Transport system for transporting green tyres and method for inspecting green tyres

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying system for conveying green tires, the conveying system comprising a conveyor (4) for conveying the green tires in a conveying direction along a conveying path in a conveying plane and an inspection station (2, 102) for inspecting the green tires, the inspection station comprising a base (20, 120) and a removal member (5, 105), the extraction member is mounted relative to the base for supporting the green tire relative to the base in a support plane, the extraction member being pivotable relative to the base about a pivot axis extending parallel or substantially parallel to the conveying direction between an extraction position, in which the extraction member is located at the conveying path, and an inspection position, in which the extraction member is located at the conveying path; in the inspection position, the extraction member is located outside the transport path and the support plane faces away from the transport path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying system for conveying a green tyre. The present invention also relates to a method for inspecting a green tyre. Background Art

[0002] CN202880434U discloses a tire sorting system. The tire sorting system includes a main line conveyor and one or more auxiliary line conveyors. For each auxiliary line, the sorting system includes a shift arm, which is used to push the tire on the main line conveyor to the corresponding auxiliary line conveyor. The tire sorting system also includes a sorting device located at the end of each auxiliary line conveyor, which is used to change the direction of the tire between two guide grooves. The tire sorting system includes a convex surface composed of rollers connected between the auxiliary line conveyor and the sorting system for erecting the tire.

[0003] The sorting system includes a detection device located at the auxiliary line conveyor, which detects the tire model and sends the detected information to a computer. The computer controls the sorting system so that the tire rolls to the end of the corresponding guide groove along a set route. Summary of the invention

[0004] A disadvantage of the known tire sorting system is that the tire cannot be reintroduced into the main line conveying system when it has been guided to the corresponding guide trough via the auxiliary line conveying device. Therefore, when the tire is wrongly guided to the guide trough, the tire must be manually redirected. In addition, the main line conveying system may be inaccessible or unsafe for an operator to inspect the green tire.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a conveying system for conveying a green tire and a method for inspecting a green tire, wherein an operator can inspect the green tire more safely and / or more efficiently.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a conveying system for conveying green tires, wherein the conveying system comprises a conveyor for conveying the green tires in a conveying direction along a conveying path in a conveying plane and an inspection station for inspecting the green tires, wherein the inspection station is arranged along the conveying path, wherein the conveyor comprises a first conveyor section upstream of the inspection station in the conveying direction and a second conveyor section downstream of the inspection station in the conveying direction, wherein the inspection station comprises a base and a removal member, which is mounted relative to the base for supporting the green tire relative to the base in a supporting plane, wherein the removal member is pivotable relative to the base about a pivot axis extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the conveying direction between a removal position and an inspection position, in which the removal member is located at the conveying path between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, and the support plane extends parallel to the conveying plane to support the green tire at the conveying plane, and in the inspection position, the removal member is located outside the conveying path, and the support plane faces away from the conveying path.

[0007] In other words, the green tire can be transferred from the conveying path to an inspection position, in which the tire is located outside the conveying path and facing away from the conveying path, i.e., away from the conveyor. Therefore, when in the inspection position, the green tire does not hinder or block the conveying path. Therefore, when the green tire is being inspected at the inspection position, another green tire can be conveyed along the conveying path by the conveyor. Thereby, the green tire can be conveyed more efficiently and / or more effectively. In addition, since the inspection position is located outside the conveying path, the operator can approach the inspection position without having to reach above the conveyor. Therefore, the operator can approach the inspection position without interfering with the conveyance of the green tire along the conveying path. Therefore, the operator can inspect the green tire more safely.

[0008] In its preferred embodiment, in the take-out position, the support plane is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the conveying plane.Thus, the green tyre can be supported simultaneously on both the conveyor and the take-out member before being transferred to the inspection position.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the support plane extends at an angle relative to the conveying plane in the inspection position. In a preferred embodiment thereof, the support plane extends perpendicular to the conveying plane in the inspection position. By rotating the support plane, the orientation of the green tire can be adjusted. More particularly, the green tire can be rotated to an upright orientation. The upright orientation can facilitate an operator to inspect the green tire.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the inspection station comprises an actuator for actuating the extraction member to rotate about the pivot axis. The actuator may effect a rotation between the extraction member and the carrier. The actuator may, for example, comprise a pneumatic cylinder.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the inspection station comprises a carrier, wherein the carrier is movable relative to the base for transferring the green tire along a first trajectory between a removal position and an inspection position, wherein a removal member is mounted to the carrier, and wherein the removal member is pivotable relative to the carrier about a pivot axis between the removal position and the inspection position. In other words, the removal member is mounted to the carrier so as to move with the carrier. Thus, the removal member can be displaced relative to the base in addition to rotating about the pivot axis. Thus, the removal member can be conveniently displaced between the removal position and the inspection position by moving the carrier relative to the base.

[0012] In an embodiment thereof, the removal member is movable relative to the base along a second trajectory from the inspection position back to the removal position. Preferably, the first trajectory and the second trajectory are identical. Thus, if the operator approves the green tire, the green tire can be returned or reintroduced to the conveying path after inspection. Alternatively, if the operator does not approve or rejects the green tire, the tire can be removed from the inspection station.

[0013] In another embodiment, the carrier can be moved relative to the base in a first direction transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction so that the removal member moves along at least a portion of the first trajectory. By moving the carrier transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction, the removal member can be effectively moved away from the conveying path.

[0014] In an embodiment thereof, the first direction extends away from the conveying plane. Preferably, the first direction extends perpendicular to the conveying plane. Alternatively, the carrier may be arranged to move the removal member away from the conveying path in a direction lying in and / or parallel to the conveying plane.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the conveying plane extends parallel to the floor surface at the conveyor level and wherein the removal member is movable relative to the base from the removal position towards the floor surface.

[0016] Preferably, the conveyor height is at least one and a half meters, preferably wherein the conveyor height is at least two meters, more preferably wherein the conveyor height is at least two and a half meters. Thus, the take-out member can transfer the green tire from the elevated conveyor to an inspection position at or near the floor surface. In other words, the take-out member can be used as a lifter for lowering the green tire from the elevated conveyor to the inspection position. Thus, the operator does not need to rise to the level of the conveying plane and can inspect the green tire at the floor surface. Thus, work safety can be improved.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the transport system further comprises a take-out drive for driving the movement of the carrier relative to the base. Thus, the take-out movement can be facilitated.

[0018] In another embodiment, the rotation of the extraction member around the pivot axis is mechanically coupled to the displacement of the carrier relative to the base. In other words, the rotation of the extraction member can be affected by the displacement of the carrier relative to the base. Therefore, a separate actuator is not required to affect the rotation of the extraction member.

[0019] In an embodiment thereof, the inspection station comprises a rod rotatable relative to the carrier about a rod rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis, wherein the inspection station further comprises a linkage connected to the rod at a distance spaced apart from the rod rotation axis and connected to the removal member at a distance spaced apart from the pivot axis, wherein the inspection station comprises a first coupling element mounted to the base and a second coupling element mounted to the rod at a distance spaced apart from the rod rotation axis, wherein the first coupling element and the second coupling element are arranged to engage when the carrier moves in a first direction to affect the rotation of the rod about the rod rotation axis. Preferably, one of the first coupling element and the second coupling element is a cam, and the other of the first coupling element and the second coupling element is a cam receiver. When the first coupling element and the second coupling element engage, the rod and the linkage can effectively affect the rotation of the removal member.

[0020] Alternatively, the carrier can be pivoted relative to the base. For example, the carrier can be guided along a curved guide path. By pivoting the carrier relative to the base, the rotation of the removal member relative to the carrier can be omitted. Therefore, the combined structure of the carrier and the removal member can be simplified.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the removal member further comprises one or more support elements for supporting the green tire in the inspection position. Preferably, the one or more support elements extend perpendicularly to the support plane. The one or more support elements may for example comprise beams and / or rollers.

[0022] In another embodiment, the removal member further comprises a bracket extending parallel to the support plane for holding the green tire in the inspection position. Therefore, the bracket can prevent the green tire from turning over.

[0023] In a further embodiment thereof, the carrier is at least partially removable in order to allow the green tyre to be removed from the extraction member in the inspection position.

[0024] In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises a third conveyor section between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section in the conveying direction, wherein the third conveyor section comprises a roller conveyor with a plurality of rollers extending in a conveying plane in a lateral direction transverse to the conveying direction, wherein the removal member comprises two or more removal elements for supporting the green tire in the supporting plane, and wherein, in the removal position, the removal elements extend between the rollers of the third conveyor section in the conveying direction. Thus, a green tire can be conveyed through the third conveyor section when the removal member is in the removal position and when the removal member is in the inspection position. Thus, while a green tire is being inspected at the inspection station, a further green tire can be conveyed in the conveying direction past the inspection station.

[0025] In its embodiment, the take-out elements each comprise one or more rollers, which are rotatable about a main roller axis extending transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction. Thus, when in the take-out position, the take-out elements may form part of the third conveyor section.

[0026] In another embodiment thereof, each removal element comprises a plurality of rollers, and wherein the rollers among the plurality of rollers are multidirectional rollers or omnidirectional rollers. The multidirectional or omnidirectional rollers can allow the green tire to move in a direction along the roller axis of the removal element, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction. Therefore, when the removal member is rotated from the removal position toward the inspection position, the green tire can roll on the multidirectional rollers toward one or more supporting elements. Therefore, the sliding friction between the removal element and the green tire can be reduced, minimized or ultimately prevented. Therefore, damage to the green tire due to sliding friction can be prevented.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the take-out member can also be moved to a transfer position in which the take-out element extends between the rollers of the third conveyor section in the conveying direction and wherein the take-out element extends below the conveying plane. In other words, the take-out element can be positioned at a position outside the conveying path. Thus, in said transfer position, interference between the take-out element and the green tire conveyed by the third conveyor section can be prevented.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the conveying system further comprises a weighing device for measuring the weight of the green tyre. Preferably, the weighing device is arranged upstream of the inspection station in the conveying direction. Optionally, the weighing device is functionally coupled to the inspection device, for example via a control unit. Preferably, the control unit is configured to move the green tyre to the inspection position when the weight of the tyre measured by the weighing device is outside a predetermined range.

[0029] In a further embodiment thereof, the weighing device is arranged at the first conveyor section, wherein the first conveyor section comprises a plurality of rollers extending in a conveying plane in a lateral direction transverse to the conveying direction, wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing member arranged below the conveying plane and two or more protrusions protruding from the weighing member towards the conveying plane and arranged between the rollers of the first conveyor section in the conveying direction, wherein the weighing member is movable between an idle position in which the protrusions are located below the conveying plane and a weighing position in which the protrusions extend through the conveying plane. Thus, when in the idle position, the green tire can be conveyed past the weighing device in the conveying direction without interference from the weighing device. Furthermore, when in the weighing position, the weighing device can accurately and / or precisely measure the weight of the green tire without interference from the conveyor. Thus, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for inspecting a tyre or a green tyre using a conveyor system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0031] a) transporting the tire or green tire in a conveying plane along a conveying path in a conveying direction to an inspection station; and

[0032] b) Moving the removal member from the removal position to the inspection position to move the tire or green tire from the conveying path to the inspection position.

[0033] The method implements the delivery system according to the first aspect of the invention and therefore the same technical advantages are applicable. For the sake of brevity, the advantages will not be repeated.

[0034] In its preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0035] c) Inspect the green tire in the inspection position.

[0036] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0037] d) moving the removal member from the inspection position to the removal position to move the tire or green tire into the conveying path; and

[0038] e) transporting the tire or green tire away from the inspection station along the conveying path in the conveying direction in the conveying plane. In other words, the tire or green tire can be returned or reintroduced into the conveying path after inspection.

[0039] In a further embodiment, the conveyor comprises a third conveyor section between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section in the conveying direction, wherein the third conveyor section comprises a roller conveyor with a plurality of rollers extending in a conveying plane in a lateral direction transverse to the conveying direction, wherein the removal member comprises two or more removal elements for supporting the tire or green tire in the supporting plane, and wherein, in the removal position, the removal element extends between the rollers of the third conveyor section in the conveying direction. Positioning the removal element between the rollers in the removal position may facilitate removal of the tire or green tire from the third conveyor section.

[0040] In its embodiment, the method comprises a step of positioning the removal element in a transfer position below the conveying plane before step a), and wherein the method further comprises a step of moving the removal element from the transfer position to the removal position between steps a) and b). Thus, the removal element can be kept out of the conveying path when the tire or green tire is being transported during step a).

[0041] In another embodiment, the method comprises the step of weighing the tyre or green tyre prior to step b). Preferably, step b) is performed in response to the measured weight being outside a predetermined interval.

[0042] Whenever possible, the individual aspects and features described and shown in the specification may be applied separately. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the accompanying dependent claims, may be made the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 A conveying system for conveying a green tire according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 The exemplary steps of the method for inspecting a green tire are shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the conveying system along line II-II;

[0046] Figure 3 The following is a diagram showing the process during further exemplary steps of the method for inspecting a green tire. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of

[0047] Figure 4 During another exemplary step of the method for inspecting a green tire, Figure 1 A front view of the delivery system of line IV-IV in FIG.

[0048] Figure 5 and Figure 6The following is a diagram showing the process during further exemplary steps of the method for inspecting a green tire. Figure 4 Front view of

[0049] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

[0050] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0051] Fig. 9 shows an alternative delivery system according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Fig.10 Shown according to Figure 1 Detailed view of the conveyor system in circle X. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figures 1 to 9 A conveying system 1 for conveying an uncured or green tire 9 is shown. The conveying system 1 comprises a conveyor 4 for supporting the green tire 9 in a conveying plane C. The conveyor 4 is also arranged for conveying the green tire 9 in said conveying plane C along a conveying path S in a conveying direction T. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the conveying path S is a straight or substantially straight path. Alternatively, the conveying path S may, for example, include one or more bends or curves.

[0054] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the conveyor 4 is mounted to and / or supported on a frame 45. The conveyor 4 is elevated relative to a floor surface F (e.g., a factory floor surface) by a conveyor height E. Preferably, the conveyor height E is at least 1.5 meters. More preferably, the conveyor height E is at least 2 meters. More preferably, the conveyor height E is at least 2.5 meters.

[0055] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the conveyor 4 comprises a first conveyor section 41, a second conveyor section 42 and a third conveyor section 43. The third conveyor section 43 is arranged between the first conveyor section 41 and the second conveyor section 42 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the first conveyor section 41 is arranged upstream of the third conveyor section 43 in the conveying direction T. Therefore, the second conveyor section 42 is arranged downstream of the third conveyor section 43 in the conveying direction T.

[0056] In such Figures 1 to 5In the embodiment shown, the first conveyor section 41, the second conveyor section 42 and the third conveyor section 43 comprise a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers 40 for conveying the green tire in a conveying direction T. At least some of the rollers 40 are driven rollers. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveyor 4 may include a conveyor drive 46 for driving the rotation of the rollers 40. Optionally, the rollers 40 of the first conveyor section 41, the second conveyor section 42 and the third conveyor section 43 may be driven to rotate by the same conveyor drive 46. Alternatively, the conveyor 4 may include a plurality of conveyor drives for driving the rollers of the conveyor sections 41, 42, 43.

[0057] The rollers 40 extend parallel to the conveying plane C in a lateral direction L transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction T. Alternatively, at least one of the first conveyor section 41 , the second conveyor section 42 and the third conveyor section 43 may comprise, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0058] like Figure 1 , the conveyor 4 comprises a first support beam or first support structure 47 at a first side of the conveying path S and a second support beam or second support structure 48 at a second side of the conveying path S opposite to the first side, for supporting rollers 40 of the first conveyor segment 41, the second conveyor segment 42 and the third conveyor segment 43. The rollers 40 extend in a lateral direction L between the first support structure 47 and the second support structure 48. More specifically, the rollers 40 extend from the first support structure 47 to the second support structure 48.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 8 As further shown, the conveying system 1 comprises an inspection station 2 for inspecting the green tire 9 conveyed on the conveyor 4. The inspection station 2 is arranged at the third conveyor section 43 along the conveying path S. In other words, the inspection station 2 is arranged in the conveying direction T between the first conveyor section 41 and the second conveyor section 42.

[0060] The inspection station 2 comprises a base 20 and a removal member 5, which can be moved relative to the base 20 in the following manner: Figure 4 and Figure 7 The removal position shown is similar to Figure 5 and Figure 8 The take-out member 5 is arranged for supporting the green tyre 9 in a support plane P. More specifically, the take-out member 5 is arranged for supporting the green tyre 9 in said support plane P on its side.

[0061] In the take-out position, the take-out member 5 is located at the conveying path S. More specifically, in the take-out position, the take-out member 5 is arranged to support the green tyre 9 at a conveying plane C. In said take-out position, the support plane P extends parallel to the conveying plane C. Preferably, in the take-out position, the support plane P and the conveying plane C are coplanar or substantially coplanar.

[0062] In the inspection position, the removal member 5 is located outside the conveying path S. Figure 8 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the support plane P faces away from the conveying path S. In particular, the support plane P faces away from the conveyor 4. In the inspection position, the support plane P extends at an angle relative to the conveying plane C. In other words, the support plane P has been rotated relative to the conveying plane C. Preferably, the support plane P extends perpendicularly to the conveying plane C in the inspection position.

[0063] The taking-out member 5 is movable along a first trajectory B. The taking-out member 5 is arranged for moving, displacing or transferring the green tire 9 from the taking-out position to the inspection position along said first trajectory B. Thus, the taking-out member 5 is arranged for moving or transferring the green tire 9 from the inspection position to the taking-out position in the opposite direction along the first trajectory B. Alternatively, the taking-out member 5 may be moved from the inspection position to the taking-out position along a second trajectory different from the first trajectory B.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the movement of the extraction member 5 includes translation and rotation between the extraction position and the inspection position. Alternatively, the movement of the extraction member 5 from the extraction position to the inspection position may only include translation or displacement or rotation.

[0065] The inspection station 2 comprises a carrier 21 movable relative to a base 20. The removal member 5 is mounted to the carrier 21. The carrier 21 is movable between a conveying plane C and a floor surface F. The inspection station 2 comprises a guide or guide rail 28 mounted to the base 20 for guiding the carrier 21 in a first direction A. The inspection station 2 comprises a removal drive 22 for driving the carrier to move in the first direction A (i.e. along the guide rail 28). The removal drive 22 may, for example, comprise a spindle or a linear actuator. Alternatively, the removal drive 22 may, for example, comprise a chain drive.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first direction A extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the conveying plane C. In other words, the first direction A is a vertical or substantially vertical direction. Alternatively, the carrier 21 can be moved in different directions transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction T.

[0067] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the take-out member 5 can rotate or pivot relative to the carrier 21 about the pivot axis R. More specifically, the take-out frame 55 can rotate or pivot relative to the carrier 21 about the pivot axis R. Therefore, the take-out member 5 can rotate or pivot relative to the base 20. The pivot axis R extends parallel to or approximately parallel to the conveying plane C. Preferably, the pivot axis R extends parallel to or approximately parallel to the conveying direction T.

[0068] The extraction member 5 comprises a plurality of extraction elements 50 for supporting the green tyre in a support plane P. The extraction member 5 further comprises an extraction frame 55 for supporting said extraction elements 50. The extraction elements 50 extend away from said extraction frame 55. More specifically, the extraction elements 50 extend parallel to the support plane P or in the support plane P.

[0069] like Fig.10 As best shown, the removal elements 50 each comprise a plurality of main rollers 51 rotatable about a main roller axis G1. Alternatively, the removal elements can, for example, each comprise a single roller rotatable about a main roller axis G1. The main roller axis G1 extends parallel to the support plane P. The main roller axis G1 extends transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction T.

[0070] like Fig.10 As further shown, the main roller 51 is a bidirectional, multidirectional or omnidirectional roller. More specifically, each main roller 51 includes a plurality of secondary rollers 52, each of which can rotate relative to the main roller 51 around a corresponding secondary roller axis G2. The secondary roller axis G2 is tangent or tangential to the circumference around the main roller axis G1. In other words, the projection of the corresponding secondary roller axis G2 on the main roller axis G1 extends transversely or perpendicular to the main roller axis G1. Therefore, the circumference of the secondary roller 52 can be parallel or approximately parallel to the main roller axis G1. Therefore, the secondary roller 52 can allow the green tire 9 to roll along the main roller 51 of the take-out element 50 in a direction parallel to the main roller axis G1.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 8 As further shown, the extraction member 5 comprises two support members 24 for supporting the green tire 9 in the inspection position. More specifically, the support members 24 are arranged to support the circumferential surface of the green tire 9. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the support members 24 comprise circular beams or rollers for supporting the green tire 9. Alternatively, the extraction member 5 may, for example, comprise a plurality of support members 24 or a single support member for supporting the green tire 9. The support members 24 extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the support plane P.

[0072] The removal member 5 is further provided with an arm or bracket 29 for holding the green tyre 9. In particular, the bracket 29 is arranged for facing and / or abutting a side wall of the green tyre 9 opposite to the side wall of the green tyre 9 supported in the supporting plane P. The bracket 29 is mounted to the removal frame 55. The bracket 29 extends parallel or approximately parallel to the removal element 50. Preferably, the removal element 50 and the bracket 29 are spaced apart from each other by a distance which approximately corresponds to the width of the green tyre 9. Optionally, the mutual distance between the bracket 29 and the removal element 50 may be adaptable or adjustable.

[0073] like Figure 6 As further shown, the carriage 29 is at least partially removable to allow the green tyre 9 to be removed from the extraction member 5. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the carriage 29 has been rotated about a carriage rotation axis extending in the first direction A away from the green tyre 9.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the extraction member 5 can be lowered to a removal position relative to the inspection position. The removal position can facilitate the removal of the green tire 9 from the extraction member 5.

[0075] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, in the removal position, the removal element 50 extends between the rollers 40 of the third conveyor section 43 in the conveying direction T. In other words, the removal element 50 is inserted between the rollers 40 of the third conveyor section 43. Preferably, the second support structure 48 comprises a cutout or recess 49 for receiving the removal element 50. Alternatively, the second support structure 48 may be interrupted or discontinuous, for example, at the third conveyor section 43. Thus, the rollers 40 of the third conveyor section 43 may be supported only by the first support structure 47.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in the figures, in the take-out position, the support plane P is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the conveying plane C. In other words, the rollers 40 of the third conveyor section 43 and the take-out element 50 extend parallel or substantially parallel. Alternatively, the support plane P may extend, for example, at an inclined angle relative to the conveying plane C, so that when the take-out member 5 moves upward relative to the rollers 40 of the third conveyor section 43, the green tire 9 is pushed towards the support element 24.

[0077] The take-out member 5 can also be moved to a transfer position in which the take-out element 50 is arranged below the conveying plane C. In other words, in said transfer position the green tyre 9 can be supported only by the rollers 40 of the third conveyor section 43 .

[0078] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As further shown, the inspection station 2 comprises a mechanical coupling between the movement or displacement of the carrier 21 in the first direction A and the rotation of the extraction member 5 about the pivot axis R. Alternatively, the inspection station 2 may for example comprise an actuator for actuating the rotation of the extraction member 5 relative to the carrier 21 .

[0079] The mechanical coupling comprises a rod rotatable relative to the carrier 21 about a rod rotation axis. The rod rotation axis extends parallel or substantially parallel to the pivot axis R. The mechanical coupling further comprises a linkage 26 connected between the extraction member 5 and the rod 25. More specifically, the linkage 26 is connected to the rod 25 at a distance spaced apart from the rod rotation axis. Thus, the linkage 26 is connected to the extraction member 5 at a distance spaced apart from the pivot axis R. In other words, the linkage 26 can couple the rotation of the rod 25 about the rod axis with the rotation of the extraction member 5 about the pivot axis R.

[0080] The inspection station 2 further comprises a protrusion, nook or cam 23 mounted to the base 20. The cam 23 protrudes from the base in the direction of the pivot axis R. The rod 25 is provided with a recess or cam receiver 27 to cooperate with the cam 23. The cam receiver 27 is arranged at a distance spaced from the axis of rotation of the rod. Alternatively, the cam may be provided on the rod 25 and the cam receiver may be provided on the base 20.

[0081] The cam receiver 27 is arranged to engage the cam 23 when the carrier 21 moves towards the conveying plane in the first direction A. When the cam receiver 27 has engaged the cam 23, further movement in the first direction A may rotate the lever 25 about the lever rotation axis.

[0082] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the conveying system 1 further comprises a weighing device 3 for weighing the green tire 9. Preferably, the weighing device 3 is arranged upstream of the inspection station 2 along the conveying direction T. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown, the weighing device 3 is arranged at the first conveyor section 41 .

[0083] The weighing device 3 comprises a weighing member 30 extending below the first conveyor section 41. The weighing member 30 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the conveying plane C. The weighing device 3 further comprises two or more protrusions 31 extending away from the weighing member 30 and towards the conveying plane C. The protrusions 31 are arranged to be inserted between the rollers 40 of the first conveyor section 41.

[0084] The weighing member 30 may be Figure 2 The idle position shown and Figure 3In the idle position, the projection 31 is located below the conveying plane C. In other words, the projection is set back relative to the rollers 40 of the first conveyor section 41. Thus, the green tire 9 can be conveyed by the first conveyor section 41 in the conveying direction T without being blocked by the projection 31.

[0085] In the weighing position, the protrusions 31 extend to or through the conveying plane C. Preferably, the protrusions 31 protrude from between the rollers 40 of the first conveyor section 41. Thus, the green tyre 9 can be supported by the protrusions 31 only.

[0086] The weighing device 3 further includes a weight sensor 33 for measuring a parameter indicative of the weight of the green tire 9. For example, the weight sensor 33 may include a load cell for measuring the weight of the green tire 9.

[0087] The weighing device 3 comprises a weighing drive 32 for moving the weighing member 30 back and forth between a weighing position and an idle position.

[0088] In such Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the weight sensor 33 is functionally and / or operatively connected to the control unit 7. Preferably, the control unit is further operatively and / or functionally coupled to the take-out drive 22. The control unit 7 may, for example, be configured to control the take-out drive 22 for automatically transferring the green tire 9 to the inspection position in response to the measured weight of the green tire 9 being outside a predetermined range.

[0089] Preferably, the weighing drive 32 is functionally and / or operatively connected to the control unit 7. For example, the control unit 7 may be configured to control the weighing drive 32 to move the weighing member from the idle position to the weighing position for each green tire 9 being conveyed along the conveying direction T on the first conveyor 41.

[0090] Use below Figures 1 to 8 A method is described for conveying a green tire 9. The following method can be equally applied to conveying a tire, ie, a vulcanized tire.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the green tire 9 has been conveyed along the conveying path S in the conveying direction T to the weighing device 3 at the first conveyor section 43. The weighing member 30 is in an idle position. Figure 3As shown, the weighing drive 32 is actuated to move the weighing member 30 from the idle position to the weighing position. Now, the green tire 9 is supported on the protrusion 31. The weight of the green tire 9 is now measured by the sensor 33. In particular, the sensor 33 sends a signal indicating the weight of the green tire 9 to the control unit 7. After measuring the weight of the green tire 9, the weighing drive 32 is actuated to move the weighing member 32 back to the idle position. Subsequently, the green tire 9 is further transported along the conveying path S in the conveying direction T by the first conveyor section 41.

[0092] Alternatively, the weighing member 30 may initially be arranged in the weighing position for receiving the green tyre 9 directly from a manipulator (not shown). After measuring the weight of the green tyre 9, the weighing member 30 is moved to the idle position and the green tyre is further transported in the transport direction T as described above.

[0093] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, when the removal member 5 is arranged in a conveying position at or below the conveying plane C, the green tire 9 has been conveyed by the first conveyor section 41 along the conveying direction T to the inspection station 2. More specifically, the support plane P is arranged at or below the conveying plane C. Preferably, the support plane P extends parallel to the conveying plane C.

[0094] The take-out member 5 has been moved to the take-out position. The support plane P and the conveying plane C are coplanar or substantially coplanar. Preferably, the side faces of the green tyre 9 are at least partially supported on the take-out elements 50 .

[0095] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the removal member 5 has been moved from the removal position to the inspection position. The carrier 21 has been displaced in the first direction A towards the floor surface F. As a result, the coupling mechanism has rotated the removal member 5 about the pivot axis R. In other words, the support plane P has been rotated about the pivot axis R relative to the conveying plane C. Preferably, the support plane P extends perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the conveying plane C. The support plane P faces away from the conveyor 4. Now, the green tire 9 is supported on the support element 24.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, in the inspection position, the operator inspects irregularities, defects, faults or other quality issues of the green tire 9. When the green tire 9 is in the inspection position, further green tires 9 can be conveyed along the inspection path S in the conveying direction T at the third conveyor section 43.

[0097] Alternatively, if Figure 6 As shown, when the operator finds irregularities, defects, faults or any other quality issues in the green tire 9, the extraction member 5 is moved to the removal position along the first direction A. Subsequently, the bracket 29 is opened or removed to allow access to the green tire 9, and the green tire 9 is removed for disposal or discarding.

[0098] Alternatively, when the operator finds no irregularities, defects, faults or other quality problems in the green tire 9, the removal member 5 is moved from the inspection position to the removal position, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the green tire 9 is transferred back to the conveying path S. The removal member 5 is then moved to the conveying position.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the green tire 9 is now conveyed further along the conveying path S in the conveying direction T by means of the second conveyor section 42 .

[0100] Fig. 9 An alternative conveying system 101 is shown according to a further embodiment of the invention comprising an alternative inspection station 102. The alternative inspection station 102 differs from the previously described inspection station 2 in that the base 120 comprises a curved guide rail 128. The carriage 121 comprises two guide followers 122 arranged to cooperate with the guide rail 128 for guiding the carriage 121 along a second trajectory D, thereby transferring the green tire 9 from the removal position to the inspection position.

[0101] Additionally or alternatively, the carriage 121 may be driven by a chain drive or a belt drive (not shown) extending at least partially along the second trajectory D.

[0102] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations still encompassed by the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0103] Reference numerals

[0104] 1Conveying system

[0105] 2Inspection station

[0106] 20 base

[0107] 21 Slide

[0108] 22 Remove the drive

[0109] 23 Cam

[0110] 24 Support elements

[0111] 25 strokes

[0112] 26 connecting rod mechanism

[0113] 27 notches

[0114] 28 guides

[0115] 29 bracket

[0116] 3Weighing device

[0117] 30 weighing components

[0118] 31 protrusions

[0119] 32 weighing drive

[0120] 33 weight sensor

[0121] 4Conveyor

[0122] 40 rollers

[0123] 41First conveyor section

[0124] 42 Second conveyor section

[0125] 43Third conveyor section

[0126] 45 Frames

[0127] 46Conveyor drive

[0128] 47First support structure

[0129] 48 Second support structure

[0130] 49 concavity

[0131] 5 Remove the components

[0132] 50 Remove components

[0133] 51 Main Roller

[0134] 52 pairs of rollers

[0135] 55 Remove the frame

[0136] 7Control Unit

[0137] 9 Raw tire

[0138] 102 Optional inspection stations

[0139] 120 base

[0140] 121 Slide

[0141] 122 Guide follower

[0142] 128 rails

[0143] 105 Alternative removal member

[0144] AFirst Direction

[0145] B First track

[0146] C Transmission Plane

[0147] D Second track

[0148] E conveyor height

[0149] F Floor Surface

[0150] L side

[0151] G1 main roller axis

[0152] G2 auxiliary roller axis

[0153] P Support plane

[0154] R Pivot axis

[0155] S transmission path

[0156] T conveying direction

Claims

1. A conveying system (1, 101) for conveying a green tire (9), wherein: The conveying system (1, 101) comprises a conveyor (4) for conveying the green tire (9) in a conveying direction (T) along a conveying path (S) in a conveying plane (C) and an inspection station (2, 102) for inspecting the green tire (9), wherein the inspection station (2, 102) is arranged along the conveying path (S), wherein the conveyor (4) comprises a first conveyor section (41) upstream of the inspection station (2, 102) along the conveying direction (T) and a second conveyor section (42) downstream of the inspection station (2, 102) along the conveying direction (T), wherein the inspection station (2, 102) comprises a base (20, 120) and a removal member (5, 105), wherein the removal member (5, 105) is mounted relative to the base (20, 120) for The invention relates to a device for supporting the green tire (9) relative to the base (20, 120) in a support plane (P), wherein the removal member (5, 105) can be pivoted relative to the base (20, 120) about a pivot axis (R) extending parallel to or approximately parallel to the conveying direction (T) between a removal position and an inspection position, wherein the removal member (5, 105) is located at the conveying path (S) between the first conveyor section (41) and the second conveyor section (42), and the support plane (P) extends parallel to the conveying plane (C) for supporting the green tire (9) at the conveying plane (C), and wherein the removal member (5, 105) is located outside the conveying path (S) and the support plane (P) faces away from the conveying path (S).

2. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 1, wherein: The support plane (P) and the conveying plane (C) are coplanar in the removal position.

3. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the inspection position, the support plane (P) extends at an angle relative to the conveying plane (C).

4. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 3, wherein: In the inspection position, the support plane (P) extends perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the conveying plane (C).

5. The conveying system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inspection station (2) comprises an actuator for actuating the rotation of the removal member (5) about the pivot axis (R).

6. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inspection station (2, 102) comprises a carrier (21, 121), wherein the carrier (21, 121) is movable relative to the base (20, 120) for transferring the green tire (9) between the removal position and the inspection position along a first trajectory (B, D), wherein the removal member (5, 105) is mounted to the carrier (21, 121), and wherein the removal member (5) is pivotable relative to the carrier (21) about the pivot axis (R) between the removal position and the inspection position.

7. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 6, wherein: The carrier (21, 121) is movable relative to the base (20, 120) in a first direction (A) transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction (T) so that the removal member (5, 105) moves along at least a portion of the first trajectory (B, D).

8. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 7, wherein: The first direction (A) extends perpendicularly to the conveying plane (C).

9. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The conveying plane (C) extends parallel to a floor surface (F) at conveyor height (E), and wherein the removal member (5, 105) is movable relative to the base (20, 120) from the removal position towards the floor surface (F).

10. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 9, wherein: The conveyor height (E) is at least 1.5 meters, preferably, the conveyor height (E) is at least 2 meters, more preferably, the conveyor height (E) is at least 2.5 meters.

11. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: The conveying system (1, 101) further comprises a removal drive (22) for driving the movement of the carrier (21, 121) relative to the base (20, 120).

12. The conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The rotation of the extraction member (5) about the pivot axis (R) is mechanically coupled to the displacement of the carrier (21) relative to the base (20).

13. The conveying system (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The inspection station (2) comprises a rod (25) which is rotatable relative to the carrier (21) about a rod rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis (R), wherein the inspection station (2) further comprises a connecting rod mechanism (26) which is connected to the rod (25) at a distance from the rod rotation axis and to the removal member (5) at a distance from the pivot axis (R), wherein the inspection station (2) comprises a first coupling element (23) mounted to the base (20) and a first coupling element (23) mounted at a distance from the rod rotation axis A second coupling element (27) mounted to the rod (25) at a spaced distance, wherein the first coupling element (23) is arranged to engage the second coupling element (27) when the carrier (21) moves along the first direction (A) to affect the rotation of the rod (25) around the rod rotation axis, preferably, wherein one of the first coupling element (23) and the second coupling element (27) is a cam, and wherein the other of the first coupling element (23) and the second coupling element (27) is a cam receiver.

14. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retrieval member (5, 105) further comprises one or more supporting elements (24) for supporting the green tyre (9) in the inspection position.

15. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 14, wherein: The one or more support elements (24) extend perpendicularly to the support plane (P).

16. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The removal member (5, 105) also comprises a bracket (29) extending parallel to the support plane (P) for holding the green tire (9) in the inspection position.

17. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 16, wherein: The bracket (29) is at least partially removable for allowing the green tyre (9) to be removed from the removal member (5, 105).

18. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The conveyor (4) comprises a third conveyor section (43) between the first conveyor section (41) and the second conveyor section (42) in the conveying direction (T), wherein the third conveyor section (43) comprises a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers (40), the plurality of rollers extending in the conveying plane (C) in a lateral direction (L) transverse to the conveying direction (T), wherein the removal member (5, 105) comprises two or more removal elements (50) for supporting the raw tire (9) in the supporting plane (P), and wherein, in the removal position, the removal elements (50) extend between the rollers (40) of the third conveyor section (43) in the conveying direction (T).

19. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 18, wherein: The removal elements (50) each comprise one or more rollers (51) which are rotatable about a main roller axis (G1) extending transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction (T).

20. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 19, wherein: Each take-out element (50) comprises a plurality of rollers (51), and wherein the rollers (51) of the plurality of rollers are multi-directional rollers.

21. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: The removal member (5) is also movable into a conveying position in which the removal element (50) extends between the rollers (40) of the third conveyor section (43) in the transport direction (T) and wherein the removal element (50) extends below the conveying plane (C).

22. The conveying system (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The conveying system (1, 101) further comprises a weighing device (3) for measuring the weight of the green tire (9).

23. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 22, wherein: The weighing device (3) is arranged upstream of the inspection station (2) in the conveying direction (T).

24. The conveying system (1, 101) according to claim 23, wherein: The weighing device (3) is arranged at the first conveyor section (41), wherein the first conveyor section (41) includes a plurality of rollers (40), which extend in the conveying plane (C) in a lateral direction (L) transverse to the conveying direction (T), wherein the weighing device (3) includes a weighing member (30) arranged below the conveying plane (C) and two or more protrusions (31) protruding from the weighing member (30) toward the conveying plane (C) and arranged between the rollers (40) of the first conveyor section (41) in the conveying direction (T), wherein the weighing member (3) can be moved between an idle position in which the protrusion (31) is located below the conveying plane (C) and a weighing position in which the protrusion (31) extends through the conveying plane (C).

25. A method for inspecting a tire or green tire (9) using a conveyor system (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: a) transporting the tire or green tire (9) in the transport plane (C) along the transport path (S) in the transport direction (T) to the inspection station (2, 102); and b) moving the removal member (5, 105) from the removal position to the inspection position to move the tire or green tire (9) from the conveying path (S) to the inspection position.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: c) inspecting the tire or green tire (9) at the inspection position.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: d) moving the removal member (5, 105) from the inspection position to the removal position to move the tire or green tire (9) into the conveying path (S); and e) transporting the tire or green tire (9) away from the inspection station (2, 102) in the transport plane (C) along the transport path (S) in the transport direction (T).

28. A method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein: The conveyor (4) comprises a third conveyor section (43) between the first conveyor section (41) and the second conveyor section (42) in the conveying direction (T), wherein the third conveyor section (43) comprises a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers (40), the plurality of rollers extending in the conveying plane (C) in a lateral direction (L) transverse to the conveying direction (T), wherein the removal member (5, 105) comprises two or more removal elements (50) for supporting the tire or green tire (9) in a supporting plane (P), and wherein, in the removal position, the removal elements (50) extend between the rollers (40) of the third conveyor section (43) in the conveying direction (T).

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein: The method comprises the step of positioning the removal element (50) in a transfer position below the transfer plane (C) before step a), and wherein the method further comprises moving the removal element (50) from the transfer position to the removal position between steps a) and b).

30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein: Prior to step b), the method comprises a step of weighing the tyre or green tyre (9).

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