CN219544093U

CN219544093U - Winding system for winding tire components on a storage reel

Info

Publication number: CN219544093U
Application number: CN202223252261.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·费希尔; A·斯洛茨; H·S·舍尔彭休兹恩
Original assignee: VMI Holland BV
Current assignee: VMI Holland BV
Priority date: 2021-05-27
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2023-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-27
Also published as: NL2028312B1; CN219806488U

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a winding system for winding a tire component on a storage reel, preferably for unwinding the tire component from the storage reel and for outputting the tire component in a transport direction, wherein the winding system comprises a reel station configured for receiving the storage reel, wherein the reel station comprises a plurality of guide rollers for guiding the tire component, wherein the winding system comprises a pinch roller and a pinch roller drive for moving or pressing the pinch roller between a movable position opposite one of the guide rollers of the reel station and an inactive position further spaced from the one guide roller.

Description

Winding system for winding tire components on a storage reel

The present utility model is a divisional application of patent application with application number 202221395715.8, application number 2022, 5-27, and inventive name "deployment system for deploying tire components from a stock reel and for outputting the tire components in a transport direction".

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a winding system for winding tyre components on a storage reel, preferably an unwinding system for unwinding for example side walls or a breaker ply. Preferably, the winding system is a unwinding system for unwinding the tyre components from the storage reel and for outputting said tyre components in the transport direction.

Background

Known unwinding systems are arranged for receiving a cartridge having a storage reel that maintains the length of the tyre components. The cartridge is typically arranged such that the tire component exits the cartridge in a direction that coincides with the transport direction of the output conveyor. When the storage reels are exhausted, the cartridges are replaced by an operator and the leading ends of the tire components must be manually placed on the output conveyor. The leading end of the tire component is spliced to the trailing end of the previously supplied tire component to allow the leading end of the tire component to be pulled on the output conveyor toward the tire building machine drum for subsequent use in manufacturing of the tire.

Disclosure of Invention

A disadvantage of the known deployment systems is that the system must be stopped or slowed down to allow manual intervention by the operator. Thus, during this period, the supply of the tire component to the tire component service point is temporarily interrupted, possibly causing downtime throughout the tire building process. Furthermore, to facilitate splicing the leading end of a tire component to the trailing end of a previously supplied tire component, the previously supplied tire component must be held in place on the supply conveyor until the splice is complete. Therefore, the supply of the previously supplied tire components cannot be completed, and the entire tire building process is interrupted. Furthermore, a safe operating space must be established around the deployment system to allow the operator to transfer the leading end of the tire component from the storage reel to the output conveyor. The operating space greatly increases the footprint of the deployment system. Even if the machine slows down or stops, manual intervention by the operator may prove dangerous.

It is an object of the present utility model to provide a winding system, preferably an unwinding system, wherein at least one of the above drawbacks can be ameliorated.

The present utility model provides a winding system for winding a tire component on a storage reel, wherein the winding system comprises a reel station configured to receive the storage reel, wherein the reel station comprises a plurality of guide rollers for guiding the tire component, wherein the winding system comprises a pinch roller and a pinch roller drive for moving or pressing the pinch roller between a movable position opposite one of the guide rollers of the reel station and an inactive position further spaced from the one guide roller.

In the active position, the anti-pinch roller cooperates with the one guide roller to press, smooth and/or flatten any wrinkles in the tire component. In other words, the anti-pinch roller is capable of reducing or eliminating wrinkles in the tire component. Thus, the tire component can be stored more reliably and/or more efficiently on the storage reel.

In an embodiment thereof, the winding system is an unwinding system for unwinding the tire component from the stock reel and for outputting the tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system further comprises an output conveyor for conveying the tire component in the transport direction and a transfer device for transferring a front end of the tire component from the reel station to the output conveyor, wherein the output conveyor comprises a support surface extending in a support plane parallel to the transport direction, wherein the support surface is arranged for receiving the tire component from the transfer device and for supporting the tire component at a first side of the support plane, wherein the transfer device comprises a retaining member movable along a guide path between a pick-up position for picking up the front end of the tire component from the reel station and a release position at the first side of the support plane for arranging the front end of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor, wherein the retaining member comprises a retaining surface for releasably retaining the front end of the tire component to the retaining member. The tire component may be wound back onto the storage reel in a wind-up direction opposite the transport direction. This may be desirable when switching to a different tire configuration with a different tire component. The anti-pinch roller may reduce or flatten wrinkles in the tire component as the tire component is wound back onto the stock reel.

In one embodiment thereof, a plurality of guide rollers are arranged for guiding the front end of the tire component towards the pick-up position.

In another embodiment, the unwind system further comprises the storage reel at the reel station, wherein the storage reel is rotatable about a storage reel axis, and wherein the retaining surface of the retaining member faces away from the storage reel axis when the retaining member is in the pick-up position. Typically, the stock reel is included in a box, cartridge or cradle in which the stock reel is rotatably supported. Thus, the reel station may be arranged for receiving a cartridge, cartridge or tray, including a storage reel.

In one embodiment thereof, the anti-pinch drive is arranged for moving the anti-pinch roller onto the tire component between the pick-up position and the stock reel.

In another embodiment, in the release position, the retaining surface faces the bearing plane.

In another embodiment, the output conveyor extends at least partially above the reel station, and wherein the pick-up location is located on a second side of the support plane opposite the first side of the support plane.

Preferably, in the release position the holding surface faces the support plane at a first side of said support plane, and wherein the holding surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position by an offset angle of at least ninety degrees around a reversal axis parallel to the support plane and perpendicular to the transport direction.

In other words, the transfer device is arranged to mechanically and/or automatically flip or invert the tire component at least ninety degrees between the pick-up position and the release position. Thus, the tire component can be conveyed in a transport direction different from the output direction of the reel. Thus, the reels may be placed at least partially below the output conveyor. Thus, the footprint, i.e., surface area, of the deployment system may be reduced. Furthermore, the transfer device is able to reliably transfer the front end of the tire component from the stock reel to the output conveyor without intervention of an operator. Thus, the safety of the workplace can be improved.

By holding the tire component to the holding member, the tire component can be attracted and/or held to the holding member from only one side. Thus, the tire component may be placed on the support surface by the retaining member prior to releasing the tire component such that the tire component is always retained by the retaining member or the support surface or both. Thus, the transfer of the tyre component from the holding member onto the support surface may be prevented in an uncontrolled manner.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a retaining body defining a retaining surface, and one or more retaining elements for retaining the front end of the tyre component to said retaining body at the retaining surface. The one or more retaining elements may effectively retain the tire component to the retaining body from only one side. More specifically, one or more retaining elements may be arranged at or in the retaining body.

In a further embodiment, the holding member is movable along the guide path to an intermediate position between the pick-up position and the release position, wherein in the intermediate position the holding surface faces away from the support plane at the second side of the support plane. Preferably, the holding surface of the holding member is parallel to the bearing plane in the intermediate position. Thus, the offset between the pick-up position and the release position may be greater than ninety degrees. In particular, the unwinding system can pick up the front end of the tyre component in a pick-up position with the holding surface facing away from the support plane and/or with the holding surface parallel to said support plane. Thus, the reel station may be further and/or entirely positioned below the outfeed conveyor.

In a further embodiment, the unwinding system is arranged for unwinding the tyre components from the storage reel towards an output side of the reel station, which output side faces in a direction opposite to the transport direction. Preferably, wherein in the pick-up position the holding member is located at said output side of the reel station. In particular, the tyre components are unwound from a reel station and fed to an outfeed conveyor at the same side of said reel station. Thus, the footprint of the deployment system may be further reduced.

In another advantageous embodiment, the unwinding system further comprises a storage reel at the reel station, wherein the storage reel is rotatable about a storage reel axis, and wherein the holding surface of the holding member faces away from the storage reel axis when the holding member is in the pick-up position and faces towards the storage reel axis when the holding member is in the release position. Typically, the stock reel is included in a box, cartridge or cradle in which the stock reel is rotatably supported. Thus, the reel station may be arranged for receiving a cartridge, cartridge or tray, including a storage reel.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing the front end of the tyre component down onto the supporting surface of the output conveyor when said holding member has released said front end. Thus, the leading end of the tire component can be securely held on the support surface of the output conveyor when the leading end is released from the holding surface. The front end is thus prevented from sliding back towards the reel station under the influence of gravity. Thus, the leading end need not be spliced to the trailing end of a previously supplied tire component. This means that the supply of previously supplied tire components can be completed while preparing to supply new tire components. The supply of tire components to the tire building drum may thus be more stable and/or downtime of the tire component service provider may be reduced.

In another embodiment, the holding means comprises one or more vacuum holding elements for picking up and/or holding the front end by suction. With the vacuum, the tire component can be reliably held. Further, the vacuum retaining element may be selectively activated to retain or release the tire component from the retaining surface.

In a further embodiment, the guiding path is a circular path or a substantially circular path. The circular guide path may facilitate turning or reversing the tire component. Further, the tire component may be turned gradually along the circular or substantially circular path. In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises an arm rotatable about an arm axis between a pick-up position and a release position, wherein the holding member is carried by the arm and spaced apart from the arm axis. Preferably, the arm axis is parallel to the holding surface. The arm may conveniently carry the retaining member along a circular or substantially circular guide path between the pick-up position and the release position.

In a further embodiment of the utility model, the arm axis is a reversal axis. The tire component may thus be flipped around the arm axis.

In a further embodiment, the holding surface is offset with respect to the arm axis in an offset direction perpendicular to said holding surface. In other words, the arm does not extend directly in a radial direction between the arm axis and the holding surface. Thus, a gap may be created radially between the arm axis and the holding surface. Thus, interference between the arm and the outfeed conveyor and/or the reel station may be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the holding member is rotatable relative to the arm about a holding axis parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis. Thus, the orientation of the retaining surface may be adapted to the initial orientation of the tire component in the pick-up position. Thus, better tire component retention can be obtained. Furthermore, the orientation of the holding surface may be adapted to the orientation of the support plane in the release position. Therefore, the front end of the tire member can be more reliably disposed on the support surface of the output conveyor.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member that presses the front end of the tyre component on the support surface of the output conveyor when said front end is released by said transfer device, wherein the pressing component is carried by the arm between the pick-up position and the release position. Thus, when the front end is released from the holding surface by the pressing member carried by the same arm, the front end of the tire component can be firmly held on the supporting surface of the output conveyor, thus being immediately in place at or near the holding surface.

In an embodiment of the utility model, the pressing member comprises a pressing roller rotatable about a roller axis. Preferably wherein the arm axis is parallel to the holding surface. Therefore, even when the output conveyor conveys the tire component in the conveyance direction, that is, by rolling on the tire component when the tire component passes below in the conveyance direction, the pressing member can press the tire component to the support surface. Thus, the tire component may be held to the support surface by the pressing member until a length of the tire component sufficient to hold the tire component to the support surface by friction only has been transferred to the output conveyor. Therefore, the front end of the tire member can be more reliably held to the output conveyor.

In a further embodiment of the utility model, the pressing member comprises a pressing drive for moving the pressing roller in a pressing direction perpendicular to the roller axis. Thus, the pressing member may actively and/or adjustably press the tire component to the support surface.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a fixation member movable between a fixation position for fixing the front end to the holding member and a non-fixation position for releasing the front end from the holding member, wherein the fixation member is carried by the arm. Thus, the fixing member can fix the front end of the tire component to the holding surface along the entire guide path.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a fixation member movable between a fixation position for fixing the front end to the holding member and a non-fixation position for releasing the front end from the holding member. Thus, the front end of the tire component can be actively fixed to the holding surface of the holding member.

In an alternative embodiment, the transfer device comprises an endless drive for driving the holding member along the guiding path between the pick-up position and the release position. The ring drive is not limited to rotation about a single axis, such as the arms previously discussed. Instead, it may at least partially define the guide path. Thus, the guiding path can be determined more freely, i.e. to ensure that the length of the tyre components after the held front end is kept at a distance from the reel station and/or from certain parts of the supply conveyor.

In a further embodiment of the utility model, the guide path extends parallel to the support plane at or near the release position. In other words, the holding member may travel along the output conveyor in the transport direction, preferably at the same speed as said output conveyor. Thus, the holding member can hold the front end of the tire component while the front end is conveyed in the conveying direction by the output conveyor. In particular, the holding member may guide the tire component on the output conveyor until a length of the tire component sufficient to hold the tire component to the output conveyor by friction only has been positioned on the output conveyor.

In a further embodiment of the utility model, the guide path extends in a guide plane, wherein the annular drive comprises two annular drive elements extending parallel to the guide path and spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the guide plane. Preferably, the endless drive element is a belt or a chain. Thus, the holding member may be driven along the guide path by two parallel endless drive elements at the same time. The two parallel drive elements can counteract the moment exerted on the holding member around the guide path. Therefore, additional guiding means for guiding the holding member along the guiding path may be omitted.

In a further embodiment, the deployment system further comprises a support member positioned opposite the holding surface at the pick-up position for supporting the front end of the tyre component relative to the holding surface. The support member may hold the front end of the tire component in place while holding the front end on the holding surface.

In an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the holding member comprises at least two retractable nails which are movable between a retracted position in which the nails are recessed with respect to the holding surface and a gripping position in which the nails protrude from the holding surface for holding the tyre component to the holding surface. Preferably, the at least two nails each extend in a respective nail direction transverse or perpendicular to the holding surface, wherein the nail direction of a first of the at least two nails and the nail direction of a second of the at least two nails extend at an oblique angle relative to each other. The angle of inclination between the at least two nails allows the retaining member to retain the tire component in a manner that is less likely to accidentally drop the at least two nails.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises at least one front end sensor for detecting the presence of a front end of the tyre component at the holding member. Accordingly, the retaining member may selectively retain the front end of the tire component in response to the signal of the at least one front end sensor.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises two holding surfaces for holding two tire components, respectively, wherein the two holding surfaces are spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the guiding plane. Thus, the deployment system may deploy two tire components simultaneously and/or in parallel. This can be particularly beneficial when unfolding sidewalls that are typically machined in pairs. Alternatively, the two retaining surfaces may each retain a lateral portion of a single tire component.

In an embodiment of the utility model, the holding surfaces are movable relative to each other in a lateral direction. Preferably, the holding surfaces are individually movable in lateral directions. Thus, in the case of two tire components, the retaining surface can be positioned accurately at the lateral position of the tire component. In the case of a single tire component, the retaining surface may be accurately positioned at the side of the single tire component.

In a further embodiment of the utility model, the transfer device comprises at least one lateral drive for moving the holding surfaces in lateral directions, respectively. The at least one lateral drive may for example comprise a single-axis drive with opposing treads for simultaneously moving the retaining surfaces towards or away from each other. Alternatively, a single actuator may be provided for moving one of the holding surfaces in the lateral direction, or two actuators may be provided for moving the holding surfaces individually in the lateral direction.

In another embodiment, the holding device comprises two lateral sensors, each lateral sensor detecting a lateral edge of a respective one of the two tyre components. Thus, the retaining surface may be displaced in a lateral direction in response to the sensor signals of the respective lateral sensors.

In further embodiments, the offset angle is between one hundred and three hundred degrees, preferably between one hundred twenty degrees and two hundred eighty degrees, most preferably between one hundred eighty degrees and two hundred seventy degrees. The output conveyor may extend, for example, in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction. The front end of the tyre component may for example be provided on a set of rollers or may be freely suspended, i.e. extend in a vertical or substantially vertical direction.

The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied separately, where possible. These separate aspects may be the subject of the divisional patent application.

Drawings

The utility model will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate side views of a unwind system during a process of transferring tire components from a storage reel to an output conveyor of the unwind system in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate side views of an alternative deployment system during a process of transferring tire components from a storage reel to an output conveyor of the alternative deployment system, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a transfer device of the alternative deployment system according to line III-III in FIG. 2A; and

FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate detailed cross-sectional views of a retaining member of a transfer device of the alternative deployment system according to FIGS. 2A-2D during different modes of operation thereof;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate side views of an alternative deployment system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present utility model; and

fig. 6A-6D illustrate side views of another alternative deployment system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present utility model.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A-1H show a deployment system 100 or a delivery system for deploying tire components 9 from a storage reel 6 and for delivering the tire components 9 in a transport direction T. The unwinding system 100 comprises a reel station 160 for receiving said storage reels 6 and an output conveyor 108 for conveying the tyre components 9 in the transport direction T.

As shown in fig. 1A-1H, the outfeed conveyor 108 extends at least partially above the reel station 160. The output conveyor 108 comprises a support surface 181 extending in a support plane P for supporting the tyre components 9 at a first side of said support plane P. The support plane P extends parallel to the transport direction T. Preferably, the output conveyor 108 further comprises a ring wheel 182 for supporting and guiding the rings of the tyre components 9 towards the supporting surface 181. The ring wheel 182 is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the transport direction T.

In the tyre building process, the tyre components 9 or intermediate products thereof are typically wound around the storage reels 6 for storage and/or transport between processes. The tyre components 9 may then be unwound from the stock reel 6 for further processing.

In the illustrated embodiment, the unwind system 100 includes a single reel station 160 for receiving the storage reels 6. However, the unwind system 100 may comprise several reel stations 160 for receiving a plurality of storage reels 6, such that when a storage reel 6 is exhausted, the unwind system 100 may switch to unwind the next storage reel 6. The reel station 160 is located below the outfeed conveyor 108, i.e., at a second side of the support plane P opposite to the first side of said support plane P.

The stock reel 6 is rotatable about a central axis a for winding and/or unwinding the tyre components 9. The magazine reel comprises a circumferential surface 61 extending circumferentially around and radially outwards with respect to said central axis a. The tyre components 9 stored on the storage reel 6 are wound at least partially around said circumferential surface 61.

The tyre component 9 is typically wound around the circumferential surface 61 together with the liner 90 to prevent the consecutive windings of said tyre component 9 from sticking together. Preferably, the reel station 160 further comprises a liner reel 107 for receiving the liner 90. Before processing the tire component 9, the tire component 9 and the liner 90 are separated by winding the liner 90 around the liner reel 107. Liner reel 107 may also be included in a reel bracket or cartridge. The liner reel 107 is omitted from fig. 1A and 1B for clarity.

The tyre component 9 comprises a first surface 91, which first surface 91 is radially outwards when the tyre component 9 is wound around the circumferential surface 61. The tyre component 9 further comprises a second surface 92 opposite to said first surface 91. The second surface 92 is radially inward when the tyre component 9 is wound around the circumferential surface 61 of the reel 6.

The reel station 160 is arranged for receiving the storage reel 6 such that said storage reel 6 is rotatable about its central axis a. The unwinding system 100 is arranged for rotating the storage reel 6 about its central axis a for unwinding the tyre components 9 from the storage reel 6 towards the output side of the reel station 160 facing in a direction opposite to the transport direction T.

The reel station 160 may comprise a drive (not shown) for driving the storage reel 6 in rotation about its central axis a for unwinding the tyre components 9. Alternatively, the deployment of the tire components 9 may be driven by the output conveyor 108. The reel station 160 comprises a plurality of guide rollers 161 for guiding the front end LE of the tyre component 9 towards the pick-up position on the output side of the reel station 160, as shown in fig. 1B. The pick-up location is located at a second side of the support plane P. In the pick-up position, the front end LE is suspended from the guide roller 161, i.e. the front end extends in a vertical or substantially vertical direction due to gravity.

The storage reel 6 is typically included in a reel bracket or cartridge (not shown). In this case, the reel station 160 is arranged for receiving said reel cartridge or reel bracket. The reel bracket or cartridge may further comprise a guide roller 161. Thus, when the reel bracket or cartridge is received in the reel station 160, the leading end LE of the tire component 9 can be easily in the pick-up position.

As shown in fig. 1A, the deployment system 100 may also be provided with a sensor 190, in particular a camera, for detecting a parameter indicative of the lateral position, for example the lateral centre or side of the tyre component 9, at the front end LE of said tyre component 9 in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the transport direction T and/or parallel to the support plane P. The sensor 190 is configured to observe the leading end LE of the tire component 9 before it is transferred to the output conveyor 108. In this example, the sensor 190 is located at or upstream of the pick-up location, more specifically at the guide rollers 161 or between the guide rollers 161. The unwind system 100 also includes a lateral driver 192 for effecting relative displacement in a lateral direction L between the reel carriages, reels or reel stations 160 as a whole with respect to the output conveyor 108. In this example, lateral drive 192 moves the reel bracket, cartridge, or reel station 160 as a whole.

The deployment system 100 further comprises a control unit 191, which control unit 191 is operatively, electronically and/or functionally connected to the sensor 190 and the lateral driver 192 for controlling the lateral driver 192 in response to signals received and/or processed by the control unit 119 from the sensor 190.

Fig. 2A-2D illustrate an alternative reel station 260. As shown in the figures, the tyre component 9 is typically wound around the circumferential surface 61 together with the liner 90 to prevent consecutive windings of said tyre component 9 from sticking together. The replacement spool station 260 also includes a liner spool 207. Before processing the tire component 9, the tire component 9 and the liner 90 are separated by winding the liner 90 around the liner spool 207. Liner reel 207 may also be included in a reel bracket or cartridge.

As further shown in fig. 1A-1H, the unwind system 100 further includes a transfer device 101 for transferring the leading end LE of the tire component from the reel station 160 to the output conveyor 108. In particular, the transfer device 101 is arranged for picking up the front end LE of the tyre component 9 at a pick-up position at or near the reel station 106 and for setting said front end LE at a release position on the output conveyor 108, as shown in fig. 1E.

The transfer device 101 comprises a holding member 110 movable along a guide path S between a pick-up position and a release position. Preferably, the guide path S extends in a guide plane transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P. In the pick-up position, the holding member 110 is located on the output side of the reel station 160.

The retaining member 110 comprises a retaining surface 111 for releasably retaining the front end LE of the tyre component 9 to said retaining member 110 along the guide path S. The retaining member 110 includes a retaining body 112 that forms or defines a retaining surface 111 for engaging and/or retaining the front end LE of the tire component 9. The holding member 110 may for example comprise one or more holding elements 113, in particular vacuum holding elements or magnetic holding elements, for picking up and/or holding the front end by suction or magnetic force. One or more holding elements 113 are provided in the holding body 112 or at the holding body 112 and are arranged for engaging and/or attracting the tyre component 9 towards the holding body 112, thereby holding said tyre component 9 to the holding body 112.

As shown in fig. 1E, in the release position, the retaining surface 111 faces the support plane P on a first side of said support plane P. In other words, the retaining surface 111 faces the storage reel axis a. In the pick-up position, the holding surface 111 faces away from the storage reel axis a. In particular, in the pick-up position, as shown in fig. 1B, the holding surface 111 is offset with respect to the release position by an offset angle H about an opposite axis, which is parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the transport direction T. In other words, the tyre component is turned or inverted about said turning axis between the pick-up position and the release position. In the pick-up position, the holding surface 111 is remote from the exemplary embodiment shown, with an offset angle H of approximately 270 degrees. Preferably, the offset angle H is at least ninety degrees. More preferably, the offset angle H is between one hundred degrees and three hundred degrees. Even more preferably, the offset angle H is between one hundred twenty degrees and two hundred eighty degrees. Most preferably, the offset angle is between one hundred eighty degrees and two hundred seventy degrees.

As shown in fig. 1C, for example, the holding member 110 may be further moved along the guide path S to an intermediate position between the pickup position and the release position. In the intermediate position, the holding surface 111 faces away from the bearing plane P on the second side of said bearing plane P. Preferably, the holding member 110 is further movable in an intermediate position, away from the support plane P on a second side of said support plane P, wherein the holding surface 111 is parallel to the support plane P.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A-1H, the transfer device 101 further comprises an arm 103 rotatable about an arm axis B. Preferably, the arm axis B is parallel to the holding surface 111. A retaining member 110 is carried by the arm 103. Specifically, the holding member 110 is associated with the arm 103 to rotate about an arm axis B together with the arm 103. The retaining member 110 is spaced apart from the arm axis B. Specifically, the retaining member 110 is radially spaced from the arm axis B. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member is offset relative to the arm axis B in an offset direction perpendicular to the retaining surface 111. The arm 103 is arranged to rotate the holding member 110 between the pick-up position and the release position, i.e. the holding path S is a circular or substantially circular path. In other words, the inversion axis coincides with the arm axis B.

As best shown in fig. 1B, the retaining member 110 is rotatable relative to the arm 103 about a retaining axis D. The retention axis is parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis B.

As further shown in fig. 1A-1H, the transfer device 101 further comprises a pressing member 104 for pressing down the front end LE of the tyre component 9 on the supporting surface 181 of the output conveyor 108. The pressing member 104 is carried by the arm 103. Preferably, the pressing member 104 is arranged on the arm 103 near or near the holding press 110. More preferably, the pressing member 104 is arranged radially inward on the arm 103 with respect to the holding member 110.

In this particular embodiment, the pressing member 104 includes a pressing roller 140 rotatable about a roller axis R. The roller axis R is parallel to the holding surface 111. Preferably, the roller axis R is perpendicular to the guide plane. The pressing member 104 further includes a pressing driver 141 for moving or displacing the pressing roller 140 in a pressing direction perpendicular to the roller axis R.

The transfer device 101 further comprises a fixing member 102 for fixing the front end LE of the tyre component 9 to the retaining member 110. The securing member 102 is movable between a secured position, such as shown in fig. 1C, for securing relative to the retaining surface 111 and an unsecured position, such as shown in fig. 1D, for releasing the leading end LE relative to the retaining surface 111. The fixed member 102 is carried by an arm 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 102 includes a beam pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis B. The beam is pivotable about said pivot axis to press the front end LE of the tyre component 9 firmly to the holding surface 111.

As shown in fig. 1A-1H, the deployment system 100 may further include a height detection device or height sensor 501 for detecting the height of the tire component 9 relative to a reference plane of the support surface 181 of the output conveyor 108. As schematically shown in fig. 1A, the height sensor 501 has three states M1, M2, M3 corresponding to the reference plane of the bearing surface 181 shown in fig. 1A-1F, the "normal" height of the tire component 9 shown in fig. 1G, and the splice height shown in fig. 1H corresponding to the height of the joint or splice J between the leading and trailing ends of the two tire components 9. The height sensor 501 may be similar to the height detection device disclosed by applicant in CN 215177545U.

Fig. 5A and 5B show an alternative unwinding system 300 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the utility model with an anti-wrinkling roller 301 for reducing or eliminating wrinkles in the tyre component 9 when said tyre component 9 is wound back onto the storage reel 6 in a winding-up direction W opposite to the transport direction T. The alternative deployment system 300 further comprises a de-wrinkling driver 302 for moving or pressing the de-wrinkling roller 301 onto the tyre component 9 between the pick-up position and the storage reel 6. Specifically, the anti-wrinkling drive 302 moves the anti-wrinkling roller 301 between an active position opposite one of the guide rollers 161 of the reel station 160 and an inactive position further spaced from the one guide roller 161. In the active position, the anti-pinch roller 301 cooperates with the one guide roller 161 to press, smooth and/or flatten any wrinkles in the tyre components 9.

Fig. 6A-6D show another alternative deployment station 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, which differs from the previously described deployment stations 100, 400 in that its transfer means 401 are not provided by a fixed member carried by the arm 103. Alternatively, the other alternative development station 400 is provided with a fixing member 402, supported separately from the transfer device 401, for pressing, forcing or pushing the tyre component 9 against the retaining surface 111 of the retaining member 110, as shown in fig. 6B and 6C. In particular, the securing members 402 are used to press the tire component 9 against one or more retaining elements 113 at the retaining body 112 or in the retaining body 112, as shown in fig. 6B, so that they can effectively attract and/or retain the tire component 9. As shown in fig. 6D, once the tire component 9 has been firmly held, the fixing member 402 can be moved away from the holding member 110, and the holding member 110 can effectively hold the tire component T from only one side.

A further alternative winding station 400 is also provided with a front end sensor 412 for detecting whether the front end LE of the tyre component 9 is present or has reached a specific position with respect to the holding surface 111. The signal of the front end sensor 412 may be used to stop feeding of the strip 9 and/or activate the stationary member 402. Thus, the position of the leading end LE relative to the holding surface 111 can be determined more accurately, which allows for more accurate splicing in a later process.

In this example, the fixing member 402 comprises a fixing roller 420, in particular a brush roller or a foam roller, for pressing against the tyre component 9, and a fixing drive 421 for moving the fixing roller 420 relative to the holding surface 111. In this example, the fixed driver 421 is configured to move the fixed roller 420 toward and away from the holding surface 111 in a direction perpendicular to the holding surface 111 as shown in fig. 6A and 6B, and is also configured to move the fixed roller 420 parallel to the holding surface 111 as shown in fig. 6B and 6C. The parallel movement may be used to roll the fixed roller 420 over the tyre component 9, gradually pressing the tyre component 9 against said holding surface 111.

A method for unwinding the tyre components 9 from the stock reel 6 will now be described using fig. 1A-1H.

As shown in fig. 1A, the storage reel 6 has been placed in the reel station 160. The front end LE of the tyre component 9 has been suspended from the guide roller 161 on the output side of the reel station 160. The arm 103 has been rotated about the arm axis B to a pick-up position for picking up the front end LE of the tire component 9. The securing member 102 is in a non-secured position for receiving the leading end LE to the retaining surface 111.

As shown in fig. 1B, the storage reel 6 has been rotated about a storage reel axis a to unwind a portion of the tire component 9 from said storage reel 6. The front end LE of the tyre component 9 has been displaced to a position opposite the retaining surface 111. The retaining member 110 has been rotated about the retaining axis D to align the retaining surface 111 with the second surface 92 of the tire component 9. The securing member 102 is now rotated from the unsecured position to the secured position to move the leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards and into contact with the retaining surface. Subsequently, the leading end LE is held to the holding surface 111 using a vacuum member (not shown).

As shown in fig. 1C, the arm 103 has been rotated about the arm axis B from the pick-up position to the intermediate position. The holding member 110 has moved along the guide path S together with the arm 103. The front end LE of the tire component 9 is held by the holding member 110. Further, the front end LE of the tire component 9 is fixed to the holding surface 111 by the fixing member 102. A portion of the tyre component 9 has been unwound from the storage reel 6 due to the displacement of the front end LE of the tyre component along the guide path S.

As shown in fig. 1D, the arm 103 has rotated further about the arm axis B toward another intermediate position near the release position. The holding surface 111 now faces the bearing surface 181 on the first side of the bearing plane P. The fixed member 102 has moved to the unsecured position. Thus, the front end LE is now held only by the holding member 110.

As shown in fig. 1D, the arm 103 has rotated further about the arm axis B toward the release position. The retaining member 110 now presses the front end LE of the tyre component 9 against the bearing surface 181. Specifically, the first surface 91 of the tire component 9 has been in contact with the bearing surface 181. The vacuum element of the retaining member 110 has been deactivated to release the front end LE of the tire component. By actuating the pressing actuator 141, the pressing roller 140 has been displaced to be in contact with the second surface 92 of the tire member 9.

Additionally or alternatively, the rotation of the ring gear 182 may be fixed, for example by using a brake, to prevent the tyre component 9 from slipping back into the ring. In a further alternative embodiment, a retaining element, such as a vacuum device, is provided at the conveyor 108 to hold the tyre components 9 in place on the bearing surface 181.

As shown in fig. 1F, the pressing actuator 141 has been actuated to firmly press the pressing roller 140 onto the tire member 9. The arm 103 has rotated away from the pick-up position. The retaining surface 111 has now completely released the front end LE of the tyre component 9. The output conveyor 108 is now driven to convey the leading end LE of the tire component 9 in the transport direction T.

As shown in fig. 1G, the front end LE of the tire member 9 has been further conveyed in the transport direction T. The arm 103 has rotated to a rest position in which the holding member 110 and the pressing member 104 no longer contact the tyre component 9. The leading end LE of the tyre portion 9 is now held by the output conveyor 108, for example by gravity and/or by the tackiness of the tyre portion 9. Subsequently, the tire component 9 is further conveyed in the transport direction T. The level sensor 501 has moved from the first state M1 to the second state M2 to signal that the front end LE has reached the level sensor 501 position. By knowing the location of the leading end LE on the output conveyor 108, the leading end LE can be more accurately positioned in any station downstream of the output conveyor 108. In particular, more precise or accurate joining, splicing or cutting, respectively, may be performed in the downstream cutting station or splicing station.

The holding member 10 can be moved back to the pick-up position to pick up the leading end LE of the subsequent tyre component 9, for example for a new cycle for switching to a new batch or method. Preferably, the holding member 10 moves back to the pick-up position along the guide path S. In other words, the arm 103 rotates rearward from the release position to the pickup position.

Alternatively, the unused or discarded length of the tire component 9 may be transferred or fed back toward the reel station 60. This may be useful for cleaning the output conveyor 108 before switching to a new batch or cycle of the method. In particular, the retaining member 10 may be positioned in a release position above the tyre component 9 at or near the front end LE of said tyre component 9. The front end LE can then be engaged in a similar manner as previously described. When the height sensor 501 moves from the second state M2 to the first state M1, the height sensor 501 may be used to detect when the leading end LE passes a certain position on the output conveyor 108, thereby signaling the holding member 10 to pick up the leading end LE. The holding member 10 can then be returned from the release position to the pick-up position. Preferably, the front end LE returns from the release position to the pick-up position while the storage reel 6 rotates to wind the tyre components around said storage reel 6.

As shown in fig. 1H, the height sensor 501 is configured to move from the second state M2 to the third state M3 of fig. 1G when the splice J reaches the position of the height sensor 501.

Fig. 2A-2D illustrate an alternative deployment system 200 according to another embodiment of the present utility model. The unwind system 200 includes an alternate reel station 260, an alternate output conveyor 208, and an alternate transfer device 201.

The reel station 260 differs from the previously discussed reel station 160 in that it also includes a liner reel for winding the liner 90, the liner shaft 90 being wound around the stock reel 6 with the tire component.

The output conveyor 208 differs from the previously discussed output conveyor 108 in that the support surface 281 extends in the transport direction T in a horizontal or substantially horizontal support plane S. However, the support plane S may extend obliquely with respect to the horizontal plane. The output conveyor 208 also includes a ring wheel 282 for supporting and guiding the ring of tire components 9 toward the support surface 281. The ring 282 is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the transport direction T.

As best shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4G, the transfer device 201 comprises alternative holding means 210 for holding the front end LE of the tyre component 9. In particular, as shown in fig. 3, the holding means 210 comprise two holding surfaces 211 for holding two tyre components 9, such as two sidewalls. Alternatively, the two retaining surfaces 211 may retain lateral areas of a single tire component 9.

As shown in fig. 2A-2D, the transfer device 201 comprises an endless drive 203 for driving the holding member 210 along a guiding path S between a pick-up position as shown in fig. 2A and a release position as shown in fig. 2C.

As best shown in fig. 3, the ring driver 203 comprises two ring elements 231. The endless element 231 may be, for example, a belt, toothed belt or chain. The annular elements 231 are spaced apart in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the guide plane. Preferably, the annular elements 231 each extend in a respective plane parallel to the guiding plane. As can be seen in fig. 2A-2D, the annular element is guided around sprocket 232. The guide path S of the retaining member 210 is defined by an annular element 231 arranged around said sprocket 232. Preferably, at least one of the sprockets 232 is a driven sprocket 232 for driving the annular element 231 along the guide path S.

As can be further seen in fig. 3, a portion or section of the guide path S at or near the release position extends parallel to the support plane P, i.e. in the transport direction T. Preferably, the endless drive 203 is arranged to drive the holding member 210 along the section at the same speed as the output conveyor 208.

As further shown in fig. 3, the retaining member 210 includes two front end sensors 212, each front end sensor 212 detecting the presence of a respective front end LE of the tire component 9 at or near the retaining surface 211. The front end sensor 212 is movable with the holding member 210. Alternatively, the front end sensor LE may be fixedly positioned at or near the pick-up location.

The two holding surfaces 211 of the holding member 210 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction L. In this particular embodiment, the retaining surfaces 211 are movable relative to one another. The retaining member 210 comprises two lateral drivers 218, each for driving a respective one of the retaining surfaces 211 in the lateral direction L. Specifically, the lateral driver 218 is a spindle driver. Alternatively, the retaining member may comprise a single lateral driver for simultaneously driving the retaining surfaces 211 toward or away from each other, such as a double threaded spindle driver. In another alternative embodiment, only one retaining surface 211 may be movable in the lateral direction L to affect the mutual displacement.

As further shown in fig. 3, the retaining member 213 also includes two lateral sensors 213, each of which detects a lateral edge of the tire component 9. The front end sensor 212 and the lateral sensor 213 may be, for example, optical sensors, proximity sensors, or tactile sensors.

As shown in fig. 4A-4G, the retaining member 210 includes at least two nails 215 for retaining the tire component 9. Specifically, the retaining member 210 includes a staple base 214 and a base driver 216 for driving the staple base 214 in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the retaining surface 211 to bring the retaining surface 211 into contact with the tire component 9. The base drive 216 may be, for example, a pneumatic drive or a servo motor.

The holding member 210 further comprises a nail driver 217 for moving at least two nails 215 between a retracted position, in which the nails 215 are recessed with respect to the holding surface 211, and a gripping position, in which the at least two nails 215 protrude from the holding surface 211 for holding the tyre component 9 to the holding surface 211.

At least two nails 215 each extend in a respective nail direction transverse or perpendicular to the retaining surface 211. Specifically, the nail direction of a first one of the at least two nails 215 and the nail direction of a second one of the at least two nails 215 extend at an oblique angle with respect to each other.

As further shown in fig. 2A-2D, deployment system 200 also includes a support member 202 positioned opposite a retaining surface 211 of retaining member 210. The support surface 202 is arranged to support the front end LE of the tyre component 9 in the pick-up position when the front end LE is engaged by the retaining member 210. In particular, the support member 202 is arranged to prevent the nail 215 from pushing away from the front end LE of the tyre component.

A method of unwinding the magazine reel 6 using the unwinding system 200 according to the present utility model will now be described using fig. 2A-2D, 3 and 4A-4G.

As shown in fig. 2A and 3, the holding member 210 is positioned in the pickup position. The respective front ends LE of the tyre components 9 have been fed between the holding member 210 and the supporting member 202 until the presence of said front ends LE is detected by the respective front end sensors 212. Specifically, the liner spool 207 has rotated to roll up the liner 90 and thus drive the storage spool 6 to rotate about the storage spool axis a.

The lateral sensors 213 are used to detect the respective sides of the tire component. Thus, the holding surfaces 211 are now displaced relative to each other in the lateral direction L in response to the sensor signals of said lateral sensors 213. As shown in fig. 4A, the tire component 9 is supported against the support member 202. Specifically, the first surface 91 abuts the support member 202. The retaining surface 211 is spaced apart from the second surface 92 of the tyre component 9.

As shown in fig. 4B, the base driver 216 has been actuated to move the base 216 toward the tire component 9. Specifically, the retaining surface 211 has moved into abutment with the second surface 92 of the tyre component 9.

As shown in fig. 4C, nail driver 217 has been actuated to drive nail 215 through second surface 92 and into tire component 9. The tyre component 9 is now held by said holding member 210.

As shown in fig. 4D, the base driver 216 has been actuated to move the base 216 away from the support member 202. Thus, the tyre component 9 has been lifted off said support member 202.

As shown in fig. 2B, the holding member 210 has been moved by the ring driver 203 to the intermediate position along the guide path S.

As shown in fig. 2C, the retaining member 210 has moved to a released position above the support surface 281 of the output conveyor 208. The holding member 210 has moved along the support plane P such that a portion of the tyre components 9 sufficient to be held by friction to the output conveyor 208 has been guided on the support surface 281. The holding member 210 may be arranged to hold the front end LE at a distance from said support surface 281 or at the support surface 281. As can be further observed, the tyre components 9 have been guided around the annular wheel 282.

As further shown in fig. 4E, base driver 216 has been actuated to move staple base 214 toward support member 281. The first side 91 of the tyre component 9 has been abutted against said support surface 281.

As shown in fig. 4F, the nail driver has been actuated to retract the nail 215 from the tire component 9. Specifically, nails 215 have been retracted to their respective recessed positions. The tyre component 9 has now been released from the holding surface 211.

As shown in fig. 4G, the base driver 216 has been actuated to move the staple base 214 away from the tire component 9. The retaining surface 211 is spaced apart from the second surface 92 of the tyre component 9.

As shown in fig. 2D, the tire component 9 is conveyed in the conveyance direction T by the output conveyor 208. The retaining member 210 has moved to the idle position. The holding member 210 can be moved back to the pick-up position to pick up the leading end LE of the subsequent tyre component 9, for example for a new cycle for switching to a new batch or method. Preferably, the holding member 210 moves back to the pick-up position along the guide path S. In other words, the ring driver 203 is reversed or driven in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the unused or discarded length of the tire component 9 may be transferred or fed back toward the reel station 260. This may be useful for cleaning the output conveyor 208 before switching to a new batch or cycle of the method. In particular, the retaining member 210 may be positioned in a release position above the tyre component 9 at or near the front end LE of said tyre component 9. Subsequently, the front end LE is engaged in a similar manner as previously described. The holding member 210 is then returned from the release position to the pick-up position, where the front part is transferred back to the magazine reel 6. Preferably, the storage reel 6 rotates to wind the tyre components around said storage reel 6 while returning the leading end LE from the release position to the pick-up position.

In summary, the present utility model relates to a unwinding system for unwinding a tire component from a storage reel and outputting said tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system comprises a reel station, an output conveyor and a transfer device, wherein the output conveyor extends at least partially above the reel station, wherein the transfer device comprises a holding surface for releasably holding the tire component along a guiding path between a pick-up position for picking up the tire component from the reel station and a release position for placing the tire component on the output conveyor, wherein in the release position the holding surface faces the output conveyor, and wherein the holding surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position by an offset angle of at least ninety degrees about a reversal axis parallel to the conveyor and perpendicular to the transport direction.

It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. Many variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above discussion, and such variations are still included within the scope of the utility model.

List of reference numerals

6 storage reel

61 circumferential surface

9 tire component

90 liner

91 first surface

92 second surface

100. Deployment system

101. Transfer device

110. Retaining member

111. Holding surface

112. Holding body

113. Holding element

102. Fixing member

103. Arm

104. Pressing member

140. Press roller

141. Press actuator

160. Reel station

161. Guide roller

107. Liner reel

108. Output conveyor

181. Bearing surface

182. Ring wheel

190. Sensor for detecting a position of a body

191. Control unit

192. Lateral drive

200. Deployment system

201. Transfer device

202. Support member

220. Mating surfaces

203. Annular driver

231. Annular driving element

232. Sprocket wheel

210. Retaining member

211. Holding surface

212. First driver

213. Lateral sensor

214. Nail base

215. Nail with nail hole

216. Base driver

217. Nail driver

218. Lateral drive

260. Reel station

261. Guide roller

207. Liner reel

208. Output conveyor

281. Bearing surface

282. Ring wheel

300. Alternative deployment system

301. Crease-resistant roller

302. Anti-wrinkle driver

400. Alternative deployment system

401. Transfer device

412. Front end sensor

402. Fixing member

420. Fixed roller

421. Fixed driver

501. Height sensor

Aaxis of storage reel

B arm axis

D holding axis

H offset angle

J splice

L lateral direction

M1 first state

M2 second state

M3 third State

P bearing plane

R-roll axis

S guide path

T transport direction

W winding direction

LE front end

Claims

1. A winding system for winding a tire component on a storage reel, wherein the winding system comprises a reel station configured to receive the storage reel, wherein the reel station comprises a plurality of guide rollers for guiding the tire component, wherein the winding system comprises a pinch roller and a pinch roller drive for moving or pressing the pinch roller between a movable position opposite one of the guide rollers of the reel station and an inactive position further spaced from the one guide roller.

2. Winding system according to claim 1, wherein the winding system is an unwinding system for unwinding the tire component from the stock reel and for outputting the tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system further comprises an output conveyor for conveying the tire component in the transport direction and a transfer device for transferring a front end of the tire component from the reel station to the output conveyor, wherein the output conveyor comprises a support surface extending in a support plane parallel to the transport direction, wherein the support surface is arranged for receiving the tire component from the transfer device and for supporting the tire component at a first side of the support plane, wherein the transfer device comprises a holding member movable along a guide path between a pick-up position at an output side of the reel station for picking up a front end of the tire component from the reel station and a release position at a first side of the support plane for arranging the front end of the tire component on the output conveyor, wherein the holding member comprises a front end for holding the tire component.

3. Winding system according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of guiding rollers are arranged for guiding the front end of the tyre component towards the pick-up position.

4. The winding system of claim 2, wherein the unwinding system further comprises the storage reel at the reel station, wherein the storage reel is rotatable about a storage reel axis, and wherein the retaining surface of the retaining member faces away from the storage reel axis when the retaining member is in the pick-up position.

5. Winding system according to claim 4, wherein the anti-pinch drive is arranged for moving the anti-pinch roller onto the tyre component between the pick-up position and the storage reel.

6. The winding system according to claim 2, wherein in the release position the retaining surface faces the support plane.

7. The winding system of claim 2, wherein the output conveyor extends at least partially above the reel station, and wherein the pick-up location is located on a second side of the support plane opposite the first side of the support plane.