Laser marking equipment for automobile tires comprises tire conveyer, laser scanner for tire mid-point determination, sensor on swiveling arm for assessing sidewall profile and marking laser on swiveling arm

摘要

Tires(1) of different types are conveyed(2) continuously through the marking unit for determination of the mid-point of each tire by a laser scanner(3). A swiveling arm(4) operating in the X and Y planes is located above the tire with its rotation axis coincident with the tire mid-point. A light sensor(5) on the arm records the height profile of the tire sidewall and compares it with reference profiles. Tire type is therefore determined and a marking position established. The marking laser(6) on a swiveling arm(7) is aligned to the marking position for burning desired data. A light sensor(9) then moves over the marking to check it. The light sensor(5) for determining the marking position and laser(6) for marking the tire are on two different swiveling arms(4,7). Each arm moves independently from the other to align with the mid-points of successive tires and move synchronously with the tires so that tire recognition and marking occur simultaneously. Checking of the marking is done by a further light sensor(9) on the second swiveling arm(7).