Process for removing the inner rubber from a tire with external suction.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for removing the inner rubber of a tire, the method being implemented in a removal device comprising a device for gripping the tire and an abrasive tool mounted at the end of an articulated and automated arm, the removal method providing that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked inside the tire in the vicinity of the abrasive tool and sucked outside the tire and in the vicinity of at least one sidewall of the tire. Abstract figure: No figure

Description

Title of the invention: Method for removing the inner rubber of a tire with external suction.

[0001] The present invention relates to the recycling of the sealing rubber layer located inside a tire, also called inner rubber. Indeed, this inner sealing rubber comes from a rubber mixture comprising one or more relatively expensive components. More specifically, the invention relates to the operation consisting of removing and collecting this inner sealing rubber layer in the form of powder in tires at the end of their life, which are no longer usable on vehicles, and which are intended to be peeled and recycled, for example by pyrolysis. Advantageously, the inner rubber powder thus collected can be used directly for the manufacture of a new inner sealing rubber mixture. Only the inner rubber powder can be used for the production of a new inner rubber mixture.Indeed, a powder from another part of a tire would not allow to obtain a sufficiently waterproof mixture. This reuse directly in a new mixture results from the fact that the sealing rubber layer located inside a tire is not exposed during use of the tire and is therefore protected from the various contaminations and chemical attacks suffered by the external parts of the tire. To give an idea, the inner rubber layer is a layer of 1 to 3 mm thick.

[0002] Document WO2020261090 describes a method and a device for removing a layer of self-sealing material from inside a tire. Unlike the layer of sealing rubber located inside a tire, this layer of self-sealing material is not structurally part of the tire, it is a product added after the tire is manufactured and intended to automatically seal any hole or cut that causes a puncture in the tire. This self-sealing material is very viscous and therefore difficult to remove. Also, document WO2020261090 describes a removal device comprising a device for applying a cryogenic fluid intended to solidify the self-sealing material, and an articulated arm at the end of which there is a tool for removing the self-sealing material solidified by mechanical abrasion and a suction circuit for the pieces of solidified self-sealing material generated by the abrasive tool.

[0003] In the removal device described in document WO2020261090, the tire is positioned vertically during the removal of the self-sealing material, i.e. with its axis of rotation horizontal and with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a plane vertical.

[0004] Document CN107855300 relates to a device for cleaning the interior cavity of a tire that has just been manufactured. The purpose of this cleaning is to remove impurities resulting from the manufacturing stages of the tire and which may harm the performance or integrity of the tire. This cleaning device comprises a cleaning wheel driven in rotation inside the tire and a cleaning product diffuser inside the tire.

[0005] In the cleaning device described in document CN107855300, the tire is positioned vertically during cleaning of the internal cavity of the tire.

[0006] Document US3953942 relates to cleaning the inner surface of a tire and removing irregularities in rubber material and mold release agent residues that may cause imbalances during use of the tire and its rotation. The removal device described in document US3953942 comprises an abrasive and rotating tool mounted at the end of an articulated and automated arm.

[0007] In document US3953942, the tire is positioned vertically during cleaning of the inner surface of the tire and the abrasive tool is rotated about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tire and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the tire.

[0008] None of the aforementioned documents aims to remove the sealing rubber layer located inside end-of-life tires for recycling. Therefore, none of the removal devices described in these documents are perfectly suited for this use.

[0009] The first objective of the present invention is to provide a removal device and method which are perfectly suited to the removal and collection of the inner rubber of tires in the form of powder.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to allow the collection of the inner gum in the form of powder in complete safety. Indeed, depending on the abrasive tool used and the machining parameters used with this tool, the inner gum may burn or the removal of the inner gum may generate very fine particles, of a dimension less than 200 μm for example, capable of locally generating an explosive atmosphere in the workshop or factory where the removal of the inner gum is carried out.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to improve and facilitate the recovery of the internal gum powder for subsequent reuse. Indeed, depending on the abrasive tool used and the machining parameters used with this tool, the internal gum powder can clog the suction circuit and form ag glomerates preventing its reuse directly in a new interior rubber compound.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is also to allow the most direct and simple reuse possible of the inner rubber in the form of powder for the production of a new rubber mixture. For example, the invention aims to avoid removing any other material from the tire which is not inner rubber.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to allow the removal of a maximum quantity of internal rubber inside the tire, in particular in a maximum width of the internal surface of the tire.

[0014] Finally, the invention also aims to allow the treatment of tires which are deformed and which do not have a perfectly regular interior surface, in particular in a radial direction relative to the central axis of the tire.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a method for removing the inner rubber of a tire, the method being implemented in a removal device comprising a device for gripping the tire and an abrasive tool mounted at the end of an articulated and automated arm.

[0016] According to the invention, the removal method provides that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked inside the tire near the abrasive tool and sucked outside the tire and near at least one sidewall of the tire.

[0017] Advantageously but not necessarily, the removal method according to the invention can also provide that: - the tire is held in a horizontal position, with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool, and in which the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked up near the abrasive tool as well as under the tire held in a horizontal position, - to clean the abrasive tool by blowing compressed air, - cleaning is carried out while removing the inner rubber.

[0018] The invention also relates to a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire, the removal device comprising a device for gripping the tire and an abrasive tool mounted at the end of an articulated and automated arm.

[0019] According to the invention, the removal device comprises a suction nozzle mounted on the articulated arm near the abrasive tool and at least one suction mouth located near at least one sidewall of the tire.

[0020] Advantageously but not necessarily, the invention may also provide that: - the articulated arm comprising at its lower end a lateral branch extending substantially perpendicular to the main body of this articulated arm, and the abrasive tool being mounted at the end of this lateral branch, the suction nozzle is fixed to the lateral branch of the articulated arm, - the suction nozzle is connected to a central suction unit comprising a collection tank for the internal gum powder and a device generating a suction flow, - the gripping device makes it possible to hold the tire in a horizontal position, with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool, and that the removal device comprises a suction mouth located under the tire in a horizontal position, - the gripping device comprising upper tire gripping elements and lower tire gripping elements, and the lower tire gripping elements being mounted on a main support mounted to move in vertical translation on the chassis of the removal device, the suction mouth is mounted on the main support mounted to move in vertical translation on the chassis of the removal device, - the lower gripping elements being mounted on an intermediate support mounted to move in vertical translation on the main support, the suction mouth is integrated into the intermediate support on which the lower gripping elements are mounted, - the suction outlet is connected to a central suction unit, - the suction nozzle is located under the abrasive tool during the removal of the inner eraser with the abrasive tool, - the removal device comprises at least one compressed air blowing nozzle connected to a compressed air supply circuit and mounted on the articulated arm near the abrasive tool so as to direct its flow of compressed air towards the abrasive tool, - the removal device comprises at least two compressed air blowing nozzles connected to a compressed air supply circuit and mounted next to each other on the articulated arm near the abrasive tool, - the articulated arm comprising at its lower end a lateral branch extending substantially perpendicularly to the main body of this articulated arm, and the abrasive tool being mounted at the end of this lateral branch, the compressed air blowing nozzle(s) is (are) fixed to the lateral branch of the articulated arm.

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows. This description, given by way of example and not as a limitation, refers to the attached drawings in which: - [Fig.l] represents an installation for removing the inner rubber from a tire according to the invention, - [Fig.2] represents a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, ready to receive a tire to be treated, - [Fig.3] represents a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, with a tire ready to be treated in its gripping device, - [Fig.4] represents a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, with a tire being treated, - [Fig.5] represents the lower gripping elements of a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, - [Fig.6] represents an abrasive tool and a device for adjusting the depth of pass of this abrasive tool of a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, - [Fig.7] represents the turns of a pass of an abrasive tool of a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, - [Fig.8] represents an abrasive tool and a device for controlling the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool of a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, - [Fig.9] schematically represents in side view a device for controlling the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool of a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention.

[0022] The invention relates to a method and a device for removing the inner rubber of a tire.

[0023] A device 10 for removing the inner rubber of a tire P according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.l]. Ideally, this removal device is part of a complete installation for removing the inner rubber of a tire. For example, this installation comprises a device 12 for receiving the tires to be treated located upstream of the removal device 10 and a device 14 for extracting the treated tires located downstream of the removal device 10. For example, the receiving device and the extraction device comprise one or more conveyor belts 16. This receiving device 12 and this extraction device 14 make it easier to handle the tires to be treated or treated by the removal device 10 because the invention is aimed in particular at the treatment of heavy goods vehicle tires at the end of their life.For example, for the safety of the operator(s), the removal device 10 and the receiving and extraction devices are installed inside a protective enclosure (not shown) for example formed of mesh walls. In the case where it is provided, this protective enclosure comprises an inlet opening for the tires to be treated and an outlet opening for the tires. treated tires. The inlet opening provides access to the device 12 for receiving the tires to be treated and the outlet opening provides access to the device 14 for extracting the treated tires. Advantageously, the receiving device makes it possible to receive the tires P to be treated in a horizontal position and to take them in a horizontal position to the removal device 10. Similarly, the extraction device 14 makes it possible to receive the treated tires in a horizontal position from the removal device 10 and to evacuate them in a horizontal position. The horizontal position of a tire P, as illustrated in [Fig.l], is a position in which its two sidewalls are substantially parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0024] [Fig. 2] shows a removal device 10 according to the invention ready to receive a tire P to be treated. For this purpose, this removal device 10 comprises receiving means 18 capable of receiving the tire P to be treated. These receiving means 18 make it possible to position the tire P to be treated in a central position in the removal device 10 in a longitudinal direction DL corresponding to the direction of movement of the tires between the receiving device and the extraction device. Preferably, the longitudinal direction DL is horizontal. The positioning in the central position of the tire P in the longitudinal direction DL by the receiving means 18 allows the subsequent gripping of the tire P to be treated. Preferably, the receiving device 12 or the removal device 10 comprises a sensor (not shown) making it possible to detect the passage of a tire P at the inlet of the removal device.The information transmitted by this sensor is used by the receiving means 18 to position the tire P to be treated in a central position in the removal device 10 in the longitudinal direction DL. For example, the receiving means 18 take the form of two parallel conveyor belts, right 20D and left 20G, arranged horizontally and spaced apart from each other. The space freed between the right 20D and left 20G conveyor belts allows the installation of part of the gripping means of the tire P to be treated of the removal device according to the invention.

[0025] For example, the removal device 10 comprises a parallelepiped chassis 24 consisting of a horizontal platform 26 mounted on four vertical uprights 28. The chassis 24 is intended to be fixed to the ground via its vertical uprights 28. Preferably, the right 20D and left 20G conveyor belts of the receiving means 18 are mounted inside the chassis 24 on a main support 30 mounted movable in vertical translation on the chassis 24 of the removal device. Guiding means, such as guide rails and guide pads, and driving means in vertical translation, such as a jack for example, are provided between the main support 30 and the chassis 24 of the removal device.

[0026] Preferably, the device 12 for receiving the tires to be treated comprises first centering means (not shown) for positioning a tire P to be treated in a central position in a transverse direction DT perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL. For example, these centering means take the form of two guide rails mounted so as to gradually converge towards each other.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a device 10 for removing the inner rubber of a tire comprises a device 22 for gripping the tire P to be treated and an abrasive tool 32 mounted at the end of an articulated and automated arm 34.

[0028] HORIZONTAL POSITION AND GRIP

[0029] In the method of removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, the tire P is preferably held in a horizontal position, with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool 32. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gripping device 22 preferably makes it possible to hold the tire P in a horizontal position, with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool 32.

[0030] In more detail, the gripping device 22 comprises upper elements 36 for gripping the tire and lower elements 38 for gripping the tire P. The upper gripping elements 36 make it possible to grip the upper sidewall of the tire in a horizontal position and the lower gripping elements 38 make it possible to grip the lower sidewall of the tire in a horizontal position.

[0031] Preferably, the upper 36 and lower 38 elements for gripping the tire take the form of gripping fingers movable between a deployed position allowing a sidewall of the tire to be gripped and a retracted position allowing the tire to be released. In [Fig. 2], the gripping fingers forming the upper 36 and lower 38 elements for gripping the tire are in the retracted position and therefore not visible. In Figures 3 and 4, the gripping fingers forming the upper 36 and lower 38 elements for gripping the tire are in the deployed position allowing a sidewall of the tire to be gripped. For example, the gripping fingers forming the upper 36 and lower 38 elements for gripping the tire P are rotatable between their deployed position and their retracted position.The gripping fingers forming the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements have, for example, a conical shape with a rounded free end. Since the tire P is preferably rotated about its central axis during the removal of the inner rubber, the gripping fingers forming the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements are mounted to rotate freely about their respective central axes. Preferably, the gripping fingers . forming the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements bear on the lower zone of the tire sidewalls in which the reinforcement bead is located. Advantageously, this lower zone of the tire sidewalls on which the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements bear is an area of ​​the tires at the end of their life which is less damaged than the other parts of the tire, such as the tread for example.

[0032] SPACING OF THE SIDE PANELS

[0033] In the method of removing the inner rubber according to the invention, and for example in the case where the tire is kept in a horizontal position during the removal of the inner rubber, the two upper and lower sidewalls of the tire P are preferably respectively moved upwards and downwards by a non-zero distance relative to the position that they occupy without stress during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool.

[0034] Also, the gripping device 22 makes it possible to move the two upper and lower sidewalls of the tire respectively upwards and downwards by a non-zero distance relative to the position they occupy without stress during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool. For this purpose, the lower elements 38 for gripping the tire are for example mounted on the main support 30 mounted movable in vertical translation on the chassis 24 of the removal device. Thus, the upper sidewall of the tire being retained by the upper gripping elements 36, these lower elements 38 for gripping the tire make it possible to move the two sidewalls of the tire outwards relative to the position they occupy without stress during a pass of removal of the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool.

[0035] Preferably, the lower gripping elements 38 are mounted on an intermediate support 40, illustrated in [Fig. 5], mounted to move in vertical translation on the main support 30. Also, the lower gripping elements 38 are mounted to move in rotation between their deployed position and their retracted position on this intermediate support 40. Slots 39 provided in the intermediate support 40 make it possible to fully accommodate the lower gripping elements 38 in the retracted position. Means for guiding in vertical translation, such as guide columns, and for driving in translation, such as jacks, are provided between the intermediate support 40 and the main support 30. Similarly, actuators, such as quarter-turn jacks, are provided to drive the lower gripping elements 38 in rotation relative to the intermediate support 40.

[0036] For example, the lower gripping elements 38 are also mounted to be movable in translation in a vertical direction relative to the intermediate support 40. More precisely, the lower gripping elements 38 are mounted to be movable in vertical translation of 1 to 10 centimeters relative to the intermediate support 40. Thus, during the descent of the main support 30 with the intermediate support 40 and while the lower gripping elements 38 are resting on the lower part of the sidewall of the tire, these lower gripping elements 38 translate upwards relative to the intermediate support 40 and allow the sidewall of the tire to be moved away from the intermediate support 40. Thus, the lower sidewall of the tire is no longer in contact with the intermediate support 40, which makes it possible to avoid friction between the lower sidewall of the tire and the intermediate support 40 when the tire is rotated to remove the inner rubber with the abrasive tool 32.

[0037] Preferably, the upper gripping elements 36 are mounted on an upper support (not visible in the figures) fixedly mounted on the frame 24 of the removal device. Also, the upper gripping elements 36 are mounted to be able to rotate between their deployed position and their retracted position on this upper support. Slots provided in the upper support allow the upper gripping elements 36 to be fully housed in the retracted position. Actuators, such as quarter-turn cylinders, are provided to drive the upper gripping elements 36 in rotation relative to this upper support.

[0038] In order to receive a tire P to be treated, and as shown in [Fig. 2], the main support 30 is in the low position relative to the chassis 24 of the removal device, the intermediate support 40 is in the low position relative to the main support 30, and the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements are in the retracted position. The tire P to be treated is received by the right 20D and left 20G conveyor belts of the receiving means 18. By being in its low position relative to the main support 30, the intermediate support 40 makes it possible to free up the space available between the right 20D and left 20G conveyor belts for receiving a tire P to be treated.

[0039] Then, in a first step of gripping the tire P to be treated, the intermediate support 40 is brought into a high position relative to the main support 30 and the lower gripping elements 38 are rotated towards their deployed position to grip the lower sidewall of the tire P to be treated.

[0040] In a second step of gripping the tire P to be treated, the main support 30 is driven in vertical translation upwards so as to bring the upper sidewall of the tire P within reach of the upper gripping elements 36, and the upper gripping elements 36 are driven in rotation towards their deployed position to grip the upper sidewall of the tire. Preferably, the removal device 10 comprises a sensor 42, for example by contact, for detecting the upper sidewall of the tire P to be treated. This sensor 42 makes it possible to stop the translation of the main support 30 upwards to the correct position so that the upper gripping elements 36 allow the upper sidewall of the tire P to be gripped.

[0041] In a third important step for the method according to the invention, the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements being in the deployed position and retaining the two sidewalls of the tire P to be treated, the main support 30 is driven in vertical translation downwards in order to move the two sidewalls of the tire P outwards relative to the position they occupy when unstressed. Indeed, in the method for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to the invention, it is provided that the two sidewalls of the tire are moved outwards by a non-zero distance relative to the position they occupy when unstressed during a pass for removing the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool. These outward movements of the sidewalls of the tire are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.For example, the upper and lower sidewalls of the tire P are each moved by 10 cm to 30 cm relative to the position they occupy when they are not subjected to any stress. In [Fig. 3], the abrasive tool 32 is not yet introduced into the tire to be treated.

[0042] In a fourth step illustrated in [Fig. 4], the abrasive tool 32 has been brought into contact with the inner surface of the tire P and the inner rubber GI of this tire thanks to the articulated arm 34. Preferably, the abrasive tool 32 and the articulated arm 34 are introduced inside the tire P after the sidewalls of the tire have been moved outwardly relative to the position they occupy when unstressed, and therefore separated from each other. Thus, the articulated arm 34 has more space and mobility to bring the abrasive tool 32 into contact with the inner surface of the tire P.

[0043] ARTICULATED ARM

[0044] In order to introduce the abrasive tool 32 inside the tire P to be treated and to extract it from the tire once the operation of removing the inner rubber is completed, the articulated arm is mounted to be able to move in vertical translation TV relative to the chassis 24 of the removal device and it is mounted to be able to move in rotation about a horizontal pivot axis AP. In addition, at its lower end, the articulated arm 34 comprises a lateral branch 44 extending substantially perpendicularly to the main body 46 of this articulated arm 34. The abrasive tool 32 is mounted at the end of this lateral branch 44. This lateral branch 44 makes it possible to laterally offset the abrasive tool 32 relative to the main body 46 of the articulated arm 34 by several tens of centimeters.Thus, the abrasive tool 32 can reach the inner rubber GI located just under the tread of the tire P without the main body 46 of the articulated arm 34 coming into contact with the tire P.

[0045] In more detail, the articulated arm 34 is pivotally mounted around the pivot axis AP on a carriage 48 and this carriage 48 is mounted so as to be able to move in vertical translation TV relative to the chassis 24 of the removal device. An actuator combined with guide means, such as an electric linear table, makes it possible to drive the carriage 48 in vertical translation TV relative to the chassis 24 of the removal device. The rotation of the articulated arm 34 relative to the carriage 48 is managed by a jack 50 whose body is mounted via a pivot connection on the carriage 48 and whose rod end is connected by a pivot connection to the upper end of the articulated arm 34. The pivot axis AP of the articulated arm is located between its lower end where the abrasive tool 32 is mounted and its upper end to which the rod of the jack 50 is connected. This jack 50 makes it possible to bring the abrasive tool 32 into contact with the inner surface of the tire P and to manage the pressure for applying the abrasive tool 32 against the inner surface of the tire.By making it possible to manage the application pressure of the abrasive tool 32 against the inner surface of the tire, the cylinder 50 also makes it possible to manage the depth of pass of the abrasive tool 32 in the inner rubber thickness. Preferably, this cylinder 50 is pneumatic in order to allow the articulated arm 34 to behave like a pneumatic suspension and to allow the abrasive tool 32 to follow the positive or negative deformations of the used tires, these used tires having in particular cylindricity defects.

[0046] This arrangement and this kinematics of the articulated arm 34 make it possible to bring the abrasive tool 32 as close as possible to the sidewalls of the tire to collect a maximum quantity of internal rubber in each used tire treated according to the invention.

[0047] Advantageously, the lateral branch 44 of the articulated arm 34 can be equipped with an upper roller 52 on its upper sidewall and a lower roller 54 on its lower sidewall. These two rollers make it possible to avoid possible damage in the event of contact of the lateral branch 44 with the tire, for example when the abrasive tool 32 removes the inner rubber as close as possible to the sidewalls of the tire P.

[0048] ABRASIVE TOOL AND MACHINING STRATEGY

[0049] In the present invention, and in order to facilitate the reuse of the inner rubber removed from used tires, the abrasive tool 32 makes it possible to remove the inner rubber GI in the form of a powder having a particle size of between 100 and 400 micrometers. For this purpose, this abrasive tool 32 has an abrasive outer surface 56 that is granular, very rough or has a raspy and / or irregular structure. For example, this abrasive outer surface 56 is made of metal or an abrasive composite material. For example, the abrasive outer surface 56 of the abrasive tool 32 has a grain size chosen from the indices P12 to P30 used in the ISO 6344 family of standards.

[0050] Preferably, and as illustrated in [Fig.6], the abrasive tool 32 has a section circular transverse direction, and the removal method according to the invention provides that this abrasive tool 32 is rotated about a rotation axis AM perpendicular to the transverse direction of the tire DTP during a pass for removing the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool. For example, the abrasive tool 32 is rotated by a motor at a speed of between 2000 and 15000 rpm. For example, this abrasive tool 32 has an outer diameter of between 70 mm and 125 mm.

[0051] The application pressure of the abrasive tool 32 against the inner surface of the tire defines the pass width of the abrasive tool 32. Since the width of the tread of a tire is several tens of centimeters, this pass width is for example between 10 and 30 mm, preferably between 15 and 25 mm. Also, the removal method according to the invention provides that the abrasive tool 32 moves against the inner surface of the tire and in the transverse direction of the DTP tire during a pass of removal of the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool. Thus, the abrasive tool 32 sweeps the entire width of the inner surface of the tire, from one sidewall of the tire to the other.

[0052] Preferably, the removal method according to the invention provides that the abrasive tool 32 makes a helical pass against the inner surface of the tire. Thus, a tire P can be treated in a single pass. In order to collect a maximum quantity of inner rubber GI, and as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 7], the removal method according to the invention provides that two consecutive turns S1, S2, ... of a pass of the abrasive tool 32 against the inner surface of the tire overlap over a distance of 5 to 15 mm.

[0053] For example, in order to obtain this helix-shaped machining path of the abrasive tool 32 inside the tire P, the method according to the invention preferably provides that the tire P is rotated about its central axis AC during a pass for removing the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool. For this purpose, the removal device 10 comprises a device 58 for rotating the tire P about its central axis AC. For example, the tire P is rotated at a speed of between 2 and 20 rpm about its central axis AC during a pass for removing the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool.

[0054] In a first variant visible in [Fig.2], this rotation device 58 takes the form of a continuous strip 60 driven in rotation between two rollers 62, at least one of the two rollers being motorized. The tire P being preferably held in a horizontal position by the gripping device 22 during the removal of the inner rubber, the rotation device 58 is preferably mounted vertically. In a vertical direction, this rotation device 58 is mounted between the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements of the tire P. Thus, the continuous strip 60 can come laterally into contact with the tread of the tire. More precisely, the rollers and the continuous strip 60 are mounted on one side of the frame 25 of the removal device 10.

[0055] In a second variant not shown, the device for rotating the tire may take the form of a notched and motorized roller. This notched and motorized roller is preferably mounted vertically. Preferably, this notched and motorized roller is mounted between the upper 36 and lower 38 elements for gripping the tire P in a vertical direction. Thus, this notched and motorized roller can come into contact with the tread of the tire to drive it in rotation. For example, this notched and motorized roller is mounted on one side of the chassis 25 of the removal device 10.

[0056] In a third variant not illustrated, the rotation device could be constituted by one or more upper 36 and / or lower 38 elements for gripping the tire P. For this purpose, the upper 36 and / or lower 38 gripping element(s) used for rotating the tire take the form of motorized fingers rotating around their longitudinal central axis.

[0057] Advantageously, in the present invention, when the tire P is rotated about its central axis AC for the removal of the inner rubber, the tire P is only held in position by the upper gripping elements 36 and the lower gripping elements 38.

[0058] In parallel with the rotation of the tire during the removal of the inner rubber, the removal method according to the invention may provide for detection of a loss of adhesion between the device used to drive the tire in rotation and the tire driven in rotation. For example, this detection may be implemented by comparing the rotation speed of one of the rollers 66 with the speed of movement of the belt 60 or any other device used to drive the tire in rotation. This detection is important because a loss of adhesion may modify the trajectory of the abrasive tool 32 and cause an increase in the depth of pass of the tool leading to risks of removal of the layer located under the inner rubber.

[0059] In addition to the rotation device 58, the removal device 10 comprises a device 64 for centering the tire during the removal of the inner rubber. This centering device 64 takes, for example, the form of two centering rollers 66 that are parallel and mounted to rotate freely. This centering device 64 is preferably mounted vertically, like the rotation device 58. This centering device 64 is also mounted between the upper 36 and lower 38 gripping elements of the tire P. Thus, the centering rollers 66 can come laterally into contact with the tread of the tire. More precisely, the centering rollers 66 are mounted on the side of the chassis 24 opposite the side where the rotation device 58 is located.

[0060] The tire P being preferably held in a horizontal position during a pass of removal of the inner rubber carried out with the abrasive tool 32, the removal method according to the invention provides that the abrasive tool 32 carries out a pass of removal of the inner rubber GI by moving from top to bottom against the inner surface of the tire. This makes it easier to collect the inner rubber powder GI under the treated tire in a horizontal position and under the abrasive tool 32.

[0061] SUCTION

[0062] In order to collect the inner rubber GI removed from the tire by the abrasive tool 32, the removal method according to the invention provides that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked inside the tire near the abrasive tool 32. For example, the inner rubber powder is sucked less than ten centimeters from the abrasive tool 32. Also, the removal device 10 comprises a suction nozzle 68 mounted on the articulated arm 34 near the abrasive tool 32, and for example mounted less than ten centimeters from the abrasive tool 32. In more detail, this suction nozzle 68, visible in [Fig. 6], is fixed to the lateral branch 44 of the articulated arm. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 6, this suction nozzle 68 is connected to a central suction unit 70 via a first suction conduit 72 which may comprise different portions of different sections, flexible or rigid.In addition to collecting the inner rubber in the form of powder, the suction nozzle 68 also makes it possible to prevent a cloud of fine particles of inner rubber, which is potentially dangerous, from forming in the treated tire during the removal of its inner rubber. The central suction unit 70 notably comprises a tank for collecting the inner rubber powder and a device generating a suction flow.

[0063] In addition to the suction provided inside the tire, the removal method according to the invention also provides that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked outside the tire and close to at least one sidewall of the tire. For example, the inner rubber powder is sucked to within ten centimeters of at least one sidewall of the tire. For this purpose, the removal device 10 comprises at least one suction mouth that can be positioned close to at least one sidewall of the tire, and for example can be positioned within ten centimeters of at least one sidewall of the tire. Advantageously, the removal method according to the invention can also provide that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked outside the tire and close to both sidewalls of the tire. In this case, the removal device 10 comprises two suction mouths (not illustrated) located on either side of the two sidewalls of the tire.

[0064] In the case where the tire is kept in a horizontal position during the removal of the inner rubber, this suction nozzle 68 is preferably installed under the abrasive tool 32, directly under the fall of the inner rubber crumb. By being positioned under the abrasive tool 32, this suction nozzle 68 makes it possible to collect the inner rubber crumb which has accumulated on the lower sidewall of the tire, in particular at the end of the inner rubber removal cycle.

[0065] Still in the case where the tire P is held in a horizontal position during the removal of the inner rubber, the removal method according to the invention also provides that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool 32 is sucked under the tire P held in a horizontal position. For this purpose, the removal device 10 comprises a suction mouth 74 located under the tire P in a horizontal position. For example, this suction mouth 74 is mounted on the main support 30 mounted movable in vertical translation on the chassis 24 of the removal device. For example, and as shown in [Fig. 5], the suction mouth 74 is integrated into the intermediate support 40 on which the lower gripping elements 38 are mounted. This suction mouth 74 is also connected to the central suction unit 70 via a second suction duct 76 which may comprise different portions of different sections, flexible or rigid.This suction mouth 74 also makes it possible to prevent a cloud of fine particles of inner rubber, potentially dangerous, from forming near the treated tire during the removal of its inner rubber.

[0066] CLEANING

[0067] Optionally, in addition to the suction provided near the abrasive tool 32, the removal method according to the invention may also provide for cleaning the abrasive tool 32 by blowing compressed air. This cleaning aims to rid the abrasive tool 32 of internal rubber residue. This cleaning is preferably carried out during the removal of the internal rubber, but it may also take place before and / or after the removal operation to start with a clean abrasive tool 32 and / or leave the abrasive tool 32 clean for the treatment of another tire. For the implementation of this cleaning by blowing compressed air, the removal device 10 comprises at least one compressed air blowing nozzle 75 connected to a compressed air supply circuit and mounted on the articulated arm 34 near the abrasive tool 32, and in particular fixed to the lateral branch 44 of the articulated arm, so as to direct its flow of compressed air towards the abrasive tool 32.Preferably, the removal device 10 comprises at least two compressed air blowing nozzles 75 connected to a compressed air supply circuit and mounted next to each other on the articulated arm 34 near the abrasive tool 32, and in particular fixed to the lateral branch 44 of the . articulated arm. Preferably, the two nozzles emit parallel air flows located one after the other around the abrasive tool 32. For example, the nozzle(s) 75 are mounted less than ten centimeters from the abrasive tool 32. Advantageously, when cleaning by blowing compressed air is implemented during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool 32, the compressed air flow(s) also make it possible to cool the abrasive tool 32. According to another advantage, the blowing of compressed air also makes it possible to avoid the creation of small clumps of inner rubber powder inside the tire. Preferably, and in order to avoid the creation of a cloud of fine particles of inner rubber, cleaning by blowing air is only implemented if suction is provided simultaneously, near the abrasive tool and / or the sidewall(s) of the tire.

[0068] CONTROL OF THE DEPTH OF PASS AND WEAR OF THE TOOL

[0069] An objective of the invention is to avoid removing materials other than the inner rubber GI of the tire P, in order to allow immediate reuse of the inner rubber powder. In particular, it is necessary to prevent the abrasive tool 32 from digging into the layer of material located under the inner rubber layer.

[0070] For this purpose, the removal device 10 comprises a device 78 for adjusting the depth of pass of the abrasive tool 32 making it possible to adjust the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool 32 during a pass of this abrasive tool against the inner surface of the tire, and allowing the abrasive tool 32 to follow the deformations of the inner surface of the tire when the abrasive tool 32 moves relative to the inner surface of the tire to make a pass for removing the inner rubber of the tire. In the removal method according to the invention, the inner rubber of the tire is preferably removed in a single pass, for example in the form of a helix.Consequently, and in order to limit the risks of removing a material other than the inner rubber, the depth of pass of the abrasive tool 32 adjusted using the adjustment device 78 is 0.2 to 0.4 mm less than the actual thickness of the inner rubber in the treated tire. The actual thickness of the inner rubber in the treated tire can be determined before implementing the other steps of the removal method according to the invention by different methods. A first manual method can consist of taking a sample of material from the tire to be treated and directly measuring the actual thickness of the inner rubber. Another more automated method can consist of using a terahertz wave non-destructive testing device to determine the actual thickness of the inner rubber.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 9, this device 78 for adjusting the depth of pass takes the form of an element coming into contact with the inner surface of the pneumatic upstream of the abrasive tool 32 when this abrasive tool 32 moves relative to the inner surface of the tire to make a pass for removing the inner rubber of the tire. In the present invention, the forward movement of the abrasive tool 32 relative to the inner surface of the tire is preferably and mainly obtained by rotating the tire around its central axis AC.

[0072] For example, the pass depth adjustment device 78 takes the form of a rolling roller 80 mounted to rotate at the end of a roller support 82 mounted on the lower end of the articulated arm 34, and in particular fixed to the lateral branch 44 of the articulated arm. Advantageously, and so as to be able to adjust the distance D between the point of contact PC of the rolling roller 80 with the inner surface SI of the tire and the point of attack PA of the abrasive tool 32, the position of the roller support on the articulated arm 34 can be modified, for example statically and manually or for example dynamically and automatically. The point of attack PA of the abrasive tool is the point at which the abrasive tool penetrates the furthest into the inner rubber during a pass for removing the inner rubber.The outer profile of the rolling roller 80 corresponds to the outer diameter of the abrasive roller 32 or is preferably set back from this outer profile. In other words, any outer point of the rolling roller 80 is located at a radial distance from the central axis AC of the tire which is at most equal to, and preferably less than, the radial distance at which the attack point PA of the abrasive tool is located relative to the central axis AC of the tire. Thus, the abrasive tool 32 maintains the same depth of pass even if the inner surface of the tire is curved.

[0073] In order to monitor the wear of the abrasive tool 32, the removal device 10 comprises a device 84 for controlling the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool 32 during a pass of this abrasive tool against the inner surface of the tire. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, this control device 84 takes the form of a measuring sensor 86 mounted on the lower end of the articulated arm so as to be located downstream of the abrasive tool when this abrasive tool 32 moves relative to the inner surface of the tire to make a pass for removing the inner rubber of the tire. The control device 84 takes the form of a measuring sensor without contact or coming into contact with the inner surface SI of the tire freed from a given thickness of inner rubber after the passage of the abrasive tool.Knowing its position relative to the attack point PA of the abrasive tool 32 and making it possible to measure its distance relative to the inner surface SI after the passage of the abrasive tool 32, this measuring sensor 86 makes it possible to measure the actual thickness ER of GI removed from the tire P by the abrasive tool 32. For example, the measuring sensor 86 is a laser beam distance measuring sensor F, a pro- . thread meter, a camera, an inductive sensor or an incremental encoder distance measuring sensor. For example, the measuring sensor 86 is mounted on the end of the articulated arm 34, and in particular fixed to the lateral branch 44 of the articulated arm.

[0074] The removal method according to the invention provides for using a removal device 10 comprising a device 78 for adjusting the depth of pass of the abrasive tool 32 making it possible to adjust the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool during a pass of this abrasive tool against the inner surface of the tire, and allowing the abrasive tool 32 to follow the deformations of the inner surface of the tire when the abrasive tool 32 moves relative to the inner surface of the tire to carry out a pass for removing the inner rubber of the tire.Furthermore, in the case where the removal device 10 also comprises a device 84 for controlling the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool during a pass of this abrasive tool against the inner surface of the tire, the removal method provides for adjusting, manually or automatically, the depth of pass of the abrasive tool 32 as a function of the measurement carried out by the control device 84.

[0075] OTHER FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES

[0076] Advantageously, the removal device 10 according to the invention may comprise several abrasive tools mounted on the same articulated arm 34, or several articulated arms 34 at the ends of which are mounted one or more abrasive tools 32. For example, a removal device 10 according to the invention comprises two articulated arms 34 mounted symmetrically with respect to each other on the chassis 24, each of these articulated arms being equipped with an abrasive tool 32 and being able to be equipped with the device 78 for adjusting the depth of pass of the abrasive tool and the device 84 for controlling the thickness of the inner rubber removed by the abrasive tool.

[0077] By adjusting various machining parameters of the method according to the invention such as for example the rotation speed of the tire and the grain size of the abrasive tool 32, the collected inner rubber powder is not sticky, does not clog the abrasive tool 32 and can be sucked up without clogging the suction ducts and without it reagglomerating into a mass in the collection container.

[0078] By adapting the abrasive capacities, including the roughness and / or the manufacturing material, of the abrasive tool 32 to the characteristics of the inner rubber to be removed, the method and the removal device according to the invention make it possible to collect an inner rubber powder having a particle size of between 100 and 400 micrometers and therefore directly reusable in the production of a new rubber mixture of inner rubber. Advantageously, they also make it possible to avoid a subsequent step which would aim to reduce the particle size of the collected inner rubber.

[0079] By removing the inner gum in the form of a powder having a particle size between 100 and 400 micrometers, the abrasive tool 32 can create a cloud of inner gum powder particles.

[0080] The horizontal position of the tire makes it possible to concentrate this cloud of interior rubber crumb particles in the center of the tire and above the suction mouth 74 located under the tire. Advantageously, the interior rubber crumb particles fall by gravity towards the suction mouth 74 located under the tire.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for removing the inner rubber of a tire, the method being implemented in a removal device (10) comprising a device (22) for gripping the tire and an abrasive tool (32) mounted at the end of an articulated arm (34) and automated, the removal method being characterized in that the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked inside the tire near the abrasive tool and sucked outside the tire and near at least one sidewall of the tire.

2. A method of removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 1, wherein the tire is held in a horizontal position, with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool, and wherein the inner rubber removed in the form of powder by the abrasive tool is sucked up near the abrasive tool as well as under the tire held in a horizontal position.

3. A method of removing the inner rubber of a tire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal method provides for cleaning the abrasive tool (32) by blowing compressed air.

4. A method of removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning is carried out during the removal of the inner rubber.

5. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire, the removal device comprising a device (22) for gripping the tire and an abrasive tool (32) mounted at the end of an articulated arm (34) and automated, the removal device being characterized in that the removal device comprises a suction nozzle (68) mounted on the articulated arm (34) near the abrasive tool (32) and at least one suction mouth located near at least one sidewall of the tire.

6. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 5, in which, the articulated arm (34) comprising at its lower end a lateral branch (44) extending substantially perpendicular to the main body (46) of this articulated arm (34), and the abrasive tool (32) being mounted at the end of this lateral branch (44), the suction nozzle (68) is fixed to the lateral branch (44) of the articulated arm.

7. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber from a tire according to claim 6, in which the suction nozzle (68) is connected to a central suction unit (70) comprising a reservoir for collecting the inner rubber powder and a device generating a suction flow.

8. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to one of claims 5 to 7, in which the gripping device makes it possible to maintain the tire in a horizontal position, with its sidewalls substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool (32), and in that the removal device comprises a suction mouth (74) located under the tire in a horizontal position.

9. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 8, in which, the gripping device (22) comprising upper elements (36) for gripping the tire and lower elements (38) for gripping the tire (P), and the lower elements (38) for gripping the tire being mounted on a main support (30) mounted movable in vertical translation on the chassis (24) of the removal device, the suction mouth (74) is mounted on the main support (30) mounted movable in vertical translation on the chassis (24) of the removal device.

10. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 9, in which, the lower gripping elements (38) being mounted on an intermediate support (40) mounted to move in vertical translation on the main support (30), the suction mouth (74) is integrated into the intermediate support (40) on which the lower gripping elements (38) are mounted.

11. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to one of claims 8 to 10, in which the suction mouth (74) is connected to a central suction unit (70).

12. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to one of claims 8 to 11, in which the suction nozzle (68) is located under the abrasive tool (32) during the removal of the inner rubber with the abrasive tool (32).

13. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to one of claims 5 to 12, in which the removal device (10) comprises at least one compressed air blowing nozzle (75) connected to a compressed air supply circuit and mounted on the articulated arm (34) near the abrasive tool (32) so as to direct its compressed air flow towards the abrasive tool (32).

14. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 13, in which the removal device (10) comprises at least two compressed air blowing nozzles (75) connected to a compressed air supply circuit and mounted next to each other on the articulated arm (34) near the abrasive tool (32).

15. Device (10) for removing the inner rubber of a tire according to claim 14, in which, the articulated arm (34) comprising at its lower end a lateral branch (44) extending substantially perpendicular to the main body (46) of this articulated arm (34), and the abrasive tool (32) being mounted at the end of this lateral branch (44), the compressed air blowing nozzle(s) (75) is (are) fixed to the lateral branch (44) of the articulated arm.

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