阅读说明：本技术 用于处理胎圈三角胶的组件和方法 (Assembly and method for handling bead apexes ) 是由 T·G·G·特尼森 P·比克曼 于 2018-05-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种组件(1、101)和用于处理胎圈三角胶的方法(9),其中该组件包括：称重装置(2),用于测量胎圈三角胶中的一条胎圈三角胶的重量；以及至少一个工位(3),分别用于沿供应方向(S)向称重装置供应胎圈三角胶或沿排放方向从称重装置接收胎圈三角胶,其中该组件还包括用于支撑至少一个工位(3)的框架(10),其中称重装置(2)包括用于接纳并支撑胎圈三角胶中的一条胎圈三角胶的称重构件(21)以及连接至称重构件(21)并形成其基座的基座构件(20),其中称重装置(2)被布置用于测量称重构件(21)上的一条胎圈三角胶的重量,其中称重构件(21)被布置用于在称重期间保持该一条胎圈三角胶静止,并且其中组件的框架(10)和称重装置的基座构件(20)被独立支撑。(The invention relates to an assembly (1, 101) and a method (9) for handling a bead apex, wherein the assembly comprises: a weighing device (2) for measuring the weight of one of the bead apexes; and at least one station (3) for supplying bead apex to the weighing device in a supply direction (S) or receiving bead apex from the weighing device in a discharge direction, respectively, wherein the assembly further comprises a frame (10) for supporting the at least one station (3), wherein the weighing device (2) comprises a weighing member (21) for receiving and supporting one of the bead apexes and a base member (20) connected to the weighing member (21) and forming a base thereof, wherein the weighing device (2) is arranged for measuring the weight of the one of the bead apexes on the weighing member (21), wherein the weighing member (21) is arranged for holding the one of the bead apexes stationary during weighing, and wherein the frame (10) of the assembly and the base member (20) of the weighing device are independently supported.)

1. An assembly (1, 101) for handling a bead apex (9), wherein the assembly (1, 101) comprises: a weighing device (2) for measuring the weight of one of the bead apexes (9); and a supply station (3) located in a supply position for supplying said bead apex (9) to said weighing device (2) in a supply direction (S), wherein the assembly (1, 101) further comprises a frame (10) for supporting said at least one station (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), wherein said weighing device (2) comprises: a weighing member (21) having a weighing surface for receiving and supporting one of said bead apexes (9) in a horizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane (P2); and a base member (20) connected to the weighing member (21) and forming a base of the weighing member, wherein the weighing device (2) is arranged for measuring the weight of the strip of bead apex (9) in a weighing position on the weighing member (21), wherein the supply station (3) defines a supply plane (P3) parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane (P2), wherein the weighing plane (P2) is arranged in line or substantially in line with the supply plane (P3) when supplying the strip of bead apex (9) to the weighing device (2), wherein the weighing member (21) is arranged for keeping the bead apex (9) stationary during weighing, wherein the frame (10) of the assembly (1, 101) and the base member (20) of said weighing device (2) are independently supported.

2. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (1, 101) further comprises a first handling device (11) for handling the bead apex strip (9) from the supply station (3) to the weighing device (2).

3. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 2, wherein the first handling device (11) is arranged for picking up the strip of bead apex (9) from the supply position and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing it to the weighing position.

4. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first handling means (11) are arranged for releasing said strip of bead apex (9) in said weighing position.

5. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly (1, 101) further comprises one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) at one or more subsequent positions for receiving the strip of bead apex (9) from the weighing device (2).

6. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 5, wherein the one or more subsequent positions comprise a first subsequent position, and wherein the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) comprise a building-up station (4) at the first subsequent position, wherein the building-up station (4) comprises building-up means (40) for receiving and stacking a plurality of bead apexes (9) in a building-up direction (Y).

7. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 6, wherein the accumulation station (4) is arranged for receiving the strip of bead apex (9) from the weighing device (2) in an accumulation plane (P4), wherein the accumulation plane (P4) is parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane (P2).

8. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 7, wherein the deposition plane (P4) is arranged in line or substantially in line with the weighing plane (P2) when the strip of bead apex (9) is received from the weighing device (2).

9. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the one or more subsequent positions comprise a second subsequent position, and wherein the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) comprise a transfer station (5) at the second subsequent position, wherein the transfer station (5) comprises a handling conveyor (50) for transferring the strip of bead apex (9) in a transfer direction (C).

10. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 9, wherein the transfer station (5) is arranged to receive the strip of bead apex (9) from the weighing device (2) in the transfer plane (P5), wherein the weighing plane (P2) is parallel or substantially parallel to the transfer plane (P5).

11. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 10, wherein the weighing plane (P2) is arranged in line or substantially in line with the transfer plane (P5) when the bead apex (9) is received from the weighing device (2).

12. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 5-11, wherein each bead apex (9) comprises a circular or substantially circular bead (91) and an apex filler (92) extending radially outwards from the bead (91), wherein the bead (91) has an inner periphery (93) extending in a bead apex plane (P9) and forming a circular opening (94), wherein the one or more subsequent positions comprise a third subsequent position, and wherein the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) comprise a storage station (6, 7) at the third subsequent position, wherein the storage station (6, 7) comprises one or more storage members (61, 71) for storing one or more bead apexes (9) in a vertical orientation in which the one or more bead apexes (9) are supported by their respective peripheries (93) at the one or more storage members (61, 71) On the storage member (61, 71), and said bead apex plane (P9) is vertical or substantially vertical.

13. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 12, wherein the storage station (6, 7) is arranged for receiving the strip of bead apex (9) from the weighing device (2) in a storage plane (P6, P7), wherein the weighing plane (P2) is parallel or substantially parallel to a storage plane (P6, P7).

14. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 13, wherein the weighing plane (P2) is arranged in line or substantially in line with the storage plane (P6, P7) when the strip of bead apex (9) is received from the weighing device (2).

15. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the storage station (6) is a storage carousel (6) comprising a central member (60) rotatable about a central axis (R), wherein the one or more storage members (61) comprise two or more storage arms (62) extending radially from the central axis (R) for storing the one or more bead apexes (9) in a vertical orientation.

16. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 15, wherein each storage arm (62) comprises a storage conveyor (63) for conveying the bead apex (9) stored thereon radially inwards and outwards along the respective storage member (61) with respect to the central axis (R).

17. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 5 to 16, wherein the weighing member (21) and the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) are movable with respect to each other.

18. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 17, wherein the weighing member (21) is movable with respect to the base member (20) along an alignment direction (a) from a first transfer position (X3) aligned with the supply position to a second and/or further transfer position (X4, X5, X6, X7) aligned with any one of the one or more subsequent positions.

19. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 18, wherein the weighing device (2) comprises a weighing drive (23) for driving the weighing member (21) in movement along the alignment direction (a).

20. Assembly (1, 101) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the alignment direction (a) is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane (P2).

21. Assembly (101) according to claim 20, wherein the strip of bead apex (9) comprises a circular or substantially circular bead (91) and a filling apex (92) extending radially outwards from the bead (91), wherein the bead (91) has an inner periphery (93) extending in a bead apex plane (P9) and forming a circular opening (94), wherein the weighing member (21) has a circumferential edge (24) facing one of the two or more subsequent stations (6), wherein the weighing surface (22) is arranged for receiving and supporting the strip of bead apex (9) in the weighing position such that a portion (95) of the strip of bead apex (9) protrudes from the weighing surface (22) towards the one subsequent station (6) and a portion of the circular opening (94) of the strip of bead apex (9) extends beyond the edge of the weighing member (21) (24) Wherein a peripheral edge (93) of the bead (91) at the portion of the circular opening (94) extending beyond the edge (24) and the edge (24) of the weighing member (21) face each other with a gap distance (D2), wherein the one subsequent station (6) is arranged for engaging a protruding portion (95) of the strip of bead apex (9) from its respective position, and wherein the weighing member (21) and the one subsequent station (6) are arranged for pivoting the strip of bead apex (9) around the peripheral edge (93) of the bead (91) when the weighing member (21) and the one subsequent station (6) are moved relative to each other in the alignment direction (a) and the peripheral edge (93) of the bead (91) is supported on the one subsequent station (6).

22. Assembly (101) according to claim 21, wherein said weighing member (21) is arranged to exit from said strip of bead apex (9) allowing said strip of bead apex (9) to pivot about its support on said one subsequent station (6) to a vertical orientation in which said bead apex(s) (9) are supported with their respective peripheral edges (93) on said one subsequent station (6), and said bead apex plane (P9) is vertical or substantially vertical.

23. Assembly (101) according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the assembly (101) further comprises a first handling device (11) and a control unit (8), wherein the control unit (8) is arranged for controlling the first handling device (11) to place the strip of bead apex (9) in the weighing position such that the portion (95) of the strip of bead apex (9) protrudes from the weighing surface (22) towards the one subsequent station (6).

24. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) comprise two or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) at two or more subsequent positions for receiving the bead apex (9) from the weighing device (2), wherein the weighing member (21) is movable with respect to the base member (20) along the alignment direction (a) from a first transfer position (X3) aligned with the supply position to a second transfer position (X4) and a third transfer position (X5) aligned with a first one of the two or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) and a second one of the two or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7), respectively.

25. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 21, wherein said assembly (1) further comprises one or more further handling devices (14, 15, 16, 17) for handling said strip of bead apex (9) from said weighing position to one of said one or more subsequent positions.

26. Assembly (1) according to claim 25, wherein said one or more further handling devices (14, 15, 16, 17) are arranged for picking up said strip of bead apex (9) from said weighing position and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing it into one of said one or more subsequent positions.

27. Assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 5 to 26, wherein the assembly (1, 101) further comprises a control unit (8) operatively connected to the weighing member (21) to receive a signal indicative of the measured weight of the strip of bead apex (9), wherein the control unit (8) is arranged for controlling the movement of the strip of bead apex (9) to one of the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) based on the weight of the strip of bead apex (9).

28. A method (9) for handling a bead apex, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing an assembly (1, 101) for handling a bead apex (9), wherein the assembly (1, 101) comprises a weighing device (2) for measuring the weight of a strip of bead apex (9) in the bead apex (9) and a supply station (3) at a supply position for supplying bead apex (9) to the weighing device (2) in a supply direction (S), wherein the assembly (1, 101) further comprises a frame (10) for supporting the supply station (3), wherein the weighing device (2) comprises a weighing member (21) for receiving and supporting the strip of bead apex (9) and a base member (20) connected to the weighing member (21) and forming a base thereof, wherein the weighing device (2) is arranged for measuring the weight of the strip of bead apex (9) in a weighing position on the weighing member (21), wherein said weighing member (21) comprises a weighing surface (22) for supporting said strip of bead apex (9) in a horizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane (P2), wherein said supply station (3) defines a supply plane (P3) parallel or substantially parallel to said weighing plane (P2), wherein said weighing member (21) is arranged to hold said strip of bead apex (9) stationary during weighing, and wherein the frame (10) of the assembly (1, 101) and the base member (20) of said weighing device (2) are independently supported, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

a) -carrying the strip of bead apex (9) from the supply position to the weighing position, wherein the weighing plane (P2) is arranged in line or substantially in line with the supply plane (P3) when supplying the strip of bead apex (9) to the weighing device (2);

b) the weight of the bead apex (9) is measured at rest.

29. Method according to claim 28, wherein the method further comprises the step of stabilizing the weighing member (21) before step b).

30. Method according to claim 29, wherein said assembly (1, 101) further comprises one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) at one or more subsequent positions for receiving said strip of bead apex (9) from said weighing device (2), wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

c) determining a subsequent station (4, 5, 6, 7) based on the weight of the bead apex (9);

d) -carrying the strip of bead apex (9) from the weighing position to one of the one or more subsequent positions.

31. Method according to claim 30, wherein the weighing member (21) and the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) are movable with respect to each other, wherein the method comprises the steps of: moving the weighing member (21) and one of the one or more subsequent stations (4, 5, 6, 7) so as to be aligned with each other before step d).

32. Method according to claim 31, wherein the weighing member (21) is movable with respect to the base member (20) along an alignment direction (a) transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane (P2) from a first transfer position (X3) aligned with the supply position to a second and/or further transfer position (X4, X5, X6, X7) aligned with any one of the one or more subsequent positions.

33. Method according to claim 32, wherein the bead apex (9) comprises a circular or substantially circular bead (91) and a filling apex (92) extending radially outwards from the bead (91), wherein the bead (91) has an inner periphery (93) extending in a bead apex plane (P9) and forming a circular opening (94), wherein the weighing member (21) has a circumferential edge (24) facing one of the one or more subsequent stations (6), wherein in step a) the bead apex (9) is conveyed to the weighing plane (P2) such that a portion (95) of the bead apex (9) protrudes from the weighing surface (22) towards the one subsequent station (6) and a portion of the circular opening (94) of the bead apex (9) extends beyond the edge (24) of the weighing member (21), wherein the peripheral edge (93) of the bead (91) and the edge (24) of the weighing member (21) face each other at the portion of the circular opening (94) extending beyond the edge (24) by a gap distance (D2), and wherein step D) comprises the steps of:

-moving the weighing member (21) and the one subsequent station (6) into alignment with each other, wherein the peripheral edge (93) of the bead apex (9) is supported on the one subsequent station (6);

-moving the weighing member (21) with respect to the one subsequent station (6) along the alignment direction (a) so as to pivot the bead apex (9) about its support of the peripheral edge (93) thereof on the one subsequent station (6);

-further moving said weighing member (21) with respect to said one subsequent station (6) along said alignment direction (a) so that said bead apex (9) is supported only by said subsequent station (6).

Technical Field

The invention relates to an assembly and a method for handling a bead apex.

Background

JP 06-155627 a discloses an apparatus in which the weight of a tire constituent member is converted into a waveform, and the kind and actual weight of the tire constituent member are obtained by using the waveform, so that it is not necessary to place a measurement conveyor belt and the tire constituent member on a weight measurement sensor in a stationary state. Therefore, even when the tire constituent member passes on the measuring conveyor, the weight measuring work and the passing judgment work can be performed, thereby improving the work efficiency.

Although the known device improves the working efficiency, the movement of the conveyor belt during weighing affects the weight measurement of the bead apex, which may lead to deviations of the actually measured weight.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative assembly and method for handling bead apexes.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an assembly for handling a bead apex, wherein the assembly comprises: a weighing device for measuring the weight of one of the bead apexes; and a supply station located in a supply position for supplying bead apex to the weighing device in a supply direction, wherein the assembly further comprises a frame for supporting at least one station, wherein the weighing device comprises: a weighing member having a weighing surface for receiving and supporting one of the bead apexes in a horizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane; and a base member connected to the weighing member and forming a base of the weighing member, wherein the weighing device is arranged for measuring the weight of the strip of bead apex at a weighing position on the weighing member, wherein the supply station defines a supply plane parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane, wherein the weighing plane is arranged in line or substantially in line with the supply plane when the weighing device is supplied with a strip of bead apex, wherein the weighing member is arranged for keeping the strip of bead apex stationary during weighing, and wherein the frame of the assembly and the base member of the weighing device are independently supported.

When the weighing plane and the supply plane are in line, the bead apex can be transferred more easily, for example by simply moving the bead apex from one plane into the other in the supply direction. More particularly, the bead apex strip may be supplied from the supply plane to the weighing plane in substantially the same orientation. Thus, the weighing can be carried out on-line, i.e. by transferring the bead apex strip from the supply station directly onto the weighing device in the supply direction. Since the bead apex remains stationary during weighing, the weighing can be more accurate. Furthermore, since the weighing device is independently supported, the negative effects (e.g. vibrations) on the accuracy of the weighing of the rest of the assembly can be reduced. More particularly, the bead apex may be stabilized for faster weighing.

In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a first handling device for handling the bead apex strip from the supply station onto the weighing device. Therefore, the conveyance can be performed mechanically rather than manually, thereby improving the accuracy of positioning.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the first handling device is arranged for picking up and depositing, dragging, pulling or pushing the bead apex strip from the supply position to the weighing position. These handling means allow transferring the bead apex strip into the weighing plane and subsequently releasing said bead apex strip from the first handling device to stabilize it in a rest position in the weighing plane.

In a preferred embodiment, the first handling device is arranged for releasing the bead apex strip in the weighing position. By releasing the strip of bead apex, the strip of bead apex can be stabilized in a rest position in the weighing plane before weighing. The release may prevent the first handling device from affecting the weighing.

In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises one or more subsequent stations, located at one or more subsequent locations, for receiving the strip of bead apex from the weighing device. The subsequent station may receive the bead apex strip from the weighing device for subsequent operations depending on the measured weight, such as storage, waste, laboratory analysis, or transport to a downstream tire building station. According to the first aspect of the invention, the weighing means may be supported independently of the supply station and/or the one or more subsequent stations.

In a further embodiment, the one or more subsequent positions comprise a first subsequent position, and wherein the one or more subsequent stations comprise a build-up station at said first subsequent position, wherein said build-up station comprises a build-up member for receiving and stacking a plurality of bead apexes in a build-up direction. By building up the bead apexes, they can be efficiently and/or effectively stacked. According to the first aspect of the invention, the weighing device may be supported independently of the accumulation station.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the accumulation station is arranged for receiving the strip of bead apex from the weighing device in an accumulation plane, wherein the accumulation plane is parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane. Thus, the bead apex strip can be supplied to the accumulation plane from the weighing plane in substantially the same orientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the stacking plane is arranged in line or substantially in line with the weighing plane when the bead apex strip is received from the weighing device. When the weighing plane and the stacking plane are in line, the strip of bead apex can be transferred more easily, for example by simply moving the strip of bead apex from one plane into the other in the supply direction.

In another embodiment, the one or more subsequent positions comprise a second subsequent position, and wherein the one or more subsequent stations comprise a transfer station at said second subsequent position, wherein the transfer station comprises a handling conveyor for transferring the bead apex strip in a transfer direction. The handling conveyor may be used to handle the bead apex directly to a downstream station, such as a tire building station. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the weighing device may be supported independently of the transfer station.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the transfer station is arranged for receiving the bead apex strip from the weighing device in a transfer plane, wherein the weighing plane is parallel or substantially parallel to the transfer plane. Thus, the bead apex strip can be supplied from the weighing plane to the transfer plane in substantially the same orientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing plane is arranged in line or substantially in line with the conveying plane when the bead apex strip is received from the weighing device. When the weighing plane and the conveying plane are in line, the bead apex can be transferred more easily, for example by simply moving the bead apex from one plane into the other in the supply direction.

In another embodiment, each bead apex comprises a circular or substantially circular bead and a filler apex extending radially outward from said bead, wherein the bead has an inner periphery that extends in a bead apex plane and forms a circular opening, wherein the one or more subsequent positions comprise a third subsequent position, and wherein the one or more subsequent stations comprise a storage station at said third subsequent position, wherein the storage station comprises one or more storage members for storing one or more bead apexes in a vertical direction on which they are supported by their respective peripheries, and the bead apex plane is vertical or substantially vertical.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the storage station is arranged for receiving the strip of bead apex from the weighing device in a storage plane, wherein the weighing plane is parallel or substantially parallel to the storage plane. Thus, the bead apex strip can be supplied from the weighing plane to the storage plane in substantially the same orientation.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing plane is arranged in line or substantially in line with the storage plane when the bead apex strip is received from the weighing device. When the weighing plane and the storage plane are in line, the bead apex can be transferred more easily, for example by simply moving the bead apex from one plane into the other in the supply direction.

The storage station may also be used for checking the bead apexes.

In another embodiment, the storage station is a storage carousel comprising a central member rotatable about a central axis, wherein the one or more storage members comprise two or more storage arms extending radially from said central axis for storing the one or more bead apexes in a vertical orientation. The one or more storage arms of the storage carousel can efficiently store a large amount of bead apex on a relatively small footprint. The storage carousel can be rotated about its central axis to align its arms with a weighing device or another handling device for further handling of the bead apexes.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, each storage arm comprises a storage conveyor for conveying the bead apex stored thereon radially inwards and radially outwards along the respective storage member with respect to the central axis. The bead apex may thus be temporarily stored on the first arm of the turntable in alignment with the weighing device.

In its preferred embodiment, the weighing member and one or more subsequent stations are movable relative to each other. The movability may facilitate interaction between the weighing member, the supply station and one or more subsequent stations.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the weighing member is movable in an alignment direction relative to the base member from a first transfer position aligned with the supply position to a second and/or further transfer position aligned with any of the one or more subsequent positions. The relative movement between the weighing member and the subsequent station may facilitate receiving the bead apex strip from the supply position in one transfer position and handling the bead apex strip from the weighing member to the one subsequent station in another transfer position.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing device comprises a weighing actuator for actuating the weighing member to move in the alignment direction. Thus, the weighing member may be moved mechanically rather than manually.

In a preferred embodiment, the alignment direction is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane. When the weighing plane is horizontal or substantially horizontal, the weighing member may be effectively raised or lowered in the alignment direction while keeping the bead apex stationary on the weighing surface.

In another embodiment thereof, the one bead apex comprises a circular or substantially circular bead and a filling apex extending radially outward from said bead, wherein the bead has an inner circumferential edge extending in a bead apex plane and forming a circular opening, wherein the weighing member has a circumferential edge facing one of the two or more subsequent stations, wherein the weighing surface is arranged for receiving and supporting the one bead apex in the weighing position such that a portion of the one bead apex protrudes from the weighing surface towards the one subsequent station and a portion of the circular opening of the bead apex extends beyond the edge of the weighing member, wherein the circumferential edge of the bead at the portion of the circular opening extending beyond the edge of the weighing member and the edge of the weighing member face each other at a gap distance, wherein said one subsequent station is arranged for engaging the protruding portion of the one bead apex from its respective position, and wherein the weighing member and one of the subsequent stations are arranged to pivot a bead apex about the periphery of the bead when the weighing member and one of the subsequent stations are moved relative to each other in the alignment direction and the periphery of the bead is supported on one of the subsequent stations. By placing the strip of bead apex in the weighing position such that a portion of the strip of bead apex protrudes from the weighing surface, transfer of the strip of bead apex from the weighing member to a subsequent station may be achieved by relative movement between the weighing member and a subsequent station. The transfer does not require additional handling means. Although the protruding portion of the one bead apex protrudes from the weighing surface, the one bead apex is supported only by the weighing surface during weighing, and accurate weight measurement can be performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing member is arranged to be moved away from a bead apex, allowing a bead apex to be pivoted about its support on a subsequent station to a vertical orientation in which the bead apex is supported with its respective periphery on a subsequent station, and the bead apex plane is vertical or substantially vertical. Since the weighing member is arranged to exit from a bead apex, no additional handling means are required to transfer the bead apex from the weighing member to a subsequent station.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a first handling device and a control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged for controlling the first handling device to place the bead apex strip in the weighing position such that said portion of the bead apex strip protrudes from the weighing surface towards a subsequent station. The control unit may automatically transfer the bead apex strip from the weighing member to a subsequent station. By controlling the first handling device, the control unit can ensure that a bead apex is placed accurately in the weighing position.

In another embodiment, the one or more subsequent stations include two or more subsequent stations at two or more subsequent locations for receiving the bead apex strip from the weighing device. One of the two or more subsequent stations may be selected to receive the bead apex based on a weight of the bead apex, wherein the weighing member is movable in the alignment direction relative to the base member from a first transfer position aligned with the supply position to a second transfer position and a third transfer position aligned with a first of the two or more subsequent stations and a second of the two or more subsequent stations, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment, the assembly further comprises one or more further handling devices for handling the bead apex strip from the weighing position to one of the one or more subsequent positions. One or more additional handling devices may be used to facilitate and/or assist in transferring the bead apex to a subsequent station at one or more subsequent locations.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, one or more further handling devices are arranged for picking up and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing a strip of bead apex from the weighing position to one of the one or more subsequent positions. These handling means can be effectively used to pick up a bead apex strip previously released by the first handling device on the weighing surface.

In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a control unit operatively connected to the weighing member to receive a signal indicative of the measured weight of the strip of bead apex, wherein the control unit is arranged for controlling the movement of the strip of bead apex to one of the one or more subsequent stations based on the weight of the strip of bead apex. The control unit may select the subsequent station depending on the weight of the bead apex. Preferably, the control unit may control the weighing drive and/or the handling device to transfer the bead apex strip from the weighing device to a desired subsequent work station.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method for handling a bead apex, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing an assembly for handling a bead apex, wherein the assembly comprises a weighing device for measuring the weight of a strip of bead apex in the bead apex and a supply station at a supply position for supplying bead apex to the weighing device in a supply direction, wherein the assembly further comprises a frame for supporting the supply station, wherein the weighing device comprises a weighing member for receiving and supporting the strip of bead apex and a base member connected to the weighing member and forming a base thereof, wherein the weighing member comprises a weighing surface for supporting the strip of bead apex in a horizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane, wherein the supply station defines a supply plane parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane, wherein the weighing device is arranged for measuring the weight of the strip of bead apex at the weighing position on the weighing member, wherein the weighing member is arranged to hold the bead apex stationary during weighing, and wherein the frame of the assembly and the base member of the weighing device are independently supported, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

a) -carrying the strip of bead apex from the supply position to the weighing position, wherein the weighing plane is arranged in line or substantially in line with the supply plane when the strip of bead apex is supplied to the weighing device;

b) the weight of the bead apex was measured at rest.

When the weighing plane and the supply plane are in line, the bead apex can be transferred more easily, for example by simply moving the bead apex from one plane into the other in the supply direction. More particularly, a bead apex may be supplied to the weighing plane from a supply plane in substantially the same orientation. Thus, weighing can be performed online. Weighing can be more accurate since one bead apex remains stationary during weighing. Furthermore, since the weighing device is independently supported, the negative effects (e.g. vibrations) on the accuracy of the weighing of the rest of the assembly can be reduced.

In a preferred embodiment thereof, the method further comprises the step of stabilizing the weighing member prior to step b). Stabilizing the weighing member eliminates vibration caused by transferring the bead apex strip to the weighing member, so that weighing accuracy can be improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises one or more subsequent stations at one or more subsequent positions for receiving the strip of bead apex from the weighing device, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

c) determining a subsequent station based on the weight of the strip of bead apex;

d) the strip of bead apex is transported from the weighing position to one of the one or more subsequent positions. The subsequent station may receive the bead apex strip from the weighing device for storage or further processing.

In a preferred embodiment, the weighing member and the one or more subsequent stations are movable relative to each other, wherein the method comprises the steps of: moving the weighing member and one of the one or more subsequent stations into alignment with each other prior to step d). One of two or more subsequent stations may be selected to receive the strip of bead apex based on the weight of the bead apex. Relative movement between the weighing member and the subsequent station may facilitate handling of the bead apex strip from the weighing member to the selected subsequent station.

In another embodiment, the weighing member is movable relative to the base member in an alignment direction transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane from a first transfer position aligned with the supply position to a second and/or other transfer position aligned with any of the one or more subsequent positions. Thus, the weighing member can be effectively raised or lowered in the alignment direction while keeping the bead apex stationary on the weighing surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the strip of bead apex comprises a circular or substantially circular bead and a filling apex extending radially outward from said bead, wherein the bead has an inner circumferential edge extending in a bead apex plane and forming a circular opening, wherein the weighing member has a circumferential edge facing one of the one or more subsequent stations, wherein in step a) the strip of bead apex is conveyed into the weighing plane such that a portion of the strip of bead apex protrudes from the weighing surface towards one of the subsequent stations and a portion of the circular opening of the bead apex extends beyond the edge of the weighing member, wherein the circumferential edge of the bead at the portion of the circular opening extending beyond the edge and the edge of the weighing member face each other at a gap distance, and wherein step d) comprises the steps of:

aligning the weighing member and the one subsequent station with each other, wherein the periphery of the one bead apex is supported on the one subsequent station;

moving the weighing member in the alignment direction relative to the one subsequent station, thereby pivoting the strip of bead apex about the support of its periphery on the one subsequent station;

the weighing member is further moved in the alignment direction with respect to the one subsequent station so that the strip of bead apex is supported by the one subsequent station only.

By placing the strip of bead apex in the weighing position such that a portion of the strip of bead apex protrudes from the weighing surface, the transfer of the strip of bead apex from the weighing member to the one subsequent station may be achieved by a relative movement between the weighing member and the one subsequent station. The transfer does not require additional handling means. Although the protruding portion of the bead apex protrudes from the weighing surface, the bead apex is supported only by the weighing surface during weighing, and accurate weight measurement can be performed.

The various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied separately as much as possible. These individual aspects, in particular aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, may be the subject of divisional patent applications.

Drawings

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the appended schematic drawings, in which:

1-4 show a front view of an assembly for handling a bead apex during exemplary steps of a method for handling a bead apex according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 and 6 show a top view at the level of the line V-V in fig. 1 during an exemplary step of the method for handling a bead apex;

fig. 7 and 8 show a top view at the level of line VII-VII in fig. 2 during an exemplary step of the method for handling a bead apex;

fig. 9 and 10 show a top view at the level of line IX-IX in fig. 3 during an exemplary step of the method for handling a bead apex;

fig. 11 and 12 show top views at the level of the line XI-XI in fig. 4 during an exemplary step of the method for processing a bead apex;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIGS. 11 and 12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 14A-D show cross-sectional views of line XIV-XIV in fig. 13 during exemplary steps of a method for processing a bead apex.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1-4 show an assembly 1 for handling a bead apex 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bead apex 9 comprises a circular or substantially circular bead or bead core 91 and a filler, apex filler or filler apex 92 extending radially outwardly from said bead 91. The bead 91 has an inner periphery 93 extending in a bead apex plane P9 and forming a circular opening 94.

The assembly 1 comprises: a weighing device 2 for measuring the weight of one of the bead apexes 9; and at least one station 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 for supplying bead apexes 9 one after the other in a supply direction S to the weighing device 2 or receiving bead apexes 9 one after the other in a discharge direction from the weighing device 2, respectively. The assembly 1 further comprises a frame 10 for supporting at least one station 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Preferably, the assembly 1 comprises, at a supply position, a supply station 3 for supplying the bead apexes 9 to the weighing device 2 in a supply direction S. More preferably, the assembly 1 also comprises, at one or more subsequent positions, one or more subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 for receiving the bead apex 9 from the weighing device 2.

As can be best seen in fig. 1-4, in the exemplary embodiment, the assembly 1 includes one supply station 3 at a supply location and four subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 at four subsequent locations. The frame 10 is arranged for supporting the supply station 3 and the subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 and is placed on a horizontal or substantially horizontal ground plane P1.

The weighing device 2 includes: a weighing member 21 for receiving and supporting the bead apex 9; and a base member 20 connected to the weighing member 21 and forming a base of the weighing member 21. The weighing device 2 is arranged for measuring the weight of the bead apex 9 at a weighing position on the weighing member 21. Preferably, the weighing member 21 comprises a weighing surface 22, which weighing surface 22 is intended to support the bead apex 9 in a horizontal or substantially horizontal weighing plane P2. The weighing member further comprises a circumferential edge 24. Preferably, the weighing plane P2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane P1. The weighing member 21 is arranged to hold the bead apex 9 stationary during weighing. Preferably, the weighing member 21 is arranged for holding the bead apex 9 stationary at least in the supply direction S. More preferably, the weighing member 21 is arranged for holding the bead apex strip stationary at least on the weighing plane P2. Most preferably, the weighing device 2 is arranged for stabilizing the weighing member 21 before weighing the bead apex 9.

The frame 10 of the assembly 1 and the base member 20 of the weighing device 2 are independently supported, i.e. the frame 10 and the base member 20, respectively, are placed on a ground level P1.

In the exemplary embodiment, the weighing member 21 and the stations 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are movable relative to each other. In particular, the weighing member 21 is movable relative to the base member 20 along the alignment direction a from a first transfer position X3 aligned with the supply position to a second and/or further transfer position X4, X5, X6, X7 aligned with any one of two or more subsequent positions. Preferably, the alignment direction a is transverse to the weighing plane P2. More preferably, the alignment direction a is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the weighing plane P2. Preferably, the weighing member is only moved in the alignment direction a when not weighing. The weighing device 2 comprises a weighing actuator 23, which weighing actuator 23 is adapted to drive the weighing member 21 in a movement in the alignment direction a. The weighing drive 23 may be, for example, a spindle drive or a pneumatic cylinder.

As can be best seen in fig. 1, the weighing member 21 is movable into a first transfer position X3 for transferring the bead apex 9 from the supply position to the weighing position. The supply station 3 defines a supply plane P3. The supply plane P3 is parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane P2. In the first transfer position X3, the supply plane P3 is in line or substantially in line with the weighing plane P2. The supply station 3 may be, for example, an assembling device for assembling the bead apex 9, or a warehouse or a storage device for temporarily storing the bead apex 9.

The assembly 1 further comprises first handling means 11 for handling the bead apex strip 9 from the supply position to the weighing position. Preferably, the first handling device 11 is arranged for picking up and depositing, dragging, pulling or pushing a strip of bead apex 9 from the supply position onto the stationary weighing surface 22 at the weighing position. The first handling device 11 is further arranged for releasing the bead apex 9 in the weighing position, after which the bead apex 9 is kept stationary. In the exemplary embodiment, the first handling device 11 is a hook. Preferably, the first handling device 11 is a linearly movable hook. Alternatively, the first handling device 11 may be, for example, a pick-and-place unit such as a robot arm or any other suitable handling device.

In the exemplary embodiment, the assembly 1 further comprises further handling means 14, 15, 16, 17 for handling the strip of bead apex 9 from the weighing position to one of the one or more subsequent positions. The one or more further handling devices 14, 15, 16, 17 are arranged for picking up and placing, dragging, pulling or pushing the strip of bead apex from the weighing position to a respective one of one or more subsequent positions. The further handling means 14, 15, 16, 17 are also arranged to release the bead apex 9 in a respective one of the one or more subsequent positions.

The one or more subsequent positions comprise a first subsequent position and the one or more subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise the accumulation station 4 at said first subsequent position. The deposition station 4 comprises a deposition member 40 for receiving thereon a plurality of beads 9 and for stacking said plurality of beads 9 on top of each other along a deposition direction Y. As can be best seen in fig. 2, the weighing member 21 is movable to a second transfer position X4 aligned with the first subsequent position, in order to transfer the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to the accumulation station 4 at the first subsequent position. The accumulation station 4 is arranged to receive the bead apex 9 from the weighing device 2 in an accumulation plane P4. The accumulation plane is located above the bead apexes 9 accumulated on the accumulation member 40. The stacking plane P4 is parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane P2. In the second transfer position X4, the weighing plane P2 is in line or substantially in line with the stacking plane P4.

As can be further seen in fig. 2, 7 and 8, the assembly 1 comprises a second handling device 14 for handling the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to a first subsequent position. In the exemplary embodiment, the second handling device 14 is a hook, preferably a linearly movable hook, for dragging or pulling the bead apex strip from the weighing position to the first subsequent position in the stacking plane P4. The second handling device 14 is arranged for releasing the strip of bead apex 9 above the building member 40 and/or releasing the bead apex 9 stacked on the building member 40 to release the strip of bead apex 9 onto the building member 40 or said stacked bead apexes 9 to stack a plurality of bead apexes 9 in the stacking direction Y.

The one or more subsequent positions comprise a second subsequent position and the one or more subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise a transfer station 5 at said second subsequent position. The transfer station 5 comprises a handling conveyor 50 for conveying the bead apex 9 in the transfer direction C. As can be best seen in fig. 1, the weighing member 21 is movable to a third transfer position X5 aligned with the second subsequent position for transferring the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to the transfer station 5 at the second subsequent position. The transfer station 5 is arranged to receive the bead apex 9 from the weighing device 2 in a transfer plane P5. The conveying plane P5 is parallel or substantially parallel to the weighing plane P2. In the third transfer position X5, the weighing plane P2 is in line or substantially in line with the transport plane P5.

As can be further seen in fig. 1, 5 and 6, in this exemplary embodiment the third transfer position X5 is equal to the first transfer position X3. The assembly comprises third handling means 15 for handling the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to a second subsequent position. In the exemplary embodiment, the third handling device 15 is a hook, preferably a linearly movable hook, for dragging or pulling the bead apex strip from the weighing position to the second subsequent position in the transfer plane P5. The third handling device 15 is arranged for releasing the bead apex 9 bead on the handling conveyor 50. Alternatively, the functions of the first and third handling devices 11, 15 may be combined in the first handling device 11, the first handling device 11 then being arranged for handling the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to the second subsequent position. The first handling device 11 is arranged for dragging or pulling the bead apex strip from the weighing position to a second subsequent position in the transfer plane P5.

The one or more subsequent positions comprise a third subsequent position and the one or more subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise the first storage station 6 at said third subsequent position. The first storage station 6 comprises one or more first storage members 61 for storing one or more bead apexes 9 in a vertical orientation. As can be best seen in fig. 4, in said vertical orientation the bead apex or apex 9 is supported by its respective peripheral edge 93 on the first storage member or members 61, and the bead apex plane P9 is vertical or substantially vertical. Preferably, the bead apex 9 or beads stored on the first storage member or members 61 are separated by a separator 99. An additional separator 99 supply unit (not shown) may be added to the assembly to supply the separator 99 to the one or more first storage members 61.

As can be further seen in fig. 4, the weighing member 21 is movable to a fourth transfer position X6 aligned with the third subsequent position to transfer the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to the first storage station 6 at the third subsequent position. The first storage station 6 is arranged for receiving the bead apex 9 from the weighing device 2 in a first storage plane P6. The weighing plane P2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first storage plane P6. In the fourth transfer position X6, the first storage plane P6 is in line with, substantially in line with, or below the weighing plane P2, the weighing plane P2.

As can be best seen in fig. 11 and 12, in this exemplary embodiment the first storage station 6 is a storage carousel 6 comprising a central member 60 rotatable about a central axis R. Preferably, the central axis R is vertical or substantially vertical. The one or more first storage members 61 comprise two or more storage arms 62 extending radially from said central axis R for storing one or more bead apexes 9 in a vertical orientation. Preferably, each storage arm 62 comprises a storage conveyor 63 for conveying the bead apex 9 stored thereon radially inwardly and radially outwardly along the respective storage member 61 with respect to the central axis R. The circumferential edge 24 of the weighing member 21 is spaced from the first storage station 6 by a mutual distance D1 in order to pivot the bead apex 9 into a vertical orientation once the bead apex 9 is no longer supported by the weighing member 21.

As can be further seen in fig. 4, 11 and 12, one of the further handling devices 16 is arranged for handling the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to a third subsequent position. The second handling device 16 is arranged for dragging or pulling a bead apex strip from the weighing position to a second subsequent position in the storage plane P6.

The one or more subsequent positions comprise a fourth subsequent position and the one or more subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 comprise a second storage station 7 at said fourth subsequent position. The second storage station 7 comprises one or more first storage members 71 for storing one or more bead apexes 9 in a vertical orientation. In the exemplary embodiment, the second storage station 7 comprises a central member 70 and two parallel storage members 71. The bead apexes 9 stored in the second storage station 7 may be manually or automatically removed from the second storage station 7 for inspection. Preferably, the second storage station 7 is arranged at the front or rear of the assembly 1, in order to facilitate manual removal of the bead apexes stored in the second storage station 7.

As can be seen in fig. 3, the weighing member 21 is movable to a fifth transfer position X7 aligned with the fourth subsequent position to transfer the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to the second storage station 7 at the fourth subsequent position. The second storage station 7 is arranged for receiving the bead apex 9 from the weighing device 2 in a second storage plane P7. The weighing plane P2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the second storage plane P7. In the fifth transfer position X7, the weighing plane P2 is in line or substantially in line with the second storage plane P7.

As can be further seen in fig. 3, 9 and 10, the second handling device 17 is arranged for handling the bead apex 9 from the weighing position to a fourth subsequent position. The second handling device 17 is arranged for dragging or pulling the bead apex strip from the weighing position to the second storage member 7 at a fourth subsequent position in the second storage plane P7.

As can be best seen in fig. 1, the assembly 1 further comprises a control unit 8, the control unit 8 being operatively connected to the weighing member 21 for receiving a signal indicative of the measured weight of one bead apex 9. The control unit 8 is arranged for controlling the movement of the bead apex 9 to one of the one or more subsequent stations 4, 5, 6, 7 based on the weight of the bead apex 9. Preferably, the control unit 8 is arranged for determining the subsequent station 4, 5, 6, 7 based on the weight of the bead apex 9.

Fig. 13 and 14A-D show a preferred assembly 101 for handling bead apexes 9, which assembly 101 differs from the assembly 1 previously discussed in that the circumferential edge 24 of the weighing member 21 and the first storage station 6 are spaced apart by a mutual distance D1 which is smaller than the mutual distance D1 of the previous embodiment.

The weighing surface 22 is arranged for partially or locally supporting the bead apex 9 in a weighing position. In particular, the weighing surface 22 is arranged for receiving and supporting the bead apex 9 in the weighing position such that a portion 95 of the bead apex 9 protrudes from the edge 24 of the weighing member 21 towards the first storage station 6. Preferably, the control unit 8 is arranged for controlling the first handling device 11 to place the bead apex 9 in the weighing position such that the portion 95 of the bead apex 9 protrudes from the weighing surface 21 towards the first storage station 6.

As best seen in fig. 13 and 14A, the bead apex 9 is placed in the weighing position such that a portion of the circular opening 94 of the bead apex 9 extends beyond the circumferential edge 24 of the weighing member. Preferably, at least fifty percent of the bead apex 9 is supported by the weighing surface 22 in the weighing position. The edge 24 of the weighing member 21 faces the first storage station 6. The peripheral edge 93 of the bead 91 and the edge 24 of the weighing member 21 face each other with a gap distance D2. Alternatively, the first storage station 6 is arranged to pull the protruding portion 95 of the bead apex 9 towards the first storage station 6 and away from the weighing member 2 until the peripheral edge 93 of the bead 91 and the edge 24 of the weighing member 21 face each other with a gap distance D2. Preferably, the clearance distance D2 is greater than the mutual distance D1 between the edge 24 of the weighing member 21 and the first storage station 6, so that the peripheral edge 93 of the bead 91 can pivot on the first storage station 6.

As best seen in fig. 14B, the weighing member 21 with the bead apex 9 thereon is movable in the alignment direction a into a fourth transfer position X6 aligned with the third subsequent position. The first storage station 6 is arranged for engaging the protruding portion 95 of the bead apex 9 from its respective position. Preferably, the first storage station 6 is arranged so that the first storage plane P6 is in line with or below the supply plane P3.

As best seen in fig. 14C, the weighing member 21 and the first storage station 6 are arranged to pivot the bead apex 9 around the peripheral edge 93 of the bead 91 when the weighing member 21 and the first storage station 6 are moved relative to each other in the alignment direction a and the peripheral edge 93 of the bead 91 is supported on the first storage station 6.

In this example, as shown in fig. 14D, the weighing member 21 is moved away from the bead apex 9, allowing the bead apex 9 to pivot to a vertical orientation.

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. Many variations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above discussion, but will still be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.