Exchange station for unloading two or more transport units from exchange station

Abstract

The utility model relates to an exchange station for unloading two or more conveying units from the exchange station, which comprises an unloader. The unloader is configured to simultaneously unload the two or more transport units from the exchange station in an unloading direction by interacting with a first transport unit of the two or more transport units in a docking position closest to a rear side of the exchange station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an exchange station for unloading two or more conveying units from an exchange station. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to provide a tire forming machine with an exchange station for exchanging production materials or tools carried on conveyor trolleys with the processing station of the tire forming machine. For example, one or more conveyor trolleys may carry stacks of bead-triangle strips separated by spacers.

[0003] The exchange station includes: a docking space for docking two or more transport trolleys in two or more docking positions aligned in the loading direction; a base plate defining the floor area of ​​the docking space for receiving two or more transport trolleys; and an entry port for passing two or more transport trolleys on the base plate into the docking space in the loading direction.

[0004] The tire forming machine also includes a robot used to pick up and transfer production materials or tools between the exchange station and the processing station. When transferring the bead-triangle strip, the robot separates the bead-triangle strip from the spacer, transfers the bead-triangle strip to the processing station, and returns the empty spacer to the empty conveyor unit.

[0005] The conveyor trolley can be unloaded in the unloading direction opposite to the loading direction through the entry port. Utility Model Content

[0006] The known drawback of the exchange station is that the docking space is only accessible through the entry port without interrupting the operation of the tire forming machine. Therefore, the conveyor trolleys must be manually unloaded one by one through the entry port in the unloading direction. Consequently, unloading all conveyor trolleys can take a relatively long time, during which the operation of the tire forming machine may be paused.

[0007] Furthermore, as each subsequent transport trolley is positioned further away from the docking location in the loading direction, the human operator must move increasingly further into the docking space of the exchange station to retrieve the transport trolley. The exchange station contains various mechanical components, guides, and the aforementioned robots that extend into, cross, and / or move through the docking space, which can be dangerous for the human operator. Direct manual handling of the transport trolleys, due to the close proximity of the human operator to each trolley, can also be dangerous as the transport trolleys move within the narrow boundaries of the docking space.

[0008] Ultimately, when unloading the conveyor trolley, specific areas of the tire forming machine inside or directly adjacent to the exchange station can be electronically protected, for example, by a safety light barrier that can be unintentionally triggered by a human operator during unloading of the conveyor trolley, causing downtime for at least some parts of the tire forming machine.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an exchange station for unloading two or more conveying units from the exchange station, wherein the unloading of the conveying units from the exchange station can be improved.

[0010] This utility model provides an exchange station for exchanging production materials or tools carried on conveyor units with a tire forming machine. The exchange station includes: a docking space for docking two or more conveyor units in two or more docking positions aligned in a row in the loading direction; a base plate defining the floor area of ​​the docking space for receiving two or more conveyor units; an entry port for transferring two or more conveyor units across the base plate into the docking space in the loading direction; and a rear side opposite the entry port in the loading direction. The exchange station also includes an unloader configured to simultaneously unload two or more conveyor units from the exchange station in an unloading direction opposite to the loading direction by interacting with a first conveyor unit at a first docking position closest to the rear side of the two or more docking positions.

[0011] In other words, the unloader can interact with the first conveyor unit at the first docking position furthest from the inlet port. When interacting with the first conveyor unit, any movement of the first conveyor unit in the unloading direction caused by this interaction will automatically push out any other conveyor units obstructing it in the unloading direction. Therefore, all conveyor units can be unloaded simultaneously. This can save considerable time when unloading conveyor units from the exchange station. The unloader can also provide safety opportunities, allowing for remote, automatic, or semi-automatic unloading operations, as will be further described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0012] In one embodiment, the unloader is arranged to interact directly only with the first conveying unit. In other words, the unloader interacts directly only with the first conveying unit and not directly with the second conveying unit. The second conveying unit is indirectly pushed out via the first conveying unit.

[0013] In another embodiment, the exchange station defines a safety zone to prevent humans from entering the docking space from either side other than the entry port during operation of the tire forming machine. In other words, a human operator can enter the docking space during operation of the tire forming machine, but only through the entry port. For example, a human operator can enter the docking space via the entry port to operate the unloader.

[0014] In another embodiment, the unloader is configured to push against the first conveying unit in the unloading direction. The pushing action can be easily achieved by physically contacting or abutting the first conveying unit in the unloading direction.

[0015] In another embodiment, the unloader is capable of being positioned in a starting position relative to the inlet port, wherein the unloader includes: a hook for interacting with a first conveying unit when the unloader is in the starting position; a handle for manually pulling the unloader in the unloading direction when the unloader is in the starting position; and an arm that interconnects the hook and the handle.

[0016] Manual operation of the unloader reduces its complexity because it eliminates the need for any active components or mechanisms, such as drives, actuators, belts, or chains. Furthermore, the arm can be used to separate the hook from the handle, allowing for remote manual operation of the hook. Therefore, when unloading the conveyor unit, the human operator can be in a relatively safe position at a distance from the conveyor unit, thus reducing the risk of injury.

[0017] Preferably, the hook is configured to hook behind the first conveyor unit in the loading direction. By hooking behind the first conveyor unit, the hook can be positioned at or near the rear of the exchange station when the conveyor unit is being loaded, without interfering with the loading.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, when the unloader is in the starting position, the arm extends in the unloading direction. Therefore, the arm can create a safe distance between the hook and the handle in the unloading direction.

[0019] In another embodiment, when the unloader is in the starting position, the hook is located at or beyond the first docking position in the loading direction, and the handle is at least partially located outside or inside the docking space within a manually accessible range of less than 80 cm from the entry port in the loading direction. When the handle is within the reach of the human operator's arm, the human operator can use one arm to reach inside the docking space to grasp the handle while remaining outside the docking space with the rest of their body. By positioning the handle at least partially outside the docking space, the human operator can grasp the handle without entering the docking space. In both scenarios, it prevents the human operator from having to move completely into the docking space. Therefore, the safety of the human operator can be improved.

[0020] In another embodiment, when the unloader is positioned in the starting position, the arm protrudes from the docking space through the access port. Therefore, the handle can be supported by the arm in a position outside or at least partially outside the docking space.

[0021] In another embodiment, when the unloader is positioned in the starting position, the arm extends laterally alongside two or more docking positions, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the unloading direction and parallel to the base plate. By positioning the arm on the lateral side of the docking positions, loading interference between the unloader and the conveying unit in the loading direction can be prevented in the starting position.

[0022] In another embodiment, the arm extends in an arm direction parallel to the base plate, wherein the hook extends in a hook direction parallel to the base plate and laterally or perpendicularly to the arm direction. Therefore, the arm can be conveniently positioned on the side of the conveying unit, while the hook extends laterally into a position behind the first conveying unit.

[0023] Preferably, the docking space has a loading width in the lateral direction, which is perpendicular to the unloading direction and parallel to the base plate, wherein the hook extends beyond the hook length in the hook direction, the hook length corresponding to at least 30% of the loading width, preferably at least 40% of the loading width, and more preferably at least 50% of the loading width. The longer the hook length, the closer the hook can be positioned relative to the center area of ​​the loading width.

[0024] More preferably, the unloader further includes a pusher that protrudes from the hook in the unloading direction for abutting the first conveying unit in a pushing position located in the central region of the loading width. By pushing in the central region, the pushing action can be evenly distributed across the first conveying unit, thereby ensuring that the first conveying unit remains parallel to the unloading direction. Furthermore, the pusher may be provided with a suitably shaped pushing surface, which may or may not be compatible with the corresponding mating surface of the first conveying unit. Additionally, the pusher may be provided with a suitable pushing material, such as rubber, which can absorb impact when the pusher contacts the first conveying unit.

[0025] In another embodiment, the docking space has a loading depth in the loading direction, wherein the arm extends beyond the arm length, which corresponds to at least 70 percent of the loading depth, preferably at least 80 percent, more preferably at least 90 percent, and most preferably at least 100 percent of the loading depth. The longer the arm, the farther the handle can move away from the hook, and the handle can extend closer toward or from the inlet port, while the hook remains in place behind the first conveying unit.

[0026] In another embodiment, the unloader is configured to move from a starting position relative to the inlet port in the unloading direction. Therefore, the unloader can move in the same direction as the unloading direction in which the conveying unit is unloaded.

[0027] Preferably, the switching station includes one or more guides for guiding the movement of the unloader relative to the inlet port in the unloading direction. Therefore, the movement of the unloader can be more clearly defined relative to the inlet port.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the unloader is configured to move on or above a base plate. Therefore, at least a portion of the unloader's weight can be supported by the base plate, and / or, the unloader's movement in the unloading direction can be more limited relative to the base plate.

[0029] In another embodiment, the unloader includes one or more unloader wheels for rolling on the base plate. The unloader wheels may be attached to or replace the aforementioned guide configuration.

[0030] In another embodiment, the unloader can move freely relative to the inlet port. In this case, the unloader may not have any mechanical connection to the inlet port restricting its free movement. In fact, the unloader can be completely removed from the docking space together with the conveying unit.

[0031] In another embodiment, the unloader includes an actuator for automatically or semi-automatically pushing against the first conveying unit in the unloading direction. The actuator can assist or facilitate manually applied pushing force. A human operator may still need to hold the unloader in place as the actuator applies pushing force. Alternatively, the actuator can be arranged such that manual interaction with the unloader is not required.

[0032] Preferably, the docking space has a loading depth in the loading direction, wherein the operating range of the actuator is at least 50% of the loading depth, preferably at least 70% of the loading depth, and more preferably at least 90% of the loading depth. Therefore, the actuator can push the delivery unit out of the docking space beyond a considerable portion of the loading depth, thereby allowing a human operator to pull the delivery unit out without entering the docking space.

[0033] In one embodiment, the unloader includes an unloader body movable relative to the inlet port in the unloading direction, wherein an actuator is connected to the unloader body for pushing against a first conveying unit relative to the unloader body in the unloading direction. In this embodiment, as the actuator applies a pushing force relative to the unloader body on the first conveying unit, a human operator can hold the unloader body in place in the unloading direction.

[0034] Alternatively, the exchange station includes a rear frame fixed at the rear of the exchange station in the unloading direction, wherein an actuator is coupled to the rear frame for pushing against the unloader body or the first conveyor unit relative to the rear frame in the unloading direction. Thus, a pushing force can be applied relative to the rear frame onto the unloader body or the first conveyor unit.

[0035] In another embodiment, the actuator includes one of the following: a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a telescopic drive, or a linear drive.

[0036] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this application can be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects can be the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] This invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A top view of a tire forming machine having an exchange station according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 It shows the use of in Figure 1 The isometric view of the unloader used in the exchange station;

[0040] Figure 3 An isometric view of an alternative unloading machine according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 4A - Figure 4D It shows the use of Figure 2 During the steps of the method for unloading two conveyor units from the exchange station by the unloading machine Figure 1 A top view of the exchange station;

[0042] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The steps of a method for unloading two conveyor units from an exchange station using an alternative unloader according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 A top view of the exchange station;

[0043] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The steps of a method for unloading two conveyor units from an exchange station using an alternative unloading machine according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 A top view of the exchange station; and

[0044] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The steps of a method for unloading two conveyor units from an exchange station using an alternative unloading machine according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 A top view of the exchange station. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A tire forming machine 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tire forming machine 1 is used to form or manufacture green tires or uncured tires.

[0046] The tire forming machine 1 has several components, modules or stations (not shown), such as forming or forming drums, bead grippers and bead installers, transfer rings, and various tire component handling devices (servicers) for handling and / or assembling tire components.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire forming machine 1 has a front side 10 facing the operator's workspace W. In other words, the operator's workspace W is located in front of the tire forming machine 1. The operator can move around in the workspace W without interrupting the operation of the tire forming machine 1. Safety measures, such as safety light barriers, safety light curtains, or physical walls or grilles, can be in place to prevent entry into the tire forming machine 1 or automatically shut down the operation of the tire forming machine 1 when unauthorized entry is detected.

[0048] The tire forming machine 1 has a human-machine interface 11, such as a touch screen, located at the front 10. The human-machine interface 11 can be accessed by a human operator from the workspace W.

[0049] In addition, the tire forming machine 1 is provided with a green tire inspection station, a green tire removal station, or a green tire unloading unit 12 for inspecting and / or unloading green tires from the tire forming machine 1. In this example, the green tire unloading unit 12 is also located at the front side 10.

[0050] The tire forming machine 1 also includes a robot 14 for handling production materials or tools used and / or processed within the tire forming machine 1. "Handling" can include one or more of the following actions: picking up, releasing, transferring, repositioning, separating, and returning. The robot 14 is located at the front side 10 of the tire forming machine 1. In this example, during operation of the tire forming machine 1, the robot 14 is a collaborative robot that shares a common workspace W with a human operator. In other words, the robot 14 is designed to interact safely directly with the human operator within the shared workspace W. The robot 14 may be provided with rounded edges, may be limited in speed and force, or the robot 14 may be equipped with sensors and software to ensure safe behavior when in close proximity to a human operator.

[0051] like Figure 1 As further shown, the tire forming machine 1 includes an exchange station 2 for exchanging production materials or tools with the tire forming machine 1. Production materials are carried on a first conveying unit T1 and a second conveying unit T2. In this example, the first conveying unit T1 carries a stack of bead-triangle rubber strips separated by spacers. The second conveying unit T2 may initially be empty and is designated to receive and carry empty spacers. When the bead-triangle rubber strips are transferred to the processing station of the tire forming machine 1, the robot 14 picks up at least the bead-triangle rubber strips (and, optionally, the spacers), and then separates the bead-triangle rubber strips from the spacers. Subsequently, the bead-triangle rubber strips are transferred to the processing station, and the empty spacers are eventually returned to the second conveying unit T2.

[0052] Conveying units T1 and T2 can move into and out of exchange station 2. Specifically, conveying units T1 and T2 are equipped with driven and undriven wheels, particularly casters, to allow movement on the factory floor in at least one direction. In this example, each conveying unit T1 or T2 includes a trolley or cart with wheels for rolling on the factory floor, and a platform for supporting production materials or tools.

[0053] The exchange station 2 includes a docking space S for docking two conveyor units T1 and T2. In this example, the docking space S defines two docking positions P1 and P2, which are aligned in a row along the loading direction A. Alternatively, the docking space S may define more than two docking positions aligned in a row along the loading direction A. In other words, the docking space S has a loading depth D in the loading direction A, which is sufficient to accommodate the two conveyor units T1 and T2 arranged in a row along the loading direction A. Furthermore, the docking space S has a loading width X1 in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the loading direction A, which is sufficient to accommodate at least the width of the conveyor units T1 and T2 when they are arranged in a row along the loading direction A.

[0054] The exchange station 2 is equipped with a base plate 20, which defines the floor area of ​​the docking space S and is used to receive two conveying units T1 and T2 in two docking positions P1 and P2. The base plate 20 can be a factory base plate or a dedicated base plate for the exchange station 2.

[0055] The exchange station 2 also includes an entry port 21 for transferring two conveyor units T1, T2 onto or across the base plate 20 in the loading direction A into the docking space S. Access to the exchange station 2 is via the entry port 21 located at the front side 10 of the tire forming machine 1. The entry port 21 can be formed by two side frames, posts, or columns on either side of the docking space S; optionally, they are interconnected by a top frame to form a door frame. The entry port 21 can be open or equipped with a door.

[0056] The exchange station 2 is also provided with a rear side 22, which is opposite the inlet port 21 in the loading direction A. The rear side 22 may be at least partially open to allow exchange of production materials and / or tools with the remainder of the tire forming machine 1 through the rear side 22. Alternatively, the rear side 22 may be at least partially closed, in which case production materials and / or tools may be exchanged with the remainder of the tire forming machine 1 through the top of the exchange station 2.

[0057] The exchange station 2 defines a safety zone Z to prevent human access to the docking space S from either side other than the entry port 21 during operation of the tire forming machine 1. Specifically, safety measures, such as safety light barriers, safety light curtains, or physical walls or grilles, may be in place at the boundary of the exchange station 2 to prevent entry into the tire forming machine 1, or to automatically shut down operation of the tire forming machine 1 upon detection of unauthorized entry through either side of the exchange station 2 other than the entry port 21.

[0058] like Figure 2As best illustrated, the exchange station 2 also includes an unloader 3 configured to simultaneously discharge or unload two conveyor units T1, T2 from the exchange station 2 in an unloading direction B opposite to the loading direction A. The unloader 3 unloads conveyor units T1 and T2 simultaneously by interacting with the first conveyor unit T1 in the first docking position P1. Specifically, the unloader 3 is arranged or configured to push against the first conveyor unit T1 in the unloading direction B. Note that the unloader 3 has only or exclusively direct interaction with the first conveyor unit T1. The second conveyor unit T2 is indirectly ejected via the first conveyor unit T1.

[0059] In such Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the unloader 3 has an unloader body 30 that is movable relative to the inlet port 21. The unloader body 30 includes a hook 31, a handle 32, and an arm 33 that connects the hook 31 and the handle 32 to each other. The hook 31 is configured or arranged to interact with the first conveying unit T1. The handle 32 may include a gripping bar or an ergonomically shaped gripper for gripping and / or pulling the unloader 3 in the unloading direction B.

[0060] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4A As shown, when the unloader 3 is in the starting position, the hook 31 is located in, at, or beyond the first docking position P1, which is considered in the loading direction. Specifically, the hook 31 is arranged or configured to hook onto the rear of the first conveying unit T1, considered in the loading direction A. Figure 2 As shown, hook 31 extends in hook direction H, which is parallel to the base plate 20 and transverse to or perpendicular to the arm direction G. Hook 31 extends beyond hook length X2 in hook direction H, which corresponds to at least 30 percent, preferably at least 40 percent, and more preferably at least 50 percent of loading width X1.

[0061] like Figure 2Further, in the initial position, arm 33 extends in an arm direction G, which is parallel to the unloading direction B and / or the base plate 20. Arm 33 extends in a lateral direction L, adjacent to two or more docking positions P1, P2, at least to the position where hook 31 connects to arm 33, which is perpendicular to the unloading direction B and parallel to the base plate 20. Specifically, arm 33 extends beyond an arm length Y, which corresponds to at least 70 percent of the loading depth D, preferably at least 80 percent of the loading depth D, more preferably at least 90 percent of the loading depth D, and most preferably at least 100 percent of the loading depth D. In this example, when the unloader 3 is positioned in the initial position, arm 33 protrudes from the docking space S through the entry port 21.

[0062] Therefore, the handle 32 can be located at least partially outside or inside the docking space S within a manually accessible range R of less than 80 cm from the entry port 21 in the loading direction A, while the hook 31 hooks behind the first conveying unit T1 in the starting position of the unloader 3. In this example, the unloader 3 also includes a pusher 34 protruding from the hook 32 in the unloading direction B for abutting the first conveying unit T1 in the push position E. Preferably, the push position E is located in the central region C of the loading width X1, for example, within a tolerance of 25 percent from the center of the loading width X1. The pusher 34 can be provided with a suitably shaped push surface, which may or may not be compatible with the corresponding mating surface of the first conveying unit T1. Furthermore, the pusher 34 can be provided with a suitable push material, such as rubber, which can absorb impact when the pusher 34 contacts the first conveying unit T1.

[0063] In such Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the exchange station 2 includes a guide 24 for guiding the movement of the unloader 3 relative to the inlet port 21 in the unloading direction B. Specifically, the guide 24 is formed as a beam extending in or parallel to the loading and unloading directions A and B, to bear at least a portion of the weight of the unloader 3 as it moves in the respective directions A and B.

[0064] In this example, when the unloader 3 is in the starting position, the guide 24 extends alongside the arm 33. One of the exchange station 2 or the unloader 3 includes one or more guide rollers 25 for slidably engaging the guide element 35 at the other exchange station 2 or the unloader 3. Additionally, the unloader 3 may be provided with one or more wheels (not shown) to bear at least a portion of the weight of the unloader 3 as the wheels roll on the base plate 20 or any other supporting surface.

[0065] It will be understood that many alternative guiding mechanisms will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these alternative guiding mechanisms are also included within the scope of this invention.

[0066] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the alternative unloader 103 according to the present invention is shown. This unloader 103 differs from the unloader 3 of the first embodiment of the present invention discussed previously in that the two guides 24 are replaced by a plurality of unloader wheels 135 for rolling the alternative unloader 103 on the base plate 20. The alternative unloader 103 can move freely relative to the entry port 21 without any direct or indirect mechanical connection to the entry port 21 and / or the remainder of the exchange station 2. The alternative unloader 103 can even be completely removed from the exchange station 2 together with the conveyor units T1, T2. Furthermore, one or more of the plurality of unloader wheels 135 can be freely rotatable wheels or casters. The unloader wheels 135 can be actively driven, i.e., driven by a motor, to assist in the manual removal of the alternative unloader 103 from the exchange station 2. Alternatively, the unloader wheels 135 may not be driven.

[0067] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An alternative unloader 203 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. This alternative unloader 203 differs from the previously discussed unloaders 3 and 103 in that it is equipped with an actuator 236 for automatically or semi-automatically pushing the unloader body 30 against the first conveying unit T1 relative to the unloader body 30 in the unloading direction B, while a human operator can still pull the unloader body 30. Specifically, the actuator 236 is connected to the unloader body 30 for pushing the unloader body 30 against the first conveying unit T1 relative to the unloader body 30 in the unloading direction B. The actuator 236 can be, but is not limited to, one of the following: a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a telescopic drive, or a linear drive. Preferably, the operating range F of the actuator 236 is at least 50% of the loading depth D, more preferably at least 70% of the loading depth D, and even more preferably at least 90% of the loading depth D.

[0068] Figure 6A and Figure 6BAn alternative unloader 303 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. This alternative unloader differs from the previously described unloaders 3, 103, and 203 in that it is equipped with an actuator 336 for automatically or semi-automatically pushing against the unloader body 330 relative to the rear frame 23 of the exchange station 2 in the unloading direction B. In this example, the actuator 336 can be positioned next to the docking space S for pushing against the additional unloader body 330 relative to the inlet port 21 and / or the rear frame 23 in the unloading direction B. By placing the actuator 336 on the side, space can be saved at the rear frame 23, allowing for a more compact construction for the exchange station 2. Alternatively, the actuator 336 can be connected to the rear frame 23 for pushing against the additional unloader body 330 relative to the rear frame 23 in the unloading direction B. Similarly, actuator 336 can be one of, but is not limited to, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a telescopic drive, or a linear drive. Preferably, the operating range F of actuator 336 is similar to that of actuator 236 previously described. Optionally, unloader body 330 may differ from unloader body 30 in that it no longer has a handle for manual operation.

[0069] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A further alternative unloader 403 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. This alternative unloader 403 differs from the previously discussed unloaders 3, 103, 203, and 303 in that it is equipped with an actuator 436 for automatically or semi-automatically pushing against the first conveying unit T1 relative to the rear frame 23 of the exchange station 2 in the unloading direction B. Specifically, the actuator 436 is connected to the rear frame 23 for pushing against the first conveying unit T1 relative to the rear frame 23 in the unloading direction B. Similarly, the actuator 436 can be, but is not limited to, one of the following: a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a telescopic drive, or a linear drive. Also preferably, the operating range F of the actuator 436 is similar to the operating range of the previously described actuators 236 and 336.

[0070] Now refer to Figures 4A to 4D A method for simultaneously unloading two or more conveying units T1, T2 from a tire forming machine 1 using an exchange station 2, the exchange station 2 having the aforementioned unloader 3 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is briefly described. It will be understood that the steps of this method are also permissible for application in… Figure 3 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The alternative uninstallers are 103, 203, 303, and 403.

[0071] Figure 4A The diagram shows the docking of two transport units T1 and T2 at two docking positions P1 and P2 in the docking space S.

[0072] Figure 4B This illustrates a scenario where two conveyor units T1 and T2 are simultaneously unloaded from exchange station 2 in the unloading direction B by the interaction of unloader 3 with the first conveyor unit T1 in the first docking position P1, which is closest to the rear side 22 of exchange station 2 among two or more docking positions P1 and P2. Figure 4B In the process, unloading is performed by a human operator who manually pulls handle 32 in the unloading direction B.

[0073] Alternatively, such as Figure 5B As shown, the unloader body 30 of the alternative unloader 203 can be pulled or held in place by a human operator, while the actuator 236 initiates, assists, or completes unloading by pushing out the first conveyor unit T1. Figure 6B and Figure 7B In one embodiment, actuators 336 and 436 are pushed, without the need for manual pulling.

[0074] Figure 4C The following situation is illustrated: As the unloaded conveyor units T1 and T2 are conveyed away from the tire forming machine 1 via other devices, the unloader 3 is pushed back or returned toward and / or into... Figure 4A The starting position is set up to prepare for the exchange station 2 to receive new transport units.

[0075] Figure 4D This shows that uninstaller 3 has returned. Figure 4A The starting position is as follows, and two new conveyor units T3 and T4 have already been loaded into exchange station 2 in loading direction A. Exchange station 2 is now ready for a new cycle using this method.

[0076] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion, and these variations are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] In summary, this utility model relates to an exchange station 2 for exchanging production materials or tools carried on conveyor units T1 and T2 with a tire forming machine 1. The exchange station 2 includes unloaders 3, 103, 203, 303, and 403, configured to simultaneously unload two or more conveyor units T1 and T2 from the exchange station 2 in the unloading direction B by interacting with a first conveyor unit T1 at a docking position P1 closest to the rear side 22 of the exchange station 2. This utility model also relates to the unloaders 3, 103, 203, 303, and 403 used in the exchange station 2, the tire forming machine 1 including the exchange station 2, and related methods.

[0078] List of reference numerals

[0079] 1 Tire forming machine

[0080] 10 Front

[0081] 11 Human-Computer Interface

[0082] 12 Unloading Units for Raw Tires

[0083] 14 Robots

[0084] 2. Changing workstations

[0085] 20 base plate

[0086] 21. Entering Port

[0087] 22 Rear side

[0088] 23 Rear Frame

[0089] 24. Guide

[0090] 25 guide rollers

[0091] 3 Uninstaller

[0092] 30 Uninstaller Main Body

[0093] 31 Hooks

[0094] 32 handles

[0095] 33 arms

[0096] 34 Pushing component

[0097] 35. Guiding element

[0098] 103 Alternative Uninstaller

[0099] 135 Unloader Wheel

[0100] 203 Another alternative uninstaller

[0101] 236 Actuator

[0102] 302 Alternative Exchange Station

[0103] 303 Another alternative uninstaller

[0104] 330 Uninstaller Main Body

[0105] 336 Actuator

[0106] 403 Another alternative uninstaller

[0107] 436 Actuator

[0108] A Loading direction

[0109] B Unloading direction

[0110] C Central Area

[0111] D Loading depth

[0112] E Push position

[0113] F Scope of Work

[0114] G-arm direction

[0115] H hook direction

[0116] L Lateral direction

[0117] P1 First docking position

[0118] P2 Second docking position

[0119] R Manually accessible range

[0120] S docking space

[0121] T1 First Conveying Unit

[0122] T2 Second Conveying Unit

[0123] T3 and T4 new conveyor units

[0124] W shared workspace

[0125] X1 Load width

[0126] X2 hook length

[0127] Y-arm length

[0128] Z safe zone

Claims

1. An exchange station for exchanging production materials or tools carried on a conveyor unit with a tire forming machine, characterized in that, The exchange station includes: a docking space for docking two or more conveyor units into two or more docking positions aligned in a row in the loading direction; a base plate defining the floor area of ​​the docking space for receiving the two or more conveyor units; an entry port for transferring the two or more conveyor units across the base plate into the docking space in the loading direction; and a rear side opposite the entry port in the loading direction. The exchange station further includes an unloader configured to interact with a first conveyor unit in a first docking position closest to the rear side of the two or more docking positions to simultaneously unload the two or more conveyor units from the exchange station in an unloading direction opposite to the loading direction.

2. The exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloader is arranged to interact directly only with the first conveying unit.

3. The exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exchange station defines a safety zone to prevent humans from entering the docking space from either side other than the entry port during operation of the tire forming machine.

4. The exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloader is configured to push against the first conveying unit in the unloading direction.

5. The exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloader is locating in a starting position relative to the inlet port, wherein the unloader includes: a hook for interacting with the first conveying unit when the unloader is in the starting position; a handle for manually pulling the unloader in the unloading direction when the unloader is in the starting position; and an arm connecting the hook and the handle to each other.

6. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hook is configured to hook behind the first conveying unit in the loading direction.

7. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the unloader is in the starting position, the arm extends in the unloading direction.

8. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the unloader is in the starting position, the hook is located at or beyond the first docking position in the loading direction, and the handle is at least partially located outside or inside the docking space in the loading direction within a manually accessible range of less than 80 centimeters from the entry port.

9. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the unloader is positioned in the starting position, the arm protrudes from the docking space through the inlet port.

10. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the unloader is positioned in the starting position, the arm extends laterally alongside the two or more docking positions, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the unloading direction and parallel to the base plate.

11. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The arm extends in an arm direction parallel to the base plate, wherein the hook extends in a hook direction parallel to the base plate and transverse to or perpendicular to the arm direction.

12. The exchange station according to claim 11, characterized in that, The docking space has a loading width in the lateral direction, which is perpendicular to the unloading direction and parallel to the base plate, wherein the hook extends beyond the hook length in the hook direction, and the hook length corresponds to at least 30 percent of the loading width.

13. The exchange station according to claim 12, characterized in that, The unloader also includes a pusher that protrudes from the hook in the unloading direction and is used to abut the first conveying unit in a push position in the central region of the loading width.

14. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The docking space has a loading depth in the loading direction, wherein the arm extends beyond the arm length, the arm length corresponding to at least 70 percent of the loading depth.

15. The exchange station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unloader is configured to move from the starting position relative to the entry port in the unloading direction.

16. The exchange station according to claim 15, characterized in that, The switching station includes one or more guides for guiding the movement of the unloader relative to the inlet port in the unloading direction.

17. The exchange station according to claim 15, characterized in that, The unloader is configured to move on or above the base plate.

18. The exchange station according to claim 15, characterized in that, The unloader includes one or more unloader wheels for rolling over the base plate.

19. The exchange station according to claim 15, characterized in that, The unloader is able to move freely relative to the inlet port.

20. The exchange station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unloader includes an actuator for automatically or semi-automatically pushing against the first conveying unit in the unloading direction.

21. The exchange station according to claim 20, characterized in that, The docking space has a loading depth in the loading direction, wherein the operating range of the actuator is at least fifty percent of the loading depth.

22. The exchange station according to claim 20, characterized in that, The unloader includes an unloader body that is movable relative to the inlet port in the unloading direction, wherein the actuator is connected to the unloader body for pushing against the first conveying unit relative to the unloader body in the unloading direction.

23. The exchange station according to claim 22, characterized in that, The exchange station includes a rear frame, which is fixed at the rear side of the exchange station in the unloading direction. The actuator is connected to the rear frame and is used to push the unloader body or the first conveying unit against the rear frame in the unloading direction.

24. The exchange station according to claim 20, characterized in that, The actuator includes a pneumatic cylinder.

25. The exchange station according to claim 20, characterized in that, The actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder.

26. The exchange station according to claim 20, characterized in that, The actuator includes a telescopic drive element.

27. The exchange station according to claim 20, characterized in that, The actuator includes a linear drive element.

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