Process and apparatus for associating functional inserts with tyres for vehicle wheels

Abstract

The invention is related to a process and apparatus for associating functional inserts to tyres for vehicle wheels. The apparatus includes a transfer unit (16) carrying a handling device (17) comprising a grip member (20), a contrast member (21), and at least one thrust actuator (29) operating between said grip member (20) and contrast member (21). While the functional insert (7) is retained at an exposed surface (7b) thereof by the grip member (20), the grip member (20) and the contrast member (21) are pushed towards each other by the thrust actuator (29), to press the functional insert (7) and the radially inner surface (6) of the tyre (2) against each other with mutually equal and opposite forces that mutually balance out each other without transmitting stress to the transfer unit (16).

Description

[0001] "PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ASSOCIATING FUNCTIONAL INSERTS WITH TYRES FOR VEHICLE WHEELS"

[0002] The present invention relates to a process for associating functional inserts with tyres for vehicle wheels. The invention further relates to an apparatus for associating functional inserts with tyres for vehicle wheels.

[0003] A tyre for vehicle wheels typically has a substantially toroidal structure concentric with respect to a central rotation axis of the tyre itself during operation, and has a substantially concave inner surface, delimiting an inner cavity which, in operating conditions, is internally closed by a mounting rim. On the outer surface of the tyre, a tread band may be identified, integrated into a crown portion, and a pair of sidewalls which extend radially from respective axially opposite edges of the tread band towards respective beads adapted to engage with the mounting rim.

[0004] On some types of tyres it is known to incorporate functional inserts, typically applied against the inner surface after vulcanisation, for example to reduce noise, to monitor in real time the operating conditions of the tyre and track the temporal evolution of parameters representative of such operation.

[0005] In particular, functional inserts are known which are sensing devices fixed to the inner surface of a tyre to detect one or more physical quantities related to the operation of the tyre, such as temperature, internal pressure, acceleration of the inner surface, deformation of the inner surface, and more. For example, document WO2018 / 065846A1 describes a device for anchoring an electronic unit having a base formed of elastomeric material to which a module containing the electronic unit is firmly fixed. An attachment surface of the base, intended to be bonded to the inner surface of the tyre, is coated with a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The application of the device may be entrusted to manual interventions by an installer using suitable equipment.

[0006] There are also known solutions for the automated installation of functional inserts in an industrial production line.

[0007] US 2023 / 0286235A1 describes an apparatus and process for applying a device consisting of an elastomeric housing intended to accommodate a corresponding electronic sensor within a tyre. Document EP1627753A2 describes a method and apparatus for attaching a transponder unit, provided with a housing for a sensor coupled to an annular antenna, to an inner annular surface of the tyre. A robotic arm carries an equipment at a distal end thereof essentially consisting of a grip mechanism, a dispenser of epoxy resin or other adhesive, and a guiding mechanism. The robotic arm brings the equipment in proximity to the inner surface of the tyre previously blocked on a rotating platform, so that the sensor housing retained by the grip mechanism is applied against an adequate quantity of glue previously applied by the dispenser. The tyre is then rotated by the turntable, while the glue dispensed by the dispensing device is progressively spread along the antenna which, by means of the guiding mechanism, is guided along a circumferential line on the inner surface of the tyre and fixed thereon by means of the glue. Document W0202135990_A1 describes a plant for the application of sensors within tyres. The sensor is applied in an application station by means of a handling device in the form of a robotic arm, which has a grip mechanism and a compacting mechanism at an operating end thereof. The grip mechanism comprises circumferentially distributed jaws which are movable by the action of a drive element to pick up the sensor from a feed tray and place it inside the tyre, retained by a positioning and locking mechanism along the processing line. The compacting mechanism comprises pressure rollers arranged around the jaws and movable on command of the handling device to compress and implement the adhesion of the sensor previously positioned in the tyre by means of the grip mechanism.

[0008] The Applicant has observed that known solutions of the type described for example in EP1627753A2 allow the stresses transmitted to the robotic arm during the application of the insert to be minimised. The positioning of the insert in fact takes place progressively along the circumferential extension of the tyre and, since the definitive blocking of the insert itself may occur following the subsequent drying of the glue, it is necessary to exert high thrusts during application. However, these solutions lend themselves to the application of functional inserts extending along the entire circumference of the tyre, proving unsuitable for a localised application in a limited area.

[0009] The Applicant further observed that in the application of functional inserts with systems of the type described in W0202135990_A1, the thrusts necessarily exerted against the inner surface of the tyre for the purpose of applying the insert, counteracted by the positioning and locking mechanism on the processing line, are also transmitted to the grip and compacting mechanisms of the entire support structure.

[0010] The Applicant has observed that in certain circumstances, for example in the processing of tyres intended for very high performance or racing vehicles and / or when particular adhesives such as PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) are to be used, obtaining satisfactory adhesion of the sensor or other functional insert against the inner surface of the tyre is dependent on the extent of the thrust forces during application. However, if the applied thrust forces exceed a certain extent, accurate control of the positioning and movement of the insert by the robotic arm or other handling unit may be difficult. In fact, the application of high forces involves the transmission of significant stresses to the components and mechanisms of the handling unit which, consequently, must necessarily be made with particular construction features to be able to withstand such stresses without repercussions on the accuracy of movement and positioning of the insert.

[0011] In this regard, in the search for solutions that allow for the improvement of automation in production lines, the Applicant deems it desirable to use transfer units that are able to operate along multiple controlled movement axes, such as anthropomorphic robots, which due to their construction nature are poorly suited to withstand and manage precision movements under the effect of high-level mechanical stresses.

[0012] The Applicant therefore deems it convenient to identify technical solutions which, even with the use of equipment suitable for the application of high loads to promote reliable adhesion of the functional insert within the tyre, are suitable for effectively limiting or eliminating the transmission of stress to the robotic arm or other transfer unit that supports said equipment.

[0013] The Applicant therefore perceived that by using a robotic arm carrying a pressure and contrast device in the same direction for the application of the functional insert, it was possible to reach a technical solution which met the requirements set.

[0014] The Applicant has finally found that by retaining the functional insert with a grip member opposed to a contrast member both associated in a device carried by a handling unit, applying the functional insert on the inner surface of the tyre by exerting a thrust by means of the grip member counterbalanced in the same direction by the contrast member, the adhesion of the functional insert to the tyre is obtained without stressing the handling unit.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a process for associating functional inserts with tyres for vehicle wheels.

[0016] Preferably, provision is made to arrange a moulded and vulcanised tyre being processed having a radially inner surface. Preferably, provision is made to arrange a functional insert having an attachment surface and an exposed surface directed opposite with respect to the attachment surface.

[0017] Preferably, provision is made to arrange a transfer unit carrying a grip member, a contrast member, and at least one thrust actuator operating between said grip member and contrast member.

[0018] Preferably, provision is made to retain the functional insert by the grip member, at the exposed surface.

[0019] Preferably, provision is made to push said grip member and contrast member towards each other by said thrust actuator, in order to press the functional insert and said radially inner surface against each other with mutually equal and opposite forces, that mutually balance out each other.

[0020] In a further aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for associating functional inserts to tyres for vehicle wheels.

[0021] Preferably, a transfer unit carrying a handling device is provided. Preferably, the handling unit comprises a grip member, a contrast member, and at least one thrust actuator operating between said grip member and contrast member.

[0022] Preferably, said thrust actuator is configured for pushing said grip member and contrast member towards each other, with mutually equal and opposite forces that mutually balance out each other.

[0023] The Applicant believes that by simultaneously exerting equal and opposite forces on the functional insert and on the tyre, it is possible to carry out the application of the insert itself while preserving the transfer unit from high stresses. By equipping the transfer unit with a grip device and a contrast device operating against the functional insert and against the tyre, respectively, from opposite sides, it is in fact possible to apply the insert even with very high forces, protecting the transfer unit itself from the stresses transmitted between the functional insert and the tyre.

[0024] In at least one convenient embodiment, the invention further comprises one or more of the following preferential features.

[0025] Preferably, said mutually equal and opposite forces balance out each other substantially without transmitting any stress to the transfer unit.

[0026] Preferably, during the action of pushing, the grip member and the contrast member are thrust towards each other by a single thrust actuator operating therebetween.

[0027] Preferably, the action of retaining the functional insert is actuated by a suction action exerted through the grip member. Preferably, provision is also made for the action of picking up the functional insert from a loading station by the grip member, and transferring it to a tyre being processed in an application station, before pressing the functional insert and the radially inner surface against each other.

[0028] Preferably, before reaching the application station, the functional insert picked up from the loading station is subjected to an application and / or activation of an attachment interface on the attachment surface thereof.

[0029] Preferably, before reaching the application station, the functional insert picked up from the loading station is subjected to an activation of an attachment interface on the attachment surface thereof.

[0030] Preferably, the action of angularly orienting the grip member around an angular orientation axis is also provided.

[0031] Preferably, the grip member is angularly rotated around the angular orientation axis, between an application condition in which a grip surface of the grip member faces in frontal alignment with respect to the contrast member, and a grip condition in which the grip surface faces away from the contrast member.

[0032] Preferably, the grip member in the loading station is oriented in the grip condition to pick up the functional insert from the loading station.

[0033] Preferably, in the application station, the grip member is oriented in the application condition, in order to apply the functional insert against the radially inner surface of the tyre being processed.

[0034] Preferably, the grip member is oriented in the grip condition during a transfer to the loading station.

[0035] Preferably, the grip member is oriented in the application condition during a transfer to the application station.

[0036] Preferably, provision is also made to position the contrast member against the outer surface of the tyre before applying said thrust action.

[0037] Preferably, positioning the contrast member comprises translating the contrast member from a rest position towards a work position, and blocking the contrast member against the outer surface of the tyre.

[0038] Preferably, the blocking of the contrast member is driven in response to a detection of a thrust action on the contrast member itself.

[0039] Preferably, said thrust action has a value not exceeding 100 N.

[0040] Preferably, the action of rotatably orienting the grip member in the grip condition, around a rotational orientation axis thereof that is normal and concentric with respect to the grip surface, is also provided.

[0041] Preferably, the following action is also provided: detecting an orientation of the functional insert; actuating said action of rotatably orienting the grip member based on the detected orientation of the functional insert.

[0042] Preferably, the orientation of the functional insert is detected around a central geometric axis thereof. Preferably, the action of rotatably orienting the grip member around the rotational orientation axis is performed before picking up the functional insert.

[0043] Preferably, the action of rotatably orienting the grip member around the rotational orientation axis is performed after the action of picking up the functional insert.

[0044] Preferably, during the action of rotatably orienting the grip member around said rotational orientation axis, the contrast member rotates integral with the grip member.

[0045] Preferably, the action of rotatably orienting the grip member is performed by a rotary actuator carried by a terminal section of the transfer unit.

[0046] Preferably, the handling device also comprises a support bracket engaged with the transfer unit and carrying the grip member, the contrast member and said thrust actuator.

[0047] Preferably, the thrust actuator has a proximal end portion constrained to the support bracket, and a distal end portion carrying the grip member.

[0048] Preferably, the thrust actuator comprises a first fluid-dynamic cylinder and a second fluid-dynamic cylinder.

[0049] Preferably, the first fluid-dynamic cylinder and the second fluiddynamic cylinder are operatively connected in series with each other.

[0050] Preferably, the first fluid-dynamic cylinder has a fixed part carrying the proximal end portion and a movable part connected to a fixed part of the second fluid-dynamic cylinder, a movable part of which carries the distal end portion.

[0051] Preferably, the support bracket has a substantially U-shaped shape. Preferably, the support bracket has a first arm carrying the grip member and a second arm carrying the contrast member, mutually interconnected by a connection arm perpendicular with respect thereto.

[0052] Preferably, the first and second arms extend substantially in a vertical direction downwards from the horizontally arranged connection arm.

[0053] Preferably, the proximal end portion of the thrust actuator is constrained to the first arm of the support bracket.

[0054] Preferably, at least one of said grip member and contrast member is slidably engaged with respect to the support bracket. Preferably, at least one of said grip member and contrast member is slidably engaged with the support bracket along a direction parallel to the connection arm.

[0055] Preferably, the second arm of the support bracket is slidably engaged along the connection arm.

[0056] Preferably, a positioning actuator operates between the support bracket and the contrast member in order to move the latter between a rest position in which it is moved away from the grip member and a work position in which it is approached with respect to the grip member.

[0057] Preferably, the positioning actuator operates between the connection arm and the second arm.

[0058] Preferably, a blocking brake is also provided, operating on a movable part of the positioning actuator and selectively activatable in order to block the contrast member with respect to the support bracket.

[0059] Preferably, the blocking brake is activatable upon command of a tactile sensor associated with the contrast member, in response to a thrust action detected on the contrast member itself.

[0060] Preferably, the tactile sensor comprises a load cell or microswitch operating on the second arm.

[0061] Preferably, said thrust action has a value not exceeding 100 N.

[0062] Preferably, the grip member has pneumatically activated suction openings to retain a functional insert.

[0063] Preferably, the transfer unit comprises a robotic arm.

[0064] Preferably, the transfer unit is configured for alternatively translating the handling device between a loading station carrying a plurality of functional inserts and an application station carrying tyre being processed.

[0065] Preferably, a treatment station is also provided, operationally interposed between the loading station and the application station.

[0066] Preferably, the treatment station is configured for applying or activating an attachment interface on the application surface of a functional insert carried by the grip member.

[0067] Preferably, the grip member is angularly orientable with respect to the support bracket about an angular orientation axis.

[0068] Preferably, the grip member is angularly orientable between an application condition in which a grip surface of the grip member faces in frontal alignment with respect to the contrast member, and a grip condition in which the grip surface faces away from the contrast member.

[0069] Preferably, in the application condition, said grip surface and the contrast member are aligned along a horizontal direction.

[0070] Preferably, in the grip condition, the grip surface faces downwards.

[0071] Preferably, the proximal end portion of the thrust actuator is attached to a rotatable block engaged through the first arm of the support bracket.

[0072] Preferably, an orientation actuator is also provided, operating between the support bracket and the rotatable block in order to rotate the grip member together with the thrust actuator, between the application condition and the grip condition.

[0073] Preferably, the transfer unit carries the handling device by means of a terminal section rotatable around a rotational orientation axis.

[0074] Preferably, the rotational orientation axis is concentric with the grip surface when the grip member is in said grip condition.

[0075] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a process and related apparatus for associating functional inserts to tyres for vehicle wheels according to the present invention. Such description is given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided only for illustrative and, therefore, non-limiting purposes, in which:

[0076] - Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a portion of a production line integrating an apparatus according to the invention;

[0077] - Figure 2 shows a front and partial section view of a handling device of the subject apparatus, during the removal of a functional insert in a loading station;

[0078] - Figure 3 shows the handling device of Figure 2, moved away from the loading station and with its own grip member seen from the front in an application condition;

[0079] - Figure 4 shows the handling device partially inserted into a tyre being processed, arranged in an application station; - Figure 5 shows the handling device of Figure 4 with a contrast member positioned against the tread of the tyre being processed;

[0080] - Figure 6 shows the handling device performing a thrust action to apply the functional insert against an inner surface of the tyre being processed;

[0081] - Figure 7 shows a radial half-section of a tyre provided with a functional insert applied against a radially inner surface thereof.

[0082] With reference to the above figures, reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole an apparatus for associating functional inserts to tyres for vehicle wheels, according to the present invention.

[0083] Figures 4 to 7 schematically illustrate a tyre 2 for vehicle wheels which may be obtained using the subject process and apparatus. Along radially inner edges of the tyre 2, two beads 3 may be identified, through which the tyre 2 itself is usually engaged with a respective mounting rim (not shown).

[0084] Two sidewalls 4 each extend radially away from one of the beads 3, each joining a corresponding axially outer edge of a tread band 5 arranged in a radially outer position with respect to a central rotation axis X of the tyre 2. Contact between the road surface and the tyre 2 occurs at the tread band 5 during use. Overall, the tyre 2 has a substantially concave shape, defining an inner cavity delimited between a radially inner surface 6 of the tyre 2 and the aforementioned mounting rim.

[0085] The tyre 2 may also comprise additional elements depending on the intended use. In this specific case, at least one functional insert 7 is provided, for example comprising a sensor 8 incorporated in an elastomeric housing 9 (Figure 7) fixed against the radially inner surface 6 of the tyre 2. In the illustrated example, the functional insert 7 is fixed in an axially centred position with respect to an axial centreline plane of the tyre 2, equidistant from the axially opposite edges of the tread band 5. Preferably, the functional insert 7 is fixed with an attachment surface 7a thereof against the radially inner surface 6 of the tyre 2, and has an exposed surface 7b facing a central rotation axis X of the tyre 2.

[0086] The apparatus 1 operates along a treatment line 10, only partially illustrated as it is not very relevant for the purposes of the invention, operationally arranged downstream of a vulcanisation station where the previously built tyres 2 are subjected to a moulding and vulcanisation treatment which stabilises the geometric structure thereof and the functional interaction of the various components.

[0087] The moulded and vulcanised tyres 2 moved along the treatment line 10 individually reach an application station 11 where each of them is subjected to the application of at least one functional insert 7. Preferably, the tyres 2 which travel along the treatment line 10 and / or reach the application station 11 are each oriented with their own central rotation axis X vertically arranged, with one of the sides 4 against one or more supports 12 defining a horizontal support plane P.

[0088] A positioning and centring device, not illustrated as it may be made in any convenient manner, may be provided at the application station 11 for placing the tyre 2 being processed according to a predetermined positioning, for example centred with respect to a predetermined fixed reference. In a loading station 13 arranged in proximity to the application station 11, a plurality of functional inserts 7 may be arranged, positioned for example in one or more trays 14 used for their storage and transport.

[0089] Between the loading station 13 and the application station 11, a handling assembly 15 is arranged which, at each work cycle, is adapted to pick up at least one of the functional inserts 7 from the loading station 13, to transfer it to the tyre 2 being processed, arranged in the application station 11.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the handling assembly 15 comprises a transfer unit 16 carrying a handling device 17. In the illustrated example, the transfer unit 16 is made in the form of a robotic arm, preferably of the six-axis rotational movement type. In other embodiments, the transfer unit 16 may have a different number of movement axes, of the rotational and / or linear type. Preferably, the handling device 17 is fixed to a terminal section 18 of the transfer unit 16, incorporating a rotary actuator 19 which allows the entire handling device 17 to be rotated about a rotational orientation axis Y.

[0091] The handling device 17 comprises a grip member 20 and a contrast member 21 carried by a support bracket 22, which in turn is engaged with the terminal section 18 of the transfer unit 16. The support bracket 22 may conveniently have a substantially inverted U or bridge shape, with a first arm 23 carrying the grip member 20 and a second arm 24 carrying the contrast member 21, arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by a connection arm 25 perpendicular with respect to them. In operating condition, the first arm 23 and the second arm 24 extend substantially in a vertical direction downwards from the horizontally arranged connection arm 25.

[0092] The grip member 20 may be made in the form of a shaped block, having a grip surface 26 provided with a recess 27 (Figure 2) shaped consistently with the shape of the functional insert 7. The grip surface 26 is adapted to mate in a bearing relationship against the exposed surface 7b of the functional insert 7 itself. As better visible in Figure 3, a plurality of suction openings 28 are preferably provided, distributed on the grip surface 26 and which may be activated pneumatically through a suction circuit (not illustrated), to retain the functional insert 7.

[0093] The grip member 20 is connected to the support bracket 22 by means of a thrust actuator 29 having a proximal end portion 29a constrained to the first arm 23, and a distal end portion 29b carrying the grip member 20 (Figure 6). As best visible in Figure 2, the thrust actuator 29 preferably comprises a first fluiddynamic cylinder 30 and a second fluid-dynamic cylinder 31. The first fluid-dynamic cylinder 30 has a fixed part 30a carrying the proximal end portion 29a, and a movable part 30b connected to a fixed part 31a of the second fluid-dynamic cylinder 31, a movable part 31b of which carries the distal end portion 29b connected to the grip member 20. In other words, the first fluiddynamic cylinder 30 and the second fluid-dynamic cylinder 31 are operationally connected in series with each other and may be activated in mutual cooperation between a retracted condition and an extended condition to move the grip member 20 along a thrust direction parallel to the connection arm 25. This construction configuration allows the thrust actuator 29 to have a long working stroke between the retracted condition and the extended condition, with a convenient containment of the overall longitudinal dimensions in the retracted condition. It is therefore possible to have a thrust actuator 29 that is sufficiently compact to also access the inside of tyres 2 having a reduced fit in the absence of mechanical interference, and with a sufficiently long operating stroke to allow the grip member 20 to reach the radially inner surface 6 of the tyre 2 even when the sidewalls 4 have a significant radial dimension.

[0094] It is conveniently provided that the thrust actuator 29 is rotatably engaged with respect to the support bracket 22, so that the grip member 20 is angularly orientable around an angular orientation axis Z, perpendicular to the direction of movement between the retracted condition and the extended condition. More in particular, the proximal end portion 29a of the thrust actuator 29 is attached to a rotatable block engaged through the first arm of the support bracket. An orientation actuator 33 operates between the support bracket 22 and the rotatable block 32 to rotate the grip member 20 together with the thrust actuator 29, between an application condition (Figures 3-6) in which a grip surface 26 faces in frontal alignment with respect to the contrast member 21, in a direction parallel to the connection arm 25 and preferably horizontal, and a grip condition (Figure 2) in which the grip surface 26 faces away from the contrast member 21, preferably downwards in a vertical direction and / or perpendicular to the connection arm 25.

[0095] Preferably, in the grip condition the rotational orientation axis Y of the entire handling device 17 is normal and concentric with respect to the grip surface 26.

[0096] At least one of said grip member 20 and contrast member 21 is slidably engaged with respect to the support bracket 22 along a direction parallel to the connection arm 25. For example, it may be provided for this purpose that the second arm 24 carrying the contrast member 21 is slidably engaged along the connection arm 25. A positioning actuator 34 operates between the connection arm 25 and the second arm 24, to translate the contrast member 21 between a rest position and a working position, in which it is moved away from and brought closer to the first arm 23, respectively. More specifically, the positioning actuator 34 operates between the connection arm 25 and the second arm 24. A blocking brake 35 operating on a movable part of the positioning actuator 34 is selectively activatable in order to block the contrast member 21 with respect to the support bracket 22. The activation of the blocking brake 35 may be carried out upon command of a tactile sensor 36 associated with the contrast member 21, for example in the form of a load cell or microswitch operating on the second arm 24, when a thrust action preferably not exceeding 100 N is detected on the contrast member 21 itself. It is therefore possible to facilitate the correct positioning of the contrast member 21 against the tread band 5 or another portion of the outer surface of the tyre 2, regardless of its diameter dimensions, to the advantage of operational flexibility, without transmitting significant stresses to the tyre itself.

[0097] The operating cycle envisaged for the application of a functional insert 7 according to the present invention provides that the handling device 17, once a previous operating cycle has been completed in the vicinity of the application station 11, is moved towards the loading station 13 upon command of the transfer unit 16. In conjunction with the transfer to the application station 11, the orientation actuator 33 may be activated so that the grip member 20 is oriented from the application condition to the grip condition. As shown in Figure 2, with controlled movements on the various movement axes of the transfer unit 16, the grip member 20 that reaches the loading station 13 is positioned with its grip surface 26 facing downwards and in a centred position with respect to one of the functional inserts 7 to be applied to the next tyre 2 being processed, which has been prepared in the meantime in the application station 11.

[0098] By means of the transfer unit 16, optionally supported by an actuation of the thrust actuator 29, the grip member 20 is lowered vertically towards the functional insert 7, until its grip surface 26 is brought against the exposed surface 7b of the functional insert 7. The suction action produced through the suction openings 28 causes the functional insert 7 to be retained against the grip surface 26. The functional insert 7 may then be picked up and removed from the loading station 13 together with the handling device 17, to be transferred to the application station 11 by the action of the transfer unit 16.

[0099] It may be provided that, for example with the aid of a computerised artificial vision system 37 mounted on the transfer unit 16 or operating in the loading station 13 (Figure 1), the functional insert 7 to be applied is scanned to detect an orientation thereof, for example around a central geometric axis K thereof. Based on the data acquired through this detection operation, the rotary actuator 19 of the transfer unit 16 can may command a rotation of the handling device 17, and therefore of the grip member 20 together with the contrast member 21 around the rotational orientation axis Y, before or after the engagement of the functional insert 7 by the grip member 20. This operation allows for the more precise positioning of functional inserts 7 containing particular sensors or other devices which, for correct functional interaction with the tyre 2, require a pre-established orientation with respect to, for example, a rolling direction of the tyre itself during use. The concentric positioning between the rotational orientation axis Y of the handling device 17 and the grip surface 26 allows the rotary actuator 19 of the transfer unit 16 to be used to orient the functional insert 7 around its central geometric axis K, without having to activate other movement axes of the transfer unit itself to keep the grip surface 26 centred with respect to the functional insert 7, to the advantage of simplifying programming and manoeuvring.

[0100] It may be provided that, before reaching the application station 11, the handling device 17 passes through a treatment station 38, where the application or activation of an attachment interface (not shown) on the attachment surface 7a of the functional insert 7 retained by the grip member 20 is performed. In a possible embodiment, the attachment interface, for example of the PSA type, may already be present on the attachment surface 7a of the functional insert 7 provided in the loading station 13. In this case, the treatment station 38 may be configured for performing an attachment interface activation treatment, which may for example comprise the removal of a protective film and / or the application of certain chemical reagents.

[0101] During the transfer to the application station 11, a new actuation of the orientation actuator 33 causes the grip member 20 to rotate around the angular orientation axis Z, causing it to assume the application condition upon reaching the application station 11.

[0102] At the application station 11, the handling device 17 is brought close to the tyre 2 being processed along a direction parallel to the central rotation axis X, until the grip member 20 carrying the functional insert 7 is inserted in a position axially interposed between the beads 3 of the tyre 2, as exemplified in Figure 4. At the same time, the contrast member 21, located in its rest position at the end of the connection arm 25, is positioned radially externally to the tread band 5 of the tyre 2. An activation of the positioning actuator 34 causes the contrast member 21 to move from the rest position towards the working position, until it meets the tread band 5 of the tyre 2, as shown in Figure 5. The tactile sensor 36 detects the contact of the contrast member 21 against the tread band 5 and controls the operation of the blocking brake 35, with consequent locking of the contrast member 21 in the working position against the tread band 5.

[0103] Previously, concurrently with or immediately after positioning the contrast member 21 in the working position, preferably immediately afterwards, the activation of the thrust actuator 29 is commanded, upon action of which the functional insert 7 carried by the grip member 20 is brought against the inner surface of the tyre 2 as shown in Figure 6.

[0104] Once the contrast member 21 has also reached the working position (before, simultaneously with or after the functional insert 7 has come into contact with the inner surface of the tyre 2, preferably before), a thrust force is exerted by the grip member 20 via the thrust actuator 29 which is counteracted by the contrast member 21, blocked with respect to the connection arm 25. The action of the single thrust actuator 29 is conveniently expressed through the support bracket 22, between the grip member 20 and the contrast member 21 which are simultaneously pushed towards each other with mutually equal and opposite forces. The thrust exerted by the grip member 20 and the reaction force generated by the contrast member 21 balance each other out through the support bracket 22 without affecting the transfer unit 16 and without causing movements or deformations to / in the tyre 2. In other words, the functional insert 7 and the radially inner surface 6 of the tyre 2 are pressed against each other with mutually equal and opposite forces, which balance each other out without thereby transmitting significant forces to the transfer unit 16.

[0105] It is therefore possible to exert high forces, even greater than 1000 N, to promote optimal and reliable adhesion of the functional insert 7 on the radially inner surface 6 of the tyre 2, without risking overstressing the parts that make up the transfer unit 16 and / or damaging / moving the tyre 2. Therefore, transfer units 16 may also be used in the form of a robotic arm, having dimensions, weight, costs and maintenance requirements lower than those that would be required to perform the application with high thrust forces using different devices.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Process for associating functional inserts to tyres for vehicle wheels, comprising: arranging a moulded and vulcanised tyre (2) being processed, having a radially inner surface (6); arranging a functional insert (7) having an attachment surface (7a), and an exposed surface (7b) directed on the side opposite the attachment surface (7a); arranging a transfer unit (16) carrying a grip member (20), a contrast member (21), and at least one thrust actuator (29) operating between said grip member (20) and contrast member (21); retaining the functional insert (7) by the grip member (20), at the exposed surface (7b); pushing said grip member (20) and contrast member (21) towards each other by said thrust actuator (29), in order to press the functional insert (7) and said radially inner surface (6) against each other with mutually equal and opposite forces, that mutually balance out each other.

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein during the action of pushing, the grip member (20) and the contrast member (21) are thrust towards each other by a single thrust actuator (29) operating therebetween.

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the action of retaining the functional insert (7) is actuated by a suction action exerted through the grip member (20).

4. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, also comprising the action of picking up the functional insert (7) from a loading station (13) by the grip member (20),and transferring it to a tyre (2) being processed in an application station (11), before pressing the functional insert (7) and the radially inner surface (6) against each other.

5. Process according to claim 4, wherein before reaching the application station (11), the functional insert (7) picked up from the loading station (13) is subjected to an application and / or activation of an attachment interface on the attachment surface (7a) thereof.

6. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, also comprising the action of angularly orienting the grip member (20) around an angular orientation axis (Z), between an application condition in which a grip surface (26) of the grip member (20) faces in frontal alignment with respect to the contrast member (21), and a grip condition in which the grip surface (26) faces away from the contrast member (21).

7. Process according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or 5, wherein in the loading station (13), the grip member (20) is oriented in the grip condition, in order to pick up the functional insert (7) from the loading station (13).

8. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in the application station (11), the grip member (20) is oriented in the application condition, in order to apply the functional insert (7) against the radially inner surface (6) of the tyre (2) being processed.

9. Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, also comprising positioning the contrast member (21) against the outer surface of the tyre (2) before applying said thrust action.

10. Process according to claim 9, wherein positioning thecontrast member (21) comprises translating the contrast member (21) from a rest position towards a work position, and blocking the contrast member (21) against the outer surface of the tyre (2).

11. Process according to claim 10, wherein the blocking of the contrast member (21) is driven in response to a detection of a thrust action on the contrast member (21) itself.

12. Process according to one or more of claims 6 to 11, also comprising the action of rotatably orienting the grip member (20) in the grip condition, around a rotational orientation axis (Y) thereof that is normal and concentric with respect to the grip surface (26).

13. Process according to claim 12, also comprising the action of: detecting an orientation of the functional insert (7); actuating said action of rotatably orienting the grip member (20) based on the detected orientation of the functional insert.

14. Process according to claim 13, wherein the orientation of the functional insert (7) is detected around a central geometric axis (K) thereof.

15. Process according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, wherein during the action of rotatably orienting the grip member (20) around said rotational orientation axis (Y), the contrast member (21) rotates integral with the grip member (20).

16. Process according to one or more of claims 12 to 15, wherein the action of rotatably orienting the grip member (20) is executed by a rotary actuator (19) carried by a terminal section (18) of the transfer unit (16).

17. Apparatus for associating functional inserts with tyres for vehicle wheels, comprising: a transfer unit (16) carrying a handling device (17) comprising a grip member (20), a contrast member (21), and at least one thrust actuator (29) operating between said grip member (20) and contrast member (21); in which said thrust actuator (29) is configured for pushing said grip member (20) and contrast member (21) towards each other, with mutually equal and opposite forces that mutually balance out each other.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the handling device (17) also comprises a support bracket (22) engaged with the transfer unit (16) and carrying the grip member (20), the contrast member (21) and said thrust actuator (29).

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the thrust actuator (29) has a proximal end portion (29a) constrained to the support bracket (22), and a distal end portion (29b) carrying the grip member (20).

20. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 17 to 19, wherein the thrust actuator (29) comprises a first fluid-dynamic cylinder (30) and a second fluid-dynamic cylinder (31).

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the first fluid-dynamic cylinder (30) and the second fluid-dynamic cylinder (31) are operatively connected in series with each other.

22. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 18 to 21, wherein the support bracket (22) has a first arm (23) carrying the grip member (20) and a second arm (24) carrying the contrast member (21), mutually interconnected by a connection arm (25) perpendicular with respect thereto.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22 when dependent on one or more of claims 19 to 21, wherein the proximal end portion (29a) of the thrust actuator (29) is constrained to the first arm (23) of the support bracket (22).

24. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 18 to 21, wherein at least one of said grip member (20) and contrast member (21) is slidably engaged with respect to the support bracket (22).

25. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 22 to 24, wherein the second arm (24) of the support bracket (22) is slidably engaged along the connection arm (25).

26. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 18 to 25, wherein a positioning actuator (34) operates between the support bracket (22) and the contrast member (21) in order to move the latter between a rest position in which it is moved away from the grip member (20) and a work position in which it is approached with respect to the grip member (20).

27. Apparatus according to claim 26, also comprising a blocking brake (35) operating on a movable part of the positioning actuator (34) and selectively activatable in order to block the contrast member (21) with respect to the support bracket (22).

28. Apparatus according to claim 27 , wherein the blocking brake (35) is activatable upon command of a tactile sensor (36) associated with the contrast member (21), in response to a thrust action detected on the contrast member (21) itself.

29. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 17 to 28, wherein the transfer unit (16) is configured for alternatively translating the handling device (17) between a loading station(13) carrying a plurality of functional inserts (7) and an application station (11) carrying tyre (2) being processed.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29, also comprising a treatment station (38) operatively interposed between the loading station (13) and the application station (11) and configured for applying or activating an attachment interface on the application surface of a functional insert (7) carried by the grip member (20).

31. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 18 to 30, wherein the grip member (20) is angularly orientable with respect to the support bracket (22) around an angular orientation axis (Z), between an application condition in which a grip surface (26) of the grip member (20) faces in frontal alignment with respect to the contrast member (21), and a grip condition in which the grip surface (26) is directed away with respect to the contrast member (21).

32. Apparatus according to claim 31, wherein in the application condition, said grip surface (26) and the contrast member (21) are aligned along a horizontal direction.

33. Apparatus according to claim 19 and one or more of claims 22 to 32, wherein the proximal end portion (29a) of the thrust actuator (29) is fixed to a rotatable block (32) engaged through the first arm (23) of the support bracket (22).

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, also comprising an orientation actuator (33) operating between the support bracket (22) and the rotatable block (32) in order to rotate the grip member (20) together with the thrust actuator (29), between the application condition and the grip condition.

35. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 17 to 34,wherein the transfer unit (16) carries the handling device (17) by a terminal section (18) rotatable around a rotational orientation axis (Y).

36. Apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the rotational orientation axis (Y) is concentric with the grip surface (26) when the grip member (20) is in said grip condition.

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