Pressing device, tire component servicer and method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressing device and a method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance, wherein the pressing device comprises a first pressing member and a second pressing member movable from a raised position towards a lowered position, wherein the pressing device further comprises a lifter movable from a non-lifting state into a lifting state for lifting the first pressing member and the second pressing member into the raised position, wherein the pressing device further comprises an override member movable between an engaged state in which the override member couples the first pressing member to the lifter and an override state in which the first pressing member is released from the lifter to allow for movement of the first pressing member from the raised position towards the lowered position while the lifter is in the lifting state.

Description

[0001] Pressing device, tire component servicer and method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a pressing device, a tire component servicer and a method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance .

[0004] CN 215921335 U discloses a tire component servicer with a conveyor for supporting a tire component in a support plane and three pressure rollers for applying a pressure force to the tire component transported on the conveyor . The pressure rollers each comprise an arm that is freely rotatable about a pivot axis , parallel to the support plane , and a roll at the end of each arm that is lowered by the respective arm, under its own weight and variably added extra weight, onto the tire component .

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A disadvantage of the known tire component servicer is that, during an initial infeed of the tire component , it is convenient to apply pressure force to the tire component to keep it from slipping away until a sufficient length of the tire component is received on the conveyor . However, applying pressure force with all three pressure rollers simultaneously is not necessary and prevents the human operator from easily adj usting the position of the tire component during this initial infeed .

[0007] Moreover, when supplying a relatively narrow tire component , only the middle pressure roller is contacting the tire component . In practice, the unused pressure rollers are disassembled and removed to prevent unnecessary wear to the unused pressure rollers and / or the conveyor . Disassembly, removal , assembly and remounting requires tools and time .

[0008] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a pressing device, a tire component servicer and a method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance, wherein the way in which the pressure is applied can be adj usted more easily .

[0009] According to a first aspect , the invention provides a pressing device for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance, wherein the pressing device comprises a first pressing member and a second pressing member which are movable relative to a support plane from a raised position towards a lowered position for contacting the tire component supported in said support plane, wherein the pressing device further comprises a lifter that is movable from a non-li fting state into a lifting state for li fting the first pressing member and the second pressing member into the raised position, wherein the pressing device further comprises an override member that is movable between an engaged state in which the override member couples the first pressing member to the lifter and an override state in which the first pressing member is released from the li fter to allow for movement of the first pressing member from the raised position towards the lowered position while the lifter is in the li fting state .

[0010] Using the override member, the first pressing member can be selectively lowered towards the lowered position independently of the second pressing member and / or any further pressing members that remain in the raised position .

[0011] The first pressing member can be selectively lowered to apply pressure force to the tire component during an initial infeed to keep it from slipping away until a sufficient length of the tire component is received on the conveyor . During this application of pressure force by the first pressing member, the second pressing member and / or any further pressing members can be kept in the raised position so as not to interfere with the initial infeed . Because the tire component is initially held only by the first pressing member, a human operator can easily adj ust the position of the tire component relative to the first pressing member during the initial infeed, if necessary .

[0012] Alternatively, the first pressing member can be selectively lowered to apply pressure force to the tire component during conveyance in general , in particular when said tire component is so narrow that it can only be ef fectively or reliably pressed by a single pressing member . Hence , the pressing device can be easily adj usted for pressing tire components of different sizes or widths .

[0013] In one embodiment the first pressing member and the second pressing member are both allowed to move from the raised position towards the lowered position when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards the nonli fting state . Consequently, the first pressing member can be lowered by using the override member, while the li fter can be used to lower both the first pressing member and the second pressing member . The human operator can therefore easily select or choose between lowering only the first pressing member or both pressing members .

[0014] Preferably, the override member is configured to be reset automatically from the override state into the engaged state when the li fter is moved from the li fting state towards or into the non-lifting state . By resetting the override member automatically, the first pressing member can be coupled or reconnected to the lifter so as to move together with the second pressing member back into the raised position when the lifter is moved from the nonli fting state towards the lifting state . This is particularly convenient when the first pressing member is lowered independently of the second pressing member during the initial infeed of the tire component , and the second pressing member is lowered afterwards by the li fter during general conveyance of the tire component . As soon as the pressing members are both lowered, they are both coupled to the lifter again for the subsequent lifting towards the raised position . In other words , the human operator does not need to intervene to couple or reconnect the first pressing member to the li fter .

[0015] More preferably, the override member is configured to be reset automatically under the influence of gravity . In this way, no drive or biasing element is required to reset the override member .

[0016] In another embodiment at least one of the first pressing member or the second pressing member is allowed to move from the raised position towards the lowered position under the influence of gravity when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards the non-lifting state . In this way, no drive or biasing element is required to lower the pressing members . Moreover, the pressing members can rest on, contact or abut the tire component under their own weight .

[0017] In another embodiment the lifter comprises a first carrier for carrying the first pressing member in the raised position, wherein the override member comprises a pawl with a catch end that is configured to engage with the first carrier when the override member is in the engaged state and to disengage from the first carrier when the override member is moved from the engaged state into the override state . Hence, the catch end of the pawl can be selectively engaged with and disengaged from the first carrier when the override member is operated between the engaged state and the override state , respectively .

[0018] Preferably, the catch end is configured for engaging the first carrier in the engaged state by physically abutting and / or resting on the first carrier . In other words , the first carrier has an external surface for carrying the catch end . Alternatively, the first carrier may be a recess into which the catch end engages .

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the li fter is rotatable about a pivot axis between the li fting state and the non-lifting state , wherein the first carrier is configured for carrying the first pressing member within a carrying range that extends up to a carrying radius from the pivot axis , wherein the catch end proj ects inside the carrying radius when the override member is in the engaged state and extends outside of the carrying radius when the override member is in the override state . In other words , in the override state, the catch end of the override member is out of reach of the first carrier and can therefore ef fectively move independently of said li fter and / or bypass the lifter .

[0020] Preferably, the override member is rotatable about a hinge axis between the engaged state and the override state . By rotating the override member, at least the catch end can be rotated away from and / or out of the carrying radius of the first carrier .

[0021] More preferably, the hinge axis extends parallel to the pivot axis and is located outside of the carrying radius . Hence , it can be prevented that the presence of any connection of the override member to the first pressing member at the hinge axis interferes with the operation of the lifter . Moreover, the override member can be ef fectively rotated away from the pivot axis about the hinge axis .

[0022] In a further embodiment the pawl is further provided with a lever end, opposite to the catch end, that is manually operable to move the override member between the engaged state and the override state . The lever end may conveniently protrude outwards so that it can be easily reached and / or operated by the human operator . By allowing manual operation of the override member, no drive or biasing element is required to move the override member .

[0023] In another embodiment the override member is manually operable between the engaged state and the override state . Again, by allowing manual operation of the override member, no drive or biasing element is required to move the override member .

[0024] In another embodiment the pressing device comprises an actuator that is operationally connected to the li fter for moving the lifter between the non-li fting state and the lifting state . The lifter is configured for li fting the first pressing member and the second pressing member towards the raised position . In contrast to all other movements of the pressing device, which are either gravity driven or manually operated, the lifting of the pressing members can thus be actively driven . Actively li fting the pressing members may be convenient because all pressing members can be lifted simultaneously into the same raised position, which may be dif ficult to do manually . Moreover, the li fting can be performed during conveyance of the tire component , which is more hazardous than the initial infeed . Thus , by automating the li fting, the safety for the human operator can be improved .

[0025] In another embodiment the pressing device comprises a third pressing member which is movable relative to the support plane from the raised position towards the lowered position for contacting the tire component supported in said support plane, wherein the lifter is configured for lifting the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member from the lowered position towards the raised position . The first pressing member can thus be selectively lowered towards the lowered position relative to the second pressing member and the third pressing member, which remain in the raised position .

[0026] In another embodiment the first pressing member comprises a first pressing roller that is rotatable about a first roller axis and a first pressing arm for supporting and pivoting the first pressing roller about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced apart from the first roller axis between the raised position and the lowered position . By spacing the first roller axis and the pivot axis apart , the first pressing roller can pivot about the pivot axis into pressing contact with the tire component under its own weight, while being supported by the first pressing arm.

[0027] Preferably, the override member is connected to the first pressing arm and movable relative to the first pressing arm between the engaged state and the override state . Hence, the override member can form a coupling or a connection between the first pressing arm and the lifter in the engaged state, while terminating said coupling or connection when in the override state .

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the first pressing arm is freely rotatable about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position of the first pressing member when the lifter is in the non-lifting state and / or when the override member is in the override state . The first pressing arm may therefore freely follow the position of the first pressing roller as it rolls over the conveyor or the tire component , and / or as it encounters any irregularities in said tire component .

[0029] In a further embodiment the second pressing member comprises a second pressing roller that is rotatable about a second roller axis parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis and a second pressing arm for supporting and pivoting the second pressing roller about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position . By spacing the second roller axis and the pivot axis apart, the second pressing roller can pivot about the pivot axis into pressing contact with the tire component under its own weight, while being supported by the second pressing arm .

[0030] Preferably, the first roller axis and the second roller axis are coaxial when the first pressing member and the second pressing member are both in the raised position . Hence, the first pressing member and the second pressing member can be in the same raised position prior to either selectively lowering the first pressing member or lowering both pressing members simultaneously .

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the second pressing arm is freely rotatable about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position of the second pressing member when the lifter is in the nonli fting state . The second pressing arm may therefore freely follow the position of the second pressing roller as it rolls over the conveyor or the tire component, and / or as it encounters any irregularities in said tire component .

[0032] In a further embodiment the pressing device comprises a third pressing member which is movable relative to the support plane from the raised position towards the lowered position for contacting the tire component supported in said support plane, wherein the lifter is configured for lifting the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member from the lowered position towards the raised position, wherein the third pressing member comprises a third pressing roller that is rotatable about a third roller axis parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis and a third pressing arm for supporting and pivoting the third pressing roller about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position . By spacing the third roller axis and the pivot axis apart, the third pressing roller can pivot about the pivot axis into pressing contact with the tire component under its own weight, while being supported by the third pressing arm .

[0033] Preferably, the first roller axis , the second roller axis and the third roller axis are coaxial when the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member are all in the raised position . Hence, the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member can be in the same raised position prior to either selectively lowering the first pressing member or lowering all pressing members simultaneously . In another embodiment the li fter has an operational range between the lifting state and the nonli fting state , wherein the pressing device comprises a standby holder for holding at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member in a standby position outside of the operational range of the li fter . Said at least one pressing member can therefore ef fectively be inactivated in the sense that it does not interact or interfere with the tire component, the conveyor or the li fter . The standby position may be used when the respective pressing member is not going to be used at all during the conveyance of the tire component .

[0034] Preferably, the standby position is located beyond the raised position, considered from the lowered position towards the raised position . By positioning the at least one pressing member in the standby position beyond the raised position, the chances of the respective pressing member unintentionally interfering with the operation of the rest of the pressing device can be minimized .

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the first pressing member and the second pressing member are pivotable about a pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position, wherein the standby position is located beyond the raised position in a pivoting direction about the pivot axis , considered from the lowered position towards the raised position . In other words , the at least one pressing member in the standby position can be located further away from the lowered position than the raised position, considered about said pivot axis , thereby again minimizing the chances of interference from said standby position .

[0036] Preferably, the at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member has a top dead center position in which a center of mass of the respective pressing member is aligned vertically above the pivot axis , wherein the standby position is located beyond the top dead center position in the pivoting direction about the pivot axis , considered from the raised position towards the top dead center position . The at least one pressing member can thus be reliable kept in said standby position under the influence of gravity, without the need for any fixation or locking means .

[0037] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a tire component servicer comprising a pressing device according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and a conveyor for conveying the tire component in a feeding direction in the support plane .

[0038] The tire component servicer according to the second aspect of the invention includes the pressing device according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0039] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance, using the tire component servicer according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of : providing the li fter in the lifting state ; providing the first pressing member and the second pressing member in the raised position; providing the override member in the engaged state to couple the first pressing member to the lifter when the lifter is in the li fting state ; moving the override member from the engaged state into the override state to release the first pressing member from the lifter when the li fter is in the lifting state ; and allowing the first pressing member to move from the raised position towards the lowered position while the lifter is in the lifting state .

[0040] The method relates to the practical implementation of the tire component servicer according to the second aspect of invention, which includes the pressing device according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0041] In one embodiment the method further comprises the steps of : moving the li fter from the lifting state towards the non-li fting state ; and allowing both the first pressing member and the second pressing member to move from the raised position towards the lowered position when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards the non-li fting state .

[0042] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of : automatically resetting the override member from the override state into the engaged state when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards or into the non-lifting state .

[0043] More preferably, the override member is reset automatically under the influence of gravity .

[0044] In another embodiment at least one of the first pressing member or the second pressing member is allowed to move from the raised position towards the lowered position under the influence of gravity when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards the non-li fting state .

[0045] In another embodiment the override member is manually operated between the engaged state and the override state .

[0046] In another embodiment the li fter has an operational range between the lifting state and the nonli fting state , wherein the pressing device comprises a standby holder for holding at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member in a standby position outside of the operational range of the li fter, wherein the method comprises the step of : moving at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member into the standby position .

[0047] The various aspects and features described and shown in the speci fication 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 .

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which : figure 1 shows an isometric view of a tire component servicer with a pressing device according to the invention; and figures 2-8 show cross-section views of the tire component servicer with the pressing device of figure 1 during the steps of a method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance .

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Figure 1 shows a tire component servicer 1 for supplying a tire component T to a tire building machine or station (not shown) , such as a tire building drum. The tire component T has an elongate, strip-like body . The tire component T comprises elastomeric or rubber material . The tire component T may for example be side wall , a gum strip, a body ply, a cap strip, a tread or the like . The tire component T may be supplied in the form of a continuous strip, which is to be cut-to-length in a downstream cutting station . Alternatively, the tire component T may already be cut-to-length . The tire component T is typically fed from a stock reel onto the conveyor 2 .

[0052] The tire component servicer 1 comprises a conveyor 2 , in particular a belt conveyor, for conveying, supplying or feeding the tire component T towards the tire building machine in a direction of conveyance or a feeding direction F . The conveyor 2 has a conveyance surface 20 , in this example the upper run of an endless belt, which carries , supports and / or conveys the tire component T . In particular, the conveyance surface 20 defines a support plane S for supporting the tire component T . In this example , the support plane S is hori zontal or substantially hori zontal . Alternatively, the support plane S may be slightly inclined .

[0053] The tire component servicer 1 further comprises a pressing device 3 for applying pressure to the tire component T during feeding or conveyance . The applied pressure may prevent that the tire component T slips back and / or falls off the conveyor 2 during an initial infeed of the tire component T . The applied pressure may further reduce or eliminate irregularities or wrinkles in the tire component T during the subsequent feeding or conveyance .

[0054] As shown in figure 1 , in this example , the pressing device 3 comprises a first pressing member 4 , a second pressing member 5 , a third pressing member 6 and a base 30 for holding the pressing members 4 , 5, 6 relative to the conveyor 2 and / or the support plane S . Each pressing member 4 , 5, 6 is movable, rotatable or pivotable, relative to base 30 , the conveyor 2 and / or the support plane S , from a raised position Pl , as schematically shown in figure 1 with a dashed line ' Pl ' corresponding to the orientation of the pressing members 4 , 5, 6 in the raised position Pl , towards a lowered position P2 , as schematically shown in figure 1 with a dashed line ' P2 ' corresponding to the orientation of the pressing members 4 , 5 , 6 in the lowered position P2 .

[0055] In the lowered position P2 , each pressing member 4 , 5, 6 is configured to abut or contact the tire component T supported in said support plane S . In the raised position Pl , the pressing members 4 , 5, 6 are li fted further away from the support plane S compared to the lowered position P2 , thereby moving the pressing members 4 , 5 , 6 effectively clear of f , spaced apart from or no longer in contact with the tire component T .

[0056] The first pressing member 4 comprises a first pressing roller 40 that is rotatable about a first roller axis Al and a first pressing arm 41 for supporting and pivoting the first pressing roller 40 relative to the base 30 . In this example , the first pressing roller 40 is undriven or freely rotatable . The first pressing arm 41 is rotatable or pivotable about a pivot axis B parallel to and spaced apart from the first roller axis Al . As such, the first pressing arm 41 is rotatable or pivotable about the pivot axis B relative to the base 30 for rotating or pivoting the first pressing roller 40 in a pivot direction D about said pivot axis B between the raised position Pl and the lowered position P2 .

[0057] Similarly, the second pressing member 5 comprises a second pressing roller 50 that is rotatable about a second roller axis A2 and a second pressing arm 51 for supporting and pivoting the second pressing roller 50 relative to the base 30 about the pivot axis B . Finally, the third pressing member 6 comprises a third pressing roller 60 that is rotatable about a third roller axis A3 and a third pressing arm 61 for supporting and pivoting the third pressing roller 60 relative to the base 30 about the pivot axis B .

[0058] When allowed to do so, the pressing arms 41 , 52 , 61 can freely rotate about the pivot axis B and the pressing rollers 40 , 50 , 60 , supported by said pressing arms 41 , 51 , 61 can freely move towards and / or into contact with the conveyor 2 or the tire component T under the influence of gravity, i . e . under their own weight . The pressing rollers 40 , 50 , 60 may optionally be provided with additional weights to adj ust the applied pressing force .

[0059] As shown in figure 1 , the pressing device 3 further comprises a lifter 7 that is movable from a first orientation, a first state, a first non-lifting orientation or a non-li fting state, as shown in figures 5 and 6, into a second orientation, a second state, a lifting orientation or a lifting state, as shown in figures 1-4, 7 and 8.

[0060] The lifter 7 comprises a lifter shaft 70 that extends coaxially with and / or coincides with the pivot axis B. The lifter shaft 70 is rotatable about the pivot axis B between the non-lifting state, as shown in figures 5 and 6, and the lifting state, as shown in figures 1-4, 7 and 8. The lifter 7 is provided with a first carrier 71, a second carrier 72 and a third carrier 73 which are fixed, fixated or rotationally fixed to the lifter shaft 70 so as to rotate together with said lifter shaft 70 about the pivot axis B. The carriers 71, 72, 73 may for example be fixed to the lifter shaft 70 in a fixed angular position using a clamp, a permanent fixation or a key engaging a key slot in the lifter shaft 70.

[0061] When the lifter 7 is moved or rotated from the lifting state towards the non-lifting state, the pressing members 4, 5, 6 are all allowed to move from the raised position Pl towards the lowered position P2. Note that, in this example, the pressing arms 41, 51, 61 are freely rotatable about the pivot axis B between the raised position Pl and the lowered position P2, thereby allowing for the pressing rollers 40, 50, 60 to roll over the conveyor 2 and / or the tire component T, and to adaptively follow thickness variations or irregularities in the tire component T .

[0062] In this example, each carrier 71, 72, 73 is provided with a lifting cam 74 for lifting, supporting and / or carrying the respective pressing member 4, 5, 6 in or into the raised position Pl. In particular, each lifting cam 74 protrudes or extends up to a carrying radius R from the pivot axis B to define a carrying range in which the lifting cam 74 can engage the respective pressing member 4, 5, 6. Alternatively, each carrier 71, 72, 73 may be formed by a cavity or a recess (not shown) in which a part of the respective pressing member 4, 5, 6 can be received or engaged through interlocking. In a further alternative embodiment, at least one of the carriers 71 , 72 , 73 may be provided in the form of a gear wheel or a ratchet wheel , having multiple lifting cams , teeth or recesses which may engage the respective pressing member 4 , 5 , 6 in multiple or different angular positions and / or in one pivoting direction D about the pivot axis B only .

[0063] Note that in this exemplary embodiment, the second pressing member 5 and the third pressing member 6 are engaged directly, i . e . through direct physical contact or abutment between the carrier 72 , 73 and the respective pressing member 5, 6 .

[0064] As further shown in figure 1 , the pressing device 3 is provided with an override member 8 that is movable or rotatable between an engaged orientation or an engaged state, as shown in figures 1 , 2 and 6-8 , and an override orientation or an override state , as shown in figures 3 , 4 and 5. In the engaged state, the override member 8 indirectly connects or couples the first pressing member 4 to the lifter 7 . In other words , the override member 8 serves as an intermediate part that, in the engaged state, indirectly engages the first carrier 71 with the first pressing member 4 . In the override state , the override member 8 releases or terminates the connection or coupling between the first pressing member 4 and the first carrier 71 , such that the first pressing member 4 is released from and / or bypasses the li fter 7 .

[0065] More in particular, as best seen in figures 2 and 3 , the override member 8 comprises a pawl 80 for selectively engaging the first carrier 71 . The pawl 80 is provided with a catch end 81 that is configured to engage with the first carrier 71 when the override member 8 is in the engaged state, as shown in figure 2 , and to disengage from the first carrier 71 when the override member 8 is moved from the engaged state into the override state, as shown in figure 3 . More specifically, the catch end 81 extends , protrudes or proj ects inside the carrying radius R when the override member 8 is in the engaged state, as shown in figure 2 . As such, the catch end 81 is in the way of the path travelled by the first carrier 71 when the li fter 7 is moved between the non-lifting state and the li fting state, and can rest on or physically contact or abut the first carrier 71 during said movement of the li fter 7 . In the override state of figure 3 , the catch end 81 extends or is located outside of the carrying radius R . As such, the catch end 81 is out of the way or out of the path travelled by the first carrier 71 when the li fter 7 is moved between the non-lifting state and the lifting state , thereby preventing that the first carrier 71 engages the first pressing member 4 , at least in the lifting state of the lifter 7 .

[0066] Note that in figure 4 , the override member 8 is in the override state and still contacts or abuts the li fting cam 74 of the first carrier 71 , yet in a way that the li fting cam 74 is unable to transmit the rotation of the lifter 7 onto the first pressing member 4 . In particular, the contact occurs in a radial direction, rather than a circumferential or tangential direction . As such, the lifting cam 74 may slide along the pawl 80 , without displacing the first pressing arm 41 .

[0067] In other words , in the override state of the override member 8 , the first pressing member 4 moves or can be moved freely relative to the lifter 7 , which is still in the li fting state , from the raised position Pl towards the lowered position P2 .

[0068] In this exemplary embodiment , the override member 8 comprises a hinge 83 that rotatably connects the pawl 80 to the first pressing arm 41 for rotating the override member 8 about a hinge axis C between the engaged state and the override state . The hinge axis C extends parallel to the pivot axis B . Moreover, the hinge axis C is spaced apart from the pivot axis B . In particular, the hinge axis C is located outside of the carrying radius R about said pivot axis B .

[0069] Alternatively, the pawl 80 may be moved between the engaged state and the override state in a non-rotating manner, i . e . in a linear or sliding manner .

[0070] The pawl 80 is further provided with a lever end 82 , opposite to the catch end 81 , that is manually operable, as shown in figure 3 , to move the override member 8 from the engaged state towards and / or into the override state . In other words , the pawl 80 is configured to be manually operated using the lever end 82 . Alternatively, the pressing device 3 may be provided with an actuator, such as a servo-motor, to operate the pawl 80 remotely .

[0071] The override member 8 is configured to be reset automatically when the lifter 7 is moved from the lifting state towards or into the non-lifting state . Speci fically, the override member 8 is configured to be reset automatically as soon as the first carrier 71 is moved in the pivoting direction D beyond the position of the catch end 81 . In this example , the override member 8 is reset automatically under the influence of gravity . More in particular, the mass of the pawl 80 from the hinge axis C up to the lever end 82 is greater than the mass of the pawl 80 from the hinge axis C up to the catch end 81 , such that the pawl 80 is urged to rotate or return from the override state, as shown in figure 5, to the engaged state, as shown in figure 6, when allowed to do so .

[0072] Alternatively, the override member 8 may be biased by an biasing element, such as a spring, or actively driven by an actuator, such as a servo-motor .

[0073] As shown in figures 4 and 5 and figures 7 and 8 , the pressing device 3 further comprises an actuator 9 that is operationally or functionally connected to the li fter 7 for moving the li fter 7 between the non-lifting state, as shown in figures 5 and 7 , and the li fting state , as shown in figures 4 and 8 . In this example, the actuator 9 is a linear actuator, in particular a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, that is coupled to the lifter 7 via a drive linkage 75 that converts the linear motion into a rotary motion of the lifting shaft 70 . As shown in figure 8 , the lifter 7 has an operational range E between the li fting state and the nonli fting state . The pressing device 3 further comprises a standby holder 31 for holding at least one of the pressing members 4 , 5, 6 , in this example the second pressing member 5, in a standby position PO outside of the operational range E of the lifter 7 . The standby position PO is schematically shown in figure 8 with a dashed line 'PO ' corresponding to the orientation of the second pressing member 5 in the standby position PO . In said standby position PO , the second pressing member 5 can ef fectively be inactivated in the sense that it does not interact or interfere with the tire component T, the conveyor 2 or the li fter 7 . The standby position PO may be used when one or more pressing members 4 , 5 , 6 are not going to be used at all during the conveyance of the tire component T .

[0074] The pressing device 3 may optionally be provided with a blocking element (not shown) that prevents that the first pressing member 4 can be moved into the standby position .

[0075] The standby position PO is located beyond the raised position Pl , considered in the pivoting direction D about the pivot axis B from the lowered position P2 towards the raised position Pl . In particular, the each pressing member 4 , 5, 6 has a top dead center position Z in which a center of mass of the respective pressing member 4 , 5 , 6 is aligned vertically or in a vertical plane V above the pivot axis B . The standby position PO is located beyond the top dead center position Z , considered in the pivoting direction D about the pivot axis B from the raised position Pl towards the top dead center position Z . Consequently, the second pressing member 5 , or any other pressing member 4 , 6 in said standby position PO , can be reliably kept in said standby position PO under its own weight , i . e . under the influence of gravity .

[0076] As best seen in figures 2 and 5 , the tire component servicer 1 is optionally provided with one or more sensors 10 for detecting the absence or presence of the pressing members 4 , 5 , 6 at a certain height position . In particular, the one or more sensors 10 are arranged to detect when one of the pressing arms 41 , 51 , 61 is displaced upwards by an irregularity in the tire component T that exceeds a certain height threshold . In this example , the one or more sensors 10 includes an emitter at one lateral side of the pressing device 3 and a receiver at the opposite lateral side of the pressing device 3 . Alternatively, a reflector may be used, in which case the emitter and receiver can be located at the same lateral side .

[0077] A method for applying pressure to the tire component T during conveyance, using the aforementioned tire component servicer 1 , will now be briefly elucidated with reference to figures 2 to 8 .

[0078] Figure 2 shows the situation in which the lifter 7 is moved into or provided in the lifting state . The pressing members 4 , 5, 6 of figure 1 are all moved into or provided in the raised position Pl . In figure 2 , the second pressing member 5 is hidden from view by the first pressing member 4 and the third pressing member 6 is not visible . Hence, only the first pressing member 4 is shown . The override member 8 is moved into or provided in the engaged state to couple the first pressing member 4 to the lifter Vlifting state . Moreover, in the raised position Pl , the first roller axis Al , the second roller axis A2 and the third roller axis A3 are coaxial .

[0079] Figure 3 shows the situation in which the override member 8 has been moved from the engaged state into the override state to release the first pressing member 4 from the li fter 7 . In this example, the override member 8 is moved manually by a human operator .

[0080] Between figures 3 and 4 , the first pressing member 4 has been allowed to move from the raised position Pl towards or into the lowered position P2 while the li fter 7 is still in the lifting state . Note that the second pressing member 5 is still kept or maintained in the raised position Pl by the li fter 7 . The third pressing member 6 of figure 1 is not visible in figure 4 , but it is also still kept or maintained in the raised position Pl by the li fter 7 . Hence , in figure 4 , only the first pressing roller 41 of the first pressing member 4 is in pressing contact with the tire component T .

[0081] Figure 5 shows the situation in which the actuator 9 has been operated or controlled to move the li fter 7 from the li fting state towards and / or into the non-lifting state . As a consequence, the second pressing member 5 and the second pressing member 6 of figure 1 , which were previously kept or maintained in the raised position Pl by the lifter 7 , are now also allowed to move from the raised position Pl towards and / or into the lowered position P2 . Note that in figure 5 , the second pressing member 5 is hidden from view by the first pressing member 4 and the third pressing member 6 is not visible .

[0082] The pressing members 4 , 5 , 6 are allowed to move from the raised position Pl towards the lowered position P2 under the influence of gravity . Moreover, the pressing members 4 , 5, 6 are not necessarily all in the lowered position P2 or in the same intermediate position between raised position Pl and the lowered position P2 , as they will adaptively follow the contour, thickness and / or any irregularities in the tire component T . In other words , one pressing member 4 , 5, 6 may be positioned higher or lower than the other of the pressing members 4 , 5 , 6 at any moment during their free movement relative to the li fter 7 . The lifter 7 may merely define a lower boundary, corresponding to the lowered position P2 , for the respective pressing members 4 , 5, 6.

[0083] In figure 5, the first carrier 71 has been moved beyond the catch end 81 of the override member 8 in the pivoting direction D, thereby allowing the override member 8 to reset itself automatically from the override state, as shown in figure 5 , towards and / or into the engaged state , as shown in figure 6 .

[0084] Figure 7 shows the situation in which the actuator 9 has been operated or controlled to move the li fter 7 from the non-lifting state towards and / or into the li fting state . As a consequence , the pressing members 4 , 5, 6, including the first pressing member 4 which is now reengaged or reconnected to the lifter 7 as a result of the automatic reset of the override member 8 , are lifted, raised or returned from the lowered position P2 towards and / or into the raised position Pl .

[0085] The tire component servicer 1 is now ready for a next cycle of the method .

[0086] Figure 8 shows the optional situation in which one or more of the pressing members 4 , 5, 6, in this example the second pressing member 5, are moved into the standby position PO , with the associated technical advantages as previously discussed .

[0087] 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 .

[0088] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0089] 1 tire component servicer

[0090] 10 sensor

[0091] 2 conveyor

[0092] 20 conveyance surface

[0093] 3 pressing device

[0094] 30 base

[0095] 31 standby holder

[0096] 4 first pressing member

[0097] 40 first pressing roller

[0098] 41 first pressing arm 5 second pressing member

[0099] 50 second pressing roller

[0100] 51 second pressing arm

[0101] 6 third pressing member

[0102] 60 third pressing roller

[0103] 61 third pressing arm

[0104] 7 li fter

[0105] 70 li fter shaft

[0106] 71 first carrier

[0107] 72 second carrier

[0108] 73 third carrier

[0109] 74 li fting cam

[0110] 75 drive linkage

[0111] 8 override member

[0112] 80 pawl

[0113] 81 catch end

[0114] 82 lever end

[0115] 83 hinge

[0116] 9 actuator

[0117] Al first roller axis

[0118] A2 second roller axis

[0119] A3 third roller axis

[0120] B pivot axis

[0121] C hinge axis

[0122] D pivoting direction

[0123] E operational range

[0124] F feeding direction

[0125] PO standby position

[0126] Pl raised position

[0127] P2 lowered position

[0128] R carrying radius

[0129] S support plane

[0130] T tire component

[0131] V vertical plane

[0132] Z top dead center position

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Pressing device for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance , wherein the pressing device comprises a first pressing member and a second pressing member which are movable relative to a support plane from a raised position towards a lowered position for contacting the tire component supported in said support plane, wherein the pressing device further comprises a li fter that is movable from a non-lifting state into a li fting state for li fting the first pressing member and the second pressing member into the raised position, wherein the pressing device further comprises an override member that is movable between an engaged state in which the override member couples the first pressing member to the li fter and an override state in which the first pressing member is released from the lifter to allow for movement of the first pressing member from the raised position towards the lowered position while the lifter is in the li fting state .2 . Pressing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first pressing member and the second pressing member are both allowed to move from the raised position towards the lowered position when the lifter is moved from the li fting state towards the non-lifting state .3 . Pressing device according to claim 2 , wherein the override member is configured to be reset automatically from the override state into the engaged state when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards or into the non-lifting state .4 . Pressing device according to claim 3 , wherein the override member is configured to be reset automatically under the influence of gravity .

5. Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein at least one of the firstpressing member or the second pressing member is allowed to move from the raised position towards the lowered position under the influence of gravity when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards the non-li fting state .

6. Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the lifter comprises a first carrier for carrying the first pressing member in the raised position, wherein the override member comprises a pawl with a catch end that is configured to engage with the first carrier when the override member is in the engaged state and to disengage from the first carrier when the override member is moved from the engaged state into the override state .7 . Pressing device according to claim 6, wherein the catch end is configured for engaging the first carrier in the engaged state by physically abutting and / or resting on the first carrier .8 . Pressing device according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the li fter is rotatable about a pivot axis between the li fting state and the non-lifting state, wherein the first carrier is configured for carrying the first pressing member within a carrying range that extends up to a carrying radius from the pivot axis , wherein the catch end proj ects inside the carrying radius when the override member is in the engaged state and extends outside of the carrying radius when the override member is in the override state .

9. Pressing device according to claim 8 , wherein the override member is rotatable about a hinge axis between the engaged state and the override state .10 . Pressing device according to claim 9, wherein the hinge axis extends parallel to the pivot axis and is located outside of the carrying radius .11 . Pressing device according to any one of claims 6-10 , wherein the pawl is further provided with a lever end, opposite to the catch end, that is manually operable to move the override member between the engagedstate and the override state .12 . Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the override member is manually operable between the engaged state and the override state .13 . Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the pressing device comprises an actuator that is operationally connected to the li fter for moving the lifter between the non-li fting state and the li fting state .14 . Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the pressing device comprises a third pressing member which is movable relative to the support plane from the raised position towards the lowered position for contacting the tire component supported in said support plane, wherein the li fter is configured for li fting the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member from the lowered position towards the raised position .15 . Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first pressing member comprises a first pressing roller that is rotatable about a first roller axis and a first pressing arm for supporting and pivoting the first pressing roller about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced apart from the first roller axis between the raised position and the lowered position .16 . Pressing device according to claim 15 , wherein the override member is connected to the first pressing arm and movable relative to the first pressing arm between the engaged state and the override state .17 . Pressing device according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein the first pressing arm is freely rotatable about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position of the first pressing member when the lifter is in the non-lifting state and / or when the override member is in the override state .18 . Pressing device according to any one of claims 15-17 , wherein the second pressing member comprisesa second pressing roller that is rotatable about a second roller axis parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis and a second pressing arm for supporting and pivoting the second pressing roller about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position .19 . Pressing device according to claim 18 , wherein the first roller axis and the second roller axis are coaxial when the first pressing member and the second pressing member are both in the raised position .20 . Pressing device according to claim 18 or 19 , wherein the second pressing arm is freely rotatable about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position of the second pressing member when the li fter is in the non-lifting state .21 . Pressing device according to any one of claims 18-20 , wherein the pressing device comprises a third pressing member which is movable relative to the support plane from the raised position towards the lowered position for contacting the tire component supported in said support plane, wherein the lifter is configured for lifting the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member from the lowered position towards the raised position, wherein the third pressing member comprises a third pressing roller that is rotatable about a third roller axis parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis and a third pressing arm for supporting and pivoting the third pressing roller about the pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position .22 . Pressing device according to claim 21 , wherein the first roller axis , the second roller axis and the third roller axis are coaxial when the first pressing member, the second pressing member and the third pressing member are all in the raised position .23 . Pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the lifter has an operational range between the li fting state and the non-lifting state , wherein the pressing device comprises a standby holder forholding at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member in a standby position outside of the operational range of the lifter .24 . Pressing device according to claim 23 , wherein the standby position is located beyond the raised position, considered from the lowered position towards the raised position .25 . Pressing device according to claim 23 or 24 , wherein the first pressing member and the second pressing member are pivotable about a pivot axis between the raised position and the lowered position, wherein the standby position is located beyond the raised position in a pivoting direction about the pivot axis , considered from the lowered position towards the raised position .26 . Pressing device according to claim 25 , wherein the at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member has a top dead center position in which a center of mass of the respective pressing member is aligned vertically above the pivot axis , wherein the standby position is located beyond the top dead center position in the pivoting direction about the pivot axis , considered from the raised position towards the top dead center position .27 . Tire component servicer comprising a pressing device according to any one of the preceding claims and a conveyor for conveying the tire component in a feeding direction in the support plane .28 . Method for applying pressure to a tire component during conveyance, using the tire component servicer according to claim 27 , wherein the method comprises the steps of : providing the li fter in the lifting state ; providing the first pressing member and the second pressing member in the raised position; providing the override member in the engaged state to couple the first pressing member to the lifter when the lifter is in the li fting state ;moving the override member from the engaged state into the override state to release the first pressing member from the lifter when the li fter is in the lifting state ; and allowing the first pressing member to move from the raised position towards the lowered position while the lifter is in the lifting state .29 . Method according to claim 28 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : moving the li fter from the lifting state towards the non-li fting state ; and allowing both the first pressing member and the second pressing member to move from the raised position towards the lowered position when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards the non-li fting state .30 . Method according to claim 29 , wherein the method further comprises the step of : automatically resetting the override member from the override state into the engaged state when the li fter is moved from the lifting state towards or into the non-lifting state .31 . Method according to claim 30 , wherein the override member is reset automatically under the influence of gravity .32 . Method according to any one of claims 28-31 , wherein at least one of the first pressing member or the second pressing member is allowed to move from the raised position towards the lowered position under the influence of gravity when the lifter is moved from the li fting state towards the non-li fting state .33 . Method according to any one of claims 28-32 , wherein the override member is manually operated between the engaged state and the override state .34 . Method according to any one of claims 28-33 , wherein the lifter has an operational range between the li fting state and the non-lifting state , wherein the pressing device comprises a standby holder for holding atleast one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member in a standby position outside of the operational range of the li fter, wherein the method comprises the step of : - moving at least one of the first pressing member and the second pressing member into the standby position .-o-o-o- o- o-o-o- o—RM / HZ

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