Carrier for supporting tire components, and tire building assembly comprising said carrier and docking station for receiving carrier

Abstract

The utility model relates to a carrier frame for supporting a tire part and a tire forming assembly, the carrier frame 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] The utility model relates to a carrier for supporting a tire component. The utility model also relates to a tire building assembly comprising the carrier and a docking station for receiving the carrier. BACKGROUND

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

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

[0004] It is an object of the utility model to provide a docking station for receiving a carrier and / or a tire building assembly in which an alignment of the carrier can be facilitated and / or in which the carrier can be more precisely and / or accurately aligned.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the utility model relates to a carrier for supporting a tire component, wherein the carrier comprises a base having a front side and a rear side, wherein the carrier further comprises two rigid casters mounted to the base at the front side and two swivel casters mounted to the base at the rear side, wherein the carrier comprises a centering pin at a middle between the two rigid casters.

[0006] The centering pin can be slotted into a receiving slot of the docking station to more precisely or accurately align the carrier. Furthermore, the carrier can be pivoted around the centering pin when the centering pin has been received within the receiving slot. In particular, the position of the centering pin at a middle between the two rigid casters can allow the rigid casters to roll in a circumferential direction, i.e. along a circular path, around the centering pin centered around the centering pin to pivot the carrier around and / or about the centering pin.

[0007] In an embodiment thereof, the centralizing pin protrudes from the bottom side of the base along a pivot axis. Preferably, the pivot axis extends perpendicular to the bottom side of the base. More preferably, the pivot axis extends perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rigid caster. Preferably, the pivot axis is arranged along the rotation axis of the rigid caster. In other words, the pivot axis extends radially with respect to the rotation axis of the rigid caster.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the pivot axis is arranged along a center line of the carrier.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the centralizing pin of the carrier is arranged to be received in a receiving slot of the docking station, wherein the carrier is pivotable about the centralizing pin when said centralizing pin has been received in the receiving slot. In other words, the carrier is pivotable about the centralizing pin with respect to the docking station. By receiving the centralizing pin in the receiving slot, the carrier can be precisely and accurately positioned.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the carrier comprises a spool for storing a tire component.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the utility model relates to a tire building assembly, the tire building assembly comprising a carrier according to the first aspect of the utility model and a docking station for receiving the carrier, wherein the docking station comprises a catching device with a receiving slot for receiving a centralizing pin of the carrier in a receiving direction, wherein the carrier is pivotable about the centralizing pin when said centralizing pin has been received in the receiving slot.

[0012] The tire building assembly comprises a carrier according to the first aspect of the utility model and thus has the same advantages as described above.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the catching device comprises an alignment surface for urging the carrier in a correction direction when the carrier is moved in the receiving direction. In other words, by moving the carrier in the receiving direction against the alignment surface, the front side of the carrier can be displaced in the correction direction. Thus, by moving the carrier in the receiving direction, the front side of the carrier can be aligned with respect to the catching device.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the alignment surface extends at an inclined angle with respect to the receiving direction and the correction direction. Thus, the alignment surface can gradually guide the carrier into alignment with the catching device.

[0015] In a further embodiment thereof, the catching device comprises two alignment surfaces arranged in a V-shape or a U-shape. In other words, said alignment surfaces converge. Thus, the carrier can be urged towards a correct alignment position independent of the receiving direction.

[0016] Preferably, the alignment surface terminates in the receiving slot for receiving said centralizing pin.

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

[0018] In a further embodiment, the tire building assembly further comprises a conveying device for conveying the tire component away from the docking station in the transport direction for unloading the tire component from the carrier or for conveying the tire component towards the docking station in the transport direction for loading the tire component onto the carrier.

[0019] The tire building assembly comprises the docking station of the first aspect and thus has the same advantages as described above. In particular, the moving floor of the docking station can be used to align the carrier with the conveyor. Thus, the carrier can be aligned more precisely and / or accurately with respect to the conveyor. Within the tire building assembly, the docking station can for example be at least a portion of a discharge station for unloading the tire component from the carrier. Alternatively, the tire building assembly can be arranged to load the tire component on the carrier received at the docking station.

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

[0021] In alternative embodiments thereof, the receiving direction extends at a non-zero angle with respect to the transport direction, wherein the tire building assembly allows the carrier to be pivoted about the centering pin between a receiving orientation, in which the rigid caster points in the receiving direction, and an operating orientation, in which the rigid caster points in the transport direction, when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot. Preferably, the transport direction extends parallel or substantially parallel to the correction direction. In other words, the carrier can be received at the docking station in the receiving orientation, which is different from the operating orientation. Thus, 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 with respect to the conveyor. As a result, the tire component can be transferred from the carrier to the conveyor more reliably.

[0022] In further embodiments, the carrier comprises a spool for storing a tire component, and wherein the docking station is an unwinding station for unwinding the tire component from the spool, and / or wherein the docking station is a winding station for winding the tire component around the spool. Preferably, the spool is rotatable around a spool axis, which extends perpendicular to the receiving direction and / or parallel to the rotation axis of the rigid caster. The spool can be alignable with the conveyor for winding the tire component around the spool or for unwinding the tire component from the spool. The moving floor can facilitate aligning the spool with the conveyor.

[0023] The various aspects and features described and shown in this specification can be applied individually, as appropriate, in any possible combination. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached claims, can be the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The utility model will be based on the accompanying schematic drawing shows the exemplary embodiments, the drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 A front view of a tire building assembly comprising two docking stations according to an embodiment of the utility model is shown;

[0026] Figures 2-7 During exemplary steps of a receiving method according to the utility model are shown, Figure 1 a top view of a docking station of

[0027] Figure 8 A sectional view according to line VIII-VIII in Figure 4 is shown;

[0028] Figure 9 A sectional view according to line IX-IX in Figure 5 is shown; and

[0029] Figure 10 A top view of an alternative docking station according to a further embodiment of the utility model is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 A tire building assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the utility model is shown. The tire building assembly 1 comprises a first docking station 11 for receiving a trolley, cart, box or carrier 8 arranged to hold one or more tire components 9. The tire building assembly 1 further comprises a first conveyor 13 for receiving a tire component 9 from said carrier 8 and for conveying the tire component 9 in a transport direction T.

[0031] The tire building assembly 1 further comprises a second docking station 12 for receiving a further carrier 8 and a second conveyor 14 for receiving a further tire component 9 from said further carrier 8 and for conveying said further tire component 9 in the transport direction T.

[0032] In the shown embodiment, the tire building assembly 1 is arranged to receive tire components 9 from the respective carriers 8 and to convey said tire components 9 to a further tire building device, such as a cutting device or a tire building drum (not shown). Alternatively, the tire building assembly 1 can be arranged to supply tire components 9 from the respective conveyors 13, 14 to the carriers 8 for temporary storage.

[0033] In the shown embodiment, the carrier 8 comprises a spool 88 for storing one or more tire components 9. The one or more tire components 9 are stored around a circumferential surface of the spool 88. The spool 88 is rotatably mounted to the carrier 8 for unwinding the one or more tire components 9. Alternatively, the carrier 8 can be arranged, for example, for stacking one or more tire components 9 thereon or for supporting an elastic sheet material that has been folded and stacked in a zigzag manner. The one or more tire components 9 can comprise, for example, pre-cut breaker plies or a semi-continuous elastic sheet or web.

[0034] As Figures 1-7 The carrier 8 is provided with a base 80 for supporting the spool 88 at a top side 87 of said base 80. The carrier 8 comprises two swivel casters 81 at a first or rear side 84 of the carrier 8. The carrier 8 further comprises two rigid casters 82 at a second or front side 83 of the carrier 8 opposite the first side 83. The rigid casters 82 and the swivel casters 81 are arranged at a bottom side 86 of the base 80 opposite the top side 87.

[0035] The swivel casters 81 are each swivelable or pivotable relative to the base 80 about a respective swivel axis S for steering the carrier 8. Preferably, said swivel axis S extends perpendicular to the bottom side 86 of the base 80. The rigid casters 82 are each rotatable about a respective rotation axis R. The rotation axes R of the rigid casters 82 are collinear or in line. In other words, the rigid casters 82 have a common rotation axis R. The rigid casters 82 define a movement direction M of the carrier 8. In particular, said movement direction M extends perpendicular to the rotation axis R or common rotation axis R.

[0036] As Figures 2-9As shown, the carrier 8 is further provided with a centering pin 85. The centering pin 85 protrudes from the bottom side of the base 80. The centering pin 85 extends along a pivot axis P. Preferably, the pivot axis P extends perpendicular to the bottom side 86 of the base 80. More specifically, the pivot axis P extends perpendicular to both the common rotation axis R and the movement direction M. Preferably, the centering pin 85 is arranged along the rotation axis R or the common rotation axis R of the rigid casters 82. Preferably, the centering pin 85 is arranged along a center line of the carrier 8. In other words, the centering pin 85 extends radially with respect to the rotation axis R or the common rotation axis R of the rigid casters 82. In particular, the centering pin 85 is arranged in the middle between the rigid casters 82. In other words, the centering pin 85 is arranged in the pivot point of the carrier 8.

[0037] In the shown embodiment, the carrier 8 is arranged to unload the tire component 9 at the front side 83 of the carrier 8. In particular, the spool 88 is arranged to unwind in the movement direction M of the carrier 8. Alternatively, the carrier 8 can for example be configured to unload the tire component 9 at the rear side 84 in a direction opposite to the movement direction. In a further alternative embodiment, the carrier 8 can be configured for unloading the tire component 9 at a lateral side of the carrier 8 in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction M.

[0038] As Figures 5-9 further shown, the first docking station 11 comprises a catching device 2 for receiving, catching or docking the carrier 8 in a receiving direction A. In particular, the catching device 2 is arranged for catching the front side 83 of the carrier 8. The catching device 2 comprises a catching body 20 with a receiving slot 21 for receiving the centering pin 85 of the carrier 8. The receiving slot 21 is open towards the receiving direction A for receiving the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. Thus, the centering pin 85 can be slotted into the receiving slot 21 in the receiving direction A.

[0039] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the catching device 2 further comprises a locking member 23 for holding the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A when the centering pin 85 has been received in the receiving slot 21. The locking member 23 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 slot 21. In the locked position, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the locking member is arranged to lock or hold the centering pin 85 in a 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 slot.

[0040] In the shown embodiment, in the locked position, the locking member 23 together with the catching body 20 encloses the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A. As Figure 5 andFigure 6 As shown, in the locked position, the locking member 23 allows the carrier 8 to rotate around the pivot axis P.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the centering pin 85 comprises a hole or aperture extending along the pivot axis P. In this embodiment, the locking member 23 comprises a locking pin which is insertable into the hole or aperture for retaining the centering pin 85 in the receiving direction A.

[0042] In the embodiment of Figures 2-9 , the receiving direction A extends transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction T of the conveyor 13. In other words, the docking station 11 is arranged to receive the carrier 8 in a lateral direction of the conveyor 13. The carrier 8 can subsequently be pivoted around its pivot axis P to align the carrier 8 with the conveyor 13. In particular, the movement direction M of the carrier 8 can be aligned with the transport direction T of the conveyor 13.

[0043] As Figures 2-9 further shown, the docking station 11 is provided with a movable floor 3 for aligning the carrier 8 with the capturing device 2 or relative to the capturing device 2. More specifically, the movable floor 3 is arranged to align the carrier 8 with the capturing device 2 in a correction direction B transversely or perpendicularly to the receiving direction A.

[0044] The movable floor 3 is arranged underneath the capturing device 2. The movable floor 3 comprises a support plate 31 movable in the correction direction B. The support plate 31 comprises 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 transversely or perpendicularly to the movement direction M.

[0045] The movable floor 3 further comprises one or more guide tracks 32 for guiding the movement of the support plate 31 in the correction direction B. Preferably, the one or more guide tracks 32 extend in the correction direction B. In the shown embodiment, the movable floor comprises two guide tracks 32. The guide tracks 32 extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the support plate 31 is provided with guide shoes 33 for cooperating with the guide tracks 32. The guide shoes 33 are arranged at a side of the support plate 31 opposite the support surface 38. Optionally, the movable floor 3 is biased towards a neutral or central position.

[0046] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the movable floor 3 is at least partially recessed with respect to the ground or floor G. Preferably, the support surface 38 is arranged flush or substantially flush with the floor G. In other words, the support surface 38 can extend in line with the floor G. The movable floor 3 comprises a recess 30 in the floor G for accommodating the support plate 31.

[0047] AsFigures 2-9 Further shown, the capturing device 2 comprises two alignment surfaces 22 for nudging the carrier 8 in a correction direction B or urging the carrier 8 in the correction direction B when the carrier 8 is moved in a 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 with respect to a center line C extending through the receiving slot 21 in the alignment direction. The alignment surfaces 22 are designed or configured to act on the carrier 8 when the rigid casters 82 of the carrier 8 are supported on the support surface 38 of the movable floor 3.

[0048] The alignment surfaces 22 are arranged to contact and / or guide the centering pin 85 of the carrier 8. In particular, the alignment surfaces 22 terminate in the receiving slot 21. Preferably, the receiving slot 21 is circular or substantially circular to allow the centering pin 85 to rotate about the pivot axis P while remaining slotted in the receiving slot 21. Alternatively or additionally, further alignment surfaces can be provided to contact the base 80 of the carrier 8.

[0049] Figure 10 A replacement tire building assembly 101 with a replacement docking station 111 is shown according to a further embodiment of the application. The replacement docking station 111 differs from the previously discussed first docking station 11 in that it is rotated with respect to the conveyor 13. In particular, the capturing device 102 is arranged for receiving the carrier 8 in a receiving direction A that is parallel or substantially parallel to the transport direction T. Accordingly, the movable floor 103 comprises a support plate 131 that is movable in a correction direction B that extends transversely or perpendicularly to the transport direction T.

[0050] Similar to the previously discussed docking station 11, in the replacement docking station 111 the carrier 8 can be aligned by slotting the centering pin 85 in the receiving slot 21 of the capturing device 102. By pivoting the carrier 85 about the pivot axis P, the carrier 8 can subsequently be further aligned with the conveyor 13.

[0051] A method for receiving a carrier 8 at a docking station 11 will be described in the following Figures 1-9 Description.

[0052] Figure 2 A docking station 11 is shown in a receiving state. The docking station 11 is empty and ready to receive a carrier 8. The support plate 31 of the movable floor 3 is in an initial or neutral position. More specifically, in the neutral position, the support plate 31 is centered with the center line C in the correction direction B.

[0053] The carrier 8 has been provided at a supply position. In the supply position, the front side 83 of the carrier 8 faces the capturing device 2. In the shown embodiment, the movement direction M of the carrier is parallel or substantially parallel to the receiving direction A. Alternatively, the movement direction M can extend at a receiving angle with respect to the center line C, for example at an angle of less than forty-five degrees with respect to the center line C. Preferably, the receiving angle is less than thirty degrees.

[0054] As Figure 3 Further shown, the carrier 8 has been moved or rolled in the movement direction M, towards the capturing device 2, from the supply position further into a 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, a misalignment of the front side 83 of the carrier 8 with respect to the capturing device 2 can be corrected by pushing or urging the front side 83 in the correction direction B.

[0055] As Figure 4 shown, the carrier 8 has been moved or rolled in the receiving direction A further into a second correction position. In the second correction position, the centering pin 85 has come into contact with one of the alignment surfaces 22 of the capturing device 2.

[0056] As Figure 5 shown, the carrier 8 has been moved from the second correction position further into a docking position. In the docking position, the carrier 8 has been received or docked at the capturing device 2. In the case that the centering pin 85 is in contact with the alignment surface 22, the carrier 8 has been moved or rolled in the movement direction M. As a result, the centering pin 85 has been urged in the correction direction B. As Figure 9 best shown, the movement plate, in particular the support plate 31, has been moved in the correction direction B together with the carrier 8.

[0057] In the docking 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 been moved into a locking position to lock or hold 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 caster 82 is pointing in or substantially in the receiving direction A. In other words, the movement direction M of the carrier 8 is parallel or substantially parallel to the receiving direction A.

[0058] As Figure 6 shown, the carrier 8 has been pivoted about the centering pin 85 or the pivot axis P around a rotation direction W. The carrier 8 has been pivoted about the pivot axis P in the rotation direction W from the receiving orientation towards an operating orientation. The swivel caster 81 has been swiveled or pivoted about its respective rotation axis S. More specifically, the swivel caster 81 is pointing along an arc extending about the pivot axis P. As a result, the back side 84 of the carrier 8 has been moved or rolled along the arc towards the operating orientation.

[0059] As Figure 7 further shown, the leading end LE of the tire component 9 has been transferred from the carrier 8 to the conveyor 13. Preferably, the method of the present application further comprises unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8. In particular, the method comprises unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8 by transporting the tire component 9 on the conveyor 13 in the transport direction T.

[0060] As Figure 7 further shown, the leading end LE of the tire component 9 has been transferred from the carrier 8 to the conveyor 13. Preferably, the method of the present application further comprises unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8. In particular, the method comprises unloading the tire component 9 from the carrier 8 by transporting the tire component 9 on the conveyor 13 in the transport direction T.

[0061] Alternatively, the carrier 8 can be arranged for receiving the tire component 9 from the conveyor 13. In other words, the carrier 8 is empty. Thus, the method can comprise supplying the tire component 9 from the conveyor 13 to the carrier 8.

[0062] It is understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the present application. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the scope of the present application.

[0063] Reference Signs

[0064] 1 Tire building assembly

[0065] 2 Catching device

[0066] 20 Catching body

[0067] 21 Receiving slot

[0068] 22 Aligning surface

[0069] 23 Locking member

[0070] 3 Movable floor

[0071] 30 Concave portion

[0072] 31 Support plate

[0073] 32 Guide rail

[0074] 33 Guide shoe

[0075] 38 Support surface

[0076] 8 Carrier

[0077] 80 Base

[0078] 81 Swivel caster

[0079] 82 rigid caster

[0080] 83 front side

[0081] 84 rear side

[0082] 85 centering pin

[0083] 86 bottom side

[0084] 87 top side

[0085] 88 winding shaft

[0086] 11 first docking station

[0087] 12 second docking station

[0088] 13 first conveyor

[0089] 14 second conveyor

[0090] 101 alternative tire building assembly

[0091] 102 alternative capturing device

[0092] 103 alternative movable floor

[0093] 130 alternative recess

[0094] 111 alternative docking station

[0095] A receiving direction

[0096] B correction direction

[0097] C center line

[0098] G floor

[0099] M movement direction

[0100] P pivot axis

[0101] R rotation axis

[0102] S swivel axis

[0103] T transport direction

[0104] W rotation direction

Claims

1. A carrier for supporting tire components, 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 carrier includes a centering pin at the middle between the two rigid casters.

2. The carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering pin protrudes from the bottom side of the base along the pivot axis.

3. The carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivot axis extends perpendicularly to the bottom side of the base.

4. The carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivot axis extends perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rigid caster.

5. The carrier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivot axis is arranged along the rotation axis of the rigid caster.

6. The carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pivot axis is arranged along the centerline of the carrier.

7. The carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centering pin of the carrier is arranged to be received in a receiving slot at the docking station, wherein the carrier is pivotable about the centering pin when the centering pin is received in the receiving slot.

8. The carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier includes a reel for storing the tire components.

9. A tire forming assembly, characterized in that, The tire forming assembly includes a carrier as claimed in claim 1 and a docking station for receiving the carrier, wherein the docking station includes a capture device with a receiving groove for receiving a center pin of the carrier in a receiving direction, wherein the carrier is pivotable about the center pin when the center pin has been received in the receiving groove.

10. The tire forming assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The capturing device includes an alignment surface for causing the carrier to move laterally or perpendicularly to a correction direction when the carrier moves in the receiving direction.

11. The tire forming assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The alignment surface extends at an angle relative to the receiving direction and the correction direction.

12. The tire forming assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The capturing device includes two aligned surfaces arranged in a V-shape or U-shape.

13. The tire forming assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The alignment surface terminates in the receiving groove for receiving the centering pin.

14. The tire forming assembly according to claim 9, 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.

15. The tire forming assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The tire forming assembly further includes a conveying device for conveying the tire component away from the docking station in the transport direction to unload the tire component from the carrier, or for conveying the tire component toward the docking station in the transport direction to load the tire component onto the carrier.

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

17. The tire forming assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, The receiving direction extends at a non-zero angle relative to the transport direction, wherein, when the centering pin has been received in the receiving slot, the tire forming assembly allows the carrier to pivot about the centering pin between a receiving orientation and an operating orientation, in which the rigid casters point in the receiving direction and in the operating orientation, the rigid casters point in the transport direction.

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

19. The tire forming assembly according to claim 10, 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.

Images