Method for centering a tire component

A method for centering a tire component with the use of a centering assembly, wherein the tire component comprises a leading end, a trailing end and a main part between the leading end and the trailing end, wherein the tire component is provided with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge extending at least along the main part, wherein the centering assembly comprises a first conveyor, a second conveyor and a drum, wherein the method comprises the steps of;

• a) placing the tire component on the first conveyor with its leading end facing in a first direction of conveyance defined by the first conveyor;
• b) conveying the tire component from the first conveyor towards the second conveyor in the first direction of conveyance;
• c) determining, at or near the leading end of the tire component, a lateral position of the first longitudinal edge with respect to a second direction of conveyance defined by the second conveyor;
• d) moving the first conveyor transverse to the second direction of conveyance and thereby aligning the first longitudinal edge laterally, at least at the leading end, with respect to the second direction of conveyance along a first edge reference for said first longitudinal edge on the second conveyor;
• e) conveying the tire component from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor in the first direction of conveyance while determining a lateral position of the second longitudinal edge with respect to the second direction of conveyance to thereby determine a lateral center of the tire component between the determined lateral positions of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge as the tire component is conveyed from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor;
• f) conveying the tire component from the second conveyor towards the drum in the second direction of conveyance;
• g) moving the drum laterally with respect to the second direction of conveyance to align a lateral center of a desired application position of the tire component on the drum with the determined lateral center of the tire component;
• and
• h) conveying the tire component from the second conveyor onto the drum for application of the tire component at the desired application position.