Conveying device for conveying tire components

Abstract

The utility model relates to a conveying device for conveying tire components, which comprises a first conveyor arranged below a conveying plane and a second conveyor arranged at the downstream of the first conveyor in the conveying direction, and the second conveyor is arranged above the conveying plane and used for retaining the tire components in the conveying plane from above. Wherein the second conveyor comprises a retaining device for retaining the tire components to said second conveyor in a conveying plane, and wherein the conveying device further comprises a correction member in a transition region in which the tire components are transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor and below the conveying plane, the correction member comprises a retaining element for retaining the tire component in a retaining direction in the transport plane as it exits the first conveyor, where the retaining direction has at least a vector component in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a conveying device for conveying a tire component, in particular a tire component comprising a ferromagnetic material. More particularly, the present utility model relates to a conveying device for transferring a tire component from a first conveyor below a conveying plane to a second conveyor above the conveying plane. For example, the conveying device can be a servicer for applying a tire component to a circumferential surface of a tire building drum. BACKGROUND

[0002] JP S59 187836 A discloses an apparatus and method in which the end of a steel cord strip is placed on the rear end of the feed surface of a conveyor, a piston rod is advanced to move a top-mounted transfer conveyor forward, and friction rollers are in contact with each other. The transfer conveyor is driven with a tire molding drum, and the strip is attracted by a magnet and fed in the feed direction towards the drum. The strip is placed in the magnetic field of the magnet by a free roller, the strip is pulled to the side end of the feed surface of the conveyor, and then comes into contact with a guide roller. Under the guidance of the guide roller, the strip advances on the free roller, during which the strip matches a given side orientation position while being supplied to the drum by the guide roller and floating in the magnetic field of the magnet of the conveyor. SUMMARY

[0003] A disadvantage of the apparatus of JP S59 187836 A is that, at the transfer region where the tire component is transferred from the feed conveyor to the transfer conveyor, the top-mounted transfer conveyor and the feed conveyor obstruct access to the tire component. More particularly, at the transfer region between the feed conveyor and the transfer conveyor, the top-mounted conveyor obstructs the inspection of the tire component. As a result, the position of the tire component on either conveyor cannot be determined precisely.

[0004] However, in the case where the feed conveyor and the transfer conveyor are spaced apart in the feed direction to allow monitoring of the tire component during the transfer from the feed conveyor to the transfer conveyor, the leading end of the tire component conveyed on the feed conveyor can curl, i.e. the leading end can be deflected upwards relative to the conveying plane, before the leading end of the tire component reaches the transfer conveyor. The curling can cause the leading end to fold over the rest of the tire component. Furthermore, the curling and / or folding of the leading end can cause the leading end to be conveyed beyond the reach of the retaining means of the transfer conveyor, resulting in the tire component falling between the feed conveyor and the transfer conveyor.

[0005] It is an object of the present utility model to provide a conveying device for conveying a tire component, in which a tire component can be transferred more reliably from a first conveyor below a conveying plane to a second conveyor above the conveying plane.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the utility model relates to a conveying device for conveying a tire component, in particular a tire component comprising a ferromagnetic material, in a conveying plane in a conveying direction, wherein the conveying device comprises a first conveyor arranged below the conveying plane for supporting the tire component in the conveying plane from below and a second conveyor for retaining the tire component in the conveying plane from above, wherein the second conveyor is arranged downstream of the first conveyor in the conveying direction and wherein the second conveyor is spaced apart from the first conveyor in the conveying direction, wherein the second conveyor comprises a retaining device for retaining the tire component to the second conveyor in the conveying plane, wherein in a transition area of the tire component from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, the conveying device further comprises a correction member, wherein the correction member is arranged below the conveying plane and upstream of the second conveyor in the conveying direction, wherein the correction member comprises a retaining element for retaining the tire component in the conveying plane in a retaining direction when the tire component leaves the first conveyor, wherein the retaining direction has at least a vectorial component in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane.

[0007] The first conveyor and the second conveyor are spaced apart in the conveying direction. Thus, the tire component can be accessed and / or inspected in a transition area between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The correction member can pull and / or retain a front end of the tire component towards or at the conveying plane. More specifically, the correction member can pull and / or retain the front end of the tire component without obscuring and / or blocking the transition area between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. Thus, curling of the front end can be prevented. Thus, the front end of the tire component can be oriented in the conveying plane in the transition area from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. Thus, the front end can be more reliably transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor.

[0008] Further, an area below the second conveyor can be more easily accessible. For example, the area below the second conveyor can be dedicated to transferring the tire component from the second conveyor to a tire building drum. In other words, by arranging the correction member upstream of the second conveyor, interference between the correction member and the tire building drum or a tire component supported on the tire building drum can be prevented.

[0009] In embodiments of the utility model, the retaining direction extends perpendicular to the conveying plane. Thus, the correction member can retain the tire component without or substantially without pulling the tire component in the conveying direction. Thus, deformation of the tire component in the conveying direction can be prevented.

[0010] In further embodiments, the retaining element comprises one or more magnets. Alternatively, for example, the retaining element can comprise a vacuum system for pulling the tire component towards the conveying plane using suction forces. The magnets can be suitable for pulling ferromagnetic elements, in particular steel cords, within the tire component towards the conveying plane.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the utility model, at the conveying plane, the magnetic field of the magnet is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane.

[0012] In further embodiments, the conveying device further comprises one or more sensors for detecting the tire component at a position between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the conveying direction. For example, the sensors can be arranged for detecting a front end position and / or a lateral position of the tire component.

[0013] In further embodiments, the correction member is a correction roller, wherein the correction member comprises a rotating body which can be rotated relative to the retaining element about a rotation axis extending parallel to the conveying plane and transversely or perpendicularly to the conveying direction. The correction roller, in particular the rotating body, can facilitate conveying the tire component in the conveying direction. More specifically, the rotating body can reduce the friction between the tire component and the correction member. The retaining element can retain the tire component in the retaining direction independently of the rotation of the rotating body relative to the retaining element. In other words, the rotating roller can be rotated without changing the retaining direction of the retaining element. Thus, at a fixed circumferential position of the rotating body, the retaining element can pull the tire component in the retaining direction. Thus, the retaining element can pull the tire component in the retaining direction without or substantially without pulling the tire component in the circumferential direction of the rotating body. Thus, a downward deflection of the tire component away from the conveying plane due to pulling the retaining element can be prevented. Thus, the tire component can be transferred to the second conveyor more reliably.

[0014] In further embodiments, the correction member is located between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the conveying direction. In other words, the correction member is arranged downstream of the first conveyor and upstream of the second conveyor in the conveying direction. Thus, the front end of the tire component can first be transferred from the first conveyor to the correction member before the front end is transferred to the second conveyor. The correction member can be distinct or different from the first conveyor.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the first conveyor can be movable relative to the second conveyor in a lateral direction parallel to the conveying plane and transverse to the conveying direction. Preferably, the correction member is movable in the lateral direction together with the first conveyor. An upstream portion of the tyre component can be retained by the correction member, and a downstream portion of the tyre component can be retained by the retaining device of the second conveyor. Thus, while moving the first conveyor relative to the second conveyor in the lateral direction, the lateral position of the downstream portion of the tyre component can be corrected relative to the upstream portion.

[0016] In an embodiment of the utility model, wherein, the conveying device further includes lateral detector and control unit, the lateral detector is used for detecting the lateral position of the tyre component between the correction member and the second conveyor, the control unit is functionally coupled to the lateral detector and the first conveyor, wherein, the control unit is arranged to move the first conveyor in the lateral direction in response to the lateral detector detecting the lateral position of the tyre component. Thus, the tyre component can be corrected based on the lateral detector signal.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment of the utility model, the correction member is an end roll of the first conveyor. In other words, the correction member can be part of the first conveyor.

[0018] In an embodiment of the utility model, the first conveyor is a belt conveyor, and wherein the correction member is a head pulley or a tail pulley of the first conveyor. Alternatively, for example, the conveyor can be a roller conveyor.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the conveying device further comprises a capturer for urging at least a front end of the tyre component towards the conveying plane at or near the positioning of the correction member. The capturer can urge the tyre component towards the correction member and / or press the tyre component onto the correction member. In particular, the capturer can urge the front end of the tyre component towards the correction member and / or press the front end of the tyre component onto the correction member. Thus, the front end of the tyre component can be brought closer to the correction member. Therefore, the retaining element can more reliably retain the tyre component in the conveying plane. The retaining element can retain the tyre component to the correction member without the need for the correction member to urge the tyre component onto the correction member. Thus, deformation of the tyre component can be reduced.

[0020] In an embodiment of the utility model, the capturer comprises a belt conveyor having a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt extends in a capture plane above the conveying plane at an inclined capture angle relative to the conveying plane. Preferably, the conveyor belt of the conveyor is rotated or advanced along the capture plane towards the conveying plane for urging the front end of the tyre component towards the conveying plane. Thus, the front end can be gradually urged towards the capture plane while the tyre component is conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0021] In an embodiment of the utility model, the capturer comprises a pulley in the conveying direction at the downstream end of the capturer, wherein the pulley is movable towards and away from the conveying plane. Thus, the front end of the tyre component can be actively pushed towards the conveying plane by the pulley.

[0022] In an embodiment of the utility model, the conveying device further comprises a front end detector for detecting the front end of the tyre component between the correction member and the second conveyor, and a control unit functionally coupled to the front end detector and the capturer, wherein the control unit is arranged to move at least the pulley of the capturer towards the conveying plane in response to the front end of the tyre component being detected by the front end detector. In other words, the downstream pulley of the capturer can be moved in response to the front end of the tyre component being detected by the front end detector passing the presence and / or passage of the correction member in the conveying direction. Thus, upon detecting said front end, the capturer can automatically push said front end towards the conveying plane in the retaining direction.

[0023] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this application can be applied individually, where possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The utility model will be explained based on the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 A conveying device for conveying a tyre component according to exemplary embodiments of the utility model is shown during the steps of the method according to the utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of a conveying device for conveying a tyre component is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view according to line V-V in Figure 1 is shown;

[0028] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view according to line VI-VI in Figure 2 is shown during exemplary steps of the method according to the utility model; and

[0029] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view according to line VIII-VIII in Figure 3 is shown; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 8A conveying device 1 for conveying a tyre component 9 in a conveying plane P in a conveying direction T is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model. Preferably, the tyre component 9 comprises a ferromagnetic material, such as steel cords 91. The conveying device 1 comprises a first conveyor 2 and a second conveyor 3 downstream of the first conveyor 2 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 are spaced apart in the conveying direction T.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 The first conveyor 2 is arranged below the conveying plane P for supporting the tyre component 9 in said conveying plane P. The first conveyor 2 is arranged for conveying the tyre component 9 in the conveying direction T towards the second conveyor 3.

[0032] In the shown embodiment, the first conveyor 2 is a belt conveyor comprising a head pulley or first pulley 22 and a tail pulley or second pulley 23 upstream of the first pulley 22 in the conveying direction T. The first conveyor 2 further comprises a first conveyor belt 21 arranged around said first pulley 22 and said second pulley 23. Preferably, the first conveyor 2 further comprises one or more pulleys between the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 23. The first conveyor belt 21 is guided along the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 23. At a top side of the first conveyor 2, the first conveyor belt 21 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the conveying plane P to form a support surface 20 for supporting the tyre component 9. In other words, the support surface 20 is arranged for supporting the tyre component 9 in the conveying plane P. Alternatively, for example, the first conveyor 2 can be a roller conveyor with a plurality of rollers for supporting the tyre component in the conveying plane P.

[0033] The second conveyor 3 is arranged above the conveying plane P. In other words, the second conveyor 3 is arranged on an opposite side of the conveying plane P than the first conveyor 2. The second conveyor 3 comprises a retention device 34 for retaining the tyre component 9 to the second conveyor 3 in the conveying plane P. The second conveyor 3 is arranged for receiving the tyre component 9 from the first conveyor 2 and for conveying said tyre component 9 in the conveying direction T.

[0034] In the shown embodiment, the second conveyor 3 is a belt conveyor. The second conveyor 3 comprises a tail pulley or third pulley 32 and a head pulley or fourth pulley 34 downstream of the third pulley 32 in the conveying direction T. The second conveyor 3 further comprises a second conveyor belt 31 arranged around said third pulley 32 and said fourth pulley 33.

[0035] As in Figures 1 to 3As further shown in

[0036] As shown in Figure 3 The conveying device 1 can be a countermeasure device for supplying the tire component 9 to a tire building drum 8, for example. The first tire building drum 8 is rotatable about a drum axis D.

[0037] The tire building drum 8 comprises a circumferential drum surface 80 for receiving the tire component 9. The circumferential drum surface 80 extends in a circumferential direction about the drum axis D.

[0038] When supplying the tire component 9 to the tire building drum 8, the conveying device 1 is arranged such that the second conveyor 3 is located above the tire building drum 8. In other words, the tire building drum 8 and the second conveyor 3 are arranged on opposite sides of the conveying plane P. Preferably, the second conveyor 3 is arranged such that the conveying plane P is tangential or substantially tangential to the circumferential drum surface 80.

[0039] As further shown in Figures 1 to 3 The conveying device 1 further comprises a correction member 5 for retaining the tire component 9 in the conveying plane P. The correction member 5 is located below the conveying plane P. Preferably, the correction member 5 is arranged for pulling the curled leading end LE in a retaining direction Y towards the conveying plane P. The retaining direction Y has at least a vectorial component in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane P. Preferably, the retaining direction Y is perpendicular to the conveying plane P.

[0040] The correction member 5 is located in a transition area, in which the tire component 9 is transferred between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3. The correction member 5 is arranged for receiving the tire component 9 from the first conveyor 2. The correction member 5 is further arranged for transferring the tire component to the second conveyor 3. The correction member 5 is located at or in the vicinity of the third pulley 32 of the second conveyor in the conveying direction T. Preferably, the correction member 5 is located upstream of the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. In the shown embodiment, the correction member 5 is located downstream of the first conveyor 2 in the conveying direction T. Preferably, the correction member 5 is arranged in immediate vicinity of the first pulley 22 of the first conveyor 2 in the conveying direction T.

[0041] The correction member 5 comprises a retaining element 50 for retaining the tire component in the retaining direction Y. As Figures 1 to 3As shown, the retaining element 50 is arranged at or near the conveying plane P. Preferably, the retaining element 50 comprises one or more magnets for retaining the tire component 9. Alternatively, for example, the retaining element 50 can comprise a vacuum system or an adsorption system for retaining the tire component by adsorption. Preferably, at or near the conveying plane P, a magnetic field of each of the one or more magnets is oriented in the retaining direction Y.

[0042] Preferably, as shown in Figures 5 to 8 , the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor are movable relative to each other in a lateral direction L transverse or perpendicular to the transport direction T. The lateral direction extends parallel to the conveying plane P. Preferably, the correction member 5 is movable in the lateral direction L relative to the second conveyor 3 together with the first conveyor 2.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the conveying device 1 further comprises a catcher 4 for pushing the leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is arranged at or near the position of the correction member 5. In particular, the catcher 4 is arranged to push the leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards the correction member 5.

[0044] The catcher 4 comprises a fifth pulley 42 and a sixth pulley 43 upstream of the fifth pulley 42 in the transport direction T. The catcher 4 further comprises a third conveyor belt 41 guided around the fifth pulley 42 and the sixth pulley 43. The third conveyor belt 41 extends in a catching plane B. The catching plane B extends at an inclined catching angle A relative to the conveying plane P. The third conveyor belt 41 is arranged to guide or push the curled leading end LE of the tire component 9 along the catching plane B towards the conveying plane P. In particular, the third conveyor belt 41 is arranged to guide or push the curled leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards the correction member 5. Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 , the catcher 4 can be movable towards the conveying plane P for actively pushing at least the leading end LE towards said conveying plane P. More specifically, at least the fifth pulley 42 is movable towards the correction member 5 for pressing at least the leading end LE of the tire component 9 onto the correction member 5. Preferably, the fifth pulley 42 is movable in or substantially in the retaining direction Y. For example, the catcher 4 can comprise a catcher drive (not shown) for moving the fifth pulley 42 towards the correction member 5.

[0045] Optionally, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 4 to 8As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P. Figures 5 to 8 As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P. Figures 1 to 3 As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P. Figures 5 to 8 As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 further comprises one or more first sensors, first detectors or front end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the conveying direction T. More specifically, the one or more front end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting a front end LE or leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3. In the shown embodiment, a single front end detector 61 is arranged above the conveying plane P. Additionally or alternatively, for example, one or more front end detectors 61 can be arranged below the conveying plane P.

[0049] The conveying device 1 further comprises a control unit 7 functionally connected to the one or more front end detectors 61 and / or the one or more lateral detectors 62. Preferably, the control unit 7 is further functionally connected to a capturer driver for driving a movement of the fifth pulley 42 towards the correction member 5 upon detection of the front end LE or front edge by the one or more front end detectors 61.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 7 is further functionally coupled to the first conveyor 2 for controlling a movement of said second conveyor 2 in the lateral direction L relative to the correction member 5. Preferably, the control unit 7 is arranged for moving the first conveyor 2 in the lateral direction L in response to a lateral position of the first lateral edge 92 and / or a lateral position of the second lateral edge 93 detected by the one or more lateral detectors 62.

[0051] In the shown embodiment, the correction member 5 is a correction roller. The correction member 5 comprises a core 52 and a rotating body 51. The rotating body 51 is rotatable relative to said core about a rotation axis R. The rotation axis R extends parallel to the conveying plane P. The rotation axis R extends transversely to the transport direction T. Preferably, the rotation axis R extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the transport direction T. The retaining element 50 is located within the core 52. Thus, the rotating body 51 is also rotatable relative to the retaining element 50.

[0052] Figure 4 A substitute conveying device 101 according to a further embodiment of the present utility model is shown. The substitute conveying device 101 comprises a substitute first conveyor 102 and a substitute correction member 105.

[0053] The substitute first conveyor 102 differs from the previously discussed first conveyor 2 in that it comprises a substitute correction member 105. More specifically, the substitute correction member 105 can be an end roll or head pulley of the first conveyor 102. The correction member 105 is arranged at a downstream end of the conveyor 105 in the transport direction T.

[0054] In the shown embodiment, the conveyor 102 is a belt conveyor 102 having the correction member 105 as a head pulley. Alternatively, for example, the conveyor 102 can be a roller conveyor. In the latter case, the correction member 105 can be one of the rollers of the roller conveyor, preferably an end roller of the roller conveyor.

[0055] A method of conveying a tyre component 9 using the conveying device 1 according to the present utility model will now be described using Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 8 A method of conveying a tyre component 9 using the conveying device 1 according to the present utility model will now be described using

[0056] As in Figure 1 andFigure 5 As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3. Figure 2 As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3. Figure 2 As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 1 1, the tyre component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveying plane P. The tyre component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of the first conveyor 2. In the conveying direction T, the tyre component 9 has been conveyed into a first position in which a leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been curled upwards, i.e. away from the conveying plane P. The catcher 4 is in a passive position. In the passive position, the distance between the conveying plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is greater than the distance between the conveying plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3. Figure 6As further shown in The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 has been further conveyed in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE is retained by the retaining device 34 against the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3. The one or more lateral sensors 62 are used to detect the lateral position of the leading edge, i.e. the leading end LE extending transversely to the conveying direction T, and of a second lateral edge 93 of the tyre component 9, while the tyre component 9 is transferred from the correction member 5 to the second conveyor 3.

[0061] As further shown in Figure 7 The control unit 7 has controlled the first conveyor 2 and the correction member 5 to move in the lateral direction L relative to the second conveyor 3 in response to the detected lateral position of the tyre component 9, as shown in

[0062] The first conveyor 2 and the correction member 5 are moved in the lateral direction L while the tyre component 9 is retained in the lateral direction L by the correction member 5. Preferably, the tyre component 9 is further retained in the lateral direction L by clamping said leading end LE between the catcher 4 and the correction member 5. At the same time, the leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is retained in the lateral direction L by the retaining device 34 of the second conveyor 3.

[0063] By retaining the tyre component at both the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3, the lateral position and / or shape of the tyre component 9 can be corrected by the movement of the first conveyor 2 and the correction member relative to the second conveyor 3 in the lateral direction L.

[0064] As further shown in Figure 3 and Figure 8 The tyre component 9 has been further conveyed in the conveying direction T. The leading end LE of the tyre component 9 is retained by the retaining device 34 against the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3. The tyre component 9 is further retained in the retaining direction Y by the correction member 5. In the shown embodiment, the catcher 4 has moved back into the passive position at a distance from the conveying plane P. Alternatively, the catcher 4 can remain in the active position for pressing the tyre component 9 onto the correction member 5 while the tyre component 9 is further conveyed in the conveying direction T.

[0065] As further shown in Figure 8 The lateral position of the tyre component 9 can continuously be adjusted in response to the lateral position detected by the one or more lateral sensors 62 for further correcting the shape and / or lateral position of said tyre component 9 in a similar manner as described above, while the tyre component 9 is further conveyed in the conveying direction T.

[0066] The method further comprises using the second conveyor 3 for further conveying the tyre component 9 in the conveying direction T. Optionally, the method comprises using the second conveyor 3 for applying the tyre component 9 to the circumferential drum surface 80 of the tyre building drum 8. By simultaneously rotating the tyre building drum 8 around the drum axis D and rotating the second conveyor belt 31 around the third and fourth pulleys 32, 33, the tyre component 9 can be applied to the circumferential drum surface 80 of the tyre building drum 8.

[0067] It is understood that the inclusion of the above description is 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 the person skilled in the art, which variations are also intended to be within the scope of the present application.

[0068] List of reference signs

[0069] 1 conveying device

[0070] 2 first conveyor

[0071] 20 support surface

[0072] 21 first conveyor belt

[0073] 22 first pulley

[0074] 23 second pulley

[0075] 3 second conveyor

[0076] 30 abutment surface

[0077] 31 second conveyor belt

[0078] 32 third pulley

[0079] 33 fourth pulley

[0080] 34 retention device

[0081] 4 catcher

[0082] 41 third conveyor belt

[0083] 42 fifth pulley

[0084] 43 sixth pulley

[0085] 5 correction member

[0086] 50 retention element

[0087] 51 rotating body

[0088] 52 core

[0089] 61 front end detector

[0090] 62 lateral detector

[0091] 7 control unit

[0092] 8 tire forming drum

[0093] 80 circumferential drum surface

[0094] 9 tire component

[0095] 91 cord

[0096] 92 first lateral edge

[0097] 93 second lateral edge

[0098] 101 alternative conveying device

[0099] 102 alternative first conveyor

[0100] 120 support surface

[0101] 121 conveyor belt

[0102] 123 second pulley

[0103] 105 alternative correction member

[0104] 150 retention element

[0105] 151 rotating body

[0106] A capture angle

[0107] B capture plane

[0108] D drum axis

[0109] G measurement gap

[0110] L lateral direction

[0111] LE leading end

[0112] P conveying plane

[0113] R rotation axis

[0114] T transport direction

[0115] TE trailing end

[0116] Y retention direction

Claims

1. A conveying device for conveying a tire component, specifically a tire component comprising a ferromagnetic material, in a conveying direction and in a conveying plane, wherein, The conveying device includes a first conveyor disposed below the conveying plane for supporting the tire component from below in the conveying plane, and a second conveyor disposed above the conveying plane for retaining the tire component from above in the conveying plane. The second conveyor is disposed downstream of the first conveyor in the conveying direction and is spaced apart from the first conveyor in the conveying direction. The second conveyor includes a retaining device for retaining the tire component in the conveying plane. In the transition region where the tire component is transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, the conveying device further includes a correction member disposed below the conveying plane and upstream of the second conveyor in the conveying direction. The correction member includes a retaining element for retaining the tire component in the conveying plane in a retaining direction when the tire component leaves the first conveyor, wherein the retaining direction has at least a vector component in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retention direction extends perpendicular to the conveying plane.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining element includes one or more magnets.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic field of the magnet at the transport plane is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes one or more sensors for detecting the tire component at a location between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the conveying direction.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The correction component is a correction roller, wherein the correction component includes a rotating body that can rotate relative to the retaining element about a rotation axis that is parallel to the conveying plane and extends transversely to the conveying direction.

7. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The correction component is located between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the conveying direction.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveyor can move relative to the second conveyor in a lateral direction that is parallel to the conveying plane and transverse to the conveying direction.

9. The conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The correction component can move together with the first conveyor in the lateral direction.

10. The conveying device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes a lateral detector and a control unit. The lateral detector is used to detect the lateral position of the tire component between the correction member and the second conveyor. The control unit is functionally coupled to the lateral detector and the first conveyor. The control unit is arranged to move the first conveyor in the lateral direction in response to the lateral detector detecting the lateral position of the tire component.

11. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The correction component is the end roller of the first conveyor.

12. The conveying device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first conveyor is a belt conveyor, and the correction component is the head pulley or tail pulley of the first conveyor.

13. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes a catcher for pushing at least the front end of the tire component toward the conveying plane at or near the location of the correction member.

14. The conveying device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The catcher includes a belt conveyor with a conveyor belt extending above the conveying plane in a catch plane at an inclined catch angle relative to the conveying plane.

15. The conveying device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The catcher includes a pulley located at its downstream end in the conveying direction, wherein the pulley is movable toward and away from the conveying plane.

16. The conveying device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes a front-end detector and a control unit, the front-end detector being used to detect the front end of the tire component between the correction member and the second conveyor, the control unit being functionally coupled to the front-end detector and the catcher, wherein the control unit is arranged to move at least the pulley of the catcher toward the conveying plane in response to the front-end detector detecting the front end of the tire component.

Images