Apparatus for detecting and checking defects on a tire at the end of a production process

An apparatus for detecting and checking defects on a tire at the end of a production process, the apparatus comprising a workstation comprising:

• a workbench comprising a rotating table for supporting a tire being tested;
• a profilometer for scanning and detecting a sequence of images referring to the profile of the internal and external surfaces of the tire;
• a high-resolution color linear camera for scanning outer surfaces of tire tread and tire shoulders;
• a mechanical support for the profilometer;
• a mechanical support for the color linear camera;
• a data processor for storing and processing data detected by the profilometer and the color linear camera, for generating a three-dimensional model of the tire, and for management of a database including parameters referring to surface characteristics of defect-free tires;
• an interface for facilitating interaction between an operator and the apparatus;
• wherein the profilometer and the color linear camera are configured to operate simultaneously and perform a full scan of all the profiles of inner and outer surfaces of the tire while the tire is in rotation at a controlled speed on the rotating table;
• wherein the data processor is adapted to define and classify defects detected, by comparing parameters detected by the profilometer and the color linear camera to at least one corresponding parameter of a defect-free tire of a same type as the tire being tested.

A method to perform checking and detecting of surface defects of a tire at the end of a production process by means of the apparatus according to claim 1, where the method comprises the following steps:

• a. removing a tire to test from a production line and positioning the tire to test on the rotating table of the workbench;
• b. operating the mechanical supports for the profilometer and the color camera to position the profilometer and color linear camera for scanning the tire to test;
• c. determining a rotation speed of the rotating table on which the tire is placed, in order to perform its complete 360° scan;
• d. processing the parameters detected by the profilometer and the linear color camera means, and providing a three-dimensional model of the tire on the basis of the parameters detected;
• e. characterizing and classifying surface defects, if detected, by comparison of the parameters detected to at least one corresponding parameter of a defect free tire of the same type as the tire being tested;
• f. stopping and repositioning in the profilometer and linear color camera with respect to starting conditions;
• g. overturning the tire on the rotating table to allow the scanning of remaining unscanned surfaces;
• h. repeating steps b, c, d, and e;
• i. removing the tire and repositioning the tire in a position in the production line that depends on results of the foregoing comparison.