Unwinding system and method for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and outputting said tire component in a conveying direction - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to an unwinding system for unwinding tire components from a stock reel and outputting said tire components in a conveying direction, the unwinding system comprising a reeling station, a conveyor, and a transfer device, the conveyor extending at least partially above the reeling station, the transfer device comprising a holding surface for releasably holding the tire component along a guide path between a pick-up position for picking up the tire component from the reel station and a release position for placing the tire component on the conveyor, wherein in the release position the holding surface faces the conveyor, and the holding surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position by an offset angle of at least 90 degrees about an inversion axis parallel to the conveyor and perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an unwinding system and method for unwinding a tire component, such as a sidewall or breaker ply, from a stock reel and outputting said tire component onto an output conveyor of a tire component servicer for subsequent use in the manufacture of tires on a tire building drum. [Background technology]

[0002] Known unwinding systems are configured to receive a cartridge having a stock reel holding a length of tire components. The cartridge is typically configured so that the tire components exit the cartridge in a direction consistent with the conveying direction of an output conveyor. When the stock reel is depleted, the cartridge must be replaced by an operator and the leading edge of the tire component must be manually placed on the output conveyor. The leading edge of the tire component is spliced ​​to the trailing edge of a previously fed tire component to enable the leading edge of the tire component to be pulled by the trailing edge of the previously fed tire component on the output conveyor towards the tire building drum and then used in the manufacture of tires. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A drawback of known unwinding systems is that the system must be stopped or slowed down to allow for manual intervention by an operator. Thus, during this period, the supply of tire components to the tire component servicer is temporarily interrupted, which may cause downtime in the overall tire building process. Moreover, to facilitate the splicing of the leading edge of a tire component with the trailing edge of a previously fed tire component, said previously fed tire component needs to remain in place on the feed conveyor until the splicing is completed. Thus, the feeding of the previously fed tire component cannot be completed and the entire tire building process is interrupted. Furthermore, a safe working space must be established around the unwinding system to allow an operator to transfer the leading edge of the tire component from the stock reel to the output conveyor. Said working space significantly increases the footprint of the unwinding system. Even when the machine is slowed down or stopped, manual intervention by an operator can prove to be dangerous.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an unwinding system and method capable of remedying at least one of the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an unwinding system for unwinding tire parts from a stock reel and outputting said tire parts in a conveying direction, the unwinding system comprising a reeling station configured to receive a stock reel, an output conveyor for conveying the tire parts in a conveying direction, and a transfer device for transferring leading ends of the tire parts from the reeling station to said output conveyor, the output conveyor comprising a support surface extending at least partially above the reeling station and extending in a support plane parallel to the conveying direction, said support surface being configured to receive the tire parts from the transfer device and to support said tire parts on a first side of the support plane, The vice includes a holding member movable along a guide path between a pick-up position on a second side of the support plane opposite the first side of the support plane for picking up the leading edge of the tire component from the reel station and a release position on the first side of the support plane for placing the leading edge of the tire component on a support surface of an output conveyor, the holding member having a holding surface for releasably holding the leading edge of the tire component on said holding member, and in the release position the holding surface faces the support plane on the first side of the support plane, and the holding surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position over an offset angle of at least 90 degrees around an inversion axis parallel to the support plane and perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0006] In other words, the transfer device is configured to mechanically and / or automatically flip or invert the tire parts between the pick-up position and the release position through at least 90 degrees. Thus, the tire parts can be transported in a transport direction different from the output direction of the reel. As a result, the reel can be positioned at least partially under the output conveyor. As a result, the footprint, i.e., surface area, of the unwinding system can be reduced. Furthermore, the transfer device can reliably transfer the leading edge of the tire part from the stock reel to the output conveyor without operator intervention. As a result, the safety of the work place can be improved.

[0007] By holding the tire part on the holding member, the tire part can be attracted and / or held on the holding member from only one side, so that the tire part can be placed on the support surface by the holding member before releasing the tire part, so that the tire part is always held by either the holding member or the support surface, or both, so that uncontrolled transfer of the tire part from the holding member to the support surface can be prevented.

[0008] Preferably, the retaining member comprises a retaining body defining a retaining surface and one or more retaining elements for retaining a leading edge of the tire component on said retaining body at said retaining surface. The one or more retaining elements can effectively retain the tire component on the retaining body from one side only. More particularly, the one or more retaining elements can be configured on or within said retaining body.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the holding member is movable along the guide path to an intermediate position between the pick-up position and the release position, in which the holding surface faces outward from the support surface on a second side of said support surface. Preferably, the holding surface of the holding member is parallel to the support surface in the intermediate position. Thus, the offset between the pick-up position and the release position can be greater than 90 degrees. In particular, the unwinding system can pick up the leading edge of the tire component at a pick-up position in which the holding surface faces outward from the support surface and / or the holding surface is parallel to said support surface. Thus, the reel station can be located further and / or completely below the output conveyor.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the unwinding system is configured to unwind the tire components from the stock reels towards an output side of the reeling station facing in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. Preferably, the holding member is located at said output side of the reeling station in a pick-up position. In particular, the tire components are unwound from the reeling station and fed to an output conveyor on the same side of said reeling station. Thus, the footprint of the unwinding system can be further reduced.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the unwinding system further comprises a stock reel at the reel station, the stock reel being rotatable about a stock reel axis, the holding surface of the holding member facing away from the stock reel axis when the holding member is in the pick-up position and facing towards the stock reel axis when the holding member is in the release position. Typically the stock reel is included in a cassette, cartridge or carriage in which said stock reel is rotatably supported. Thus, the reel station may be configured to receive a cassette, cartridge or carriage comprising a stock reel.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading edge of the tire part on the support surface of the output conveyor when said holding member releases said leading edge. Thus, the leading edge of the tire part can be held firmly on the support surface of the output conveyor when said leading edge is released from the holding surface. Thus, the leading edge can be prevented from slipping backwards towards the reel station under the effect of gravity. Thus, there is no need to join the leading edge to the rear end of a previously fed tire part. This means that the feeding of a previously fed tire part can be completed while at the same time a new tire part is prepared for feeding. Thus, the feeding of tire parts to the tire building drum can be made more constant and / or the downtime of the tire part servicer can be reduced.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the holding member comprises one or more vacuum holding elements for picking up and / or holding the tip by suction. The use of vacuum can securely hold the tire component. Moreover, the vacuum holding elements can be selectively actuated to hold or release the tire component from the holding surface.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the guide path is a circular path or a substantially circular path. A circular guide path may be convenient for flipping or tumbling the tire components. Furthermore, the tire components may be gradually flipped along said circular or substantially circular path.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the transport comprises an arm rotatable about an arm axis between a pick-up position and a release position, the holding member being carried by said arm and spaced apart from the arm axis. Preferably, the arm axis is parallel to the holding surface. The arm can advantageously carry the holding member along a circular or substantially circular guided path between the pick-up position and the release position.

[0016] In a further embodiment thereof, the arm axis is an invertible axis, so that the tire component can be inverted about the arm axis.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the holding surface is offset relative to the arm axis in an offset direction perpendicular to said holding surface. In other words, the arm does not extend directly radially between the arm axis and the holding surface. As a result, a radial gap can be formed between the arm axis and the holding surface. Thus, interference between the arm and the output conveyor and / or the reel station can be prevented.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the holding member is rotatable relative to the arm about a holding axis parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis. The orientation of the holding surface may thus be adapted to the initial orientation of the tire part in the pick-up position. A better holding of the tire part may thus be obtained. Furthermore, said orientation of the holding surface may be adapted to the orientation of the support plane in the release position. The leading edge of the tire part may thus be more reliably placed on the support surface of the output conveyor.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading edge of the tire part on the support surface of the output conveyor when said transfer device releases said leading edge, the pressing member being carried by the arm between a pick-up position and a release position, so that the leading edge of the tire part can be firmly held on the support surface of the output conveyor when said leading edge is released from the holding surface by the pressing member carried by the same arm and thus contacting the holding surface or a position close to the holding surface.

[0020] In one embodiment thereof, the pressing member comprises a pressing roller rotatable about a roller axis. Preferably, the roller axis is parallel to the holding surface. The pressing member can thus press the tire part against the support surface by rotating above the tire part even when the output conveyor conveys said tire part in a conveying direction, i.e. when the tire part passes underneath the conveying direction. The tire part can thus be held against said support surface by said pressing member until a sufficient length of the tire part has been transferred to the output conveyor to hold it against the support surface by friction alone. The leading edge of the tire part can thus be more securely held on said output conveyor.

[0021] In a further embodiment thereof, the pressing member comprises a pressing drive for moving the pressing roller in a pressing direction perpendicular to the roller axis, so that the pressing member can actively and / or adjustably press the tire component against the support surface.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a fixing member movable between a fixed position for fixing the leading edge to the holding member and an unlocked position for releasing the leading edge from the holding member, said fixing member being carried by the arm, such that the fixing member is capable of fixing the leading edge of the tire component to the holding surface along the entire guide path.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a securing member movable between a secured position for securing the leading edge to the retaining member and an unlocked position for releasing the leading edge from the retaining member, such that the leading edge of the tire component can be actively secured to the retaining surface of the retaining member.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a fixing member movable between a fixed position for fixing the leading edge to the holding member and an unlocked position for releasing the leading edge from the holding member, said fixing member being carried by the arm, such that the fixing member is capable of fixing the leading edge of the tire component to the holding surface along the entire guide path.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the transfer device comprises an endless drive for driving the holding member along a guide path between the pick-up position and the release position. Said endless drive is not limited to rotation about a single axis, as the arm described above. Instead, it can at least partially define the guide path. The guide path can thus be determined more freely, i.e. to ensure that the length of the tire part behind the held leading edge remains away from a particular part of the reel station and / or the supply conveyor.

[0026] In a further embodiment thereof, the guiding path extends parallel to the support plane at or near the release position. In other words, the holding member can move along the output conveyor in a conveying direction, preferably at the same speed as said output conveyor. Thus, said holding member can continue to hold the leading edge of the tire component as said leading edge is being conveyed in a conveying direction by the output conveyor. In particular, the holding member can guide the tire component onto the output conveyor until a sufficient length of the tire component is located on said output conveyor to hold the tire component on the output conveyor by friction alone.

[0027] In a further embodiment thereof, the guide path extends in a guide plane and the endless drive comprises two endless drive elements extending parallel to said guide path and spaced apart in a transverse direction perpendicular to the guide plane. Preferably, the endless drive elements are belts or chains. The holding member can thus be simultaneously driven along the guide path by two parallel endless drive elements. The two parallel drive elements can counteract moments transmitted to the holding member around the guide path. As a result, further guiding means for guiding the holding member along the guide path can be omitted.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the unwinding system further comprises a support member disposed opposite the holding surface at the pick-up location for supporting the leading edge of the tire component against the holding surface, said support member capable of holding the leading edge of the tire component in a fixed position when said leading edge is held against the holding surface.

[0029] In that alternative embodiment, the holding member comprises at least two retractable claws movable between a retracted position in which the claws are recessed relative to the holding surface and a gripping position in which the claws protrude from the holding surface to hold the tire component on the holding surface. Preferably, the at least two claws each extend with a respective claw direction transverse to or perpendicular to the holding surface, and the claw direction of a first of the at least two claws and the claw direction of a second of the at least two claws extend at an inclination angle relative to each other. The inclination angle between the at least two claws enables the holding member to hold the tire component in a manner in which the at least two claws are unlikely to fall off unintentionally.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises at least one tip sensor for detecting the presence of a leading edge of the tire component on the holding member, such that the holding member is capable of selectively holding the leading edge of the tire component in response to a signal of the at least one tip sensor.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises two holding surfaces for holding two tire parts each, the two holding surfaces being spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to said guide plane. The unwinding system can thus unwind two tire parts simultaneously and / or in parallel. This can be particularly beneficial when unwinding sidewalls, which are generally processed in pairs. Alternatively, the two holding surfaces can each hold the outer side of a single tire part.

[0032] In one embodiment thereof, the retaining surfaces are laterally movable relative to each other. Preferably, the retaining surfaces are individually laterally movable. Thus, in the case of two tire components, the retaining surfaces may be precisely positioned at the lateral positions of the tire components. In the case of a single tire component, the retaining surfaces may be precisely positioned at the outer side of the single tire component.

[0033] In a further embodiment thereof, the transport device comprises at least one lateral drive for respectively moving said holding surfaces in a lateral direction. The at least one lateral drive may for example comprise a single spindle drive with opposing treads for simultaneously moving the holding surfaces towards or away from each other. Alternatively, a single drive may be provided for moving one of the holding surfaces in a lateral direction, or two drives may be provided for moving the holding surfaces in a lateral direction individually.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the holding device comprises two lateral sensors, each for detecting an outer side of a respective one of the two tire components, and the holding surface may thus be displaced laterally in response to a sensor signal of the respective lateral sensor.

[0035] In further embodiments, the offset angle is between 100 and 300 degrees, preferably between 120 and 280 degrees, and most preferably between 180 and 270 degrees. The output conveyor may, for example, extend horizontally or substantially horizontally. The leading edge of the tire components may, for example, be disposed on a set of rollers or may be freely suspended, i.e., extend vertically or substantially vertically.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and outputting said tire component in a conveying direction using an unwinding system according to the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: - using a transfer device to pick up leading edges of incoming tire components from a stock reel at a pick-up location; - guiding the tip along a guidance path from a pick-up position to a release position while holding said tip on a holding surface; - releasing said leading edge of the tire component from the holding surface thereby transferring said leading edge to a support surface of an output conveyor at a release position; Includes.

[0037] The method involves the use of a system according to the invention, so the same advantages apply.

[0038] In one embodiment thereof, the method comprises: - returning the tire components, in particular the leading edge of the tire components, from a release position on the output conveyor to a pick-up position on the reel station. Preferably, the tire components are wound around a stock reel simultaneously. Returning at least a portion of the tire components, in particular the leading edge of the tire components, towards the reeling station can be useful when unused lengths of tire components remain on the output conveyor, e.g. when switching over to a new batch. Thus, the unused lengths can be collected at the reeling station to clear the output conveyor for the new batch. Thus, the unused lengths themselves can be used for another batch.

[0039] In a further embodiment thereof, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading edge of the tire part on the support surface of the output conveyor, and the method further comprises the step of pressing down the tire part on the support surface of the output conveyor with said pressing member when the transfer device releases the tire part, so that the leading edge of the tire part can be firmly held on the support surface of the output conveyor when releasing said leading edge from the holding surface.

[0040] In a further embodiment thereof, the transfer device further comprises at least one tip sensor for detecting the presence of a tip of the tire component on the holding surface, and prior to picking up the tip of the tire component, the method further comprises: - rewinding the tire component towards the holding surface; - detecting the presence of a tip on the support surface using at least one tip sensor; and wherein the step of picking up the leading edge of the tire component is performed in response to a sensor signal of the at least one leading edge sensor. The tire component may be partially unwound, for example, by driving a stock reel in rotation about its reel axis. Once the leading edge is unwound and fed along the at least one leading edge sensor, the unwinding system may automatically and / or precisely pick up the leading edge of the tire component in response to a sensor signal of said at least one leading edge sensor.

[0041] In a further embodiment, the guiding path extends in a guiding plane, the transport device comprises two holding surfaces for holding the two tire parts, respectively, the two holding surfaces being movable relative to one another in a lateral direction perpendicular to said guiding plane, the holding device further comprising two lateral sensors each for detecting an outer side of the respective tire part, and before picking up the leading edge of the tire part, the method further comprises: - detecting the outer sides of each of the tire components using two lateral sensors; - moving the two support surfaces relative to each other in response to signals of respective lateral sensors to position said support surfaces relative to the tire component; Thus, the support surface may be accurately positioned at a lateral position of the tire component in response to the sensor signals of the two lateral sensors. Alternatively, in the case of a single tire component, the support surface may be accurately positioned at an outer side of the single tire component in response to the sensor signals of the two lateral sensors.

[0042] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may, to the extent possible, be applied individually. These individual aspects, in particular those aspects and features recited in the accompanying dependent claims, may be the subject of divisional patent applications.

[0043] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1E] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1F] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1G] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the rewinding system to an output conveyor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the alternative rewinding system to an output conveyor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the alternative rewinding system to an output conveyor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C]FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the alternative rewinding system to an output conveyor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2D] FIG. 13 is a side view of the alternative rewinding system during the process of transferring a tire component from a stock reel of the alternative rewinding system to an output conveyor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a transport device of an alternative unwinding system according to line III-III of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4A] 2B-2C are detailed cross-sectional views of the holding member of the transport device of the alternative unwinding system according to FIG. 2A during its different operation modes. [Figure 4B] 2C are detailed cross-sectional views of the holding member of the transport device of the alternative unwinding system according to FIG. 2B during its different operation modes. [Figure 4C] 2D are detailed cross-sectional views of the holding member of the transport device of the alternative unwinding system according to FIG. 2C during its different operation modes. [Figure 4D] 2E and 2F are detailed cross-sectional views of the holding member of the transport device of the alternative unwinding system according to FIG. 2D during its different operation modes. [Figure 4E] 2A-2D during its different operation modes. [Figure 4F] 2A-2D during its different operation modes. [Figure 4G] 2A-2D during its different operation modes. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a side view of an alternative unwinding system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is a side view of an alternative unwinding system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A]FIG. 13 is a side view of a further alternative unwinding system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a side view of a further alternative unwinding system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 13 is a side view of a further alternative unwinding system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] FIG. 13 is a side view of a further alternative unwinding system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] 1A-1G show an unwinding system 100 or outfeed system for unwinding tire components 9 from a stock reel 6 and outputting the tire components 9 in a conveying direction T. The unwinding system 100 comprises a reel station 160 for receiving the stock reel 6 and an output conveyor 108 for conveying the tire components 9 in the conveying direction T.

[0046] 1A-1G, the output conveyor 108 extends at least partially above the reeling station 160. The output conveyor 108 comprises a support surface 181 extending in a support plane P for supporting the tire components 9 on a first side of said support plane P. The support plane P extends parallel to a conveying direction T. Preferably, the output conveyor 108 further comprises a loop wheel 182 for supporting and guiding a loop of the tire components 9 towards the support surface 181. The loop wheel 182 is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the conveying direction T.

[0047] In the tire building process, tire components 9, or intermediate products thereof, are often wound around stock reels 6 for storage and / or transport between processes. The tire components 9 may then be unwound from the stock reels 6 for use in further processes.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the unwinding system 100 comprises a single reel station 160 for receiving a stock reel 6. However, the unwinding system 100 may comprise several reel stations 160 for receiving multiple stock reels 6, such that when a stock reel 6 is exhausted, the unwinding system 100 switches to unwinding the next stock reel 6. The reel station 160 is located below the output conveyor 108, i.e. on a second side of the support plane P opposite to the first side of said support plane P.

[0049] The stock reel 6 is rotatable about a central axis A for winding and / or unwinding tire components 9. The stock reel extends circumferentially about said central axis A and has a circumferential surface 61 facing radially outward relative to said central axis A. Tire components 9 stored on the stock reel 6 are at least partially wound around said circumferential surface 61.

[0050] The tire component 9 is typically wound around the circumferential surface 61 together with a liner 90 to prevent successive windings of said tire component 9 from sticking to each other. Preferably, the reel station 160 further comprises a liner reel 107 for receiving the liner 90. Prior to processing the tire component 9, the tire component 9 and the liner 90 are separated by winding the liner 90 around the liner reel 107. The liner reel 107 may also be included in a reel carriage or a reel cassette. For clarity, the liner reel 107 has been omitted from FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0051] The tire component 9 comprises a first surface 91 that faces radially outward when the tire component 9 is wound around the circumferential surface 61. The tire component 9 further comprises a second surface 92 opposite said first surface 91. The second surface 92 faces radially inward when the tire component 9 is wound around the circumferential surface 61 of the reel 6.

[0052] The reel station 160 is configured to receive the stock reel 6 such that said stock reel 6 is rotatable about its central axis A. The unwinding system 100 is configured to rotate the stock reel 6 about its central axis A for unwinding tire components 9 from the stock reel 6 towards an output side of the reel station 160 facing opposite the conveying direction T.

[0053] The reeling station 160 may comprise a drive (not shown) for driving the stock reel 6 in rotation about its central axis A for unwinding the tire component 9. Alternatively, the unwinding of the tire component 9 may be driven by the output conveyor 108. The reeling station 160 comprises a number of guide rolls 161 for guiding the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 towards a pick-up position at the output side of the reeling station 160 as shown in FIG. 1B. The pick-up position is located on a second side of the support plane P. At said pick-up position, the leading edge LE is suspended from the guide rolls 161, i.e. the leading edge extends vertically or substantially vertically due to gravity.

[0054] The stock reel 6 is typically contained in a reel carriage or reel cassette (not shown). In this case, the reel station 160 is configured to receive said reel cassette or reel carriage. The reel carriage or reel cassette may also comprise a guide roll 161. As a result, when said reel carriage or reel cassette is received in the reel station 160, the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 may be readily in a pick-up position.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1A , the unwinding system 100 may further be provided with a sensor 190, in particular a camera, for detecting a parameter indicative of a lateral position, for example a lateral center or a lateral side edge of the tire part 9, at a leading edge LE of said tire part 9 in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the conveying direction T and / or parallel to the support plane P. The sensor 190 is configured to observe the leading edge LE of the tire part 9 before the tire part 9 is transferred to the output conveyor 108. In this example, the sensor 190 is located at the pick-up position or upstream of the pick-up position, more particularly at or between the guide rolls 161. The unwinding system 100 further comprises a lateral drive 192 for generating a relative displacement between the reel carriage, reel cassette or reel station 160 as a whole in the lateral direction L relative to the output conveyor 108. In this example, the lateral drive 192 moves the reel carriage, reel cassette or reel station 160 as a whole.

[0056] The unwinding system 100 further comprises a control unit 191 operatively, electronically, and / or functionally connected to the sensor 190 and the lateral drive 192 for controlling the lateral drive 192 in response to signals received and / or processed by the control unit 191 from the sensor 190.

[0057] 2A-2D show an alternative reel station 260. As shown in the figures, the tire component 9 is typically wound around the circumferential surface 61 together with the liner 90 to prevent successive windings of the tire component 9 from sticking to each other. The alternative reel station 260 further comprises a liner reel 207. Prior to processing the tire component 9, the tire component 9 and the liner 90 are separated by winding the liner 90 around the liner reel 207. The liner reel 207 may also be included in a reel carriage or reel cassette.

[0058] 1A-1G, the unwinding system 100 further comprises a transfer device 101 for transferring the leading edge LE of the tire component from the reel station 160 to an output conveyor 108. In particular, the transfer device 101 is configured to pick up the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 at a pick-up position at or near the reel station 106 and place said leading edge LE at a release position on the output conveyor 108, as shown in FIG. 1E.

[0059] The transport device 101 comprises a holding member 110 movable along a guide path S between a pick-up position and a release position. Preferably, said guide path S extends in a guide plane transverse to or perpendicular to the support plane P. In the pick-up position, the holding member 110 is located at the output side of the reel station 160.

[0060] The holding member 110 comprises a holding surface 111 for releasably holding the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 on said holding member 110 along the guide path S. The holding member 110 comprises a holding body 112 forming or defining the holding surface 111 for engaging and / or holding the leading edge LE of the tire component 9. The holding member 110 may for example comprise one or more holding elements 113, in particular vacuum holding elements or magnetic holding elements for picking up and / or holding the leading edge by suction or magnetic forces. The one or more holding elements 113 are provided in or at the holding body 112 and configured to engage and / or attract the tire component 9 towards the holding body 112, thereby holding said tire component 9 on the holding body 112.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1E, in the release position, the holding surface 111 faces the support plane P on a first side of said support plane P. In other words, the holding surface 111 faces towards the stock reel axis A. In the pick-up position, said holding surface 111 faces away from the stock reel axis A. In particular, in the pick-up position, as shown in FIG. 1B, the holding surface 111 is offset relative to the release position over an offset angle H about a reversal axis parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the conveying direction T. In other words, the tire component is reversed or tipped about said reversal axis between the pick-up position and the release position. In the pick-up position, said holding surface 111 is away from. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the offset angle H is about 270 degrees. Preferably, the offset angle H is at least 90 degrees. More preferably, the offset angle H is between 100 degrees and 300 degrees. Even more preferably, the offset angle H is between 120 degrees and 280 degrees. Most preferably, the offset angle is between 180 and 270 degrees.

[0062] 1C, the holding member 110 is further movable along the guide path S to an intermediate position between the pick-up position and the release position. In the intermediate position, the holding surface 111 faces outward from the support plane P on a second side of said support plane P. Preferably, in the intermediate position, the holding member 110 is further movable to face outward from the support plane P on a second side of said support plane P, and the holding surface 111 is parallel to the support plane P.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A-1G, the transfer device 101 further comprises an arm 103 rotatable about an arm axis B. Preferably, said arm axis B is parallel to a holding surface 111. A holding member 110 is carried by said arm 103. In particular, the holding member 110 is associated with said arm 103 so as to rotate together with said arm 103 about the arm axis B. The holding member 110 is spaced apart from the arm axis B. In particular, the holding member 110 is spaced apart radially from the arm axis B. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the holding member is offset with respect to the arm axis B in an offset direction perpendicular to the holding surface 111. The arm 103 is configured to rotate the holding member 110 between a pick-up position and a release position, i.e. the holding path S is a circular or substantially circular path. In other words, the reversal axis coincides with the arm axis B.

[0064] 1B, the holding member 110 is rotatable relative to the arm 103 about a holding axis D. The holding axis D is parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis B.

[0065] 1A-1G, the transfer device 101 further comprises a pressing member 104 for pressing a leading edge LE of the tire component 9 down to a support surface 181 of an output conveyor 108. The pressing member 104 is carried by an arm 103. Preferably, said pressing member 104 is arranged on said arm 103 adjacent or near the holding member 110. More preferably, the pressing member 104 is arranged on the arm 103 radially inwardly with respect to the holding member 110.

[0066] In this particular embodiment, the pressing member 104 comprises a pressing roller 140 rotatable about a roller axis R. The roller axis R is parallel to the holding surface 111. Preferably, the roller axis R is perpendicular to the guide plane. The pressing member 104 further comprises a pressing drive device 141 for moving or displacing the pressing roller 140 in a pressing direction perpendicular to the roller axis R.

[0067] The transfer device 101 further comprises a fixing member 102 for fixing the leading end LE of the tire part 9 to the holding member 110. The fixing member 102 is movable between a fixed position for fixing the leading end LE against the holding surface 111, as shown for example in Fig. 1C, and an unlocked position for releasing said leading end LE against the holding surface 111, as shown for example in Fig. 1D. The fixing member 102 is carried by an arm 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing member 102 comprises a beam pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis B. The beam can pivot about said pivot axis to firmly press the leading end LE of the tire part 9 against the holding surface 111.

[0068] 5A and 5B show an alternative unwinding system 300 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention having an anti-wrinkle roll 301 for reducing or eliminating wrinkles in the tire component 9 as the tire component 9 is wound on the stock reel 6 in a winding direction W opposite to the conveying direction T. The alternative unwinding system 300 further comprises an anti-wrinkle drive 302 for moving or pressing the anti-wrinkle roll 301 onto the tire component 9 between the pick-up position and the stock reel 6. In particular, the anti-wrinkle drive 302 moves the anti-wrinkle roll 301 between an active position facing one of the guide rolls 161 of the reel station 160 and an inactive position further spaced away from the one guide roll 161. In the active position, the anti-wrinkle roll 301 cooperates with the one guide roll 161 to press, smooth and / or flatten any wrinkles in the tire component 9.

[0069] 6A-6D show a further alternative unwinding station 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the previously described unwinding stations 100, 400 in that its transport device 401 is not provided with a fixing member carried by an arm 103. Instead, the further alternative unwinding station 400 is provided with a fixing member 402 supported separately from the transport device 401, for pressing, urging or urging the tire part 9 against the holding surface 111 of the holding member 110, as shown in Figs. 6B and 6C. In detail, the fixing member 402 is used to press the tire part 9 against one or more holding elements 113 at or in the holding body 112, as shown in Fig. 6B, so that they can effectively attract and / or hold the tire part 9. Once the tire part 9 is firmly held, the fixing member 402 can be moved away from the holding member 110, as shown in Fig. 6D, so that the holding member 110 can effectively hold the tire part T from only one side.

[0070] A further alternative winding station 400 is further provided with a leading edge sensor 412 for detecting the presence or arrival of a leading edge LE of the tire component 9 at a particular position relative to the holding surface 111. A signal of the leading edge sensor 412 can be used to stop the supply of the strip 9 and / or to activate the fixing member 402. Thus, the position of the leading edge LE relative to the holding surface 111 can be more accurately determined, thereby allowing for more accurate splicing later in the process.

[0071] In this example, the fixed member 402 comprises a fixed roll 420, in particular a brush roller or a foam roller, for pressing the tire component 9, and a fixed drive 421 for moving the fixed roll 420 relative to the holding surface 111. In this example, the fixed drive 421 is configured to move the fixed roll 420 towards and away from the holding surface 111 in a direction perpendicular to said holding surface 111, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, but also to move the fixed roll 420 parallel to the holding surface 111, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the translational movement being usable to roll the fixed roll 420 onto the tire component 9 and thereby gradually pressing the tire component 9 against said holding surface 111.

[0072] Next, a method for unwinding tire components 9 from a stock reel 6 will be described using FIGS. 1A-1G.

[0073] 1A, the stock reel 6 is disposed within a reel station 160. The leading edge LE of a tire component 9 is suspended from a guide roll 161 at the output side of the reel station 160. The arm 103 has rotated about arm axis B to a pick-up position for picking up the leading edge LE of the tire component 9. The fixed member 102 is in an unlocked position to allow the leading edge LE to be received by the holding surface 111.

[0074] 1B, the stock reel 6 rotates about a stock reel axis A to unwind a portion of the tire component 9 from the stock reel 6. The leading edge LE of the tire component 9 is displaced to a position facing a holding surface 111. The holding member 110 rotates about a holding axis D to align the holding surface 111 with the second surface 92 of the tire component 9. Here, the fixing member 102 rotates from an unlocked position to a locked position to displace the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 toward and into contact with the holding surface. The leading edge LE is then held to the holding surface 111 using a vacuum element (not shown).

[0075] 1C , the arm 103 rotates about the arm axis B from the pickup position to the intermediate position. The holding member 110 moves along the guide path S together with the arm 103. The leading end LE of the tire component 9 is held by the holding member 110. Furthermore, the leading end LE of the tire component 9 is fixed to the holding surface 111 by the fixing member 102. Due to the deviation of the leading end LE of the tire component along the guide path S, a portion of the tire component 9 is unwound from the stock reel 6.

[0076] 1D, the arm 103 has been further rotated about the arm axis B towards a further intermediate position closer to the released position, where the retaining surface 111 faces the support surface 181 on a first side of the support plane P. The locking member 102 has been moved to an unlocked position. Thus, the tip LE is now only held by the retaining member 110.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 1E, the arm 103 has been further rotated about the arm axis B towards the release position. Now, the holding member 110 presses the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 on the support surface 181. In particular, the first surface 91 of the tire component 9 comes into contact with the support surface 181. The vacuum element of the holding member 110 is deactivated to release the leading edge LE of the tire component. The pressing roller 140 is displaced into contact with the second surface 92 of the tire component 9 by activating the pressing actuator 141.

[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the rotation of the loop wheel 182 can be fixed, for example by using a brake, to prevent the tire components 9 from slipping back into the loop. In yet a further alternative embodiment, the conveyor 108 is provided with a holding element, such as a vacuum means, to hold the tire components 9 in place on the support surface 181.

[0079] 1F, the pressing actuator 141 is actuated to press the pressing roller 140 firmly against the tire component 9. The arm 103 is rotated away from the pick-up position. The holding surface 111 now fully releases the leading edge LE of the tire component 9. The output conveyor 108 is now driven to convey the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 in the conveying direction T.

[0080] 1G, the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 is further conveyed in the conveying direction T. The arm 103 has rotated to an idle position where the holding member 110 and the pressing member 104 are no longer in contact with the tire component 9. The leading edge LE of the tire component 9 is now held by the output conveyor 108, for example due to gravity and / or adhesion of the tire component 9. The tire component 9 is then further conveyed in the conveying direction T.

[0081] The holding member 10 may be returned to a pick-up position for picking up the leading edge LE of the following tire component 9, e.g. for changeover to a new batch or a new cycle of the method. Preferably, the holding member 10 is returned to the pick-up position along the guide path S. In other words, the arm 103 rotates backwards from the release position to the pick-up position.

[0082] Alternatively, unused or wasted lengths of tire components 9 may be transferred or fed back towards the reel station 60. This may be useful to clear the output conveyor 108 before switching to a new batch or a new cycle of the process. In particular, the holding member 10 may be placed in a release position above the tire components 9, at or near the leading edge LE of said tire components 9. The leading edge LE may then be engaged in a manner similar to that described above. The holding member 10 may then be moved from the release position back to the pick-up position. Preferably, the leading edge LE is moved back from the release position to the pick-up position while the stock reel 6 rotates to wind the tire components around said stock reel 6.

[0083] 2A-2D show an alternative unwinding system 200 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The unwinding system 200 comprises an alternative reel station 260, an alternative output conveyor 208, and an alternative transport device 201.

[0084] The reel station 260 differs from the previously described reel station 160 in that it further comprises a liner reel for winding up the liner 90 wound on the stock reel 6 together with the tire components.

[0085] The output conveyor 208 differs from the previously described output conveyor 108 in that the support surface 281 extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal support plane S in the conveying direction T. However, the support plane S may also extend at an oblique angle to the horizontal. The output conveyor 208 further comprises a loop wheel 282 for supporting and guiding the loop of tyre components 9 towards the support surface 281. Said loop wheel 282 is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the conveying direction T.

[0086] As best shown in Figures 3 and 4A-4G, the transfer device 201 includes an alternative holding device 210 for holding leading ends LE of a tire component 9. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the holding device 210 includes two holding surfaces 211 for holding two tire components 9, such as two sidewalls. Alternatively, the two holding surfaces 211 can hold the outer sides of a single tire component 9.

[0087] As shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the transport device 201 includes an endless drive 203 for driving the holding member 210 along a guide path S between a pick-up position shown in Figure 2A and a release position shown in Figure 2C.

[0088] As best shown in FIG. 3, the endless drive 203 comprises two endless elements 231. Said endless elements 231 may be, for example, belts, toothed belts or chains. The endless elements 231 are spaced apart in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the guiding plane. Preferably, the endless elements 231 each extend in a respective plane parallel to the guiding plane. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A-2D, the endless elements are guided around sprockets 232. A guide path S of the holding member 210 is defined by the endless elements 231 arranged around said sprockets 232. Preferably, at least one of the sprockets 232 is a drive sprocket 232 for driving the endless elements 231 along the guide path S.

[0089] As can further be seen in Fig. 3, a part or portion of the guide path S at or near the release position extends parallel to the support plane P, i.e. in the conveying direction T. Preferably, the endless drive 203 is configured to drive the holding member 210 along said portion at the same speed as the output conveyor 208.

[0090] 3, the holding member 210 includes two leading edge sensors 212, each for detecting the presence of a leading edge LE of a respective tire component 9 at or near the holding surface 211. The leading edge sensors 212 are movable together with the holding member 210. Alternatively, the leading edge sensors LE may be stationary and positioned at or near the pick-up location.

[0091] The two holding surfaces 211 of the holding member 210 are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction L. In this particular embodiment, said holding surfaces 211 are movable relative to each other. The holding member 210 comprises two lateral drives 218 each for driving a respective one of the holding surfaces 211 in the lateral direction L. In particular, said lateral drives 218 are spindle drives. Alternatively, the holding member may comprise a single lateral drive, for example a double-threaded spindle drive, for simultaneously driving the holding surfaces 211 towards or away from each other. In a further alternative embodiment, only one of the holding surfaces 211 is movable in the lateral direction L to affect a mutual displacement.

[0092] 3, the holding device 213 further comprises two lateral sensors 213 each for detecting an outer side of the tire component 9. The tip sensor 212 and the lateral sensor 213 may be, for example, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, or a tactile sensor.

[0093] 4A to 4G, the holding member 210 includes at least two claws 215 for holding the tire component 9. In particular, the holding member 210 includes a claw base 214 and a base drive device 216 for driving the claw base 214 in a direction transverse to or perpendicular to the holding surface 211 to bring the holding surface 211 into contact with the tire component 9. The base drive device 216 may be, for example, a pneumatic drive device or a servo motor.

[0094] The holding member 210 further includes a claw drive 217 for moving the at least two claws 215 between a stored position in which the claws 215 are recessed relative to the holding surface 211 and a gripping position in which the at least two claws 215 protrude from the holding surface 211 to hold the tire component 9 on the holding surface 211.

[0095] The at least two claws 215 each extend in a respective claw direction transverse to or perpendicular to the retaining surface 211. In particular, the claw direction of a first one of the at least two claws 215 and the claw direction of a second one of the at least two claws 215 extend at an oblique angle relative to each other.

[0096] 2A-2D , the unwinding system 200 further comprises a support member 202 disposed opposite the holding surface 211 of the holding member 210. The support surface 202 is configured to support the leading edge LE of the tire component 9 in a pick-up position when the leading edge LE is engaged by the holding member 210. In particular, the support member 202 is configured to prevent the claw 215 from pushing away the leading edge LE of the tire component.

[0097] A method for rewinding the stock reel 6 using the rewinding system 200 according to the present invention will now be described using Figures 2A-2D, 3 and 4A-4G.

[0098] 2A and 3, the holding member 210 is positioned in a pick-up position. The leading edge LE of each of the tire components 9 is fed between the holding member 210 and the support member 202 until the presence of said leading edge LE is detected by a respective leading edge sensor 212. In particular, the liner reel 207 rotates to wind up the liner 90 and thereby drive the stock reel 6 in rotation about the stock reel axis A.

[0099] The respective outer sides of the tire components are detected using a lateral sensor 213. The holding surfaces 211 are thus now displaced relative to one another in a lateral direction L in response to a sensor signal of said lateral sensor 213. As shown in Fig. 4A, the tire component 9 is supported against a support member 202. In particular, a first surface 91 is adjacent to said support member 202. The holding surface 211 is spaced apart from a second surface 92 of the tire component 9.

[0100] 4B, the base driver 216 is actuated to move the base 216 toward the tire component 9. In particular, the retaining surface 211 is moved adjacent to the second surface 92 of the tire component 9.

[0101] 4C, the pawl driver 217 is actuated to drive the pawl 215 through the second surface 92 and into the tire component 9 where it is held by the holding member 210.

[0102] 4D, the base drive 216 is actuated to move the base 216 away from the support member 202. As a result, the tire component 9 is lifted away from said support member 202.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 2B, the holding member 210 has been moved by the endless drive device 203 along the guide path S to an intermediate position.

[0104] 2C, the holding member 210 has been moved to a release position above the support surface 281 of the output conveyor 208. The holding member 210 has been moved along the support plane P such that a portion of the tire component 9 sufficient to be held by friction on the output conveyor 208 is guided onto the support surface 281. The holding member 210 may be positioned to hold the leading edge LE at a distance from said support surface 281 or at the support surface 281. As can be further observed, the tire component 9 is guided around the loop wheel 282.

[0105] 4E, the base actuator 216 is actuated to move the claw base 214 toward the support surface 281. The first side 91 of the tire component 9 is adjacent to said support surface 281.

[0106] 4F, the pawl drivers are actuated to retract the pawls 215 from the tire component 9. In particular, the pawls 215 are retracted into their recessed positions, where the tire component 9 is released from the retention surface 211.

[0107] 4G, the base actuator 216 is actuated to move the jaw base 214 away from the tire component 9. The holding surface 211 and the second surface 92 of the tire component 9 are spaced apart.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 2D, the tire parts 9 are conveyed in a conveying direction T by the output conveyor 208. The holding member 210 has been moved to an idle position. The holding member 210 may be returned to a pick-up position for picking up the leading edge LE of the following tire part 9, for example for a changeover to a new batch or a new cycle of the method. Preferably, the holding member 210 is returned to the pick-up position along the guide path S. In other words, the endless drive 203 is reversed or driven in the opposite direction.

[0109] Alternatively, unused or wasted lengths of tire components 9 may be transferred or fed back towards the reel station 260. This may be useful to clear the output conveyor 208 before switching to a new batch or new cycle of the process. In particular, the holding member 210 may be placed in a release position above the tire components 9 at or near the leading edge LE of said tire components 9. The leading edge LE is then engaged in a manner similar to that described above. The holding member 210 is then moved from the release position back to the pick-up position where the leading edge is returned to the stock reel 6. Preferably, the stock reel 6 rotates while moving the leading edge LE back from the release position to the pick-up position for winding the tire components 9 around said stock reel 6.

[0110] In summary, the present invention relates to an unwinding system for unwinding tire parts from a stock reel and outputting said tire parts in a conveying direction, the unwinding system comprising a reeling station, an output conveyor and a transfer device, the output conveyor extending at least partially above the reeling station, the transfer device comprising a holding surface for releasably holding the tire part along a guide path between a pick-up position for picking up the tire part from the reel station and a release position for placing the tire part on the output conveyor, in the release position the holding surface faces the output conveyor, and the holding surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position over an offset angle of at least 90 degrees around a reversal axis parallel to the conveyor and perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0111] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above description, many variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art that would be further encompassed by the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 6 Stock Reel 61 Circumferential surface 9. Tire parts 90 Raina 91 First Surface 92 Second Surface 100 Rewind System 101 Transport Devices 110 Retaining member 111 Holding surface 112 Holder 113 Holding Element 102 Fixing member 103 Arm 104 Pressing member 140 Pressure roller 141 Pressurized Actuator 160 Reel Station 161 Induction Roll 107 Linear Reel 108 Output Conveyor 181 Support surface 182 Loopwheel 190 Sensors 191 Control Unit 192 Lateral Drive Unit 200 Rewind System 201 Transport Device 202 Support member 220 Opposite Surface 203 Endless Drive Device 231 Endless Drive Elements 232 Sprocket 210 Retaining member 211 Holding surface 212 First Sensor 213 Lateral Sensor 214 Nail Base 215 Nails 216 Base Drive Unit 217 Claw drive device 218 Lateral Drive Unit 260 Reel Station 261 Induction Roll 207 Linear Reel 208 Output Conveyor 281 Support surface 282 Loopwheel 300 Alternative Rewind System 301 Wrinkle prevention roll 302 Anti-wrinkle drive measures 400 Alternative Rewind System 401 Transport Device 412 Advanced Sensor 402 Fixing member 420 Fixed Roll 421 Fixed Drive A Stock reel shaft B arm axis D Holding axis H Offset angle L Horizontal P support plane R roller shaft S Guidance route T Transport direction W Winding direction LE Advanced Sensor

Claims

1. 1. An unwinding system for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and outputting the tire component in a conveying direction, comprising: The unwinding system comprises a reel station configured to receive the stock reel, an output conveyor for conveying the tire components in the conveying direction, and a transfer device for transferring a leading edge of the tire component from the reel station to the output conveyor, the output conveyor having a support surface extending at least partially above the reel station and extending in a support plane parallel to the conveying direction, the support surface being configured to receive the tire component from the transfer device and to support the tire component on a first side of the support plane, the transfer device being configured to transfer the leading edge of the tire component from the reel station to the output conveyor.

1. An unwinding system comprising: a holding member movable along a guide path between a pick-up position at a second side of the support plane opposite the first side and a release position at the first side of the support plane for placing the leading edge of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor, the holding member comprising a holding surface for releasably holding the leading edge of the tire component on the holding member, the holding surface facing the support plane at the first side of the support plane in the release position, the holding surface being offset between the release position and the pick-up position over an offset angle of at least 90 degrees about an axis of reversal parallel to the support plane and perpendicular to the conveying direction, the transport device comprises an endless drive for driving the holding member along the guide path between the pick-up position and the release position; the guide path extends parallel to and spaced apart from the support plane at or near the release position; Rewind system.

2. the retaining member comprises a retaining body defining the retaining surface and one or more retaining elements for retaining the leading edge of the tire component to the retaining body at the retaining surface. The rewind system of claim 1 .

3. the holding member is movable along the guide path to an intermediate position between the pick-up position and the release position, and in the intermediate position, the holding surface faces outwardly from the support surface on the second side of the support plane; The rewind system of claim 1 .

4. the unwinding system further comprising the stock reel at the reel station, the stock reel rotatable about a stock reel axis, the holding surface of the holding member facing away from the stock reel axis when the holding member is in the pick-up position and facing toward the stock reel axis when the holding member is in the release position. The rewind system of claim 1 .

5. the holding member comprises one or more vacuum holding elements for picking up and / or holding the tip by suction; The rewind system of claim 1 .

6. the delivery device further comprising a securing member movable between a secured position for securing the tip to the retention member and an unlocked position for releasing the tip from the retention member. The rewind system of claim 1 .

7. the fixing member is supported separately from the transfer device for pressing the tire component against the holding surface of the holding member; The rewind system of claim 6.

8. The fixed member includes a fixed roll, a brush roller, or a foam roller. The rewind system of claim 6.

9. the guide path extends in a guide plane, and the endless drive device comprises two endless drive elements extending parallel to the guide plane and spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to the guide plane, The rewind system of claim 1 .

10. The endless drive element is a belt or a chain.

10. The rewind system of claim 9.

11. the unwinding system further comprising a support member disposed opposite the support surface at the pick-up location for supporting the leading edge of the tire component against the support surface. The rewind system of claim 1 .

12. the retaining member includes at least two retractable claws movable between a retracted position in which the claws are recessed relative to the retaining surface and a gripping position in which the claws protrude from the retaining surface to retain the tire component on the retaining surface. The rewind system of claim 1 .

13. the at least two claws each extend in a respective claw direction transverse to or perpendicular to the holding surface, and the claw direction of a first claw of the at least two claws and the claw direction of a second claw of the at least two claws extend at an angle relative to each other; 13. The rewind system of claim 12.

14. the transport device comprises at least one leading edge sensor for detecting the presence of the leading edge of the tire component on the holding member; The rewind system of claim 1 .

15. the guide path extends in a guide plane, the transport device comprises two holding surfaces for holding two tire components respectively, the two holding surfaces being spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the guide plane; The rewind system of claim 1 .

16. the support surfaces are movable relative to one another in the lateral direction; 16. The rewind system of claim 15.

17. the support surfaces are independently movable in the lateral direction; 17. The rewind system of claim 16.

18. the transport device comprises at least one lateral drive for respectively moving the holding surfaces in the lateral direction; 17. The rewind system of claim 16.

19. the holding member includes two lateral sensors each for detecting an outer side of a respective one of the two tire components; 16. The rewind system of claim 15.

20. the unwinding system further comprising an anti-crease roll and an anti-crease drive for pressing the anti-crease roll against the tire component between the pick-up location and the stock reel. The rewind system of claim 1 .

21. the reel station includes one or more guide rolls for guiding the leading edge of the tire component toward the pick-up location, and the anti-crease roll is configured to cooperate with one of the one or more guide rolls.

21. The rewind system of claim 20.

22. the unwinding system being provided with a sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of the lateral position of the tire component at the leading edge of the tire component in a lateral direction parallel to the support plane prior to the transfer of the leading edge to the output conveyor. The rewind system of claim 1 .

23. the sensor is configured to detect the parameter at a location upstream of the pick-up location; 23. The rewind system of claim 22.

24. the unwinding system further comprising a lateral drive for generating a relative displacement between the output conveyor and at least a portion of the reel station in the lateral direction, and a control unit operatively connected to the sensor and for controlling the lateral drive in response to a signal received from the sensor.

23. The rewind system of claim 22.

25. the lateral drive is configured to move at least a portion of the reel station in the lateral direction; 25. The rewind system of claim 24.

26. 13. A method for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and outputting the tire component in a conveying direction using the unwinding system of claim 1, comprising: - using said transport device to pick up leading ends of said tire components coming from said stock reels at said pick-up location at said reel station; - holding the tip on the holding surface while guiding the tip along the guide path from the pick-up position to the release position; - releasing the leading edge of the tire component from the holding surface, thereby transferring the leading edge onto the support surface of the output conveyor in the release position, method.

27. The method further comprising: - returning the leading edge of the tire component from the release position on the output conveyor to the pick-up position on the reel station, 27. The method of claim 26.

28. The method further comprising: - providing the reel station with anti-crease rolls; - pressing the anti-crease roll against the tire component between the pick-up position and the stock reel as the tire component is unwound onto the stock reel in a winding direction opposite to the conveying direction, 28. The method of claim 27.

29. the transport device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading edge of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor, the method further comprising the step of pressing down the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor with the pressing member when the transport device releases the tire component.

27. The method of claim 26.

30. The method further comprising: - detecting a parameter indicative of the lateral position of the tire component at its leading edge in a lateral direction parallel to the support plane, before the transfer of the leading edge to the output conveyor; - modifying the lateral position of the tire component at the leading edge based on the parameters, 27. The method of claim 26.

31. The transfer device further comprises at least one tip sensor for detecting the presence of the tip of the tire component on the holding surface, and before picking up the tip of the tire component, the method further comprises: - rewinding the tire component towards the support surface; - detecting the presence of said tip on said support surface using said at least one tip sensor, the step of picking up the tip of the tire component is performed in response to the sensor signal of the at least one tip sensor.

27. The method of claim 26.

32. The guide path extends in a guide plane, the transport device comprises two holding surfaces for holding two tire parts, respectively, the two holding surfaces being movable relative to each other in a lateral direction perpendicular to the guide plane, and the holding member further comprises two lateral sensors, each for detecting an outer side of a respective tire part, and before picking up the leading edge of the tire part, the method further comprises: - detecting each of said outer sides of said tire component using said two lateral sensors; - moving the two support surfaces relative to each other in response to the signals of each of the lateral sensors in order to position the support surface relative to the tire component, 27. The method of claim 26.

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