from an associated storage device (14) utilizing a lifting apparatus (30) according to claim 1, said method including the steps of:
operably positioning said gripping means above the associated tread;
aligning as axis of the gripping means with a longitudinal centerline of the associated tread;
gripping the associated tread with said gripping means;
vertically translating said gripping means and the associated tread a predetermined upward distance; and, inverting the associated tread.
operably positioning said gripping means above the associated tread;
aligning as axis of the gripping means with a longitudinal centerline of the associated tread;
gripping the associated tread with said gripping means;
vertically translating said gripping means and the associated tread a predetermined upward distance; and, inverting the associated tread.
15. The method of claim 14 further characterized by the step of:
horizontally translating said gripping means a predetermined distance relative to the associated storage device before
horizontally translating said gripping means a predetermined distance relative to the associated storage device before
16. The method of claim 14 wherein said gripping means comprises a vacuum bar (80A) and wherein said inverting step includes rotating said vacuum bar about an axis thereof.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein said lifting apparatus further comprises a rod (44) being connected to said gripping means and wherein said inverting step includes rotating said rod about an axis thereof.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1997/000455 WO1998031621A1 (en) | 1997-01-17 | 1997-01-17 | Method and apparatus for removing tire treads from storage device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2277932A1 true CA2277932A1 (en) | 1998-07-23 |
Family
ID=22260213
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002277932A Abandoned CA2277932A1 (en) | 1997-01-17 | 1997-01-17 | Method and apparatus for removing tire treads from storage device |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0954502A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1533997A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2277932A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998031621A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITMI20131281A1 (en) | 2013-07-31 | 2015-02-01 | Pirelli | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDING A PLURALITY OF TREAD BANDS IN A PROCESS FOR PACKAGING TIRES FOR VEHICLE WHEELS |
| NL2012515B1 (en) * | 2014-03-27 | 2016-01-19 | Vmi Holland Bv | Unloading system and method for unloading a tire tread carrier. |
| CN106115254B (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2018-10-02 | 软控股份有限公司 | A kind of tire tread carrying ancillary equipment |
| FR3057200A1 (en) * | 2016-10-10 | 2018-04-13 | Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin | DEVICE FOR REVOLVING A FLOAT FOR ASSEMBLING PNEUMATIC BRAKE |
| CN108750614A (en) * | 2018-07-18 | 2018-11-06 | 苏州巨通自动化设备有限公司 | A kind of tire dress cage machine |
| CN110451257A (en) * | 2019-08-12 | 2019-11-15 | 贵州大学 | A kind of electronic device packing case handling machinery device and its operating method |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3866774A (en) * | 1972-10-20 | 1975-02-18 | Uniroyal Ltd | Mechanized thread booking method |
| US3901392A (en) * | 1973-05-11 | 1975-08-26 | Thomas E Streckert | Material handling machine |
| IT1015457B (en) * | 1974-06-28 | 1977-05-10 | Pirelli | METHOD MACHINE AND PLANT FOR THE AUTOMATIC STORAGE OF SLICES OF ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL |
| JPS58216831A (en) * | 1982-06-08 | 1983-12-16 | Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The | Method and apparatus for automatically loading tread |
| JPS59224329A (en) * | 1983-06-02 | 1984-12-17 | Toyo Tire & Rubber Co Ltd | Turnover device for rubber element |
| US4822236A (en) * | 1986-03-11 | 1989-04-18 | Bridgestone Corporation | Apparatus for booking an elastomer article |
| JPH0367816A (en) * | 1989-08-02 | 1991-03-22 | Bridgestone Corp | Feed device of band-shaped member |
-
1997
- 1997-01-17 EP EP97901441A patent/EP0954502A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-01-17 CA CA002277932A patent/CA2277932A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-01-17 AU AU15339/97A patent/AU1533997A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-01-17 WO PCT/US1997/000455 patent/WO1998031621A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0954502A1 (en) | 1999-11-10 |
| WO1998031621A1 (en) | 1998-07-23 |
| AU1533997A (en) | 1998-08-07 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |