Improving dynamic tire balancing using injected sealant

Abstract

A method of applying a sealant layer to an inner surface of a tire and the resulting tire are disclosed. Prior to applying the sealant, a first balance light spot and a second balance light spot on a first side and a second side of the tire are identified. A starting position of a sealant bead adjacent to the first side of the tire is determined in accordance with a location of the first balance light spot. An ending position of the sealant bead adjacent to the second side of the tire is determined in accordance with a location of the second balance light spot. Balancing of the tire is improved by applying the sealant layer.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a method of applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire to improve tire balance.

[0003] 2. Description of existing technology

[0004] A typical prior art tire sealant unit for applying a sealant layer is described in WO2019123272A1 and WO2019123275A1.

[0005] There is a need for improved methods to apply sealant layers to the inner surface of the tire so that the sealant layers improve tire balance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure relates to a method for improving the inherent balance of a tire after a sealant layer has been applied to it, and to an improved tire manufactured by such a method.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method of applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire may include the following steps:

[0008] (a) Identify the circumferential position of the first balancing point on the first side of the tire as the first angle θ. T This angle is measured from the physical markings on the tire around the tire's axis of rotation;

[0009] (b) Identify the circumferential position of the second balancing point on the second side of the tire as the second angle θ. B This angle is measured from the physical marker around the axis of rotation of the tire;

[0010] (c) Determine the target starting position of the sealant bead adjacent to the first side of the tire as the target starting angle θ. S This angle is measured from the physical marker's rotation axis around the tire, the target starting angle θ. S Based on the first angle θ T To determine;

[0011] (d) Determine the target termination position of the sealant bead adjacent to the second side of the tire as the target termination angle θ. E This angle is measured from the physical marker around the axis of rotation of the tire, the target termination angle θ. E Based on the second angle θ B To determine; and

[0012] (e) Apply sealant beads to the inner surface of the tire in a spiral pattern, starting from a target starting angle θ. SThe selected actual starting position and the termination point are based on the target termination angle θ. E The selected actual termination position.

[0013] Compared to the static and dynamic balance of a tire before the application of sealant beads, the application of sealant beads can improve both the static and dynamic balance of the tire.

[0014] In any of the methods described above, the target starting angle θ S θ can be determined using the following function: S =θ T +90°.

[0015] In any of the methods described above, the target termination angle θ E θ can be determined using the following function: E =θ B –90°.

[0016] In any of the above methods, the actual starting angle and the actual ending angle can each be within the acceptable positioning error range of the target starting angle and the target ending angle, respectively.

[0017] In any of the above methods, the acceptable positioning error range can be ±45 degrees.

[0018] In any of the above methods, the acceptable positioning error range can be ±30 degrees.

[0019] In any of the above methods, the acceptable positioning error range can be ±15 degrees.

[0020] In any of the methods described above, the physical marker may be a barcode located on a first sidewall defining the first side of the tire.

[0021] In another embodiment, a tire manufactured by any of the above methods may include a tread portion and a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion extending radially inward from the tread portion. The tire may have: a first balancing point location located on a first side of the tire, and, prior to the application of sealant, a first angle θ measured from a physical mark on the tire about the tire's axis of rotation. T The second balance point position, located on the second side of the tire, and measured as a second angle θ from a physical mark on the tire around the tire's axis of rotation before the sealant is applied. B The inner surface of the tire can define the tire's inner cavity between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion. A spirally wound sealant bead can be laid on the inner surface, the sealant bead having a starting position closest to the first sidewall and an ending position closest to the second sidewall. The starting position can be located at a first equilibrium point position θ relative to the winding direction of the sealant bead. TWithin a range of 45 to 135 degrees in front, and relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, the termination position can be at the second equilibrium light point position θ. B Within a range of 45 to 135 degrees behind.

[0022] In another embodiment of the aforementioned tire, the starting position can be located at the first equilibrium light point position θ relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads. T Within a range of 60 to 120 degrees in front, and relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, the termination position can be at the second equilibrium light point position θ. B Within a range of 60 to 120 degrees behind.

[0023] In another embodiment of the aforementioned tire, the starting position can be located at the first equilibrium light point position θ relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads. T Within a range of 75 to 105 degrees in front, and relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, the termination position can be at the second equilibrium light point position θ. B Within a range of 75 to 105 degrees behind.

[0024] Many objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art when reading the following disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 It is a plan view of the tire sealant unit system according to this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Left front perspective view of the tire sealant unit system.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tire located on one of the application tables, where a dispensing robot holds a dispensing tool inside the tire's cavity to apply sealant beads.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a tire, showing sealant beads partially laid to form a sealant layer on the inner surface of the tire.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a front view of the tire handling robot.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a side view of the tire handling robot.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the platform.

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The end view of the application platform.

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 The rear view of the application platform.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a side view of the robot being assigned.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a front view of the robot being assigned.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a top-down plan view of the robot being assigned.

[0037] Figure 13 This is an enlarged side view of the dispensing tool carried by the dispensing robot.

[0038] Figure 14 This is a front view of the distribution tool carried by the distribution robot.

[0039] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing tool carried by the dispensing robot.

[0040] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the controller and related components of the tire sealant unit system.

[0041] Figure 17 It is a visual representation of the specifications of the sealant layer on the inner surface of the tire.

[0042] Figure 18 A hypothetical sealant layer, laid symmetrically about the equatorial plane of the tire, is schematically shown. The hypothetical overlap of the ends of the sealant beads is also indicated by crosshairs.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a tire as it is oriented when mounted in one of the application stations. It shows the angular position of the tire's light application point and the target starting and ending angles for applying the sealant beads. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of this disclosure, for which one or more accompanying drawings are illustrated. Each drawing is provided in an interpretative manner and not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment.

[0045] Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of this disclosure are disclosed in, or may be apparent from, the following detailed description. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this discussion is merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure.

[0046] The terms “connect,” “attach,” “join,” “install,” and “fasten” should be interpreted as any way of joining two objects, including but not limited to: using any fasteners that achieve a fixed, translational, or pivotable relationship, such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pins, and U-clamps; any type of welding, such as conventional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, and induction welding; using any resins, adhesives, and epoxy resins; integral formation into a single component; any mechanical fit, such as friction fit, interference fit, sliding fit, rotatable fit, and pivotable fit; and any combination thereof; etc.

[0047] Unless otherwise specifically stated, any component of the device disclosed herein may be made of any suitable or appropriate material, including but not limited to metals, alloys, polymers, polymer mixtures, wood, composite materials, or any combination thereof.

[0048] The whole process :

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic top view of the tire sealant unit system 100 is shown, and Figure 2A perspective view of a tire sealant unit system 100 is schematically shown. The tire sealant unit system 100 may also be referred to herein as tire sealant unit 100. The tire sealant unit system 100 is configured to automatically apply a sealant layer 102 to the inner surface portion 112 of a tire 110. The sealant layer 102 may be configured to automatically seal holes (not shown) in the tire 110, which may be caused by road debris such as (e.g.) nails (not shown). Thus, the sealant layer 102 is neither solid nor liquid, but remains in a semi-viscous state, allowing it to adhere to road debris that has punctured the tire 110, and to itself after the road debris is removed, preventing any air from escaping from the cavity 114 of the tire 110. The inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110 may also be referred to herein as the inner surface 112 of the tire 110. The cavity 114 of the tire 110 may also be referred to herein as the interior 114 of the tire 110. The inner surface portion 112 of tire 110 may be defined opposite to the tread portion 116 of tire 110 and may extend upward at least partially to the sidewalls 118a and 118b of tire 110. The tread portion 116 of tire 110 may also be referred to herein as the outer tread surface 116 of tire 110. Compared to existing systems, the tire sealant unit system 100 can provide higher output at a higher ratio.

[0050] The sealant layer 102 may be, for example, made of Sealant composition. In some embodiments, sealant layer 102 may be a mixture comprising a portion of component A (not shown) and a portion of component B (not shown) in a weight ratio of 10:1. The sealant, comprising a portion of component A and a portion of component B, can be stored separately and mixed together upon application. In other embodiments, this ratio can be adjusted. The initial curing time of sealant layer 102 can be one day, with complete curing within 28 days. Tire 110 can be moved before the one-day marking period, taking care not to cause significant deformation of tire 110. Thus, it may be useful to treat tire 110 via tread portion 116, as further disclosed below.

[0051] Tires (e.g., first tire 110A, second tire 110B, third tire 110C, etc.) first interact with the tire sealant unit system 100 by being received sequentially by the supply conveyor 130 of the tire sealant unit system 100. The tires leave the tire sealant unit system 100 via the discharge conveyor 132 of the tire sealant unit system 100.

[0052] The supply conveyor 130 may include a tire identification station 140. The tire identification station 140 may include a first conveyor belt 142 for moving tires 110 along the supply conveyor 130. The tire identification station 140 may also include a barcode reader (BCR) 144 configured to scan the tire code 120 of the tire 110 (see [link to original text]). Figure 7 Tire code 120 may also be referred to herein as barcode 120. Barcode reader 144 may also be referred to herein as scanner 144. Barcode reader 144 may be, for example, a Datalogic BCR array, etc. Tire code 120 may be unique to tire 110 and may be engraved or defined on the outer surface of tire 110, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Tire code 120 can also be associated with specific information related to tire 110, such as tire width, tread depth, sidewall height, or chamfer diameter.

[0053] The supply conveyor 130 may also include a first weighing station 150. The first weighing station 150 may include a second conveyor belt 152 for moving the tire 110 along the supply conveyor 130. The first weighing station 150 is configured to weigh and record the weight of the tire 110 before the sealant layer 102 is applied to the tire 110.

[0054] The supply conveyor 130 may also include a tire positioning station 160. The tire positioning station 160 may include a third conveyor belt 162 for moving the tire 110 along the supply conveyor 130. The tire positioning station 160 may also include a scanner 164 configured to position the center 122 of the tire 110. The center 122 of the tire 110 may also be referred to herein as the axis of rotation 122 of the tire 110, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In some alternative embodiments, scanner 164 may be a Fanuc irVision camera, etc., which may be paired with polarized blue light (not shown) to help identify the center 122 of tire 110. According to this embodiment, third conveyor belt 162 may be dyed blue to increase the effectiveness of scanner 164 (e.g., Fanuc irVision camera, etc.).

[0055] The tire sealant unit system 100 may further include a tire handling robot 200, at least one application table 300, and a dispensing robot 400. The at least one application table 300 may also be referred to herein as at least one sealant application table 300. As shown, the at least one application table 300 includes a first application table 300A and a second application table 300B. The first application table 300A and the second application table 300B may be identical and will be further described with reference to the at least one application table 300.

[0056] The first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B may be arranged adjacent to each other such that tires (e.g., first tire 110A, second tire 110B, third tire 110C, etc.) may be received on the first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B, wherein the rotation axis 122 of the tires is oriented substantially horizontally. Tires received on the first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B may be aligned end-to-end, wherein the tread portions 116 face each other. The tire handling robot 200 may be positioned on one side of the first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B. The dispensing robot 400 may be positioned on the opposite side of the first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B. Thus, when tire 110 is received by one of the receiving stages of the first application stage 300A or the second application stage 300B, one sidewall of tire 110 faces the tire handling robot 200 and the other sidewall of tire 110 faces the dispensing robot 400.

[0057] The tire handling robot 200 can be configured to lift a tire 110 from the supply conveyor 130 of the tire positioning station 160, or more specifically, the third conveyor belt 162, using its tire gripping tool 202, and place the tire 110 on an unoccupied application table of either the first application table 300A or the second application table 300B. The tire gripping tool 202 is configured to engage the tread portion 116 of the tire 110 when the tire 110 is moved. The gripping force of the tire gripping tool 202 can be adjusted based on the tire code 120.

[0058] In some embodiments, the tire handling robot 200 may also include a scanner 204. Once the tire handling robot 200 places the tire 110 on one of the application tables 300, the tire gripper 202 releases the tire 110, and the scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 can be used to scan (e.g., an initial scan or pre-scan) the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110 while the tire 110 is rotated by the at least one application table 300. In other embodiments, the dispensing robot 400 may include a scanner for performing the initial scan.

[0059] The dispensing robot 400 can be configured to dispense sealant beads 104 (e.g., when the tire 110 is rotated by one of the application tables 300) using the dispensing tool 402 of the dispensing robot 400. Figure 3 and Figure 4(As shown) is applied to the inner surface portion 112 of tire 110. While tire 110 is rotated by one of the application tables 300 to form a sealant layer 102, sealant beads 104 are continuously distributed in a strip shape onto the inner surface portion 112 of tire 110 by a dispensing tool 402. The sealant beads 104 are generally preferably rectangular in shape. The width of the sealant beads 104 can range from 6 mm to 18 mm, preferably 6 mm to 10 mm. The thickness of the sealant beads can range from 3 mm to 5 mm, preferably about 4 mm. In one embodiment, the sealant beads may have a width of 8 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. In other embodiments, the width and thickness of the sealant beads 104 may be different.

[0060] The dispensing robot 400 may utilize the initial scan of the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110, as described above and performed by the tire handling robot 200 or the dispensing robot 400, to calculate, for example, the travel path in the x, y, z coordinates for dispensing the sealant beads 104.

[0061] The dispensing robot 400 may include at least one sensor 410 positioned on a dispensing tool 402 of the dispensing robot 400. The at least one sensor 410 may be configured to detect the orientation of the dispensing tool 402 relative to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. The at least one sensor 410 may also be configured to detect a distance 420 between the dispensing tool and the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 410 may be used to perform an initial scan of the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110 while the tire 110 is rotated by at least one application stage 300.

[0062] Once the dispensing robot 400 has completed depositing sealant beads 104 onto the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110 to form a sealant layer 102, one of the tire handling robot 200 or the dispensing robot 400 may be configured to scan (e.g., final scan or post-scan) the sealant layer 102 to determine whether the specifications (e.g., thickness) of the sealant layer 102 or the sealant beads 104 are within a set standard (e.g., a minimum permissible specification for the sealant layer 102). For example, this specification must be sufficient so that sealing performance is not adversely affected. Therefore, in some embodiments, the scanner 204 of the tire handling robot 200 may be used to scan the sealant layer 102 on the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. In other embodiments, at least one sensor 410 may be used to scan the sealant layer 102 on the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110.

[0063] The tire sealant unit system 100 can perform a final scan and record data corresponding to the specifications of the sealant layer 102 on the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110, which is associated with data corresponding to a location of the sealant layer 102 on the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the tire sealant unit system 100 may also include a display 518 configured to display a visual image 530 representing the sealant layer 102 on the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. The visual image 530 may include visual markings 532, typically color-coded, corresponding to whether the sealant layer specifications are within a set standard. The visual image 530 may show a planar representation of the tire 110 divided into, for example, 5mm × 5mm segments. Each segment may include visual markings 532.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, when the sealant beads 104 are applied to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110, at least one sensor 410 can be used to scan the specifications of the sealant beads in real time and transmit the associated data for display on the display 518.

[0065] Once the final scan is complete, the tire handling robot 200 can lift the completed tire 110 from the first application table 300A or the second application table 300B and place the tire 110 onto the discharge conveyor 132. More specifically, the tire handling robot 200 can place the tire 110 onto the discharge receiving station 170 of the discharge conveyor 132. The discharge receiving station 170 may include a fourth conveyor belt 172 for moving the tire 110 along the discharge conveyor 132.

[0066] The discharge conveyor 132 may also include a second weighing station 180. The second weighing station 180 may include a fifth conveyor belt 182 for moving the tire 110 along the discharge conveyor 132. The second weighing station 180 is configured to weigh the tire 110 after the sealant layer 102 has been applied to it. The weight change of the tire 110 may be determined based on data from the first weighing station 150 and the second weighing station 180. The weight change may be recorded, stored, and aggregated, and may be used as a baseline dataset associated with a specific tire via tire code 120.

[0067] The discharge conveyor 132 may also include a final station 190. The final station 190 may include a sixth conveyor belt 192 for moving the tire 110 along the discharge conveyor 132. The tire 110 may exit the tire sealant unit system 100 from the final station 190. In other embodiments, the tire 110 may exit the tire sealant unit system 100 from a second weighing station 180.

[0068] The tire sealant unit system 100 also includes a plurality of electroflow drum pumps 106, each containing one of two components for producing sealant beads 104. At any given time, sealant for sealant beads 104 is supplied to a dispensing robot 400 from at least two of the plurality of eFlow drum pumps 104, each of the at least two eFlow drum pumps containing a different one of the two components for producing sealant beads 106. The two components are mixed by the dispensing robot 400 just before the sealant beads 104 are applied to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110.

[0069] Tires (e.g., first tire 110A, second tire 110B, third tire 110C, etc.) can continuously enter and exit the tire sealant unit system 100. For example, within a given time, a tire can be on each of the six conveyor belts and the first application table 300A and the second application table 300B. The dispensing robot 400 can move back and forth between the first application table 300A and the second application table 300B, thereby applying sealant beads 104 to the tire positioned on a given application table before moving to another application table. For example, the tire handling robot 200 can position the first tire 110A on the first application table 300A and then perform an initial scan. While the dispensing robot 400 applies sealant beads 104 onto the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A, the tire handling robot 200 can continue to position the second tire 110B on the second application table 300B. Once the dispensing robot 400 has finished applying the sealant beads 104 to the first tire 110A, it can move to the second application table 300B and begin applying the sealant beads 104 to the inner surface portion 112 of the second tire 110B. After the final scan of the first tire 110A has been performed, the tire handling robot 200 can proceed to remove the first tire 110A from the first application table 300A and position it on the discharge conveyor 132. The tire handling robot 200 can then proceed to position the third tire 110C on the first application table 300A. Once the dispensing robot 400 has finished applying the sealant beads 104 to the second tire 110B, it can move back to the first application table 300A and begin applying the sealant beads 104 to the inner surface portion 112 of the third tire 110C. Once the final scan of the second tire 110B has been performed, the tire handling robot 200 can proceed to remove the second tire 110B from the second application table 300B and position it on the discharge conveyor 132. The application of the sealant layer 102 to the tire can typically be performed continuously in this general manner. By including the first application table 300A and the second application table 300B, the efficiency or throughput of the tire sealant unit system 100 is increased.

[0070] Tire handling robot :

[0071] Figure 5 A schematic front view of the tire handling robot 200 is shown, and Figure 6 A schematic side view of the tire handling robot 200 is shown.

[0072] The tire handling robot 200 may include an articulated arm assembly 210 having at least three free axes. The proximal end 212 of the articulated arm assembly 210 may be coupled to a surface mount plate 220 configured to be coupled to a support surface. A tire gripping tool 202 and a scanner 204 may be coupled to the distal end 214 of the articulated arm assembly 210. The proximal end 212 may also be referred to herein as the proximal arm member 212, and the distal end 214 may also be referred to herein as the distal arm member 214.

[0073] The tire handling robot 200 may further include a first arm portion 230 and a second arm portion 232 connected to the distal end 214 of the articulated arm assembly 210. The first arm portion 230 may also be referred to herein as the first arm 230, and the second arm portion 232 may also be referred to herein as the second arm 232. A tire gripping tool 202 may be connected to the first arm portion 230, and a scanner 204 may be connected to the second arm portion 232. Thus, the first arm portion 230 may carry the tire gripping tool 202, and the second arm portion 232 may carry the scanner 204. In some embodiments, at least one of the first arm portion 230 or the tire gripping tool 202 may consist of a double-ended cylinder.

[0074] The tire clamping tool 202 may include a rubber buffer 240 mounted on the end of the tire clamping tool 202 to provide additional clamping when engaging the tread portion 116 of the tire 110.

[0075] As previously described, the tire handling robot 200 is configured to lift the tire 110 from the tire positioning station 160 using a tire gripping tool 202, such that the tire gripping tool 202 engages the tread portion 116 of the tire 110. The gripping force applied to the tread portion 116 of the tire 110 by the tire gripping tool 202 is adjusted based on the tire code 120 scanned by the tire identification station 130. The tire handling robot 200 is then configured to place the tire 110 on one of the application stages 300A or 300B that can be used to receive the tire 110, and to release the tire 110 using the tire gripping tool 202. Once released, the tire handling robot 200 can insert a scanner 204 into the cavity 114 of the tire 110 and perform an initial scan.

[0076] Sealant application table :

[0077] Figure 7 A perspective view of at least one application stage 300 is schematically shown. Figure 8 A side view of at least one application stage 300 is schematically shown, and Figure 9A rear view of at least one application stage 300 is schematically shown. The first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B may be identical and can be further described by describing at least one application stage 300.

[0078] At least one application stage 300 may include a top stabilizer bar 310 and a plurality of drive rollers (not shown) positioned below the top stabilizer bar 310. The upper portion of the inner diameter 124 of the tire 110 may be configured to rest on the top stabilizer bar 310. A portion of the tread portion 116 of the tire 110 may be configured to rest on the plurality of drive rollers. The plurality of drive rollers may be configured to rotate the tire 110 about its axis of rotation 122, for example, during scanning the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110 and during the application of sealant beads 104 to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110.

[0079] At least one application table 300 may further include a plurality of rubber bead dispersing fingers 320 configured to disperse the rubber beads 126 of the tire 110, allowing the dispensing robot 400 easier access to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. A top stabilizing bar 310 and a plurality of drive rollers can be simultaneously actuated downwards to allow the plurality of rubber bead dispersing fingers 320 to reach the cavity 114 of the tire 110. Once the plurality of rubber bead dispersing fingers 320 are in place, the top stabilizing bar 310 and the plurality of drive rollers can be simultaneously actuated upwards to engage the plurality of rubber bead dispersing fingers 320 with the rubber beads 126 of the tire 110, such that the rubber beads 126 are located within the plurality of rubber bead dispersing fingers 320. Once in place, the plurality of rubber bead dispersing fingers 320 can be actuated to move away from the tire 110, thereby spreading the rubber beads 126 of the tire 110 to a predetermined distance.

[0080] At least one application table 300 may also include a plurality of side stabilizing arms 330 configured to pivot into engagement with the tread portion 116 of the tire 110. Each of the plurality of side stabilizing arms 330 may include rollers configured to rotatably engage the tread portion 116 of the tire 110. The plurality of side stabilizing arms 330 may be configured to engage the tread portion 116 of the tire 110 prior to the tire 110 being rotated by the plurality of drive rollers.

[0081] Apart from the top stabilizer bar 310 and multiple side stabilizer arms 330, all movement of at least one application stage 300 can be accomplished using a servo motor. The top stabilizer bar 310 and multiple side stabilizer arms 330 can utilize cylinders, with ratio valves used to control the pressure.

[0082] At least one application stage 300 may also include a sensor 340 coupled to a top stabilizer bar 310. The sensor 340 may be configured to sense the rotational orientation of the rotating tire 110 by detecting a physical marking on the rotating tire 110 that passes through the sensor 340. The physical marking may, for example, be a tire code 120 defined on the tire 110. The sensor 340 may, for example, be a... QS30PDPQ sensor or similar sensor.

[0083] Distribution Robot :

[0084] Figure 10 A schematic side view of the dispensing robot 400 is shown. Figure 11 A schematic front view of the distribution robot 400 is shown, and Figure 12 A bottom view of the distributing robot 400 is shown schematically. Figure 13 schematically shown Figure 10 A side view of the dispensing tool 402 of the dispensing robot 400. Figure 14 schematically shown Figure 12 A bottom view of the dispensing tool 402 of the dispensing robot 400. Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the dispensing tool 402 of the dispensing robot 400 is shown schematically.

[0085] The dispensing robot 400 may include an articulated arm assembly 430 having at least three free axes. The proximal end 432 of the articulated arm assembly 430 may be coupled to a surface mount plate 440 configured to be coupled to a support surface. A dispensing tool 402 may be coupled to the distal end 434 of the articulated arm assembly 430. Therefore, the dispensing tool 402 is configured to be carried by the distal end 434 of the articulated arm assembly 430 of the dispensing robot 400. The proximal end 432 may also be referred to herein as the proximal arm member 432, and the distal end 434 may also be referred to herein as the distal arm member 434.

[0086] The dispensing robot 400 may also include a mixing valve 450 positioned on one of the articulated arm assembly 430 or the dispensing tool 402. The mixing valve 450 may be configured to be coupled to two of the plurality of eFlow drum pumps 106 via a first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and a second sealant component metering dispenser 454. The first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 may be gear flow meters, such as… Servo-driven gear flow meter. In other optional embodiments, the first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 may be... HFR pumps (e.g., characterized by hydraulic reciprocating pistons). For example... Figure 10 and Figure 11Ideally, the first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 can be mounted on the articulated arm assembly 210. For example... Figure 3 As schematically seen, the first flexible conduit 455 and the second flexible conduit 457 can respectively connect the first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 to the sealant nozzle 460.

[0087] A first shut-off valve 459 may be disposed between the first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the sealant nozzle 460 to cut off the flow of the first sealant component. A second shut-off valve 461 may be disposed between the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 and the sealant nozzle 460 to cut off the flow of the second sealant component. Shut-off valves 459 and 461 are preferably backflow valves. The working principle of the backflow valve is: when the valve is closed, a negative pressure is generated to pull back the sealant material, thereby achieving rapid shut-off and / or preventing sealant material from dripping.

[0088] The first on / off valve 465 may be located upstream of the first sealant component metering dispenser 452. The second on / off valve 467 may be located upstream of the second sealant component metering dispenser 454. The on / off valves may be flat valves.

[0089] The dispensing tool 402 may include a sealant nozzle 460. The sealant nozzle 460 may include a nozzle tip 462 configured to dispense sealant beads 104. At least one sensor 410 may be positioned on the dispensing tool 402 and configured to sense the orientation of the nozzle tip 462 relative to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110.

[0090] At least one sensor 410 of the dispensing robot 400 may include a first sensor 412 and a second sensor 414 located on opposite sides of the sealant nozzle 460. The first sensor 412 may also be referred to herein as a first distance sensor 412, and the second sensor 414 may also be referred to herein as a second distance sensor 414. The first sensor 412 and the second sensor 414 may be configured to observe along the length 464 of the sealant nozzle 460 (e.g., Figure 13 (As shown), such that the distance 420 between the nozzle tip 462 and the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110 can be detected by at least one of the first sensor 412 or the second sensor 414. The first sensor 412 and the second sensor 414 may be, for example, LJV Profilometer.

[0091] In such Figure 14In one embodiment, referring to the rotation direction of the tire 110 relative to the sealant nozzle 460, one of the first and second sensors 412, 414 may be located upstream of the sealant nozzle 460, and referring to the rotation direction of the tire 110, the other of the first and second sensors may be located downstream of the sealant nozzle. Figure 14 In this context, assuming the tire rotates from left to right, the first sensor 412 is the upstream sensor, and the second sensor 414 is the downstream sensor.

[0092] The nozzle tip 462 has a tip axis 463 that defines the direction in which the sealant beads 104 are dispensed from the nozzle tip 462. The first distance sensor 412 and the second distance sensor 414 each have sensing axes 413 and 415 arranged parallel to the dispensing axis 463 of the nozzle tip 462.

[0093] One of the first and second distance sensors (i.e., the first distance sensor 412 in the illustrated embodiment) is arranged next to the sealant nozzle 460 such that when the nozzle tip 462 traverses the width of the inner surface 112 of the tire 110 in the transverse direction, the distribution axis 463 of the nozzle tip 462 and the sensing axis 413 of the first distance sensor 412 intersect the inner surface 112 along a common circumferential line. Referring to the transverse direction, the other of the first and second distance sensors (i.e., the second distance sensor 414 in the illustrated embodiment) is arranged rearward relative to the sealant nozzle 460 (e.g., within the range of 11mm-16mm rearward) such that when the nozzle tip 462 traverses the width of the inner surface 112 in the transverse direction, the nozzle tip 462 leads the second distance sensor 414. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown in the schematic diagram, the nozzle tip 462 is shown moving in a transverse direction from left to right to lay sealant beads 104.

[0094] The first sensor 412 and the second sensor 414, combined with the controller 500 discussed further below, allow the nozzle tip 462 to be oriented perpendicular to the inner surface 112 of the tire 110. The controller is configured to receive distance signals from the first distance sensor 412 and the second distance sensor 414, and to orient the sealant nozzle 460 based on the geometry of the inner surface 112 of the tire 110 such that the dispensing axis 463 remains perpendicular to the inner surface 112 of the tire 110 as the nozzle tip 462 traverses the width of the inner surface 112 in the transverse direction.

[0095] As previously described, in some optional embodiments, at least one of the first sensor 412 or the second sensor 414 may be used to scan the specifications of the sealant beads in real time as the sealant beads 104 are applied to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110, and transmit the relevant data for display on the display 518. For example, one of the first sensor 412 or the second sensor 414 may be configured to scan the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110, while the other sensor scans the sealant beads immediately after the sealant beads 104 have been applied to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110.

[0096] The sealant nozzle 460 may also include a static mixer 470 positioned between the nozzle tip 462 and the first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454. The static mixer 470 may also be referred to herein as an internal static mixer 470. Figure 15 As shown, the static mixer 470 may include multiple irregular internal channels to ensure thorough mixing of the two sealant components before exiting the sealant nozzle tip 462. The length of the static mixer 470 may range from 12 inches to 18 inches, preferably about 16 inches.

[0097] The first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 can be directly connected to the static mixer 470. In some alternative embodiments, the first sealant component metering dispenser 452 and the second sealant component metering dispenser 454 can be connected to the static mixer 470 using a first flexible conduit 455 and a second flexible conduit 457.

[0098] The dispensing tool 402 may also include an air nozzle 480 positioned adjacent to the nozzle tip 462, which is configured to spray an airflow 482 directed toward the sealant beads 104. Figure 14 (As shown in the diagram), to help bond the sealant material beads to the inner surface portion 112 of the tire 110. In some embodiments, the airflow 482 may be planar.

[0099] In some alternative embodiments, the dispensing robot 400 may include a camera 483 mounted on the dispensing tool 402, enabling the operator to observe the sealant beads 104 on a display 518 while dispensing them.

[0100] controller :

[0101] Figure 16The controller 500 of the tire sealant unit system 100 is schematically shown. The controller 500 can generate command signals for controlling the operation of various components of the tire sealant unit system 100 (e.g., tire identification station 140, first weighing station 150, tire positioning station 160, discharge receiving station 170, second weighing station 180, final station 190, tire handling robot 200, first application station 300A and second application station 300B, and dispensing robot 400). Figure 16 In the diagram, these command signals are schematically indicated by dashed lines connecting the controller 500 to the aforementioned various components, with arrows indicating the flow of command signals from the controller 500 to the various components.

[0102] It should be understood that, as disclosed herein, data from the various aforementioned components can be transmitted from the various aforementioned components to the controller 500, as also schematically indicated by dashed lines and arrows.

[0103] For example, command signals from controller 500 to each of tire identification station 140, first weighing station 150, tire positioning station 160, discharge receiving station 170, second weighing station 180, and final station 190 can control the movement of each of first conveyor 142, second conveyor belt 152, third conveyor belt 162, fourth conveyor belt 172, fifth conveyor belt 182, and sixth conveyor belt 192. Data from tire identification station 140 to controller 500 may include tire codes 120 scanned by barcode reader 144. Data from first weighing station 150 to controller 500 may include the weight of tires 110 (e.g., first tire 110A, second tire 110B, third tire 110C, etc.) before the application of sealant layer 102. Data from tire positioning station 160 to controller 500 may include the orientation of tire 110 on third conveyor belt 162, which tire handling robot 200 may use to engage tire 110. Data from the second weighing station 180 to the controller 500 may include the weight of the tires 110 (e.g., first tire 110A, second tire 110B, third tire 110C, etc.) after the application of the sealant layer 102. The controller 500 may store the pre- and post-load weights of the tires 110 associated with tire code 120 for future use when the sealant layer 102 is applied to tires with the same tire code 120.

[0104] For example, command signals from controller 500 to tire handling robot 200 can control the movement of articulated arm assembly 210, tire gripper 202, and scanner 204, as well as control the function of scanner 204. Data from tire handling robot 200 to controller 500 may include: the position of each of articulated arm assembly 210, tire gripper 202, and scanner 204; and output from scanner 204 associated with tire 110, which can be used to plot a travel path in the x, y, z coordinates of dispensing robot 400 for applying sealant beads 104 to tire 110.

[0105] For example, command signals from controller 500 to each of the first application station 300A and the second application station 300B can control the movement of each of the plurality of drive rollers, top stabilizer bar 310, plurality of glue bead dispersing fingers 320, and plurality of side stabilizer arms 330 associated with each respective application station. Data from each of the first application station 300A and the second application station 300B to controller 500 may include the orientation of each of the plurality of drive rollers, top stabilizer bar 310, plurality of glue bead dispersing fingers 320, and plurality of side stabilizer arms 330 associated with each respective application station.

[0106] Finally, for example, command signals from controller 500 to dispensing robot 400 can control the movement of articulated arm assembly 430 and dispensing tool 402, as well as control the release of sealant beads 104 from dispensing tool 402 and the release of airflow 482 from air nozzle 480, and control the function of at least one sensor 410. Data from dispensing robot 400 to controller 500 may include the orientation of articulated arm assembly 430 and dispensing tool 402, and the output from at least one sensor 410 associated with at least one of tire 110, sealant beads 104, or sealant layer 102.

[0107] The controller 500 includes or may be associated with the following: processor 510, computer-readable medium 512, database 514, and input / output module or control panel 516 having display 518. Figure 17 An example of display 518 is also shown. Input / output devices 520, such as a keyboard or other user interface, are provided to allow a human operator to input commands to the controller. It should be understood that the controller 500 described herein may be a single controller having all the described functions, or it may include multiple controllers, wherein the functions are distributed among the multiple controllers.

[0108] The various operations, steps, or algorithms described in conjunction with controller 500 can be implemented directly in hardware, in a computer program product 522 such as a software module executed by processor 500, or in a combination of both. Computer program product 522 may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, or any other form of computer-readable medium 512 known in the art. An exemplary computer-readable medium 512 may be coupled to processor 500, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the memory / storage medium. Alternatively, the medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0109] As used herein, the term "processor" may refer at least to general-purpose or special-purpose processing devices and / or logic as would be understood by those skilled in the art, including but not limited to microprocessors, microcontrollers, and state machines. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other combination of such configurations.

[0110] As used herein, the terms “controller,” “control circuit,” and “control circuit system” can refer to a machine, implemented by a machine, or otherwise embedded in a machine, such as a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, a processor can be a microcontroller or a state machine, or a combination thereof. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other combination of such configurations.

[0111] Method of applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire :

[0112] Methods for applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire may include:

[0113] (a) The first tire 110A is lifted by the tire handling robot 200 and placed on the first application table 300A, wherein the axis of rotation 122 of the first tire 110A is oriented substantially horizontally.

[0114] (b) When the first tire 110A is rotated by the first application table 300A, the inner surface 112 of the first tire 110A is scanned by the scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200.

[0115] (c) While the first tire 110A is rotated by the first application table 300A to form a sealing layer 102 on the inner surface 112 of the first tire 110A, sealant beads 104 are applied to the inner surface 112 of the first tire 110A using a dispensing tool 402 carried by a dispensing robot 400; and

[0116] (d) When the first tire 110A is rotated by the first application table 300A, the sealant layer 102 of the first tire 110A is scanned by the scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200.

[0117] The tire handling robot 200 of this method may include a first arm portion 230 carrying a tire gripping tool 202 and a second arm portion 232 carrying a scanner 204. According to this method, after placing a first tire 110A on a first application table 300A, the tire handling robot 200 can release the first tire 110A from the tire gripping tool 202, and then the tire handling robot 200 can insert the scanner 204 into the cavity 114 of the first tire 110A.

[0118] In step (a), the tire clamping tool 202 can clamp the tread portion 116 of the first tire 110A.

[0119] The method may further include: after step (d), using a tire handling robot 200 to lift the first tire 110A from the first application table 300A and place the first tire 110A on the discharge conveyor 132.

[0120] The method may further include: weighing the first tire 110A at the first weighing station 150 of the supply conveyor 130 before step (a); and weighing the first tire 110A again at the second weighing station 180 of the discharge conveyor 132, and determining the weight change of the first tire 110A.

[0121] The method may further include: lifting a second tire 110B using a tire handling robot 200 and placing the second tire 110B on a second application table 300B, wherein the axis of rotation 122 of the second tire 110B is oriented substantially horizontally; scanning the inner surface portion 112 of the second tire 110B using a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 while the second tire 110B is rotated by the second application table 300B; applying sealant beads 104 to the inner surface portion 112 of the second tire 110B using a dispensing tool 402 carried by a dispensing robot 400 while the second tire 110B is rotated by the second application table 300B to form a sealing layer 102 on the inner surface portion 112 of the second tire 110B; and scanning the sealant layer 102 of the second tire 110B using a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 while the second tire 110B is rotated by the second application table 300B.

[0122] The first application stage 300A and the second application stage 300B can be arranged adjacent to each other, such that the tread portion 116 of the first tire 110A on the first application stage 300A faces the tread portion 116 of the second tire 110B on the second application stage 300B, wherein one sidewall of each tire faces the tire handling robot 200 and the other sidewall of each tire faces the dispensing robot 400. The tire handling robot 200 can start performing the scanning step from one side of the first tire 110A and the second tire 110B. The dispensing robot 400 can start performing the application step from the opposite side of the first tire 110A and the second tire 110B.

[0123] The method may further include: prior to step (a), scanning the first tire 110A with a barcode reader 144 and identifying the tire code 120. The tire clamping tool 202 may clamp the tread portion 116 of the first tire 110A and adjust the clamping force based on the tire code 120.

[0124] The method may further include: during step (c), when the sealant bead 104 is placed on the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A, sensing the specifications of the sealant bead 104 and recording data corresponding to the specifications of the sealant bead 104, which is associated with data corresponding to the position of the sealant bead 104 on the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A.

[0125] The method may further include: displaying on a display 518 a visual image 530 representing sealant beads 104 on the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A. Visual image 530 (on...) Figure 17 (As shown in the diagram) may include visual markings 532 corresponding to whether the specifications of the sealant beads 104 are within the set standards.

[0126] Another method is to apply a sealant layer to the inner surface of the tire. :

[0127] Another method of applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire may include the following steps:

[0128] (a) Providing a tire sealant unit 100, which includes:

[0129] The first sealant application table 300A and the second sealant application table 300B are arranged adjacent to each other such that when tires 110A, 110B, and 110C are received on the first sealant application table and the second sealant application table and the rotation axis 122 of the tires is oriented substantially horizontally, the tires are aligned end to end, wherein the tread areas 116 of the tires face each other.

[0130] Tire handling robot 200, located on one side of the first sealant application stage and the second sealant application stage; and

[0131] Dispensing robot 400 is located on the side opposite to the tire handling robot of the first sealant application station and the second sealant application station;

[0132] (b) The first tire 110A is lifted by the tire handling robot 200 and placed on the first sealant application table 300A;

[0133] (c) When the first tire 110A is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A to form a sealing layer 102 on the inner surface 112 of the first tire 110A, the sealant beads 104 are applied to the inner surface 112 of the first tire 110A by the dispensing tool 402 carried by the dispensing robot 400.

[0134] (d) The tire handling robot 200 lifts the second tire 110B and places the second tire 110B on the second sealant application table 300B;

[0135] (e) When the second tire 110B is rotated by the second sealant application table 300B to form a sealing layer 102 on the inner surface 112 of the second tire 110B, the sealant beads 104 are applied to the inner surface 112 of the second tire 110B by the dispensing tool 402 carried by the dispensing robot 400.

[0136] The method may further include: between steps (b) and (c), while the first tire 110A is being rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, pre-scanning the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A with a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200.

[0137] The method may further include: during step (e), while the first tire 110A is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, using a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 to post-scan the sealant layer 102 of the first tire 110A; then, using the tire handling robot 200 to remove the first tire 110A from the first sealant application table 300A and placing the first tire 110A on the discharge conveyor 132; then, using the tire handling robot 200 to lift the third tire 110C and place the third tire 110C on the first sealant application table 300A; and then, while the third tire 110C is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, using a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 to pre-scan the inner surface portion 112 of the third tire 110C.

[0138] After step (d) and before removing the second tire 110B from the second sealant application table 300B, the method may further include: while the first tire 110A is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, using a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 to post-scan the sealant layer 102 of the first tire 110A; then, using the tire handling robot 200 to remove the first tire 110A from the first sealant application table 300A and placing the first tire 110A on the discharge conveyor 132; then, using the tire handling robot 200 to lift the third tire 110C and placing the third tire 110C on the first sealant application table 300A; and then, while the third tire 110C is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, using a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200 to pre-scan the inner surface portion 112 of the third tire 110C.

[0139] The method may further include: before step (c), while the first tire 110A is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, pre-scanning the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A with a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200; and after step (c), while the first tire 110A is rotated by the first sealant application table 300A, post-scanning the sealant layer 102 of the first tire 110A with a scanner 204 carried by the tire handling robot 200.

[0140] The tire handling robot 200 may include a first arm portion 230 carrying a tire gripping tool 202 and a second arm portion 232 carrying a scanner 204. After placing a first tire 110A on a first sealant application table 300A, the tire handling robot 200 can release the first tire 110A from the tire gripping tool 202, and then the tire handling robot 200 can insert the scanner 204 into the cavity 114 of the first tire 110A.

[0141] The method may further include: weighing the first tire 110A at a first weighing station 150 of the supply conveyor 130 before step (b); removing the first tire 110A from the first sealant application table 300A using a tire handling robot 200 after step (c) and placing the first tire 110A on the discharge conveyor 132; and weighing the first tire 110A again at a second weighing station 180 of the discharge conveyor 132 and determining the weight change of the first tire 110A.

[0142] The method may further include: prior to step (b), scanning the first tire 110A with a barcode reader 144 and identifying the tire code 120. In step (b), the tire clamping tool 202 carried by the tire handling robot 200 can clamp the tread portion 116 of the first tire 110A and can adjust the clamping force based on the tire code 120.

[0143] The method may further include: during step (c), when the sealant bead 104 is placed on the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A, sensing the specifications of the sealant bead 104 and recording data corresponding to the specifications of the sealant bead 104, which is associated with data corresponding to the position of the sealant bead 104 on the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A.

[0144] The method may further include displaying a visual image 530 on a display 518 representing sealant beads 104 on the inner surface portion 112 of the first tire 110A. The visual image 530 may include visual markings 532 corresponding to whether the specifications of the sealant beads 104 are within a set standard.

[0145] A method of applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of the tire while balancing the tire. :

[0146] The tire sealant unit system 100 can also be used to improve the balance of the tire 110, so that less additional balancing is required when the tire is mounted on the wheel. For example... Figure 18 As schematically shown, tire 110 includes a marking 120, which may be a barcode physically placed on the tire. This marking 120 can be used as a reference point to identify circumferential positions on the tire. Any other physical feature on the tire can also be used as a reference point.

[0147] Before the supply conveyor 130 receives the tire 110, the dynamic balance of the tire can be tested on a dynamic balancer, such as... Figure 1The symbol is schematically represented as 600. A typical example of a dynamic balancer is the FDB-6142T, available from Kokusai, Inc., Indianapolis, IN. The dynamic balancer 600 rotates the tire and measures the forces and torques caused by mass / geometric irregularities within the tire. In a typical dynamic balancer, the tire is oriented horizontally so that it can rotate about a vertical axis during testing, and the tire sidewall bearing the barcode marking 120 is arranged facing upwards. This upward-facing sidewall is typically referred to as the tire's "top" side, and if mounted on a wheel, the corresponding flange of the wheel is called the top flange. The opposite side of the tire is called the "bottom" side. It should be understood that these names are merely for convenience and do not require the tire to be actually oriented in any particular way.

[0148] During dynamic balancing, outward inertial forces (also known as "static" forces) and out-of-plane moments (also known as "couples") are combined via vectors to produce a net mass vector for each of the top and bottom sides of the tire. The values ​​of these net mass vectors indicate how much mass (balance weight) is needed and where it must be circumferentially positioned relative to barcode marking 120 to balance the tire so that no force or moment is generated when the tire rotates. The dynamic balancer 600 only measures the tire's balance because the tire is not yet mounted on the wheel. The positions of these net mass vectors are stored in a database as angles relative to the positions of barcode marking 120 and are commonly referred to as the tire's "light points." Two "light points" are determined, one for the tire's "top" side and one for the tire's "bottom" side. This information is associated with each individual tire identified by its barcode marking 120. Therefore, when each tire is tested on the dynamic balancer 600, its barcode is read and all balance data, including the angular positions of the top and bottom points relative to the barcode mark 120, is written to a database, which may be database 514 or another database accessible to the controller 500.

[0149] When each tire later arrives at one of the application stations, such as 300A or 300B, the barcode mark 120 is read, and information about the angular positions of the top and bottom light points is retrieved from the database. Note that in the example shown, these application stations hold the tire in its orientation, which is now rotating about the horizontal axis, and as mentioned above, it should be understood that the terms "top" and "bottom" refer only to the names of the data retrieved from the database and do not require the tire to be oriented in any particular way during the application of the sealant beads 104.

[0150] The following is a description of a method by which sealant beads can be applied to improve the dynamic balance of a tire. To understand the disclosed method, it is helpful to consider how the sealant beads 104 can be laid in a manner that will improve the dynamic balance of the tire to form a sealant layer 102.

[0151] Figure 18 The hypothetical sealant layer 102 is schematically shown, which has been laid symmetrically about the centerline, also known as the equatorial plane EP of the tire. Figure 18 The non-crossing shadow portion represents a sealant bead with a starting end 104a and an ending end 104b located at the same angular position on the tire. This type of sealant layer does not affect the static balance of the tire in any way because the weight of the sealant layer is evenly distributed relative to the tire's axis of rotation. However, because the sealant beads are laid in a spiral pattern, the starting and ending portions of the beads are laterally offset on opposite sides of the tire, but at different angular positions. This arrangement creates a dynamic imbalance within the tire. These laterally offset unbalanced portions of the sealant beads are those located laterally outside the imaginary lines L1 and L2 parallel to the equatorial plane EP, such as... Figure 18 As shown. If the sealant beads 104 do not begin and end at the same angular position, but instead overlap at the beginning and end portions, the dynamic imbalance of the sealant layer is minimized. Such overlapping portions of the sealant beads 104 are shown in the crosshair region 104c. If an overlap of ±180° exists, the dynamic imbalance from the individual spirally coiled sealant beads 104 is minimized. The method below, combined with a tire having known top and bottom tap positions, utilizes the placement and overlap of the sealant beads to optimize the degree of improvement in the overall dynamic balance of the tire with sealant beads.

[0152] As can be seen, the starting angle position of the sealant bead adjacent to the first side or "top" side of the tire can be used to optimize the dynamic balance of the first side of the tire, and then the ending angle position of the sealant bead can be used to optimize the dynamic balance of the second side or "bottom" side of the tire adjacent to the end of the sealant bead.

[0153] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of tire 110, which is mounted in one of the application platforms such as 300A or 300B, such that the axis of rotation of the tire is oriented horizontally. Figure 19 This is a view of the first or top sidewall of the tire bearing the barcode mark 120. In the following description, when viewing the top side or barcode side of the tire, all angles are measured clockwise starting from barcode mark 120. Note that... Figure 19In this context, the tire 110 is understood to rotate clockwise during the application of the sealant beads 104, therefore the sealant beads 104 actually coil counterclockwise from their starting end 104a to their ending end 104b, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown by arrow 121 in the image.

[0154] First, let's represent them as θ. T and θ B The angular positions of the top and bottom balancing points of each individual tire were obtained from the database. This can be described as: identifying the axial position of the first balancing point on the first side of the tire as the first angle θ. T This angle is measured from the physical mark 120 on the tire around the tire's axis of rotation; and the axial position of the second balancing point on the second side of the tire is identified as the second angle θ. B This angle is measured from the physical mark 120 around the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0155] Then, the target starting position of the sealant bead 104 on the first side adjacent to the tire is determined as the target starting angle θ. S This angle is measured from the physical marker 120 around the axis of rotation of the tire. Target starting angle θ S Based on the first angle θ T To determine. More specifically, the target starting angle θ S Determined using the following function:

[0156] θ S =θ T +90°.

[0157] This orientation of the starting angle will align the heaviest part of the sealant winding on the first or top side of the tire with the top of the tire.

[0158] In addition, the target termination position of the sealant bead adjacent to the second side of the tire is determined as the target termination angle θ. E This angle is measured from the physical marker 120 around the axis of rotation of the tire; target termination angle θ E Based on the second angle θ B To determine. More specifically, the target termination angle θ E Determined using the following function:

[0159] θ E =θ B –90°.

[0160] This orientation of the termination angle will align the heaviest portion of the sealant winding on the second or bottom side of the tire with the light spot on the bottom of the tire.

[0161] The sealant beads are applied to the inner surface of the tire in a spiral pattern, which begins based on the target starting angle θ. S The selected actual starting position and the termination position based on the target termination position θ E The selected actual termination position.

[0162] It should be understood that the target starting angle and target ending angle are theoretically optimal. However, due to the inaccurate control of the applying machine, such as the 300A or 300B, there will be unavoidable errors in the actual starting and ending positions. This error is referred to as "positioning error" in this paper.

[0163] As described above, the application station 300A or 300B will start and stop applying sealant beads 104 based on the photocell triggering the barcode mark 120. The biggest problem in accurately locating the start and end points is the waiting time of the sealant pumping system, which causes a delay between the commanded sealant application and the actual sealant application.

[0164] For any given tire, the required accuracy of the sealant's starting and ending orientations depends on the tire's imbalance relative to the effect achievable by placing the sealant layer 102. Generally, the greater the tire imbalance, the lower the required accuracy of the actual sealant starting and ending orientations relative to the target starting and ending orientations, in order to improve the tire's dynamic balance after placing the sealant layer 102. An actual starting or ending orientation of ±45 degrees from the target starting or ending orientation, respectively, will at least not increase the tire's dynamic imbalance. An alignment error of less than 45 degrees will improve the tire's dynamic balance. Therefore, the maximum acceptable alignment error range for the actual starting angle is within ±45 degrees from the target starting angle. Similarly, the maximum acceptable alignment error range for the actual ending angle is within ±45 degrees from the target ending angle.

[0165] Preferably, the acceptable positioning error is within ±30 degrees. More preferably, the acceptable positioning error is within ±15 degrees.

[0166] A tire 110 manufactured by any of the methods described above may include a tread portion 116 and a first sidewall portion 118a and a second sidewall portion 118b extending radially inward from the tread portion. The tire may have a first balancing point location located on a first side of the tire, and measured as a first angle θ from a physical mark 120 on the tire about the tire's axis of rotation before the application of sealant. T ; and the second balance point position, which is located on the second side of the tire, and is measured as a second angle θ from the physical mark 120 on the tire around the tire's axis of rotation before the sealant is applied. BThe inner surface 112 of the tire can define the inner cavity 114 of the tire between the first sidewall portion 118a and the second sidewall portion 118b. A spirally wound sealant bead 104 can be laid on the inner surface 112, the sealant bead 104 having a starting position closest to the first sidewall and an ending position closest to the second sidewall. The starting position can be located at a first equilibrium point position θ relative to the winding direction of the sealant bead. T Within a range of 45 to 135 degrees in front, and relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, the termination position can be at the second equilibrium light point position θ. B Within a range of 45 to 135 degrees behind.

[0167] More preferably, the starting position can be located at the first equilibrium light point position θ relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads. T Within a range of 60 to 120 degrees in front, and relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, the termination position can be at the second equilibrium light point position θ. B Within a range of 60 to 120 degrees behind.

[0168] Even more preferably, the starting position can be located at the first equilibrium light point position θ relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads. T Within a range of 75 to 105 degrees in front, and relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, the termination position can be at the second equilibrium light point position θ. B Within a range of 75 to 105 degrees behind.

[0169] Therefore, it can be seen that the apparatus and method of the present invention readily achieve the mentioned results and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described for the purposes of this disclosure, many modifications to the arrangement and construction of components and steps can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for applying a sealant layer to the inner surface of a tire, the method comprising: (a) Identifying the circumferential position of the first balancing point on the first side of the tire as the first angle θ T The first angle θ T Measured from physical markings on the tire about the tire's axis of rotation; (b) Identify the circumferential position of the second balancing point on the second side of the tire as the second angle θ. B The second angle θ B Measured from the physical marker about the axis of rotation of the tire; (c) Determine the target starting position of the sealant bead adjacent to the first side of the tire as the target starting angle θ. S The target starting angle θ S The target starting angle θ is measured from the physical marker around the axis of rotation of the tire. S Based on the first angle θ T To determine; (d) Determine the target termination position of the sealant bead adjacent to the second side of the tire as the target termination angle θ. E The target termination angle θ E The target termination angle θ is measured from the physical marker around the axis of rotation of the tire. E Based on the second angle θ B To determine; and (e) Apply the sealant beads to the inner surface of the tire in a spiral pattern, the spiral pattern starting based on the target starting angle θ. S The selected actual starting position and the termination point based on the target termination angle θ E The selected actual termination position.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Compared to the static and dynamic balance of the tire before the application of the sealant beads, the application of the sealant beads in step (e) improves both the static and dynamic balance of the tire.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In step (c), the target starting angle θ S Determined using the following function: i S =θ T +90°.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: In step (d), the target termination angle θ E Determined using the following function: i E =θ B –90°.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The actual starting angle and the actual ending angle are each within the acceptable positioning error range of the target starting angle and the target ending angle, respectively.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The acceptable positioning error range is ±45 degrees.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The acceptable positioning error range is ±30 degrees.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The acceptable positioning error range is ±15 degrees.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The physical marker is a barcode located on the first sidewall defining the first side of the tire.

10. A tire, said tire being manufactured according to the method of claim 1.

11. A tire, the tire comprising: Tread portion; The first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion extend radially inward from the tread portion; The first balancing point position is located on a first side of the tire and is measured as a first angle θ from a physical mark on the tire about the tire's axis of rotation before the sealant is applied. T ; The second balance point position is located on the second side of the tire and is measured as a second angle θ from the physical mark on the tire about the axis of rotation of the tire before the sealant is applied. B ; An inner surface that defines the inner cavity of the tire between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion; and Spiral-coiled sealant beads are laid on the inner surface, and the sealant beads have a starting position closest to the first sidewall and an ending position closest to the second sidewall. The starting position, relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads, is located within a range of 45 to 135 degrees in front of the first balancing point position; and The termination position is located within the range of 45 to 135 degrees behind the second balance point position, relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads.

12. The tire according to claim 11, wherein: The starting position is located within a range of 60 to 120 degrees in front of the first balance point position, relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads. and The termination position is located within a range of 60 to 120 degrees behind the second balance point position, relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads.

13. The tire according to claim 11, wherein: The starting position is located within a range of 75 to 105 degrees in front of the first balance point position, relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads. and The termination position is located within a range of 75 to 105 degrees behind the second balance point position, relative to the winding direction of the sealant beads.

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