Conveying apparatus and method for conveying a tire component

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying apparatus (1, 101) for conveying a tire component (9) in a transport direction (T) in a conveyance plane (P), wherein the conveying apparatus comprises a first conveyor (2, 102) that is arranged below the conveyance plane a second conveyor (3), downstream of the first conveyor in the transport direction, that is arranged above the conveyance plane for retaining the tire component in the conveyance plane from above, wherein the second conveyor comprises a retaining device (34) for retaining the tire component to said second conveyor in the conveyance plane, wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a correction member (5, 105) in a transition region in which the tire component is transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor and below the conveyance plane, wherein the correction member comprises a retaining element (50, 150) for retaining the tire component in the conveyance plane in a retaining direction (Y) when leaving the first conveyor, wherein the retaining direction has at least a vector component in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane.

Description

[0001] Conveying apparatus and method for conveying a tire component

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a conveying apparatus and a method for conveying a tire component, in particular a tire component comprising ferromagnetic material . More particularly, the invention relates to a conveying apparatus for trans ferring the tire component from a first conveyor below a conveyance plane to a second conveyor above said conveyance plane . The conveying apparatus may for example be a servicer for applying the tire component to the circumferential surface of a tire building drum . The invention further relates to a method for conveying a tire component .

[0004] JP S59 187836 A discloses a device and method in which the tip of a steel cord strip is placed on the rear end of the feeding face of a conveyor, a piston rod is advanced to move an overhead transfer conveyor forwards , and a friction roller is contacted with a friction roller . The transfer conveyor and a tire molding drum are driven, and the strip is attracted by a magnet and fed in a feeding direction towards the drum. The strip is put in the magnetic field of the magnet through a free roller, pulled to one side end of the feeding face of the conveyor, and then contacted with a guide roller . The strip is advanced on the free roller under guidance of the guide roller, during which period the strip is matched with a given sideward position while being supplied to the drum by the guide roller and floated in the magnetic field of the magnet of the conveyor .

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A disadvantage of the device of JP S59 187836 A is that the overhead transfer conveyor and the feed conveyor obstruct access to the tire component at the transfer region in which the tire component is transferred from the feed conveyor to the trans fer conveyor . More particularly, the overhead conveyor prevents the inspection of the tire component at the trans fer region between the feed conveyor and the trans fer conveyor . Accordingly, a position of the tire component on either one of the conveyors cannot be accurately determined .

[0007] However, in the case that the feed conveyor and the transfer conveyor are spaced apart in the feeding direction to allow monitoring of the tire component during the trans fer from the feed conveyor to the trans fer conveyor, a leading end of the tire component that is being conveyed on the feed conveyor may curl up, i . e . the leading end may deflect upward with respect to the transport plane, prior to reaching the trans fer conveyor . Said curling up may cause the leading end to be folded over the remainder of the tire component . Moreover, the curling up and / or the folding over of the leading end may cause said leading end to be conveyed outside the reach of the retaining means of the transfer conveyor, causing the tire component to be dropped between the feed conveyor and the transfer conveyor .

[0008] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a conveying apparatus and a method for conveying a tire component, in which the tire component can be transferred from a first conveyor below the conveyance plane to a second conveyor above the conveyance plane more reliably .

[0009] According to a first aspect , the present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for conveying a tire component in a transport direction in a conveyance plane, in particular a tire component comprising ferromagnetic material , wherein the conveying apparatus comprises a first conveyor that is arranged below the conveyance plane for supporting the tire component in the conveyance plane from below and a second conveyor that is arranged above the conveyance plane for retaining the tire component in the conveyance plane from above, wherein the second conveyor is arranged downstream of the first conveyor in the transport direction and wherein the second conveyor is spaced apart with respect to the first conveyor in the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor comprises a retaining device for retaining the tire component to said second conveyor in the conveyance plane, wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a correction member in a transition region in which the tire component is transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, wherein the correction member is arranged below the conveyance plane and upstream of the second conveyor in the transport direction, wherein the correction member comprises a retaining element for retaining the tire component in the conveyance plane in a retaining direction when leaving the first conveyor, wherein the retaining direction has at least a vector component in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane .

[0010] The first conveyor and the second conveyor are spaced apart in the transport direction . Hence, the tire component can be accessed and / or inspected in the transition region between said first and second conveyors . The correction member can pull and / or retain the leading end of the tire component towards or at the conveyance plane . More particularly, the correction member can pull and / or retain the leading end of the tire component without obscuring and / or obstructing the transition region between the first and second conveyors . Accordingly, a curling up of said leading end can be prevented . Hence , the leading end of the tire component can be directed in the conveyance plane in the transition region from the first conveyor to the second conveyor . As a consequence , the leading end can be trans ferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor more reliably .

[0011] Moreover, a region below the second conveyor can be more accessible . For example , said region below the second conveyor can be dedicated for transferring the tire component from the second conveyor to a tire building drum. In other words , by arranging the correction member upstream of the second conveyor, interference between the correction member and the tire building drum or a tire component supported on said tire building drum can be prevented .

[0012] In an embodiment thereof , the retaining direction extends perpendicular to the conveyance plane . Hence, the correction member can retain the tire component without or substantially without pulling the tire component in the transport direction . Hence, deformation of the tire component in the transport direction can be prevented .

[0013] In a further embodiment, the retaining element comprises one or more magnets . Alternatively, the retaining element may for example comprise a vacuum system for pulling the tire component towards the conveying plane using a suction force . The magnets can be suitable for pulling ferromagnetic elements , in particular steel cords , within the tire component towards the conveyance plane .

[0014] In a preferred embodiment thereof , a magnetic field of said magnets is directed in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane at the conveyance plane .

[0015] In a further embodiment , the conveying apparatus further comprises one or more sensors for detecting the tire component at a position between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the transport direction . The sensor may for example be arranged for detecting a position of a leading end and / or a lateral position of the tire component .

[0016] In a further embodiment, the correction member is a correction roller, wherein the correction member comprises a rotation body that is rotatable with respect to said retaining element about a rotation axis that extends parallel to the conveyance plane and transverse or perpendicular to the transport direction . The correction roller, in particular the rotation body, can facilitate the conveying of the tire component in the transport direction . More particularly, the rotation body can reduce friction between the tire component and the correction member . The retaining element can retain the tire component in the retaining direction independent of the rotation of the retaining body relative to said retaining element . In other words , the correction roller can rotate without changing the retaining direction of the retaining element . Accordingly, the retaining element can pull the tire component in the retaining direction at a fixed circumferential position of the rotation body . Hence, the retaining element can pull the tire component in the retaining direction without or substantially without pulling the tire component in a circumferential direction of the rotation body . Accordingly, a downward deflection of the tire component , away from the conveyance plane , due to the pulling of the retaining element can be prevented . Thus , the tire component can be transferred to the second conveyor more reliably .

[0017] In a further embodiment, the correction member is located between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the transport direction . In other words , the correction member is arranged downstream of the first conveyor and upstream of the second conveyor in the transport direction . Hence, the leading end of the tire component can first be transferred from the first conveyor to the correction member before transferring said leading end to the second conveyor . The correction member can be separate or distinct from the first conveyor . In a further embodiment , the first conveyor is movable relative to the second conveyor in a lateral direction parallel to the transport plane and transverse to the transport direction . Preferably, the correction member is movable in the lateral direction together with the first conveyor . An upstream portion of the tire component can be retained by the correction member and a downstream portion of the tire component can be retained by the retaining device of the second conveyor . Hence, while moving the first conveyor in the lateral direction relative to the second conveyor, a lateral position of a downstream portion of the tire component can be corrected relative to the upstream portion .

[0018] In an embodiment thereof , wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a lateral detector for detecting a lateral position of the tire component between the correction member and the second conveyor, and a control unit that is functionally coupled to the lateral detector and the first conveyor, wherein the control unit is arranged to move the first conveyor in the lateral direction in response to the lateral detector detecting the lateral position of the tire component . Hence, the tire component can be corrected based on the lateral detector signals .

[0019] In an alternative embodiment thereof , the correction member is an end roll of the first conveyor . In other words , the correction member can be a part of the first conveyor .

[0020] In an embodiment thereof , the first conveyor is a belt conveyor, and wherein the correction member is head pulley or a tail pulley of the first conveyor . Alternatively, the conveyor may for example be a roller conveyor .

[0021] In a further embodiment , the conveying apparatus further comprises a catcher for urging at least a leading end of the tire component towards the conveyance plane at or near the location of the correction member . The catcher can urge and / or press the tire component towards or onto the correction member . In particular, the catcher can urge and / or press the leading end of the tire component towards or onto the correction member . Accordingly, the leading end of the tire component can be brought closer to the correction member . Hence , the retaining element can retain the tire component in the conveyance plane more reliable . The retaining element can retain the tire component to the correction member without the need of the correction member pushing the tire component onto the correction member . Hence, deformation of the tire component can be reduced .

[0022] In an embodiment thereof , the catcher comprises a belt conveyor with a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt extends above the conveyance plane in a catching plane at an oblique catching angle with respect to the conveyance plane . Preferably, the conveyor belt of the conveyor is rotated or advanced along said catching plane towards the conveyance plane for urging the leading end of the tire component towards the conveyance plane . Thus , the leading end can be gradually urged towards the catching plane while the tire component is conveyed in the transport direction .

[0023] In an embodiment thereof , the catcher comprises a pulley at a downstream end of the catcher in the transport direction, wherein the pulley is movable towards and away from the conveyance plane . Hence , the leading end of the tire component can actively be pushed towards the conveyance plane by the pulley .

[0024] In an embodiment thereof , the conveying apparatus further comprises a leading end detector for detecting the leading end of the tire component between the correction member and the second conveyor, and a control unit that is functionally coupled to the leading end detector and the catcher, wherein the control unit is arranged to move at least the pulley of the catcher towards the conveyance plane in response to the leading end detector detecting the leading end of the tire component . In other words , the downstream pulley of the catcher can be moved in response to the leading end detector detecting the presence and / or passing of the leading end of the tire component past the correction member in the transport direction . Hence, the catcher can automatically urge said leading end in the retaining direction towards the conveyance plane upon detection of said leading end .

[0025] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for conveying a tire component in a transport direction in a conveyance plane using the conveying apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of : a) conveying the tire component on the first conveyor in the transport direction towards the second conveyor ; b) pulling a leading end of the tire component towards the correction member in the retaining direction; and c) transferring the leading end to the second conveyor .

[0026] The method comprises the use of the conveying apparatus of the first aspect of the invention and, hence, has the same advantages as mentioned above . Step b) may comprise pulling the leading end of the tire component closer to the correction member over a pulling distance . Additionally or alternatively, step b ) may comprise retaining the tire component to the correction member by a pulling force . Steps b) and c) may be performed subsequently or simultaneously .

[0027] In an embodiment thereof , the method further comprises , prior to step b ) or during step b) , the step of pushing the leading end towards the conveyance surface at or near the correction member . By pushing the leading end of the tire component towards the correction member, said correction member can more reliably retain said leading end .

[0028] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises , during step b) , moving the first conveyor and the correction member relative to the second conveyor in a lateral direction transverse or perpendicular to the transport direction . The tire component can be retained to the correction member in the retaining direction while retaining a downstream end of the tire component by the retaining device of the second conveyor . Hence, a movement of the tire component at the correction member in the lateral direction can be minimi zed . Accordingly, a lateral position of a section of the tire component upstream of the correction member in the transport direction can effectively be corrected by moving the first conveyor and the correction member relative to the second conveyor in the lateral direction . By retaining the tire component at the correction member, a shifting or deformation of the tire component at the second conveyor can be prevented .

[0029] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which :

[0032] Figures 1-3 show a conveying apparatus for conveying a tire component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention during steps of a method according to the present invention ;

[0033] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the conveying apparatus for conveying the tire component ;

[0034] Figure 5 shows a section view according to the line V-V in figure 1 ;

[0035] Figures 6 and 7 show section views according to the line VI-VI in figure 2 during exemplary steps of the method according to the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 8 shows a section view according to the line VI I I-VI I I in figure 3 .

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Figures 1-3 and 5-8 show a conveying apparatus 1 for conveying a tire component 9 in a transport direction T in a conveyance plane P according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention . Preferably, the tire component 9 comprises ferromagnetic material , such as steel cords 91 . The conveying apparatus 1 comprises a first conveyor 2 and a second conveyor 3 downstream of the first conveyor 2 in the transport direction T . More particularly, the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 are spaced apart in the transport direction T .

[0039] As is shown in figures 1-3 , the first conveyor 2 is arranged below the conveyance plane P for supporting the tire component 9 in said conveyance plane P . The first conveyor 2 is arranged for conveying the tire component 9 in the transport direction T towards the second conveyor 3 .

[0040] In the embodiment as shown, the first conveyor 2 is a belt conveyor comprising a head pulley or first pulley 22 and a tail pulley or second pulley 23 upstream of the first pulley 22 in the transport direction T . The first conveyor 2 further comprises a first conveyor belt 21 that is arranged around said first pulley 21 and said second pulley 22 . Preferably, the first conveyor 2 further comprises one or more pulleys between the first pulley 22 and the second pulley 23 . The first conveyor belt 21 is guided along the first pulley 21 and the second pulley 22 . At a top side of the first conveyor 2 , the first conveyor belt 21 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the conveyance plane P to form a support surface 20 for supporting the tire component 9. In other words , the support surface 20 is arranged for supporting the tire component 9 in the conveyance plane P . Alternatively, the first conveyor 2 may for example be a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers for supporting the tire component in the conveyance plane P .

[0041] The second conveyor 3 is arranged above the conveyance plane P . In other words , the second conveyor 3 and the first conveyor 2 are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyance plane P . The second conveyor 3 comprises a retaining device 34 for retaining the tire component 9 to the second conveyor 3 in the conveyance plane P . The second conveyor 3 is arranged for receiving the tire component 9 from the first conveyor 2 and for conveying said tire component 9 in the transport direction T .

[0042] In the embodiment as shown the second conveyor 3 is a belt conveyor . The second conveyor 3 comprises a tail pulley or third pulley 32 and a head pulley or fourth pulley 34 downstream of the third pulley 32 in the transport direction T . The second conveyor 3 further comprises a second conveyor belt 31 that is arranged around said third pulley 32 and said fourth pulley 33 .

[0043] As is further shown in figures 1-3 , the retaining device 34 may for example comprise one or more magnets for magnetically attracting the cords 91 of the tire component 9. Alternatively, the retaining device 43 may for example comprise a vacuum system with a plurality of suction apertures (not shown) . Said vacuum system may be arranged to retain the tire component 9 by applying a suction force or negative pressure to said suction apertures .

[0044] As is shown in figure 3 , the conveying apparatus 1 may for example be a servicer for supplying the tire component 9 to a tire building drum 8 . The tire building drum 8 is rotatable about a drum axis D . The tire building drum 8 comprises a circumferential drum surface 80 for receiving the tire component 9 . Said circumferential drum surface 80 extends in a circumferential direction about the drum axis D . When supplying the tire component 9 to the tire building drum 8 , the conveying apparatus 1 is arranged such that the second conveyor 3 is located above the tire building drum 8 . In other words , the tire building drum 8 and the second conveyor 3 are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyance plane P . Preferably, the second conveyor 3 is arranged such that the conveyance plane P is tangential or substantially tangential to the circumferential drum surface 80 .

[0045] As is further shown in figures 1-3 , the conveying apparatus 1 further comprises a correction member 5 for retaining the tire component 9 in the conveyance plane P . The correction member 5 is located below the conveyance plane P . Preferably, the correction member 5 is arranged for pulling a curled up leading end LE towards the conveyance plane P in a retaining direction Y . The retaining direction Y has at least a vector component in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane P . Preferably, the retaining direction Y is perpendicular to the conveyance plane P .

[0046] The correction member 5 is located in a transition region in which the tire component 9 is transferred between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 . The correction member 5 is arranged for receiving the tire component 9 from the first conveyor 2 . The correction member 5 is further arranged for transferring said tire component to the second conveyor 3 . The correction member 5 is located at or near the third pulley 32 of the second conveyor in the transport direction T . Preferably, the correction member 5 is located upstream of the second conveyor 3 in the transport direction T . In the embodiment as shown, the correction member 5 is located downstream of the first conveyor 2 in the transport direction T . Preferably, the correction member 5 is arranged directly adj acent to the first pulley 22 of the first conveyor 2 in the transport direction T .

[0047] The correction member 5 comprises a retaining element 50 for retaining the tire component in the retaining direction Y . As is shown in figures 1-3 , the retaining element 50 is arranged at or near the conveyance plane P . Preferably, the retaining element 50 comprises one or more magnets for retaining the tire component 9 . Alternatively, the retaining element 50 may for example comprise a vacuum system or a suction system for retaining the tire component through suction . Preferably, a magnetic field of each of the one or more magnets is directed in the retaining direction Y at or near the conveyance plane P .

[0048] Preferably, as is shown in figures 5-8 , the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor are movable relative to one another in a lateral direction L transverse or perpendicular to the transport direction T . The lateral direction extends parallel to the conveyance plane P . Preferably, the correction member 5 is movable together with the first conveyor 2 in the lateral direction L relative to the second conveyor 3 .

[0049] As is shown in figures 1-3 , the conveying apparatus 1 further comprises a catcher 4 for urging the leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards the conveyance plane P . The catcher 4 is arranged at or near the location of the correction member 5. In particular, the catcher 4 is arranged to urge the leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards the correction member 5.

[0050] The catcher 4 comprises a fi fth pulley 42 and a sixth pulley 43 upstream of the fi fth pulley 42 in the transport direction T . The catcher 4 further comprises a third conveyor belt 41 that is guided around the fifth pulley 42 and the sixth pulley 43 . The third conveyor belt 41 extends in a catching plane B . Said catching plane B extends at an oblique catching angle A with respect to the conveyance plane P . The third conveyor belt 41 is arranged to guide or urge the curled up leading end LE of the tire component 9 along the catching plane B towards the conveyance plane P . In particular, the third conveyor belt 41 is arranged to guide or urge the curled up leading end LE of the tire component 9 towards the correction member 5 . Optionally, as is shown in figure 2 , the catcher 4 may be movable towards the conveyance plane P for actively urging at least the leading end LE towards said conveyance plane P . More particularly, at least the fi fth pulley 42 is movable towards the correction member 5 for pressing at least the leading end LE of the tire component 9 onto the correction member 5. Preferably, the fi fth pulley 42 is movable in or substantially in the retaining direction Y . The catcher 4 may for example comprise a catcher drive (not shown) for moving the fifth pulley 42 towards the correction member 5.

[0051] Optionally, as is shown in figures 1-3 and 4- 8 , the conveying apparatus 1 further comprises one or more first sensors , first detectors or leading end detectors 61 for detecting the tire component 9 at a position between the first conveyor 2 and the second conveyor 3 in the transport direction T . More particularly, the one or more leading end detectors 61 are arranged for detecting the leading end LE or the leading edge of the tire component 9 at a position between the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3 . In the embodiment as shown, a single leading end detector 61 is arranged above the conveyance plane P . Additionally or alternatively, one or more leading end detectors 61 may for example be arranged below the conveyance plane P .

[0052] As is shown in figures 5-8 , the conveying apparatus may further comprise one or more second sensors , second detectors or lateral detectors 62 for detecting a lateral position of the tire component 9 in the lateral direction L . Preferably, said one or more lateral detectors 62 are arranged for detecting the lateral position of the tire component 9 at a position between the second conveyor 3 and the correction member 5 in the transport direction T . One or more of the lateral detectors 62 may for example be arranged at one or both lateral sides of the conveying apparatus 1 in the lateral direction L . Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the lateral detectors 62 may be arranged above or below the conveyance plane P .

[0053] The one or more lateral detectors 62 may be arranged to detect the lateral position of a first lateral edge 92 of the tire component 9. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more lateral detectors 62 may be arranged to detect a second lateral edge 93 of the tire component 9 opposite to the first lateral edge 92 in the lateral direction L .

[0054] Optionally, the one or more leading end detectors 61 and the one or more lateral detectors 62 may be the same detectors . In particular, one or more of the leading end detectors 61 may also be used for detecting the lateral position of the tire component . Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the lateral detectors 62 may be used for detecting the leading end LE of the tire component 9 .

[0055] As is further shown in figures 1-3 and 5-8 , the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3 are spaced apart in the transport direction T . More particularly, the correction member 5 and the second conveyor 3 are spaced apart in the transport direction T to form a measurement gap G between said correction member 5 and said second conveyor 3 . Preferably, the measurement gap is at least between ten and two-hundred millimetres , more preferably, the measurement gap is between twenty and one-hundred millimetres , e . g . between thirty and fi fty millimetres . The measurement gap G may facilitate and / or improve the detection of the tire component 9 by the one or more leading end detectors 61 and / or the one or more lateral detectors 62 .

[0056] The conveying apparatus 1 further comprises a control unit 7 that is functionally connected to one or more leading end detectors 61 and / or the one or more lateral detectors 62 . Preferably, the control unit 7 is further functionally connected to the catcher drive for driving the movement of the fi fth pulley 42 towards the correction member 5 upon a detection of the leading end LE or leading edge by the one or more leading end detectors 61 .

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 7 is further functionally coupled to the first conveyor 2 for controlling a movement of said second conveyor 2 relative to the correction member 5 in the lateral direction L . Preferably, the control unit 7 is arranged for moving the first conveyor 2 in the lateral direction L in response to a lateral position of the first lateral edge 92 and / or a lateral position of the second lateral edge 93 detected by the one or more lateral detectors 62 .

[0058] In the embodiment as shown, the correction member 5 is a correction roller . The correction member 5 comprises a core 52 and a rotation body 51 . The rotation body 51 is rotatable with respect to said core about a rotation axis R . The rotation axis R extends parallel to the conveyance plane P . The rotation axis R extends transverse to the transport direction T . Preferably, the rotation axis R extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the transport direction T . The retaining element 50 is located within the core 52 . Accordingly, the rotation body 51 is rotatable with respect to the retaining element 50 as well .

[0059] Figure 4 shows an alternative conveying apparatus 101 according to a further embodiment of the present invention . The alternative conveying apparatus 101 comprises an alternative first conveyor 102 and an alternative correction member 105 . The alternative first conveyor 102 di ffers from the previously discussed first conveyor 2 in that the alternative first conveyor 102 comprises the alternative correction member 105. More particularly, the alternative correction member 105 may be an end roll or a head pulley of the first conveyor 102 . The correction member 105 is arranged at a downstream end of the conveyor 105 in the transport direction T .

[0060] In the embodiment as shown, the conveyor 102 is a belt conveyor 102 having the correction member 105 as a head pulley . Alternatively, the conveyor 102 may for example be a roller conveyor . In the latter case, the correction member 105 may be one of the rollers of the roller conveyor, preferably an end roller of the roller conveyor .

[0061] A method for conveying the tire component 9 using the conveying apparatus 1 according to the present invention will now be described using figures 1-3 and 5- 8 .

[0062] As is shown in figures 1 and 5, the tire component 9 has been provided on the first conveyor 2 in the conveyance plane P . The tire component 9 is supported on the support surface 20 of said first conveyor 20 . The tire component 9 has been conveyed in the transport direction T into a first position in which the leading end LE of the tire component 9 is located upstream of the correction member 5 in the transport direction T . The leading end LE of the tire component 9 has curled upwards , i . e . away from the conveyance plane P . The catcher 4 is in an passive position . In said passive position a distance between the conveyance plane P and the fifth pulley 42 is larger than a distance between the conveyance plane P and the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3 .

[0063] As is shown in figure 2 , the tire component 9 has been conveyed in the transport direction T by the first conveyor 2 into a second position . The leading end LE of the tire component 9 has been urged towards the conveyance plane P . Preferably, the leading end LE has been pulled towards the correction member 5 in the retaining direction Y . In the second position, the leading end LE of the tire component 9 is located above or at the correction member 5 . The correction member 5 is retaining said tire component 9 at or near the leading end LE . In particular, the retaining member 50 is retaining the tire component 9 in the retaining direction Y .

[0064] As is best shown in figure 2 , the leading end LE of the tire component 9 has been conveyed in the transport direction T up to and / or past the leading end detector 61 . Accordingly, said leading end LE has been detected by the leading end detector 61 . In response, the control unit 7 has controlled the catcher 4 to move from the passive position towards the conveyance plane P into an active position . In particular, the catcher 4 has been moved towards the conveyance plane P into contact with an upper surface of the tire component 9.

[0065] In the embodiment as shown, the fifth pulley 42 of the catcher 4 has been moved from the passive position towards the conveyance plane P for urging the tire component 9 towards the correction member 5 . Preferably, the fifth pulley 42 has been moved towards the conveyance plane P for pressing the tire component 9, in particular the leading end LE of the tire component 9 , onto the correction member 5. Preferably, the fi fth pulley 42 presses the tire component 9 onto the correction member in or substantially in the retaining direction Y . Optionally, the third conveyor belt 41 is driven in rotation while pressing the tire component 9 onto the correction member 5. Preferably, the rotational speed of the third conveyor belt 41 is equal to or matches the rotational speed of the first conveyor belt 21 .

[0066] As is further shown in figure 6 , the tire component 9 has been transported further in the transport direction T . The leading end LE of the tire component 9 has been transported up to the second conveyor 3 . The leading end LE is being retained against the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3 by the retaining device 34 . While the tire component 9 is transferred from the correction member 5 to the second conveyor 3 , the one or more lateral sensors 62 are used to detect the lateral positions of the leading edge, i . e . the edge of the leading end LE extending transverse to the transport direction T, and the second lateral edge 93 of the tire component 9.

[0067] As is shown in figure 7 , the control unit 7 has controlled the first conveyor 2 and the correction member 5 to move in the lateral direction L relative to the second conveyor 3 in response to the detected lateral positions of the tire component 9.

[0068] While moving the first conveyor 2 and the correction member 5 in the lateral direction L, the tire component 9 is retained in the lateral direction L by the correction member 5. Preferably, the tire component 9 is further retained in the lateral direction L by clamping said leading end LE between the catcher 4 and the correction member 5 . Simultaneously, the leading end LE of the tire component 9 is retained in the lateral direction L by the retaining device 34 of the second conveyor 3 .

[0069] By retaining the tire component both at the correction member 5 and at the second conveyor 3 , a lateral position and / or shape of the tire component 9 may be corrected through the movement of the first conveyor 2 and the correction member 5 relative to the second conveyor 3 in the lateral direction L .

[0070] As is shown in figures 3 and 8 , the tire component 9 has been transported further in the transport direction T . The leading end LE of the tire component 9 is retained against the abutment surface 30 of the second conveyor 3 by the retaining device 34 . The tire component 9 is further retained in the retaining direction Y by the correction member 5 . In the embodiment as shown, the catcher 4 has been moved back into the passive position at a distance from the conveyance plane P . Optionally, the catcher 4 may be kept in the active position for pressing the tire component 9 onto the correction member 5 while conveying the tire component 9 further in the transport direction T .

[0071] As is shown in figure 8 , while conveying the tire component 9 further in the transport direction T , the lateral position of the tire component 9 may be continuously adj usted in response to a lateral position detected by the one or more lateral sensors 62 for further correcting the shape and / or lateral position of said tire component 9 in a manner similar as described above . The method further comprises using the second conveyor 3 for conveying the tire component 9 further in the transport direction T . Optionally, the method comprises using the second conveyor 3 for applying the tire component 9 to the circumferential drum surface 80 of the tire building drum 8 . The tire component 9 may be applied to the circumferential drum surface 80 of the tire building drum 8 by simultaneously rotating the tire building drum 8 about the drum axis D and rotating the second conveyor belt 31 about the third pulley 32 and the fourth pulley 33 .

[0072] It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention .

[0073] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0074] 1 conveying apparatus

[0075] 2 first conveyor

[0076] 20 support surface

[0077] 21 first conveyor belt

[0078] 22 first pulley

[0079] 23 second pulley

[0080] 3 second conveyor

[0081] 30 abutment surface

[0082] 31 second conveyor belt

[0083] 32 third pulley

[0084] 33 fourth pulley

[0085] 34 retaining device

[0086] 4 catcher

[0087] 41 third conveyor belt

[0088] 42 fifth pulley

[0089] 43 sixth pulley 5 correction member

[0090] 50 retaining element

[0091] 51 rotation body

[0092] 52 core

[0093] 61 leading end detector

[0094] 62 lateral detector

[0095] 7 control unit

[0096] 8 tire building drum

[0097] 80 circumferential drum surface

[0098] 9 tire component

[0099] 91 cords

[0100] 92 first lateral edge

[0101] 93 second lateral edge

[0102] 101 alternative conveying apparatus

[0103] 102 alternative first conveyor

[0104] 120 support surface

[0105] 121 conveyor belt

[0106] 123 second pulley

[0107] 105 alternative correction member

[0108] 150 retaining element

[0109] 151 rotation body

[0110] A catching angle

[0111] B catching plane

[0112] D drum axis

[0113] G measurement gap

[0114] L lateral direction

[0115] LE leading end

[0116] P conveyance plane

[0117] R rotation axis

[0118] T transport direction

[0119] TE trailing end

[0120] Y retaining direction

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 20 June 2025 (20.06.2025)1 . Conveying apparatus for conveying a tire component in a transport direction in a conveyance plane , in particular a tire component comprising ferromagnetic material , wherein the conveying apparatus comprises a first conveyor that is arranged below the conveyance plane for supporting the tire component in the conveyance plane from below, and a second conveyor that is arranged above the conveyance plane for retaining the tire component in the conveyance plane from above , wherein the second conveyor is arranged downstream of the first conveyor in the transport direction and wherein the second conveyor is spaced apart from the first conveyor in the transport direction, wherein the second conveyor comprises a retaining device for retaining the tire component to said second conveyor in the conveyance plane, wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a correction member in a transition region in which the tire component is transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, wherein the correction member is arranged below the conveyance plane and upstream of the second conveyor in the transport direction, wherein the correction member comprises a retaining element for pulling the tire component towards and / or at the conveyance plane in a retaining direction when leaving the first conveyor, wherein the retaining direction has at least a vector component in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane .2 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the retaining direction extends perpendicular to the conveyance plane .3 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the retaining element comprises one or more magnets .4 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 3 ,wherein a magnetic field of said magnets is directed in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane at the conveyance plane .

5. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises one or more sensors for detecting the tire component at a position between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the transport direction .

6. Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the correction member is a correction roller, wherein the correction member comprises a rotation body that is rotatable with respect to said retaining element about a rotation axis that extends parallel to the conveyance plane and transverse to the transport direction .7 . Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the correction member is located between the first conveyor and the second conveyor in the transport direction .8 . Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first conveyor is movable relative to the second conveyor in a lateral direction parallel to the transport plane and transverse to the transport direction .

9. Conveying apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the correction member is movable in the lateral direction together with the first conveyor .10 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a lateral detector for detecting a lateral position of the tire component between the correction member and the second conveyor, and a control unit that is functionally coupled to the lateral detector and the first conveyor, wherein the control unit is arranged to move the first conveyor in the lateral direction in response to the lateral detector detecting the lateral position of the tire component .11 . Conveying apparatus according to any one ofthe claims 1- 6 or 8-10 , wherein the correction member is an end roll of the first conveyor .12 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the first conveyor is a belt conveyor, and wherein the correction member is head pulley or a tail pulley of the first conveyor .13 . Conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a catcher for urging at least a leading end of the tire component towards the conveyance plane at or near the location of the correction member .14 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein the catcher comprises a belt conveyor with a conveyor belt , wherein the conveyor belt extends above the conveyance plane in a catching plane at an oblique catching angle with respect to the conveyance plane .15 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 13 or 14 , wherein the catcher comprises a pulley at a downstream end of the catcher in the transport direction, wherein the pulley is movable towards and away from the conveyance plane .16 . Conveying apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the conveying apparatus further comprises a leading end detector for detecting the leading end of the tire component between the correction member and the second conveyor, and a control unit that is functionally coupled to the leading end detector and the catcher, wherein the control unit is arranged to move at least the pulley of the catcher towards the conveyance plane in response to the leading end detector detecting the leading end of the tire component .17 . Method for conveying a tire component in a transport direction in a conveyance plane using the conveying apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the method comprises the steps of : a) using the first conveyor to convey the tire component in the transport direction towards the secondconveyor; b) using the correction member to pull the tire component in the retaining direction towards the correction member while conveying the tire component in the transport direction; and c) transferring the tire component to the second conveyor .18 . Method according to claim 17 , wherein, prior to step b ) or during step b) , the method further comprises the step of using the catcher to push the leading end of the tire component towards the conveyance surface at or near the correction member .19 . Method according to claim 17 or 18 , wherein the method, during step b ) , comprises moving the first conveyor and the correction member relative to the second conveyor in a lateral direction transverse or perpendicular to the transport direction .-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

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