Method for switching a tyre production line, tyre production line and computer program product configured for executing the method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for switching a tyre production line from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode, wherein said tyre production line comprises a plurality of modules arranged in series between an input side and an output side of the tyre production line, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - operating the plurality of modules in the first manufacturing mode; - switching each module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode step by step; - operating the switched modules while operating the modules that have not been switched, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: - providing a joining point in the strip; - switching at least one module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode upon arrival of said joining point.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a method for switching tire production lines. The invention also relates to a tire production line and a computer program product configured to perform the method.

[0002] An example of a tire production line is a bead-apex production line for manufacturing bead-apex tires. This bead-apex production line includes multiple modules arranged in series (in-line) between the input and output sides of the tire production line. Specifically, the bead-apex production line includes a raw material input module on the input side, an extrusion module for converting raw materials from the raw material input module into a continuous strip, a cutting module for cutting the continuous strip into individual bead-apex tires, a forming module for shaping and assembling the individual bead-apex tires around the bead to form an assembled bead-apex tire, an inspection module for inspecting the assembled bead-apex tires, and a storage module for storing the assembled bead-apex tires. The bead-apex tire production line may also include one or more modules arranged in parallel with or as branch sections relative to the multiple series-arranged modules, such as a bead supply module for supplying bead to the forming module.

[0003] As is well known, manufacturing identical bead triangle rubbers is part of a production order with the same setup, constant module configuration, and specific raw material mixture. Each production order may require different setups, configurations, and / or mixtures. Therefore, bead triangle rubber production lines need to switch between production orders.

[0004] In known methods for switching off a bead trim production line, the supply of raw materials to the extruder module is stopped. A run-out procedure is then initiated at the extruder module to flush or remove any residual raw materials. The remaining length of the continuous conveyor belt within the tire production line travels through all modules to complete the old production order. Once the bead trim production line is completely emptied, each module is set up or reconfigured according to the new production order, and different bead lengths are loaded into the bead supply module. Finally, a new raw material mixture is loaded into the raw material input module and supplied to the extruder module, after which the manufacturing process in the remaining modules of the bead trim production line can be resumed for the new production order. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The known methods for switching off a bead trim production line have the following drawbacks: old production orders need to be completed, and the bead trim production line needs to be completely emptied before new module setup and / or reconfiguration can begin. This switchover typically takes at least 30 minutes.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for switching tire production lines and a computer program product configured to perform the method, wherein switching time can be reduced.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for switching a tire production line from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode, wherein the tire production line includes a plurality of modules arranged in series between the input side and the output side of the tire production line, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0008] -Operate multiple modules using the first manufacturing mode;

[0009] - Gradually switch one or more modules from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode from the input side to the output side; and

[0010] - While operating one or more modules that have not yet switched to the first manufacturing mode, operate one or more modules that have already switched to the second manufacturing mode in the second manufacturing mode.

[0011] The tire production line is configured to switch the material strip into individual tire assemblies, and the method further includes the following steps:

[0012] - Provide a joint point in the strip, the joint point being located between a first portion of the strip to be processed by one or more modules of a plurality of modules operating in a first manufacturing mode and a second portion of the strip to be processed by one or more modules of a plurality of modules operating in a second manufacturing mode; and

[0013] - Before or when the joint reaches at least one of the multiple modules, switch the at least one module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

[0014] By gradually switching modules, manufacturing can begin according to the second manufacturing mode while at least some modules are still operating in the first manufacturing mode. In other words, when a new production order based on the second manufacturing mode is started, it is not necessary to complete the production order associated with the first manufacturing mode. Therefore, changeover time can be significantly reduced. Specifically, tests show that changeover time can be reduced from 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes, and particularly less than 5 minutes. Furthermore, the first and second portions of the strip can be joined to form a continuous strip. Thus, the strip can travel through the tire production line like a continuous strip. The at least one module can be switched in a timely manner to process the second portion of the strip according to the second manufacturing mode, while the first portion of the same strip can still be processed according to the first manufacturing mode. In addition, due to this joining point, the leading end of the second portion of the strip can be pulled into the tire production line in a controlled manner without manual guidance, etc., and the tail end is less likely to exhibit unpredictable behavior compared to known methods where the tail end of the first portion of the strip is a free end.

[0015] In fact, another production order related to the third manufacturing mode can even begin before a new production order related to the second manufacturing mode is completed. In other words, this method can include operating tire manufacturing modes simultaneously with two or more production modes.

[0016] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps:

[0017] - After all modules have been switched to the second manufacturing mode, operate all modules in the second manufacturing mode. Therefore, the entire tire production line can be gradually switched to the second manufacturing mode.

[0018] In its embodiments, the method further includes the following steps:

[0019] - Calculate the progress of the joint from the input side to the output side through the tire production line; and

[0020] - In response to the calculated progress, the at least one module is switched from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode. By calculating the progress, the at least one module can be switched without detecting the actual progress of the joint in the tire production line.

[0021] In another embodiment, progress is calculated based on the speed at which the belt travels through the tire production line from the input side towards the output side. The travel speed can be used to determine the length of the belt that has passed a certain position in the tire production line at a given time. It is assumed that joints that are part of the belt have the same travel speed. The tire production line may, for example, be equipped with one or more encoders to monitor the travel speed of the conveyor belt, drum, etc.

[0022] Optionally, progress can be calculated based on the time elapsed after an event in the tire production line. Assuming at least some modules have known processing times, the switching of at least one module can be timed based on the processing time of the module upstream of that at least one module. In principle, calculating progress based on elapsed time does not require any sensors.

[0023] Preferably, the event is the creation time of the joint, or the event is related to the progress of the joint along the tire production line upstream of the at least one module. The time elapsed since the joint creation time can be used to control the switching of any module downstream of the module in which the joint was created. However, the further downstream each module is, the less accurate this time-based control becomes. Time-based control can be made more precise by using the time elapsed since an event further downstream in the tire production line (e.g., the arrival or departure of the joint relative to a particular module).

[0024] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0025] - Track the progress of the joint from the input side to the output side through the tire production line; and

[0026] - In response to the tracked progress, the at least one module is switched from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode. In this way, the at least one module can be switched based on the actual location of the joint point in the tire production line, thereby preventing any theoretical miscalculations.

[0027] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0028] - Provide one or more sensors for detecting the progress of the joint from the input side to the output side through the tire production line. Preferably, the one or more sensors include at least one of a height sensor, an optical sensor, an encoder, an imaging sensor, or a radio frequency sensor. Each sensor can detect the joint in its own way, for example, by detecting a height change representing the joint, by observing a color difference, by image recognition, or by detecting radio frequency of a mark attached to the joint, as described below.

[0029] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0030] - Add markings to the strip at or near the joint; and

[0031] - Track the progress of joints through the tire production line by detecting markers. Markings improve the detectability of joints. Markers can be attached to joints with adhesive or mechanically, such as by clamping. The markers can have contrasting colors or textures, or can incorporate actively detectable elements such as RFID tags.

[0032] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps:

[0033] - Remove the markings from the conveyor belt; and

[0034] - A marker is added to another strip during subsequent cycles of the method. Therefore, the marker can be reused.

[0035] In another embodiment, the strip has one of a height change, shape change, material change, color change, texture change, or another observable change at the joint. The observable change makes it possible to detect the joint without using the markings.

[0036] In another embodiment, the plurality of modules include an extrusion module for extruding the material strip, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0037] - Operate the extruder module in the first manufacturing mode to extrude the first portion of the strip;

[0038] - Switch the extruder module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode; and

[0039] - The extruder module is operated in a second manufacturing mode to extrude a second portion of the material strip. Switching the extruder module typically takes 2 to 5 minutes. In known methods, the extruder can only begin operating in the second manufacturing mode after the production line is completely emptied. Conversely, in the method according to the invention, the extruder module can begin operating in the second manufacturing mode while at least some modules downstream of the extruder module are still operating in the first manufacturing mode, thus saving significant changeover time.

[0040] Preferably, the method further includes the following steps:

[0041] - A first portion of the conveyor belt is discharged from the extruder module, wherein, as a result of the discharge, the first portion of the conveyor belt includes a discharge section; and

[0042] - Before joining the first portion of the material strip to the second portion, at least partially remove the discharge section from the first portion of the material strip. Typically, the discharge section is unsuitable for production and needs to be discarded as waste. Removing the discharge section before joining prevents it from having to be removed in a more downstream module along the tire production line, where such removal could be more complex and / or time-consuming.

[0043] In another embodiment, the plurality of modules includes a buffer module downstream of the extruder module, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0044] - Before the extruder module switches from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode, a buffer length for buffering the first portion of the strip is buffered in the buffer module; and

[0045] During the switch of the extruder module from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode, at least a portion of the buffer length of the first section of the strip is supplied from the buffer module to one or more modules downstream of the buffer module. The buffer length of the first section of the strip can be effectively accumulated in the buffer module to prepare for the switch of the extruder module, allowing the supply of the first section of the strip to the downstream module to be continuous or substantially continuous for as long as possible, despite interruptions at the extruder module. Note that the buffer length may not be sufficient to maintain the supply of the first section of the strip to the production line throughout the entire switch of the extruder module, but it can at least significantly reduce any downtime in the tire production line downstream of the buffer module. Furthermore, the buffer module can hold the tail end of the first section of the strip fixed at or near the extruder module to engage the front end of the second section of the strip, while the buffer length of the first section of the strip continues to be supplied downstream to the tire production line.

[0046] In another embodiment, the plurality of modules include a cutting module, wherein the method further includes the following steps:

[0047] - At the cutting module, the strip is cut from the first part of the strip into individual tire assemblies;

[0048] - Switch the cutting module from the first production mode to the second production mode; and

[0049] - At the cutting module, the strip is cut from the second part of the strip into individual tire assemblies.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0051] - The joint is cut off from the material strip. This joint is unsuitable for production. By cutting off the joint, it is prevented from remaining in the tire assembly manufactured in the tire production line.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the first portion of the conveyor belt includes a discharge section adjacent to the junction, wherein the method further includes the following steps:

[0053] - The discharge section is at least partially removed at the cutting module. The section is unsuitable for production. Removing the discharge section prevents it from remaining in the tire assemblies manufactured in the tire production line.

[0054] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0055] - Calculate the theoretical length of the first portion of the material strip, which is the length required to complete the first production order of the tire assembly from the first portion of the material strip in the tire production line; and

[0056] - Once the actual length of the first portion of the tire strip in the tire production line is equal to or greater than the theoretical length, multiple modules are switched from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode. Therefore, it can be ensured that at the switchover moment, the first production order can be completed using the actual length of the remaining first portion of the tire strip in the production line.

[0057] In another embodiment, one or more modules among a plurality of modules switch automatically, semi-automatically, or manually from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode. Automatic switching requires no human intervention, while semi-automatic switching may require some manual preparation or input from a human operator. For example, manual switching might involve manually changing the die at the extruder module or manually changing the storage trolley on the output side of the tire production line.

[0058] For example, switching between multiple modules may include one or more of the following steps:

[0059] - Supply one or more different mixtures to the extruder;

[0060] - Change the extruder configuration;

[0061] - Supply one or more different semi-finished products to the tire production line;

[0062] - Change the forming tool configuration;

[0063] - Change the controller configuration; and

[0064] - Change one or more processing parameters in the tire production line.

[0065] More specifically, the one or more processing parameters are one or more of the group consisting of: pressure, temperature, speed, cutting size, forming size, and storage location.

[0066] In another embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0067] - Provide an indicator for at least one of multiple modules;

[0068] - An alarm is issued to the operator via an indicator, indicating that at least one module is about to switch from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode; and

[0069] - In response to the alarm, a manual operation is performed at at least one module to prepare for the upcoming switchover. An indicator may be used to urge the operator to perform the manual operation promptly so that the switchover can be executed or completed without delay. This indicator may, for example, be a warning light or audible alarm located near at least one module.

[0070] In another embodiment, the method includes the following steps:

[0071] - Provides a human-computer interface; and

[0072] - Instructions are issued to operators via a human-machine interface (HMI) to perform manual operations in preparation for an upcoming switchover of at least one of several modules from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode. Compared to the aforementioned indicators, the HMI can provide more detailed information about the manual operations to be performed. The HMI may, for example, display what configuration changes are required for at least one module, or it may request the operator to input specific settings for at least one module.

[0073] In another embodiment, the tire production line is a bead trim production line. As previously mentioned, switching to a bead trim production line using known methods takes at least 30 minutes. Tests show that using the method according to the invention, the switching time can be reduced to less than ten minutes, or even less than five minutes. Therefore, a significant amount of time can be saved in switching to the bead trim production line.

[0074] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a tire production line including a plurality of modules arranged in series between an input side and an output side of the tire production line, and a control unit operatively connected to the plurality of modules and configured to perform the steps of the method according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. It should be understood that, when operated according to the described method, the tire production line has the same technical advantages as the method itself. These technical advantages will not be elaborated further.

[0075] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a control unit of a tire production line to perform the steps of a method according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. It should be understood that the computer program product has the same technical advantages as the method when executed. These advantages will not be elaborated further.

[0076] The aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, may be the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0077] The invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0078] Figure 1-10 The tire production line is shown during a step of a method for switching the tire production line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 11 The diagram shows the criteria used to determine when to begin the switch. Figure 1-10 A flowchart illustrating the steps involved in a tire production line.

[0080] Figure 12 The method for switching according to is shown Figure 1-10 A flowchart of the steps involved in the tire production line method; and

[0081] Figure 13 It shows that it can be used to switch according to Figure 1-10 The markings used in the tire production line method. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tire production line 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tire production line 1 is configured to produce, manufacture and / or assemble tire assemblies, particularly semi-finished tire assemblies, in preparation for the formation of green tires or uncured tires.

[0083] In this particular example, tire production line 1 is a bead triangle rubber production line, which is used to produce, manufacture and / or shape triangle rubber strips, triangle rubber filler strips 91 (hereinafter referred to as "triangle rubber") and to assemble them together with bead rings 81 (hereinafter referred to as "bead") to form bead triangle rubber assembly 93.

[0084] However, it should be understood that the methods described below can also be applied to any other tire production line, such as a pre-assembly or carcass production line for manufacturing assemblies of inner liner, sidewall, carcass ply and / or cushion ply, a belt ply and tread production line for manufacturing belt ply and tread kit, a sidewall production line for manufacturing sidewall, or a rubber strip production line for manufacturing rubber strips.

[0085] Tire production line 1 includes multiple modules AK arranged between the input side S1 and the output side S2 of tire production line 1. In this example, the multiple modules AK include:

[0086] - Used to receive the raw material reserve A1 of a specific mixture into the raw material supply module A in the tire production line 1 at the input side S1;

[0087] - An extrusion module B with an extruder B1 is used to receive raw material A1 from the raw material supply module A and to convert the raw material A1 into strip 9 through an extrusion die B2.

[0088] - A buffer module C with a buffer device C1 (in this example, a festooner) is used to buffer the length of the material strip 9 between any continuous and discontinuous operations in the tire production line 1;

[0089] - A cooling module D with a cooling device D1 (a cooling drum in this example) for cooling the material belt 9;

[0090] - Cutting module E, which has a cutting device E1 for cutting the material strip 9 into individual tire assemblies (triangular rubber 91 in this example), a conveyor belt E2 for conveying the material strip 9 and / or triangular rubber 91, and one or more clamps E3, E4, E5 for positioning the material strip 9 for cutting and holding the ends of the triangular rubber 91 during conveying.

[0091] - Includes a bead supply module F (in this example, a turntable) for supplying bead 81 to the tire production line;

[0092] - A forming module G having a forming tool G1 (in this example, a bead triangle drum) is used to form the tire assembly (in this example, triangle 91) into an annular shape around the bead 81 received from the bead supply module F, thereby obtaining an assembled bead triangle 93.

[0093] - A tool storage module H having one or more replacement forming tools H1, H2, H3, used to replace forming tool G1 in forming module G;

[0094] - A manipulator module I with a manipulator I1 (a robot in this example) carries a clamp head I2 for engaging, picking up, transferring and / or placing tire assemblies (especially bead triangle assembly 93) between the forming module G and any of the other modules J, K further downstream of the forming module G.

[0095] - Inspection module J, in this example, has an inspection platform J1 for inspecting or examining tire components, such as the weight, shape, size, and / or uniformity of the tire components; and

[0096] - Storage module K, used for storing tire components, for example, on one or more storage carts K1.

[0097] In this exemplary embodiment, the raw material supply module A, extruder module B, buffer module C, cooling module D, cutting module E, forming module G, manipulator module I, inspection module J, and storage module K are arranged sequentially or in series between the input side S1 and the output side S2. The bead supply module F and tool storage module H can be considered as being associated with the forming module G in an offline position relative to the series modules AE, G, and IK.

[0098] The tire production line 1 also includes a control unit 10, which is adapted, arranged, configured, and / or programmed to control the operation of the tire production line 1. The tire production line 1 may be provided with one or more module controllers 11-21, which are operatively, electronically, and / or functionally connected to the control unit 10 and the relevant controllable elements in the corresponding module AK to control the various operations of the module AK.

[0099] The tire production line 1 may also be equipped with one or more indicators 31-33 (e.g., warning lights) and / or one or more human-machine interfaces 41-44 (e.g., displays). The indicators 31-33 may be operationally, electronically and / or functionally connected to the control unit 10 to indicate the status of specific modules B, H, and K. The human-machine interfaces 41-44 are used to display status information and instructions to the operator and / or to allow human-machine interaction, particularly operator input.

[0100] In this example, the tire production line 1 is also equipped with one or more sensors 51, 52, and 53, which are operatively, electronically, and / or functionally connected to the control unit 10 for measuring various processing parameters of the tire production line 1 and / or for detecting the progress of the material belt 9 and / or tire assembly through the tire production line 1. Examples of sensors 51, 52, and 53 are height sensors, optical sensors, imaging sensors, encoders, or radio frequency sensors.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 1-13 A method is described for switching the aforementioned tire production line 1 from a first manufacturing mode M1 to a second manufacturing mode M2.

[0102] Figure 1-10 A switching line W is schematically shown, which virtually divides the tire production line 1 into a section operating in a first manufacturing mode M1 and a section operating in a second manufacturing mode M2. Note that the switching line W moves gradually through the tire production line 1 from the input side S1 to the output side S2.

[0103] like Figure 1As shown, the switching line W is located on the input side S1 of tire production line 1, and all modules AK are located on one side of the switching line W. The switching line W indicates that all modules AK are operating in the first manufacturing mode M1. In the first manufacturing mode M1, tire production line 1 is configured, set up, adjusted, and / or modified to manufacture tire components, in this example, bead triangles or bead triangle assemblies 93, according to a first production order. The first production order may have specified processing parameters, such as mixture, pressure, temperature, speed, cutting size, forming size, and storage location, or specified configurations, such as extruder configuration, forming tool configuration, and manipulator configuration.

[0104] Specifically, in the first manufacturing mode M1, the raw material A1 of the first mixture is fed into the extruder B1 and converted into strip 9. Strip 9 is supplied from the extruder B1 at a travel speed v. When the extruder B1 operates in the first manufacturing mode M1, the length of the extruded strip 9 is referred to below as the “first portion” 91 of strip 9. The first portion 91 of strip 9 is buffered in the buffer module C, cooled in the cooling module D, and then cut into first triangular rubber pieces 91. The bead supply unit F is loaded with the first bead 81. The first triangular rubber pieces 91 and the first bead 81 are combined and / or assembled at the forming module G into a first bead triangular rubber assembly 93. The first bead triangular rubber assembly 93 is transferred by the manipulator I1 to the inspection module J, and if it is found to be compliant, it is then transferred to the storage module K for storage on the first storage cart K1.

[0105] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining when to switch tire production line 1 from a first manufacturing mode M1 to a second manufacturing mode M2 ​​is shown. The first step is to calculate the theoretical length L1 of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 required to complete the first production order. Specifically, it can be calculated how many individual first triangular rubber pieces 91 still need to be cut from the first portion P1 of the strip 9 to complete the first production order. Subsequently, it is determined, calculated, or checked whether the actual length L2 of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 in tire production line 1 is equal to or greater than the theoretical length L1. When the actual length L2 is less than the theoretical length L1, tire production line 1 remains in operation in the first manufacturing mode M1, as shown by arrow "N". If the answer is yes, as shown by arrow "Y", the switch of multiple modules AK from the first manufacturing mode M1 to the second manufacturing mode M2 ​​begins.

[0106] Prior to the switchover, some preparatory work may have already been performed to prepare for it. Specifically, while tire production line 1 is still operating entirely in the first manufacturing mode M1, any manual preparation may have already begun. For example, operators may have already obtained raw material A2 for the second mixture from reserves, such as... Figure 1As shown, it is placed in a spare location near the raw material input module A. The operator can also place an empty storage container K2 in a spare location near the storage station K, such as... Figure 9 As shown. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, another type of second bead 92 may have been installed on one arm of the bead supply device F1 in the bead supply station F. Alternatively, these operations can be performed "in a timely manner" as part of a switching process.

[0107] Any of the above actions can be warned to the operator via indicators 31-33 or human-machine interface 41-44.

[0108] Figure 2 The example illustrates a scenario where raw material supply module A is switched by replacing raw material A1 of the first mixture with raw material A2 of the second mixture.

[0109] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a scenario where extruder module B switches to the second manufacturing mode M2 ​​by initiating a discharge procedure at extruder B1. During this discharge process, extruder die B2 is removed, and any remaining material from the first mixture is flushed, cleaned, or extruded from extruder B1. Once extruder B1 is emptied, extruder die B2 can be replaced with a replacement extruder die B3, or the original extruder die B2 can be returned to its original position, depending on the requirements of the second manufacturing mode M2. The extruder configuration and / or settings can be adjusted for the second manufacturing mode M2, after which the extrusion process can be resumed. The discharge process may have resulted in a discharge segment R at the first portion P1 of the strip 9, which is unusable for production. Therefore, the discharge segment R can be removed, cut off, and / or discarded at extruder module B.

[0110] Figure 4 The diagram shows the extrusion process having resumed and the extruder module B now extruding the second portion P2 of the strip 9. The second portion P2 of the strip 9 has a front end that is connected, coupled, joined, or spliced ​​to the tail end of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 to form a joint point X in the strip 9. The first portion P1 of the strip 9 can now easily pull the second portion P2 of the strip 9 through the tire production line 1.

[0111] The strip 9 has an observable transition at the joint X. In particular, there may be a height difference at the joint between the front end of the second portion P2 of the strip 9 and the rear end of the first portion P1 of the strip 9. Optionally, there may be a transition in shape, such as a transition in width, thickness, or cross-section, or a transition in material, color, or texture between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the strip 9.

[0112] In this example, when comparing Figure 3 and Figure 4It can be observed that before switching the extruder module B from the first manufacturing mode M1 to the second manufacturing mode M2, the buffer module C is configured to buffer the buffer length of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 within the buffer module C. During the switch from the first manufacturing mode M1 to the second manufacturing mode M2, the buffer length of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 is supplied to the module DK downstream of the buffer module C, such that the supply of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 to the module DK can be maintained continuously or substantially continuously for as long as possible, despite interruptions at the extruder module. Furthermore, the buffer module C can keep the tail end of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 stationary at or near the extruder module B to form the aforementioned engagement point X.

[0113] like Figure 12 As shown in the flowchart, the progress of the tire production line 1 at the junction X, as indicated by "X->?" along module AK, can be tracked using inputs from one or more sensors 51-53. For example, in Figure 4 In this process, sensor 51 between extruder module B and buffer module C can detect when joint X leaves extruder module B and / or arrives at buffer module C, as shown in “X@C”. If positive, as indicated by arrow “Y”, in response to detecting that joint X has arrived at buffer module C, buffer module C can switch to a second manufacturing mode M2, as shown in 'C M1->M2'. The steps of the flowchart can then be repeated for any subsequent module, in this example, cooling module D, as shown in 'C->D'.

[0114] To further aid in the detection of joint point X, the strip 9 may optionally have a mark 50 placed at or near joint point X, such as... Figure 13 As shown. The marker 50 may, for example, be provided with clamping members for detachably clamping the marker 50 onto the conveyor belt 9. The marker 50 may be passively detectable, i.e., by providing a contrasting color, or it may include actively detectable elements, such as RFID tags. The marker 50 may be removed from the conveyor belt 9 after its purpose has been served, so that it can be reused in subsequent cycles of the method.

[0115] Optionally, the progress of joint X through tire production line 1 can be calculated, for example, based on the travel speed V measured by one or more encoders or by using a theoretical model of tire production line 1. For example, the progress can be determined based on the time elapsed since a specific event in tire production line 1, such as the creation time of joint X.

[0116] By tracking or calculating the progress of joint point X through tire production line 1, module AK of tire production line 1 can be switched gradually. Specifically, in... Figure 2-8In either case, one or more modules AJ that have switched to the second manufacturing mode M2 ​​can operate in the second manufacturing mode M2, while other modules BK that have not yet switched can operate in the first manufacturing mode M1. The principle for triggering module AK switching is similar for most modules AK, and therefore will not be discussed in detail below.

[0117] Regarding module EK, which is downstream of cooling module D, submit the following:

[0118] Figure 5 The illustration shows a scenario where the cooling module D switches to the second manufacturing mode M2, which may include, for example, changing the speed and / or cooling temperature of the cooling device D1.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, when the joint point X reaches the cutting module E, the cutting module E is switched. It should be noted that any remaining length of the first portion P1 of the strip 9 still being processed in the cutting module E is processed according to the first manufacturing mode M1 to produce the first triangular adhesive 91, after which the cutting module E can be switched to the second manufacturing mode M2 ​​to produce the second triangular adhesive 92 from the second portion P2 of the strip 9. Switching the cutting module E may, for example, include the reconfiguration of the cutting device E1, the conveyor belt E2 and / or the clamps E3, E4, E5, and / or any adjustment of the cutting, clamping, or conveying parameters.

[0120] The switching of the cutting module E may also include the step of cutting off the joint point X from the strip 9 to prevent the joint point X from remaining in the first triangular adhesive 91 or the second triangular adhesive 92. Furthermore, if in Figure 3 If the discharge section R is not removed during the switching of the extruder module B, it can still be cut off in the cutting module E in a similar manner to or together with the joint point X.

[0121] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a scenario where the bead supply module F has switched to the second manufacturing mode M2. As previously mentioned, the second bead 92 may already be positioned at the bead supply device F1, for example, on one arm of a turntable, to facilitate rapid switching between the first bead 91 and the second bead 92. The bead supply station F can switch simultaneously or in parallel with the cutting station E, or be switched before the cutting station E switches, to ensure that the second bead 92 is supplied to the forming module G in a timely manner.

[0122] Figure 8The diagram illustrates a scenario where forming module G and storage module H have switched to the second manufacturing mode M2. In this stage, the strip 9 has been cut into individual triangular rubber pieces 91 and 92, and the progress of the joint X through tire production line 1 can no longer be tracked. Instead, the transition progress from the first triangular rubber piece 91 to the second triangular rubber piece 92 in the remaining module GK is tracked or calculated, for example, based on the individual processing cycle of the individual triangular rubber pieces 91 and 92 in the corresponding module GK. Control unit 10 may include a counter that starts from the number of remaining first triangular rubber pieces 91 in tire production line 1 and subtracts 1 for each forming action, each assembly action, each inspection action, or each storage action, until there are no remaining first triangular rubber pieces 91 in the corresponding module GK, and the module GK can be switched.

[0123] Switching between forming modules G may involve exchanging forming tool G1 in forming module G with one of the replacement forming tools H1, H2, or H3 in tool storage module H. Tool storage module H is simply a repository for replacement forming tools H1, H2, or H3. Therefore, its operation does not change when switching between manufacturing modes M1 and M2. It may simply mean having different choices of forming tools H1, H2, and H3 during different manufacturing modes M1 and M2.

[0124] After switching, the forming module G is configured to form the second triangular rubber 92 and to assemble the second triangular rubber 92 with the second bead 82 into a second bead triangular rubber assembly 94.

[0125] Figure 9 The illustration shows a scenario where the manipulator module I and inspection module J have been switched to the second manufacturing mode M2. This switching may include reconfiguring or recalibrating the manipulator I1 or its clamping head I2, and reconfiguring or recalibrating the inspection module J, for example, to adjust the different diameters of the second bead triangle assembly 94.

[0126] at last, Figure 10 The diagram shows a scenario where the storage module K has been switched to the second manufacturing mode M2, for example, by replacing the full storage cart K1 with an empty storage cart K2 to receive the second bead triangle assembly 94 produced in the tire production line 1 during the second manufacturing mode M2.

[0127] Depending on the specific requirements of the corresponding module AK, each of the above switching operations can be performed automatically, semi-automatically, or manually. When performing a semi-automatic switch, manual operation may be required before the switch is completed, or the switch may need to be manually triggered or approved.

[0128] exist Figure 10In this process, all multiple modules AK have been switched to the second manufacturing mode M2 ​​and are operating under the second manufacturing mode M2. Therefore, tire production line 1 has been fully switched to the second manufacturing mode M2.

[0129] However, it is conceivable that the second manufacturing mode M2 ​​does not require switching all modules AK, for example, when one of the modules AK is not used in the second manufacturing mode M2. In this case, the one module AK does not need to be switched and can remain in the first manufacturing mode M1. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited to switching all modules AK of the tire production line 1. However, as described above, those modules AE, G, IK that are connected in series and can be switched can be gradually switched from the input side S1 to the output side S2.

[0130] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply limitation of the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, which will still be included within the scope of the invention.

[0131] In summary, the present invention relates to a method for switching a tire production line from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode, wherein the tire production line includes a plurality of modules arranged in series between an input side and an output side, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0132] -Operate multiple modules using the first manufacturing mode;

[0133] - Gradually switch each module in multiple modules from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode;

[0134] - Operate the module in the first manufacturing mode while simultaneously operating the module in the second manufacturing mode; and

[0135] - After the multiple modules have been switched to the second manufacturing mode, operate the multiple modules in the second manufacturing mode.

[0136] The present invention also relates to a tire production line and a computer program product configured to perform the above-described methods.

[0137] List of reference numerals

[0138] 1. Tire production line

[0139] 10 Control Unit

[0140] 11-21 Module Controller

[0141] 31-33 Indicators

[0142] 41-44 Human-Computer Interface

[0143] 50 marks

[0144] 51-53 Sensors

[0145] 81 First tire bead

[0146] 82 Second tire bead

[0147] 9. Material strip

[0148] 91 First Triangle Glue

[0149] 92 Second Triangle Glue

[0150] 93 First bead triangle rubber assembly

[0151] 94 Second bead triangle assembly

[0152] A Raw Material Input Module

[0153] A1 The first mixture of raw materials

[0154] A2 raw material second mixture

[0155] B Extrusion Module

[0156] B1 Extrusion Press

[0157] B2 First Mold

[0158] B3 Second Mold

[0159] C buffer module

[0160] C1 buffer device

[0161] D Cooling Module

[0162] D1 Cooling Equipment

[0163] E Cutting Module

[0164] E1 cutting equipment

[0165] E2 Conveyor Belt

[0166] E3 First Fixture

[0167] E4 Second Clamp

[0168] E5 Third Clamp

[0169] F Bead Supply Module

[0170] F1 tire bead supply equipment

[0171] G forming module

[0172] G1 forming tool

[0173] H Tool Storage Module

[0174] H1 Replacement Forming Tool

[0175] H2 Another replacement molding tool

[0176] H3 Another replacement molding tool

[0177] I. Manipulator Module

[0178] I1 controller

[0179] I2 head

[0180] J Inspection Module

[0181] J1 Inspection Platform

[0182] K module

[0183] K1 Storage Cart

[0184] L1 theoretical length

[0185] L2 Actual Length

[0186] M1 First Manufacturing Mode

[0187] M2 Second Manufacturing Mode

[0188] P1 First section of the strip

[0189] P2 strip, second part

[0190] R Discharge Section

[0191] S1 Input Side

[0192] S2 output side

[0193] V travel speed

[0194] W Switch lines

[0195] X junction

Claims

1. A method for switching a tire production line from a first manufacturing mode to a second manufacturing mode, wherein the tire production line includes a plurality of modules arranged in series between an input side and an output side of the tire production line, wherein the method includes the following steps: - Operate the multiple modules in a first manufacturing mode; - Gradually switch one or more of the plurality of modules from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode from the input side to the output side; as well as -While operating one or more modules that have not yet switched to the first manufacturing mode, operate the one or more modules that have already switched to the second manufacturing mode in the second manufacturing mode. The tire production line is configured to convert tire strips into individual tire assemblies, and the method further includes the following steps: - A joint is provided in the strip, the joint being located between a first portion of the strip to be processed by one or more modules of the plurality of modules operating in the first manufacturing mode and a second portion of the strip to be processed by one or more modules of the plurality of modules operating in the second manufacturing mode; as well as - Before or when the junction reaches at least one of the plurality of modules, switch the at least one module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - After all the plurality of modules have been switched to the second manufacturing mode, operate all the plurality of modules in the second manufacturing mode.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Calculate the progress of the joint from the input side to the output side through the tire production line; and - In response to the calculated progress, switch the at least one module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The progress is calculated based on the speed at which the material belt travels through the tire production line from the input side toward the output side.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The progress is calculated based on the time elapsed after an event in the tire production line.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The event is the creation time of the junction.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The event is related to the progress of the tire production line upstream of the junction point via the at least one module.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Track the progress of the engagement point from the input side towards the output side through the tire production line; and - In response to the tracked progress, switch the at least one module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Provide one or more sensors for detecting the progress of the engagement point from the input side toward the output side through the tire production line.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The one or more sensors include at least one of a height sensor, an optical sensor, an encoder, an imaging sensor, or a radio frequency sensor.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Add a mark to the strip at or near the joint; and - The progress of the joint point through the tire production line is tracked by detecting the marker.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Remove the mark from the tape; and - The mark is added to another strip during a subsequent cycle of the method.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The strip has one of the following at the joint point: a height change, a shape change, a material change, a color change, a texture change, or another observable change.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of modules includes an extrusion module for extruding the strip, wherein the method includes the following steps: - Operate the extruder module in the first manufacturing mode to extrude the first portion of the strip; - Switch the extruder module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode; as well as - Operate the extruder module in the second manufacturing mode to extrude a second portion of the strip.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - The first portion of the strip is discharged from the extruder module, wherein, as a result of the discharge, the first portion of the strip includes a discharge section; and - Before engaging the first portion of the conveyor belt with the second portion of the conveyor belt, at least partially remove the discharge section from the first portion of the conveyor belt.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The plurality of modules includes a buffer module downstream of the extruder module, wherein the method includes the following steps: - Before the extruder module switches from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode, the buffer module buffers the first portion of the strip for a buffer length. as well as - During the switching of the extruder module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode, at least a portion of the buffer length of the first portion of the strip is supplied from the buffer module to one or more of the plurality of modules downstream of the buffer module.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of modules includes a cutting module, and the method further includes the following steps: - At the cutting module, the strip is cut from the first portion of the strip into individual tire assemblies; - Switch the cutting module from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode; as well as - At the cutting module, the strip is cut from the second portion of the strip into individual tire assemblies.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Cut the joint from the strip.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first portion of the material strip includes a discharge section adjacent to the joint point, wherein the method further includes the following steps: - The discharge section is at least partially removed at the cutting module.

20. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: - Calculate the theoretical length of the first portion of the material strip, the theoretical length being the length required to complete a first production order of the tire assembly from the first portion of the material strip in the tire production line; and - After the actual length of the first portion of the material strip in the tire production line is equal to or greater than the theoretical length, the switching of the plurality of modules from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode begins.

21. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more of the multiple modules automatically switch from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

22. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more of the multiple modules semi-automatically switch from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

23. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more of the multiple modules are manually switched from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

24. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Switching between the multiple modules includes one or more of the following steps: - Supply one or more different mixtures to the extruder; - Change the extruder configuration; - Supply one or more different semi-finished products to the tire production line; - Change the forming tool configuration; - Change the controller configuration; and - Change one or more processing parameters in the tire production line.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The one or more processing parameters are one or more of the group consisting of: pressure, temperature, speed, cutting size, forming size, and storage location.

26. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - Provide an indicator for at least one of the plurality of modules; - An alarm is issued to the operator via the indicator, indicating that at least one module is about to switch from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode; and - In response to the alarm, perform manual operation at at least one module to prepare for the upcoming switchover.

27. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - Provides a human-computer interface; and - Instructions are issued to the operator via the human-machine interface to perform manual operations in preparation for the upcoming switch of at least one of the plurality of modules from the first manufacturing mode to the second manufacturing mode.

28. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tire production line is a bead and triangle rubber production line.

29. A tire production line comprising a plurality of modules arranged in series between an input side and an output side of the tire production line, and a control unit operatively connected to the plurality of modules and configured to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1.

30. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a control unit of a tire production line to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1.

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