UNWINDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNWINDING A TIRE COMPONENT FROM A STOCK REEL AND FOR OUTPUTTING SAID TIRE COMPONENT IN A TRANSPORT DIRECTION

The invention relates to an unwinding system for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and outputting said tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system comprises a reel station, a conveyor and a transfer device, wherein the conveyor extends at least partially above the reel station, wherein the transfer device comprises a retaining surface for releasably retaining the tire component along a guide path between a pick-up position for picking up the tire component from the reel station and a release position for disposing the tire component on the conveyor, wherein, in the release position, the retaining surface is facing towards the conveyor, and wherein the retaining surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position over an offset angle of at least ninety degrees around an inverting axis that is parallel to the conveyor and perpendicular to the transport direction.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an unwinding system and a method for unwinding a tire component, for example a side wall or a breaker ply, from a stock reel and for outputting said tire component onto an output conveyor of a tire component servicer to be subsequently used for the manufacture of tires on a tire building drum.

Known unwinding systems are arranged for receiving a cartridge with a stock reel that holds the length of a tire component. The cartridge is commonly arranged such that the tire component exits the cartridge in a direction in-line with the transport direction of an output conveyor. When the stock reel is depleted, the cartridge is replaced by an operator and the leading end of the tire component has to be manually placed on the output conveyor. The leading end of the tire component is spliced to the trailing end of the previously supplied tire component to allow for the leading end of the tire component to be pulled by the trailing end of the previously supplied tire component over the output conveyor towards the tire building drum to be subsequently used for the manufacture of tires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disadvantage of the known unwinding systems is that the system has to be stopped or slowed down to allow for the manual intervention of an operator. Hence, during this period, the supply of the tire component to the tire component servicer is temporarily interrupted, thereby potentially creating downtime in the entire tire building process. Moreover, to facilitate the splicing of the leading end of the tire component to the trailing end of the previously supplied tire component, said previously supplied tire component has to remain in place on the supply conveyor until the splicing has been completed. Hence, the supply of the previously supplied tire component cannot be completed and the whole tire building process is interrupted. Additionally, safe operating spaces have to be established around the unwinding system to allow the operator to transfer the leading end of the tire component from the stock reel to the output conveyor. Said operating spaces hugely increase the footprint of the unwinding system. Even when the machine is slowed down or stopped, the manual intervention of the operator may prove hazardous.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an unwinding system and a method, wherein at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks can be improved.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an unwinding system for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and for outputting said tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system comprises a reel station configured for receiving the stock reel, an output conveyor for conveying the tire component in the transport direction and a transfer device for transferring a leading end of the tire component from the reel station to said output conveyor, wherein the output conveyor extends at least partially above the reel station and comprises a support surface extending in a support plane parallel to the transport direction, wherein said support surface is arranged for receiving the tire component from the transfer device and for supporting said tire component at a first side of the support plane, wherein the transfer device comprises a retaining member which is movable along a guide path between a pick-up position at a second side of the support plane opposite to the first side of the support plane for picking up the leading end of the tire component from the reel station, and a release position at the first side of the support plane for disposing the leading end of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor, wherein the retaining member comprises a retaining surface for releasably retaining the leading end of the tire component to said retaining member, wherein, in the release position, the retaining surface is facing towards the support plane at the first side of said support plane, and wherein the retaining surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position over an offset angle of at least ninety degrees around an inverting axis that is parallel to the support plane and perpendicular to the transport direction.

In other words, the transfer device is arranged to mechanically and/or automatically flip or invert the tire component between the pick-up position and the release position over at least ninety degrees. Hence the tire component can be conveyed in a transport direction differing from the output direction of the reel. Consequently, the reel can be placed at least partly below the output conveyor. Consequently, the footprint, i.e. the surface area, of the unwinding system can be reduced. Additionally, the transfer device can reliably transfer the leading end of the tire component from the stock reel to the output conveyor without the intervention of an operator. Consequently, workplace safety can be improved.

By retaining the tire component to the retaining member, the tire component can be attracted and/or retained to the retaining member from one side only. Consequently, the tire component can be placed on the support surface by the retaining member before releasing the tire component, such that the tire component is always held by either the retaining member or the support surface, or both. Therefore, it can be prevented that the tire component is transferred from the retaining member onto the support surface in an uncontrolled manner.

Preferably, the retaining member comprises a retaining body that defines the retaining surface and one or more retaining elements for retaining the leading end of the tire component to said retaining body at the retaining surface. The one or more retaining elements can effectively retain the tire component to the retaining body from one side only. More in particular, the one or more retaining elements can be arranged at or in said retaining body.

In a further embodiment, the retaining member is movable to an intermediate position between the pick-up position and the release position along the guide path, wherein, in the intermediate position, the retaining surface faces away from the support plane at the second side of said support plane. Preferably, wherein the retaining surface of the retaining member is parallel to the support plane in the intermediate position. Hence, the offset between the pick-up position and the release position can be larger than ninety degrees. In particular, the unwinding system can pick up the leading end of the tire component in a pick-up position in which the retaining surface faces away from the support plane and/or in which the retaining surface is parallel to said support plane. Thus, the reel station can be positioned further and/or entirely below the output conveyor.

In a further embodiment, the unwinding system is arranged for unwinding the tire component from the stock reel towards an output side of the reel station facing in a direction opposite to the transport direction. Preferably, wherein the retaining member, in the pick-up position, is located at said output side of the reel station. In particular, the tire component is unwound from the reel station and fed to the output conveyor at the same side of said reel station. Hence, the footprint of the unwinding system can be reduced further.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the unwinding system further comprises the stock reel at the reel station, wherein the stock reel is rotatable about a stock reel axis, and wherein the retaining surface of the retaining member faces away from the stock reel axis when the retaining member is in the pick-up position, and faces towards the stock reel axis when the retaining member in the release position. Typically, the stock reel is comprised in a cassette, cartridge or carriage, in which said stock reel is rotatably supported. Accordingly, the reel station can be arranged for receiving the cassette, cartridge or carriage, including the stock reel.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading end of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor when said retaining member has released said leading end. The leading end of the tire component can thus be firmly held on the support surface of the output conveyor when releasing said leading end from the retaining surface. It can thus be prevented that the leading end slips back towards the reel station under the influence of gravity. Hence, the leading end does not have to be spliced to the trailing end of the previously supplied tire component. This means that the supply of the previously supplied tire component can be completed while at the same time the new tire component is being prepared for supply. The supply of tire components to the tire building drum can thus be more constant and/or the downtime of the tire component servicer can be reduced.

In a further embodiment, the retaining member comprises one or more vacuum retaining elements for picking-up and/or retaining the leading end by suction. Using a vacuum, the tire component can be reliably retained. Moreover, the vacuum retaining elements can be selectively activated to retain or release the tire component to or from the retaining surface.

In a further embodiment, the guide path is a circular path or a substantially circular path. The circular guide path can be convenient for flipping or inverting the tire component. Moreover, the tire component can be gradually flipped along said circular or substantially circular path. In a further embodiment, the transfer comprises an arm that is rotatable about an arm axis between the pick-up position and the release position, wherein the retaining member is carried by said arm and spaced apart from the arm axis. Preferably, the arm axis is parallel to the retaining surface. The arm can conveniently carry the retaining member along a circular or substantially circular guide path between the pick-up position and the release position.

In a further embodiment thereof, the arm axis is the inverting axis. The tire component can thus be flipped about the arm axis.

In a further embodiment, the retaining surface is offset with respect to the arm axis in an offset direction perpendicular to said retaining surface. In other words, the arm does not extend directly in radial direction between the arm axis and the retaining surface. Consequently, a clearance can be created in the radial direction between the arm axis and the retaining surface. Hence, interference between the arm and the output conveyor and/or the reel station can be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable with respect to the arm about a retaining axis parallel to and spaced apart from the arm axis. Hence, the orientation of the retaining surface may be adapted to a starting orientation of the tire component in the pick-up position. Hence, better retention of the tire component can be obtained. Additionally, said orientation of the retaining surface may be adapted to the orientation of the support plane at the release position. Hence, the leading end of the tire component can be disposed on the support surface of the output conveyor more reliably.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading end of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor when said transfer device has released said leading end, wherein the pressing member is carried by the arm between the pick-up position and the release position. The leading end of the tire component can thus be firmly held on the support surface of the output conveyor when releasing said leading end from the retaining surface by a pressing member that is carried by the same arm and therefore immediately in position at or near the retaining surface.

In an embodiment thereof, the pressing member comprises a pressing roller which is rotatable about a roller axis. Preferably, wherein the roller axis is parallel to the retaining surface. The pressing member can thus press the tire component to the support surface even when the output conveyor conveys said tire component in the transport direction, i.e. by rolling over the tire component as the tire component passes underneath in the transport direction. Hence, the tire component can be retained to said support surface by said pressing member until a length of the tire component, sufficient to retain the tire component to the support surface by friction alone, has been transferred to the output conveyor. Thus, the leading end of the tire component can be retained to said output conveyor more reliably.

In a further embodiment thereof, the pressing member comprises a pressing drive for moving the pressing roller in a pressing direction perpendicular to the roller axis. Hence, the pressing member can actively and/or adjustably press the tire component to the support surface.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a securing member that is movable between secured position for securing the leading end to the retaining member and an unsecured position for releasing the leading end from the retaining member, wherein said securing member is carried by the arm. Hence, the securing member can secure the leading end of the tire component to the retaining surface along the entire guide path.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a securing member that is movable between secured position for securing the leading end to the retaining member and an unsecured position for releasing the leading end from the retaining member. Hence the leading end of the tire component can actively be secured to the retaining surface of the retaining member.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device further comprises a securing member that is movable between secured position for securing the leading end to the retaining member and an unsecured position for releasing the leading end from the retaining member, wherein said securing member is carried by the arm. Hence, the securing member can secure the leading end of the tire component to the retaining surface along the entire guide path.

In an alternative embodiment, the transfer device comprises an endless drive for driving the retaining member along the guide path between the pick-up position and the release position. Said endless drive is not restricted to a rotation about a single axis, like the previously discussed arm. Instead, it may at least partly define the guide path. Hence, the guide path can be determined more freely, i.e. to make sure that the length of the tire component trailing the retained leading end stays clear from certain parts of the reel station and/or the supply conveyor.

In a further embodiment thereof, the guide path extends parallel to the support plane at or near the release position. In other words, the retaining member can travel along the output conveyor in the transport direction, preferably at the same speed as said output conveyor. Hence, said retaining member can keep retaining the leading end of the tire component when said leading end is being conveyed in the transport direction by the output conveyor. In particular, the retaining member can guide the tire component over the output conveyor until a length of the tire component, sufficient for retaining the tire component to the output conveyor by friction alone, has been positioned over said output conveyor.

In a further embodiment thereof, the guide path extends in a guide plane, wherein the endless drive comprises two endless drive elements extending parallel to said guide path and spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the guide plane. Preferably, the endless drive element is a belt or a chain. Hence, the retaining member can be simultaneously driven along the guide path by the two parallel endless drive elements. The two parallel drive elements can counteract a moment imparted on the retaining member around the guide path. Consequently, further guide means for guiding the retaining member along the guide path can be omitted.

In a further embodiment, the unwinding system further comprises a support member that is positioned opposite to the retaining surface at the pick-up position for supporting the leading end of the tire component relative to the retaining surface. Said support member can keep the leading end of the tire component in place when retaining said leading end to the retaining surface.

In an alternative embodiment thereof, the retaining member comprises at least two retractable nails that are movable between a retracted position, in which the nails are recessed with respect to the retaining surface, and a gripping position, in which said nails protrude from the retaining surface for retaining the tire component to said retaining surface. Preferably, the at least two nails each extend in a respective nail direction transverse or perpendicular to the retaining surface, wherein the nail direction of a first one of the at least two nails and the nail direction of a second one of the at least two nails extend at an oblique angle with respect to one another. The oblique angle between the at least two nails allows for the retaining member to retain the tire component in a way in which it is unlikely to unintentionally fall of the at least two nails.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises at least one leading end sensor for detecting the presence of the leading end of the tire component at the retaining member. Hence, the retaining member can selectively retain the leading end of the tire component in response to a signal of the at least one leading end sensor.

In a further embodiment, the transfer device comprises two retaining surfaces for retaining two tire components, respectively, wherein the two retaining surfaces are spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to said guide plane. Hence, the unwinding system can unwind two tire components simultaneously and/or in parallel. This can be especially beneficial when unwinding side walls, which are generally processed in pairs. Alternatively, the two retaining surfaces may each retain a lateral part of a single tire component.

In an embodiment thereof, said retaining surfaces are movable with respect to one another in the lateral direction. Preferably, said retaining surfaces are individually movable in the lateral direction. Hence, in the case of two tire components, the retaining surfaces may be accurately positioned at the lateral position of said tire components. In the case of a single tire component, the retaining surfaces may be accurately positioned at the lateral sides of said single tire component.

In a further embodiment thereof, the transfer device comprises at least one lateral drive for respectively moving said retaining surfaces in the lateral direction. Said at least one lateral drive may for example comprise a single spindle drive having opposing treads for simultaneously moving the retaining surfaces towards or away from one another. Alternatively, a single drive may be provided for moving one of the retaining surfaces in the lateral direction or two drives may be provided for individually moving the retaining surfaces in the lateral direction.

In a further embodiment, the retaining device comprises two lateral sensors for each detecting a lateral side of a respective one of the two tire components. Hence, the retaining surfaces may be displaced in the lateral direction in response to a sensor signal of a respective lateral sensor.

In a further embodiment, the offset angle is between one-hundred and three-hundred degrees, preferably between one-hundred-and-twenty and two-hundred-and-eighty degrees, most preferably between one-hundred-and-eighty and two-hundred-and-seventy degrees. The output conveyor may for example extend in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction. The leading end of the tire component may for example be disposed on a set of rollers or may be freely suspended, i.e. extending in a vertical or substantially vertical direction.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and for outputting said tire component in a transport direction, using the unwinding system according to the present invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of:using the transfer device to pick-up a leading end of the tire component originating from the stock reel at the pick-up position;guiding the leading end along the guide path from the pick-up position to the release position while retaining said leading end to the retaining surface;transferring said leading end onto the support surface of the output conveyor in the release position by releasing said leading end of the tire component from the retaining surface.

The method comprises the use of the system according to the present invention. Hence, the same advantages apply.

In an embodiment thereof, the method further comprises the step of:transferring the tire component, in particular a leading end of the tire component, from the release position at the output conveyor back to the pick-up position at the reel station. Preferably, the tire component is simultaneously wound around the stock reel. Transferring at least a part of the tire component, in particular the leading end of the tire component, back towards the reel station can be useful when an unused length of the tire component remains on the output conveyor, for example when changing over to a new batch. The unused length can thus be collected in the reel station to clear the output conveyor for a new batch. Accordingly, the unused length itself can be used for another batch.

In a further embodiment thereof, the transfer device further comprises a pressing member for pressing down the leading end of the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor, wherein the method further comprises the step of pressing down the tire component on the support surface of the output conveyor with said pressing member when the transfer device has released the tire component. The leading end of the tire component can thus be firmly held on the support surface of the output conveyor when releasing said leading end from the retaining surface.

In a further embodiment thereof, the transfer device further comprises at least one leading end sensor for detecting the presence of the leading end of the tire component at the retaining surface, wherein, prior to picking up the leading end of the tire component, the method comprises the steps of:unwinding the tire component towards the retaining surface; anddetecting the presence of the leading end at the retaining surface using the at least one leading end sensor;wherein the step of picking up the leading end of the tire component is performed in response to the sensor signal of the at least one leading end sensor. The tire component may for example partly be unwound by driving the stock reel in rotation about the reel axis thereof. When the leading end is unwound and fed along the at least one leading end sensor, the unwinding system can automatically and/or accurately pick-up the leading end of the tire component in response to the sensor signal of said at least one leading end sensor.

In a further embodiment, the guide path extends in a guide plane, wherein the transfer device comprises two retaining surfaces for retaining two tire components, respectively, wherein the two retaining surfaces are movable relative to one another in a lateral direction perpendicular to said guide plane, wherein the retaining device further comprises two lateral sensors for each detecting a lateral side of a respective tire component, wherein, prior to picking up the leading end of the tire component, the method comprises the steps of:detecting the respective lateral sides of the tire components using the two lateral sensors; andmoving the two retaining surfaces relative to one another in response to the signals of the respective lateral sensors for positioning said retaining surfaces relative to the tire components. Hence, the retaining surfaces may be accurately positioned at the lateral position of said tire components in response to the sensor signals of the two lateral sensors. Alternatively, in the case of a single tire component, the retaining surfaces may be accurately positioned at the lateral sides of said single tire component in response to the sensor signals of the two lateral sensors.

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 subject of divisional patent applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS.1A-1Gshow an unwinding system100or let off system for unwinding a tire component9from a stock reel6and for outputting said tire component9in a transport direction T. The unwinding system100comprises a reel station160for receiving said stock reel6and a output conveyor108for conveying the tire component9in the transport direction T.

As is shown inFIGS.1A-1G, the output conveyor108extends at least partially above the reel station160. The output conveyor108comprises a support surface181extending in a support plane P for supporting the tire component9at a first side of said support plane P. The support plane P extends parallel to the transport direction T. Preferably, the output conveyor108further comprises a loop wheel182for supporting and guiding a loop of the tire component9towards the support surface181. Said loop wheel182is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the transport direction T.

In the process of tire building, tire components9or intermediate products thereof are often wound around a stock reel6for storage and/or transport between processes. The tire component9may subsequently be unwound from the stock reel6to be used in a further process.

In the embodiment as shown, the unwinding system100comprises a single reel station160for receiving the stock reel6. However, the unwinding system100may comprise several reel stations160for receiving multiple stock reels6such that, when a stock reel6is depleted, the unwinding system100may switch to unwinding a next stock reel6. The reel station160is located below the output conveyor108, i.e. at a second side of the support plane P opposite to the first side of said support plane P.

The stock reel6is rotatable about a central axis A for winding and/or unwinding the tire component9. The stock reel comprises a circumferential surface61extending circumferentially about said central axis A and facing radially outward with respect to said central axis A. The tire component9stored on the stock reel6is at least partially wound around said circumferential surface61.

The tire component9is typically wound around the circumferential surface61together with a liner90to prevent consecutive windings of said tire component9from sticking together. Preferably, the reel station160further comprises a liner reel107for receiving the liner90. Before processing the tire component9, the tire component9and the liner90are separated by winding the liner90around the liner reel107. The liner reel107may be comprised in the reel carriage or reel cassette as well. For clarity, the liner reel107has been omitted fromFIGS.1A and1B.

The tire component9comprises a first surface91which faces radially outwards when the tire component9is wound around the circumferential surface61. The tire component9further comprises a second surface92opposite to said first surface91. The second surface92faces radially inward when the tire component9is wound around the circumferential surface61of the reel6.

The reel station160is arranged for receiving the stock reel6, such that said stock reel6is rotatable about the central axis A thereof. The unwinding system100is arranged for rotating the stock reel6about the central axis A thereof for unwinding the tire component9from the stock reel6towards an output side of the reel station160facing in a direction opposite to the transport direction T.

The reel station160may comprise a drive (not shown) for driving the stock reel6in rotation about the central axis A thereof for unwinding the tire component9. Alternatively, the unwinding of the tire component9may be driven by the output conveyor108. The reel station160comprises a plurality of guide rolls161for guiding the leading end LE of the tire component9towards a pick-up position at the output side of the reel station160, as is shown inFIG.1B. The pick-up position is located at the second side of the support plane P. In said pick-up position, the leading end LE is suspended from the guide rolls161. i.e. the leading end extends in a vertical or substantially vertical direction due to the force of gravity.

The stock reel6is typically comprised in a reel carriage or reel cassette (not shown). In this case, the reel station160is arranged for receiving said reel cassette or reel carriage. The reel carriage or reel cassette may also comprise the guide rolls161. Consequently, the leading end LE of the tire component9may readily be in the pick-up position when said reel carriage or reel cassette is received in the reel station160.

As shown inFIG.1A, the unwinding system100may further be provided with a sensor190, in particular a camera, for detecting a parameter indicative of the lateral position, for example the lateral center or the lateral side edges of the tire component9, at the leading end LE of said tire component9in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the transport direction T and/or parallel to the support plane P. The sensor190is configured for observing the leading end LE of the tire component9prior to its transfer to the output conveyor108. In this example, the sensor190is located at or upstream of the pick-up position, more in particular at or between the guide rolls161. The unwinding system100further comprises a lateral drive192for generating a relative displacement between the reel carriage, the reel cassette or the reel station160as a whole in the lateral direction L relative to the output conveyor108. In this example, the lateral drive192moves the reel carriage, the reel cassette or the reel station160as a whole.

The unwinding system100further comprises a control unit191that is operationally, electronically and/or functionally connected to the sensor190and the lateral drive192for controlling the lateral drive192in response to signals received and/or processed by the control unit191from the sensor190.

FIGS.2A-2D, show an alternative reel station260. As is shown in said figures, the tire component9is typically wound around the circumferential surface61together with a liner90to prevent consecutive windings of said tire component9from sticking together. The alternative reel station260further comprises a liner reel207. Before processing the tire component9, the tire component9and the liner90are separated by winding the liner90around a liner reel207. The liner reel207may be comprised in the reel carriage or reel cassette as well.

As is further shown inFIGS.1A-1G, the unwinding system100further comprises a transfer device101for transferring the leading end LE of the tire component from the reel station160to the output conveyor108. In particular, the transfer device101is arranged for picking up the leading end LE of the tire component9at the pick-up position at or near the reel station106and for disposing said leading end LE at a release position on the output conveyor108as is shown inFIG.1E.

The transfer device101comprises a retaining member110which is movable along a guide path S between the pick-up position and the release position. Preferably, said guide path S extends in a guide plane transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P. In the pick-up position, the retaining member110is located at the output side of the reel station160.

The retaining member110comprises a retaining surface111for releasably retaining the leading end LE of the tire component9to said retaining member110along the guide path S. The retaining member110comprises a retaining body112that forms or defines the retaining surface111for engaging and/or retaining the leading end LE of the tire component9. Said retaining member110may for example comprise one or more retaining elements113, in particular vacuum retaining elements or magnetic retaining elements, for picking up and/or retaining the leading end by suction or magnetic force. The one or more retaining elements113are provided in or at the retaining body112and are arranged for engaging and/or attracting the tire component9towards the retaining body112, thereby retaining said tire component9to the retaining body112.

As is shown inFIG.1E, in the release position, the retaining surface111is facing towards the support plane P at the first side of said support plane P. In other words, the retaining surface111is facing towards the stock reel axis A. In the pick-up position, said retaining surface111faces away from the stock reel axis A. In particular, in the pick-up position, as is shown inFIG.1B, the retaining surface111is offset with respect to the release position over an offset angle H around an inverting axis that is parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the transport direction T. In other words, the tire component is flipped or inverted about said inverting axis between the pick-up position and the release position. In the pick-up position, said retaining surface111away from the In the exemplary embodiment as shown, the offset angle H is about two-hundred- and seventy degrees. Preferably, the offset angle H is at least ninety degrees. More preferably, the offset angle H is between one-hundred and three-hundred degrees. Even more preferably the offset angle H is between one-hundred-and-twenty and two-hundred-and-eighty degrees. Most preferably the offset angle is between one-hundred-and-eighty and two-hundred-and-seventy degrees.

As is for example shown inFIG.1C, the retaining member110is further movable along the guide path S to an intermediate position between the pick-up position and the release position. In the intermediate position, the retaining surface111faces away from the support plane P at the second side of said support plane P. Preferably, the retaining member110is further movable in an intermediate position, facing away from the support plane P at the second side of said support plane P, in which the retaining surface111is parallel to the support plane P.

In the embodiment as shown inFIGS.1A-1G, the transfer device101further comprises an arm103that is rotatable about an arm axis B. Preferably, said arm axis B is parallel to the retaining surface111. The retaining member110is carried by said arm103. In particular, the retaining member110is associated with said arm103to rotate together with said arm103about the arm axis B. The retaining member110is spaced apart from the arm axis B. In particular, the retaining member110is radially spaced apart from the arm axis B. Moreover, in the embodiment as shown, the retaining member is offset with respect to the arm axis B in an offset direction perpendicular to the retaining surface111. The arm103is arranged to rotate the retaining member110between the pick-up position and the release position, i.e. the retaining path S is a circular or substantially circular path. In other words, the inverting axis coincides with the arm axis B.

As is best shown inFIG.1B, the retaining member110is rotatable with respect to the arm103about a retaining axis D. Said retaining axis is parallel to the arm axis B and spaced apart from said arm axis B.

As is further shown inFIGS.1A-1G, the transfer device101further comprises a pressing member104for pressing down the leading end LE of the tire component9on the support surface181of the output conveyor108. The pressing member104is carried by the arm103. Preferably, said pressing member104is arranged on said arm103proximate to or near the retaining member110. More preferably, the pressing member104is arranged on the arm103radially inward with respect to the retaining member110.

In this particular embodiment, the pressing member104comprises a pressing roller140which is rotatable about a roller axis R. The roller axis R is parallel to the retaining surface111. Preferably, the roller axis R is perpendicular to the guide plane. The pressing member104further comprises a pressing drive141for moving or displacing the pressing roller140in a pressing direction perpendicular to the roller axis R.

The transfer device101further comprises a securing member102for securing the leading end LE of the tire component9to the retaining member110. The securing member102is movable between a secured position, as is for example shown inFIG.1C, for securing the leading end LE with respect to the retaining surface111, and an unsecured position, as is for example shown inFIG.1D, for releasing said leading end LE with respect to the retaining surface111. The securing member102is carried by the arm103. In the embodiment as shown, the securing member102comprises a beam which is pivotable about a pivot axis parallel and spaced apart from the arm axis B. The beam may pivot about said pivot axis to securely press the leading end LE of the tire component9to the retaining surface111.

FIGS.5A and5Bshow an alternative unwinding system300according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention with an anti-wrinkle roll301for reducing or ironing out wrinkles in the tire component9when said tire component9is being wound back onto the stock reel6in a wind-up direction W opposite to the transport direction T. The alternative unwinding system300further comprises an anti-wrinkle drive302for moving or pressing the anti-wrinkle roll301onto the tire component9between the pick-up position and the stock reel6. In particular the anti-wrinkle drive302moves said anti-wrinkle roll301between an active position opposite to one of the guide rolls161of the reel station160and an inactive position further spaced apart from said one guide roll161. In the active position the anti-wrinkle roll301cooperates with said one guide roll161to press, smoothen and/or flatten any wrinkles in the tire component9.

FIGS.6A-6Dshow a further alternative unwinding station400according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention which differs from the aforementioned unwinding station100,400in that its transfer device401is not provided by a securing member carried by the arm103. Instead, the further alternative unwinding station400is provided with a securing member402supported separately from the transfer device401for pressing, forcing or urging the tire component9against the retaining surface111of the retaining member110, as shown inFIGS.6B and6C. In particular, the securing member402is used to press the tire component9against the one or more retaining elements113at or in the retaining body112, as shown inFIG.6B, such that they can effectively attract and/or retain the tire component9. Once the tire component9has been securely retained, the securing member402can be moved away from the retaining member110, as shown inFIG.6D, and the retaining member110can effectively retain the tire component T from one side only.

The further alternative winding station400is further provided with a leading end sensor412for detecting the presence or arrival of the leading end LE of the tire component9in a specific position relative to the retaining surface111. The signal of the leading end sensor412can be used to stop the feeding of the strip9and/or to activate the securing member402. Hence, the position of the leading end LE relative to the retaining surface111can be determined more accurately, which allows for more accurate splicing later in the process.

In this example, the securing member402comprises a securing roll420, in particular a brush roller or a foam roller, for pressing against the tire component9and a securing drive421for moving the securing roll420relative to the retaining surface111. In this example, the securing drive421is configured for moving the securing roll420towards and away from the retaining surface111in a direction perpendicular to said retaining surface111, as shown inFIGS.6A and6B, but also for moving the securing roll420parallel to the retaining surface111, as shown inFIGS.6B and6C, the parallel movement can be used to roll the securing roll420over the tire component9and thereby progressively press the tire component9against said retaining surface111.

A method for unwinding the tire component9from the stock reel6will now be described usingFIGS.1A-1G.

As shown inFIG.1Athe stock reel6has been placed in the reel station160. The leading end LE of the tire component9has been suspended from the guide rolls161at the output side of the reel station160. The arm103has been rotated about the arm axis B to the pick-up position for picking up the leading end LE of the tire component9. The securing member102is in the unsecured position for enabling receiving the leading end LE to the retaining surface111.

As is shown inFIG.1Bthe stock reel6has been rotated about the stock reel axis A to unwind a portion of the tire component9from said stock reel6. The leading end LE of said tire component9has been displaced to a position opposite to the retaining surface111. The retaining member110has been rotated about the retaining axis D to align the retaining surface111with the second surface92of the tire component9. The securing member102is now rotated from the unsecured position to the secured position to displace the leading end LE of the tire component9towards and in contact with the retaining surface. Subsequently, the leading end LE is retained to said retaining surface111using the vacuum elements (not shown).

As is shown inFIG.1C, arm103has been rotated about the arm axis B from the pick-up position to an intermediate position. The retaining member110has been moved along the guide path S together with the arm103. The leading end LE is of the tire component9is retained by the retaining member110. Additionally, the leading end LE of the tire component9is secured to the retaining surface111by the securing member102. Due to the displacement of the leading end LE of the tire component along the guide path S, a section of the tire component9has been unwound from the stock reel6.

As is shown inFIG.1D, the arm103has been rotated further about the arm axis B towards a further intermediate position proximate to the release position. The retaining surface111now faces the support surface181at the first side of the support plane P. The securing member102has been moved to the unsecured position. Hence, the leading end LE is now retained by the retaining member110only.

As is shown inFIG.1E, the arm103has been rotated further about the arm axis B towards the release position. The retaining member110now presses the leading end LE of the tire component9on the support surface181. In particular, the first surface91of the tire component9has been brought into contact with the support surface181. The vacuum elements of the retaining member110have been deactivated to release the leading end LE of the tire component. The pressing roller140has been displaced into contact with the second surface92of the tire component9by actuating the pressing actuator141.

Additionally or alternatively, the rotation of the loop wheel182can be fixed, for example by using a brake, to prevent that the tire component9slips back into the loop. In yet a further alternative embodiment, retaining elements, such as vacuum means, are provided at the conveyor108to retain the tire component9in position on the support surface181.

As is shown inFIG.1F, the pressing actuator141has been actuated to press said pressing roller140firmly onto the tire component9. The arm103has rotated away from the pick-up position. The retaining surface111has now fully released the leading end LE of the tire component9. The output conveyor108is now driven to convey the leading end LE of the tire component9in the transport direction T.

As is shown inFIG.1G, the leading end LE of the tire component9has been conveyed further in the transport direction T. The arm103has been rotated into and idle position in which the retaining member110and the pressing member104no longer contact the tire component9. The leading end LE of the tire component9is now retained by the output conveyor108, for example by gravity and/or the tackiness of the tire component9. Subsequently, the tire component9is transported further in the transport direction T.

The retaining member10may be moved back to the pick-up position for picking up a leading end LE of a subsequent tire component9, for example for a switchover to a new batch or a new cycle of the method. Preferably, the retaining member10is moved back to the pick-up position along the guide path S. In other words, the arm103is rotated backwards from the release position to the pick-up position.

Alternatively, an unused or waste length of the tire component9may be transferred or fed back towards the reel station60. This may be useful to clear the output conveyor108prior to a switchover to a new batch or a new cycle of the method. In particular, the retaining member10may be positioned in the release position overhead the tire component9at or near the leading end LE of said tire component9. Subsequently, the leading end LE may be engaged in a similar way as described before. The retaining member10may then be returned from the release position to pick-up position. Preferably, the leading end LE is returned from the release position to the pick-up position while the stock reel6is rotated to wind the tire component around said stock reel6.

FIGS.2A-2Dshow an alternative unwinding system200according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The unwinding system200comprises an alternative reel station260, an alternative output conveyor208and an alternative transfer device201.

The reel station260differs from the previously discussed reel station160in that is further comprises a liner reel for winding up the liner90which is wound around the stock reel6together with the tire component.

The output conveyor208differs from the previously discussed output conveyor108in that the support surface281extends in a transport direction T in a horizontal or substantially horizontal support plane S. The support plane S may, however, extend at an oblique angle with respect to the horizontal plane. The output conveyor208further comprises a loop wheel282for supporting and guiding a loop of the tire component9towards the support surface281. Said loop wheel282is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the support plane P and perpendicular to the transport direction T.

As is best shown inFIGS.3and4A-4G, the transfer device201comprises an alternative retaining device210for retaining the leading end LE of the tire component9. In particular, as is shown inFIG.3, the retaining device210comprises two retaining surfaces211for retaining two tire components9, such as two side walls. Alternatively, the two retaining surfaces211may retain lateral regions of a single tire component9.

As is shown inFIGS.2A-2D, the transfer device201comprises an endless drive203for driving the retaining member210along a guide path S between the pick-up position, as shown inFIG.2A, and the release position, as shown inFIG.2C.

As is best shown inFIG.3, the endless drive203comprises two endless elements231. Said endless elements231may for example belts, toothed belts or chains. The endless elements231are spaced apart in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the guide plane. Preferably, the endless elements231each extend in a respective plane parallel to the guide plane. As can be seen inFIGS.2A-2D, the endless elements are guided around sprockets232. The guide path S of the retaining member210is defined by the endless elements231arranged around said sprockets232. Preferably, at least one of the sprockets232is a driven sprocket232for driving the endless elements231along the guide path S.

As can further be seen inFIG.3, a part or section of the guide path S at or near the release position extends parallel to the support plane P. i.e. in the transport direction T. Preferably, the endless drive203is arranged to drive the retaining member210along said section at the same speed as the output conveyor208.

As is further shown inFIG.3, the retaining member210comprises two leading end sensors212for each detecting the presence of a respective leading end LE of the tire components9at or near the retaining surfaces211. The leading end sensors212are movable together with the retaining member210. Alternatively, the leading end sensors LE may be positioned stationary at or near the pick-up position.

The two retaining surfaces211of the retaining member210are mutually spaced apart in the lateral direction L. In this particular embodiment, said retaining surfaces211are movable relative to one another. The retaining member210comprises two lateral drives218for each driving a respective one of the retaining surfaces211in the lateral direction L. In particular, said lateral drives218are spindle drives. Alternatively, the retaining member may comprise a single lateral drive for simultaneously driving the retaining surfaces211towards or away from each other, e.g. a double treaded spindle drive. In a further alternative embodiment, only one of the retaining surfaces211is movable in the lateral direction L to affect the mutual displacement.

As is further shown inFIG.3, the retaining member213further comprises two lateral sensors213for each detecting a lateral side of the tire components9. The leading end sensors212and the lateral sensors213may for example be optic sensors, proximity sensors or tactile sensors.

As is shown inFIGS.4A-4G, the retaining member210comprises at least two nails215for retaining the tire component9. In particular, the retaining member210comprises a nail base214and a base drive216for driving said nail base214in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the retaining surface211for bringing said retaining surface211in contact with the tire component9. The base drive216may for example be a pneumatic drive or a servo motor.

The retaining member210further comprises a nail drive217for moving the at least two nails215between a retracted position, in which said nails215are recessed with respect to the retaining surface211, and a gripping position, in which the at least two nails215protrude from the retaining surface211for retaining the tire component9to said retaining surface211.

The at least two nails215each extend in a respective nail direction transverse or perpendicular to the retaining surface211. In particular, the nail direction of a first one of the at least two nails215and the nail direction of a second one of the at least two nails215extend at an oblique angle with respect to one another.

As is further shown inFIGS.2A-2D, the unwinding system200further comprises a support member202that is positioned opposite to the retaining surface211of the retaining member210. Said support surface202is arranged for supporting the leading end LE of the tire component9in the pick-up position when said leading end LE is engaged by the retaining member210. In particular, said support member202is arranged to prevent the nails215from pushing away the leading end LE of the tire component.

A method for unwinding the stock reel6using the unwinding system200according to the present invention is now described usingFIGS.2A-2D,3and4A-4G.

As is shown inFIGS.2A and3, the retaining member210is positioned in the pick-up position. The respective leading ends LE of the tire components9have been fed between the retaining member210and the support member202until the presence of said leading ends LE was detected by the respective leading end sensors212. In particular, the liner reel207has been rotated to wind up the liner90and, consequently, to drive the stock reel6in rotation about the stock reel axis A.

The respective lateral sides of the tire components are detected using the lateral sensors213. Accordingly, the retaining surfaces211are now displaced relative to one another in the lateral direction L in response to the sensor signals of said lateral sensors213. As shown inFIG.4A, the tire component9is supported against the support member202. In particular the first surface91is in abutment with said support member202. The retaining surface211is spaced apart from the second surface92of the tire component9.

As is shown inFIG.4B, the base drive216has been actuated to move the base216towards the tire component9. In particular, the retaining surface211has been moved into abutment with the second surface92of the tire component9.

As is shown inFIG.4C, the nail drives217have been actuated to drive the nails215through the second surface92and into the tire component9. The tire component9is now retained by said retaining member210.

As is shown inFIG.4D, the base drive216has been actuated to move the base216away from the support member202. Consequently, the tire component9has been lifted away from said support member202.

As is shown inFIG.2B, the retaining member210has been moved by the endless drive203along the guide path S into an intermediate position.

As is shown inFIG.2C, the retaining member210has been moved into the release position above the support surface281of the output conveyor208. The retaining member210has been moved along the support plane P, such that a part of the tire component9, sufficient to be retained to the output conveyor208by friction, has been guided over the support surface281. The retaining member210may either be arranged to retain the leading end LE at a distance from said support surface281or at the support surface281. As may further be observed, the tire component9has been guided around the loop wheel282.

As is further shown inFIG.4Ethe base drive216has been actuated to move the nail base214towards the support surface281. The first side91of the tire component9has been brought in abutment with said support surface281.

As is shown inFIG.4F, the nail drives have been actuated to retract the nails215from the tire component9. In particular, the nails215have been retracted into their respective recessed positions. The tire component9has now been released from the retaining surface211.

As is shown inFIG.4G, the base drive216has been actuated to move the nail base214away from the tire component9. The retaining surface211and the second surface92of the tire component9are spaced apart.

As is shown inFIG.2D, the tire component9is conveyed in the transport direction T by the output conveyor208. The retaining member210has been moved to an idle position. The retaining member210may be moved back to the pick-up position for picking up a leading end LE of a subsequent tire component9, for example for a switchover to a new batch or a new cycle of the method. Preferably, the retaining member210is moved back to the pick-up position along the guide path S. In other words, the endless drive203is reversed or driven in a reversed direction.

Alternatively, an unused or waste length of the tire component9may be transferred or fed back towards the reel station260. This may be useful to clear the output conveyor208prior to a switchover to a new batch or a new cycle of the method. In particular, the retaining member210may be positioned in the release position overhead the tire component9at or near the leading end LE of said tire component9. Subsequently, the leading end LE is engaged in a similar way as described before. The retaining member210is then returned from the release position to the pick-up position, where the leading is transferred back to the stock reel6. Preferably, the stock reel6is rotated while returning the leading end LE from the release position to the pick-up position to wind the tire component9around said stock reel6.

In summary, the invention relates to an unwinding system for unwinding a tire component from a stock reel and outputting said tire component in a transport direction, wherein the unwinding system comprises a reel station, an output conveyor and a transfer device, wherein the output conveyor extends at least partially above the reel station, wherein the transfer device comprises a retaining surface for releasably retaining the tire component along a guide path between a pick-up position for picking up the tire component from the reel station and a release position for disposing the tire component on the output conveyor, wherein, in the release position, the retaining surface is facing towards the output conveyor, and wherein the retaining surface is offset between the release position and the pick-up position over an offset angle of at least ninety degrees around an inverting axis that is parallel to the conveyor and perpendicular to the transport direction.