Tire building machine for building or manufacturing a green tire or an unvulcanized tire
By installing a collaborative robot and human-machine interface on the front side of the tire forming machine, the problem of machine shutdown caused by accidental activation of the safety light barrier was solved, achieving more efficient and safer production operations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VMI HOLLAND BV
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
Smart Images
Figure CN224311278U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a tire forming machine for forming or manufacturing green or uncured tires. 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] A known drawback of the exchange station is that when unloading the conveyor trolley, certain areas can be electronically protected, for example by a safety light barrier, which can be unintentionally triggered by a human operator during unloading, resulting in downtime for at least some parts of the tire forming machine.
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tire forming machine for forming or manufacturing green or uncured tires, which can be more easily accessed.
[0008] This utility model provides a tire forming machine for forming or manufacturing green tires or uncured tires. The tire forming machine is equipped with a human-machine interface and a robot. The human-machine interface is located at the front of the tire forming machine. The robot is used to transport production materials or tools carried on a conveying unit. The robot is located at the front of the tire forming machine.
[0009] The technological advantage of having a robot at the front of a tire forming machine is that it provides easy access for human operators. Furthermore, all workstations that interact with the robot can also be located at the front. Therefore, these workstations can be situated adjacent to the workspace of the human operator.
[0010] Preferably, the robot is a collaborative robot that shares a common workspace with the human operator during the operation of the tire forming machine.
[0011] In another embodiment, the tire forming machine includes an exchange station for exchanging production materials or tools, wherein a robot is located on the front side of the tire forming machine adjacent to the exchange station.
[0012] 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
[0013] This invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0014] 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;
[0015] Figure 2 It shows the use of in Figure 1 The isometric view of the unloader used in the exchange station;
[0016] Figure 3 An isometric view of an alternative unloading machine according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0017] 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;
[0018] 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;
[0019] 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
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] Figure 4A The diagram shows the situation where two transport units T1 and T2 are docked at two docking positions P1 and P2 in the docking space S.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] List of reference numerals
[0055] 1 Tire forming machine
[0056] 10 Front
[0057] 11 Human-Computer Interface
[0058] 12 Unloading Units for Raw Tires
[0059] 14 Robots
[0060] 2. Changing workstations
[0061] 20 base plate
[0062] 21. Entering Port
[0063] 22 Rear side
[0064] 23 Rear Frame
[0065] 24. Guide
[0066] 25 guide rollers
[0067] 3 Uninstaller
[0068] 30 Uninstaller Main Body
[0069] 31 Hooks
[0070] 32 handles
[0071] 33 arms
[0072] 34 Pushing component
[0073] 35. Guiding element
[0074] 103 Alternative Uninstaller
[0075] 135 Unloader Wheel
[0076] 203 Another alternative uninstaller
[0077] 236 Actuator
[0078] 302 Alternative Exchange Station
[0079] 303 Another alternative uninstaller
[0080] 330 Uninstaller Main Body
[0081] 336 Actuator
[0082] 403 Another alternative uninstaller
[0083] 436 Actuator
[0084] A Loading direction
[0085] B Unloading direction
[0086] C Central Area
[0087] D Loading depth
[0088] E Push position
[0089] F Scope of Work
[0090] G-arm direction
[0091] H hook direction
[0092] L Lateral direction
[0093] P1 First docking position
[0094] P2 Second docking position
[0095] R Manually accessible range
[0096] S docking space
[0097] T1 First Conveying Unit
[0098] T2 Second Conveying Unit
[0099] T3 and T4 new conveyor units
[0100] W shared workspace
[0101] X1 Load width
[0102] X2 hook length
[0103] Y-arm length
[0104] Z safe zone
Claims
1. A tire forming machine for forming or manufacturing green tires or uncured tires, characterized in that, The tire forming machine is equipped with a human-machine interface and a robot. The human-machine interface is located at the front of the tire forming machine. The robot is used to transport production materials or tools carried on a conveying unit. The robot is located at the front of the tire forming machine and is a collaborative robot. During the operation of the tire forming machine, the collaborative robot shares a common workspace with the human operator. The front of the robot faces the common workspace, so that the common workspace is located in front of the tire forming machine.
2. The tire forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an exchange station for exchanging production materials or tools, wherein the robot is located on the front side of the tire forming machine adjacent to the exchange station.