Assembly for unwinding tire component from reel

Abstract

The utility model relates to an assembly used for unwinding a tire part from a reel, in particular to a tire part comprising ferromagnetic materials, the assembly comprises an unwinding station used for unwinding the tire part from the reel and a conveyor used for receiving the tire part from the reel and further conveying the tire part in the conveying direction, the assembly is arranged for guiding a tire component through a loop between the unwinding station and the conveyor, where the assembly further comprises a retention device for selectively retaining the tire component along at least a portion of the loop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an assembly for unwinding tire components, particularly tire components comprising ferromagnetic materials such as ferromagnetic strings, from a reel. Background Technology

[0002] Known components for unwinding tire parts from a reel include an unwinding station for receiving and unwinding the reel and a conveyor for transporting the tire parts away from the unwinding station. In use, the tire parts are suspended in a loop between the unwinding station and the conveyor to create a buffer length between the unwinding station and the conveyor. Utility Model Content

[0003] A known drawback of unwinding stations is that when the conveyor is idle, the weight of the ring between the reel and the conveyor can cause the tire components to loosen, stretch, and / or deform. Such deformation can result in substandard tires produced from the tire components, or may render the tire components unusable in further tire production.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a component that can reduce the loosening, stretching, or deformation of tire parts.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an assembly for unwinding a tire component, particularly a tire component comprising a ferromagnetic material, from a reel, wherein the assembly includes an unwinding station for unwinding the tire component from the reel and a conveyor for receiving the tire component from the reel and for further conveying the tire component in a transport direction, wherein the assembly is arranged to guide the tire component through a loop between the unwinding station and the conveyor, and wherein the assembly further includes a holding device for selectively holding the tire component along at least a portion of the loop.

[0006] The retaining device is capable of selectively holding the tire component along a portion of the ring. Specifically, the retaining device can hold the tire component when the transport of the tire component has stopped, for example, when the conveyor and / or unwinding station has been paused. By holding the tire component along a portion of the ring, slack in the tire component can be reduced or ultimately prevented. Therefore, plastic deformation and / or stretching can be reduced.

[0007] In one embodiment, the component further includes a control unit functionally connected to the holding device for controlling the holding device. Preferably, the control unit is arranged to control the holding device to hold the tire component when the transport of the tire component through the ring has been paused or stopped. Thus, the holding device can automatically hold the tire component when the transport of the tire component stops.

[0008] In another embodiment, the retaining device is arranged along the downstream loop section of the ring suspended from the conveyor. Therefore, the retaining device can hold said downstream loop section. Typically, the conveyor is arranged above the unwinding station. Therefore, the downstream loop section suspended from or above the conveyor can have a greater mass than the upstream loop section suspended from the winding equipment. Therefore, the tire component is more likely to slack or stretch in the downstream loop section compared to the upstream loop section. Therefore, slack in the tire component can be prevented more effectively.

[0009] In another embodiment, the conveyor includes a conveyor drive for driving the conveyor, wherein a control unit is functionally connected to the conveyor drive, and wherein the control unit is configured to control a holding device to hold the tire component when the conveyor drive stops. In other words, the control unit can be arranged to automatically hold the tire component immediately or shortly after the conveyor has stopped conveying the tire component. Therefore, slack or stretching of the tire component can be prevented shortly after conveying the tire component stops. Thus, slack or stretching of the tire component can be further reduced.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, which can also be used in combination with the foregoing embodiments, the holding device is arranged along the upstream ring section of the ring suspended on the unwinding station. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the tire components in the upstream ring section from loosening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the unwinding station includes an unwinding drive for rotating a reel to unwind the tire component from the reel, wherein a control unit is functionally connected to the unwinding drive, and wherein the control unit is configured to control a holding device to hold the tire component when the unwinding drive stops. In other words, the control unit can be arranged to automatically hold the tire component immediately or shortly after the unwinding station has stopped unwinding the tire component. Therefore, slack or stretching of the tire component can be prevented shortly after unwinding the tire component stops. Thus, slack or stretching of the tire component can be further reduced.

[0012] In another embodiment, the retaining device is provided with an abutment element for abutting a tire component and a retaining element for selectively retaining the tire component against the abutment element. Therefore, the retaining element can reliably retain the tire component against the abutment element.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the abutment element is arranged to be positioned between the ring and the retaining element. In other words, the retaining element can hold the tire component without contacting it. Therefore, the abutment element can prevent the retaining element from damaging the tire component. For example, when the retaining element includes a magnet for holding the steel cord within the tire component, the abutment element can prevent the magnet from damaging the tire component.

[0014] In another embodiment, the abutment element includes an abutment body having an abutment surface for abutting a tire component in a holding plane. Preferably, the abutment body is a flat and / or plate-like body. The abutment surface can increase the contact surface or contact area between the abutment element and the tire component. Therefore, damage to the tire component can be reduced when the tire component is held against the abutment surface.

[0015] In its embodiments, the abutment element is movable between an abutment position and an idle position, in which the abutment surface extends in the retaining plane, and in the idle position, the abutment surface is spaced apart from the retaining plane. Preferably, the abutment element is movable between the abutment position and the idle position in an engagement direction having at least one vector component in a direction perpendicular to the retaining plane. Therefore, the abutment element can selectively abut against tire components.

[0016] In another embodiment, the retaining element is movable between a retaining position located at or near the retaining plane and a release position spaced a distance from the retaining plane. Preferably, the retaining element is movable between the retaining and release positions in an engagement direction having at least one vector component in a direction perpendicular to the retaining plane. Therefore, the tire component can be retained by moving the retaining element to the retaining position. Therefore, the tire component can be released by moving the retaining element away from the ring toward the release position.

[0017] In its embodiments, the adjacent element and the retaining element are movable independently. In other words, the retaining element is movable relative to the adjacent element. Therefore, by moving the retaining element relative to or away from the adjacent element from the retaining position toward the release position, the tire component can be released from the retaining device. Thus, the retaining element and the tire component can be separated more reliably and / or effectively.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the holding element and the adjacent element may be arranged to move in unison. For example, the movements of the holding element and the adjacent element may be coupled such that the movement of the adjacent element from an idle position to an adjacent position corresponds to the movement of the holding element from a released position to a holding position.

[0019] In another embodiment, the holding device includes a first driver for moving the adjacent element between an adjacent position and an idle position. The first driver can automatically move the adjacent element between the adjacent position and the idle position.

[0020] In another embodiment, the holding device includes a first driver for moving the adjacent element between an adjacent position and an idle position, wherein the holding device further includes a second driver for moving the holding element between a holding position and a release position. Therefore, the holding element and the adjacent element can be driven independently.

[0021] In one embodiment, a first driver and a second driver are functionally connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to move an adjacent element to an adjacent position and to move a retaining element to a retaining position to hold the tire component at a retaining plane, and wherein the control unit is also configured to move the retaining element relative to the adjacent element toward a release position to release the tire component. Therefore, by moving the retaining element relative to or away from the adjacent element from the retaining position toward the release position, the tire component can be released from the retaining device. Thus, the retaining element and the tire component can be separated more reliably and / or effectively.

[0022] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the abutment body is arranged to be positioned between the ring and the retaining element, wherein the abutment body has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the abutment surface, and wherein the thickness is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably less than 5 mm. Preferably, the thickness is at least 3 mm. This thickness allows the retaining element, such as one or more magnets, to reliably retain the tire component.

[0023] In another embodiment, the abutment body is made of a plastic material and / or includes a non-stick coating on the abutment surface. This prevents the tire component from sticking to the abutment element. Therefore, the abutment element can more reliably move away from the tire component as the retaining element moves away from the tire component toward the release position. In particular, dragging or pulling the tire component toward the idle position via the abutment element can be prevented.

[0024] In another embodiment, the retaining element includes one or more magnets. The magnets may be suitable retaining elements for retaining tire components comprising ferromagnetic materials such as steel cords.

[0025] In another embodiment, the conveyor can move laterally or perpendicular to the transport direction relative to the unwinding station, wherein the retaining device can move laterally with the conveyor. Preferably, the retaining device is mounted to the conveyor. Alternatively, the conveyor and the retaining device can each move independently in the lateral direction. By moving the conveyor relative to the unwinding station, the alignment of the belt can be corrected relative to the conveyor and / or other components. The retaining device can move laterally with and / or in sync with the conveyor. Therefore, when the conveyor is moved laterally, the belt segment between the retaining device and the conveyor can remain stationary or substantially stationary. Thus, deformation of the belt segment can be reduced or ultimately prevented.

[0026] In another embodiment, the conveyor includes a first end upstream in the transport direction for receiving a tire component, wherein the first end is arranged at a first height, wherein the holding device is arranged at a second height less than the first height, preferably wherein the second height is between 20% and 80% of the first height, more preferably wherein the second height is between 30% and 70% of the first height, and most preferably wherein the second height is between 40% and 60% of the first height.

[0027] In another embodiment, the retaining device is provided with an abutment element for abutting a tire component and a retaining element for selectively retaining the tire component against the abutment element, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0028] -- To move the retaining element away from the tire components; and

[0029] Subsequently, the adjacent element is moved away from the tire component. Therefore, by moving the retaining element relative to or away from the adjacent element from the retaining position toward the releasing position, the tire component can be released from the retaining device. Thus, the retaining element and the tire component can be separated more reliably and / or effectively.

[0030] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, may serve as the subject matter of a divisional utility model application. Attached Figure Description

[0031] This utility model will be described based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 A front view of an apparatus for unwinding a tire component from a reel, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 -4 illustrates an exemplary step in the method according to the present invention. Figure 1 Details of the retaining device of one embodiment of the present invention, circle II;

[0034] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 Alternative embodiments of the holding device; and

[0035] Figure 6 and 7 It shows according to Figure 1 Side view of line VI-VI in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1An assembly 1 for unwinding a tire component 9 from a reel 8 or a stock reel, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Preferably, the tire component 9 comprises a ferromagnetic material, for example, the tire component 9 may include steel cord 91. The assembly 1 includes an unwinding station 2 for unwinding the tire component 9 from the reel 8 and a conveyor 3 for further conveying the tire component in the transport direction T. The assembly 1 is arranged to guide the tire component 9 in a loop L between the unwinding station 2 and the conveyor 3.

[0037] The conveyor 3 includes a conveyor belt 31 having a belt surface 30 for supporting the tire component 9 thereon. The conveyor belt 31 is arranged to convey the tire component 9 in the transport direction T. The conveyor 3 includes a conveyor drive (not shown) for driving the conveyor belt 31 to rotate. The conveyor 3 includes a first end 32 upstream in the transport direction T. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 32 is the end of the conveyor 3 near the unwinding station 2. Alternatively, the unwinding station 2 may be located, for example, below and / or to the underside of the conveyor 3.

[0038] Preferably, the first end 32 of the conveyor 3, at least near the unwinding station 2, is arranged above the unwinding station 2. In other words, the first end 32 of the conveyor 3 is arranged at a first horizontal or first height H1 above the unwinding station 2.

[0039] like Figure 1 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, component 1 includes a frame or base 5 for supporting the conveyor 3. Preferably, the conveyor 3 is movable relative to the base 5 in a lateral direction B, which is transverse to or perpendicular to the transport direction T. In other words, the conveyor 3 is movable relative to the unwinding station 2 in the lateral direction B.

[0040] The unwinding station 2 is arranged to hold and / or receive the reel 8. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the unwinding station 2 further includes a liner reel 6 for receiving the liner 99 between the turns of the tire component 9 already inserted on the reel 8. The unwinding station 2 includes a plurality of guide rollers 20 for guiding the liner 99 between the reel 8 and the liner reel 6 and for separating the liner 99 from the tire component 9. The guide rollers 20 are also arranged to guide the tire component 9 from the reel 8 to a pick-up position above the unwinding station 2.

[0041] Preferably, the unwinding station 2 includes an unwinding driver (not shown) for driving the rotation of the liner reel 6. By rotating the liner reel 6, the liner 99 can be wound onto the liner reel 6. Therefore, the liner 99 can be unwound from the reel 8. In other words, the liner 99 can drive the reel 8 to rotate. The rotation of the reel 8 and / or the unwinding of the liner 99 can drive the tire component 9 to unwind toward the pickup position.

[0042] As in Figure 1 As further shown, the assembly is arranged to transfer tire component 9 along the transport path S between unwinding station 2 and conveyor 3. Tire component 9 is suspended between the pick-up position at unwinding station 2 and the first end 32 of conveyor 3. In other words, tire component 9 can be unsupported between unwinding station 2 and conveyor 3 while being transported from unwinding station 2 to conveyor 3. More specifically, tire component 9 forms a loop L or U-shaped bend between the pick-up position at unwinding station 2 and the first end 32 of conveyor 3.

[0043] The ring L can serve as a buffer to mitigate the rate difference between the tire component 9 at the unwinding station 2 and the conveyor 3. For example, when the conveyor 3's conveying rate is lower than the unwinding rate of the unwinding station 2, the ring L can loosen or lower towards the lower transport path or the lower limit S'. Correspondingly, when the conveyor 3's conveying rate is higher than the unwinding rate of the unwinding station 2, the ring L can tighten or rise towards the upper transport path or the upper limit S”. Preferably, component 1 includes a sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence of a ring at the lower limit S' and / or the upper limit S”.

[0044] Ring L comprises an upstream ring portion L1 and a downstream ring portion L2. The upstream ring portion L1 extends downward from the unwinding station 2. Specifically, the upstream ring portion L1 extends downward from the unwinding station 2 in the transport direction T. The downstream ring portion L2 extends downward from the conveyor 3. Specifically, the downstream ring portion L2 extends downward from the first end 32 of the conveyor 3 in a direction opposite to the transport direction T.

[0045] Component 1 also includes a holding device 4 for selectively holding the tire component 9 at a first position P1 between the unwinding station 2 and the conveyor 3. Specifically, the holding device 4 is arranged to selectively hold the downstream loop portion L2 of the tire component 9. Additionally or alternatively, component 1 may include an additional holding device (not shown) for selectively holding the upstream loop portion L1.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, component 1 also includes a control unit 7. The control unit 7 is functionally and / or electronically connected to the retaining device 4 for controlling the retaining device 4. In particular, the control unit 7 is arranged to control the retaining device 4 to selectively retain the tire component 9.

[0047] Control unit 7 is also functionally connected to conveyor 3. More specifically, control unit 7 is functionally connected to the conveyor drive of conveyor 3. Control unit 7 is configured and / or programmed to control holding device 4 to hold tire component 9 when conveyor 3 has stopped, i.e., when conveyor drive has stopped. Optionally, control unit 7 is also functionally connected to unwinding station 2. Control unit 7 may be configured and / or programmed to hold tire component 9 when unwinding station has stopped unwinding tire component 9 from reel 8.

[0048] The retaining device 4 is arranged below or under the first end 32 of the conveyor 3. More specifically, the retaining device 4 is arranged below the first end 32 of the conveyor 3 in the vertical direction Y. In other words, the first position P1 is arranged at a second height H2 or a second horizontal position that is less than the first height H1. Preferably, the second height H2 is between 20% and 80% of the first height H1. More preferably, the second height H2 is between 30% and 70% of the first height H1 or between 40% and 60% of the first height H1. The retaining device 4 is arranged to hold the tire component 9 in the retaining plane P. Preferably, the retaining plane P extends in or substantially in the vertical direction Y.

[0049] exist Figure 1 , 6 In the embodiments shown in Figure 7, the retaining device 4 is mounted to and / or supported by the conveyor 3. More specifically, as shown in Figure 8... Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the retaining device 4 can move together with the conveyor 3 in the lateral direction B. Alternatively, the retaining device 4 can be supported independently of the conveyor 3. The retaining device 4 can be mounted, for example, to a frame or base 5 or to a separate base (not shown).

[0050] like Figure 2 As best shown in Figure 4, the retaining device 4 includes an abutment element 41 for abutting the tire component 9 and a retaining element 42 for selectively retaining the tire component 9 against the abutment element 41. The abutment element 41 and the retaining element 42 are arranged on the same side of the retaining plane P.

[0051] The abutment element 41 is positioned between the retaining element 42 and the ring L of the tire component 9. The abutment element 41 is arranged to abut the tire component 9 in the retaining plane P. The abutment element 41 can be positioned as follows: Figure 2 The empty positions shown are as follows Figure 3 and 4 The movement occurs between the adjacent positions shown. More specifically, the adjacent element 41 can move between an idle position and an adjacent position in the engagement direction X. Preferably, the engagement direction X has at least one vector component in a direction perpendicular to the holding plane P. More preferably, the engagement direction is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the holding plane P.

[0052] The abutment element 41 includes an abutment body 410 having an abutment surface 411 for abutting the tire component 9. Preferably, at least a portion of the abutment body 410 is a plate-like body. The abutment body 410 has a thickness D in a direction perpendicular to the abutment surface 411. Preferably, the thickness D is less than 10 mm. More preferably, the thickness D is less than 8 mm. Most preferably, the thickness D is less than 5 mm.

[0053] The abutting surface 411 is a planar or substantially planar surface. Preferably, at the abutting location, the abutting surface 411 extends within the retaining plane P. Optionally, the abutting body 410 may comprise a low-friction and / or plastic material. Additionally or alternatively, the abutting element 41 may comprise a low-friction and / or non-stick coating on the abutting surface 411.

[0054] like Figure 2 -4 Further, the holding device 4 includes a first driver 43 for moving the adjacent element 41 between an adjacent position and an idle position. In other words, the first driver 43 is arranged to drive the adjacent element 41 between the adjacent position and the idle position. The first driver 43 is mounted between the adjacent element 41 and the base 5. The first driver 43 is arranged to realize the movement of the adjacent element 41 relative to the base 5. Preferably, the first driver 43 is a linear driver for moving the adjacent element 41 in the engagement direction X. The first driver 43 may, for example, include a spindle driver or a pneumatic actuator.

[0055] The first drive 43 is functionally connected or coupled to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is arranged to control the first drive 43 to move the adjacent element 41 between an adjacent position and an idle position. In particular, the control unit 7 is arranged to control the first drive 43 to move the adjacent element 41 to the adjacent position when the conveyor 3 stops. The control unit 7 is also arranged to control the first drive 43 to move the adjacent element 41 to the idle position when the conveyor 3 resumes conveying the tire component 9.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown in Figure 4, the retaining element 42 includes one or more magnets 40 for retaining the tire component 9. Specifically, the one or more magnets 40 are arranged to retain the steel cord 91 within the tire component 9. Preferably, the one or more magnets 40 are permanent magnets. Alternatively, the retaining element 42 may include, for example, a vacuum or suction system for maintaining the tire component by suction. As another alternative, the retaining element 42 may include one or more needles arranged to at least partially pierce the tire component 9 to retain it against the adjacent element 41.

[0057] The retaining element 42 can be used as follows Figure 3 The position shown is the same as... Figure 2 and 4 The movement occurs between the shown release positions. In the holding position, the holding element 42 is positioned at or near the holding plane P. In the release position, the holding element 42 is positioned spaced apart from the holding plane P by a distance.

[0058] Preferably, the retaining element 42 is movable between a release position and a retaining position in a direction having at least a vector component perpendicular to the retaining plane P. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 42 is movable in the engagement direction X. Alternatively, the retaining element 42 may be movable in a direction other than the engagement direction X of the adjacent element 41.

[0059] like Figure 2 -4 Further, the retaining device 4 includes a second actuator 44 for moving the retaining element 42 between a retaining position and a releasing position. In other words, the second actuator 44 is arranged to drive the retaining element 42 between the retaining position and the releasing position. The second actuator 44 is mounted between the retaining element 42 and the base 5. The second actuator 44 is arranged to achieve movement of the retaining element 42 relative to the base 5. Preferably, the second actuator 44 is a linear actuator for moving the retaining element 42 in the engagement direction X. The second actuator 44 may, for example, include a spindle driver or a pneumatic actuator.

[0060] The second drive 44 is functionally connected or coupled to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is arranged to control the second drive 44 to move the retaining element 42 between a retaining position and a releasing position. In particular, the control unit 7 is arranged to control the second drive 44 to move the retaining element 42 to the retaining position when the conveyor 3 stops. The control unit 7 is also arranged to control the second drive 44 to move the retaining element 42 to the releasing position when the conveyor 3 resumes conveying the tire component 9.

[0061] Preferably, the control unit 7 is arranged to independently control the first drive 43 and the second drive 44. Specifically, the control unit 7 can be programmed to control the first drive 43 and / or the second drive 44 to move the retaining element 42 away from the adjacent element 41 in response to the conveyor 3 resuming the transport of the tire component 9 in the transport direction T. In other words, the control unit 7 can be configured and / or programmed to subsequently control the second drive 44 to move the retaining element 42 from the retaining position toward the releasing position, and then control the first drive 43 to move the adjacent element 41 from the adjacent position toward the idle position.

[0062] Figure 5An alternative retaining device 104 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The alternative retaining device 104 differs from the previously discussed retaining device 4 in that the retaining element 142 is movably mounted to the adjacent element 141. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining element 142 is movably mounted to the adjacent element 141 via a mounting member 145. A second actuator 144 is arranged between the mounting member 145 and the retaining element 142. The second actuator 145 is arranged to allow relative movement between the adjacent element 141 and the retaining element 142. A first actuator 143 is arranged to move the adjacent element 141 relative to the base 5 in the engagement direction X.

[0063] Alternatively, the retaining element 42 may be movably mounted to the base 5, while the adjacent element 141 may be movably mounted to the retaining element 142. Thus, the first driver 143 can realize relative movement between the adjacent element 141 and the retaining element 142.

[0064] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the retaining element 42 may include one or more electromagnets that can be selectively actuated to engage or disengage the tire component 9. The electromagnets may move together with and / or in unison with the adjacent element 41. When the electromagnets are used, relative movement between the adjacent element 41 and the retaining element 42 can be eliminated.

[0065] Now will be used Figure 1 -4, 6 and 7 illustrate the method for unwinding the tire component 9 from the reel 8.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, tire component 9 has been partially unwound from reel 8. The front end LE of tire component 9 has been placed on the support surface 30 of conveyor 3. Tire component 9 has been suspended from unwinding station 2 and conveyor 3 to create loop L.

[0067] With component 1 in its unwound state, unwound station 2 unwound tire component 9 from reel 8, and conveyor 3 transports tire component 9 in transport direction T along transport path S. Unwound station 2 outputs tire component 9 to ring L at a first rate or speed, while conveyor 3 transports tire component 9 in transport direction T at a second rate or speed.

[0068] When the first speed is higher than the second speed, the length L of the ring increases. Therefore, the transport path S shifts towards the lower limit S'. When the first speed is lower than the second speed, the length L of the ring decreases. Therefore, the transport path S shifts towards the upper limit S'. This also applies when the first or second speed is zero, i.e., when the unwinding station 2 or the conveyor 3 is inactive.

[0069] Preferably, the method includes correcting a first speed, a second speed, or both when the ring L reaches a lower limit S' or an upper limit S”. For example, the method may include pausing the output of the tire component 9 from the unwinding station 2 when the ring L reaches the lower limit S', or pausing the conveying of the tire component 9 at the conveyor 3 when the ring L reaches the upper limit S”.

[0070] When component 1 is in the unwound state, device 4 remains in an idle state, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In the idle state, the retaining device 4 allows the tire component 9 to be conveyed along the transport path S in the transport direction T. The adjacent element 41 is arranged in an idle position spaced apart from the retaining plane P. The retaining element 42 is arranged in a release position spaced apart from the retaining plane P. In the illustrated embodiment, when in the release position, the retaining element 42 is arranged at or near the adjacent element 41 when in the idle position.

[0071] Subsequently, component 1 enters a paused state, in which the conveying of tire component 9 by conveyor 3 is paused or stopped. Preferably, the unwinding of tire component 9 from unwinding station 2 is also paused. When component 1 is in the paused state, the method further includes placing holding device 4 in a holding state for holding tire component 9. Preferably, holding device 4 enters the holding state at the same time as or shortly thereafter component 1 enters the paused state.

[0072] like Figure 3 As best illustrated, in the holding state, the abutment element 41 has moved from the idle position toward or into the abutment position. Specifically, the abutment element 41 has moved in the engagement direction X. The abutment surface 411 has abutted or come into contact with the tire component 9. The abutment surface 411 is arranged in or substantially located in the holding plane P.

[0073] Simultaneously or subsequently, the retaining element 42 has moved from the release position toward or into the retaining position to hold the tire component 9 against the abutment surface 411. In particular, the retaining element 42 has moved in the engagement direction X.

[0074] like Figure 4 As best shown, the retaining device 4 is now in the released state. In this released state, the retaining element 42 has moved from the retaining position toward or into the release position to disengage from the tire component 9. Specifically, the retaining element 42 has moved away from the adjacent element 41 in a direction opposite to the engagement direction X. Preferably, the adjacent element 41 remains in the adjacent position to facilitate release between the one or more magnets 40 of the retaining element 42 and the tire component 9.

[0075] Then, keep device 4 back Figure 2 The idle state. For example... Figure 2As shown, the adjacent element 41 has moved away from the holding plane P toward or into an idle position. Subsequently or simultaneously, the conveying of the tire component 9 along the transport path S can be resumed.

[0076] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the method may further include the step of moving the conveyor 3 and the holding device 4 relative to the frame 5 in the lateral direction B. In other words, the conveyor 3 and the holding device 4 are moved in the lateral direction B relative to the unwinding station 2. The conveyor 3 and the holding device 4 can move in the lateral direction B during the unwinding state and the paused state of component 1.

[0077] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrating the operation of the preferred embodiments and does not imply limitation of the scope of this utility model. From the above discussion, those skilled in the art will clearly see that the scope of this utility model also includes many variations.

[0078] List of reference numerals

[0079] 1 component

[0080] 2 Unwinding station

[0081] 20 guide rollers

[0082] 3 conveyors

[0083] 30 Support Surface

[0084] 31 Conveyor Belt

[0085] 32 First end

[0086] 4. Keep the equipment

[0087] 40 magnets

[0088] 41 Adjacent elements

[0089] 410 Adjacent Subjects

[0090] 411 Adjacent surfaces

[0091] 42 Holding element

[0092] 43 First Driver

[0093] 44 Second Driver

[0094] 5. Base

[0095] 6. Padding Reel

[0096] 7 Control Unit

[0097] 8 reels

[0098] 9. Tire components

[0099] 90 elastomer layers

[0100] 91 cord

[0101] 99 padding

[0102] 104 Alternative holding devices

[0103] 140 magnets

[0104] 141 Replacement of adjacent elements

[0105] 142 Alternative retaining element

[0106] 143 Replacement of the first drive

[0107] 144 Replacement Second Drive

[0108] 145 Installation components

[0109] B Lateral direction

[0110] D Thickness

[0111] G Ground

[0112] T transport direction

[0113] H1 First Height

[0114] H2 Second Height

[0115] L ring

[0116] L1 upstream ring section

[0117] L2 downstream ring section

[0118] LE front end

[0119] P maintains the plane

[0120] P1 First holding position

[0121] P2 Second holding position

[0122] S transport route

[0123] S' lower limit

[0124] S" upper limit

[0125] X Joint direction

[0126] Y (vertical direction)

Claims

1. An assembly for unwinding a tire component from a reel, wherein, The assembly includes an unwinding station for unwinding the tire component from the reel and a conveyor for receiving the tire component from the reel and further conveying the tire component in a transport direction, wherein the assembly is arranged to guide the tire component through a loop between the unwinding station and the conveyor. The component further includes a retaining device for selectively retaining the tire component along at least a portion of the ring.

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component also includes a control unit, wherein the control unit is functionally connected to the holding device for controlling the holding device.

3. The component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining device is arranged along the downstream ring section of the ring suspended from the conveyor.

4. The component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveyor includes a conveyor drive for driving the conveyor, wherein the control unit is functionally connected to the conveyor drive, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the retaining device to retain the tire component when the conveyor drive stops.

5. The component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The holding device is arranged along the upstream ring section of the ring suspended at the unwinding station.

6. The component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unwinding station includes an unwinding drive for driving the reel to rotate to unwind the tire component from the reel, wherein the control unit is functionally connected to the unwinding drive, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the holding device to hold the tire component when the unwinding drive stops.

7. The component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The retaining device is provided with an abutment element for abutting the tire component and a retaining element for selectively retaining the tire component against the abutment element.

8. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least a portion of the adjacent element is arranged to be positioned between the ring and the retaining element.

9. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The abutment element includes an abutment body having an abutment surface for abutting the tire component in a retaining plane.

10. The component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The adjacent element is movable between an adjacent position and an idle position, in which the adjacent surface extends in the retaining plane, and in the idle position, the adjacent surface is spaced apart from the retaining plane.

11. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The adjacent element is movable in the engagement direction between the adjacent position and the idle position, the engagement direction having at least one vector component in a direction perpendicular to the holding plane.

12. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The retaining element can move between a retaining position located at or near the retaining plane and a release position spaced a certain distance from the retaining plane.

13. The component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The adjacent element is movable in an engagement direction between the holding position and the releasing position, the engagement direction having at least one vector component in a direction perpendicular to the holding plane.

14. The component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The adjacent element and the holding element can move independently.

15. The component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The holding device includes a first driver for moving the adjacent element between the adjacent position and the idle position.

16. The component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The holding device includes a first driver for moving the adjacent element between the adjacent position and the idle position, wherein the holding device further includes a second driver for moving the holding element between the holding position and the release position.

17. The component according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first driver and the second driver are functionally connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to move the adjacent element to the adjacent position and to move the retaining element to the retaining position to hold the tire component at the retaining plane, and wherein the control unit is further configured to move the retaining element relative to the adjacent element toward the release position to release the tire component.

18. The component according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least a portion of the abutment body is arranged to be positioned between the ring and the retaining element, wherein the abutment body has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to the abutment surface, and wherein the thickness is less than 10 mm.

19. The component according to claim 18, characterized in that, The thickness is less than 8 mm.

20. The component according to claim 19, characterized in that, The thickness is between 3 and 5 millimeters.

21. The component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The adjacent body is made of plastic material, or includes a non-stick coating or a low-friction coating on the adjacent surface.

22. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tire component includes a ferromagnetic material, and the retaining element includes one or more magnets.

23. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveyor can move in a lateral direction, either laterally or perpendicular to the transport direction, relative to the unwinding station, wherein the holding device can move together with the conveyor in the lateral direction.

24. The component according to claim 23, characterized in that, The holding device is installed on the conveyor.

25. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor includes a first end located upstream in the transport direction, the first end being used to receive the tire component, wherein the first end is arranged at a first height, and wherein the retaining device is arranged at a second height less than the first height.

26. The component according to claim 25, characterized in that, The second height is between 20% and 80% of the first height.

27. The component according to claim 26, characterized in that, The second height is between 30% and 70% of the first height.

28. The component according to claim 27, characterized in that, The second height is between 40% and 60% of the first height.

Images