Auto tire RFID app Cater

Abstract

The RFID applicator device includes an applicator frame and a guide block mounted on the applicator frame and configured to support an elongated liner carrying a plurality of RFID tags bonded to an elongated liner, the guide block defining a distribution edge around which the liner moves. The device includes a backing anvil and an applicator head movable relative to the guide block. The applicator head carries a suction pickup. A controller is configured to control the movement of the backing anvil and the applicator head to grasp a tag, pull the tag away from the liner, release the tag from the backing anvil, and then attach the tag to the tire carcass.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for attaching an RFID tag to a tire during tire manufacturing.

Background Art

[0002] During tire manufacturing, an RFID tag can be attached to the tire carcass. Thereafter, information regarding the identification of individual tires and the history of their manufacture can be read on the RFID tag.

[0003] There is a need for an improved apparatus and method for automatically attaching such RFID tags to the tire carcass.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, an RFID applicator device includes an applicator frame and a guide block configured to support an elongate liner carrying a plurality of RFID tags attached to the elongate liner, the guide block defining a dispensing edge around which the liner moves, the guide block. The device includes a backing anvil at least partially movable relative to the guide block. The applicator head is movable relative to the guide block. The applicator head carries a suction pickup. The controller (a) advancing the elongate liner across the guide block until one of the RFID tags comes to a dispensing position where the RFID tag extends partially beyond the dispensing edge, (b) engaging the backing anvil with one flat surface of the RFID tag and engaging the suction pickup with the opposite flat surface of the RFID tag such that the RFID tag is in the dispensing position, thereby gripping the RFID tag between the backing anvil and the suction pickup, (c) The system is configured to control the movement of the elongated liner, backing anvil, and applicator head, thereby pulling the RFID tag away from the liner by moving at least a portion of the backing anvil and the magnetic pickup together away from the liner.

[0005] In another embodiment, the RFID applicator device includes an applicator frame and a guide block attached to the applicator frame and configured to support an elongated liner carrying a plurality of RFID tags bonded to an elongated liner, the guide block defining a distribution edge around which the liner moves. The device includes an anvil base and a movable anvil portion movable relative to the anvil base. The applicator head includes a suction pickup. The controller is One of the RFID tags advances the elongated liner across the guide block until the RFID tag partially extends beyond the distribution edge and reaches a distribution position located between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. The suction pickup engages with the side of the RFID tag facing the suction pickup, and because the RFID tag is in the distribution position, the RFID tag is grasped between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. The system is configured to control the movement of the elongated liner, the suction pickup, and the movable anvil, thereby detaching the RFID tag from the liner by moving the movable anvil and the suction pickup together away from the liner.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for automatically attaching RFID tags to tires during tire manufacturing is described as follows: The process involves advancing the elongated liner, which carries multiple RFID tags attached to the elongated liner, across the guide block until one of the RFID tags reaches a distribution position where it partially extends beyond the distribution edge of the guide block, The suction pickup engages with the flat surface of the RFID tag facing the suction pickup, and because the RFID tag is in the distribution position, the RFID tag is gripped between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. This includes moving the adhesive pickup away from the liner to detach the RFID tag from the liner.

[0007] Many of the subjects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a side view of the RFID applicator device. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a plan view of the RFID applicator device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the RFID applicator device shown in Figure 1A, in a position ready for the RFID tag to be grasped. The tag is still attached to the liner. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2, showing the tag being held between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is similar to Figures 2 and 3, showing the tag being detached from the liner by the backing anvil and the suction pickup. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is similar to Figures 2-4, and shows a tag being released by moving the backing anvil away from the RFID tag so that the RFID tag is held only by the magnetic pickup. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a side view of the RFID applicator device after the release step in Figure 5, with the applicator head rotated. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a plan view of the RFID applicator device shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7A]Figure 7A is a side view of an RFID applicator device in which the applicator head is translated away from the guide block, and the suction tip is extended linearly relative to the applicator head to attach the RFID tag to the tire carcass. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a plan view of the RFID applicator device shown in Figure 7A. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the controller of the RFID applicator device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 schematically shows the path of a liner carrying multiple RFID tags. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of software programming to implement the described method. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a schematic end view of the backing anvil, with the recessed area indicated by a dashed line. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a schematic plan view of the backing anvil shown in Figure 11a. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an anvil, including an anvil base and movable anvil fingers. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a rear view of the anvil shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view of the anvil shown in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a side view of the anvil shown in Figure 12, incorporated into an RFID applicator device. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a magnified view of the area enclosed by the circle around the anvil in Figure 15. In Figure 16, the suction pickup is in an elevated position above the anvil. Figures 16-19 are a series of magnified views showing the operation of the suction pickup and anvil finger. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the diagram from Figure 16 with the adhesive pickup moved downward to engage with the tag. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows the same diagram as in Figure 17, where the suction pickup and anvil finger move upward together, pulling the tag away from the elongated liner. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a view of FIG. 18 in a state where the anvil finger has retreated so that the tag is held only by the adsorption pickup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7B, an RFID applicator device is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The device 10 includes an applicator frame 12. The applicator frame 12 is schematically shown as including two frame portions 12a, 12b respectively attached to the ground or floor 14. It will be understood that the frame 12 may be of an integral type or may include a plurality of frame components fixed to the ground or floor 14.

[0010] A plurality of RFID tags 16 are supplied onto an elongate liner 18 from a supply spool 20 rotatably attached to the applicator frame 12. The tags 16 on the liner 18 are shown in plan views 6B and 7B and schematically in FIG. 9. As best shown in the schematic of FIG. 9, the liner 18 leaving the spool 20 moves around a first guide pin 22 and then around an end 23 of a guide block 24. The upper surface of the guide block 24 defines a dispensing plane 26 of the guide block 24, and the opposite end of the guide block 24 defines a dispensing edge 28 of the guide block 24. The liner 18 is wrapped around the first end 23, crosses the dispensing plane 26, then is wrapped around the dispensing end 28, and finally is wrapped around a take-up reel 30. The take-up reel 30 may be powered by an electric motor or other actuator under the control of a controller 102 of the device 10 to advance the liner 18 along the path shown by the dashed line in FIG. 9.

[0011] Furthermore, Figure 9 schematically shows a scraper 82 configured to engage with a misplaced RFID tag 16b attached to the back surface of the liner 18 and remove the misplaced RFID tag 16b from the back surface of the liner 18. It will be understood that, due to the adhesive properties of the bond between the tag 16 and the liner 18, it may occasionally occur that one of the tags is attached to the wrong side of the liner 18, and that the scraper 82 removes such misplaced tags to prevent them from interfering with the proper operation of the machine 10.

[0012] The tag 16 is bonded to the liner 18 in such a manner that the tag 16 can be easily detached from the liner 18. The distribution edge 28 of the guide block 24 is configured such that when the liner 18 is bent at a sharp angle around the distribution edge 28 and pulled, the leading edge 16a of the tag 16 that partially extends beyond the distribution edge 28 is lifted away from the liner 18. The position where the tag 16 partially protrudes beyond the distribution edge 28, as shown in Figure 9, is referred to herein as the distribution position. The device 10 is designed to automatically grasp this protruding portion of the tag 16 at this distribution position and pull the tag 16 away from the liner 18.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 includes a backing anvil 32 and an applicator head 34, both of which are movable relative to the guide block 24 to grasp the tag 16 at the distribution position and pull the tag 16 away from the liner 18. As will be further described below, the applicator head 34 includes a suction pickup 52 that is movable relative to the rest of the applicator head 34.

[0014] The backing anvil 32 is mounted on a linear guide 44 and connected to a pin 36. The pin 36 is supported by a clevis 38 attached to an extendable piston 40 of a first pneumatic cylinder actuator 42. The first pneumatic cylinder actuator 42 moves the backing anvil 32 up and down relative to the linear guide 44. The pneumatic cylinder actuator 42 is supported by a linear guide 44 that slides on a slide guide 46 mounted on a frame 12. The linear guide 44 is moved by a second pneumatic cylinder actuator 48, which moves the backing anvil 32 left and right in Figures 2 to 5.

[0015] The applicator head 34 carries a suction head 50, which includes one or more suction pickups 52. The suction head 50 and the suction pickups 52 are linearly movable relative to the applicator head 34 by a pneumatic cylinder 54 incorporated into the applicator head 34. Preferably, there are at least two suction pickups 52 that engage with the tag 16. The partially extended piston 56 of the pneumatic cylinder 54 can be seen in Figure 3.

[0016] Figures 2 to 5 show the applicator head 34 in a vertically oriented position with the suction pickup 52 facing downward toward the backing anvil 32. The applicator head 34 can be rotated 90 degrees to a horizontally oriented position, as seen in Figures 6A and 6B, in which position the suction pickup faces laterally to one side. The rotational motion of the applicator head 34 is achieved by a rotary actuator 74 supported by an applicator base 60, which is slidably mounted on the frame 12. The applicator base 60, rotary actuator 74, and applicator head 34 can be translated together to the left and right in the figure relative to the backing anvil 32 and frame 12a by a rotary screw drive 62 driven by a motor 63.

[0017] The machine 10 includes a position sensor 64 for detecting whether the tag 16 is present at the distribution location. In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor 64 is a laser sensor including a laser transmitter 66 and a laser receiver 68. The position of the laser beam 70 between the transmitter 66 and the receiver 68 is shown. For example, as seen in Figure 2, the path of the laser beam 70 is traversed by the RFID tag 16 at the distribution location, which extends from the distribution edge 28 of the guide block 24.

[0018] However, it should be noted that in the side views shown in Figures 2 and 3, the path of the laser beam 70 also crosses the location of the backing anvil 32. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the backing anvil 32 includes a recess 72 defined inside, configured so that the laser beam 70 from the laser sensor 64 can pass through the recess 72, and the presence of the backing anvil 32 does not trigger the laser position sensor 64 and does not provide a false indication of the presence of the RFID tag 16 at the distribution location. As shown in the side view of Figure 11A, the bottom surface of the recess 72 is shown as a dashed line. The width of the recess 72 is shown in the top view of Figure 11B.

[0019] Frame 12 also carries a vacuum source configured to provide near-atmospheric pressure to the suction pickup 52. Where used herein, references to both vacuum and suction are generally intended to refer to any near-atmospheric pressure, and references to “vacuum” will be understood not to require a complete vacuum in a physical sense. A pressure sensor 76 (see Figure 8) communicates with the suction pickup 52 to detect whether the RFID tag 16 is held to the suction pickup 52 by suction. If the suction pickup 52 is holding the RFID tag 16 by suction, the expected near-atmospheric pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 76. However, if the attempt to pick up the RFID tag 16 fails and the suction pickup 52 is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the pressure sensor 76 detects a higher pressure, closer to atmospheric pressure.

[0020] As schematically shown in Figure 8, the machine 10 includes a control system 100 which includes a controller 102 for receiving signals from various sensors and sending command signals to various actuators to control the operation of the machine 10. The controller 102 may be part of the machine control system of the machine 10, or it may be a separate control module. The controller 102 is configured to receive input signals from various sensors. The signals sent from the various sensors to the controller 102 are schematically shown in Figure 8 by lines connecting the sensors to the controller, and the arrows indicate the flow of signals from the sensors to the controller 102.

[0021] For example, the signal from the laser position sensor 64 is received by the controller 102, so that the controller 102 can detect whether the RFID tag 16 is present at the distribution location. The controller 102 receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor 76 to detect whether the RFID tag is held in a predetermined position by attraction to the suction pickup 52.

[0022] Similarly, the controller 102 generates control signals to control the operation of the various actuators described above, which are schematically shown in Figure 8 by lines connecting the controller 102 to the graphical representations of the various actuators, and arrows indicate the flow of command signals from the controller 102 to each actuator. For the control of pneumatic cylinder type actuators, it will be understood that the controller 102 sends electrical signals to electromechanical control valves (not shown) that control the flow of high-pressure air to and from the pneumatic cylinders.

[0023] The controller 102 may include, or be associated with, an input / output module or control panel 110 having a processor 104, a computer-readable medium 106, a database 108, and a display 112. An input / output device 114, such as a keyboard, joystick, or other user interface, is provided so that a human operator can input commands to the controller. It is understood that the controller 102 described herein may be a single controller having all of the described functionality, or it may include multiple controllers in which the described functionality is distributed among multiple controllers.

[0024] The various operations, steps, or algorithms described in relation to the controller 102 can be implemented directly in hardware, in a computer program product 116 such as a software module executed by the processor 104, or in a combination of both. The computer program product 116 can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, or any other form of computer-readable medium 106 known in the art. An exemplary computer-readable medium 106 can be coupled to the processor 104 so that the processor can read information from and write information to the memory / storage medium. Alternatively, the medium may be integrated with the processor. The processor and medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and medium may reside as separate components within the user terminal.

[0025] As used herein, the term “processor” may refer to at least general-purpose or specific-purpose processing devices and / or logic, including but not limited to microprocessors, microcontrollers, state machines, etc., as can be understood by those skilled in the art. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors working in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0026] The data storage in the computer-readable medium 106 and / or database 108 may, in certain embodiments, include a database service, a cloud database, and the like. In various embodiments, the computing network may comprise a cloud server, and in some implementations, may be part of a cloud application, and various functions as disclosed herein are distributed in nature between the computing network and other distributed computing devices. Any or all of the distributed computing devices may be implemented as at least one of an in-vehicle controller, a server device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, or any other electronic device capable of executing instructions. The processor of the device (such as a microprocessor) may be a general-purpose hardware processor, a dedicated hardware processor, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In particular, the controller 102 may be programmed to receive signals from the laser position sensor 64 and the pressure sensor 76, control the operation of the first and second pneumatic actuators 42 and 48 to control the movement of the backing anvil 32, control the operation of the pneumatic cylinder 54 of the applicator head 34 to control the extension and retraction of the suction pickup 52, control the rotary actuator 74 for the rotation of the applicator head 34, and control the rotary screw drive device 62 to control the left and right translation of the applicator head 34 as shown in the figure. The controller 102 may also control the drive of the winding spool 30 to control the forward movement of the liner 18.

[0028] The controller 102 is controlled by appropriate programming of the software included in the computer program product 166. (a) The step of advancing the elongated liner 18 across the guide block 24 until one of the RFID tags 16 reaches a distribution position where the RFID tag 16 partially extends beyond the distribution edge 28, as seen in Figures 2 and 9, (b) As shown in Figure 3, the backing anvil 32 is engaged with one flat surface of the RFID tag so that the RFID tag is in the distribution position, and the suction pickup 52 is engaged with the opposite flat surface of the RFID tag so that the RFID tag is in the distribution position, thereby grasping the RFID tag 16 between the backing anvil 32 and the suction pickup 52, (c) The system may be configured to perform the step of removing the RFID tag 16 from the liner 18 by moving the backing anvil 32 and the suction pickup 52 together away from the liner 18, for example, as shown in the movement from the position in Figure 3 to the position in Figure 4.

[0029] The controller 102 can confirm the position of the RFID tag 16 at the distribution location by monitoring the position signal from the laser position sensor 64.

[0030] In step (b), the backing anvil 32 is movable in a first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane 26 (upward in Figures 2 and 3) in order to engage one of the flat surfaces of the RFID tag 16 with the RFID tag 16 in the distribution position. The first pneumatic linear actuator 42 is configured to move the backing anvil 32 in the first direction.

[0031] In step (c), the backing anvil 32 is movable in a second direction parallel to the distribution plane 26 (right in Figures 2 and 3) to pull the RFID tag 16 away from the liner 18. A second pneumatic linear actuator 48 is configured to move the backing anvil 32 in the second direction away from the tag 16 after the tag has been removed from the liner 18.

[0032] In step (b), the suction pickup 52 is movable in a third direction opposite to the first direction (downward in Figures 2 and 3), engaging with the opposite flat surface of the RFID tag 16, so that the RFID tag 16 is in the distribution position shown in Figures 2 and 9. The downward movement of the suction pickup 52 can be achieved by extending the piston 56 of the pneumatic actuator 54 of the actuator head 34.

[0033] In step (c), the suction pickup 52 is movable together with the backing anvil 32 in a second direction parallel to the distribution plane 26 in order to pull the RFID tag 16 away from the liner 18. Movement of the suction pickup 52 in the second direction can be achieved by operating the rotary screw drive 62 to move the applicator head 34 to the right from the position in Figure 3 to the position in Figure 4.

[0034] The controller 102 may further be configured to perform a step after step (c) of releasing the RFID tag 16 from the backing anvil 32 by moving the backing anvil 32 away from the RFID tag 16 so that the RFID tag 16 is held solely by the suction pickup 52, as shown in Figure 5. The downward movement of the backing anvil 32 away from the RFID tag 16 can be achieved by retracting the first pneumatic cylinder actuator 42. Prior to the release step, the controller 102 may further be configured to perform a step of applying near-atmospheric pressure to the suction pickup 52. Near-atmospheric pressure may be provided by communicating a vacuum source with the suction pickup 52.

[0035] The controller may also be configured to confirm that the RFID tag 16 has been successfully held by the suction pickup 52 by monitoring the pressure between the vacuum source and the suction pickup 52 using a pressure sensor 76. When the RFID tag is successfully held in place by the suction pickup 52, the pressure sensor 76 detects near-atmospheric pressure from the vacuum source. If the tag 16 is not present, the pressure sensor detects atmospheric pressure entering the open pickup 52.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, once the controller 102 determines that the RFID tag has been successfully held by the pickup 52, the controller 102 can control the attachment of the tag to the manufactured tire carcass 80 as follows: The controller 102 can control the movement of the applicator head 34 to perform the following steps: rotating the applicator head 34 after the release step, as shown in Figure 6; translating the applicator head 34 after the release step, as shown in Figure 7; and, after rotation and translation, linearly extending the suction tip 52 having the RFID tag 16 relative to the applicator head 34 to engage the RFID tag 16 with the partially manufactured tire carcass 80, as schematically shown in Figure 7.

[0037] The rotation of the applicator head 34 can be achieved by a rotary actuator 74. The translation of the applicator head can be achieved by a rotary screw drive device 62. The extension of the suction tip 52 can be achieved by a pneumatic cylinder 54 that extends the piston 56.

[0038] Figure 10 is a flowchart summarizing an example of software programming 116 for the controller 102 to perform the method described above. Programming begins in block 202. Block 204 instructs the controller 102 to command various actuators to return to their initial positions as shown in Figure 2. In block 206, the controller 102 can verify that the tire carcass 80 is in a predetermined position to receive the tag 16. Block 208 instructs the controller 102 to drive the winding reel 30 to advance the liner 18.

[0039] In the query of block 210, the controller receives a position signal from the laser position sensor 64 and checks whether the tag 16 is in the distribution position, as shown in Figure 2. If not, the liner 18 continues to move forward. If it is, the liner 18 is stopped, as shown in block 212. Next, according to block 214, the backing anvil 32 is raised and according to block 216, the pickup 52 is lowered or extended to grasp the tag 16, as shown in Figure 3. In block 218, vacuum is applied to the pickup 52 from a vacuum source. In block 220, the tag 16 is pulled away from the liner 18, as shown in Figure 4. Next, according to block 222, the tag is released by lowering the backing anvil 32, as shown in Figure 5.

[0040] In query block 224, the controller 102 checks whether the tag 16 is being held by the suction pickup 52. If not, the process returns to block 204. If it is, the tag 16 is attached to the tire carcass by rotating the applicator head 34 as shown in Figures 6A and 6B according to block 226, translating the applicator head 34 as shown in Figures 7A and 7B according to block 228, and then extending the pickup 52 as shown in Figure 7B to attach the tag 16 to the tire carcass 80. The process then returns to block 204 and repeats for the next tire carcass.

[0041] In one variation of process 116 shown in Figure 10, step 214, which raises the anvil 32, may be performed before step 208, so that the anvil 32 is already in the raised position when the line 18 and tag 16 are advanced to the distribution position. This can be described as moving the anvil 32 in a first direction so that it is in a position to engage with one of the flat surfaces of the RFID tag 16 at the distribution position.

[0042] In a further modification of process 116 shown in Figure 10, the step 214 of raising the anvil 32 is omitted, and the anvil 132 can be moved back and forth only horizontally between the positions shown in Figures 3 and 4. In this embodiment, instead of lowering the anvil 32 when releasing the tag 16, the pickup 52 is raised relative to the anvil 32 to release the tag 16.

[0043] Embodiments shown in Figures 12-19: In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11 above, the entire backing anvil 32 is movable both vertically and horizontally relative to the guide block 24.

[0044] Figures 12 to 19 show an alternative embodiment in which the backing anvil 32 includes a backing anvil base 32.1 and a movable anvil portion 32.2. The movable anvil portion 32.2 includes a first anvil finger 32.3 and a second anvil finger 32.4 that are movable relative to the backing anvil base 32.1 between a retracted position as seen in Figures 12 to 17 and 19 and an extended position as seen in Figure 18.

[0045] The anvil base 32.1 includes an outer surface 32.5 facing the applicator head 34, and has a first recess 32.6 and a second recess 32.7 defined on the outer surface 32.5. The first anvil finger 32.3 and the second anvil finger 32.4 are received in the first recess 32.6 and the second recess 32.7, respectively, when the anvil fingers are in the retracted position shown in Figures 12-17 and 19. In the extended position shown in Figure 18, the first anvil finger 32.3 and the second anvil finger 32.4 are extended beyond the outer surface 32.5.

[0046] As best seen in Figure 13, the outer surface 32.5 of the anvil base 32.1 has a convex curvature. This convex curvature can be described as extending in a direction transverse to the forward direction of the elongated liner 18 toward the distribution edge 28 of the guide block 24. And, as best understood in Figures 13, 15, and 16, the central portion 32.8 of the outer surface 32.5 closest to the applicator head 34 is substantially at the same height as the distribution plane 26 of the guide block 24. By making a portion of the outer surface 32.5 substantially at the same height as the distribution plane 26, the tag 16 extends in close proximity to and above the outer surface 32.5 when the tag 16 extends over the distribution edge 28. This allows the tag 16 to be gripped between the suction pickup 52 and the anvil 32 by simply moving the suction pickup 52 downward and engaging it with the upper surface of the tag 16, without the need to move the anvil 32 upward.

[0047] The pneumatic actuator 120 includes an extendable piston 122 connected to the first anvil finger 32.3 and the second anvil finger 32.4 by a sliding link 124. The sliding link 124 is housed within a linear guide 126. The pneumatic actuator 120 communicates with the controller 102 in the same manner as the pneumatic actuators 42 and 48 described above, so that the controller 102 can control the movement of the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4.

[0048] The operation method of the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 19 for engaging the tag 16 with the liner 18 and removing it from the liner 18 is shown in a series of figures 16 to 19.

[0049] In Figures 15 and 16, the RFID applicator device 10 is shown with the suction head 50 and suction pickup 52 in an elevated position above the backing anvil 32. The anvil base 32.1 is fixed in place and does not move during the operation shown in Figures 16 to 19. In Figures 15 and 16, the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 are in their retracted positions within the recesses 32.6 and 32.7 and are therefore not visible in the side views of Figures 15 and 16. The tag 16 is shown in Figures 15 and 16 in a distribution position where the tag 16 extends partially beyond the distribution edge 28 of the guide block 24.

[0050] In Figure 17, the suction head 50 and the suction pickup 52 are positioned such that the suction pickup 52 attempts to engage with the upper surface of the tag 16, thereby causing the tag 16 to be lowered to grip it between the suction pickup 52 and the anvil 32.

[0051] In Figure 18, the suction head 50 and the suction pickup 52 move upward simultaneously with the rise of the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 to their extended positions, thus pulling the tag 16 vertically upward from the liner 18. The tag 16 is still gripped between the suction pickup 52 and the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4. The suction fingers 32.3 and 32.4 help to pull the tag 16 away from the liner 18.

[0052] Finally, in Figure 19, the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 are shown retracted to their retracted positions so that the tag 16 is held only by the suction pickup 52.

[0053] In the same manner as described above for the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11, the controller 102 may be programmed to perform the operations shown in Figures 16 to 19. The controller 102 may receive signals from the laser position sensor 64 and the pressure sensor 76, control the operation of the pneumatic actuator 120 to control the movement of the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 of the backing anvil 32, control the operation of the pneumatic cylinder 54 of the applicator head 34 to control the extension and retraction of the suction pickup 52, control the rotary actuator 74 for the rotation of the applicator head 34, and control the rotary screw drive 62 to control the left and right translation of the applicator head 34 as shown in the figures. The controller 102 may also control the drive of the winding spool 30 to control the forward movement of the liner 18.

[0054] The controller 102 is controlled by appropriate programming of the software included in the computer program product 166. The steps include advancing the elongated liner 18 across the guide block 24 until one of the RFID tags 16 reaches a distribution position where the RFID tag 16 partially extends beyond the distribution edge 28, as seen in Figures 15 and 16, As shown in Figure 17, the suction pickup 52 engages with the flat surface of the RFID tag facing the suction pickup 52, and the RFID tag is in the distribution position, thereby gripping the RFID tag 16 between the backing anvil 32 and the suction pickup 52. For example, as shown in the movement from the position in Figure 17 to the position in Figure 18, the system may be configured to perform the step of moving the suction pickup 52 upward so that it moves away from the liner 18 while simultaneously raising the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4, thereby pulling the RFID tag 16 away from the liner 18.

[0055] In the pulling step, the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 of the backing anvil 32 are movable in a first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane 26 (upward in Figures 17 and 18) to help lift the tag 16 from the liner 18.

[0056] In the gripping step, the suction pickup 52 is movable in a second direction (downward) opposite to the first direction, engaging with the opposite flat surface of the RFID tag 16, so that the RFID tag 16 is in the distribution position shown in Figures 16 and 17. The downward movement of the suction pickup 52 can be achieved by extending the piston 56 of the pneumatic actuator 54 of the actuator head 34.

[0057] When the RFID tag 16 is to be detached from the liner 18, the suction pickup 52 is movable upward together with the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 of the backing anvil 32 in order to detach the RFID tag 16 from the liner 18. The upward movement of the suction pickup 52 can be achieved by the retraction of the piston 56 of the pneumatic actuator 54 of the actuator head 34.

[0058] The controller 102 may further be configured to perform a step of releasing the RFID tag 16 from the backing anvil 32 after detaching the tag 16 from the liner 18 by moving the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 of the backing anvil 32 away from the RFID tag 16, as shown in Figure 19. The downward movement of the anvil fingers 32.3 and 32.4 of the backing anvil 32 away from the RFID tag 16 can be achieved by extending the pneumatic cylinder actuator 120. Prior to the release step, the controller 102 may further be configured to perform a step of applying near-atmospheric pressure to the suction pickup 52. Near-atmospheric pressure may be provided by communicating a vacuum source with the suction pickup 52.

[0059] The controller may also be configured to confirm that the RFID tag 16 has been successfully held by the suction pickup 52 by monitoring the pressure between the vacuum source and the suction pickup 52 using a pressure sensor 76. When the RFID tag is successfully held in place by the suction pickup 52, the pressure sensor 76 detects near-atmospheric pressure from the vacuum source. If the tag 16 is not present, the pressure sensor detects atmospheric pressure entering the open pickup 52.

[0060] As shown in Figure 19, once the controller 102 determines that the RFID tag has been successfully held by the pickup 52, the controller 102 can control the attachment of the tag to the tire carcass 80 being manufactured in the manner described above with respect to Figures 1 to 11.

[0061] Accordingly, it is understood that the apparatus and methods of this disclosure readily realize the purposes and benefits mentioned, as well as those specific to this specification. While certain preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been illustrated and described for the present purposes, numerous modifications in the arrangement and configuration of parts and steps may be made by those skilled in the art, and such modifications are included within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Each disclosed feature or embodiment may be combined with any of the other disclosed features or embodiments.

Claims

1. RFID applicator device, Applicator frame and A guide block attached to the applicator frame and configured to support the elongated liner which carries a plurality of RFID tags adhered to the elongated liner, the guide block defines a distribution edge around which the liner moves, A backing anvil, at least a portion of which is movable relative to the guide block, An applicator head that is movable relative to the guide block, wherein the applicator head includes an applicator head that carries a suction pickup, A controller is provided, and the controller is One of the RFID tags advances the elongated liner across the guide block until the RFID tag reaches a distribution position where it partially extends beyond the distribution edge. The backing anvil is engaged with one flat surface of the RFID tag so that the RFID tag is in the distribution position, and the suction pickup is engaged with the flat surface on the opposite side of the RFID tag so that the RFID tag is in the distribution position, thereby gripping the RFID tag between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. An RFID applicator device configured to control the movement of the elongated liner, the suction pickup, the backing anvil, and the applicator head, thereby pulling the RFID tag away from the liner by moving at least a portion of the backing anvil and the suction pickup together away from the liner.

2. The guide block defines the distribution plane to which the RFID tag moves when the RFID tag approaches the distribution edge, To grasp the RFID tag, the entire backing anvil is engaged with or positioned to engage with one of the flat surfaces of the RFID tag, and is movable in a first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane such that the RFID tag is in the distribution position. The RFID applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the entire backing anvil is movable in a second direction parallel to the distribution plane in order to separate the RFID tag from the liner.

3. To grasp the RFID tag, the suction pickup engages with the opposite flat surface of the RFID tag, so that the RFID tag is movable in a third direction opposite to the first direction so that it is in the distribution position. The RFID applicator device according to claim 2, wherein the suction pickup is movable together with the backing anvil in a second direction parallel to the distribution plane in order to separate the RFID tag from the liner.

4. A first pneumatic linear actuator configured to move the backing anvil in the first direction, The RFID applicator device according to claim 2, further comprising a second pneumatic linear actuator configured to move the backing anvil in the second direction.

5. The RFID applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to separate the backing anvil and the suction pickup so that the RFID tag is held solely by the suction pickup, thereby separating the RFID tag from the liner, and then releasing the RFID tag from the backing anvil.

6. The RFID applicator device according to claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to apply near-atmospheric pressure to the suction pickup before releasing the RFID tag from the backing anvil.

7. The RFID applicator device according to claim 5, further comprising a vacuum sensor configured to confirm that near-atmospheric pressure is maintained within the suction pickup in order to indicate that the RFID tag is being held by the suction pickup.

8. The aforementioned controller, After releasing the RFID tag from the backing anvil, rotate the applicator head. After releasing the RFID tag from the backing anvil, the applicator head is translated. The RFID applicator device according to claim 5, further configured to control the movement of the applicator head so that, after the rotation and translation, the suction tip having the RFID tag is linearly extended relative to the applicator head, thereby engaging the RFID tag with a partially manufactured carcass of a tire.

9. The system further includes a position sensor configured to detect the presence of one of the RFID tags at the distribution location, The RFID applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is operably connected to the position sensor in order to receive a position signal from the position sensor.

10. The aforementioned position sensor is a laser sensor, The RFID applicator device according to claim 9, wherein the backing anvil has the recess defined inside, configured such that a laser beam from the laser sensor can pass through the recess, and the presence of the backing anvil does not trigger the position sensor and does not provide a false indication of the presence of the RFID tag at the distribution position.

11. The RFID applicator device according to claim 1, further comprising a scraper configured to engage with an RFID tag attached to the back surface of the liner and remove the RFID tag from the back surface of the liner.

12. The RFID applicator device according to claim 1, wherein the backing anvil includes an anvil base and a movable anvil portion that is movable relative to the anvil base, and the movable anvil portion is a portion that is movable relative to the guide block.

13. The guide block defines the distribution plane to which the RFID tag moves when the RFID tag approaches the distribution edge, The movable anvil portion is movable relative to the anvil base and the guide block in a first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane. The RFID applicator device according to claim 12, wherein the movable anvil portion and the suction pickup move together in the first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane in order to pull the RFID tag away from the liner.

14. The anvil base includes an outer surface facing the applicator head and having a first recess and a second recess defined on the outer surface, The RFID applicator device according to claim 12, wherein the movable anvil portion includes a first anvil finger and a second anvil finger, and the first anvil finger and the second anvil finger are movable between a retracted position in which the first anvil finger and the second anvil finger are received in the first recess and the second recess, respectively, and an extended position in which the first anvil finger and the second anvil finger extend beyond the outer surface.

15. The guide block defines the distribution plane to which the RFID tag moves when the RFID tag approaches the distribution edge, The RFID applicator apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the anvil base is fixed in a predetermined position relative to the guide block, the anvil base includes an outer surface facing the applicator head, the outer surface has a convex curvature in a direction transverse to the forward direction of the elongated liner toward the distribution edge, and the portion of the outer surface closest to the applicator head is substantially at the same height as the distribution plane.

16. RFID applicator device, Applicator frame and A guide block attached to the applicator frame and configured to support the elongated liner which carries a plurality of RFID tags adhered to the elongated liner, the guide block defines a distribution edge around which the liner moves, A backing anvil includes an anvil base and a movable anvil portion that is movable relative to the anvil base, Applicator head including suction pickup, A controller is provided, and the controller is One of the RFID tags advances the elongated liner across the guide block until the RFID tag extends partially beyond the distribution edge and reaches a distribution position located between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. The suction pickup is engaged with the side surface of the RFID tag facing the suction pickup, and the RFID tag is held between the backing anvil and the suction pickup when it is in the distribution position. An RFID applicator device configured to control the movement of the elongated liner, the suction pickup, and the movable anvil portion, thereby pulling the RFID tag away from the liner by moving the movable anvil portion and the suction pickup together away from the liner.

17. The guide block defines the distribution plane to which the RFID tag moves when the RFID tag approaches the distribution edge, The movable anvil portion is movable relative to the anvil base and the guide block in a first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane. The RFID applicator device according to claim 16, wherein the movable anvil portion and the suction pickup move together in the first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane in order to pull the RFID tag away from the liner.

18. The anvil base includes an outer surface facing the applicator head and having a first recess and a second recess defined on the outer surface, The RFID applicator device according to claim 16, wherein the movable anvil portion includes a first anvil finger and a second anvil finger, and the first anvil finger and the second anvil finger are movable between a retracted position in which the first anvil finger and the second anvil finger are received in the first recess and the second recess, respectively, and an extended position in which the first anvil finger and the second anvil finger extend beyond the outer surface.

19. The guide block defines the distribution plane to which the RFID tag moves when the RFID tag approaches the distribution edge, The RFID applicator apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the anvil base is fixed in a predetermined position relative to the guide block, the anvil base includes an outer surface facing the applicator head, the outer surface has a convex curvature in a direction transverse to the forward direction of the elongated liner toward the distribution edge, and the portion of the outer surface closest to the applicator head is substantially the same height as the distribution plane.

20. A method for automatically attaching RFID tags to tires during tire manufacturing, (a) Moving the elongated liner, which carries a plurality of RFID tags attached to the elongated liner, across the guide block until one of the RFID tags reaches a distribution position where the RFID tag extends partially beyond the distribution edge of the guide block, (b) The suction pickup is engaged with the flat surface of the RFID tag facing the suction pickup, so that the RFID tag is in the distribution position, and the RFID tag is gripped between the backing anvil and the suction pickup. (c) A method comprising moving the suction pickup away from the liner to separate the RFID tag from the liner.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein in step (b), the backing anvil remains fixed to the guide block.

22. In step (a), the guide block defines a distribution plane to which the RFID tag moves when the RFID tag approaches the distribution edge, The method according to claim 21, wherein in step (c), the suction pickup moves together with the movable portion of the backing anvil in a first direction perpendicular to the distribution plane in order to pull the RFID tag away from the liner.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, after step (c), releasing the RFID tag by separating the suction pickup from the movable portion of the backing anvil so that the RFID tag is held solely by the suction pickup.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising applying near-atmospheric pressure to the adsorption pickup before the release step.

25. The method according to claim 23, further comprising confirming that the RFID tag is being held by the suction pickup by detecting that a vacuum is maintained inside the suction pickup.

26. After the release step, the applicator head supporting the suction pickup is rotated, After the release step, the applicator head is translated, The method according to claim 23, further comprising, after the rotation and translation, extending the suction pickup having the RFID tag linearly relative to the applicator head to engage the RFID tag with the partially manufactured carcass of the tire.

27. The method according to claim 20, further comprising using a position sensor to detect the presence of one of the RFID tags at the distribution location.

28. The method according to claim 20, further comprising scraping off the RFID tag attached to the back surface of the liner to remove the RFID tag from the back surface of the liner.

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