Connection station for receiving carrier, and tire building assembly comprising connection station

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connection station for receiving a carrier and a tire forming assembly comprising the connection station, the carrier comprises a base part with a front side and a rear side, two rigid trundles mounted on the base part at the front side and two rotary trundles mounted on the base part at the rear side, wherein the docking station comprises a catching device for catching a front side of the carrier in a receiving direction and a movable base plate, which is movable in a correction direction transverse or perpendicular to the receiving direction, for displacing the rigid caster in the correction direction in order to align the carrier with the catching device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a docking station for receiving a carrier. This utility model also relates to a tire forming assembly including the docking station. Background Technology

[0002] In tire forming, it is common practice to temporarily store the tire component before it is processed in a further tire forming assembly. For example, sheet or semi-continuous strip rubber can be wound onto a spool at a first tire forming assembly and subsequently unwound from the spool at a second tire forming assembly. Typically, this spool is supported on a trolley or carrier to facilitate transport between the first and second tire forming assemblies. For maneuverability, the carrier supporting the spool typically has two rigid casters on the front and two swivel casters on the rear. Utility Model Content

[0003] A known drawback of tire forming assemblies is that the alignment or positioning of the carrier relative to the tire forming assembly can be inconsistent and / or imprecise. In particular, rigid casters on the carrier may prevent precise centering, alignment, or positioning of the carrier relative to the tire forming assembly in the axial direction of the casters. Ultimately, rigid casters may prevent the carrier from aligning with the wheel in the axial direction. Therefore, tire components stored on the carrier may be misaligned relative to the tire forming assembly.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a docking station and / or tire forming assembly for receiving a carrier, wherein the alignment of the carrier can be facilitated and / or the carrier can be aligned more precisely and / or accurately.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a docking station for receiving a carrier, characterized in that the carrier includes a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier further includes two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the docking station includes a capturing device and a movable base plate, the capturing device being used to capture the front side of the carrier in the receiving direction, and the movable base plate being movable laterally or in a correction direction perpendicular to the receiving direction for displacing the rigid casters in the correction direction so that the carrier is aligned with the capturing device.

[0006] The movable base plate allows for, or at least facilitates, movement of the rigid casters in the correction direction. Therefore, the frame can be aligned more precisely and / or accurately with respect to the catcher.

[0007] In its preferred embodiment, the movable base plate is free to move in the correction direction. Therefore, when supported on the movable base plate, the rigid casters of the frame can be free to move in the correction direction.

[0008] In another embodiment, the movable base plate includes a support plate with a support surface for supporting the front wheels of the carrier frame, wherein the docking station is supported on the base plate, and the support surface is flush or substantially flush with the base plate. In other words, the movable base plate can be recessed relative to the base plate. Therefore, it is convenient to allow the carrier frame to roll on the support plate.

[0009] In another embodiment, the movable base plate includes one or more tracks for guiding the movement of the support plate, wherein the tracks extend in a correction direction. Optionally, the movable base plate also includes guide shoes mounted to the support plate and arranged to mate with the guide tracks. The guide tracks facilitate movement of the support plate in the correction direction.

[0010] In another embodiment, the support plate is biased toward the neutral position in the correction direction. Therefore, after the carrier has been removed from the docking station, the support plate can return to the neutral position.

[0011] In another embodiment, the support plate extends below the catching device. Preferably, the catching device extends between the rigid casters when the rigid casters are supported on the moving base plate.

[0012] In another embodiment, the capturing device includes an alignment surface for causing the carrier to move in a corrective direction when the carrier moves in the receiving direction. In other words, by moving the carrier against the alignment surface in the receiving direction, the front side of the carrier can be displaced in the corrective direction. Therefore, by moving the carrier in the receiving direction, the front side of the carrier can be aligned relative to the capturing device.

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

[0014] In another embodiment, the capturing device includes two aligned surfaces arranged in a V-shape or U-shape. In other words, the aligned surfaces converge. Therefore, the carrier can be induced to move toward a correct aligned position regardless of the receiving direction.

[0015] In another embodiment, the carrier includes a centering pin located midway between two rigid casters, wherein the alignment surface terminates in a receiving groove for receiving the centering pin. A movable base plate facilitates engagement of the centering pin into the receiving groove. Furthermore, the movable base plate enables precise or accurate positioning of the centering pin within the receiving groove.

[0016] In another embodiment, the carrier can pivot or rotate about the centering pin when it is received in the receiving slot. By engaging the centering pin slot into the receiving slot, the carrier can be aligned more precisely or accurately. Furthermore, the carrier can pivot about the centering pin when it is received in the receiving slot. After alignment, the receiving slot can hold the centering pin in the correct direction.

[0017] In another embodiment, the capturing device further includes a locking member for locking the centering pin in the receiving direction when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot. Thus, the locking pin can be locked and / or held in the receiving direction. Specifically, the locking member can prevent movement of the carrier in the receiving direction when the carrier is pivoted about a pivot axis and / or when the tire component is supplied to or removed from the carrier. Therefore, the carrier can be positioned more precisely.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a tire forming assembly for unloading tire components from a carrier or for loading tire components onto a carrier, wherein the carrier includes a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier further includes two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the tire forming assembly includes a docking station as described in the first aspect of the present invention, and wherein the tire forming assembly further includes a conveying device for conveying the tire components away from or toward the docking station in a transport direction.

[0019] The tire forming assembly includes a docking station as described in the first aspect, and therefore has the same advantages as described above. Specifically, the moving base plate of the docking station can be used to align the carrier with the conveyor. Therefore, the carrier can be aligned more precisely and / or accurately with respect to the conveyor. Within the tire forming assembly, the docking station can be, for example, at least part of a unloading station for unloading tire components from the carrier. Alternatively, the tire forming assembly can be arranged to load tire components onto a carrier received at the docking station.

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

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

[0022] In another embodiment, the carrier includes a reel for storing tire components, and wherein the docking station is an unfolding station for unwinding the tire components from the reel, and / or wherein the docking station is a winding station for winding the tire components around the reel. Preferably, the reel is rotatable about a reel axis extending perpendicular to the receiving direction and / or parallel to the axis of rotation of the rigid caster. The reel can be aligned with a conveyor for winding the reel around it or for unwinding the tire components from the reel. A movable base plate facilitates alignment of the reel with the conveyor.

[0023] The connecting workstations and carriers mentioned above can also serve as the subject of a divisional application.

[0024] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects, specifically those described in the appended claims, may be the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] This invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A front view of a tire forming assembly including two connecting stations according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2-7 The exemplary steps of the receiving method according to the present invention are shown. Figure 1 A top view of the connection station;

[0028] Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 4 A sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII in the middle;

[0029] Figure 9 It shows according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken by line IX-IX in the middle; and

[0030] Figure 10 A top view of an alternative connection station according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A tire forming assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tire forming assembly 1 includes a first receiving station 11 for receiving a trolley, cart, box, or carrier 8 arranged to hold one or more tire components 9. The tire forming assembly 1 also includes a first conveyor 13 for receiving the tire components 9 from the carrier 8 and for conveying the tire components 9 in a transport direction T.

[0032] The tire forming assembly 1 also includes a second docking station 12 and a second conveyor 14. The second docking station 12 is used to receive another carrier 8, and the second conveyor 14 is used to receive another tire component 9 from the other carrier 8 and to transport the other tire component 9 in the transport direction T.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the tire forming assembly 1 is arranged to receive tire components 9 from a corresponding carrier 8 and to convey the tire components 9 to another tire forming device, such as a cutting device or a tire forming drum (not shown). Alternatively, the tire forming assembly 1 may be arranged to supply tire components 9 from corresponding conveyors 13, 14 to the carrier 8 for temporary storage.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 8 includes a reel 88 for storing one or more tire components 9. The one or more tire components 9 are stored around the circumferential surface of the reel 88. The reel 88 is rotatably mounted to the carrier 8 for unfolding the one or more tire components 9. Alternatively, the carrier 8 may be arranged, for example, for stacking one or more tire components 9 thereon, or for supporting resilient sheets that have been zig-folded and stacked. The one or more tire components 9 may, for example, comprise pre-cut breaker plies or semi-continuous resilient sheets or webs.

[0035] like Figure 1-7 As shown in Figure 10, the carrier 8 is provided with a base 80 for supporting the reel 88 at its top side 87. The carrier 8 includes two swivel casters 81 at a first side or rear side 84 of the carrier 8. The carrier 8 also includes two rigid casters 82 at a second side or front side 83 of the carrier 8 opposite to the first side 83. The rigid casters 82 and the swivel casters 81 are arranged at the bottom side 86 of the base 80 opposite to the top side 87.

[0036] Each swivel caster 81 is rotatable or pivotable relative to the base 80 about a corresponding axis of rotation S to steer the carrier 8. Preferably, the axis of rotation S extends perpendicularly to the bottom side 86 of the base 80. Each rigid caster 82 is rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation R. The axes of rotation R of the rigid casters 82 are collinear or straight. In other words, the rigid casters 82 have a common axis of rotation R. The rigid casters 82 define the direction of movement M of the carrier 8. In particular, the direction of movement M extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation R or the common axis of rotation R.

[0037] like Figure 2-9 As shown, the carrier 8 also includes a centering pin 85. The centering pin 85 protrudes from the bottom side of the base 80. The centering pin 85 extends along the pivot axis P. Preferably, the pivot axis P extends perpendicular to the bottom side 86 of the base 80. More specifically, the pivot axis P extends perpendicular to both the common axis of rotation R and the direction of movement M. Preferably, the centering pin 85 is arranged along the axis of rotation R of the rigid casters 82 or the common axis of rotation R. Preferably, the centering pin 85 is arranged along the centerline of the carrier 8. In other words, the centering pin 85 extends radially relative to the axis of rotation R of the rigid casters 82 or the common axis of rotation R. In particular, the centering pin 85 is located at the midpoint between the rigid casters 82. In other words, the centering pin 85 is located at the pivot point of the carrier 8.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 8 is arranged to unload the tire component 9 at its front side 83. Specifically, the reel 88 is arranged to unfold in the direction of movement M of the carrier 8. Alternatively, the carrier 8 may be configured, for example, to unload the tire component 9 at its rear side 84 in the direction opposite to the direction of movement. In another alternative embodiment, the carrier 8 may be configured to unload the tire component 9 at a lateral side of the carrier 8 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement M.

[0039] like Figure 5-9 As further shown, the first connection station 11 includes a capturing device 2 for receiving, capturing, or connecting the carrier 8 in the receiving direction A. Specifically, the capturing device 2 is arranged to capture the front side 83 of the carrier 8. The capturing device 2 includes a capturing body 20 with a receiving groove 21 for receiving a centering pin 85 of the carrier 8. The receiving groove 21 opens towards the receiving direction A for receiving the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Therefore, the centering pin 85 can be slotted into the receiving groove 21 in the receiving direction A.

[0040] Preferably, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the capturing device 2 also includes a locking member 23, which is used to hold the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A when the centering pin 85 has been received in the receiving groove 21. The locking member 23 is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking member 23 allows the centering pin 85 to be received in the receiving groove 21. In the locked position, as shown... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the locking member is arranged to lock or retain the centering pin 85 in the holding direction A. Optionally, the locking member 23 is arranged to automatically move into the locked position when the centering pin 85 is received in the receiving groove.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, in the locked position, the locking member 23, together with the capturing body 20, encloses the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the locked position, the locking member 23 allows the carrier 8 to rotate about the pivot axis P.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the centering pin 85 includes a hole or aperture extending along the pivot axis P. In this embodiment, the locking member 23 includes a locking pin that can be inserted into the hole or aperture to retain the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A.

[0043] exist Figure 2-9 In this embodiment, the receiving direction A extends laterally or perpendicularly to the transport direction T of the conveyor 13. In other words, the docking station 11 is arranged to receive the carrier 8 in a lateral direction to the conveyor 13. The carrier 8 can then pivot about its pivot axis P to align the carrier 8 with the conveyor 13. In particular, the direction of movement M of the carrier 8 can be aligned with the transport direction T of the conveyor 13.

[0044] like Figure 2-9 As further shown, the connection station 11 is provided with a movable base plate 3 for aligning the carrier 8 with or relative to the capture device 2. More specifically, the movable base plate 3 is arranged such that the carrier 8 and the capture device 2 are aligned in a correction direction B that is transverse to or perpendicular to the receiving direction A.

[0045] The movable base plate 3 is arranged below the capturing device 2. The movable base plate 3 includes a support plate 31 that can move in the correction direction B. The support plate 31 includes a support surface 38 for supporting the rigid casters 82 of the carrier 8. By moving the support plate 31 in the correction direction B, the rigid casters 82 can be displaced in a direction transverse to or perpendicular to the direction of movement M.

[0046] The movable base plate 3 also includes one or more guide rails 32 for guiding the movement of the support plate 31 in the correction direction B. Preferably, the one or more guide rails 32 extend in the correction direction B. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable base plate includes two guide rails 32. The guide rails 32 extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the support plate 31 is provided with guide shoes 33 for cooperating with the guide rails 32. The guide shoes 33 are arranged on the side of the support plate 31 opposite to the support surface 38. Optionally, the movable base plate 3 is biased toward a neutral or central position.

[0047] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the movable base plate 3 is at least partially recessed relative to the ground or base plate G. Preferably, the support surface 38 is arranged to be flush with or substantially flush with the base plate G. In other words, the support surface 38 may extend in a straight line with the base plate G. The movable base plate 3 includes a recess 30 within the base plate G for receiving a support plate 31.

[0048] like Figure 2-9 As further shown, the capturing device 2 includes two alignment surfaces 22 for gently pushing or causing the carrier 8 to move in the correction direction B when the carrier 8 moves in the receiving direction A. The alignment surfaces 22 are arranged in a V-shape or U-shape. Preferably, the alignment surfaces 22 are configured to center the carrier 8 relative to the centerline C extending through the receiving groove 21 in the alignment direction. The alignment surfaces 22 are designed or configured to act on the carrier 8 when the rigid casters 82 of the carrier 8 are supported on the support surface 38 of the movable base plate 3.

[0049] Alignment surface 22 is arranged to contact and / or guide the centering pin 85 of the carrier 8. Specifically, alignment surface 22 terminates in receiving groove 21. Preferably, receiving groove 21 is circular or substantially circular to allow the centering pin 85 to rotate about pivot axis P while remaining engaged in the receiving groove 21. Alternatively or additionally, further alignment surfaces may be provided to contact the base 80 of the carrier 8.

[0050] Figure 10 An alternative tire forming assembly 101 with an alternative docking station 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The alternative docking station 111 differs from the first docking station 11 discussed previously in that it rotates relative to the conveyor 13. Specifically, the capturing device 102 is arranged to receive the carrier 8 in a receiving direction A parallel to or substantially parallel to the transport direction T. Therefore, the movable base plate 103 includes a support plate 131 movable in a correction direction B, which extends laterally or perpendicularly to the transport direction T.

[0051] Similar to the previously discussed connection station 11, in the alternative connection station 111, the carrier 8 can be aligned by slotting the centering pin 85 into the receiving slot 21 of the capture device 102. By pivoting the carrier 85 about the pivot axis P, the carrier 8 can then be further aligned with the conveyor 13.

[0052] The method for receiving the carrier 8 at the connection station 11 will be used below. Figure 1-9 describe.

[0053] Figure 2 The docking station 11 is shown in the receiving state. The docking station 11 is empty and ready to receive the carrier 8. The support plate 31 of the movable base plate 3 is in the initial or neutral position. More specifically, in the neutral position, the support plate 31 is centered on the center line C in the correction direction B.

[0054] The carrier 8 is positioned in the supply position. In this position, the front side 83 of the carrier 8 faces the capturing device 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement direction M of the carrier is parallel to or substantially parallel to the receiving direction A. Alternatively, the movement direction M may extend relative to the centerline C at a receiving angle, for example, an angle less than forty-five degrees relative to the centerline C. Preferably, the receiving angle is less than thirty degrees.

[0055] like Figure 3 As further shown, the carrier 8 has moved or rolled further in the direction of movement M, toward the capturing device 2, from the supply position to the first correction position. In the first correction position, the rigid caster 82 is supported on the support surface 38 of the support plate 31. In the first correction position, the misalignment of the front side 83 of the carrier 8 relative to the capturing device 2 can be corrected by pushing the front side 83 in the correction direction B or causing the front side 83 to move in the correction direction B.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the carrier 8 has moved or rolled further in the receiving direction A to the second correction position. In the second correction position, the centering pin 85 has contacted one of the alignment surfaces 22 of the capturing device 2.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the carrier 8 has moved further from the second correction position to the docking position. In the docking position, the carrier 8 has been received or docked at the capturing device 2. With the centering pin 85 contacting the alignment surface 22, the carrier 8 has already moved or rolled in the direction of movement M. Therefore, the centering pin 85 has been caused to move in the correction direction B. Figure 9 As shown in the best embodiment, the moving base plate, especially the support plate 31, has moved together with the carrier 8 in the correction direction B.

[0058] In the engagement position, the centering pin 85 has been received or slotted into the receiving slot 21 of the capturing device 2. The locking member 23 has moved to the locking position to lock or retain the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Preferably, the carrier 8 is received at the capturing device 2 in a receiving orientation, in which the rigid casters 82 are or substantially pointing in the receiving direction A. In other words, the direction of movement M of the carrier 8 is parallel to or substantially parallel to the receiving direction A.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the carrier 8 has pivoted about the centering pin 85 or pivot axis P in the direction of rotation W. The carrier 8 has pivoted about the pivot axis P in the direction of rotation W from the receiving orientation to the operating orientation. The swivel caster 81 has rotated or pivoted about its corresponding axis of rotation S. More specifically, the swivel caster 81 points along an arc extending about the pivot axis P. Therefore, the rear side 84 of the carrier 8 has moved or rolled along the arc towards the operating orientation.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, the carrier 8 has been further pivoted about the centering pin 85 or the pivot axis P. The carrier 8 has been pivoted into an operational orientation. In this operational orientation, the direction of movement M of the carrier 8 is aligned with the transport direction T of the conveyor 13.

[0061] like Figure 7 As further shown, the front end LE of the tire component 9 has been transferred from the carrier 8 to the conveyor 13. Preferably, the method of this invention further includes unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8. In particular, the method includes unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8 by transporting the tire component 9 on the conveyor 13 in the transport direction T.

[0062] Alternatively, the carrier 8 may be arranged to receive the tire component 9 from the conveyor 13. In other words, the carrier 8 is left empty. Therefore, the method may include supplying the tire component 9 from the conveyor 13 to the carrier 8.

[0063] It is understood that the above description illustrating the preferred embodiments is intended not to limit the scope of the present invention. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion, and these variations are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] Figure Labels

[0065] 1 Tire forming components

[0066] 2. Capture device

[0067] 20 Capture the main subject

[0068] 21 Receiving slot

[0069] 22 Align surfaces

[0070] 23 Locking components

[0071] 3. Movable base plate

[0072] 30 concavity

[0073] 31 Support plate

[0074] 32 Guide Rail

[0075] 33 Guide Boots

[0076] 38 Support surface

[0077] 8 carriers

[0078] 80 base

[0079] 81 Slewing Casters

[0080] 82 Rigid Casters

[0081] 83 Front

[0082] 84 Rear Side

[0083] 85 Central Sales

[0084] 86 Bottom side

[0085] 87 Top Side

[0086] 88 scrolls

[0087] 11 First Connection Station

[0088] 12 Second Connection Station

[0089] 13 First Conveyor

[0090] 14 Second Conveyor

[0091] 101 Alternative tire molding components

[0092] 102 Alternative capture devices

[0093] 103 Alternative Movable Base Plate

[0094] 130 Alternative recess

[0095] 111 Alternative connecting workstations

[0096] A. Acceptance Direction

[0097] B Correction direction

[0098] C Centerline

[0099] G base plate

[0100] M direction of motion

[0101] P Pivot axis

[0102] R Rotation axis

[0103] S-axis of rotation

[0104] T transport direction

[0105] W Rotation direction

Claims

1. A connection station for receiving a carrier, characterized in that, The carrier includes a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier also includes two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the docking station includes a capturing device and a movable base plate, the capturing device being used to capture the front side of the carrier in the receiving direction, and the movable base plate being movable laterally or in a correction direction perpendicular to the receiving direction for displacing the rigid casters in the correction direction to align the carrier with the capturing device.

2. The connection station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable base plate is able to move freely in the correction direction.

3. The connection station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable base plate includes a support plate with a support surface for supporting the rigid casters of the carrier.

4. The connection station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting station is supported on a base plate, wherein the supporting surface is flush or substantially flush with the base plate.

5. The connection station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable base plate includes one or more tracks for guiding the movement of the support plate, wherein the one or more tracks extend in the correction direction.

6. The connection station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support plate is biased toward a neutral position in the correction direction.

7. The connection station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support plate extends below the capture device.

8. The connection station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capturing device includes an alignment surface for causing the carrier to move in the correction direction when the carrier moves in the receiving direction.

9. The connection station according to claim 8, characterized in that, The alignment surface extends at an angle relative to the receiving direction and the correction direction.

10. The connection station according to claim 8, characterized in that, The capturing device includes two aligned surfaces arranged in a V-shape or U-shape.

11. The connection station according to claim 10, characterized in that, The carrier includes a centering pin at the midpoint between the two rigid casters, wherein the alignment surface terminates in a receiving groove for receiving the centering pin.

12. The connection station according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot, the carrier can pivot about the centering pin.

13. The connection station according to claim 11, characterized in that, The capturing device further includes a locking member for locking the centering pin in the receiving direction when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot.

14. A tire forming assembly, characterized in that, The tire forming assembly is used for unloading tire components from a carrier or for loading tire components onto a carrier, wherein the carrier includes a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier further includes two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the tire forming assembly includes a docking station according to claim 1, and wherein the tire forming assembly further includes a conveying device for conveying the tire components away from or toward the docking station in a transport direction.

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

16. The tire forming assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The receiving direction extends at a non-zero angle relative to the transport direction, the carrier includes a centering pin at the midpoint between the two rigid casters, and the capturing device includes a receiving groove for receiving the centering pin, wherein, when the centering pin has been received in the receiving groove, the tire forming assembly allows the carrier to pivot about the centering pin between a receiving orientation and an operating orientation, in which the rigid casters point towards the receiving direction and in which the rigid casters point towards the transport direction.

17. The tire forming assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The transport direction extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the correction direction.

18. The tire forming assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The carrier includes a spool for storing the tire component, and the connection station is either an unfolding station for unfolding the tire component from the spool, or a winding station for winding the tire component around the spool.

19. The tire forming assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The tire forming assembly also includes a carrier for supporting the tire components.

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