Tire support device

Abstract

TIRE SUPPORT DEVICE. This invention relates to a tire support device comprising an inclined structure with means for supporting and rotating a tire at a controlled speed about its axis, preventing vibrations and deformation of the tire during rotation.

Description

1 / 23 TIRE SUPPORT DEVICE OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[001] The invention, tire support device, refers to a device designed to support a tire and thus enable its manual inspection by a user or automatic inspection by means of vision systems or devices, enabling its repair, or even enabling trimming or removal of burrs (also manual or automated). The device allows the tire to be positioned in a specific position after adjustment to the tire size while it rotates without longitudinal movement, preventing deformation and reducing vibration.

[002] The field of application of the present invention falls within the automotive industry sector, focusing specifically on the field of industry dedicated to the manufacture of apparatus and devices for carrying out the manufacture and / or repair tasks of tires, and more particularly to tire inspection tasks, preferably using automated vision systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Currently, as in many other industrial areas, there are tasks that have been automated so that they are performed by machines and robots, which are increasingly specialized, with human participation becoming less and less involved or limited. One example of this is the visual inspection of tires, whose importance is essential for their operation and performance, with automated systems capable of providing a much higher level of precision than any human inspection, in addition to reducing inspection errors and saving inspection time. Petition 870220081534, dated 09 / 08 / 2022, p. 8 / 108 2 / 23

[004] In the state of the art, in addition to human tire inspection performed at the end of each tire manufacturing line, there are different automated inspection systems with vision systems. However, none of the known inspection systems allows the inspection to be carried out in a single station, as they require handling and repositioning of the tire during inspection to inspect all its surfaces, namely: tire tread, interior and sidewalls. The difficulties in handling and positioning the tires to be inspected derive mainly from their geometry and composition, i.e., a circular element made of a soft material, mainly rubber. In addition to the constitution of the tires, it must be taken into account that it is necessary to inspect all surfaces completely, thus, the tire must be handled several times to complete a thorough inspection.The tire's construction can cause deformations that limit the accuracy offered by automated inspection systems, thus reducing their intended effectiveness and making human tire inspection still necessary.

[005] For example, document US2011188052 describes an apparatus and method for determining the geometric dimensions of the inside of a tire and document DE202006011739 refers to a device for controlling wheels, including the wheel, tire and wheel rim.

[006] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, a device that enables the automated inspection of tires by means of vision systems, without the need to handle the tire to change its position and access all surfaces to be inspected and also Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 9 / 108 3 / 23 Reduce human involvement in tire inspection to minimize potential errors due to human factors, while simultaneously increasing inspection speed, thus reducing tire manufacturing times and improving tire quality.

[007] Similarly, in the tire industry there are other devices for handling tires for other purposes, such as tire repair or removing burrs after manufacturing.

[008] These uses for which the object of the device of the present invention may be used may or may not require the use of other components, such as vision systems or robotic arms that enable the handling of the tire or the cameras of the vision systems, or other tools such as, for example, blades for removing burrs.

[009] Although I am aware of the existence of different solutions for automated tire inspection, usually with vision systems, none of them refers to a support device that can adapt to tires of different dimensions by means of a stable, vibration-free fixation and that, at the same time, allows the inspection of the tire without handling the tire, once it has been placed in the support device. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The support device for automated inspection with vision systems refers, as noted above, to a device specifically designed for the purpose of supporting a tire and, preferably, enabling its inspection, most preferably with vision systems, avoiding handling the tire and changing its position, mainly avoiding longitudinal movement of the tire, so that it remains in a single position. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 10 / 108 4 / 23 position, although with rotational movement, so as to allow, in the case of inspection thereof, that said inspection be carried out with the tire in a position, specifically, inclined and resting on its tire tread with a rotational movement about the tire axle.

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is a tire support device according to claim 1. Preferably, a tire support device for automated inspection of the tire using vision systems, comprising a frame with an inclined structure with a surface having a cavity or window and having, in said frame: - At least two adjustment devices for positioning the tire on the frame, each of said adjustment devices comprising the first adjustment means that adapt to the width of the tire, and placed on the second adjustment means that adapt to the diameter of the tire, so that the adjustment devices adapt to the width of the tire and its diameter, the second adjustment means moving on the inclined frame structure, thus enabling the use of the support device with tires of different dimensions, - Means of supporting a tire on its tread, or tread surface, associated with the initial means of adjusting each adjustment device, and - Means of rotating the tire on its axis, also associated with each adjustment device and which actuate said support means.

[0012] Said means of rotation comprise actuation means that enable the turning or rotation of Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 11 / 108 5 / 23 tire with a determined and generally constant speed, by means of transmitting a tangential motion to the tire.

[0013] The support device preferably comprises three adjustment devices on the inclined frame and is supported on a preferably horizontal surface, such that two of the adjustment devices are located on the lower portion of said frame and the third adjustment device is located on the upper surface, all of them concentric to the tire axis. Associated with said lower adjustment devices, the support device comprises means for resting or supporting the tire, which further comprises means of rotation that cause tangential rotation of the tire on its axis by providing traction on the tire tread, i.e., motorized support and rotation means.

[0014] Preferably, the device has three adjustment devices located 120° apart from each other, two in the lower portion and one in the upper portion, the three adjustment devices being concentric with respect to the tire axis.

[0015] Similarly, it is also possible that the support device comprises only two adjustment devices located in the lower portion of the frame with means of support and rotation, i.e., without the upper adjustment device, so that the tire rests directly on the frame, or on a support element, in said upper area, and because the rotation and support are performed in the lower adjustment devices. Alternatively, an upper adjustment device could be provided without means of rest or support since said adjustment device Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 12 / 108 6 / 23 superior does not provide traction to the tire, and its main function is to prevent vibrations should they occur. Thus, an upper adjustment device could be provided with adjustment and support means, but without motorized rotation means.

[0016] The frame of the support device where the adjustment devices rest has an inclined structure with a window, such that the frame has the shape of an inclined frame in a support structure for all the elements of the device. The inclination of the frame structure is between 15° and 30°, preferably 20°, in relation to an approximately vertical plane, said approximately vertical plane being preferably perpendicular to the support structure of the frame and, therefore, also perpendicular to the surface where said support structure rests, said surface, therefore, being that on which the entire device rests. That is, the support structure has an inclination between 60° and 75° in relation to a horizontal surface. The axis of the tire forms a 90° angle with said support structure on which it rests.The aforementioned inclination of the support structure helps prevent the tire from wobbling as it rotates, a wobble that occurs when the tire rests on its tread while on a horizontal surface.

[0017] Each of said lower adjustment devices, and optionally the upper one, comprises as support means an axle or cylinder on which the tire rests, so that the rotation of said axle constitutes, at the same time, the means of rotation to rotate the tire on its axis and supports the tire, which prevents deformation when it rotates, the tire speed preferably being between 10 and 15 rpm. Petition 870220081534, dated 09 / 08 / 2022, p. 13 / 108 7 / 23

[0018] The upper adjustment device preferably has, as means of support, two non-motorized shafts or cylinders, discreetly separated from each other, with the aim of preventing, by forming a lock, the tire from coming out of the device when applying the corresponding rotational speed of the shafts or cylinders of the lower adjustment device.

[0019] The first means of adjustment for width adjustment, the second means of adjustment for diameter adjustment, as well as the means of rotation of each adjustment device are preferably displaced and / or driven servomotors.

[0020] Preferably, the first means of adjustment for adjusting to the tire width comprise a first U-shaped support, with a first fixed end and a second end, parallel to the first end, movable by a servomotor, so that the second end can be adapted to the width of the tire, once the tire tread is inserted into said U-shaped support.

[0021] The second means of adjustment for adjusting to the tire diameter comprise a second movable support on a surface, preferably with one or two rails arranged alternately on the frame of the device or on an extension thereof, for example, on flat plates or sheets on which the displacement rails are arranged. The first support is arranged on said second support with the first means of adjustment for adjusting to the tire width. In this way, the second means of adjustment will move the second support along the rail or rails located on the frame and, in turn, will move the first means of adjustment arranged on the second means of adjustment. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 14 / 108 8 / 23

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means for diameter adjustment are arranged so as to allow movement of the adjustment means for tire width adjustment along the axes at 120°, maintaining equidistance between the three adjustment devices. The intersection point of said axes is the point where the center and axis of the tire should be placed in the device. That is, the rails are arranged so that the first and second adjustment means, and therefore the adjustment devices, move concentrically with respect to the center of the tire that is placed in the support device. This concentric movement in the upper adjustment device is preferably vertical.

[0023] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, wherein the lower adjustment devices are not equidistant from each other as the upper adjustment device, the rails on which they move are preferably arranged so that the lower adjustment devices move from one side of the frame to the other, parallel to a horizontal surface, varying the distance between them, whereas in the case of the upper adjustment device, said rails are perpendicular to the former and move from top to bottom.

[0024] In addition to the first and second adjustment means, the support device object of the invention comprises support means and rotation means, as described above. Said support and rotation means may correspond to the same means, so that the support means and the rotation means are the same drive shaft or cylinder, which is the case in the lower adjustment devices, where the shaft or cylinder is preferably arranged on the U-shaped support, between the first end, which is fixed, and the Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 15 / 108 9 / 23 second end, which is movable. Furthermore, and as mentioned, the upper adjustment device may or may not have these support means and rotation means, it may have the support means but not the rotation means, or it may have both. Preferably, as already mentioned, the upper adjustment device has two shafts or cylinders as support means.

[0025] The device that is the subject of the invention may also incorporate, to facilitate access to the interior of the tire, specifically to the interior of the tire tread, as well as to the interior of the sidewalls, a tire opening mechanism that is integrated into the lower adjustment devices. Said mechanism, preferably pneumatic, has claws that are inserted into the interior of the tire from its sidewall and which, when opened, cause the separation of the tire sidewalls, thus facilitating access to the interior of the tire, both to the interior of the tire tread and to the interior of the sidewalls. Said claws have cylinders or rollers at their ends that allow the tire to rotate.

[0026] The mechanical elements for achieving the movements and adjustments of the aforementioned devices and means may vary, as well as the components that make them up.

[0027] In accordance with the above, the support device that is the subject of the invention, with three adjustment devices, two lower and one upper, above the two previous ones, operates as follows: - Firstly, and with the aid of a preferably robotic arm, a tire is placed on the support device, specifically supported on the rotating axles, cylinders or rollers of the two lower adjustment devices and positioned between the three axles of the three Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 16 / 108 10 / 23 adjustment devices, Next, the second adjustment means for adjusting the diameter of each of said adjustment devices are moved to adjust them to the diameter of the tire. Subsequently, the first adjustment means for width adjustment are moved until they fit the width of the tire, and - The motorized support and rotation shafts or cylinders, preferably associated with the lower adjustment devices (if the upper adjustment device also has a support shaft, it would also rotate, with or without motorization), begin to rotate, forcing the tire to rotate, preferably after the tire opening mechanism is activated, which separates the tire sides from each other.

[0028] If the device includes a tire opening mechanism, it will act before the rotation of the shafts or cylinders of the lower adjustment devices.

[0029] The device that is the subject of the invention is preferably used for automated tire inspection, so it will be necessary to have vision systems or display elements, usually cameras and profilometers, in order to inspect all parts of the tire, namely: The tire tread, the sidewall that rests on the support device through the frame or casing window, the sidewall that is not resting on the device, and the interior of the tire, both the inside of the tire tread and the inner sidewalls.

[0030] Preferably, vision systems Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 17 / 108 11 / 23 will be installed, as far as possible, on the tire support device itself, and when this is not possible due to tire handling preventing it or a required angle of inclination of the vision system being necessary, any necessary means will be used, primarily robotic arms that incorporate said vision systems at their ends.

[0031] Preferably, the systems for viewing the exterior of the tire tread, as well as the exterior of the sidewalls, are arranged in the upper mounting device, in frames arranged for this purpose. These could be arranged elsewhere, provided they do not interfere with the operation of the device components. For inspection of the tire interior, the vision systems are inserted through the tire cavity to access the interior of the tire tread and the interior of the sidewalls. Access to the interior can be achieved from one side of the frame and from the opposite side through the cavity or window made there.

[0032] For tire inspection using vision systems, it would be preferable to proceed as follows: a) Before placing the tire on the support device, a reader measures the volume of the tire to be inspected in order to determine its dimensions. b) The tire is removed from inside the container by means of grippers using a robotic arm and moved to a barcode reader in order to verify that the manufacturing dimensions, included in the barcode, match the volume measured in step a), and if they do not match, the tire inspection is discarded. c) The tire is placed on the support device that is the subject of the invention, so that the fastening devices Petition 870220081534, dated 09 / 08 / 2022, p. 18 / 108 12 / 23 of these move to adjust to the diameter and width of the tire. d) The tire opening mechanism, incorporated into the lower adjustment devices, separates the tire sidewalls, (e) The cylinders or shafts of the lower adjustment devices' support means begin to rotate, causing the tire to move. f) The vision systems arranged in the support device, preferably in the upper fixing device, begin to capture images of the exterior of the tire tread, of one outer sidewall of the tire and of the other outer sidewall of the tire, one of them through the cavity or window existing in the inclined frame of the device object of the invention, (g) Vision systems mounted on robotic arms, specifically those designed to inspect the interior of the tire, specifically one to inspect the interior of the tire tread, another to inspect the interior of one sidewall and another to inspect the interior of the other sidewall, access the interior of the tire, and h) After inspecting the different parts of the tire, the captured images are stored, processed, and compared to reference images of the inspected tire, thus determining the viability of the inspected tire.

[0033] As mentioned above, if the device was not used for automatic tire inspection, but for any other functions indicated above, the steps related to inspection with vision systems would not be included in the method. Furthermore, if the device did not include the tire opening mechanism, that step will obviously not be included in the method either. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 19 / 108 13 / 23 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To supplement the present description and to facilitate understanding of the features of the invention, the following figures are included by way of illustration and not limitation: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the tire support device that is the subject of the invention, where its general configuration and the main parts and elements it comprises can be observed. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one of the arm structures that the three adjustment sets for adjusting the support device of the first example of the invention have as means of adjustment for adjusting to the tire width, the parts and elements comprising it being recognized in detail. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the adjustment means for adjusting to the tire diameter of the upper adjustment assembly of the support of the first example of the invention, represented without the arm structure to facilitate observation of the elements that comprise it and their arrangement. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of one of the lower adjustment assemblies that the support device has, with the adjustment means for adjusting to the width and diameter of the tire, according to the first example of the invention, the different elements comprising its arrangement being observed. Figure 5 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the device that is the subject of the invention. Figure 6 shows the aforementioned second realization. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 20 / 108 14 / 23 example with a tire positioned on the support. Figure 7A shows a view of a lower adjustment device with its various component parts. Figure 7B shows another view of the lower adjustment device with its various component parts. Figure 7C shows a first enlarged view of the lower adjustment device of Figures 7A and 7B, in which the rails for adjusting to the tire diameter have been separated from the assembly. Figure 7D shows a second enlarged view of the same adjustment device, in which the adjustment means for diameter adjustment, the adjustment means for width adjustment, and the tire opening mechanism (from left to right) are observed. Figure 8 shows a side view of the device that is the subject of the invention. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0035] In view of the figures mentioned above, a description is provided below of a first, non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the support device for automated tire inspection, preferably by means of vision systems of the invention.

[0036] Thus, as observed in Figure 1, the support device comprises an inclined frame (10), which can be arranged in a support structure (not shown), preferably supported on a horizontal surface, with: - three adjustment devices, two lower (50, 60) and one upper (70), the lower ones being equidistant from the upper adjustment device, and each of the Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 21 / 108 15 / 23 three adjustment devices comprising first adjustment means for adjusting the width (3) of the tire and second adjustment means for adjusting the diameter (4) of the tire, and - incorporating support means (5) in its three adjustment devices and rotation means in the lower adjustment devices (50, 60) to support and rotate a tire at a controlled speed on its axis, between 10 and 15 rpm, avoiding vibrations and deformation of the tire during rotation,

[0037] said first (3) and second (4) adjustment means of the three adjustment devices (50, 60, 70), as well as the rotation means of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60) being preferably displaced and / or moved in a controlled manner by the servomotors (6).

[0038] The frame (10) has an inclined structure with a central window or cavity (11), preferably in the form of an enclosure, the inclination of the structure being preferably close to 20°, between 15° and 30°, in relation to perpendicular to a horizontal support surface. In said inclined frame or structure (10), the three adjustment devices (50, 60, 70) are arranged, the two lower adjustment devices (50, 60) having the first adjustment means for adjusting the width (3), the second adjustment means for adjusting the diameter (4) of the tire and tire support means (5) that coincide with the motorized rotation means of the tire on its axis, specifically cylinders or rollers (5).

[0039] The upper adjustment device (70) also preferably has adjustment means (3, 4), as well as the support means (5) present above in the two lower adjustment devices (50, 60), although Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 22 / 108 16 / 23 preferably does not have motorized rotation means, so that the support means (5) of the upper adjustment device (70) rotate due to the traction transmitted rotation of the tire itself due to the action of the motorized rotation means (5) of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60).

[0040] Alternatively, the support device object of the invention may not have (not shown) any upper adjustment device (70), so that the tire would rest directly on the upper portion of the frame (10) or on a cylinder or cylinders arranged for this purpose in the frame (10).

[0041] Each of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60) comprises, as support means (5) and rotation means, a shaft, cylinder or roller (5) that performs said functions of supporting and rotating the tire, said shaft, cylinder or roller (5) being motorized to be able to transmit this rotation to the tire. Said shaft, cylinder or roller (5) is perpendicular to the frame (10) and constitutes the means for supporting and rotating the tire on its own axis, since the tire rests on said support and rotation shafts or cylinders (5) of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60). In the case of the upper adjustment device (70), if it does not have rotation means, it may have at least one shaft, cylinder or roller, as support means (5), which will also rotate driven by the tire. The shafts, cylinders or rollers of the support means (5) of the adjustment devices (50, 60, 70) are parallel to each other.

[0042] As mentioned, preferably, the said three adjustment devices (50, 60, 70) are incorporated into said frame (10) arranged so that the two lower adjustment devices (50, 60) are located in the portion Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 23 / 108 17 / 23 lower part of the frame (10) with its support and rotation axes (5) separated and movable horizontally, and the upper adjustment device (70) is disposed on the upper part of the frame (10) equidistant, at all times, from both lower adjustment devices (50, 60).

[0043] Figure 2 shows the first means of adjustment for width adjustment (3), which includes each adjustment device (50, 60, 70) and which are preferably determined by a U-shaped structure formed by two arms, one fixed (30) and one movable (31) (although they may be movable), said structure moving on a slide (7) associated with a servomotor (6) and inserted in a rail (8) of a base plate (9), so that the movable arm (31) approaches and moves away from the fixed arm (30) to adjust to the width of the tire.

[0044] In addition, preferably, in the inner portion of each arm (30, 31), a series of bearings (2) are provided for, which are fixed to the lateral surface of the tire, rolling with it as it rotates so as not to cause friction.

[0045] In addition, between both arms (30, 31) there is the support and rotation axis (5) with a cylinder (32) on which the tire tread rests, as observed in Figures 1, 3 and 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the second means of adjustment for adjusting to the diameter (4), shown in Figure 3, of the adjustment devices (50, 60, 70) comprise a support plate (40) which, integrally fixed to the frame (10) of the support device, is provided with rails (8) on which slides (7) move, associated with a servomotor (6), and on which a movable plate (41) is fixed, on which, in turn, Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 24 / 108 18 / 23 the U-shaped arm structure (30, 31) of the first adjustment means (3) is coupled to the corresponding support and rotation axis (5) of the support means (5), to move said movable plate (41) from one end to the other of said support plate (40) and adjust the position of the latter to the diameter of the tire.

[0047] Figure 3 shows how said second adjustment means for adjusting the diameter (4), for the upper adjustment device (70), have a vertical displacement movement of the movable plate (41), the support and rotation axis (5), which rotates freely, being fixed directly to said plate (41), there being spacers (42) on said plate (41) in which the U-shaped arm structure (30, 31) of the first adjustment means (3) rests.

[0048] For its part, as observed in Figure 1. In the two lower adjustment devices (50, 60), the movable plate (41) exhibits a horizontal displacement movement, the support and rotation axes (5) being drive cylinders or rollers. In an example in Figure 4, the rotation system of said cylinders 5 may consist of a servomotor (123) associated with a belt (122) associated with a planetary clutch reduction system (12) formed by a rotating plate (120) and a pinion (121), in order to transmit the movement of the servomotor (123) to the cylinder (5). Other systems could also be used.

[0049] Figures 5 to 8 show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. This second example shows a tire support device (N) comprising an inclined frame (10) with a window or cavity (11) and disposed on a support structure (12). Said support device Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 25 / 108 19 / 23 includes: - three adjustment devices (50, 60, 70), two lower (50, 60) and one upper (70), the three devices (50, 60, 70) being equidistant from each other and concentric to the tire axis, located on the three axes at 120° and intersecting on the axis (n) of the tire, which is perpendicular to the frame (10) and comprising the first adjustment means (3) for adjusting the tire width and second adjustment means (4) for adjusting the tire diameter, and - which incorporates support means (5) in the three devices (50, 60, 70) to support the tires and rotation means exclusively in the lower devices (50, 60) to support and rotate the tire (N) at a controlled speed on its axis, preferably between 10 and 15 rpm, avoiding vibrations and deformation of the tire during rotation due to the configuration of the support device, said first (3) and second (4) adjustment means and rotation means (5) being preferably displaced and / or moved in a controlled manner by servomotors (6).

[0050] The main difference, among others, between this second exemplary embodiment and the first exemplary embodiment is that the adjustment devices (50, 60, 70) are arranged, as mentioned, in the adjustment means for adjusting to the diameter (4) which serves to adjust the devices to the diameter of the tire and stabilize the tire, so that they move parallel to the axes at 120° which intersect at a point located on the axis (n) of the tire arranged on the support device (10) object of the invention.

[0051] Furthermore, another difference with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention is that this second example Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 26 / 108 20 / 23 features a tire opening mechanism (80) integrated into each of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60). This mechanism (80), which could also be integrated into the first exemplary embodiment, aims to facilitate access to the interior of the tire, specifically to the interior of the tire tread, as well as to the interior of the sidewalls. Said mechanism (80), preferably actuated by pneumatic means, has claws (81) that are inserted inside the tire (N) through its sidewall and, when opened, cause the separation of the tire sidewalls (N), thus facilitating access to the interior, both to the interior of the tire tread and to the interior of the sidewalls. Said claws (81) have cylinders or rollers (82) at their ends that allow the tire to rotate when the support and rotation means (5) arranged in the lower adjustment devices (50, 60) cause the rotation of the entire tire.

[0052] In this example, the adjustment means for diameter adjustment (4) of the three adjustment devices (50, 60, 70) move, as mentioned, radially in relation to the center of the tire, each device maintaining equidistance in relation to the others, as they approach or move away from the center of the tire, depending on their dimensions. The adjustment means for width adjustment (3) also move in said adjustment means for diameter adjustment.

[0053] The said adjustment means for width adjustment (3) have a configuration similar to that described for the first exemplary embodiment, in which a first movable arm moves relative to a second fixed arm, both arms being parallel and having bearings to facilitate tire rotation. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 27 / 108 21 / 23

[0054] Similarly, the tire rests on two axles, cylinders or rollers arranged to form the support means (5), said support means being motorized and activated by servomotors (123) in the case of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60). However, in the upper adjustment device (70), the support means (5) are not motorized, but have a double support system formed by two cylinders that are spaced apart, acting as a stop and preventing the tire from leaving the support device as a result of rotation. Similarly, it is possible to have support cylinders (51), without motorization, in the device, between the upper adjustment device (70) and the lower adjustment devices (50, 60).

[0055] These elements not described in this second exemplary embodiment of Figures 5 to 8 can be considered similar or equivalent to those described for the first example of Figures 1 to 4.

[0056] This second example further shows how the upper adjustment device (70) integrates the vision systems (90) formed by a camera or profilometer and a laser. Specifically, in Figure 8, although also seen in Figures 5 and 6, there are several vision devices or systems (90), two located in the upper portion to capture and record the tire tread and two others located on each side of the tire, capturing the sides of the tire. It can be observed how the tire side located on the side of the support device (10) is inspected by a vision system (90) that accesses said side through the window or cavity (11) of the frame (10). Similarly, the light beams emitted by the necessary laser devices are Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 28 / 108 22 / 23 observed so that the cameras or profilometers capture the surface with sufficient resolution.

[0057] The method of inspecting a tire with vision systems using the device that is the subject of the present invention, in particular with the second example described, would preferably proceed as follows: a) Before placing the tire (N) in the support device (10), a reader measures the volume of the tire (N) to be inspected to determine its dimensions, b) The tire (N) is removed from inside this by means of grippers by a robotic arm and moved to a barcode reader in order to verify that the manufacturing dimensions, included in the barcode, match the volume measured in step a), and if they do not match, the inspection tire (N) is discarded. c) The tire (N) is placed on the support device (10) object of the invention, so that the fastening devices (50, 60, 70) thereof move to adjust to the diameter and width of the tire (N). d) The tire opening mechanism (80), incorporated into the lower adjustment devices (50, 60), separates the sides of the tire (N), (e) The cylinders or shafts (5) of the support means of the lower adjustment devices (50, 60) begin to rotate and cause the tire (N) to move, f) The vision systems (90) arranged on the support device (10), preferably on the upper fixing device (70), begin to capture images of the outside of the tire tread, of one outer sidewall of the tire (N) and of the other outer sidewall of the tire (N), one of them Petition 870220081534, dated 09 / 08 / 2022, p. 29 / 108 23 / 23 through the cavity or window (11) in the inclined frame (10) of the device object of the invention, g) Vision systems mounted on robotic arms, specifically those designed to inspect the interior of the tire (N), specifically one to inspect the interior of the tire tread, another to inspect the interior of one sidewall and another to inspect the interior of the other sidewall, access the interior of the tire (N), and h) After inspecting the different parts of the tire (N), the captured images are stored, processed and compared to the reference images of the inspected tire (N) by means of a computer program installed on a processor that collects all the images and data, thus determining the viability of the inspected tire. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 30 / 108

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. TIRE SUPPORT DEVICE, characterized by comprising a frame having an inclined structure (10) for supporting a tire (N) with a cavity or window (11), providing in said frame at least two adjustment devices for positioning the tire (N) in the frame, each of said adjustment devices comprising: - Second adjustment means (4) that move in the inclined structure (10) of the frame to adapt to the diameter of the tire (N), - First adjustment means (3), placed in the second adjustment means (4) to move along it to adapt to the width of the tire (N), and - Support means (5) for supporting the tire (N) on its tread or tread surface, actuated by rotation means that cause the support means (5) to rotate to make the tire (N) rotate on its axis, thus the second adjustment means (4) move on the inclined structure. (10) to adapt to the tire diameter (N),moving simultaneously the first adjustment means (3) with the support means (5) placed on the said second adjustment means (4), so that the support means (5) cause the tire (N) to rotate after the first adjustment means (3) adapt to the width of the tire (N)., 2. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame structure is inclined between 15° and 30°, preferably 20°, with respect to a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the support surface of the frame.

3. DEVICE, according to claim 1 or Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, page 31 / 108 2 / 4 2, characterized by the two adjustment devices being lower adjustment devices and being located in the lower portion of the frame separated from each other.

4. DEVICE, according to claim 3, characterized by comprising a third upper adjustment device located in the upper portion of the frame, equidistant from the two lower adjustment devices located in the lower portion.

5. DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized by the adjustment devices being equidistant from each other and arranged on axes located at 120°.

6. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means of rotation are the means of support.

7. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support and rotation means (5) are at least one cylinder (50) located on an axis of rotation perpendicular to the inclined structure of the frame.

8. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the adjustment means are activated by servomotors.

9. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the first adjustment means (3) for adjusting the tire width characterized by comprising a U-shaped structure formed by two arms, one fixed (30) and one movable (31) such that the movable arm (31) approaches and moves away from the fixed arm (30) to adjust the tire width.

10. DEVICE, according to claim 9, characterized by, in the inner portion of each arm (30, 31), Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, p. 32 / 108 3 / 4, the incorporation of bearings (10) is provided which are fixed to the lateral surface of the tire, rolling with it when the tire rotates, so as not to cause friction.

11. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the second adjustment means (4) for adjusting to the tire diameter being characterized by comprising a support plate (40) which, integrally fixed to the frame (1) of the support, and on which a movable plate (41) is fixed which, in turn, the U-shaped arm structure (30, 31) is coupled to the corresponding support (5) and to the rotation means, to move said movable plate (41) from one end to the other of said support plate (40) and adjust the position of said plate to the tire diameter.

12. DEVICE, according to claim 10, characterized by the second adjustment means (4) for adjusting to the tire diameter in the upper adjustment device, which has a vertical displacement movement of the movable plate (41).

13. DEVICE, according to claim 10, characterized by the lower adjustment means (2), the movable plate (41) having a horizontal displacement movement.

14. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the support and rotation axis (5) of the upper adjustment device (29) rotates freely and the support and rotation axes (5) of the lower adjustment devices (2) are drive axes activated by servomotors.

15. DEVICE, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the lower fastening devices being characterized by comprising a tire opening mechanism with at least two claws that are inserted inside the tire, separating the tire sidewalls. Petition 870220081534, dated 08 / 09 / 2022, p. 33 / 108 4 / 4

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