Tire building assembly and method for receiving carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a tire building assembly comprising a carrier and a docking station for receiving said carrier wherein the carrier comprises a base having a front side and a rear side wherein the carrier further comprises two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the docking station comprises a catching device for catching a front side of the carrier in a receiving direction and a movable base plate, which is movable in a correction direction transverse or perpendicular to the receiving direction, for displacing the rigid caster in the correction direction in order to align the carrier with the catching device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire building assembly and method for receiving a carrier. Background Art

[0002] It is common in tire building to temporarily store tire components before processing the tire components in further tire building assemblies. For example, rubber in the form of a sheet or semi-continuous strip can be wound on a reel at a first tire building assembly and can subsequently be unwound from the reel at a further tire building assembly. Typically, such a reel is supported on a cart or a carrier to facilitate transport of the reel between the first tire building assembly and the further tire building assembly. For maneuverability, the carrier for supporting the reel is typically provided with two rigid casters at the front side of the carrier and two swivel casters at the rear side of the carrier. Summary of the invention

[0003] A disadvantage of known tire building assemblies is that the alignment or positioning of the carrier relative to the tire building assembly may be inconsistent and / or imprecise. In particular, the rigid castors of the carrier may prevent accurate centering, alignment or positioning of the carrier relative to the tire building assembly in the axial direction of the rigid castors. Finally, the rigid castors may prevent alignment of the carrier in the axial direction of the wheels. As a result, tire components stored on the carrier may be misaligned relative to the tire building assembly.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tire building assembly and a method for receiving a carrier, wherein alignment of the carrier may be facilitated and / or wherein the carrier may be aligned more precisely and / or accurately.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a tire forming assembly for unloading tire components from a carrier or for loading tire components onto a carrier, wherein the tire forming assembly comprises a carrier for supporting tire components and a docking station for receiving the carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier further comprises two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the docking station comprises a capture device and a movable base plate, wherein the capture device is used to capture the front side of the carrier in a receiving direction, and the movable base plate is movable in a correction direction transversely or perpendicular to the receiving direction, and is used to shift the rigid casters in the correction direction so that the carrier is aligned with the capture device.

[0006] The moving base plate may enable or at least facilitate the movement of the rigid castors in the correction direction. Thus, the carrier may be more precisely and / or accurately aligned relative to the catch.

[0007] In its preferred embodiment, the movable base plate can be freely movable in the correction direction. Therefore, when supported on the movable base plate, the rigid castors of the carrier can be freely movable in the correction direction.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the movable base plate comprises a support plate with a support surface for supporting the front wheels of the carrier, wherein the docking station is supported on the base plate, wherein the support surface is flush or substantially flush with the base plate. In other words, the movable base plate may be recessed relative to the base plate. Thus, rolling of the carrier on the support plate may be facilitated.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the movable base plate comprises one or more tracks for guiding the movement of the support plate, wherein the tracks extend in the correction direction. Optionally, the movable base plate further comprises a guide shoe mounted to the support plate and arranged to cooperate with the guide track. The guide track may facilitate the movement of the support plate in the correction direction.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the support plate is biased towards the neutral position in the correction direction.Thus, the support plate can return to said neutral position after the carrier has been removed from the docking station.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the support plate extends below the catch means.Preferably, the catch means extends between the rigid castors when the rigid castors are supported on the moving base plate.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the catch device comprises an alignment surface for urging the carrier to move in the correction direction when the carrier moves in the receiving direction. In other words, by moving the carrier in the receiving direction against the alignment surface, the front side of the carrier can be displaced in the correction direction. Thus, by moving the carrier in the receiving direction, the front side of the carrier can be aligned relative to the catch device.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the alignment surface extends at an oblique angle relative to the receiving direction and the correction direction. Thus, the alignment surface can gradually guide the carrier to align with the capture device.

[0014] In a further embodiment thereof, the catch device comprises two alignment surfaces arranged in a V-shape or a U-shape. In other words, the alignment surfaces converge. Thus, the carrier can be urged towards a correctly aligned position independently of the receiving direction.

[0015] In a further embodiment thereof, the carrier comprises a centering pin in the middle between the two rigid casters, wherein the alignment surface terminates in a receiving slot for receiving the centering pin. The kinematic base plate may facilitate slotting the centering pin into the receiving slot. Furthermore, the kinematic base plate may enable precise or accurate positioning of the centering pin within the receiving slot.

[0016] In other embodiments thereof, the carrier is pivotable or swivelable about the centering pin when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot. By slotting the centering pin into the receiving slot, the carrier can be more precisely or accurately aligned. Furthermore, when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot, the carrier can be pivotable about the centering pin. After aligning the centering pin, the receiving slot can hold the centering pin in the correct orientation.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the catch device further comprises a locking member for locking the centering pin in the receiving direction when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot. Thus, the locking pin can be locked and / or held in the receiving direction. In particular, the locking member can prevent movement of the carrier in the receiving direction when the carrier is pivoted about the pivot axis and / or when the carrier is supplied with tire components or when tire components are removed from the carrier. Thus, the carrier can be positioned more accurately.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the tire building assembly further comprises a conveying device for conveying the tire components away from or toward the docking station in a transport direction.

[0019] The moving floor of the docking station can be used to align the carrier with the conveyor. As a result, the carrier can be more precisely and / or accurately aligned with respect to the conveyor. In the tire building assembly, the docking station can, for example, be at least a part of a discharge station for unloading tire components from the carrier. Alternatively, the tire building assembly can be arranged to load the tire components onto the carrier received at the docking station.

[0020] In an embodiment thereof, the transport direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the receiving direction. In other words, the carrier can be received at the docking station in a straight line or substantially in a straight line with the transport direction of the conveyor.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment thereof, the receiving direction extends at a non-zero angle relative to the transport direction, wherein the carrier includes a centering pin in the middle between two of the rigid castors, and wherein the capture device includes a receiving slot for receiving the centering pin, wherein, when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot, the tire forming assembly allows the carrier to pivot about the centering pin between a receiving orientation and an operating orientation, in which the rigid castors point in the receiving direction and in which the rigid castors point in the transport direction. Preferably, the transport direction extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the correction direction. In other words, the carrier can be received at the docking station in a receiving orientation different from the operating orientation. Therefore, by pivoting the carrier about the centering pin, the carrier can be further aligned with the conveyor. Therefore, the carrier can be more precisely and / or accurately aligned relative to the conveyor. As a result, the tire components can be transferred from the carrier to the conveyor more reliably.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the carrier comprises a reel for storing tire components, and wherein the docking station is an unwinding station for unwinding tire components from the reel, and / or wherein the docking station is a winding station for winding tire components around the reel. Preferably, the reel is rotatable about a reel axis extending perpendicular to the receiving direction and / or parallel to the axis of rotation of the rigid castor. The reel may be aligned with a conveyor for winding the reel around the reel or for unwinding tire components from the reel. The movable floor may facilitate alignment of the reel with the conveyor.

[0023] The docking station and carrier as described in the above aspects can also serve as the subject of a divisional application.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for receiving a carrier of a tire building assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention at a docking station of said tire building assembly, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0025] a) moving the carrier in the receiving direction into a correction position in which the rigid castors are supported on the movable base plate;

[0026] b) Moving the front side of the carrier in the correction direction while the rigid castors are supported on the movable base plate.

[0027] The method uses the tire building assembly according to the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, the method has the same advantages as described above. In particular, by moving the front side of the carrier in the correction direction, the front side can be aligned with the capture device more precisely and / or accurately.

[0028] In an embodiment thereof, the method further comprises the following steps during or after step b):

[0029] c) moving the carrier further in the receiving direction into a docking position in which the front side of the carrier is received by the catch device. In other words, the docking position may be a predetermined position defined by the catch device. Furthermore, the docking position may be a predetermined position relative to a conveyor for conveying tire components away from or towards the carrier. Before moving the carrier into the docking position, during steps a) and b), the carrier may be aligned with the catch device. Thus, the carrier may be more precisely and / or accurately positioned in the docking position.

[0030] In a further embodiment thereof, the carrier further comprises a centering pin halfway between the two rigid castors, and wherein the capture device comprises a receiving slot for receiving said centering pin, wherein step c) comprises slotting the centering pin into the receiving slot.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the following step after step c): pivoting the carrier about the centering pin. Thus, the orientation of the carrier can be adapted to the transport direction of the conveyor. Thus, the tire component supported on the carrier can be aligned more precisely and / or accurately with the conveyor.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier is provided with one or more tire components, and wherein the method further comprises the step of: unloading at least one of the one or more tire components from the carrier.

[0033] In further embodiments, the method further comprises the step of loading the one or more tire components on the carrier.

[0034] The various aspects and features described and shown in this specification can be applied separately wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached claims, can become the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention will be explained based on exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic diagram, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A front view of a tire building assembly including two docking stations according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 2-7 shows during exemplary steps of the admission method according to the invention, Figure 1 A top view of the docking station;

[0038] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0039] Fig. 9 Shown according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 1 ; and

[0040] Fig.10 A top view of an alternative docking station according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 A tire building assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The tire building assembly 1 comprises a first docking station 11 for receiving a trolley, cart, box or carrier 8 arranged to hold one or more tire components 9. The tire building assembly 1 further comprises a first conveyor 13 for receiving the tire components 9 from the carrier 8 and for conveying the tire components 9 in a transport direction T.

[0042] The tire building assembly 1 further comprises a second docking station 12 for receiving a further carrier 8 and a second conveyor 14 for receiving a further tire component 9 from the further carrier 8 and for conveying the further tire component 9 in a transport direction T.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the tire building assembly 1 is arranged to receive tire components 9 from respective carriers 8 and to convey said tire components 9 to further tire building devices, such as cutting devices or tire building drums (not shown). Alternatively, the tire building assembly 1 may be arranged to supply tire components 9 from respective conveyors 13, 14 to the carriers 8 for temporary storage.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the carrier 8 comprises a reel 88 for storing one or more tire components 9. The one or more tire components 9 are stored around the circumferential surface of the reel 88. The reel 88 is rotatably mounted to the carrier 8 for unrolling the one or more tire components 9. Alternatively, the carrier 8 may be arranged, for example, for stacking one or more tire components 9 thereon, or for supporting elastic sheets that have been folded and stacked in a zigzag manner. The one or more tire components 9 may, for example, comprise pre-cut breaker plies or semi-continuous elastic sheets or webs.

[0045] like Figure 1-7 As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the carrier 8 is provided with a base 80 for supporting a reel 88 at a top side 87 of the base 80. The carrier 8 includes two swivel casters 81 at a first side or rear side 84 of the carrier 8. The carrier 8 also includes two rigid casters 82 at a second side or front side 83 of the carrier 8 opposite to the first side 83. The rigid casters 82 and the swivel casters 81 are arranged at a bottom side 86 of the base 80 opposite to the top side 87.

[0046] The swivel casters 81 can each swivel or pivot relative to the base 80 about a respective rotation axis S to turn the carrier 8. Preferably, the swivel axis S extends perpendicularly to the bottom side 86 of the base 80. The rigid casters 82 can each swivel about a respective rotation axis R. The rotation axes R of the rigid casters 82 are collinear or in a straight line. In other words, the rigid casters 82 have a common rotation axis R. The rigid casters 82 define a movement direction M of the carrier 8. In particular, the movement direction M extends perpendicularly to the rotation axis R or the common rotation axis R.

[0047] like Figure 2-9As shown, the carrier 8 is further provided with a centering pin 85. The centering pin 85 protrudes from the bottom side of the base 80. The centering pin 85 extends along a pivot axis P. Preferably, the pivot axis P extends perpendicularly to the bottom side 86 of the base 80. More specifically, the pivot axis P extends perpendicularly to both the common rotation axis R and the direction of movement M. Preferably, the centering pin 85 is arranged along the rotation axis R of the rigid castors 82 or the common rotation axis R. Preferably, the centering pin 85 is arranged along the center line of the carrier 8. In other words, the centering pin 85 extends radially relative to the rotation axis R of the rigid castors 82 or the common rotation axis R. In particular, the centering pin 85 is arranged in the middle between the rigid castors 82. In other words, the centering pin 85 is arranged in the pivot point of the carrier 8.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the carrier 8 is arranged to unload tire components 9 at the front side 83 of the carrier 8. In particular, the reel 88 is arranged to unwind in the direction of movement M of the carrier 8. Alternatively, the carrier 8 may be configured to unload tire components 9 at the rear side 84 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement, for example. In further alternative embodiments, the carrier 8 may be configured for unloading tire components 9 at the lateral sides of the carrier 8 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement M.

[0049] like Figure 5-9 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the first docking station 11 comprises a capture device 2 for receiving, capturing or docking the carrier 8 in the receiving direction A. In particular, the capture device 2 is arranged for capturing the front side 83 of the carrier 8. The capture device 2 comprises a capture body 20 with a receiving slot 21 for receiving a centering pin 85 of the carrier 8. The receiving slot 21 is open towards the receiving direction A for receiving the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Therefore, the centering pin 85 can be slotted into the receiving slot 21 in the receiving direction A.

[0050] Preferably, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the capture device 2 further includes a locking member 23 for holding the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A when the centering pin 85 has been received in the receiving slot 21. The locking member 23 can move between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking member 23 allows the centering pin 85 to be received in the receiving slot 21. In the locked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking member is arranged to lock or retain the centering pin 85 in the retaining direction A. Optionally, the locking member 23 is arranged to automatically move into the locking position when the centering pin 85 is received in the receiving slot.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, in the locked position, the locking member 23 together with the capture body 20 encloses the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the locked position, the locking member 23 allows the carrier 8 to rotate about the pivot axis P.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the centering pin 85 comprises a hole or aperture extending along the pivot axis P. In this embodiment, the locking member 23 comprises a locking pin insertable into the hole or aperture for retaining the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A.

[0053] exist Figure 2-9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the receiving direction A extends transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction T of the conveyor 13. In other words, the docking station 11 is arranged to receive the carrier 8 in the lateral direction of the conveyor 13. The carrier 8 can then be pivoted about its pivot axis P so that it is aligned with the conveyor 13. In particular, the movement direction M of the carrier 8 can be aligned with the transport direction T of the conveyor 13.

[0054] like Figure 2-9 As further shown, the docking station 11 is provided with a movable base plate 3 for aligning the carrier 8 with or relative to the capture device 2. More specifically, the movable base plate 3 is arranged to align the carrier 8 with the capture device 2 in a correction direction B transverse to or perpendicular to the receiving direction A.

[0055] The movable base plate 3 is arranged below the capture device 2. The movable base plate 3 comprises a support plate 31 movable in the correction direction B. The support plate 31 comprises a support surface 38 for supporting a rigid castor 82 of the carrier 8. By moving the support plate 31 in the correction direction B, the rigid castor 82 can be displaced in a direction transverse to or perpendicular to the movement direction M.

[0056] The moving base plate 3 further comprises one or more guide rails 32 for guiding the movement of the support plate 31 in the correction direction B. Preferably, the one or more guide rails 32 extend in the correction direction B. In the embodiment shown, the moving base plate comprises two guide rails 32. The guide rails 32 extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the support plate 31 is provided with a guide shoe 33 for cooperating with the guide rails 32. The guide shoe 33 is arranged at a side of the support plate 31 opposite to the support surface 38. Optionally, the movable base plate 3 is biased towards a neutral or center position.

[0057] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the movable base plate 3 is at least partially recessed relative to the ground or base plate G. Preferably, the support surface 38 is arranged flush or substantially flush with the base plate G. In other words, the support surface 38 may extend in a straight line with the base plate G. The movable base plate 3 comprises a recess 30 in the base plate G for accommodating a support plate 31.

[0058] like Figure 2-9 As further shown, the catch device 2 comprises two alignment surfaces 22 for gently pushing the carrier 8 in the correction direction B or causing the carrier 8 to move in the correction direction B when the carrier 8 moves in the receiving direction A. The alignment surfaces 22 are arranged in a V-shape or a U-shape. Preferably, the alignment surfaces 22 are configured to center the carrier 8 relative to a center line C extending through the receiving slot 21 in the alignment direction. The alignment surfaces 22 are designed or configured to act on the carrier 8 when the rigid castors 82 of the carrier 8 are supported on the support surface 38 of the movable base plate 3.

[0059] The alignment surface 22 is arranged to contact and / or guide a centering pin 85 of the carrier 8. In particular, said alignment surface 22 terminates in a receiving slot 21. Preferably, the receiving slot 21 is circular or substantially circular to allow the centering pin 85 to rotate about the pivot axis P while remaining slotted in said receiving slot 21. Alternatively or additionally, further alignment surfaces may be provided for contacting the base 80 of the carrier 8.

[0060] Fig.10 An alternative tire building assembly 101 with an alternative docking station 111 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown. The alternative docking station 111 differs from the first docking station 11 previously discussed in that it is rotated relative to the conveyor 13. In particular, the catch device 102 is arranged for receiving the carrier 8 in a receiving direction A parallel or substantially parallel to the transport direction T. Therefore, the movable base plate 103 comprises a support plate 131 movable in a correction direction B extending transversely or perpendicularly to said transport direction T.

[0061] Similar to the docking station 11 discussed previously, in the alternative docking station 111, the carrier 8 can be aligned by slotting the centering pin 85 into the receiving slot 21 of the catch device 102. By pivoting the carrier 85 about the pivot axis P, the carrier 8 can then be further aligned with the conveyor 13.

[0062] The method for receiving the carrier 8 at the docking station 11 will be used below Figure 1-9 describe.

[0063] Figure 2 The docking station 11 is shown in a receiving state. The docking station 11 is empty and ready to receive a carrier 8. The support plate 31 of the movable base plate 3 is in an initial or neutral position. More specifically, in said neutral position, the support plate 31 is centered in the correction direction B with the center line C.

[0064] The carrier 8 is already arranged at the supply position. In said supply position, the front side 83 of the carrier 8 faces towards the capture device 2. In the embodiment shown, the movement direction M of the carrier is parallel or substantially parallel to the receiving direction A. Alternatively, the movement direction M may extend at a receiving angle relative to the centerline C, for example at an angle less than forty-five degrees relative to the centerline C. Preferably, the receiving angle is less than thirty degrees.

[0065] like Figure 3 As further shown, the carrier 8 has been moved or rolled further from the supply position in the movement direction M towards the catch device 2 into the first correction position. In the first correction position, the rigid castor 82 bears on the bearing surface 38 of the bearing plate 31. In the first correction position, the misalignment of the front side 83 of the carrier 8 relative to the catch device 2 can be corrected by pushing the front side 83 in the correction direction B or causing the front side 83 to move in the correction direction B.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the carrier 8 has been moved or rolled further in the receiving direction A into the second correction position. In the second correction position, the centering pin 85 has come into contact with one of the alignment surfaces 22 of the catch device 2 .

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the carrier 8 has moved further from the second correction position into the docking position. In the docking position, the carrier 8 has been received or docked at the catch device 2. With the centering pin 85 contacting the alignment surface 22, the carrier 8 has moved or rolled in the movement direction M. Therefore, the centering pin 85 has been caused to move in the correction direction B. Fig. 9 As best shown, the moving base plate, in particular the support plate 31 , has been moved in the correction direction B together with the carrier 8 .

[0068] In the docking position, the centering pin 85 has been received or slotted into the receiving slot 21 of the catch device 2. The locking member 23 has been moved into the locking position to lock or hold the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Preferably, the carrier 8 is received at the catch device 2 in a receiving orientation in which the rigid castor 82 is pointing in or substantially pointing in the receiving direction A. In other words, the movement direction M of the carrier 8 is parallel or substantially parallel to the receiving direction A.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, the carrier 8 has been pivoted about the centering pin 85 or pivot axis P about the rotation direction W. The carrier 8 has been pivoted about the pivot axis P in the rotation direction W from the receiving orientation toward the operating orientation. The swivel castors 81 have swiveled or pivoted about their respective rotation axes S. More specifically, the swivel castors 81 are pointed along an arc extending about the pivot axis P. As a result, the rear side 84 of the carrier 8 has moved or rolled along the arc toward the operating orientation.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the carriage 8 has been further pivoted about the centering pin 85 or the pivot axis P. The carriage 8 has been pivoted into an operational orientation in which the movement direction M of the carriage 8 has been aligned with the transport direction T of the conveyor 13 .

[0071] like Figure 7 As further shown, the front end LE of the tire component 9 has been transferred from the carrier 8 to the conveyor 13. Preferably, the method of the present invention further comprises unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8. In particular, the method comprises unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8 by transporting the tire component 9 in the transport direction T on the conveyor 13.

[0072] Alternatively, the carrier 8 may be arranged for receiving the tire components 9 from the conveyor 13. In other words, the carrier 8 is provided empty. Thus, the method may comprise supplying the tire components 9 from the conveyor 13 to the carrier 8.

[0073] It is understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which variations are also included within the scope of the invention.

[0074] Reference numerals

[0075] 1 Tire forming components

[0076] 2 Capture device

[0077] 20. Capture the subject

[0078] 21 receiving slot

[0079] 22 Aligning Surfaces

[0080] 23 Locking member

[0081] 3 Movable base

[0082] 30 concavity

[0083] 31 Support plate

[0084] 32 Guide Track

[0085] 33 Boots

[0086] 38 Support surface

[0087] 8 Carriers

[0088] 80 base

[0089] 81 Swivel caster

[0090] 82 Rigid casters

[0091] 83 front

[0092] 84 rear side

[0093] 85 Center Pin

[0094] 86 bottom side

[0095] 87 Top side

[0096] 88 Scroll

[0097] 11 First docking station

[0098] 12 Second docking station

[0099] 13. First conveyor

[0100] 14 Second conveyor

[0101] 101 Alternative Tire Building Components

[0102] 102 Alternative Capture Devices

[0103] 103 Alternative movable base

[0104] 130 Alternative recess

[0105] 111 Alternative docking station

[0106] A. Acceptance direction

[0107] B Correction direction

[0108] C Centerline

[0109] G Base Plate

[0110] M Movement direction

[0111] P Pivot axis

[0112] R Rotation axis

[0113] S Rotation axis

[0114] T Transport direction

[0115] W Rotation direction

Claims

1. A tire forming assembly, the tire forming assembly being used for unloading tire components from a carrier or for loading tire components onto a carrier, wherein the tire forming assembly comprises the carrier for supporting the tire components and a docking station for receiving the carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier further comprises two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the docking station comprises a capture device and a movable base plate, the capture device being used for capturing the front side of the carrier in a receiving direction, the movable base plate being movable in a correction direction transverse to or perpendicular to the receiving direction, for shifting the rigid casters in the correction direction so as to align the carrier with the capture device.

2. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable base plate is freely movable in the correction direction.

3. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable base comprises a support plate with a support surface for supporting the rigid castors of the carrier.

4. The tire building assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The docking station is supported on a base plate, wherein the support surface is flush or substantially flush with the base plate.

5. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable base plate comprises one or more rails for guiding the movement of the support plate, wherein the one or more rails extend in the correction direction.

6. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support plate is biased towards a neutral position in the correction direction.

7. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support plate extends below the capture device.

8. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catch device includes an alignment surface for urging the carrier to move in the correction direction when the carrier moves in the receiving direction.

9. The tire building assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The alignment surface extends at an oblique angle relative to the receiving direction and the correction direction.

10. The tire building assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that The capture device comprises two alignment surfaces arranged in a V-shape or a U-shape.

11. The tire building assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that The carrier includes a centering pin midway between two of the rigid casters, wherein the alignment surface terminates in a receiving slot for receiving the centering pin.

12. The tire building assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that When the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot, the carrier is able to pivot about the centering pin.

13. The tire building assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The catch device further includes a locking member for locking the centering pin in the receiving direction when the centering pin has been received in the receiving groove.

14. The tire building assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The tire forming assembly further comprises a conveying device, which is used to convey the tire component away from or toward the docking station in a transport direction.

15. The tire building assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The transport direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the receiving direction.

16. The tire building assembly according to claim 14, wherein: wherein the receiving direction extends at a non-zero angle relative to the transport direction, wherein the carrier comprises a centering pin midway between two of the rigid castors, and wherein the capture device comprises a receiving slot for receiving the centering pin, wherein when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot, the tire forming assembly allows the carrier to pivot about the centering pin between a receiving orientation in which the rigid castors point in the receiving direction and an operating orientation in which the rigid castors point in the transport direction.

17. The tire building assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The transport direction extends parallel or substantially parallel to the correction direction.

18. The tire building assembly of claim 1, wherein: The carrier comprises a reel for storing the tire component, and wherein the docking station is an unwinding station for unwinding the tire component from the reel, or wherein the docking station is a winding station for winding the tire component around the reel.

19. A method for receiving a tire at the docking station of the tire building assembly A method for a carrier for a tire building assembly according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) moving the carrier towards the capture device to a calibration position in which the rigid castors are supported on the movable base plate; b) moving the front side of the carrier in the correction direction while the rigid castors are supported on the movable base plate.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that During or after step b), the method further comprises the following steps: c) moving the carrier further towards the catch device into a docked position in which the front side of the carrier is received by the catch device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The carrier further comprises a centering pin midway between two of the rigid castors, and wherein the capture device comprises a receiving slot for receiving the centering pin, wherein step c) comprises slotting the centering pin into the receiving slot.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that After step c), the method further comprises the step of pivoting the carrier about the centering pin.

23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The carrier is provided with one or more tire components, and wherein the method further comprises the step of unloading at least one of the one or more tire components from the carrier.

24. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The method further comprises the step of loading the one or more tire components onto the carrier.

Images