U.S. patent application number 14/651954 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for method for verifying the correct formation of the beads in a process and a plant for buiilding tyres for vehicle wheels.
This patent application is currently assigned to PIRELLI TYRE S.p.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is PIRELLI TYRE S.p.A.. Invention is credited to Stefano BALIA, Stefano BORACCO, Maurizio MARCHINI.
Application Number | 20150321431 14/651954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47720649 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150321431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARCHINI; Maurizio ; et
al. |
November 12, 2015 |
Method for Verifying the Correct Formation of the Beads in a
Process and a Plant for Buiilding Tyres for Vehicle Wheels
Abstract
A method for verifying the correct formation of the beads in a
process and a plant for building tyres for vehicle wheels,
includes: loading a plurality of annular anchoring structures in a
storage, disposing them in two groups separated by an opening;
positioning a building drum provided with a carcass sleeve in a
tyre bead-forming machine; picking up two of the annular anchoring
structures from the storage and loading them on the tyre
bead-forming machine. In a work area of the tyre bead-forming
machine, on each of two axially opposite zones of the carcass
sleeve, a respective annular anchoring structure is fit and each of
the abovementioned zones is turned up around the respective annular
anchoring structure to form the beads. The aforesaid opening allows
an operator to conduct a visual inspection of the work area and/or
access the work area during the entire work cycle of the
machine.
Inventors: |
MARCHINI; Maurizio; (Milano,
IT) ; BALIA; Stefano; (Milano, IT) ; BORACCO;
Stefano; (Milano, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PIRELLI TYRE S.p.A. |
Milano |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
PIRELLI TYRE S.p.A.
Milano
IT
|
Family ID: |
47720649 |
Appl. No.: |
14/651954 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
December 16, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2013/060979 |
371 Date: |
June 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61764331 |
Feb 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/64 ; 156/379;
156/396 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29D 30/0016 20130101;
B29D 30/08 20130101; B29D 2030/487 20130101; B29D 2030/0044
20130101; B29D 2030/0038 20130101; B29D 30/005 20130101; B29D
2030/0022 20130101; B29D 2030/0066 20130101; B29D 30/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29D 30/00 20060101
B29D030/00; B29D 30/08 20060101 B29D030/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2012 |
IT |
MI2012A002179 |
Claims
1-40. (canceled)
41. A plant for building a tyre for vehicle wheels, comprising: a
line for building carcass structures on a building drum comprising
a plurality of building stations and devices for transferring the
building drum from one building station to another; and a line for
building crown structures on a forming drum comprising a plurality
of work stations and devices for transferring the forming drum from
one work station to another, wherein one of the building stations
is a station for integration of annular anchoring structures in the
carcass sleeve and comprises: a storage for the annular anchoring
structures having a first free side for loading the annular
anchoring structures in the storage and a second side opposite the
first side; and a tyre bead-forming machine arranged adjacent to
the second side of the storage, wherein the storage has at least
one opening adapted to place the first side in communication with
the tyre bead-forming machine, for visual inspection of the tyre
bead-forming machine and for access to said tyre bead-forming
machine.
42. The plant as claimed in claim 41, wherein the station for the
integration of annular anchoring structures comprises a handling
device arranged between the second side and the tyre bead-forming
machine and moveable between a position for picking up the annular
anchoring structures from the storage and a position for releasing
the annular anchoring structures to the tyre bead-forming
machine.
43. The plant as claimed in claim 42, wherein the handling device
is sized to carry a maximum load of about 12 Kg.
44. The plant as claimed in claim 41, wherein the station for the
integration of annular anchoring structures comprises a conveyor
device operatively active between the tyre bead-forming machine, a
building station downstream of said tyre bead-forming machine and a
building station upstream of said tyre bead-forming machine, for
conveying the building drums between the building station upstream
and the tyre bead-forming machine and between the tyre bead-forming
machine and the building station downstream.
45. The plant as claimed in claim 44, wherein the conveyor device
is arranged adjacent to the tyre bead-forming machine and on an
opposite side with respect to the storage.
46. The plant as claimed in claim 44, wherein the conveyor device
is an anthropomorphic arm having a base rested adjacent to the tyre
bead-forming machine and on the opposite side with respect to the
storage.
47. The plant as claimed in claim 44, wherein the conveyor device
is sized to carry a maximum load of about 350 Kg.
48. The plant as claimed in claim 42, wherein the tyre bead-forming
machine comprises: tyre bead-forming devices arranged in a lower
area of said tyre bead-forming machine; receiving devices for
receiving the annular anchoring structures arranged in an upper
area of said tyre bead-forming machine; and devices for conveying
the annular anchoring structures from the upper area to the lower
area.
49. The plant as claimed in claim 48, wherein the upper area is
arranged at a height equivalent to or greater than a height of the
opening.
50. The plant as claimed in claim 48, wherein in a release
position, the handling device transfers the annular anchoring
structures to the receiving devices arranged in the upper area.
51. An apparatus for controlling the management of annular
anchoring structures in a process and a plant for building a tyre
for vehicle wheels, comprising: a storage for the annular anchoring
structures having a first free side for loading the annular
anchoring structures in the storage and a second side, opposite the
first side, arranged adjacent to a tyre bead-forming machine; and a
handling device arranged between the second side and the tyre
bead-forming machine and moveable between a position for picking up
the annular anchoring structures from the storage and a position
for releasing the annular anchoring structures in the tyre
bead-forming machine, wherein the storage has at least one opening
adapted to place the first side in communication with the second
side and with the tyre bead-forming machine, for the visual
inspection of the tyre bead-forming machine and for access to said
tyre bead-forming machine.
52. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the at least one
opening is faced on the tyre bead-forming machine.
53. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the storage
comprises a plurality of seats, each capable of housing an annular
anchoring structure, organised in at least two groups separated by
said at least one opening.
54. The apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein the handling
device is moveable between said at least two groups along a path
not interfering with said at least one opening.
55. The apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein said at least two
groups are spaced horizontally and the handling device is moveable
above said at least one opening.
56. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein said opening has
a width between about 1500 mm and about 2500 mm.
57. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein said opening has
a height between about 2200 mm and about 2500 mm.
58. The apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein the storage
comprises a plurality of baskets, each capable of housing a
plurality of annular anchoring structures.
59. The apparatus as claimed in claim 58, wherein each basket has a
single area for picking up annular anchoring structures
thereof.
60. The apparatus as claimed in claim 59, wherein said single area
for picking up is arranged at a final end of a respective
basket.
61. The apparatus as claimed in claim 60, wherein said single area
for picking up is arranged at an upper portion of the final
end.
62. The apparatus as claimed in claim 60, wherein the final end of
each basket is faced on the second side of the storage.
63. The apparatus as claimed in claim 59, wherein said single area
for picking up is unvarying upon variation of characteristics of
the annular anchoring structures.
64. The apparatus as claimed in claim 59, wherein each basket
comprises devices for moving the annular anchoring structures
toward said single area for picking up.
65. The apparatus as claimed in claim 58, wherein each basket has a
main axis and houses the annular anchoring structures mutually
arranged adjacent and coaxial to said main axis, the baskets of
each group being adjacent to each other with the main axes thereof
parallel.
66. The apparatus as claimed in claim 58, wherein each basket is
extractable on the first side in a position for loading the annular
anchoring structures.
67. The apparatus as claimed in claim 58, wherein the storage
comprises two groups of baskets separated by said opening, and each
of the two groups comprises at least one pair of baskets formed by
a lower basket and by an upper basket.
68. The apparatus as claimed in claim 67, wherein the lower basket
projects on a second side with respect to the upper basket.
69. The apparatus as claimed in claim 67, wherein the lower basket
is rested on a lower portion of a framework of said apparatus.
70. The apparatus as claimed in claim 67, wherein the upper basket
is hung at an upper portion of a framework of said apparatus.
71. The apparatus as claimed in claim 58, wherein the storage
comprises a guide disposed above the baskets, the handling device
being moveable on said guide.
72. The apparatus as claimed in claim 71, wherein the guide is
disposed above said at least one opening.
73. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the handling
device comprises a gripper which can be moved along three axes.
74. The apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the handling
device is sized to carry a maximum load of about 12 Kg.
75. A method for verifying correct formation of beads in a process
and a plant for building a tyre for vehicle wheels, comprising:
loading a plurality of annular anchoring structures in a storage
disposing said annular anchoring structure in at least two groups
separated by at least one opening; positioning a building drum
provided with a carcass sleeve in a tyre bead-forming machine;
picking up two of said annular anchoring structures from the
storage and loading said two annular anchoring structures on the
tyre bead-forming machine; and in a work area of the tyre
bead-forming machine, fitting on each of two axially opposite zones
of the carcass sleeve a respective annular anchoring structure and
turning up each of said zones around a respective annular anchoring
structure to form the beads, wherein said at least one opening
allows the visual inspection of the work area and access to said
work area.
76. The method as claimed in claim 75, comprising: visually
inspecting the work area and/or accessing said work area during the
formation of the beads.
77. The method as claimed in claim 75, comprising: visually
inspecting the work area and/or accessing said work area during the
picking up of the two annular anchoring structures from the
storage.
78. The method as claimed in claim 75, comprising: visually
inspecting the work area and/or accessing said work area when
loading the two annular anchoring structures on the tyre
bead-forming machine.
79. The method as claimed in claim 75, comprising: visually
inspecting the work area and/or accessing said work area during the
positioning of the building drum in the tyre bead-forming
machine.
80. The method as claimed in claim 75, comprising: visually
inspecting the work area and/or accessing said work area when
extracting the building drum with a carcass sleeve provided with
the beads formed by the tyre bead-forming machine.
Description
[0001] The present invention has as object a method for verifying
the correct formation of the beads in a process and a plant for
building tyres for vehicle wheels.
[0002] A tyre for vehicle wheels generally comprises a carcass
structure comprising at least one carcass ply having respectively
opposite terminal zones engaged with respective annular anchoring
structures, integrated in the areas usually identified with the
name of "beads", having an internal diameter substantially
corresponding to a so-called "fitting diameter" of the tyre on a
respective rim.
[0003] In the present description and in the subsequent claims, by
"annular anchoring structure" it is intended an element of the tyre
that comprises a bead core. Preferably such component comprises a
bead core and a filler insert. Still more preferably, such
component comprises a bead core and a filler insert, both enclosed
by one edge.
[0004] The document WO 2012/063153, on behalf of the same
Applicant, describes a plant for building tyres for vehicle wheels
which comprises a line for building carcass structures, in which a
carcass structure is formed on a building drum. The plant further
comprises a line for building crown structures, in which a crown
structure is formed on a forming drum. A building station is
dedicated to obtaining the belt structure and a work station is
arranged for obtaining the tread band and/or the sidewalls. The
plant is also provided with an assembly and shaping station
operatively associated with the line for building carcass
structures and with the line for building crown structures, in
which the carcass structure is shaped toroidally and associated
with the crown structure, in a manner so as to obtain a green tyre.
The green tyres built by the plant are sequentially transferred to
a curing line, from which the moulded and cured tyres are obtained.
At the line for building carcass structures, a station is placed
that is dedicated to the integration of the annular anchoring
structures in the carcass ply. Such station comprises a tyre
bead-forming machine, a first storage area and a second storage
area for annular anchoring structures.
[0005] A first conveyor device is moveable between a position for
picking up pairs of annular anchoring structures from the first
storage area and a release position for releasing such pairs of
annular anchoring structures in the tyre bead-forming machine. A
second conveyor device moves a plurality of baskets housing the
annular anchoring structures between the first storage area and the
second storage area and vice versa. The building drums, each
provided with a partial carcass sleeve, are carried in succession
outside the line for building carcass structures up to the station
dedicated for the integration of the annular anchoring structures,
for receiving said annular anchoring structures, and then brought
back into the line for building carcass structures.
[0006] The Applicant has found that in the tyre production plants
with high flexibility and productivity, such as that described in
WO 2012/063153, the bulk of the apparatuses constituting the plant
is considerable and requires the availability of industrial spaces
that are correspondingly wide and costly. Such costs affect the
production cost of the single tyre.
[0007] The Applicant has in particular perceived that the devices
and the apparatuses of the above-described plants with high
flexibility occupy much space, also because they must be positioned
in a manner so as to allow the operators to access the single
devices/apparatuses, in order to inspect them and/or repair them
and/or, more generally, maintain them.
[0008] In particular, the Applicant has observed that, still in the
scope of plants with high flexibility, a critical factor can be
found in the station dedicated to the integration of the annular
anchoring structures, since this must ensure the storage and the
correct simultaneous management of a large number of types of
annular anchoring structures intended for tyres with different
fitting diameters and, at the same time, the facilitated access of
operators to the tyre bead-forming machine and to the storage.
[0009] The storage with considerable size, the presence of moving
systems that ensure the flexibility of the management of the
annular anchoring structures and the need for access spaces for the
operators are all aspects that contribute to increasing the bulk of
the station dedicated for the integration of the annular anchoring
structures; indeed, it is known, according to that illustrated in
WO 2012/063153, to position such station outside the line for
building carcass structures.
[0010] In such context, the Applicant has perceived the need to
reduce the bulk of the plants for producing tyres with high
flexibility, while at the same time maintaining: [0011] the
flexibility of the plants itself, in a manner so as to be able to
quickly change the type of tyre produced from one batch to the
next; [0012] the high productivity of the same; and [0013] the
possibility for operators to easily conduct control and maintenance
operations.
[0014] More particularly, the Applicant has perceived the
importance of limiting the bulk of the station dedicated for the
integration of the annular anchoring structures in the carcass ply
while at the same time maintaining: [0015] the simultaneous
maintenance of a large number of types of annular anchoring
structures intended for tyres with different fitting diameters;
[0016] the possibility for operators to easily conduct control and
maintenance operations on the tyre bead-forming machine.
[0017] The Applicant has finally found that, by obtaining a storage
for the annular anchoring structures provided with at least one
opening with size suitable for the passage of an operator and
providing for a loading area for the storage on one side thereof
and the positioning of a tyre bead-forming machine on the opposite
side, it is possible to structure the station dedicated for the
integration of the annular anchoring structures in the carcass
sleeves and pair it with the carcass building line with a
considerable savings of space, while ensuring the accessibility to
the machine itself, and more generally substantially to all the
devices of said station dedicated for the integration of said
annular anchoring structures.
[0018] More specifically, according to a first aspect, the present
invention relates to a method for verifying the correct formation
of the beads in a process and a plant for building tyres for
vehicle wheels.
[0019] Preferably, the method comprises loading a plurality of
annular anchoring structures in a storage, disposing them in at
least two groups separated by at least one opening.
[0020] Preferably, a building drum provided with a carcass sleeve
is positioned in a tyre bead-forming machine.
[0021] Preferably, two of said annular anchoring structures are
picked up from the storage and loaded on the tyre bead-forming
machine.
[0022] Preferably, in a work area of the tyre bead-forming machine,
on each of two axially opposite zones of the carcass sleeve, a
respective annular anchoring structure is fit and each of said
zones is turned up around the respective annular anchoring
structure to form the beads.
[0023] Preferably, said at least one opening allows the visual
inspection of the work area and access to said work area.
[0024] According to a different aspect, the present invention
relates to a plant for building tyres for vehicle wheels.
[0025] Preferably, the plant comprises a line for building carcass
structures on a building drum comprising a plurality of building
stations and devices for transferring the building drum from one
building station to another.
[0026] Preferably, the plant comprises a line for building crown
structures on a forming drum comprising a plurality of work
stations and devices for transferring the forming drum from one
work station to another.
[0027] Preferably, one of the building stations is a station for
the integration of annular anchoring structures in the carcass
sleeve and comprises a storage for the annular anchoring structures
having a first free side for loading the annular anchoring
structures in the storage and a second side opposite the first
side.
[0028] Preferably, the station for the integration comprises a tyre
bead-forming machine arranged adjacent to the second side of the
storage.
[0029] Preferably, the storage has at least one opening adapted to
place the first side in communication with the tyre bead-forming
machine, for the visual inspection of the tyre bead-forming machine
and for access to said tyre bead-forming machine.
[0030] According to a different aspect, the present invention
relates to an apparatus for controlling the management of annular
anchoring structures in a process and a plant for building tyres
for vehicle wheels.
[0031] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a storage for the
annular anchoring structures having a first free side for loading
the annular anchoring structures in the storage and a second side,
opposite the first side, arranged adjacent to a tyre bead-forming
machine.
[0032] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a handling device
arranged between the second side and the tyre bead-forming machine
and moveable between a position for picking up the annular
anchoring structures from the storage and a position for releasing
the annular anchoring structures in the tyre bead-forming
machine.
[0033] Preferably, the storage has at least one opening adapted to
place the first side in communication with the second side and with
the tyre bead-forming machine, for the visual inspection of the
tyre bead-forming machine and for access to said tyre bead-forming
machine.
[0034] The Applicant deems that the present invention allows
arranging the different elements of the plant (machines, devices,
etc.) according to a more rational and compact lay-out, without the
plant losing flexibility and productivity and ensuring the quality
of the produced tyres.
[0035] In particular, the Applicant deems that the presence of the
opening in the storage allows bringing the second side
thereof--that from which the annular anchoring structures are
picked up--close to the tyre bead-forming machine and the latter to
the rest of the line for building the carcass structures, still
allowing the operator to visually inspect the technological bead
formation cycle and possibly easily access the tyre bead-forming
machine if necessary, essential operations for ensuring the quality
of the bead formation cycle and hence of the tyres produced. Such
access is ensured without having to stop the production for moving
parts of the plant. In addition, the first side of the storage is
always free to allow the operator to resupply the storage itself
with the annular anchoring structures, preferably by manual
loading. The lay-out obtained therefore allows complete
accessibility to the areas where the presence of the operator is
essential, i.e. the load area for the annular anchoring structures
in the storage and the quality monitoring area for the bead
formation cycle (such cycle carried out in the tyre bead-forming
machine).
[0036] The present invention, in at least one of the aforesaid
aspects, can also have one or more of the preferred characteristics
which are described hereinbelow.
[0037] Preferably, the visual inspection of the work area and/or
the access to said work area are carried out during the formation
of the beads.
[0038] Preferably, the visual inspection of the work area and/or
the access to said work area are carried out during the picking up
of the two annular anchoring structures from the storage.
[0039] Preferably, the visual inspection of the work area and/or
the access to said work area are carried out when loading the two
annular anchoring structures on the tyre bead-forming machine.
[0040] Preferably, the visual inspection of the work area and/or
the access to said work area are carried out during the positioning
of the drum in the tyre bead-forming machine.
[0041] Preferably, the visual inspection of the work area and/or
the access to said work area are carried out when extracting the
building drum with the carcass sleeve provided with the beads
formed by the tyre bead-forming machine.
[0042] The abovementioned accessibility to the areas where the
presence of the operator is essential is ensured during the
operation of the plant, in particular during any operation of the
station for the integration of annular anchoring structures.
[0043] Preferably, the station for the integration of annular
anchoring structures comprises a handling device arranged between
the second side and the tyre bead-forming machine and moveable
between a position for picking up the annular anchoring structures
from the storage and a position for releasing the annular anchoring
structures to the tyre bead-forming machine.
[0044] Preferably, the handling device is sized to carry a maximum
load of about 12 Kg. The handling device must pick up and carry
only one or preferably two annular anchoring structures at a time,
whose weight is usually comprised between about 0.2 Kg and about
0.7 Kg. The handling device is specifically sized to carry such
weights and position them with precision.
[0045] Preferably, the station for the integration of annular
anchoring structures comprises a conveyor device operatively active
between the tyre bead-forming machine, a building station
downstream of said tyre bead-forming machine and a building station
upstream of said tyre bead-forming machine, for conveying the
building drums between the building station upstream and the tyre
bead-forming machine and between the tyre bead-forming machine and
the building station downstream. The station for the integration of
annular anchoring structures is disposed in the succession of
building stations which form the carcass building line, occupying
an extremely limited space.
[0046] In one embodiment, the conveyor device is arranged adjacent
to the tyre bead-forming machine and on the opposite side with
respect to the storage. Preferably, the conveyor device is an
anthropomorphic arm having a base rested adjacent to the tyre
bead-forming machine and on the opposite side with respect to the
storage. The conveyor device is close to the tyre bead-forming
machine but, being situated on the side opposite the abovementioned
opening, it does not block the access of the operator.
[0047] Preferably, the conveyor device is sized to carry a maximum
load of about 350 Kg. The conveyor device must pick up and carry
one building drum at a time, whose weight is usually comprised
between about 180 Kg and about 220 Kg. The conveyor device is sized
specifically to carry such weight and to position the drum with
precision.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the tyre bead-forming machine
comprises: tyre bead-forming devices arranged in a lower area of
said tyre bead-forming machine; receiving devices for receiving the
annular anchoring structures arranged in an upper area of said tyre
bead-forming machine; devices for conveying the annular anchoring
structures from the upper area to the lower area.
[0049] Preferably, the upper area is arranged at a height
equivalent or greater than a height of the opening.
[0050] Preferably, in the release position the handling device
transfers the annular anchoring structures to the receiving devices
arranged in the upper area.
[0051] The receiving devices positioned above the tyre bead-forming
devices allow the delivery of the annular anchoring structures from
the handling device to the tyre bead-forming machine without the
area--comprised between the storage and the machine--being
obstructed, such area being where the operator positions himself
for inspecting the operation of the machine itself.
[0052] Preferably, the opening is faced on the tyre bead-forming
machine. The access is therefore direct and immediate. In addition,
the operator, physically positioned in the opening or in front of
the same, can examine what occurs in the tyre bead-forming machine
and/or intervene without interfering with moving parts and without
being interposed between the annular anchoring structures still
situated in the storage and other parts of the apparatus/plant.
[0053] In one embodiment, the storage comprises a plurality of
seats, each capable of housing an annular anchoring structure,
organised in at least two groups separated by said opening. The
opening is situated between the groups of annular anchoring
structures and the machine faces the opening in a manner such that
the distance between said annular anchoring structures and said
machine is not excessive, in order to make their conveying to the
machine quick and simple.
[0054] Preferably, the handling device is moveable between said at
least two groups along a path not interfering with said at least
one opening. The handling device is moved around the abovementioned
opening, preferably adjacent to and above the abovementioned
opening. The access of the operator to the tyre bead-forming
machine is possible in safe conditions, even while the handling
device is moved in front of the second side of the storage for
picking up or conveying the annular anchoring structures.
[0055] Preferably, said at least two groups are spaced horizontally
and the handling device is moveable above said opening. For the
movement of the device, the vertical space is used, which is
usually available in industrial plants, without having to occupy
further ground.
[0056] Preferably, said opening has a width comprised between about
1500 mm and about 2500 mm. Preferably, said opening has a height
comprised between about 2200 mm and about 2500 mm. Such dimensions
allow the facilitated passage of the operator in erect position,
even with possible tools.
[0057] In one embodiment, the storage comprises a plurality of
baskets, each capable of housing a plurality of annular anchoring
structures. The organisation in baskets makes it easier to manage
the storage, above all when different annular anchoring structures
are present. Each basket preferably contains about forty annular
anchoring structures. The operator picks up said annular anchoring
structures from a container, in which they are arranged
horizontally on each other and divided by a separator; the operator
loads them one at a time in the respective seats of the
baskets.
[0058] Each basket can be completely or partially loaded.
[0059] Preferably, each basket has a single area for picking up the
annular anchoring structures thereof. The handling device therefore
has only one point of reference for each basket and must not pick
up annular anchoring structures placed in different points. This
makes the picking up operation quicker and more precise.
[0060] Preferably, said single area for picking up is arranged at a
final end of the respective basket. The handling device therefore
has sufficient space to be moved and grasp the annular anchoring
structure without interfering with the other annular structures
and/or other parts of the basket.
[0061] Preferably, said single area for picking up is arranged at
an upper portion of the final end. This allows the handling device
to be moved closer to the annular anchoring structure, from above,
without risks of interference.
[0062] Preferably, the final end of each basket is faced on the
second side of the storage. The handling device, being moved in
front of the second side of the storage, is capable of reaching all
the annular anchoring structures ready to be picked up.
[0063] Preferably, said single area for picking up is unvarying
upon the variation of the characteristics of the annular anchoring
structures. Even with different annular structures (different with
regard to size and structure), the picking up operation is quick
and precise because the handling device always has the same point
of reference for each basket.
[0064] Preferably, each basket comprises devices for moving the
annular anchoring structures towards said single area for picking
up. The annular structures stored in a basket are carried in
succession, one at a time, into the picking up area. The handling
device, being moved in front of the second side of the storage, is
capable of reaching all the annular anchoring structures of the
storage itself.
[0065] Preferably, each basket has a main axis and houses the
annular anchoring structures mutually arranged adjacent and coaxial
to said main axis; the baskets of each group being adjacent to each
other with the main axes thereof parallel. The baskets are arranged
in groups (defining the same number of groups of seats) and
arranged on one or more rows.
[0066] Preferably, each basket is extractable on the first side in
a position for loading the annular anchoring structures. Each
basket can be extracted, preferably manually, from the group
towards the side of the storage opposite that facing the machine
for the formation of the beads. In such area, which is free, the
operator can thus easily proceed with the loading of the basket
itself, before then reinserting it in the group.
[0067] In one embodiment, the storage comprises two groups of
baskets separated by said opening and each of the two groups
comprises at least one pair of baskets formed by a lower basket and
by an upper basket.
[0068] Preferably, each of the two groups comprises a plurality of
pairs thus defined.
[0069] Preferably, the lower basket projects on the second side
with respect to the upper basket. In this manner, the handling
device that descends from above can reach both the final end
(single picking up area) of the upper basket and that of the lower
basket without interferences.
[0070] Preferably, the lower basket is rested on a lower portion of
a framework of said apparatus and, preferably, the upper basket is
hung at an upper portion of a framework of said apparatus. In this
manner, given that there is no support between the lower basket and
the upper basket, the height of the position of the upper basket is
limited, facilitating the operator loading.
[0071] Preferably, the storage comprises a guide disposed above the
baskets, the handling device being moveable on said guide. The
handling device can be moved for the entire width of the storage on
the abovementioned guide and can descend to pick up the annular
anchoring structures from the terminal ends of the baskets.
[0072] Preferably, the guide is disposed above said opening. The
handling device is of overhead type and is mounted on a kind of
portal that delimits the abovementioned opening.
[0073] Preferably the handling device comprises a gripper which can
be moved along three axes. The gripper is in such a manner capable
of being moved in front of the second side of the storage and of
bringing the annular anchoring structures up to the tyre
bead-forming machine.
[0074] Further characteristics and advantages will be clearer from
the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive
embodiment of an apparatus for controlling the management of
annular anchoring structures and of a plant for building tyres for
vehicle wheels, in accordance with the present invention.
[0075] Such description will be set forth hereinbelow with
reference to the set of drawings, provided for merely exemplifying
and hence non-limiting purposes, in which:
[0076] FIG. 1 schematically shows a top view of a plant for
building tyres in accordance with the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a portion of the plant of FIG. 1
with some parts removed in order to better illustrate other
parts;
[0078] FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the portion of FIG. 2
with some parts removed in order to better illustrate other
parts;
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a front elevation view of the portion of FIG. 2
with some parts removed in order to better illustrated other
parts;
[0080] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged element of the plant of FIG. 1;
[0081] FIG. 6 schematically shows, in diameter section, a tyre for
vehicle wheels obtained with the plant of FIG. 1.
[0082] With reference to the abovementioned figures, reference
number 1 indicates overall a plant for building tyres 2 in
accordance with the present invention.
[0083] The plant 1 is set to manufacture tyres 2 (FIG. 6)
essentially comprising at least one carcass ply 3 preferably
internally covered by a layer of impermeable elastic material or
so-called liner 4, two so-called "beads" 5 integrating respective
annular anchoring structures 6 comprising respective bead cores 6a
possibly associated with elastomeric fillers 6b and engaged with
the circumferential edges of the carcass ply 3, a belt structure 7
applied in radially external position relative to the carcass ply
3, a tread band 8 applied in radially external position relative to
the belt structure 7, in a so-called crown area of the tyre 2, and
two sidewalls 9 applied in laterally opposite positions on the
carcass ply 3, each at a lateral area of the tyre 2, being extended
from the corresponding bead 5 to the corresponding lateral edge of
the tread band 8.
[0084] The plant 1 preferably comprises (FIG. 1) a line 10 for
building carcass structures, in which a carcass structure,
comprising at least one of the carcass plies 3 and the annular
anchoring structures 6, is formed on a building drum 11. The line
10 for building carcass structures comprises a device 12 for
building carcass sleeves on the building drums 11. The building
device 12 comprises a plurality of stations 13. For example, a
first station 13 obtains the liner 4, and in at least one second
station 13 of the building device 12 the manufacturing of one or
more carcass plies 3 can be actuated. The line 10 for building
carcass structures further comprises a station 14 dedicated for the
integration of the annular anchoring structures 6 in said at least
one carcass ply 3, through the application of the same annular
anchoring structures 6 in an axially external position relative to
the zones of said at least one carcass ply 3 turned down in the
direction of the rotation axis of said building drum 11, zones
which are subsequently turned up around the annular anchoring
structures 6.
[0085] Downstream of the station 14 for the integration of the
annular anchoring structures 6, further processing stations 13 can
be present, for example for obtaining at least one portion of an
anti-abrasive element or of the sidewalls 9. Devices, not
illustrated, transfer the building drum from one building station
to another.
[0086] The plant 1 further comprises a line 15 for building crown
structures, in which a crown structure, comprising at least the
belt structure 7 and preferably also the tread band 8, is formed on
a forming drum 16. In FIG. 1, a plurality of work stations 17 are
indicated that belong to the aforesaid line 15 for building crown
structures and each dedicated to forming at least one portion of a
component of the tyre 2 on the forming drum 16. The forming drum 16
is sequentially transferred from one station 17 to the subsequent
station 17 by suitable devices, not illustrated. At least one work
station 17 can be dedicated for obtaining the belt structure 7. By
way of example, a work station 17 is preferably predisposed for
obtaining the tread band 8 and/or the sidewalls 9. The plant 1 is
also provided with an assembly and shaping station 18 operatively
associated with the line 10 for building carcass structures and
with the line 15 for building crown structures. In the assembly and
shaping station 18, the carcass structure is toroidally shaped and
associated with the crown structure, in a manner so as to obtain a
green tyre. The green tyres built by the plant are sequentially
transferred to a curing line 19, from which moulded and cured tyres
2 are obtained.
[0087] The station 14 dedicated for the integration of the annular
anchoring structures 6 comprises a storage 20 that houses a
plurality of baskets 21a, 21b, each of which capable of
containing/supporting a plurality (preferably up to several dozen,
e.g. about forty) of annular anchoring structures 6.
[0088] As is more visible in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the baskets 21a, 21b
are arranged in a framework 22 and organised in two groups: a first
group 23 formed by six adjacent pairs of baskets 21a, 21b, wherein
each pair is composed of a lower basket 21a and an upper basket
21b; a second group 24 formed by three adjacent pairs of baskets
21a, 21b, wherein each pair is composed of a lower basket 21a and
an upper basket 21b. In other words, each of the two groups 23, 24
is formed by two superimposed rows of baskets 21a, 21b. The storage
20 has a main extension direction "X-X" along which the baskets
21a, 21b of each row are consecutively arranged. The storage 20 has
a first side 20a and a second side 20b placed on opposite sides of
said main extension direction "X-X". At the first side 20a, a
walking area is present in which an operator "O" can freely
move.
[0089] Each basket 21a, 21b comprises (FIG. 5) support elements 25
adapted to support the annular anchoring structures 6 arranged next
to each other at short distance and coaxial with a common main axis
"Y-Y". A motor 26 is capable of moving the support elements 25 and
the annular anchoring structures 6 carried by them along a
direction parallel to the common main axis "Y-Y", in a manner so as
to carry in succession each of the annular anchoring structures 6
at a final end 27 of the respective basket 21a, 21b.
[0090] The support elements 25 are mounted next to each other on a
belt (or a chain) wound on pulleys (not illustrated) moved by the
motor 26. The belt and the pulleys are carried by an arm 30
parallel to the main axis "Y-Y".
[0091] The belt comprises an upper branch and a lower branch
parallel to the common main axis "Y-Y" and extending for the entire
length of the basket 21a, 21b. When the support elements 25 are
situated on the upper branch, they receive the annular anchoring
structures 6 in seats 28 thereof. The belt, the pulleys and the
motor 26 constitute devices for moving the annular anchoring
structures 6 along the common main axis "Y-Y". Each annular
anchoring structure 6 rests in the respective seat 28 at a radially
internal portion thereof and is therefore hung at the support
element 25. Each support element 25 has abutment elements 29 which,
together with the seats 28, maintain the annular anchoring
structures 6 at a predefined distance from each other along a
common main axis "Y-Y".
[0092] The arm 30 and the motor 26 are mounted on a load-bearing
structure 31 in turn mounted, with the possibility of sliding, on
the framework 22.
[0093] According to that illustrated, the load-bearing structure 31
associated with each of the lower baskets 21a (like that of FIG. 5)
is extended below the basket itself 21a and is rested and slidably
coupled to a base 32 integral with a lower portion of the framework
22 and parallel to the main axis "Y-Y". The load-bearing structure
31 associated with each of the upper baskets 21b (FIG. 3) is
extended above the basket itself 21a and is slidably coupled to an
overhead guide 33 of an upper portion framework 22 and parallel to
the main axis "Y-Y". The baskets 21a, 21b of each group are
adjacent to each other with the main axes "Y-Y" thereof
parallel.
[0094] Each of the baskets 21a, 21b can be moved, by making it
slide with respect to the framework 22 (on the base 32 or on the
overhead guide 33), between a loading position and a work
position.
[0095] In the loading position, the basket 21a, 21b is extracted on
the first side 20a of the storage 20 at the walking area. The
overhead guide 33 is extended up to the walking area and each upper
basket 21b in the loading position can be brought until it is above
such area. The base 22 is not extended on the walking area but each
lower basket 21a can be projectingly extracted until it is over
said area.
[0096] In this position, the operator "O" picks up the annular
anchoring structures from a container (not illustrated), where said
annular anchoring structures are horizontally stacked on each other
and divided by a separator; the operator loads such structures one
at a time in the respective seats 28 of the baskets 21a, 21b. Each
basket 21a, 21b can be completely or partially loaded. The walking
zone therefore constitutes an area for loading the baskets 21a,
21b.
[0097] In the work position, the basket 21a, 21b faces the second
side 20b of the storage 20 and projects slightly beyond the
framework 22. As is more visible in FIG. 3, in the work position,
the final end 27 of the lower baskets 21a projects more than the
final end 27 of the upper baskets 21b.
[0098] Between the first group 23 and the second group 24 of
baskets 21a, 21b, a through free space pass or opening 34 (FIGS. 2
and 4) is delimited, which is opened both on the first side 20a and
on the second side 20b and places such sides in communication.
According to that illustrated in FIG. 4, the opening 34 is further
delimited by two of the columns of the framework 22. Such opening
34 has a passage section such to allow the movement and/or stopping
of the operator "O" possibly provided with work tools. For example,
the opening 34 has a rectangular passage section with a width "L"
comprised between about 1500 mm and about 2500 mm, preferably equal
to about 2000 mm, and a height "H" comprised between about 2200 mm
and about 2500 mm, preferably equal to about 2200 mm.
[0099] The opening 34 preferably allows the operator who is in the
loading area to see from one side to the other through the storage
20.
[0100] The station 14 dedicated for the integration of the annular
anchoring structures 6 comprises a handling device 35 mounted and
moveable on a guide 36 installed on the framework 22. The guide 36
is extended parallel to the main extension direction "X-X" and is
positioned above the framework 22 preferably towards the second
side 20b thereof (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4). The handling device 35 and the
storage 20 form an apparatus for controlling the management of the
annular anchoring structures during the building of the tyre 2.
[0101] The handling device 35 comprises a carriage 37 slidably
mounted on the guide 36 and moveable in translation along the same
by means of a motor, not illustrated. On the carriage 37, a first
arm 38 is installed which can slide with respect to said carriage
37 by means of a motor, not illustrated, along a direction
orthogonal to the guide 36 and parallel to the ground. At one end
of the first arm 38 that projects from the second side 20b of the
storage 20, a second arm 39 is positioned that can slide with
respect to said first arm 38, by means of a motor, not illustrated,
along a vertical direction orthogonal to the guide 36 and to the
first arm 38. On a lower end of the second arm 39, a gripper 40 is
mounted which can rotate, preferably by means of a motor, not
illustrated, around the abovementioned vertical direction. The
gripper 40 is moveable along three axes "X, Y, Z" and rotatable
around the vertical axis "Z". The gripper 40 is moveable in front
of the second side 20b of the storage 20 and can come to grasp and
pick up each of the annular anchoring structures 6 placed at the
final end 27 of each of the baskets 21a, 21b situated in the work
position. In particular, the gripper 40, in order to grasp the
annular anchoring structure 6, comes to be positioned in a
predefined single area 41 for picking up a respective basket 21a,
21b arranged at an upper portion of the final end 27 of said basket
21a, 21b. Since the annular anchoring structure 6 is hung, such
predefined single picking up area 41 does not vary upon the
variation of the type/size of the annular anchoring structure
6.
[0102] The guide 36 passes above the opening 34 and the handling
device 35 is capable of moving the gripper 40 from the first group
23 to the second group 24 of baskets 21a, 21b, making it move above
the opening 34 without interferences with the volume defined by the
opening itself.
[0103] The handling device 35 is sized to carry a maximum load of
about 12 Kg, i.e. the weight of the gripper 40 and of an annular
anchoring structure 6 which is usually comprised between about 0.2
Kg and about 0.7 Kg.
[0104] The station 14 dedicated for the integration of the annular
anchoring structures 6 comprises a tyre bead-forming machine 42
which is positioned in front of the second side 20b of the storage
20 and at the opening 34 which is therefore faced on the machine
itself 42.
[0105] The tyre bead-forming machine 42 has a lower area 43 or work
area, arranged at a base of the machine, which comprises devices 44
for supporting a building drum 11 provided with a carcass sleeve
and bead formation devices 45, illustrated only schematically since
per se known; such devices 44 are adapted to retain, at axially
opposite sides of the building drum 11, a pair of annular anchoring
structures 6, to fit each of said annular anchoring structures 6 on
the opposite terminal zones of said carcass sleeve and to
subsequently turn up the zones around the annular anchoring
structures 6 to form the beads 5. Such lower work area is open
towards the opening 34 or in any case allows an operator situated
in the opening 34 or in front of the opening 34 to see the carcass
sleeve 11 being processed inside the tyre bead-forming machine 42
and to access, by moving through the opening 34, the carcass sleeve
11 positioned in such lower area 43 if necessary.
[0106] The tyre bead-forming machine 42 has an upper area 46,
placed above the lower area 43 at a height about equal to or
greater than the height "H" of the opening 34. The upper area 46
houses receiving devices 47, illustrated only schematically, for
receiving the annular anchoring structures 6 which are conveyed by
the handling device 35. The receiving devices 47 are capable of
retaining and supporting one pair of annular anchoring structures 6
at a time, which are delivered thereto by the handling device 35.
The handling device 35 is operatively active between the second
side 20b and the tyre bead-forming machine 42 and is moveable
between a position for picking up the annular anchoring structures
6 from the storage 20 and a position for releasing the annular
anchoring structures 6 to the receiving devices 47 of the tyre
bead-forming machine 20.
[0107] The tyre bead-forming machine 42 further comprises conveying
devices 48, illustrated only schematically, which provide for
moving the pair of annular anchoring structures 6 retained by the
receiving devices 47 up to the lower area 43 of the tyre
bead-forming machine 42 and releasing them to the bead formation
devices 45.
[0108] The station 14 dedicated for the integration of the annular
anchoring structures 6 comprises a conveyor device 49 which in the
represented embodiment is defined by an anthropomorphic robot arm,
per se known, having a base 50 rested adjacent to the tyre
bead-forming machine 42 on the opposite side with respect to the
storage 20 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The anthropomorphic arm 49 comprises a
gripping end 51 which is capable of grasping, conveying and
releasing a building drum 11. The anthropomorphic arm 49 is
operatively positioned between the tyre bead-forming machine 42 and
the building stations 13 arranged upstream and downstream of said
machine 42 (FIG. 1). More particularly, the anthropomorphic arm 49
is capable of conveying the building drums 11 between the building
station 13 upstream and the tyre bead-forming machine 42 and
between the tyre bead-forming machine 42 and the building station
13 downstream. The anthropomorphic arm 49 is sized to carry a
maximum load of about 350 Kg, i.e. the weight of a building drum 11
which is usually comprised between about 180 Kg and about 220
Kg.
[0109] During use and in accordance with the method according to
the present invention, the operator "O" positioned in the loading
area carries out the manual loading of the annular anchoring
structures 6 in the baskets 21a, 21b of the storage 20 while the
baskets 21a, 21b are situated in the respective extracted position
on the first side 20a of the storage 20 itself.
[0110] Once partly or completely filled, each basket 21a, 21b is
manually reinserted in the work position.
[0111] On the basis of control logics that among other things
account for the type of tyre 2 to be built and the availability of
the annular anchoring structures 6 in the baskets 21a, 21b, the
handling device 35 picks up pairs of annular anchoring structures 6
and delivers them to the receiving devices 47.
[0112] The conveying devices 48 provide for moving the pair of
annular anchoring structures 6 retained by the receiving devices 47
up to the lower area 43 of the tyre bead-forming machine 42 and
releasing them to the bead formation devices 45.
[0113] The conveyor device 49 picks up a building drum 11 provided
with a carcass sleeve from the processing station 13 situated
upstream of the tyre bead-forming machine 42 and delivers it to the
devices 44 for supporting the building drum 11 of the machine
itself 42.
[0114] Here the machine 42 provides for forming the beads 5, in a
per se known manner.
[0115] During the formation of the beads 5, the handling device 35
is already brought back to the second side 20b of the storage 20 in
order to pick up the annular anchoring structures 6 intended for
the subsequent tyre 2.
[0116] The handling device 35, during each movement thereof, does
not move in front of the opening 34 but passes above or adjacent
thereto. In this manner, the operator "O" is capable of visually
inspecting the work area 43 and/or accessing the work area 43
itself during the entire work cycle of the machine 42 or, more
generally, of the station 14 dedicated for the integration of the
annular anchoring structures 6, i.e., during the picking up of the
two annular anchoring structures 6 from the storage 20, the loading
of the two annular anchoring structures 6 on the tyre bead-forming
machine 42, the positioning of the building drum 11 in the tyre
bead-forming machine 42, the extracting of the building drum 11
provided with the beads 5 from the tyre bead-forming machine
42.
* * * * *