Positioning frame, verification set and method for positioning first verification tool on cylindrical reference surface of tire manufacturing station

Abstract

The present invention relates to a positioning frame, a verification set and a method for positioning a first verification tool on a reference plane of a tyre manufacturing station wherein the cylindrical reference plane is cylindrical wherein the positioning frame comprises a frame body defining a plurality of contact points distributed above the cylindrical placement plane, the positioning frame further comprises a first holder for positioning the first verification tool in a first verification position at the cylindrical placement plane with respect to the frame body when the positioning frame is concentrically placed on the cylindrical reference plane, and a second holder for positioning the first verification tool in a second verification position at the cylindrical placement plane with respect to the frame body when the positioning frame is concentrically placed on the cylindrical reference plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a positioning frame, a verification assembly, and a method for positioning a first verification tool on a cylindrical reference surface at a tire manufacturing station. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2016 / 122311 A1 discloses a tire forming drum for receiving one or more tire components and a verification tool for verifying measurements of a measurement system. The verification tool includes an annular body extending circumferentially around a central axis and one or more reference elements representing characteristics of the one or more tire components disposed on the annular body. The annular body is arranged to be concentrically mounted around the tire forming drum or along the edge of the tire forming drum. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A known drawback of validation tools is that their annular body must be assembled around the entire circumference of the tire molding drum. Therefore, validation tools are relatively large. The cost of machining and / or verifying validation tools increases with their size. Thus, the machining and / or verification of known validation tools can be very expensive.

[0004] Another drawback of known verification tools is that, in current practice, the circumferential surface of the drum is measured using an array of measuring units distributed axially along the drum, where each measuring unit in the array individually monitors a segment of the circumferential surface of the tire forming drum. Each measuring unit must be verified individually, which is time-consuming when using only a single verification tool. Providing multiple verification tools only increases the cost of machining and / or verification. Although known verification tools can be extended to simultaneously cover all segments of the circumferential surface of the tire forming drum, such extension would further increase the cost of machining and / or verification.

[0005] Another drawback of the known verification tool is that its annular body can only be axially mounted on the tire molding drum, requiring at least one axial end of the tire molding drum to be completely free of obstructions. However, in practice, the tire molding drum cannot completely avoid obstructions, thus hindering the assembly of the annular body.

[0006] Another drawback of the known verification tool is that it is designed to be slightly larger in diameter than the tire forming drum to which it is fitted, such that the known verification tool is radially clamped from the inside when the tire forming drum is expanded. Therefore, the known verification tool cannot be reliably clamped to tire forming drums that are outside the tool's size range or are not expandable.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a positioning frame, verification assembly, and method for positioning a first verification tool on a cylindrical reference surface at a tire manufacturing station, wherein the compactness, cost, and / or ease of use of the first verification tool can be improved.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a positioning frame for positioning a first verification tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame includes a frame body defining a plurality of contact points distributed above a cylindrical placement plane to concentrically rest the positioning frame on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame further includes a first retainer for positioning the first verification tool relative to the frame body in a first verification position on the cylindrical placement plane when the positioning frame is concentrically rested on the cylindrical reference surface.

[0009] The positioning frame does not need to be precisely machined or verified, as it is not the part measured during verification. The positioning frame merely holds or positions the first verification tool in place at the first verification position. Conveniently, by providing the positioning frame, the first verification tool itself does not necessarily need a positioning device and can be designed for verification purposes only. In particular, the first verification tool does not need to extend around the entire circumference of the reference surface. The size of the first verification tool can be minimized to the size required for verification, thereby effectively reducing the cost of machining and / or verification. Moreover, with the reduction in the size and / or cost of the first verification tool, multiple verification tools having an array of measuring units verified simultaneously can be economically feasible.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the frame body extends over an arc segment concentric with the circumference of the cylindrical placement plane at an angle of less than 90 degrees or less than 60 degrees. Therefore, the frame body itself can remain compact, lightweight, and / or easy to manipulate. Specifically, the dimensions of the frame body can be limited to those required to hold the first verification tool in place at the first verification position. Specifically, the frame body extends only partially at or around the first verification position.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first retainer is configured to clamp the first verification tool onto the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station when the positioning frame rests on the reference surface. By clamping the first verification tool onto the cylindrical reference surface, the first verification tool can be effectively held in place without the need for the clamping device itself.

[0012] More preferably, the first retainer includes at least one clamping finger biased to move radially inward toward the cylindrical placement plane. This at least one clamping finger can effectively press the first verification tool against the cylindrical reference surface. In other words, at least one clamping finger can cooperate with the cylindrical reference surface to hold the first verification tool in place. No separate opposing member is required as part of the positioning frame itself. The first verification tool is not rigidly secured by any fastening device; it is held in place only under clamping force.

[0013] Most preferably, the first retainer further includes at least one release member for at least partially resisting the bias of at least one clamping finger. This prevents an operator from having to directly manipulate at least one clamping finger to release the first verification tool. The at least one clamping finger may be in a hard-to-reach location or difficult to manipulate directly. Instead, the operator can manipulate at least one release member to indirectly release the first verification tool from at least one clamping finger. The at least one release member can also be configured to hold at least one clamping finger in the released position to allow easy removal of the first verification tool.

[0014] In another embodiment, the positioning frame further includes a second retainer for positioning the second verification tool relative to the frame body in a second verification position spaced apart from the first verification position on the cylindrical placement plane. Preferably, the positioning frame further includes a third retainer for positioning the third verification tool relative to the frame body in a third verification position spaced apart from the first and second verification positions on the cylindrical placement plane. The second and / or third verification tools can be used to verify the measurements of one or more additional measurement units of the measurement unit array, while the first verification tool verifies the measurements of a first measurement unit of the same measurement unit array. By using the same positioning frame to hold all verification tools, the size and / or cost of the verification tools can be reduced. Therefore, as previously stated, having multiple verification tools that are calibrated to simultaneously verify the array of measurement units can be economically feasible.

[0015] In another embodiment, the first and second verification positions are aligned on a measurement line that extends parallel to a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane. By aligning the verification positions on the measurement line, the verification tool held at the verification position can be detected by a measuring device along the measurement line.

[0016] In another embodiment, the positioning frame further includes one or more retaining members for holding the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame is placed on the reference surface. The retaining members prevent the positioning frame from moving away from and / or relative to the cylindrical reference surface after it has been placed on the reference surface.

[0017] Preferably, one or more retaining members comprise one or more magnets. The one or more magnets can actively hold the positioning frame to the cylindrical reference surface using magnetic force, without requiring the positioning frame to extend around the entire circumference of the cylindrical reference surface. Specifically, the positioning frame can be designed to extend only along a segment of the circumference of the cylindrical reference surface and / or can be placed only locally, at or near one or more verification locations, on the cylindrical reference surface.

[0018] In another embodiment, the positioning frame includes a first beam and a second beam extending in a parallel and spaced-apart relationship, parallel to a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane. Each of the first and second beams defines a contact point among a plurality of contact points. A first retainer is arranged to position a first verification tool in a first verification position between the first and second beams. The contact points of the beams can be tangent to the cylindrical placement plane at any radius, thereby allowing the positioning frame to be placed on different cylindrical reference surfaces within a wide range of radii.

[0019] Preferably, the positioning frame includes a first bridge that interconnects the first beam and the second beam circumferentially about a central axis, wherein the first bridge extends radially outward from and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane. Thus, the first bridge can interconnect the two beams while maintaining avoidance of the cylindrical reference surface extending in the cylindrical placement plane.

[0020] More preferably, the positioning frame includes a second bridge spaced apart from the first bridge, which interconnects the first and second beams circumferentially, wherein the second bridge extends radially outward from and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane, and wherein the first retainer is arranged to position the first verification tool at a first verification position between the first and second bridges. The second bridge can provide additional rigidity to the positioning frame. Furthermore, the positioning frame can surround and / or extend around the first verification position, thereby allowing it to reliably hold the first verification tool in place at the first verification position.

[0021] In another embodiment, the positioning frame includes a side alignment member on one side of the frame body, which intersects the cylindrical placement plane to abut against the side of the tire manufacturing station in an axial direction parallel to a central axis that extends concentrically with the cylindrical placement plane. The side alignment member effectively aligns the positioning frame with or relative to the side of the tire forming station, thereby allowing the positioning frame to be placed more consistently on the cylindrical reference surface in subsequent placements, particularly in the axial direction.

[0022] In another embodiment, the positioning frame further includes an angular orientation indicator for indicating the angular orientation of the positioning frame about a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane. The angular orientation indicator can be used to determine the angular orientation of the positioning frame about the central axis and to act appropriately in response to the determined angular orientation, for example by locking the rotation of the cylindrical reference surface when the angular orientation is within a predetermined range, or by correcting the angular orientation when the angular orientation exceeds the predetermined range. Therefore, consistency of the angular orientation in subsequent placement of the positioning frame can be improved.

[0023] Preferably, the angular orientation indicator includes an indicator arm protruding away from the frame body. The angular orientation of the indicator arm can be easily sensed, observed, detected, and / or determined by an external sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor).

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a verification set including a positioning framework and a first verification tool according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0025] The verification group includes a positioning frame according to the first aspect of the invention, thereby having the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated below.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the first verification tool includes a verification body defining a first verification surface and a second verification surface on the verification side of the verification body. The first and second verification surfaces are offset to form a measurable offset distance for verification of the measuring device. By detecting and / or measuring the measurable offset distance, the accuracy of the first verification tool at the first verification position is less critical. Even if the first verification tool is held slightly off-center relative to the first verification position, the measurable offset distance can still be detected reliably and / or with minimal noise.

[0027] More preferably, the first verification tool has a concave placement surface on the placement side of the verification body opposite to the verification side, for placing the first verification tool on the reference surface. The concave placement surface may have a radius close to or equal to the radius of the cylindrical reference surface, thereby allowing the first verification tool to be placed concentrically or nearly concentrically on the cylindrical reference surface.

[0028] In another embodiment, the first holder includes at least one gripping finger biased to move radially inward toward a cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first verification tool includes at least one recess for receiving the at least one gripping finger. The at least one recess can serve as a clear visual cue to the operator regarding how to place the first verification tool in the first holder. Furthermore, the at least one recess can limit movement or displacement of the at least one gripping finger relative to the first verification tool after placement.

[0029] In another embodiment, the positioning frame further includes a second retainer for positioning the second verification tool relative to the frame body in a second verification position spaced apart from the first verification position on the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the verification group includes the second verification tool. Preferably, the positioning frame further includes a third retainer for positioning the third verification tool relative to the frame body in a third verification position spaced apart from the first and second verification positions on the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the verification group includes the third verification tool.

[0030] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for positioning a first verification tool on a reference surface of a tire manufacturing station using a positioning frame according to any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0031] - The positioning frame with multiple contact points is concentrically placed on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station;

[0032] - Place the first verification tool on the reference plane; and

[0033] -The first verification tool is positioned relative to the frame body at the first verification position on the cylindrical placement plane using the first retainer.

[0034] The method relates to a practical embodiment of the positioning framework according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated below.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning frame further includes a second holder for positioning the second verification tool, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0036] - Place the second verification tool on the reference surface; and

[0037] -The second verification tool is positioned relative to the frame body at a second verification position on the cylindrical placement plane, separated from the first verification position, by means of the second retainer.

[0038] More preferably, the positioning framework further includes a third holder for positioning the third verification tool, wherein the method further includes the following steps:

[0039] - Place the third verification tool on the reference plane; and

[0040] -The third verification tool is positioned relative to the frame body at a third verification position on the cylindrical placement plane, separated from the first and second verification positions, by means of the third retainer.

[0041] In another embodiment, the tire manufacturing station includes measuring equipment for measuring along a measuring line that extends parallel to a central axis concentric with a cylindrical placement plane, wherein a first verification position and a second verification position are aligned on the measuring line.

[0042] In another embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0043] - When the positioning frame is placed on the reference surface, the frame body is held to the cylindrical reference surface.

[0044] Preferably, the frame body is magnetically held to the reference plane.

[0045] In another embodiment, the positioning frame includes a side alignment member intersecting the cylindrical placement plane on one side of the frame body, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0046] - By placing the side alignment member to abut against the side of the tire manufacturing station, the positioning frame is aligned with the side in an axial direction parallel to the central axis, which extends concentrically with the cylindrical placement plane.

[0047] In another embodiment, the positioning frame further includes an angular orientation indicator for indicating the angular orientation of the positioning frame about a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0048] - Obtain the angular orientation of the positioning frame around the central axis from the angular orientation indicator; and

[0049] - When the angular orientation of the positioning frame around the central axis is within a predetermined range, the rotation of the cylindrical reference surface around the central axis is locked.

[0050] In another embodiment, the tire manufacturing station includes a drum, particularly a measuring drum, a transfer drum, a tire forming drum, or a tire forming drum, having a circumferential drum surface that defines a reference surface.

[0051] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied individually. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, may be subject to the divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The invention will be explained based on exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 A side view of a tire manufacturing station and a positioning frame for positioning a verification tool on a reference surface of the tire manufacturing station is shown.

[0054] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 3 The cross-section of the positioning frame and verification tool for line II-II in the middle;

[0055] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Front view of the tire manufacturing station and positioning frame;

[0056] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Isometric views of the positioning frame and verification tools; and

[0057] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 An isometric view of a verification tool. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A tire manufacturing station 1 according to the present invention is shown. Tire manufacturing station 1 performs one or more stages in the tire manufacturing process for manufacturing green or uncured tires. In this example, tire manufacturing station 1 is an inspection or measurement station for measuring tire components or tire component assemblies during manufacturing. Alternatively, tire manufacturing station 1 may be a transfer, forming, shaping, or assembly station.

[0059] Tire manufacturing station 1 includes a drum 2 for receiving one or more tire parts or tire part assemblies. In this example, drum 2 is a measuring drum designed to temporarily hold one or more tire parts or tire part assemblies for inspection and / or measurement. Alternatively, drum 2 may be a transfer drum, a tire forming drum, or a tire forming drum.

[0060] Drum 2 has a drum body 20 rotatable about a central axis X and a circumferential drumhead 21 extending concentrically about the central axis X. The circumferential drumhead 21 defines or forms a cylindrical reference surface S. Any measurement on drum 2 is performed relative to the cylindrical reference surface S.

[0061] The central axis X defines an axial direction A parallel to the central axis X, a radial direction R perpendicular to the central axis X, and a circumferential direction B extending circumferentially around or about the central axis X. The drum body 20 also defines at least one side 22 facing the axial direction A.

[0062] The tire manufacturing station 1 also includes measuring equipment 3, which is used to measure and / or inspect one or more tire parts or tire part assemblies on the cylindrical reference surface S. In this example, such as Figure 3 As best seen in the image, the measuring device 3 comprises an array of measuring units 31, 32, and 33. The measuring units 31-33 are arranged or aligned along a measuring line L, which is parallel to the central axis X of the drum 2. Each measuring unit 31, 32, and 33 in the array monitors a segment of the cylindrical reference surface S. In this example, the measuring units 31, 32, and 33, for example, use laser triangulation to detect height differences in the radial direction R. Each measuring unit 31, 32, and 33 may each include a laser and a camera for observing the laser line projected by the laser at an angle.

[0063] The tire manufacturing station 1 includes a bracket 10 for holding the measuring device 3 in a position close to the cylindrical reference surface S.

[0064] Typically, measuring device 3 is calibrated during installation to ensure it conforms to measurement standards. However, after calibration, it is recommended to periodically verify measuring device 3. Verification differs from calibration in that it checks whether the measurement results remain accurate. Therefore, tools suitable for calibration differ from tools suitable for verification.

[0065] like Figure 3 As can be seen from the best part, the tire manufacturing station 1 is equipped with a first verification tool T1, a second verification tool T2, and a third verification tool T3, which are used to verify the first measurement unit 31, the second measurement unit 32, and the third measurement unit 33, respectively.

[0066] The tire manufacturing station 1 is also equipped with a positioning frame 5, which is used to position the first verification tool T1, the second verification tool T2, and the third verification tool T3 on the cylindrical reference surface S at the first verification position P1, the second verification position P2, and the third verification position P3, respectively. Figure 3 In the case shown, the positioning frame 5 is positioned on the cylindrical reference surface S, such that the verification positions P1-P3 are arranged or aligned on the measurement line L.

[0067] The positioning frame 5 and the verification tools T1-T3 together form a verification group. Clearly, the verification group can include different numbers of verification tools depending on the number of measurement units to be verified. The verification group can also include different verification tools for the same measurement unit, used to verify different parameters of the same measurement unit.

[0068] In this example, verification tools T1-T3 are identical. Therefore, the characteristics of verification tools T1-T3 will be described in detail below with reference only to the first verification tool T1. However, it should be understood that the same characteristics, with necessary modifications, also apply to the remaining verification tools T2 and T3. Alternatively, verification tools T1-T3 may be slightly different to verify different parameters, different values ​​of the same parameter, or different ranges.

[0069] like Figure 5 As best viewed, the first verification tool T1 includes a verification body 40 having a verification side 41 and a placement side 42 opposite to the verification side 41. On the verification side 41, the verification body 40 forms or defines a first verification surface 43 and a second verification surface 44. The verification surfaces 43 and 44 are offset to form a measurable offset distance D for verifying the measuring device 3. In this example, when the first verification tool T1 is placed on the cylindrical reference surface S, the verification surfaces 43 and 44 are offset in the radial direction R. Alternatively, the reference surfaces 43 and 44 may be offset in different directions, i.e., in the axial direction A or the circumferential direction B.

[0070] On the placement side 42, the first verification tool T1 is provided with a concave placement surface 45 for placing the first verification tool T1 on the cylindrical reference surface S. In particular, the concave placement surface 45 has a radius equal to or slightly larger than that of the cylindrical reference surface S, such that the concave placement surface 45 abuts against or contacts the cylindrical reference surface S at at least one position along its curvature.

[0071] like Figure 5 As further shown, the first verification tool T1 is provided with a first recess 46 and a second recess 47, which are formed on the verification side 41 at opposite ends of the verification body 40 along the circumferential direction B. The recesses 46 and 47 interact with the positioning frame 5 in a manner that will be discussed in more detail below.

[0072] The first verification tool T1 is relatively small in size, thickness, width, and / or length. Specifically, the first verification tool T1 is designed for verification purposes only. In particular, the first verification tool T1 does not extend around the entire circumference of the cylindrical reference surface S. Instead, it covers only a small segment of the circumference, i.e., less than ninety degrees, less than sixty degrees, or less than thirty degrees. The size of the first verification tool T1 is minimized to the size required for verification, thereby effectively reducing the cost of manufacturing and / or inspection.

[0073] like Figure 1 As best seen in the image, the positioning frame 5 includes a frame body 50 for concentrically resting the positioning frame 5 on a cylindrical reference surface S. Specifically, the frame body 50 defines a plurality of contact points C1, C2 that extend in, on, or are located on the cylindrical placement plane P, or distributed on the cylindrical placement plane P. In this example, the cylindrical placement plane P has the same or approximately the same radius as the cylindrical reference surface S. Therefore, when the positioning frame 5 is placed on the cylindrical reference surface S, the cylindrical placement plane P coincides with, concentrically extends to, and / or is the same as, the cylindrical reference surface S.

[0074] The frame body 50 does not extend over the entire circumference of the cylindrical placement plane P. Instead, it only covers the arc segment K of the circumference, i.e., less than ninety degrees or less than sixty degrees.

[0075] like Figure 4 As further shown, the positioning frame 5 includes a first beam 51 and a second beam 52 extending parallel to and spaced apart from each other along the central axis X. Each of the first beam 51, 52 defines a plurality of contact points C1, C2. More specifically, each beam 51, 52 defines a contact surface tangent or substantially tangent to the cylindrical placement plane P. Verification positions P1, P2, P3 are located between beams 51, 52 in the circumferential direction B.

[0076] The positioning frame 5 also includes a first bridge 53 and a second bridge 54 spaced apart from the first bridge 53. Bridges 53 and 54 interconnect the first beam 51 and the second beam 52 in the circumferential direction B to provide some structural integrity to the frame body 50. Considering the axial direction A, bridges 53 and 54 are located at opposite ends of the frame body 50. Considering the axial direction A, verification positions P1, P2, and P3 are located between bridges 53 and 54.

[0077] Beams 51 and 52, together with bridges 53 and 54, provide the frame body 50 with a generally rectangular outline around the verification locations P1, P2, and P3. Bridges 53 and 54 extend radially outward from and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane P.

[0078] like Figure 4 As best seen in the image, the positioning frame 5 also includes a plurality of retaining members 55, one at each corner, for holding the frame body 50 to the cylindrical reference surface S when the positioning frame 5 rests on the cylindrical reference surface S. In this example, one or more retaining members 55 include one or more magnets. Alternative retaining members or suction cups, such as fasteners that interact with suitable mounting elements in the drum 2, are also conceivable.

[0079] like Figure 3 As best seen in the image, the positioning frame 5 includes a side alignment member 56 on one side of the frame body 50, which intersects with the cylindrical placement plane P to abut or contact the side surface 22 of the drum 2 along the axial direction A when the positioning frame 5 rests on the cylindrical reference surface S.

[0080] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the positioning frame 5 also includes an angular orientation indicator 57 for indicating the angular orientation H of the positioning frame 5 about the central axis X. Specifically, the angular orientation indicator 57 includes an indicator arm 58 projecting away from the frame body 50. Figure 2 As can be seen from the best view, the tire manufacturing station 1 is equipped with a set of proximity sensors 91, 92 to detect the proximity of the distal end of the indicator arm 58 within a predetermined range, which corresponds to the angular orientation H of the positioning frame 5, wherein the verification positions P1, P2, P3 are aligned or approximately aligned with the measurement line L.

[0081] It should be understood that, in addition to using indicator arm 58 and / or a set of proximity sensors 91, 92, other indicators and / or sensors may be used to sense, detect or determine the angular position H of positioning frame 5, such as using a camera, encoder, laser, light curtain, etc.

[0082] The tire manufacturing station 1 is also equipped with a rotary lock 93, which is used to lock the rotation of the drum 2 when the proximity sensors 91 and 92 detect that the positioning frame 5 is in the desired angular position H. This prevents the positioning frame 5 from rotating further with the drum 2, thereby preventing potential damage to the measuring equipment 3. In this example, the rotary lock 93 is a friction pad capable of frictional contact with the circumferential surface 21 of the drum 2.

[0083] like Figure 4 As best seen in the image, the positioning frame 5 includes a first retainer 61, a second retainer 62, and a third retainer 63, which are used to hold or position the first verification tool T1, the second verification tool T2, and the third verification tool T3, respectively, in or along the cylindrical placement plane P at the first verification position P1, the second verification position P2, and the third verification position P3, relative to the frame body 50. In this example, retainers 61-63 are identical. Therefore, the features of retainers 61-63 will be described in detail below with reference only to the first retainer 61. However, it should be understood that the same features, with necessary modifications, also apply to the remaining retainers 62 and 63.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the first retainer 61 is configured to clamp the first verification tool T1 onto the cylindrical reference surface S of the tire manufacturing station 1 when the positioning frame 5 rests on the cylindrical reference surface S. In other words, since the first verification tool T1 is clamped between the first retainer 61 and the cylindrical reference surface S in the radial direction R, it is held in place in the first verification position P1.

[0085] Specifically, the first retainer 61 includes a first clamping finger 71 and a second clamping finger 72, which are biased to move radially inward toward the cylindrical placement plane P. In this example, the clamping fingers 71, 72 are elastically flexible in their radial outward and / or away from the cylindrical placement plane P, thereby establishing stress that biases the respective clamping fingers 71, 72 back radially inward. The first clamping finger 71 and the second clamping finger 72 are configured to engage the first recess 46 and the second recess 47 of the first verification tool T1, respectively.

[0086] It should be understood that an alternative clamping device can be provided by using an actuator or servo motor that clamps the first verification tool T1, or an alternative mechanism, to provide radially inward clamping force, i.e., an automatic or semi-automatic solution.

[0087] like Figure 2As further shown, the first retainer 61 includes a first release member 81 and a second release member 82, which are respectively used to at least partially resist the bias of the first clamping finger 71 and the second clamping finger 72. In this example, the release members 81, 82 are manually operated push / pull levers that, when pushed to move the corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72 radially outward away from the cylindrical reference surface S, insert between the corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72 and the cylindrical reference surface S, thereby releasing the first verification tool T1. When the push / pull lever retracts or pulls in again, the corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72 will elastically return to their clamping state.

[0088] It should be understood that actuators, servo motors, or other mechanisms can be used to provide alternative release components, such as automatic or semi-automatic schemes.

[0089] The method for positioning verification tools T1-T3 on the cylindrical reference surface S of the tire manufacturing station 1 using the aforementioned positioning frame 5 will now be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustration shows a positioning frame 5 placed or supported on a cylindrical reference surface S of the tire manufacturing station 1 using multiple contact points C1, C2. In this example, the frame body 50 is held to the cylindrical reference surface S by the magnetic force of the retaining member 55. The positioning frame 5 is aligned axially with the side surface 22 by placing the side alignment member 56 to abut against the side surface 22 of the tire manufacturing station 1.

[0091] If necessary, drum 2 is rotated about the central axis S to move positioning frame 5 about the central axis S to the desired angular position H. The angular position H can be checked by detecting the proximity of angular orientation indicator 57 between or relative to proximity sensors 91 and 92.

[0092] To prevent the positioning frame 5 from moving to an inappropriate position along with the drum 2, a rotary lock 93 is used to lock the rotation of the drum 2.

[0093] After placing the positioning frame 5, the first verification tool T1 is placed on the cylindrical reference surface S, and then held relative to the frame body 50 by the first retainer 61 at, in, or above the cylindrical placement plane P, or in the first verification position P1 along the cylindrical placement plane P. The same process is repeated for the second verification tool T2 using the second retainer 62 and for the third verification tool T3 using the third retainer 63.

[0094] In this example, verification tools T1-T3 are held in place by manually bending or radially pulling the corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72 away from the cylindrical placement plane P until there is sufficient space between the corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72 and the cylindrical reference surface S to insert the corresponding verification tools T1-T3. Specifically, verification tools T1-T3 are inserted such that their recesses 46, 47 are aligned with the corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72. The corresponding clamping fingers 71, 72 are then released to engage the recesses of the corresponding verification tools T1-T3.

[0095] Verification tools T1-T3 are held at their respective verification positions P1-P3 along the measurement line L, so that verification tools T1-T3 can be observed through the corresponding measurement units 31-33 of the measuring device 3. The verification process can now be initiated.

[0096] Once the verification process is complete, the verification tools T1-T3 can be removed by pushing the release components 81 and 82 inward to contact the corresponding clamping fingers 71 and 72, thereby radially displacing the clamping fingers 71 and 72 away from the cylindrical placement plane P and / or away from the corresponding verification tools T1-T3.

[0097] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations that still fall within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above discussion.

[0098] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0099] 1. Tire manufacturing station;

[0100] 10 brackets;

[0101] 2 drums;

[0102] 20 drum bodies;

[0103] 21. Circumferential drumhead;

[0104] 22. Side view;

[0105] 3. Measuring equipment;

[0106] 40 verification subjects;

[0107] 41. Verification side;

[0108] 42 Placement side;

[0109] 43 First verification surface;

[0110] 44. Second verification surface;

[0111] 45° concave placement surface;

[0112] 46 first recess;

[0113] 47 second recess;

[0114] 5. Positioning framework;

[0115] 50. Main framework;

[0116] 51 First beam;

[0117] 52. Second beam;

[0118] 53 The First Bridge;

[0119] 54. The Second Bridge;

[0120] 55. Holding components;

[0121] 56. Side-aligned components;

[0122] 57. Angle orientation indicator;

[0123] 58. Indicator arm;

[0124] 61 First Holder;

[0125] 62 Second Holder;

[0126] 63 Third Holder;

[0127] 71 First gripping finger section;

[0128] 72 Second gripping finger section;

[0129] 81 First release component;

[0130] 82 Second release component;

[0131] 91 First proximity sensor;

[0132] 92. Second proximity sensor;

[0133] 93 Rotary lock;

[0134] A-axis;

[0135] B. Zhou Xiang;

[0136] C1 First contact point;

[0137] C2 Second contact point;

[0138] D is the offset distance;

[0139] H-angle orientation;

[0140] K arc segment;

[0141] L measuring line;

[0142] P is a cylindrical placement plane;

[0143] P1 is the first verification position;

[0144] P2 is the second verification location;

[0145] P3 Third verification location;

[0146] R is radial;

[0147] S reference plane;

[0148] T1 First verification tool;

[0149] T2 Second Verification Tool;

[0150] T3 Third Verification Tool;

[0151] X-axis (central axis).

Claims

1. A positioning frame for positioning a first verification tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station, wherein, The positioning frame comprises a frame body defining a plurality of contact points distributed above a cylindrical placement plane so as to rest the positioning frame concentrically on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame further comprises a first holder for positioning the first verification tool in a first verification position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body when the positioning frame is concentrically rested on the cylindrical reference surface.

2. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The frame body extends over an arc segment of less than ninety degrees or less than sixty degrees concentric with a circumference of the cylindrical placement plane.

3. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The first holder is configured for clamping the first verification tool on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station when the positioning frame is rested on the cylindrical reference surface.

4. The positioning frame of claim 3, wherein, The first holder comprises at least one clamping finger biased to move radially inwardly towards the cylindrical placement plane.

5. The positioning frame of claim 4, wherein, The first holder further comprises at least one release member for at least partially counteracting the bias of the at least one clamping finger.

6. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second verification tool in a second verification position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body, the second verification position being spaced apart from the first verification position.

7. The positioning frame of claim 6, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third verification tool in a third verification position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body, the third verification position being spaced apart from the first verification position and the second verification position.

8. The positioning frame of claim 6, wherein, The first verification position and the second verification position are aligned on a measurement line extending parallel to a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane.

9. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises one or more holding members for holding the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame is rested on the cylindrical reference surface.

10. The positioning frame of claim 9, wherein, The one or more holding members comprise one or more magnets.

11. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The positioning frame comprises a first beam and a second beam extending in mutually parallel and spaced apart relationship, the first beam and the second beam being parallel to a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane, wherein each of the first beam and the second beam defines a contact point of the plurality of contact points, wherein the first holder is arranged for positioning the first verification tool in the first verification position between the first beam and the second beam.

12. The positioning frame of claim 11, wherein, The positioning frame comprises a first bridge interconnecting the first beam and the second beam in a circumferential direction around the central axis, wherein the first bridge extends radially outwardly of the cylindrical placement plane or spaced apart therefrom.

13. The positioning frame of claim 12, wherein, The positioning frame comprises a second bridge spaced apart from the first bridge, the second bridge interconnecting the first beam and the second beam in the circumferential direction, wherein the second bridge extends radially outside or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first holder is arranged for positioning the first verification tool in the first verification position between the first bridge and the second bridge.

14. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The positioning frame comprises a side alignment member at a side of the frame body, the side alignment member intersecting the cylindrical placement plane to abut a side of the tire manufacturing station in an axial direction parallel to a central axis extending concentrically with the cylindrical placement plane.

15. The positioning frame of claim 1, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises an angular orientation indicator for indicating an angular orientation of the positioning frame around a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane.

16. The positioning frame of claim 15, wherein, The angular orientation indicator comprises an indicator arm projecting away from the frame body.

17. A verification set comprising the positioning frame according to claim 1 and a first verification tool.

18. The validation group of claim 17, wherein, The first verification tool comprises a verification body defining a first verification face and a second verification face at a verification side of the verification body, the first verification face and the second verification face being offset to form a measurable offset distance for measuring a verification of a device.

19. The validation set of claim 18, wherein, The first verification tool is provided with a concave placement face at a placement side of the verification body opposite the verification side for placing the first verification tool on the cylindrical reference face.

20. The validation set of claim 17, wherein, The first holder comprises at least one clamping finger biased to move radially inwards towards the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first verification tool comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one clamping finger.

21. The validation set of claim 17, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second verification tool relative to the frame body in a second verification position spaced apart from the first verification position at the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the verification set comprises the second verification tool.

22. The validation set of claim 21, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third verification tool relative to the frame body in a third verification position spaced apart from the first verification position and the second verification position at the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the verification set comprises the third verification tool.

23. A method for positioning a first verification tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station using the positioning frame according to claim 1, wherein, The method comprises the steps of: - resting the positioning frame with the plurality of contact points concentrically on the cylindrical reference face of the tire manufacturing station; - placing the first verification tool on the cylindrical reference face; and - positioning the first verification tool relative to the frame body in the first verification position at the cylindrical placement plane by means of a first holder.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second verification tool, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - placing the second verification tool on the cylindrical reference face; and - positioning the second verification tool relative to the frame body in a second verification position at the cylindrical placement plane by means of the second holder. - positioning, by means of the second holder, the second verification tool in a second verification position at the cylindrical placement plane, separate from the first verification position, with respect to the frame body.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third verification tool, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: - placing the third verification tool on the cylindrical reference surface; and - positioning, by means of the third holder, the third verification tool in a third verification position at the cylindrical placement plane, separate from the first and second verification positions, with respect to the frame body.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein, The tire manufacturing station comprises a measuring device for measuring along a measuring line, the measuring line extending parallel to a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first and second verification positions are aligned on the measuring line.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein, The method further comprises the steps of: - retaining the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame rests on the cylindrical reference surface.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The frame body is magnetically retained to the cylindrical reference surface.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein, The positioning frame comprises, at a side of the frame body, a side alignment member intersecting the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - aligning the positioning frame with a side of the tire manufacturing station in an axial direction parallel to a central axis, by placing the side alignment member in abutment with the side, the central axis extending concentric with the cylindrical placement plane.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein, The positioning frame further comprises an angular orientation indicator for indicating an angular orientation of the positioning frame around a central axis concentric with the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - obtaining the angular orientation of the positioning frame around the central axis from the angular orientation indicator; and - locking a rotation of the cylindrical reference surface around the central axis when the angular orientation of the positioning frame around the central axis is within a predetermined range.

31. The method of claim 23, wherein, The tire manufacturing station comprises a drum having a circumferential drum face, the circumferential drum face defining the cylindrical reference surface.

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