Automated device for gripping and handling a tread for a tire

An automated device for gripping and handling a tread for a tire, wherein this automated device comprises:

• at least one module for pricking said tread,
• a means for moving said pricking module vertically,
• a means for moving said pricking module horizontally in a linear direction of horizontal movement X-X′,
• said pricking module comprising a frame provided with at least one movable pricking assembly and at least one fixed pricking assembly,
• the at least one fixed pricking assembly comprising a flat, horizontal abutment surface formed at the base of said frame, at least two spikes projecting downward from said surface,
• the at least one movable pricking assembly comprising:
• at least one movable pricking plate provided at its base with at least one flat horizontal contact surface from which at least two spikes project, this pricking plate being disposed inside a vertical guiding space formed in said frame, such that the spikes thereof project downward, and this at least one movable pricking plate being freely movable vertically in this space over a limited travel,
• a device for moving said pricking plate vertically from a top position to a bottom position inside said vertical guiding space, which comprises an inflatable sleeve, said pricking plate being disposed inside the vertical guiding space such that the upper end of said pricking plate rests against the inflatable sleeve when the pricking plate is in the bottom position and such that the upper end of said pricking plate deforms said inflatable sleeve when the pricking plate is at a height greater than said bottom position,
• said inflatable sleeve tending to push the pricking plate back downward when the inflatable sleeve is inflated, and
• a device for locking the height position of said plate inside said vertical guiding space.