Positioning frame, validation set and method for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station

Abstract

The invention relates to a positioning frame, a validation set and a method for positioning a first validation tool on a reference surface of a tire manufacturing station, wherein the cylindrical reference surface is cylindrical, wherein the positioning frame comprises a frame body that defines a plurality of contact points distributed over a cylindrical placement plane for concentrically resting the positioning frame on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame further comprises a first holder for positioning the first validation tool in a first validation position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body when the positioning frame is concentrically resting on the cylindrical reference surface.

Description

[0001] P143251PC00

[0002] Positioning frame, validation set and method for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] The invention relates to a positioning frame, validation set and method for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station .

[0005] WO 2016 / 122311 Al discloses a tire building drum for receiving one or more tire components and a validation tool for validating measurements of a measuring system . The validation tool comprises an annular body extending circumferentially about a central axis and one or more reference elements representative of characteristics of said one or more tire components provided on said annular body . The annular body is arranged to be fitted concentrically around or alongside the tire building drum.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A disadvantage of the known validation tool is that its annular body has to fit around the entire circumference of the tire building drum. Consequently, the validation tool is relatively large . The costs for machining and / or certifying the validation tool increase with the size of the validation tool . Hence, machining and / or certification of the known validation tool can be very expensive .

[0008] A further disadvantage of known validation tool is that , in current practice , the circumferential surface of a drum is measured using an array of measuring units distributed in an axial direction along the drum, wherein each measuring unit of the array individually monitors a section of the circumferential surface of the tire building drum . Each measuring unit has to be validated individually, which takes a long time using only a single validation tool . Providing multiple validation tools only increases the costs of machining and / or certi fication . Although the known validation tool may be expanded to cover all sections of the circumferential surface of the tire building drum simultaneously, this expansion would increase the costs of machining and / or certi fication even further .

[0009] A further disadvantage of the known validation tool is that its annular body can only be fitted over the tire building drum axially, requiring at least one axial end of the tire building drum to be completely free of obstacles . In practice however, the tire building drum may not be completely clear of obstacles , thereby preventing the fitting of the annular body .

[0010] A further disadvantage of the known validation tool is that it is designed to be slightly larger in diameter than the tire building drum to which it is fitted, such that when the tire building drum is expanded, the known validation tool is clamped radially from the inside . Consequently, the known validation tool can not be reliably clamped to tire building drums which are outside of the si ze range of the validation tool or which are not expandable .

[0011] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a positioning frame , a validation set and a method for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station, wherein the compactness , costs and / or ease of use of the first validation tool can be improved .

[0012] According to a first aspect , the invention provides a positioning frame for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame comprises a frame body that defines a plurality of contact points distributed over a cylindrical placement plane for concentrically resting the positioning frame on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame further comprises a first holder for positioning the first validation tool in a first validation position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body when the positioning frame is concentrically resting on the cylindrical reference surface .

[0013] The positioning frame does not need to be machined accurately and does not require certi fication, as it is not the part that is being measured during validation . The positioning frame merely holds or positions the first validation tool in place in the first validation position . Conveniently, by providing the positioning frame , the first validation tool itsel f does not necessarily need positioning means and can be designed solely for the purpose of validation . In particular, the f irst validation tool does not need to extend around the entire circumference of the reference surface . The si ze of the first validation tool can be minimi zed to what is required for validation, thereby ef fectively reducing the costs of machining and / or certi fication . Moreover, as the si ze and / or costs of the first validation tool are reduced, it can be economically feasible to have multiple validation tools certi fied for validating an array of measuring units simultaneously .

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the frame body extends over an arc segment of less than ninety degrees or less than sixty degrees , concentric to the circumference of the cylindrical placement plane . Hence , the frame body itsel f can also be kept compact , lightweight and / or easy to handle . In particular, the frame body can be limited in si ze to what is required to keep the first validation tool in place in the first validation position . Speci fically, the frame body only extends locally at or around the first validation position .

[0015] In another embodiment the first holder is configured for clamping the first validation tool on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station when the positioning frame rests on the reference surface . By clamping the first validation tool onto the cylindrical reference surface , the first validation tool can be ef fectively held in place without requiring clamping means itsel f .

[0016] More preferably, the first holder comprises at least one clamping finger which is biased to move radially inwards towards the cylindrical placement plane . The at least one clamping finger can ef fectively hold-down the first validation tool onto the cylindrical reference surface . In other words , the at least one clamping finger can cooperate with the cylindrical reference surface to hold the first validation tool in place . No separate counter member is required as part of the positioning frame itsel f . The first validation tool is not rigidly fixated by any fastening means , it is merely held in place under a clamping force .

[0017] Most preferably, the first holder further comprises at least one release member for at least partially countering the bias of the at least one clamping finger . Hence , it can be prevented that a human operator has to manipulate the at least one clamping finger directly to release the first validation tool . The at least one clamping finger may be in a di f ficult to reach spot , or it may be di f ficult to manipulate directly . Instead, the human operator can operate the at least one release member to indirectly release the first validation tool from the at least one clamping finger . The at least one release member may further be configured to keep the at least one clamping finger in a release position to allow for easy removal of the first validation tool .

[0018] In another embodiment the positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second validation tool in a second validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body . Preferably, the positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third validation tool in a third validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position and the second validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body . The second validation tool and / or the third validation tool can be used to validate measurements of one or more further measuring units of an array of measuring units , simultaneously with the first validation tool validating the measurements of a first measuring unit of the same array of measuring units . By using the same positioning frame to hold all validation tools , the si ze and / or costs of the validation tools can be reduced . Hence , as mentioned before , it can be economically feasible to have multiple validation tools certi fied for validating an array of measuring units simultaneously .

[0019] In a further embodiment the first validation position and the second validation position are aligned on a measuring line that extends parallel to a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane . By aligning the validation positions on the measuring line , the validation tools held in said validation positions can be detected by the measuring equipment along said measuring line .

[0020] In another embodiment the positioning frame further comprises one or more retaining members for retaining the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame rests on the reference surface . The retaining members can prevent that the positioning frame moves away from and / or relative to cylindrical reference surface after the positioning frame has been placed on the reference surface .

[0021] Preferably, the one or more retaining members comprise one or more magnets . The one or more magnets can actively retain the positioning frame to cylindrical reference surface through magnetic force , without requiring the positioning frame to extend around the entire circumference of the cylindrical reference surface . In particular, the positioning frame can be designed to extend along only a segment of the circumference of the cylindrical reference surface and / or can be placed on the cylindrical reference surface only locally, at or near the validation position ( s ) .

[0022] In another embodiment the positioning frame comprises a first beam and a second beam extending in a mutually parallel and spaced apart relationship, parallel to a central axi s concentric to the cylindrical placement plane , wherein each beam of the first beam and the second beam defines a contact point of the plurality of contact points , wherein the first holder is arranged for positioning the first validation tool in the first validation position between the first beam and the second beam . The contact points of the beams can be tangent to the cylindrical placement plane at any radius of the cylindrical placement plane , thus allowing for the positioning frame to be placed on a di f ferent cylindrical reference surfaces over a wide range of radii .

[0023] Preferably, the positioning frame comprises a first bridge interconnecting the first beam and the second beam in a circumferential direction about the central axis , wherein the first bridge extends radially outside o f and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane . The first bridge can thus interconnect both beams while staying clear of the cylindrical reference surface extending in the cylindrical placement plane .

[0024] More preferably, the positioning frame comprises a second bridge , spaced apart from the first bridge , interconnecting the first beam and the second beam in the circumferential direction, wherein the second bridge extends radially outside of and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane , wherein the first holder is arranged for positioning the first validation tool in the first validation position between the first bridge and the second bridge . The second bridge can provide additional rigidity to the positioning frame . Moreover, the positioning frame can surround and / or extend around the first validation position, thereby allowing it to reliably hold the first validation tool in place in the first validation position .

[0025] In another embodiment the positioning frame , at one side of the frame body, comprises a side alignment member that intersects with the cylindrical placement plane to abut a side surface of the tire manufacturing station in an axial direction parallel to a central axis that extends concentrically to said cylindrical placement plane . The side alignment member can ef fectively align the positioning frame with or relative to the side surface of the tire building station, thereby allowing for a more consistent placement of the positioning frame on the cylindrical reference surface over subsequent placements , in particular in said axial direction .

[0026] In another embodiment the positioning frame further comprises an angular orientation indicator for indicating the angular orientation of the positioning frame about a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane . The angular orientation indicator can be used to determine the angular orientation of the positioning frame about the central axis and to act appropriately in response to the determined angular orientation, for example by locking rotation of the cylindrical reference surface when the angular orientation is within a predetermined range , or by correcting the angular orientation when it is out of said predetermined range . Hence , the consistency of the angular orientation over subsequent placements of the positioning frame can be improved .

[0027] Preferably, the angular orientation indicator comprises an indicator arm protruding away from frame body . The angular orientation of the indicator arm can be easily sensed, observed, detected and / or determined by external sensors , for example a proximity sensor .

[0028] According to a second aspect , the invention provides a validation set comprising a positioning frame according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and a first validation tool .

[0029] The validation set includes the positioning frame according to the first aspect of the invention and thus has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0030] In a preferred embodiment the first validation tool comprises a validation body that , at a validation side of the validation body, defines a first validation surface and a second validation surface which are of fset to form a measurable of fset distance for validation of measuring equipment . By detecting and / or measuring the measurable of fset distance , the accuracy of the first validation tool in the first val idation position is less critical . Even i f the first validation tool is held slightly out o f position relative to the first validation position, the measurable of fset distance can still be detected reliably and / or without much noise .

[0031] More preferably, the first validation tool , at a placement side of the validation body opposite to the validation side , is provided with a concave placement surface for placement of the first validation tool on the reference surface . The concave placement surface can have a radius close to or equal to the radius of the cylindrical reference surface , thereby allowing for the first validation tool to be placed concentrically or almost concentrically onto said cylindrical reference surface .

[0032] In another embodiment the first holder comprises at least one clamping finger which is biased to move radially inwards towards the cylindrical placement plane , wherein the first validation tool comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one clamping finger . The at least one recess can be used as a clear visual cue to the human operator on how to place the first validation tool in the first holder . Moreover, the at least one recess can restrict movement or shi fting of the at least one clamping finger relative to the first validation tool after placement . In another embodiment the positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second validation tool in a second validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body, wherein the validation set comprises the second validation tool . Preferably, the positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third validation tool in a third validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position and the second validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body, wherein the validation set comprises the third validation tool .

[0033] According to a third aspect , the invention provides a method for positioning a first validation tool on a reference surface of a tire manufacturing station using the positioning frame according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of : concentrically resting the positioning frame with the plurality of contact points on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station; placing the first validation tool on the reference surface ; and positioning the first validation tool with the first holder in the first validation position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .

[0034] The method relates to the practical implementation of the positioning frame according to the first aspect of the invention and therefore has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0035] In a preferred embodiment the positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second validation tool , wherein the method comprises the steps of : placing the second validation tool on the reference surface ; and positioning the second validation tool with the second holder in a second validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .

[0036] More preferably, the positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third validation tool , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : placing the third validation tool on the reference surface ; and positioning the third validation tool with the third holder in a third validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position and the second validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .

[0037] In a further embodiment the tire manufacturing station comprises measuring equipment for measuring along a measuring line that extends parallel to a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane , wherein the first validation position and the second validation position are aligned on the measuring line .

[0038] In another embodiment the method further comprises the step of : retaining the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame rests on the reference surface .

[0039] Preferably, the frame body is magnetically retained to the reference surface .

[0040] In another embodiment the positioning frame , at one side of the frame body, comprises a side alignment member that intersects with the cylindrical placement plane , wherein the method comprises the step of : aligning the positioning frame with a side surface of the tire manufacturing station in an axial direction parallel to a central axis that extends concentrically to said cylindrical placement plane , by placing the side alignment member in abutment with said side surface .

[0041] In another embodiment the positioning frame further comprises an angular orientation indicator for indicating the angular orientation of the positioning frame about a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane , wherein the method comprises the steps of : obtaining the angular orientation of the positioning frame about the central axis from the angular orientation indicator ; and locking rotation of the cylindrical reference surface about the central axis when the angular orientation of the positioning frame about the central axis is within a predetermined range .

[0042] In another embodiment the tire manufacturing station comprises a drum, in particular a measuring drum, a trans fer drum, a tire shaping drum or a tire building drum, with a circumferential drum surface that defines the reference surface .

[0043] 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 .

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which : figure 1 shows a side view of a tire manufacturing station and a positioning frame for positioning validation tools on a reference surface of said tire manufacturing station; figure 2 shows a cross section of the positioning frame and the validation tools according to the line I I-I I in figure 3 ; figure 3 shows a front view of the tire manufacturing station and the positioning frame of figure 1 ; figure 4 shows an isometric view of the positioning frame and the validation tools of figure 1 ; and figure 5 shows an isometric view of one of the validation tools of figure 4 .

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Figure 1 shows a tire manufacturing station 1 according to the invention . The tire manufacturing station 1 performs one or more stages in a tire manufacturing process for manufacturing a green or unvulcani zed tire . In this example , the tire manufacturing station 1 is an inspection station or a measuring station for measuring tire components or tire component assemblies during manufacturing . Alternatively, the tire manufacturing station 1 may be a transfer, forming, shaping or assembly station .

[0048] The tire manufacturing station 1 comprises a drum 2 for receiving one or more tire components or tire component assemblies . In this example , the drum 2 is a measuring drum, designed to temporarily hold the one or more tire components or tire component assemblies for inspection and / or measuring . Alternatively, the drum 2 can be a trans fer drum, a tire building drum or a tire shaping drum .

[0049] The drum 2 has a drum body 20 that is rotatable about a central axis X, and a circumferential drum surface 21 extending concentrically about said central axis X . The circumferential drum surface 21 defines or forms a cylindrical reference surface S . Any measurements on the drum 2 are performed relative to said cylindrical reference surface S .

[0050] The central axis X defines an axial direction A parallel to said central axis X, a radial direction R perpendicular to said central axis X, and a circumferential direction B extending circumferentially around or about said central axis X . The drum body 20 further defines at least one side surface 22 facing in the axial direction A.

[0051] The tire manufacturing station 1 further comprises measuring equipment 3 for measuring and / or inspecting the one or more tire components or tire component assemblies on the cylindrical reference surface S . In this example, as best seen in figure 3 , the measuring equipment 3 comprises an array of measuring units 31 , 32 , 33 . The measuring units 31-33 are arranged or aligned along a measuring line L, parallel to the central axis X of the drum 2 . Each measuring unit 31 , 32 , 33 of the array of measuring units 31-33 individually monitors a section of the cylindrical reference surface S . In this example , the measuring units 31 , 32 , 33 detect height di fferences in the radial direction R, for example using laser-triangulation . The measuring units 31 , 32 , 33 may each comprise a laser and a camera for observing a laser line proj ected by the laser under an oblique angle .

[0052] The tire manufacturing station 1 comprises a bracket 10 for holding the measuring equipment 3 in a position close to the cylindrical reference surface S .

[0053] Typically, the measuring equipment 3 is calibrated upon installation to ensure that it complies with measuring standards . After calibration however, it is recommended to validate the measuring equipment 3 regularly . Validation di ffers from calibration in that validation verifies if the measuring results are still accurate . As such tools suited for calibration di ffer from tools suited for validation .

[0054] As best seen in figure 3 , the tire manufacturing station 1 is provided with a first validation tool Tl , a second validation tool T2 , a third validation tool T3 for validating the first measuring unit 31 , the second measuring unit 32 and the third measuring unit 33 , respectively .

[0055] The tire manufacturing station 1 is further provided with a positioning frame 5 for positioning the first validation tool Tl , the second validation tool T2 and the third validation tool T3 in a first validation position Pl , a second validation position P2 and a third validation position P3 , respectively, on the cylindrical reference surface S . In the situation as shown in figure 3 , the positioning frame 5 is positioned on the cylindrical reference surface S in such a way that the validation positions P1-P3 are arranged or aligned on the measuring line L .

[0056] The positioning frame 5 and the validation tools T1-T3 together form a validation set . It will be apparent that the validation set may comprises a different number of validation tools , depending on the number of measuring units to be validated . The validation set may also comprises di fferent validation tools for the same measuring unit, for validating different parameters of the same measuring unit .

[0057] In this example, the validation tools T1-T3 are identical . Hence , the features of the validation tools T1-T3 are detailed below with reference to the first validation tool T1 only . However, it will be appreciated that the same features also apply, mutatis mutandi s, to the remaining validation tools T2 , T3 . Alternatively, the validation tools T1-T3 may be slightly different to validate di fferent parameters , dif ferent magnitudes or different ranges of the same parameter .

[0058] As best seen in figure 5 , the first validation tool T1 comprises a validation body 40 with a validation side 41 and a placement side 42 , opposite to the validation side 41 . At the validation side 41 , the validation body 40 forms or defines a first validation surface 43 and a second validation surface 44 . The validation surfaces 43 , 44 are offset to form a measurable of fset distance D for validation of measuring equipment 3 . In this example , the validation surfaces 43 , 44 are offset in the radial direction R when the first validation tool T1 is placed on the cylindrical reference surface S . Alternatively, the reference surfaces 43 , 44 may be of fset in a different direction, i . e . in the axial direction A or the circumferential direction B .

[0059] At the placement side 42 , the first validation tool T1 is provided with a concave placement surface 45 for placement of the first validation tool T1 on the cylindrical reference surface S . In particular, the concave placement surface 45 has a radius that is equal to or slightly larger than the radius of the cylindrical reference surface S , such that concave placement surface 45 abuts or contacts the cylindrical reference surface S in at least one position along its curvature .

[0060] As further shown in figure 5, the first validation tool T1 is provided with a first recess 46 and a second recess 47 , formed at the validation side 41 on opposite ends of the validation body 40 in the circumferential direction B . The recesses 46, 47 interact with the positioning frame 5 in a manner that will be discussed in more detail hereafter .

[0061] The first validation tool T1 is relatively small in terms of volume , thickness , width and / or length . In particular, the first validation tool T1 is designed solely for the purpose of validation . In particular, the first validation tool T1 does not extend around the entire circumference of the cylindrical reference surface S . Instead, it covers only a small segment of said circumference , i . e . less than ninety degrees , less than sixty degrees or less than thirty degrees . The si ze of the first validation tool T1 is minimi zed to what is required for validation, thereby ef fectively reducing the costs of machining and / or certi fication .

[0062] As best seen in figure 1 , the positioning frame 5 comprises a frame body 50 for resting the positioning frame 5 concentrically on the cylindrical reference surface S . In particular, the frame body 50 defines a plurality of contact points Cl , C2 extending in, on or at a placement cylinder or a cylindrical placement plane P, or distributed over said cylindrical placement plane P . In this example , the cylindrical placement plane P has the same or substantially the same radius as the cylindrical reference surface S . Hence, when the positioning frame 5 is placed on the cylindrical reference surface S , the cylindrical placement plane P coincides with, extends concentrically to and / or is the same as the cylindrical reference surface S . The frame body 50 does not extend the entire circumference of the cylindrical placement plane P . Instead, it covers only an arc segment K of said circumference , i . e . less than ninety degrees or less than sixty degrees .

[0063] As further shown in figure 4 , the positioning frame 5 comprises a first beam 51 and a second beam 52 extending in a mutually parallel and spaced apart relationship, parallel to the central axis X . Each beam 51 , 52 of the first beam 51 and the second beam 52 defines a contact point Cl , C2 of the plurality of contact points Cl , C2 . More in particular, each beam 51 , 52 defines a contact surface that is tangent or substantially tangent to the cylindrical placement plane P . The validation positions Pl , P2 , P3 are located in the circumferential direction B between the beams 51 , 52 .

[0064] The positioning frame 5 further comprises a first bridge 53 and a second bridge 54 , spaced apart from the first bridge 53 . The bridges 53 , 54 interconnect the first beam 51 and the second beam 52 in the circumferential direction B to provide the frame body 50 with some structural integrity . The bridges 53 , 54 are provided at opposite ends of the frame body 50 , considered in the axial direction A. The validation positions Pl , P2 , P3 are located between the bridges 53 , 54 , considered in said axial direction A.

[0065] The beams 51 , 52 and the bridges 53 , 54 together provide the frame body 50 with a more or less rectangular outline , surrounding the validation positions Pl , P2 , P3 . The bridges 53 , 54 extends radially outside of and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane P .

[0066] As best seen in figure 4 , the positioning frame 5 further comprises a plurality of retaining members 55, one in each corner, for retaining the frame body 50 to the cylindrical reference surface S when the positioning frame 5 rests on the cylindrical reference surface S . In this example, the one or more retaining members 55 comprise one or more magnets . Alternative retaining members , such as fasteners interacting with suitable mounting elements in the drum 2 , or suction cups , may also be envisioned .

[0067] As best seen in figure 3 , the positioning frame 5 , at one side of the frame body 50 , comprises a side alignment member 56 that intersects with the cylindrical placement plane P to abut or contact the side surface 22 of the drum 2 in the axial direction A when the positioning frame 5 rests on the cylindrical reference surface S .

[0068] As shown in figures 1 , 2 and 4 , the positioning frame 5 further comprises an angular orientation indicator 57 for indicating the angular orientation H of the positioning frame 5 about the central axis X . In particular, the angular orientation indicator 57 comprises an indicator arm 58 protruding away from frame body 50 . As best seen in figure 2 , the tire manufacturing station 1 is provided with a set of proximity sensors 91 , 92 to detect proximity of a distal end of the indicator arm 58 within a predetermined range , corresponding to an angular orientation H of the positioning frame 5 in which the validation positions Pl , P2 , P3 are aligned or substantially aligned with the measuring line L .

[0069] It will be appreciate that , instead of using the indicator arm 58 and / or the set of proximity sensors 91 , 92 , other indicators and / or sensors may be used to sense, detect or determine the angular position H of the positioning frame 5, for example using cameras , encoders , lasers , light curtains or the like .

[0070] The tire manufacturing station 1 is further provided with a rotation lock 93 for locking rotation of the drum 2 when the proximity sensors 91 , 92 detect that the positioning frame 5 is in the desired angular position H . In this way, it can be prevented that the positioning frame 5 is rotated further together with the drum 2 , potentially causing damage to the measuring equipment 3 . In this example, the rotation lock 93 is a friction pad that can be placed in frictional contact with the circumferential surface 21 of the drum 2 .

[0071] As best seen in figure 4 , the positioning frame 5 comprises a first holder 61 , a second holder 62 , and a third holder 63 for holding or positioning the first validation tool Tl , the second holder T2 , and the third holder T3 , respectively, in the first validation position Pl , the second validation position P2 , and the third validation position P3 , respectively, in, at or along the cylindrical placement plane P, relative to the frame body 50 . In this example, the holders 61- 63 are identical . Hence, the features of the holders 61- 63 will be detailed hereafter with reference to the first holder 61 only . However, it will be appreciated that the same features also apply, mutatis mutandi s, to the remaining holders 62 , 63 .

[0072] As shown in figure 2 , the first holder 61 is configured for clamping the first validation tool Tl on the cylindrical reference surface S of the tire manufacturing station 1 when the positioning frame 5 rests on the cylindrical reference surface S . In other words , the fist validation tool Tl is held in place in the first validation position Pl as a result of being sandwiched between the first holder 61 and the cylindrical reference surface S in the radial direction R .

[0073] In particular, the first holder 61 comprises a first clamping finger 71 and a second clamping finger 72 which are biased to move radially inwards towards the cylindrical placement plane P . In this example, the clamping fingers 71 , 72 are resiliently flexible radially outwards and / or away from the cylindrical placement plane P, thereby building up stress that biases the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 to return radially inwards . The first clamping finger 71 and the second clamping finger 72 are configured to engage the first recess 46 and the second recess 47 , respectively, of the first validation tool Tl .

[0074] It will be appreciated that alternative clamping means may be provided to provide a radially inward clamping force, i . e . automated or semi-automated solutions , using actuators or servomotors to clamp the first validation tool Tl , or alternative mechanisms .

[0075] As further show in figure 2 , the first holder 61 comprises a first release member 81 and a second release member 82 for at least partially countering the bias of the first clamping finger 71 and the second clamping finger 72 , respectively . In this example , the release members 81 , 82 are manually operated push / pull rods that are inserted between the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 and the cylindrical reference surface S when pushed to urge the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 to move radially outwards , away from the cylindrical reference surface S , thereby releasing the first validation tool Tl . When the push / pull rods are retracted or pulled-in again, the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 will resiliently return to their clamping states .

[0076] It will be appreciated that alternative release members may be provided, for example automated or semiautomated solutions , using actuators or servomotors , or other mechanisms .

[0077] A method for positioning the validation tools TITS on the cylindrical reference surface S of the tire manufacturing station 1 , with the use of the aforementioned positioning frame 5, will now be briefly elucidated with reference to drawings .

[0078] Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show the situation in which the positioning frame 5 is placed or supported with the plurality of contact points Cl , C2 on the cylindrical reference surface S of the tire manufacturing station 1 . In this example , the frame body 50 is retained to the cylindrical reference surface S using the magnetic force of the retaining members 55. The positioning frame 5 is aligned with the side surface 22 of the tire manufacturing station 1 in the axial direction A by placing the side alignment member 56 in abutment with said side surface 22 .

[0079] I f necessary, the drum 2 is rotated about the central axis S to move the positioning frame 5 into the desired angular position H about said central axis S . The angular position H can be checked by detecting proximity of the angular orientation indicator 57 between or relative to the proximity sensors 91 , 92 . To prevent that the positioning frame 5 moves out of position together with the drum 2 , rotation of the drum 2 is locked using the rotation lock 93 .

[0080] After placement of the positioning frame 5 , the first validation tool T1 is placed on the cylindrical reference surface S , which is subsequently held with the first holder 61 in the first validation position Pl at , in, on or along the cylindrical placement plane P relative to the frame body 50 . The same process is repeated for the second validation tool T2 using the second holder 62 , and for the third validation tool T3 using the third holder 63 .

[0081] In this example, the validation tools T1-T3 are held by manually, flexing bending or pulling the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 radially outwards , away from cylindrical placement plane P, until there is suf ficient space between the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 and the cylindrical reference surface S to insert the respective validation tool T1-T3 . In particular, the validation tools T1-T3 are inserted such that their recesses 46, 47 are aligned with the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 . The respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 are subsequently released to engage the recesses of the respective validation tool T1-T3 .

[0082] The validations tools T1-T3 are held in their respective validation positions P1-P3 along the measuring line L, such that the validation tools T1-T3 can be observed by the respective measuring units 31-33 of the measuring equipment 3 . The validation process can now be initiated .

[0083] When the validation process has been completed, the validation tools T1-T3 can be removed by pushing the release members 81 , 82 inwards , into contact with the respective clamping fingers 71 , 72 to displace said clamping fingers 71 , 72 radially outwards , away from the cylindrical placement plane P and / or away from the respective validation tools TITS .

[0084] 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 .

[0085] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0086] 1 tire manufacturing station

[0087] 10 bracket

[0088] 2 drum

[0089] 20 drum body

[0090] 21 circumferential drum surface

[0091] 22 side surface

[0092] 3 measuring equipment

[0093] 40 validation body

[0094] 41 validation side

[0095] 42 placement side

[0096] 43 first validation surface

[0097] 44 second validation surface

[0098] 45 concave placement surface

[0099] 46 first recess

[0100] 47 second recess

[0101] 5 positioning frame

[0102] 50 frame body

[0103] 51 first beam

[0104] 52 second beam

[0105] 53 first bridge

[0106] 54 second bridge

[0107] 55 retaining member

[0108] 56 side alignment member

[0109] 57 angular orientation indicator

[0110] 58 indicator arm

[0111] 61 first holder

[0112] 62 second holder

[0113] 63 third holder

[0114] 71 first clamping finger

[0115] 72 second clamping finger

[0116] 81 first release member 82 second release member

[0117] 91 first proximity sensor

[0118] 92 second proximity sensor

[0119] 93 rotation lock

[0120] A axial direction

[0121] B circumferential direction

[0122] Cl first contact point

[0123] C2 second contact point

[0124] D of fset distance

[0125] H angular orientation

[0126] K arc segment

[0127] L measuring line

[0128] P cylindrical placement plane

[0129] Pl first validation position

[0130] P2 first validation position

[0131] P3 first validation position

[0132] R radial direction

[0133] S reference surface

[0134] T1 first validation tool

[0135] T2 second validation tool

[0136] T3 third validation tool

[0137] X central axis

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Positioning frame for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame comprises a frame body that defines a plurality of contact points distributed over a cylindrical placement plane for concentrically resting the positioning frame on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station, wherein the positioning frame further comprises a first holder for positioning the first validation tool in a first validation position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body when the positioning frame is concentrically resting on the cylindrical reference surface .2 . Positioning frame according to claim 1 , wherein the frame body extends over an arc segment of less than ninety degrees or less than sixty degrees , concentric to the circumference of the cylindrical placement plane .3 . Positioning frame according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first holder is configured for clamping the first validation tool on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station when the positioning frame rests on the cylindrical reference surface .4 . Positioning frame according to claim 3 , wherein the first holder comprises at least one clamping finger which is biased to move radially inwards towards the cylindrical placement plane .

5. Positioning frame according to claim 4 , wherein the first holder further comprises at least one release member for at least partially countering the bias of the at least one clamping finger .

6. Positioning frame according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second validation tool in a second validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position, at the cylindrical placement planerelative to the frame body .7 . Positioning frame according to claim 6 , wherein the positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third validation tool in a third validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position and the second validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .8 . Positioning frame according to claim 6 , wherein the first validation position and the second validation position are aligned on a measuring line that extends parallel to a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane .

9. Positioning frame according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the positioning frame further comprises one or more retaining members for retaining the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame rests on the cylindrical reference surface .10 . Positioning frame according to claim 9 , wherein the one or more retaining members comprise one or more magnets .11 . Positioning frame according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the positioning frame comprises a first beam and a second beam extending in a mutually parallel and spaced apart relationship, parallel to a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane, wherein each beam of the first beam and the second beam defines a contact point of the plurality of contact points , wherein the first holder is arranged for positioning the first validation tool in the first validation position between the first beam and the second beam .12 . Positioning frame according to claim 11 , wherein the positioning frame comprises a first bridge interconnecting the first beam and the second beam in a circumferential direction about the central axis , wherein the first bridge extends radially outside of and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane .13 . Positioning frame according to claim 12 ,wherein the positioning frame comprises a second bridge, spaced apart from the first bridge, interconnecting the first beam and the second beam in the circumferential direction, wherein the second bridge extends radially outside of and / or spaced apart from the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first holder is arranged for positioning the first validation tool in the first validation position between the first bridge and the second bridge .14 . Positioning frame according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the positioning frame, at one side of the frame body, comprises a side alignment member that intersects with the cylindrical placement plane to abut a side surface of the tire manufacturing station in an axial direction parallel to a central axis that extends concentrically to said cylindrical placement plane .15 . Positioning frame according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the positioning frame further comprises an angular orientation indicator for indicating the angular orientation of the positioning frame about a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane .16 . Positioning frame according to claim 15, wherein the angular orientation indicator comprises an indicator arm protruding away from frame body .17 . Validation set comprising a positioning frame according to any one of the preceding claims and a first validation tool .18 . Validation set according to claim 17 , wherein the first validation tool comprises a validation body that , at a validation side of the validation body, defines a first validation surface and a second validation surface which are of fset to form a measurable offset distance for validation of measuring equipment .19 . Validation set according to claim 18 , wherein the first validation tool , at a placement side of the validation body opposite to the validation side , is provided with a concave placement surface for placement of the first validation tool on the cylindrical reference surface .20 . Validation set according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the first holder comprises at least one clamping finger which is biased to move radially inwards towards the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first validation tool comprises at least one recess for receiving the at least one clamping finger .21 . Validation set according to any one of claims 17-20 , wherein the positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second validation tool in a second validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body, wherein the validation set comprises the second validation tool .22 . Validation set according to claim 21 , wherein the positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third validation tool in a third validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position and the second validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body, wherein the validation set comprises the third validation tool .23 . Method for positioning a first validation tool on a cylindrical reference surface of a tire manufacturing station using the positioning frame according to any one of claims 1- 16, wherein the method comprises the steps of : concentrically resting the positioning frame with the plurality of contact points on the cylindrical reference surface of the tire manufacturing station; placing the first validation tool on the cylindrical reference surface ; and positioning the first validation tool with the first holder in the first validation position at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .24 . Method according to claim 23 , wherein the positioning frame further comprises a second holder for positioning a second validation tool , wherein the method comprises the steps of : placing the second validation tool on thecylindrical reference surface ; and positioning the second validation tool with the second holder in a second validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .25 . Method according to claim 24 , wherein the positioning frame further comprises a third holder for positioning a third validation tool , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : placing the third validation tool on the cylindrical reference surface ; and positioning the third validation tool with the third holder in a third validation position, spaced apart from the first validation position and the second validation position, at the cylindrical placement plane relative to the frame body .26 . Method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the tire manufacturing station comprises measuring equipment for measuring along a measuring line that extends parallel to a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the first validation position and the second validation position are aligned on the measuring line .27 . Method according to any one of claims 23-26, wherein the method further comprises the step of : retaining the frame body to the cylindrical reference surface when the positioning frame rests on the cylindrical reference surface .28 . Method according to claim 27 , wherein the frame body is magnetically retained to the cylindrical reference surface .29 . Method according to any one of claims 23-28 , wherein the positioning frame, at one side of the frame body, comprises a side alignment member that intersects with the cylindrical placement plane, wherein the method comprises the step of : aligning the positioning frame with a side surface of the tire manufacturing station in an axialdirection parallel to a central axis that extends concentrically to said cylindrical placement plane , by placing the side alignment member in abutment with said side surface .30 . Method according to any one of claims 23-29, wherein the positioning frame further comprises an angular orientation indicator for indicating the angular orientation of the positioning frame about a central axis concentric to the cylindrical placement plane , wherein the method comprises the steps of : obtaining the angular orientation of the positioning frame about the central axis from the angular orientation indicator; and locking rotation of the cylindrical reference surface about the central axis when the angular orientation of the positioning frame about the central axis is within a predetermined range .31 . Method according to any one of claims 23-30 , wherein the tire manufacturing station comprises a drum, in particular a measuring drum, a transfer drum, a tire shaping drum or a tire building drum, with a circumferential drum surface that defines the cylindrical reference surface .— o— o— o— o— o— o— o— o—RM / HZ

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