Tire Industry Belt Ply and / or Cord Ply Manufacturing System and Operating Method of Such Manufacturing System

Abstract

A tire industry belt ply and / or cord ply manufacturing system includes: multiple material processing production components with controllable operating parameters. The system includes a control unit (26) for managing the production components; and an operating interface (27). The control unit (26) includes: a storage device (29) for storing a preset reference set of adjustable operating parameters for at least one production component. It is designed to implement control via at least one user input or automatic selection of the reference set through the operating interface (27). Furthermore, the control unit (26) is also configured to store, in addition to the basic parameter set, at least one variable learning parameter set of adjustable operating parameters determined through a learning process in the storage medium (29), and the control unit (26) controls based on at least one user input or automatic selection of the at least one variable learning parameter set from the operating device (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a manufacturing system for belt ply and / or cord ply strips in the tire industry, comprising: a plurality of material processing production components controllable based on operating parameters; a control unit for managing the production components; and an operating interface. The control unit includes a storage device storing at least one preset reference set of adjustable operating parameters for the production components, and the control unit is configured to control based on at least one user input from the operator interface and / or automatically selecting the reference set. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a method for operating such a manufacturing system. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known in the prior art that manufacturing systems process initial strips, especially viscous cord strips, into finished annular strips for use as belt layers or ply strips in the tire industry. Depending on the application, they may also be called belt layer systems or ply systems. This manufacturing system can also be understood as the machinery or equipment used in the tire industry to process cord strips. Initial strips, especially viscous cord strips such as woven cord strips or steel cord strips, are divided into several strip segments and spliced ​​to form an annular strip. The initial strips are typically wound into rolls and placed in an unwinding station. After unwinding, they are first conveyed to a cutting device, such as a shearing machine, to cut individual strip segments from the initial strips. Such cutting devices can be seen, for example, DE 20 2013 103 082U1. The leading edge of the initial strip is held by a conveying device designed as a pulling device, such as a clamp, and pulled by a cutting device, such as a guillotine shear containing a fixed lower blade and a movable upper blade, thereby determining the width of the strip segment to be cut by the pulling length. Such a conveying device or clamp can be found, for example, DE 20 2013 102 341 U1. The cut strip segments are received by another conveying device, such as a conveyor belt. The initial strip is pulled through the conveyor belt by the pulling device, i.e., the clamp, before cutting, and the cut strip segments are then transported by the conveyor belt to a splicing device, where the cut strip segments are spliced ​​into strips, but with a different orientation than the initial strip. In the splicing device, the trailing edge of the previous spliced ​​strip segment and the leading edge of the strip segment conveyed by the conveyor belt are positioned opposite each other, and then the two edges are spliced ​​together by the splicing device of the splicing unit. The splicing device includes, for example, a splicing tool containing one or more splicing joints. One or more splice joints are applied from above to the previously positioned edge. After the splice joints are in place, they are pulled linearly along the splice line towards the transverse edge of the strip material under pressure. The splice joints can be free-running or driven. During the pulling of the strip material, it is compressed and thus spliced. In this way, a loop strip is formed by splicing multiple independent strip segments. Such splicing devices can be seen, for example, DE 20 2014 101 735 U1.

[0003] At the winding station, the finished product is wound, and additional production components are added downstream of the splicing device to process the spliced ​​loop strips. For example, the manufacturing system may include a slitting machine and / or a covering device. In the covering device, a rubberized strip is applied to the cord strip, which serves as the spliced ​​loop strip. This covering station is used to reinforce the product web, here referring to the spliced ​​cord strip, during manufacturing by adding a strip of additional material. The rubber profile strip can be applied centered and / or offset onto the web to be reinforced along the material conveying direction. The process runs continuously at system speed and can be applied from above and / or below the web. Furthermore, the outer edge of the web is often covered, i.e., by applying and folding a rubber strip with a dangling portion from the outer edge to wrap around the rubber edge, thereby wrapping the exposed cord at the outer edge (i.e., the cut edge). Such covering devices can be found, for example, DE 20 2014101 731U1.

[0004] A production component slitting machine is a longitudinal cutting device, meaning that during the production process, it divides the material width, in this case referring to spliced ​​annular strips, into at least two material strips according to demand. This is used to increase the output of the manufacturing system. A disc cutter is primarily used as the slitting tool. Its separation process involves cutting the material width. In practice, this is called a "slitting" operation. This production component slitting machine is used to separate an input annular strip into at least two or more strip segments. By cutting the material width to a preset material width, strip segments of equal or unequal width can be obtained. See, for example, patent documents DE 20 2013 104 649 U1, DE 20 2013 104 651 U1, and DE 202013 104 653 U1 for examples of slitting machines.

[0005] When manufacturing using this system, the description of the finished product is determined by a set of immutable operational parameters for the production process, often referred to as a recipe or Manufacturing Execution System (MES). In addition to a generic recipe identifier (recipe ID), a recipe may include the cutting angles of the shearing process and the desired width of the strips used as belt layers or fabric layers. The type of initial strip used may also be specified by the recipe. Therefore, the recipe is primarily defined by the requirements of the finished product and is independent of a specific manufacturing system. However, a recipe may include requirements for production speed and / or capacity, i.e., output per unit time.

[0006] The quality of the finished product, referring here to the annular belt layer or plywood strip, has proven to depend on multiple factors. First, each manufacturing system possesses individual characteristics. Adjustable operating parameters used in formulations to precisely control production components are typically provided by the manufacturer as a base set of operating parameters, specifically set for a particular formulation. While these parameters ensure that the production of the belt layer or plywood strip is within acceptable tolerances, they are not yet fully optimized. In other words, the base set of operating parameters, i.e., the default parameters, provided by the manufacturer, ensures stable process operation and the production of qualified products. Improvements or optimizations to different formulations can be made, for example, by operators who can adjust from the base set based on trial and error or in-depth understanding of the manufacturing system. However, such operators with extensive experience and expertise in specific manufacturing systems are increasingly scarce. Although closed-loop control systems exist for individual sub-processes, they cannot account for the overall operating environment of the manufacturing system.

[0007] Observations have revealed that in the tire industry, when producing annular materials for ply or belt layers, other potentially varying manufacturing conditions can significantly impact product quality. For example, changes in material and / or ambient temperature can have a major impact, often requiring a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and complex optimization process to determine suitable values ​​for adjustable operating parameters after material changes. Taking slitting machines as an example, their performance characteristics are highly dependent on frequently changing material properties. This is a dynamic process, especially when using at least one disc cutter for longitudinal cutting, where factors such as the material entry angle and material thickness are highly correlated.

[0008] In summary, optimizing manufacturing conditions and product quality in the production of belt layers and ply layers in the tire industry has traditionally been achieved through visual observation, data recording, and mechanical fine-tuning by operators. This verification process requires machine downtime. Accurately acquiring product characteristics and operating parameters manually during manufacturing is highly challenging. Because early identification of deviations during manufacturing is difficult or only possible to a limited extent, and fine-tuning of adjustable operating parameters is still required in the early stages of manufacturing, this can lead to an increased scrap rate. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an improved manufacturing system for belt layers and plywood for the tire industry, so as to simplify the operation process, reduce human error, improve product quality and / or reduce scrap rate.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes that, in addition to the reference parameter set, the control unit is configured to store at least one set of variable learning parameters determined through a learning process in a storage medium, which can be used to implement control based on at least one user input and / or automatic selection of the operating device.

[0011] The term "adjustable" for operating parameters, as used herein, refers to the ability to change the value of an operating parameter during the manufacturing process of a specific product, defined by preset parameters, namely, the annular belt layer or the fabric ply. Specifically, such operating parameters can be adjusted within a so-called formulation range. A formulation typically contains operating parameters independent of a specific manufacturing system, which at least describe product characteristics (i.e., include preset parameters) and may optionally describe manufacturing conditions, such as desired production capacity. Typical preset parameters include, for example, product width, general material specifications, and / or the cutting angle of the shearing machine (cutting device). Some operating parameters of a formulation can also be summarized as formulation identifiers.

[0012] The operating parameters of a recipe, which may change when defined or modified, cannot be altered during the product manufacturing process, i.e., during recipe implementation. These operating parameters are set at the start of the manufacturing process, for example, by loading data via a data carrier and / or server and / or by manual input. The recipe's operating parameters, and those that cannot be changed during manufacturing, can be understood as components of the manufacturing conditions or as descriptions of such conditions.

[0013] Adjustable operating parameters are not necessarily control parameters that are directly converted into control signals. Instead, they can be conceived as more abstract adjustable operating parameters, upon which the control unit derives at least one or more control parameters. In particular, these more abstract adjustable operating parameters allow operators to understand them more intuitively, for example, indicating the amount of correction to be implemented, which is specifically achieved through one or more control parameters. In some examples, both the more abstract adjustable operating parameters and the control parameters can be stored as adjustable operating parameters, or at least output through an output device.

[0014] This invention enables the retention of learning or optimization results—the outcomes of the learning process—through higher-level control for future use. This means that these results, particularly optimized adjustable operating parameters, are not lost when the formula and / or other manufacturing conditions change; instead, they are stored as at least one set of learning parameters along with a baseline parameter set. The baseline parameter set is also retained to provide a reliable starting point, for example, when entirely new manufacturing conditions arise. Thus, operators and / or automated control logic can either continue using the results of historical learning processes or choose to employ a baseline parameter set that consistently guarantees qualified product quality.

[0015] If the learning outcomes, i.e. the operating parameters stored in the learning parameter set, are available for the new manufacturing process, the optimization process of the new manufacturing process can be accelerated, or at least partially applied to comparable operating conditions, especially effectively reducing the scrap rate in the "trial production phase" and / or minimizing the risk of human error caused by improper adjustment of operating parameters.

[0016] As detailed below, the control unit specifically incorporates intelligence, meaning it is designed to determine and suggest or automatically set particularly applicable or optimized adjustable operating parameters for the upcoming manufacturing process. Overall, this design provides excellent operator support.

[0017] This manufacturing system is configured to determine, and specifically automatically determine, system-specific setpoints for adjustable operating parameters during manufacturing process (in real time), and manage them clearly. This is achieved through a learning process that optimizes these operating parameters, and further processing of the results based on product characteristics. This processing and management saves operator time and improves product quality.

[0018] In particular, the continuous application of learning or optimization results can reduce or even completely avoid manufacturing system downtime caused by calibration operations and possible fine-tuning by operators. A set of learned parameters with newly learned operating parameters also enables the manufacturing system to switch to new manufacturing processes, especially new formulations, without lengthy changeover times and with extremely low scrap rates.

[0019] The configurable set of learning parameters is determined at least in part through a user-guided learning process, wherein an operator adjusts at least one adjustable operating parameter to its optimal value by operating the device. For at least some of the adjustable operating parameters, the process can be configured to gradually optimize to the best state through continuous adjustments by the operator. In this process, not only can the operator understand the impact of parameter adjustments on the process and methods for improving product quality or other benchmark indicators, but control units and other operators can also benefit from the learning results by storing setpoints.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device may be configured to determine the learning parameter set at least partially through an automatic learning process. In this case, the manufacturing system itself, through the appropriately configured control device, seeks optimal solutions for at least some of the adjustable operating parameters during the automatic learning process. Therefore, the invention covers a technical solution that combines manually and automatically acquired learning results into a learning parameter set.

[0021] The embodiments described can be advantageously combined with closed-loop control. Accordingly, the control device can be configured such that control of at least one adjustable operating parameter includes a closed-loop control loop, wherein the value of the at least one controllable operating parameter in the learned parameter set is determined by the set value of the at least one controllable operating parameter when the control loop is quasi-static. Quasi-static means that, within a defined time period, the set value of the at least one controllable operating parameter fluctuates only within a preset tolerance range. The achievement of quasi-static conditions can be an additional condition, such as when the learned parameter set is stored during recipe switching.

[0022] In a closed-loop control system, this can be achieved through corresponding control devices built into or external to the control unit. It allows for the evaluation of at least one measured variable detected by sensors and / or other means to determine the current control deviation. For example, the measured variable can be compared to its corresponding setpoint (reference variable). Changes in the control variable, i.e., at least one setpoint corresponding to an adjustable operating parameter, will cause changes in the measured variable, thereby enabling the determination of an updated setpoint based on the control deviation.

[0023] Since the adjustment process typically cannot reach an absolutely constant optimal operating point, it is preferable to configure the operating parameter value of at least one controllable operating parameter in the learning parameter set to be the average value of the set value within a defined time period. This defined time period can be, for example, a preset interval fixed before the storage time point, and / or it must satisfy at least the condition of quasi-static conditions.

[0024] The closed-loop control loop can be configured to adjust in accordance with an optimization objective. This optimization objective can be defined, for example, by at least one setpoint, or it can be characterized in other ways, such as minimizing or maximizing the expectation of an expression. When there is an optimization objective to which the adjustment is directed, a learning process is constituted, as it drives the system to approach the optimal state as closely as possible.

[0025] In principle, the baseline parameter set and the learning parameter set may contain at least one operating parameter associated with a specific production component, such as a component with a closed-loop control loop. This means that, in particular, at least one learning process associated with the learning parameter set can be implemented independently of a single component, especially independently of other components. In such automated learning processes involving production components, component-specific data can be evaluated and corrected according to optimization objectives (one or more values ​​of at least one adjustable operating parameter in the production component) during implementation or manufacturing. By storing in the learning parameter set, the newly determined values(multiple) of at least one adjustable operating parameter of the production component can be recorded and applied to subsequent manufacturing processes.

[0026] Adjustable operating parameters can preferably include at least one operating parameter involving multiple or all production components, particularly operating parameters for controlling multiple or all production components. This approach leverages the control device, especially the learning parameter set, and its correlation with the entire manufacturing system. This achieves high-level control that considers the overall interests of the manufacturing system. For example, operating parameters related to multiple or even all production components can describe conveying speed and / or capacity. For instance, conveying speed can be implemented or considered on all production components to ensure smooth flow. On the other hand, it is also based on or limited by the characteristics of the production components themselves, such as the possible cutting speed of a cutting production component, which depends on the material, or the splicing speed range of the splicing device, etc. In simpler terms, the control device can be configured to establish at least one adjustable, particularly component-specific, operating parameter, and other system-specific and / or specific operating parameters of other production components, or vice versa. In principle, high-level adjustment for at least two production components can also be achieved. Furthermore, when an operating parameter changes during component-specific learning, if that operating parameter is associated with other production components, the control device can adjust the operating parameters of the other production components associated with the changed operating parameter accordingly. Such high-level control enables system-level optimization aimed at global manufacturing optimization.

[0027] Preferably, the adjustable operating parameters in the learning parameter set can be correlated with manufacturing conditions, especially the current formula.

[0028] A preferred configuration is to store multiple sets of baseline parameters and learning parameters for different manufacturing parameters, particularly formulations, in a storage medium, and / or to configure the control device to maintain multiple sets of learning parameters corresponding to different manufacturing conditions available for selection in the storage medium. Generally, learning parameter sets for various manufacturing conditions can be stored and selected, and these sets can be reused for control when the same manufacturing conditions recur. As previously mentioned, manufacturing conditions may include the formulation currently being produced. In a preferred embodiment, each set of baseline parameters, equipped with at least one set of learning parameters, may correspond to a specific formulation. This means that (ideally) each formulation has one set of baseline parameters and at least one set of learning parameters stored. Since different manufacturing conditions may exist for the same formulation, it is particularly advantageous that each set of baseline parameters can correspond to multiple sets of learning parameters for different manufacturing conditions. This allows for the learning of optimized, adjustable operating parameters under various conditions and reuse in similar conditions, particularly similar manufacturing processes, thereby significantly improving product quality, reducing scrap rates, accelerating the adjustment of new processes, and improving user experience.

[0029] Manufacturing conditions can be detected automatically, at least in part, by a control unit, for example, through at least one sensor. However, detection or deduction can be based on user-provided condition information, such as the recipe to be executed, the materials used, etc. The control unit can be specifically configured to store the manufacturing conditions as a condition dataset associated with a set of learning parameters.

[0030] Conveniently, the control unit can be configured to select a learning parameter set adapted to the current manufacturing conditions based on a comparison between the manufacturing conditions of the learning parameter set and the current manufacturing conditions. Specifically, the control unit automatically performs this comparison when a new manufacturing process begins, which could be, for example, a new manufacturing process due to a new recipe and new manufacturing conditions. This can also be triggered upon operator request and / or when a significant change in manufacturing conditions is detected during the manufacturing process. Ideally, the manufacturing conditions should at least be approximately perfectly matched, but the operating parameters of the learning parameter set can be used even when the conditions are not perfectly or partially matched. For example, a hierarchical verification mechanism can be used, where ideally, the recipe ID, desired width, and desired cutting angle should perfectly match the recipe; however, if this is not possible, a match between the recipe ID and the cutting angle is acceptable; or even a match only between the recipe ID is considered valid. This scheme allows for at least partial transfer and application of the learning results.

[0031] It can also be configured such that the comparison is performed at least partially on a component-based basis. For example, the baseline parameter set and at least one learning parameter set may contain a subset associated with at least one production component, which can be independently extracted or applied when the component-related comparison shows a sufficient match. In particular, relevant manufacturing conditions can be assigned to at least some operating parameters, and when the comparison results show a matching manufacturing conditions, individual operating parameters in the learning parameter set can be selected for setting. This allows for obtaining optimal technical benefits from the operating parameters stored in the learning parameter set.

[0032] Preferably, the selection results in the operating parameters (or at least a portion thereof) of the learned parameter set being automatically adopted and set, at least in automatic mode. This means that the control unit, at least in automatic operation mode, can be configured to use the selected learned parameter set to control the production components, as will be described in further detail below.

[0033] The control unit is preferably configured to store the current operating parameters as a set of learned parameters associated with previous manufacturing conditions when manufacturing conditions change, particularly changes in user control, such as selecting a new formula when starting a new manufacturing process. This automatic storage function can be supplemented by conditions such as being in automatic mode, operator confirmation, deviations from existing learned parameter sets associated with the same manufacturing conditions, and / or at least a quasi-static state during the automatic learning process. This ensures that acquired knowledge is retained, especially automatically, with each change in operating conditions, particularly when transitioning to a new manufacturing process. This allows experience to accumulate, thereby improving future efficiency and product quality.

[0034] Typically, the control unit can be configured with multiple operating modes, which can be selected via the operating device. One operating mode is an automatic operating mode, in which the control unit automatically selects a learning parameter set or a reference parameter set, and specifically, automatically sets the application, i.e., controls the manufacturing system according to the corresponding operating parameter set. Therefore, another operating mode can be a manual mode, in which user input is required, but this input can also trigger the automatic application of the user-selected operating parameter set, i.e., the reference parameter set or at least one learning parameter set.

[0035] In a preferred improvement, when a stored set of learning parameters exists and at least one variable operating parameter has a current value, wherein the variable operating parameter is set differently from the learning set, particularly through at least a control loop, the control unit is configured to: determine deviation information characterizing the deviation of the current value of the operating parameter from the current value of the learning parameter set, and evaluate this deviation information through at least one action condition. The control unit is then configured to execute an action associated with satisfying one of the at least one action condition. Thus, the control unit can further utilize the empirical values ​​described by the automatically evaluated learning parameter set to better assess the current manufacturing conditions. This is particularly applicable to operating parameters automatically adjusted by the control unit, and can also be extended to operating parameters set by the operator, whereby the meaning of these values ​​can be validated for reasonableness with reference to the operating parameter values ​​of the learning parameter set. In other words, the control unit can be configured to monitor the manufacturing process using the learning parameter set stored in a storage device, particularly detecting and evaluating deviations, trends, and other conditions. Anomalies can also be detected in this way. The reference used to determine the deviation information, i.e., at least one of multiple learning parameter sets, can be selected, for example, the one with the highest matching degree to the current manufacturing conditions. A priority ranking mechanism for manufacturing conditions can be used in this case.

[0036] Specifically, the at least one action may include: issuing warnings and / or alarms to operators, and / or scheduling predictive maintenance, and / or the at least one action may include: storing the current value of the operating parameter as a set of learned parameters. For example, when a significant deviation in at least one adjustable operating parameter is detected under the same manufacturing conditions, or only under manufacturing conditions unrelated to that operating parameter, the operator can be notified of the anomaly so that appropriate measures can be taken in a timely manner to continuously ensure the production of high-quality products. Trends such as drift in operating parameter values ​​can provide early indications of potentially necessary maintenance. Operators can also be notified accordingly. This better ensures the functionality of the manufacturing system and reduces failures due to wear. Warnings, alarms, and maintenance notifications can be issued through operating equipment, such as the output device of the operating equipment; however, if the manufacturing system or at least one control unit has a communication connection, such as common Internet access, other communication channels, such as email or mobile terminals (e.g., installed applications), can also be used to notify operators.

[0037] In measures involving storage, the control unit may be configured as follows:

[0038] - When there is a difference between the identifiable current manufacturing conditions and the conditions at which the set of learning parameters used for comparison was determined, store the set of learning parameters to be stored that are associated with the current manufacturing conditions; and / or

[0039] - Replace the set of learning parameters used for comparison when the identifiable current manufacturing conditions are no different from the conditions when the set of learning parameters used for comparison was determined (or when there are only slight differences within the tolerance range).

[0040] Therefore, the control unit can intelligently determine whether and when the learning parameter set needs to be updated or created.

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the operating device may include an output device for outputting a user interface, particularly a display, wherein the control unit is configured to generate at least one operating parameter interface representation of the user interface, which displays a baseline parameter set, a learning parameter set, and the current set values ​​of the operating parameters, and controls the output device to output this representation. Thus, the system not only displays and notifies the user of new learning values, i.e., new learning parameter sets, through the display, but also presents all relevant information to the operator in a clear user interface format for immediate comparison. This allows the operator to compare the current state of the manufacturing system with the adjustable operating parameter values ​​based on the baseline parameter set and at least one test parameter set. If multiple learning parameter sets are assigned to a recipe and / or a baseline parameter set, the control unit may select the learning parameter set to be displayed based on the manufacturing condition comparison results described above. The learning parameter set with the highest matching degree between the manufacturing conditions and the current manufacturing conditions is then displayed. The control unit may also be configured to mark the deviation between the current manufacturing conditions and the manufacturing conditions of the displayed learning parameter set in the operating parameter interface. This provides the operator with more comprehensive reference information. Other operating parameters that cannot be changed during the manufacturing process may also be displayed in the operating parameter interface for the operator. Preferably, at least one currently used recipe is displayed in the operating parameter interface.

[0042] In practical design, user input for selecting a reference parameter set and / or a learning parameter set, and / or requesting the storage of the current value of the operating parameter as a learning parameter set, may involve interactive operations with the operating parameter interface. The control unit is specifically configured to define the operating parameter interface and make the transmission process visually displayed. For example, when the output device is a touchscreen, the operating parameter interface may include directly touchable operating elements, and / or be selectable via a device such as a mouse, to trigger the storage of the learning parameter set and / or the selection of the reference parameter set and / or the display of the learning parameter set for setting. This transmission process is preferably presented visually, for example, by highlighting or adding arrows in the operating parameter interface—in storage operations, for example, the arrow may point from the current value of the adjustable operating parameter to the displayed value of the learning parameter set, and / or in setting operations, the arrow may point from the displayed value of the selected reference parameter set or learning parameter set, depending on the selection, to the current value of the adjustable operating parameter. As will be detailed below, if preset values ​​of the adjustable operating parameters are displayed, these preset values ​​can also serve as arrows pointing to targets during the setting process. For example, setting options are usually displayed in gray, while related arrows are highlighted in color during the transmission of corresponding parameters.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides that the control unit is configured to highlight each operating parameter whose current value deviates from the initial value of the manufacturing process operating parameters in the operating parameter interface, particularly displaying it together with the initial value. This function is particularly suitable for situations where the transfer process is continuously visualized and / or where the initial value of the current manufacturing process operating parameters is additionally displayed. When an operating parameter changes, for example due to the operation of a closed-loop control loop, other interventions by the control unit, and / or operator intervention, this change can be visually presented to the operator in the operating parameter interface, allowing the operator to visually focus their attention on the operating parameter whose relevant value has changed, for example, during monitoring. For example, the current value deviating from the initial value can be highlighted by coloring, preferably displayed alongside the initial value, making the deviation immediately apparent. The initial value can be highlighted in the display area of ​​the relevant values ​​in the associated parameter set, i.e., the reference parameter set or the learning parameter set, or optionally in the initial value optional display area. The latter is particularly suitable in situations where, for example, only some adjustable operating parameters are taken from the initial value of one of the displayed parameter sets, and / or adjustments have been made by the operator. If the transfer process is continuously visualized, the highlighting of the relevant initial values ​​can be omitted because a reference benchmark already exists.

[0044] The operation parameter interface preferably includes pages with sub-interfaces selectable by the operating device. These sub-interfaces are selected from the following group: general and / or important operation parameter sub-interfaces, and at least one sub-interface for each production component. Preferably, the general and / or important operation parameter sub-interfaces are displayed first, with the remaining pages displayed via labeled sections. This design significantly improves interface clarity when a large number of adjustable operation parameter values ​​are stored in the baseline parameter set and the learning parameter set. If changes relative to the initial value need to be displayed, pages can be labeled on sub-interfaces not currently displayed so that operators can select them directly. Furthermore, for each sub-interface, basic information elements indicating the adjustable operation parameters deviating from the initial value can be part of the operation parameter interface. In the general and / or important operation parameter sub-interfaces, the more abstract adjustable operation parameters mentioned above (if already adopted) are preferably displayed, while control parameters deviating from them (which themselves may also constitute adjustable operation parameters) are incorporated into other sub-interfaces. Thus, the sub-interfaces at least partially present the details of the more general and abstract expressions in the general sub-interfaces.

[0045] As with known configurations of similar belt layer and / or plywood manufacturing systems, the manufacturing system of the present invention preferably includes the following production components:

[0046] Used for unwinding stations of baseband, especially cord tape;

[0047] A cutting device for cutting strip-shaped sections from the baseband of the unwinding station at a preset angle and width;

[0048] The pulling device is used to convey the baseband through the cutting device;

[0049] Splicing devices, especially butt-joint or lap-joint splicing machines, are used to connect strip sections cut by cutting devices;

[0050] At least one winding station for the belt layer and / or the cord layer strip;

[0051] At least one conveying device.

[0052] The cutting table of the cutting device can also serve as a material support platform. Furthermore, the manufacturing system may include at least one optional production component, such as a buffer roller and / or a repair tape device.

[0053] A particularly advantageous application scenario for this invention is when the production component further includes a slitting machine and / or a coating device. As previously mentioned, the slitting machine exhibits a strong and complex dependence on various manufacturing conditions, which in particular affect the adjustable operating parameters of multiple production components. By integrating into an advanced control system capable of retaining learning outcomes (especially automatically), better initial conditions and adaptability can be provided for the manufacturing process, especially the process involving the slitting machine, thereby enabling rapid changeover, reduced waste, and efficient achievement of high-quality production.

[0054] When a slitting machine is used as a production component and employs a closed-loop control loop, the control scheme is particularly effective if the manufacturing system includes at least one width sensor for measuring the width of the slitting strip, and the control loop determines at least one measurement variable based on its sensor data. Such control based on the width of the slitting strip can be found, for example, in the specific implementation described in DE20 2013 104 651 U1. Alternatively, in this document, another measurement variable may be the width of the spliced ​​loop strip and / or the edge position at the slitting machine feed, which is determined by another width sensor or edge sensor.

[0055] An advantageous specific configuration may be provided, for example, in which the slitting machine includes a frame, a cutting unit, and a control frame pivotable about an axis, particularly a vertical axis, with guide rollers mounted on the control frame to guide the spliced ​​annular strip to be cut into the cutting unit. The control loop is configured to use operating parameters describing the alignment angle of the control frame of the slitting machine and / or operating parameters relating to the lateral position of the cutting unit as control variables, wherein the cutting unit is linearly movable on the frame via linear guides along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the annular strip. An example of such a configuration is found in the aforementioned DE 20 2013 104 651 U1, in which a width sensor is specifically located on the slitting machine body and detects the strip edge. However, it is also preferable to place at least one width sensor in a production component downstream of the slitting machine, particularly on or adjacent to the covering device, especially on the inlet side, and / or the width sensor is a sensor that completely measures at least one slitting width.

[0056] For example, a slitting correction value can be used as a more abstract adjustable operating parameter for such slitting machines, from which the alignment angle and / or lateral position of the cutting units can be derived as control parameters (and other potential adjustable operating parameters). This slitting correction value can, for example, characterize the deviation from the target division of the actual slitting strip width. If, for example, the two strips to be produced are of equal width, which is very common, the difference in width between them is measured by at least one width sensor, and dividing it by the number of strips yields the slitting correction value. If, for example, for two strips, the left strip is measured to be 201 mm and the right strip to be 199 mm, then the slitting correction value is 1 mm (this value needs to be shifted along the cutting line, specifically by adjusting the alignment angle and / or lateral position). In the opposite case (right 201 mm, left 199 mm), the slitting correction value is -1 mm. Such more abstract adjustable operating parameters, adjusted by downstream control parameters through a control loop, are easy for operators to understand intuitively.

[0057] In a wrapping device that places at least one rubber strip onto a cord belt as a production component, it may include: a conveying device for the cord belt, a second conveying device for the strip to be placed, and a laying device that places the strip onto the cord belt and conveys both in opposite directions at approximately the same speed. This laying device can lay the strip to be placed onto the cord belt without pressure, and a pressure roller perpendicular to the conveying direction is provided downstream of the laying device in the conveying direction of the wrapped cord belt. A gap smaller than the total thickness of the cord belt and the placed strip is formed between the pressure roller and the conveying device that conveys the cord belt, and the laying device can be adjusted in lateral position relative to the conveying direction, constituting adjustable operating parameters. Thus, for example, control of the laying, particularly lateral offset / compensation, is achieved. In particular, it is preferable that when at least one closed-loop control loop is employed, one of the control loops may involve material strip control, wherein the strip to be placed is determined by an optical detection device, particularly edge detection, to determine at least one measurement variable, and the lateral position of the laying device is used as a control variable, which is adjusted perpendicular to the conveying direction by an adjustment unit. Furthermore, the pressure rollers can be height-adjustable to change the gap width, thus constituting an adjustable operating parameter. This configuration is illustrated, for example, in the aforementioned DE 20 2014 101 731 U1, where the manufacturing system embodiment described is also applicable.

[0058] In principle, various other closed-loop control loops and / or control units supporting automatic learning processes can also be configured, which, combined with the aforementioned advanced control, can produce additional advantages. For example, a sensor for detecting the cutting angle can be installed in the cutting device (shearing equipment) to achieve control of the target cutting angle. Additionally, various more abstract or specific adjustable operating parameters can be designed. At least one adjustable operating parameter stored in the test parameter set can be selected from the following group: the speed or speed correction of at least one conveyor, and / or the position of at least one conveyor, particularly a conveyor belt, and / or the position of the splicing joint of the splicing device, and / or the splicing offset correction, and / or the splicing angle correction, and / or the splicing time correction, and / or the splicing path correction, and / or the cutting speed and / or the cutter speed, and / or the activity status of at least one auxiliary unit, such as a ventilation unit and / or a pressing unit.

[0059] In addition to manufacturing equipment, this invention also relates to an operating method for a tire industry belt layer and / or ply layer manufacturing equipment, comprising: multiple material processing production components controllable based on operating parameters, a control device for controlling the production components, and operating equipment. The control device includes a storage medium storing at least one preset reference set of adjustable operating parameters for the production components. The control device is configured to control based on at least one user input from the operating device and / or automatically selected reference dataset. Furthermore, the control device:

[0060] - In addition to the basic parameter set, the storage medium stores at least one variable learning parameter set of adjustable operating parameters determined through a learning process;

[0061] - Control is performed based on at least one user input and / or automatic selection of at least one set of learning parameters for operating the device.

[0062] All embodiments of the manufacturing equipment described in this invention can be applied analogously to the method of this invention, thereby achieving the aforementioned advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Other advantages and details of the present invention will be illustrated by the following embodiments and accompanying drawings. The drawings are shown below:

[0064] Figure 1 The production components of the fabric layer manufacturing equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention

[0065] Figure 2 The production components of the belt layer manufacturing equipment in the second embodiment of the present invention

[0066] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of a slitting machine as a component of manufacturing equipment.

[0067] Figure 4The control and operation components of the first and second embodiments,

[0068] Figure 5 : Characterization of operating parameters in the first operating state

[0069] Figure 6 : Characterization of operating parameters in the second operating state

[0070] Figure 7 : Flowchart of an embodiment of the method of the present invention,

[0071] Figure 8 : Production components of the fabric layer manufacturing equipment in the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 9 The production components of the belt layer manufacturing equipment in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0073] Figure 1 An exemplary layout of a fabric layer production apparatus, which is a first embodiment of the manufacturing equipment of the present invention, is shown, including a slitting machine.

[0074] The fabric production equipment includes an unwinding station (1) from which the cord tape to be processed is drawn as a base tape. In the unwinding station (1), the material roll to be processed is mounted on a suitable frame and unwound. During this process, the cord web to be processed is separated from the intermediate layer (film, linen, etc.). This intermediate layer is used to prevent the adhesive web from sticking together. To achieve different cutting angles, the unwinding station (1) can pivot as described, although this is not necessary. There are various designs of such unwinding devices. Single unwinding machines that can hold a single roll of material are known. Double unwinding machines equipped with a rotary table can hold two rolls of material, with one roll being processed while the other is replaced. In addition, a double unwinding machine with a shuttle frame is known, which can hold two rolls of material, with one roll being processed while the other is replaced. Furthermore, a cassette unwinding machine is known, in which the material roll is loaded into a cassette and then the cassette is conveyed to the unwinding machine. This list is not exhaustive.

[0075] A cutting device or shear (3) is provided downstream of the pivotable unwinding station (1) for cutting the cord tape from the unwinding station (1). The shear (3) cuts the cord tape section at a preset width and preset angle. The shear (3) can be constructed using any of the following structures:

[0076] A guillotine shear with a fixed lower blade and a movable upper blade.

[0077] A rotary shearing machine equipped with a fixed lower blade and a rotating blade that moves along it, and

[0078] A shearing device that uses a high-speed rotating saw blade (similar to a circular saw blade).

[0079] Different shearing machines are selected based on the material to be processed. This selection depends on the type of cord material (textile cord or steel cord) and the required cutting angle (equipment type: fabric layer or belt layer). In this example, a shearing machine (3) suitable for fabric layer production is used.

[0080] The material support platform (2) is connected to the unwinding station (1). If necessary, the material support platform (2) can pivot synchronously with it. The material to be processed is placed on the material support platform (2) and pulled along the platform to the shearing machine (3). A conveying device (e.g., a drive conveyor roller) is usually provided at or above the starting end of the material support platform (2) to feed the starting end of the material into the shearing machine. This device is essential when the manufacturing equipment is completely emptied and the starting end of a new roll of material needs to be inserted into the shearing machine (3), or when the material needs to be slightly pulled back from the shearing machine (3) due to the pivoting of the unwinding station (1).

[0081] The structural design of the shearing machine is particularly critical for subsequent processes. To ensure that the cut material, i.e., the strip segment, can be integrated into the subsequent process with minimal processing steps, additional production components such as conveyor belts and lifting devices are required. These additional production components should be located as close as possible to the shearing machine (3) (as they are themselves production components). The material movement distance should be minimized (especially the drop height) to maintain the cutting positioning for subsequent processing.

[0082] To transport materials through the shearing machine (3), a pulling device (4) is usually used as a production component. For this purpose, for example, a clamping device (e.g., a gripper) needs to move close to the lower blade. At the same time, a certain amount of space needs to be reserved to avoid collision with the upper blade (or rotating blade). This results in different structural designs for the shearing machine (3).

[0083] The traction device (4) is used to feed the material web into the shearing machine (3) or to pull the clamped cord belt through the shearing machine (3), as previously described. The shearing machine (3) also includes a conveyor belt that receives the cut cord belt segments and outputs them outside the shearing machine (3). The conveyor belt can be designed as a single belt, multiple belts, or multiple belts with intermediate lifting devices.

[0084] The cord strip section is then placed on the first conveyor of the splicing device (7), which is the overlapping splicing machine (14), manifested as a belt (5), and conveyed to the actual splicing unit. This first conveyor (5) can, in principle, be shared with the conveyor of the shearing machine (3), so that there is only one first conveyor of the overlapping splicing machine (14) between the actual overlapping splicing machine (14) and the shearing machine (3). The overlapping splicing machine (14) is used to connect (purely mechanically, without additional materials) previously cut strip sections. It can pivot at a certain angle to handle strip materials at different angles.

[0085] Optionally, the splicing device (7) may also include a butt splicing machine (15) as a component, which can be used in place of the overlapping splicing machine (14) when such splicing is required.

[0086] Downstream of the overlapping splicing machine 14 or its second conveying device (or alternatively, the butt-jointing splicing machine 15), an optional buffer roller 9 is provided. This buffer roller is a drive roller used to convey the splicing cord tape from the splicing device 7 to the next production assembly. During conveying, the splicing cord tape undergoes reverse bending as it passes around the buffer roller 9, resulting in longitudinal shrinkage of the material. This is intended to reduce longitudinal stretching of the material during processing in the splicing device 7 of the present invention. While the splicing cord tape is being conveyed, the next strip segment has already been cut in the shearing machine 3.

[0087] Downstream of the buffer roller 9 (optional) is a slitting machine 10 as another production component, the structure of which will be combined with Figure 3 Detailed explanation. It should be noted that the slitting machine 10 is rarely used in tire cord production equipment, but its use is not excluded.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, two equally optional covering devices 12 are provided downstream of the slitting machine 10. In this production assembly, additional rubber strips, such as 1 to 12 strips, are applied to the finished strip, i.e., the slit cord strips. The application can be from top to bottom and / or from bottom to top. In addition, the outer edge of the strip is often covered, i.e., a rubber strip is applied from the outer edge, with or without a drape, and folded around the rubber edge to wrap around the outer edge, i.e., the cord exposed at the cut edge.

[0089] In all cases, two winding stations 13 are provided. In these production components, the slit cord strips, along with the anti-stick interlayer, are rewound onto the reel. A variety of designs exist, ranging from simple single-winding machines that require manual cutting and winding of material into a new roll to fully automated winding machines that require no manual intervention in material handling.

[0090] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an exemplary layout of a belt layer production apparatus according to a second embodiment of the manufacturing equipment of the present invention, which includes a slitting machine. If a slitting machine is provided... Figure 1 Production components that are identical in the layout shall use the same label and have the same function. Figure 1 As stated above.

[0091] A unwinding station 1 is provided, but it can pivot to a significantly larger angle. The unwinding machine can be any of the types described above.

[0092] A shearing machine 3 is installed downstream of the unwinding station 1. The material support platform 2 is connected to the unwinding station 1 and can pivot synchronously with it if necessary.

[0093] The shearing machine 3 is used to cut the cord strips to a preset width and angle. Any of the aforementioned shearing machine models can be used as this shearing machine 3, but it must be suitable for the belt layer production equipment.

[0094] Downstream of the shearing machine 3 is a traction device 4 as described above. Its function is to feed the material web into the shearing machine 3 or to pull the clamped base strip through the shearing machine 3, as described above.

[0095] The cord strip section is then placed on the first conveyor (in the form of belt 5) of the splicing device 7, which may include an overlapping or butt splicing machine, and conveyed to the actual splicing device. The splicing device can pivot at a large angle to set the desired splicing angle. It is also equipped with a discharge conveyor belt 6 to transport the spliced ​​cord strip to the downstream production components.

[0096] Optionally, a conveyor belt 8 can be installed downstream of the splicing device 7 for manual splicing, i.e., manually connecting strip sections. The automatic splicing device 7 stops operating during manual processing. This manual splicing is suitable for specific cord tape materials, extremely narrow section widths, or situations requiring customer specifications. A buffer roller 9 can also be optionally installed in the second embodiment.

[0097] The slitting machine 10 is located downstream as another production component. Since the slitting machine 10 cuts the spliced ​​strips, two winding stations 13 are ultimately configured, each of which can be equipped with a wrapping device 12 and / or a repair strip device 11. When strip defects are detected, repairs can be performed at this location.

[0098] Although the cord conveyor belt is fed from right to left in this and subsequent diagrams, the layout can also be designed as a mirror image, i.e., the cord conveyor belt is fed from left to right. All production components marked as optional can be configured in different combinations with the necessary production components. Therefore, a variety of layout schemes can be formed using all the production components.

[0099] Figure 3 Schematic illustration of what can be used Figure 1 and Figure 2 The layout of the slitting machine 10 assembly. A cutting unit 17, mounted on the frame structure 16, is used to separate the input spliced ​​cord tape 18 into at least two cord tape strips 19. Typically, two mating disc cutters are used for this purpose. Additionally, a control frame 20 is provided, which is pivotable relative to the frame structure 16 about a vertical pivot. The cord tape 18 passes through the control frame 20. After entering the area of ​​the cutting unit 17 from the control frame 20, it is divided into two cord tape strips 19, as shown... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram.

[0100] To measure the width of the two cord strips 19, the slitting machine 10 is equipped with two width sensors 21a and 21b, each corresponding to one cord strip 19. In other embodiments, the width sensors 21a and 21b may be located in the entry area of ​​a subsequent production component, such as the covering device 12. The width sensors 21a and 21b can detect the edge position of the cord strip 19 or capture a complete cord strip 19. With an additional width or edge sensor 21c, the width and position of the spliced ​​cord strip 18 can be measured.

[0101] The sensor data from width sensors 21a, 21b, and, if applicable, 21c are input into a closed-loop control loop 22, which is implemented by a control unit 23 associated with the slitting machine 10. Control unit 23 is part of the production line control system and will be described in detail later. Within control loop 22, measured values ​​are determined based on the sensor data, thereby obtaining control variables that relate to the pivoting of the control frame 20 about its vertical axis and / or the lateral position of the cutting unit 17. To achieve lateral adjustment, the cutting unit 17 is mounted on the frame 16 via linear guide rails 24 and can move linearly along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the spliced ​​cord tape 18. The orientation angle of the control frame 20 and the lateral position of the cutting unit 17 are adjustable operating parameters for a specific formula and are controlled by this adjustment system.

[0102] For a more detailed and precise configuration of the slitting machine 10, please refer to DE 20 2013 104 651 U1.

[0103] Control loop 22 is one of multiple closed-loop control loops in a production line, each loop aimed at optimization and typically achieving a quasi-static, particularly optimal, state under essentially constant production conditions. Therefore, this control process can be viewed as an automatic learning process. In this case, the optimization objective is to produce cord strips 19 with a constant, uniform, and preset width.

[0104] Another example of a control loop is seen in a coating device 12, which applies at least one rubberized strip to a cord belt (here, cord belt strip 19). The coating device 12 includes: a conveying device for the cord belt 19, a second conveying device for the strip to be applied, and a laying unit that conveys both at approximately the same speed in opposite directions and places the strip onto the cord belt 19. The laying unit can lay the strip to be applied onto the cord belt 19 without pressure. Downstream of the laying unit is a pressure roller extending along and perpendicular to the conveying direction of the cord belt 19, forming a gap between it and the conveying device that conveys the coated cord belt 19 smaller than the total thickness of the cord belt 19 and the applied strip. See, for example, DE 20 2014 101 731 U1, where the production line embodiment described therein is also applicable.

[0105] This example of a closed-loop control system is material strip control, which is again implemented through the corresponding control unit of the control system. An optical detection device, particularly an edge detection system, is used to measure the strip to be applied to determine at least one measurement value. The control variable relates to the lateral position of the laying unit, which is adjusted perpendicular to the conveying direction via an adjustment unit.

[0106] Other control systems may be involved, such as the cutting angle of the shearing machine 3, the splicing angle of the splicing device 7, or other splicing characteristics.

[0107] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the control, operation, and monitoring structure of a production line, particularly a belt layer or ply layer production line. In addition to the production component layout 25, the production line includes a control system 26, which contains control units 23 and others, if applicable. The operation of the production components in layout 25 can be controlled via the control system 26. This control system is also connected to an operating device 27, through which user input from the operator can be received. The operating device 27 also includes an output device 28, here a display or screen. It should be noted that the user interface may also be provided via internet access or other means.

[0108] The control system 26 and / or operating device 27 also include a storage medium 29, which can store information such as operating parameters (or their specific values). It should first be noted that a so-called "recipe" contains specifications describing the product being produced (such as the cutting angle of the shearing machine 3, the target width), and possibly other operating parameters, such as the target yield, typically forming the basis of the product process for producing a specific product. The operating parameters specified in the recipe of the current production process are generally not changeable during manufacturing. They can be input through the operating device and / or read from a data carrier and / or server.

[0109] As previously mentioned, adjustable operating parameters exist during the manufacturing process of a specific formulation. Storage medium 29 stores baseline values ​​that enable satisfactory quality and a stable production process, serving as at least one set of baseline parameters. This set of baseline parameters is provided by the manufacturer and is specifically tailored to the particular formulation. It can be automatically recalled via operating device 27 or by control device 26. Adjustable operating parameters can be adjusted by control device 26 during operation, for example, automatically by the control system, or at least partially by the operator via operating device 27. Changes in operating parameters derived from the formulation's baseline parameter set are typically used to optimize the manufacturing process or the manufactured product. Both manual and automatic adjustments can be considered learning processes, as the result of such learning processes can bring the operating state at least closer to the target optimum.

[0110] To avoid the loss of the learning process, which can also be understood as experience, and to make effective use of it, the control device 26 is further configured to store, in addition to at least one set of reference parameters, at least one set of adjustable operating parameters determined during the learning process in the storage medium 29. This stored set of learning parameters can be used for control based on user input and / or automatic selection from the operating device 27.

[0111] In this context, the control device 26 and its control operations constitute an advanced system encompassing all production components within layout 25. At least one adjustable operating parameter relates to multiple or even all production components, such as the conveying speed of the strip through layout 25.

[0112] A set of reference parameters, i.e., a formula-specific reference set, is provided for different formulations. Correspondingly, the set of learning parameters can also be at least formula-specific. The current formulation can at least partially define the manufacturing conditions. Especially under manufacturing conditions beyond the formulation definition, the optimal solutions for adjustable operating parameters may differ due to variations. Therefore, storage medium 29 can store multiple sets of learning parameters associated with the reference parameter set, particularly the formulation, corresponding to different manufacturing conditions. Manufacturing conditions not specified by the formulation can be at least partially automatically detected by the control device 26 via sensors, etc. One example is temperature. However, the detection or acquisition of user-provided condition information is also available, for example, regarding the materials used. The manufacturing conditions at the time the learning parameter set is determined and stored will be stored in storage medium 29 as a condition dataset associated with the learning parameter set.

[0113] When starting a new manufacturing process, for example, the current manufacturing conditions can be compared with the manufacturing conditions in a learned parameter set to obtain a comparison result. If there is a (sufficient) match with an existing learned parameter set, that parameter set is selected. Otherwise, a baseline parameter set is believed to be selected. In addition to reusing the stored learned parameter set in subsequent manufacturing processes, it can also be used as a reference when the control device automatically monitors the manufacturing process. For example, the learned parameter set that best matches the current manufacturing conditions can be selected for monitoring, such that its adjustable operating parameter values ​​are compared with the current values ​​of the adjustable operating parameters to determine deviation information. This deviation information can be evaluated, in particular, by action conditions, where each action condition is associated with at least one action. Such actions include: issuing warnings and / or alarms, scheduling predictive maintenance, and / or highlighting to monitoring personnel. The current values ​​of the adjustable operating parameters can also be stored as a learned parameter set as actions, replacing or updating the learned parameter set for the same manufacturing conditions, or serving as a new learned parameter set for the current manufacturing conditions.

[0114] In the current situation, this application requires monitoring and intuitive information transmission functions for operators; therefore, a user interface is output via output device 28. For operating parameters, particularly the baseline parameter set and the learning parameter set, control device 26 can generate an operating parameter display interface for use with the user interface and display it thereon. This operating parameter display interface shows the baseline parameter set, at least one learning parameter set, and the current set values ​​of the operating parameters. The displayed learning parameter set can again prioritize the one with the highest matching degree between the relevant manufacturing conditions and the current manufacturing conditions, for example, based on the aforementioned comparison results. If the baseline parameter set, particularly the current formula, has not yet stored a learning parameter set, the corresponding display area can be left blank or display the values ​​of the baseline parameter set for the adjustable operating parameters.

[0115] Figure 5 An exemplary possible operation parameter display interface 30 of the user interface under a first operating condition is schematically shown. Essentially, in this embodiment, the operation parameter display interface 30 includes multiple pages 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35. Page 31 is active and currently associated with the page display area 36 for general and / or important operation parameters. The remaining pages 32, 33, 34, and 35 are associated with other page display areas and can be selected via the operating device 27. These page display areas can, for example, be assigned to specific production components and / or groups of production components, or relate to specific topic areas. These page display areas can display detailed information; for example, page display area 36 can display the value of an abstract adjustable operation parameter, from which a specific control parameter value can be derived, or it can be included as an adjustable operation parameter in one of the other page display areas.

[0116] Figure 5 Boxes 37, 38, 39, and 40 in the pagination display area 36 represent the display values ​​of adjustable operation parameters, which can be understood as display fields. Box 37 is associated with the value of the baseline parameter set (abbreviated as BS in the figure, or "default value"), box 38 is associated with the value of the learning parameter set (abbreviated as LS, or "stored value"), box 39 is associated with the initial value, such as the value when the manufacturing process starts (abbreviated as PS, or "preset value"), and box 40 is associated with the current value (abbreviated as "AW", or "actual value" or "current value").

[0117] Display area 41 can display fixed operating parameters or their values ​​that remain unchanged during the manufacturing process, see schematic display element 42, current recipe, schematic display element 43, control elements 44, 45, 46, and visualization element 47. Control element 44 is used to generate user input for selecting a reference parameter set, control element 45 generates user input for selecting a learning parameter set, and control element 46 generates user input for storing the current values ​​of adjustable operating parameters into the learning parameter set associated with the recipe. The values ​​of operating parameters for selecting the reference and learning parameter sets and / or storing the learning parameter sets are not necessarily based on user input; control device 26 can also trigger these values ​​without user intervention, especially in the automatic mode described later.

[0118] The current operating condition is: the values ​​of the adjustable operating parameters of the test parameter set (box 38) are used as the initial values ​​(box 39). The corresponding selection of this test parameter set may be due to the activation of control element 45 or automatic triggering. The transmission process is conveyed through the corresponding portion of visualization element 47, which is typically grayed out, highlighted, or rendered with color. This forms, for example, a yellow arrow 48, see the shading. This display remains until a new initial value is selected.

[0119] By simultaneously displaying the initial and current values ​​of the adjustable operating parameters on the operating parameter display interface 30, the operator can, for example, make a comparison. When a deviation occurs, the control device 26 can also provide support, such as... Figure 6 The operation parameter display interface 30 shown under the second operating condition will be further explained.

[0120] In the paginated display area 36, ​​the current values ​​of two operating parameters deviate from their initial values, which are highlighted to alert the operator through the corresponding displayed values ​​(see the shaded boxes 39 and 40). The deviations from the operating parameter values ​​(obtained through optimized learning) in the learned parameter set can also be selectively or additionally displayed.

[0121] Figure 6 In the scenario shown, the values ​​of adjustable operation parameters that are not displayed in pagination display area 36 but exist in other pagination display areas of the current pagination 34 also exhibit deviations. To alert the operator to this issue, pagination 34 is highlighted by displaying the corresponding symbol 49.

[0122] Typically, the control device 26 is configured to operate in multiple operating modes, which are selected by the control device 27. The current operating modes include at least: an automatic operating mode, in which the control device 26 automatically selects a learning parameter set or a reference parameter set and, in particular, automatically sets the application to control the manufacturing system according to the corresponding operating parameter set; and a manual mode, in which selection and possible settings are made via user input, which can also trigger the automatic application of the selected operating parameter set, i.e., the reference parameter set or at least one of the learning parameter sets.

[0123] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the manufacturing system operation method of the present invention is shown. The method can be executed by a control device 26, and automatic mode and manual mode are distinguished at corresponding nodes.

[0124] According to step S1, the manufacturing process is initiated. In this example, for the current conditions, at least for the given manufacturing conditions, an applicable set of learning parameters has not yet been stored. Therefore, a baseline parameter set is used. The recipe dataset containing the operating parameters or manufacturing conditions of the current recipe is known and is stored in storage medium 29.

[0125] During the manufacturing process, as shown in step S2, the control device 26 performs various automatic learning processes, including the aforementioned adjustment measures, particularly the implementation of control loop 22. This means that, in the latter case, the width of the cord strip 19 is continuously measured by width sensors 21a and 21b and compared with the target value, or the aforementioned correction value is determined. Adjustments are made accordingly when control deviations occur, particularly the alignment angle of the control frame 20 and / or the lateral position of the cutting unit 17. If the manufacturing conditions do not change or change very little, a quasi-static state will eventually be reached, where only variations within the tolerance range occur. This adjustment and other adjustment measures, along with the automatic learning process, continue until a formula change is pending, at which point the current manufacturing process is terminated and a new manufacturing process is started.

[0126] At this point, proceed to step S3. Recipe changes can be triggered by the manufacturing system itself, such as by operators, or through a connection with a higher-level customer.

[0127] In step S4, the control unit 26 detects whether it is currently in automatic mode or manual mode.

[0128] If in manual mode, step S5 prompts the operator to decide whether to save the operation parameters for the current production process as a learning parameter set. After receiving the corresponding user input, the control unit 26 saves the new learning parameter set into the storage unit 29.

[0129] Furthermore, in manual mode, before starting the new production process in step S6, the operator must be asked which adjustable operating parameter values ​​should be selected. The operator can choose, for example, a baseline parameter set, a learned parameter set stored in the new formula, or select only individual parameter values ​​from it, or manually set the parameters. Both steps S5 and S6 require the operator to have the necessary professional knowledge.

[0130] In automatic mode, the storage and loading of operating parameter values ​​are performed by control unit 26, a process known as "intelligent parameter management." Therefore, in step S7, control unit 26 automatically determines in the background whether (and possibly which) adjustable operating parameters should be stored. For example, in a closed-loop control system, it can verify whether the quasi-static state has been achieved. If a learning parameter set already exists for the current production conditions, control unit 26 detects whether there are any deviations that need to be updated. It can also check the changes between the production conditions and existing learning parameter sets, such as the initially used parameter set, to store the learning parameter set associated with the new production conditions.

[0131] In step S8, before starting the new manufacturing process, the control unit 26 automatically selects a set of pending operating parameters. If a learning set exists, the one that best matches the current conditions with the associated production conditions is selected; if no learning set is available or the match is insufficient, the baseline set is used by default. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the values ​​of adjustable operating parameters in the learning set may be used in part, especially when the operating parameters are associated with production conditions and / or specific comparisons of the execution components.

[0132] In step S9, the new manufacturing process is initiated. By applying the results of the previous learning process, the switch to new formulas can be accelerated, waste can be reduced, and high-quality products can be obtained.

[0133] Since a test set already exists for the formula and can be used as a reference, step S10 performs the aforementioned deviation monitoring, such as anomaly detection and proactive maintenance. This monitoring can also update and / or store the learning set during production, especially in automatic mode.

[0134] In step S11, based on the result of step S10, and possibly accordingly, the operation parameters are visualized on the operation parameter display interface 30. This visualization is also available in automatic mode. The automatic learning process for new formulas, especially the control process, continues; therefore, steps S10, S11, and S2 will be executed continuously until the production process ends.

[0135] It should be noted that other operating modes may also be used, such as situations where the user needs to confirm the set of operating parameters selected by the control unit 26 or confirm the value of the adjustable operating parameters.

[0136] Specifically, the benchmark set and the learning set can be stored in storage unit 29, such as a corresponding database, particularly an SQL database.

[0137] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Other exemplary embodiments of the fabric layer strip and belt layer strip manufacturing system of the present invention are shown respectively, without the slitting machine 10. However, the control concept of the present invention is still applicable. The same components are used with... Figure 1 , Figure 2Consistent designations are used, and the buffer roller 9, covering device 12, and repair tape 11 are also optional components in these embodiments.

[0138] Obviously in these embodiments, since the slitting machine 10 is not used, only one winding station 13 is configured.

Claims

1. A tire industry belt ply and / or cord ply manufacturing system, comprising: Multiple material processing and production components based on controllable operating parameters; A control unit (26) for controlling the production components; and Operation unit (27); The control unit (26) and / or operation unit (27) includes a storage medium (29) that stores a preset reference set of at least one adjustable operation parameter of the production component and is configured to control based on user input and / or automatic selection of the reference set by the operation unit (27). Its features are: The control unit (26) is also configured to store, in addition to the reference set, a variable learning set of at least one adjustable operating parameter determined by the learning process in the storage medium (29), which can be modified to implement control based on user input and / or automatic selection of the operating unit (27).

2. The manufacturing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit (26) is at least partially configured to determine the learning set through an automatic learning process.

3. The manufacturing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit (26) includes a closed-loop control loop (22) with at least one controllable operating parameter, wherein the value of at least one controllable operating parameter in the learning set is determined by the set value of at least one controllable operating parameter when the control loop (22) is in a quasi-static state.

4. The manufacturing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The storage medium (29) may store multiple benchmark sets and learning sets for different manufacturing parameters, particularly formulations, and / or the control unit (26) may be configured to maintain multiple learning sets of benchmark sets selected in the storage medium (29) corresponding to different manufacturing conditions.

5. The manufacturing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit (26) is configured to select one of the learning sets of current manufacturing conditions based on the comparison results of the manufacturing conditions in the learning set with the current manufacturing conditions, and / or to select a new recipe when the manufacturing conditions change, especially when there are changes in user control, such as when a new manufacturing process is started. The control unit (26) is also configured to store the current operating parameters as a learning set associated with the previous manufacturing conditions.

6. The manufacturing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When a stored learning set exists and the current value of at least one variable operating parameter is available, wherein at least one variable operating parameter can be set, in particular, at least by a control unit (26), to be inconsistent with the learning set, the control unit (26) being configured to: determine deviation information characterizing the current value of the operating parameter as deviating from the current value of the learning set, and evaluate the deviation information based on at least one action condition, wherein the control unit (26) is configured to perform an action associated with satisfying one of the at least one action condition.

7. The manufacturing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one action includes issuing warnings and / or alarms to operators, and / or scheduling predictive maintenance, and / or storing the current values ​​of operating parameters as a learning set.

8. The manufacturing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating device (27) includes an output device (28) for outputting a user interface, particularly a display, wherein the control device (26) is configured to generate at least one operating parameter display interface (30) for the user interface, which displays a reference set, a learning set and current settings of the operating parameters, and controls the output device (28) to output the display interface.

9. The manufacturing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control device (26) is configured to highlight each operating parameter in the operating parameter display interface (30) where the current value deviates from the initial value of the manufacturing process operating parameter, and in particular, to display the initial value together with it.

10. The manufacturing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production components include: - Unwinding station for initial strips, especially cord strips (1); - Shearing machine (3), used to cut strip segments from the initial strip of the unwinding station (1) at a preset angle and a preset width; - Pulling device (4), used to convey the initial strip through the shearing machine (3); - A splicing device (7), particularly a butt splicing machine (15) or an overlap splicing machine (14), is used to connect strip segments cut by the shearing machine (3); - At least one winding station (13) for the belt layer and / or cord layer strips; and - At least one conveying device.

11. The manufacturing system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The production components also include a slitting machine (10) and / or a coating device (11).

12. The manufacturing system according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the slitting machine (10) is used as a production component and a closed-loop control loop (22) is used for the slitting machine (10), the manufacturing system includes at least one width sensor (21a, 21b) for measuring the width of the slitting strip segment, and the control loop (22) determines at least one measurement variable based on the sensing data of the at least one width sensor.

13. The manufacturing system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The slitting machine (10) includes a frame (16), a cutting unit (17), and a control frame (20) pivotable about an axis, particularly a vertical axis, on which guide rollers are rotatably mounted to guide the annular strip (18) into the cutting unit (17); the control loop (22) is configured to use operating parameters describing the alignment angle of the control frame (20) of the slitting machine (10) and / or operating parameters relating to the lateral position of the cutting unit (17) as control variables, wherein the cutting unit is linearly movable on the frame (16) via a linear guide rail (24) along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the annular strip (18).

14. The manufacturing system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, When the covering device (11) is used as a production component to lay at least one rubberized strip onto the cord belt (19), it includes: a conveying device for the cord belt (19), a second conveying device for the strip to be laid, and a laying device, wherein the strip is laid onto the cord belt (19) by the laying device so that the two are conveyed in opposite directions at approximately the same speed. The laying device can lay the strip to be laid onto the cord belt (19) without pressure, and a pressure roller perpendicular to the conveying direction is provided downstream of the laying device in the conveying direction of the covered cord belt (19). A gap smaller than the total thickness of the cord belt and the laid strip is formed between the pressure roller and the conveying device that conveys the covered cord belt. The lateral position of the laying device can be linearly adjusted relative to the conveying direction, and this adjustment forms adjustable operating parameters.

15. The manufacturing system according to claim 14, characterized in that, When at least one closed-loop control loop is used, one of the at least one control loops relates to material strip control, wherein the strip to be laid is determined by means of an optical detection device, particularly edge detection, to determine at least one measurement variable, and the control variable relates to the lateral position of the laying device, which is adjusted perpendicular to the conveying direction by an adjustment unit.

16. A method of operating a tire manufacturing system for belt ply and / or cord ply strips, comprising: Multiple material processing and production components based on controllable operating parameters; Control device (26) for controlling the production components; and Operating equipment (27); The control device (26) and / or operating device (27) includes a storage medium (29) storing at least one preset reference set of adjustable operating parameters for the production component and configured to control based on at least one user input and / or automatically select the reference set of the operating device (27). Its features are: The control device (26): -In the storage medium (29), in addition to the basic parameter set, a variable learning parameter set of at least one adjustable operating parameter determined by the learning process is stored; - Control is performed based on at least one user input and / or automatic selection of at least one set of learning parameters from the operating device (27).

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