EP1235730B1 - Device for separating strips and uses of such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for isolating strips conveyed next to another in lengthwise direction is constituted by at least one separating unit which is extended parallel to a lengthwise axis. Each strip is assigned to one guide and it is inserted and guided by the guides in a plane running essentially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the separating unit and different for neighboring guides. When the strips are inserted into the guides, the guides are adjustable from a starting position, in which the strips have a slight lateral interval, into a separable position, in which a larger interval exists between the strips.

Description

The invention relates to a device for separating of conveyed alongside one another in their longitudinal direction Strips, especially metal strips, with at least one extending in an axial direction Separation unit is equipped, in which each Strip is assigned a guide. such Devices are used to move between the strips create a defined horizontal distance with which the strips are fed to further processing become. This will damage the Avoid strip edges, which otherwise through Touches of the strips that are conveyed side by side can be caused.

Separation is particularly important at Production and processing of metal strips, which for example by slitting using a Slitting shears obtained from a wide metal band be and then in a reel individual coils are coiled. Such from Metal strips also point across Direction of delivery a high inherent rigidity when they have a small thickness. This inherent rigidity on the one hand complicates the creation of a distance between the individual strips across the conveying direction. On the other hand, due to the inherent rigidity of the Even slight contacts between the strips Strips cause considerable damage.

The separation of metal strips is then made more difficult if the strips are separated a short distance apart behind the slitting shear. In this due to the limited use in practice in many cases Available space often occurs are still connected to the uncut sheet Stripes strive for their inherent stiffness to maintain the original conveying direction so that greater forces are applied for the separation have to.

If, on the other hand, the separation becomes too far apart the slitting shear made, so the Not in connection with the still uncut sheet such a strong measure. Instead there is Danger that the strips from the intended Direction of conveyance run out in an uncontrolled manner.

In practice, separation devices are usually used used whose slideways through in their position fixed separating discs are limited. In these guideways are usually the strips inserted by hand. Alternatively, the Streak through a machine-made, back and forth shaking movement of a separating shaft seperate.

Manual separation requires, in particular, the Separation of strips of metal is not just a high physical exertion, but also brings the danger of injuries with it. With the machine-assisted Isolation shows that the isolation result the mechanical reciprocation of the stripes like this is uncertain that the location of the strips by hand needs to be corrected. The latter applies in particular to large strip thicknesses, with which the inherent rigidity of the metallic stripes.

From DE-OS 21 38 088 a device for Separate the beginnings of by slitting from one Metal strip produced strips known in which the The strips are separated automatically working separation unit is carried out. To for this purpose the separation unit is on one common axis movable clamping devices equipped, one at the beginning of each strip assigned. After the beginning of the strip in the Clamping devices are clamped, the Clamping devices moved on the axis at the same time, so that the strip starts like a fan be spread apart. The movement of the Clamping device along the axis is threaded different slope coordinated so that all Strip starts at the same time their separated position to reach.

The advantage of the known ones explained above Device is that it is an automated Separate the strips within a short Working interval enabled. The disadvantage, however, is that in addition a considerable design effort in particular is required for the clamping device. Come in addition, that inserting the beginning of the strip into the Clamping device usually only when the Device can be done. In addition, the known device a significant amount of space, which in many cases available only with difficulty can be put.

In addition to the prior art explained above from FR-A-2 474 006 a device of the entry specified type known, in which the to be separated Stripes on a conveyor track under separating rollers running here. The separating rollers sit frictionally on the surface of the strips and are related to the conveying direction of the strips is aligned obliquely. On in this way, a laterally to the direction of conveyance Streak exerted force that causes the The strips diverge. The distance the Strips separated from each other depends on the inclination of the rollers.

Also the device known from FR-A-2 474 006 allows the strips to be separated. To do this however, considerable forces are required on the Stripes must be applied over the surface. As a result of these loads, damage to the Strip surfaces are unavoidable Invention is a separating device of the kind set out above to create which is simple and a safe, time-saving The strips can be separated. Beyond that advantageous uses of such a device can be specified.

This task is accomplished by a device for separating of conveyed alongside one another in their longitudinal direction Strips, especially metal strips, with at least one extending in an axial direction Separation unit solved, in each strip a leadership is assigned that is form-fitting in it strips in a different one essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the separating unit trending plane leads as each of the neighboring to it arranged guides, the guides at in them additional strips from a Initial position in which the stripes have a slight have lateral distance in a separation position are adjustable in between the strips there is a larger lateral distance.

In a device designed according to the invention it no longer required the strips for the Pinching the separation process in the separating unit. Instead, the strips are form-fitting in guides guided. At the same time, the guides are like this trained that arranged adjacent to each other Stripes are on different levels. To this There is a side contact of the strips and the way associated risk of damage to avoided beforehand. The tours are also like this adjustable that the strips from a Starting position in which it is related to a parallel to the Plane running along the longitudinal axis of the separating device have a small lateral distance, in a Separation can be brought in this Distance to that required for further processing Dimension is enlarged. The guides hold the each stripe so closely enclosed in them that he is safe at least on his edge areas is positively guided.

The positive locking provided in accordance with the invention leadership at different levels The stripe allows the stripes to be removed without the Action of clamping forces loose in the guides of the Keep separating unit. That way they can Beginnings of the strips pushed into the separation unit without interrupting the production process must become. That's how it is when processing strips Metal the standstill of the slitting shear to insert and pinching the beginning of the strip in the Separating device no longer required.

Another significant advantage of the invention The design of a separating device consists in that over the guides on the loose ones in them Beginnings of the strip during the adjustment of the Guided separating process high lateral Forces can be applied. In this way the invention also enables safe isolation of metal strips that are thicker and taller Have inherent rigidity.

In practice, the invention can then be implemented in a simple manner can be realized if two levels are provided in which each have strips, and one of each Guides the assigned strip in one Plane leads, while in the axial direction of the Separation unit for this tour next neighboring guide the assigned strip leads in the other level. With such a designed device are two different Conveying planes specified, the strips across to their Direction of conveyance seen in alternating sequence assigned. This allows for a simple Structure of the device a safe separation of the To make strips.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the Separating unit two rotatable axially arranged supported waves, between which the strips are guided, the guides for the strips on the respective waves are formed and in the circumferential direction the waves run. In this configuration, the Circumferential surfaces of a shaft each cover the open side of the on the other shaft trained guides. This way is for everyone Strips formed a guide gap between the shafts in which the strips are safely guided. The danger of one Breaking the strips out of the guide due to This eliminates twisting or the like.

In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the guides in the manner of threaded sections with each trained on an incline and the waves in opposite directions are driven. With such a design The device according to the invention can pass through the strips Turn the shaft or the one assigned to it Guides are moved to their isolated position. It is particularly advantageous if starting from a first guide with the smallest slope the slope of each following in the axial direction of the waves Leadership is greater than the slope of the to her in Direction of the first tour next to the next tour. This allows the strips to be made according to the Slope of the guide assigned to them from an initial position with a single rotation the waves into their final isolation position bring. The fact that the slopes of the in Axial direction of the shaft successive guides compared to the previous one, the circumstance Taken into account that the amount by which the strips from the non-separated position in each case transversely to their Direction of conveyance are shifted with increasing distance the strip in question from that as a reference point selected, least shifted stripes as well must increase by an even spacing of the strips at the end of separation.

This is an advantageous variant of the invention characterized in that the guides of the separation unit Separation segments are formed. At this The strips are designed in guides by independently positionable elements of the Starting position brought into the separated position. Here are the existing ones on the singling segments Guides in turn designed so that they match each other adjacent strips each in different levels are promoted.

Appropriate for the use of rotary shafts The alternative in this context is that the Separation segments in the manner of sliding blocks trained and in the axial direction of the separation unit are movably guided. The special advantage of Use of sliding blocks guided in this way exists in that relative movements between the strips and the contact surface of the guide assigned to them largely avoided during the separation process can. Large adjustment ranges with simplified at the same time Structure and small space required for the adjustment necessary drives can thereby be made possible that the separation elements on different guideways are distributed.

It is also useful if the Separating unit a first operating position, in which the strips lie loosely in their guides, and one second operating position in which the strips are jammed in the guides. This configuration the invention makes it possible to start the strip without Lose time loosely into the separator and then clamp in the guides. This is for example, advantageous if the separating device according to the invention from a Starting position in which the The beginning of the strip takes place in a transfer position is movable, in which the strips, for example a reel device to be handed over. The loose and only form-fitting during the push-in process led strip starts can be done safely this way be fed for further processing, whereby it is also is possible to separate during the to carry out the transfer process.

The risk of damage to the strips, in particular from their edges, can be avoided that the free edges of the guides at least in the area in which they come into contact with the strips are chamfered. The chamfering can, for example be carried out in the form of a rounding or flattening. If the guides are designed as threaded sections , it is convenient if the angle of the chamfer is on the respective pitch of the threaded section so is agreed that an essentially exclusive Line contact between the stripe and the chamfer takes place. By such a dimensioning of the Chamfer angle can damage the strip edge or surface by cutting into the strip Edges of the guides can be safely avoided.

The invention enables with little expenditure on equipment and low building requirements a safe, reliable Separation of strips. One is suitable device according to the invention due to the simplicity of Structure of the separation unit, especially for automatic adjustment to changing operating conditions, such as when changing the widths of the processed strip.

A first advantageous use of a The device according to the invention is that a such device in the outlet of a device for Slitting a band, especially one Metal strip, in a variety of side by side in Longitudinal conveyed strip is. Here, in Dependence on the structural conditions and the Requirements that are determined by the type of Further processing of the strips result in Separating device can be arranged stationary. However, it can also be useful if the Device for separating the strips from one transfer position in which they are to be separated Strip takes over into a singling position is movable in which the separation of the strips he follows.

Furthermore, a device according to the invention can be also advantageous for transporting strips, in particular of metal strips, with which the strips of a device in which the strips through Longitudinal parts of a band are generated to one Device are transported in which a The strips are further processed.

Fig. 1

ein in einer Vorrichtung zum Vereinzeln von Metallstreifen eingesetztes Wellenpaar in einer ersten Betriebsstellung;

Fig. 1a

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt A der Fig. 1;

Fig. 2

das Wellenpaar gemäß Fig. 1 in einer zweiten Betriebsstellung.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment. Each shows in a frontal partial view:

Fig. 1

a pair of shafts used in a device for separating metal strips in a first operating position;

Fig. 1a

an enlarged section A of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2

1 in a second operating position.

The one shown in the figures, consisting of two shafts 1, 2 Separation unit N formed is not part of another shown device for horizontal separation of Stripes S1 - S12, which by dividing one not steel strip shown in a also not slitting shears shown have been produced.

The device for separating the strips S1 - S12 is arranged for example in the outlet of the slitting shear.

Alternatively, it can also be on a not shown Transfer device can be arranged. By means of a Such establishment can begin the streak S1 - S12 in a reel device, not shown transferred in which they are wound into coils become. The advantage of this configuration is that that the time required for the transfer for the Separation of strips S1 - S12 can be used.

Each of the shafts 1, 2 is on its one, in FIGS. 1, 2 shown half with separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210, which are in the axial direction X successively on the respective wave 1 or 2 are postponed and suitable, not shown Fasteners detachable and non-rotatable with the relevant shaft 1,2 are connected. The distance between the individual separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 is in the X axis direction Spacers 3.4 set. A corresponding number of separation segments V10 - V110, not shown or V20 - V210 is 1.2 on the other half of the shafts arranged in the same way.

The advantage of equipping the shafts 1, 2 with the separating elements V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 using spacers 3,4 is that such separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 as independent components with little effort precisely prefabricated and manual or automatic according to the respective strip program on the Shaft 1,2 can be attached. It is special Favorable if the separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 are detachably connected to shaft 1,2. This enables the separation unit N within a short time Time at changed widths of strips S1 - S12 adapt. The latter applies in particular because due to the detachable fastening the distance of the Separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 can be easily adjusted. By the respective distance between the separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 through the spacers 3.4 is also ensured that even when high cornering forces occur in In the course of the separation a safe, precise position Strips S1 - S12 are separated.

Each separation segment V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 has a first radially circumferential contact surface 5, which on one side by a free, radial circumferential edge 6 of the respective separation segment V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 is limited. Here are the Separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 respectively arranged in pairs P10 - P14 or P20 - P24 such that the free edges 6 are assigned to each other, which the first contact surfaces 5 of the respective pair P10-P14 or P20 - P24 assigned separation segments V10 - Limit V110 or V20 - V210 on the side.

On its other side, the first contact surface 5 is the Separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 through a side wall 7 of a circumferential collar 8 limited. Each of the pairs has P10 - P14 or- P20 - P24 the side walls 7 of the respective Assign pair P10 - P14 or P20 - P24 Separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 each other opposite and have a parallel, like a Screw course trained course, the lateral walls 7 of the shaft 2 assigned Separation segments V20 - V210 opposite to the side walls 7 of the associated with the first shaft 1 Separation segments V10 - V110 are formed.

In this way, the side walls 7 and 7 form first contact surfaces 5 of each of the pairs P10 - P14 or P20 - P24 assigned separation segments V10 - V110 and V20 - V210 each have a guide F10 - F14 or F20 - F25, each with its own, different from the Gradients s10 - s14 or s20 - s25 of the other Guides F10 - F14 or F20 - F25 differentiating Slope s10 - s14 or s20 - s25.

In the area of the collar 8, the separating segments have V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 have a diameter D1, which is larger than the diameter D2 Separation segments V10 - V110 or V20 - V210 in Area of the first contact surface 5. The peripheral surface of the Collar 8 forms a second radially circumferential Contact surface 9 through which the respective strip S1 - S12 in the on the opposite shaft 1 or 2 trained guides F10 - F14 or F20 - F25 held is.

In this way the strips S1 - S12 are between the Shafts 1,2 in alternating order in conveyor columns R10, R20 in two conveyor levels E1, E2, which run in parallel to the axes of rotation W1, W2 of the shafts 1,2 and likewise extending parallel to these axes of rotation W1, W2 Longitudinal axis L of the separation unit N run. there guides F10 - F14 of shaft 1 guide the Strip S1, S3, S5, S7, S9, S11 assigned to conveyor level E1, while the guides F20 - F25 the strips S2, S4, S6, S8, S10, S12 lead that assigned to the second funding level E2 are.

The free edge 10 between each side wall 7 and the bearing surface 9 assigned to this wall 7 is with provided a phase in the form of a flattening (Fig. 1a). This prevents the otherwise sharp free edge due to the in the course of the separation process applied side forces in the respective strips S1 - S12 cuts.

The slope s10 - s14 or s20 - s25 of the guides F10 - F14 or F20 - F25 starts from the next one Shaft center 1a of shafts 1, 2 arranged guide F10 or F20 in the direction of the respective shaft end 1b, 2b. For example, the guide F11 has a smaller one Slope s11 than that in the direction of the shaft end 1b their next neighboring guide 12 is the same the slope s21 of the guide F21 is greater than the slope s20 you in the direction of the shaft center 1a next tour F20. At the same time it is The slope s20 of the guide F20 is smaller than the slope s10 the guide F10 which is arranged closer to the shaft ends 1a Wave 1, which in turn is smaller than the slope s21 the next following in the direction of the shaft ends 1a Leadership F21 of wave 2 etc. The amount by which the Gradients s10 - s14 or s20 - s25 of the guides F10 - F25 compared to the next smallest Gradients s10 - s14 or s20 - s25 increase consistently. Here is the increase in thread pitch of the individual guides F10 - F25 compared to the respective next neighboring tour F10 - F25 chosen so that starting from the starting position at maximum Rotational position of the shafts 1,2 the desired distance between the strips S1 - S12 in the separated Position is reached.

For this purpose, the shafts 1, 2 are in bearings that are not shown rotated in opposite directions and can also by means Not shown drives from their in Fig. 1st illustrated first operating position, in which the Stripes S1 S12 are not isolated, in the in Fig. 2nd shown second operating position are transferred in which the strips S1 - S12 separated in their Position. The direction of rotation and Rotational speed of the shafts 1,2 during the Separation process on the conveying direction and Conveying speed of strips S1 - S12 adjusted, see above that the resulting relative speeds on a Minimum are reduced.

By means of drives, also not shown, the Shafts 1,2 for inserting the beginning of strips S1 - S12 be moved apart in the radial direction. As well their center distance can be changed so that the Stripes S1 - S12 in the guide columns R10, R20 are trapped.

In an open position, not shown driven shaft 1 are from the slitting shear upcoming beginnings of strips S1 - S12 automatically the contact surfaces assigned to the guides F10 - F25 5, 9 arranged below the first shaft 1 second wave 2 passed. Then wave 1 lowered so that that shown in Fig. 1 Operating position is reached. In this are the Stripes S1 - S12 in which they are assigned Guides F10 - F25 arranged.

Then the shafts 1, 2 are rotated in opposite directions. Along with this twist, the respective Stripes S1 - S12 corresponding to the slope s10 - s14 or s20 - s25 of the respective guide F10 - F14 or F20 - F25 starting from that assigned to the shaft center 1a Strip S1 moved in the direction of the shaft ends 1b, 2b. With At the end of the rotation, they are even spaced in their separated positions (Fig. 2). The one between strips S1 - S12 is real distance reached in the separation position depending on the size of the rotation of the shafts 1,2 angle of rotation traveled.

As an alternative to inserting the beginning of the strip at raised upper shaft 1 can the beginnings of Strips S1 - S12 also automatically into the guide column R10, R20 are pushed between the shafts 1,2.

Of course, it is also not mandatory necessary, the waves 1,2, as in the present example explained to drive in opposite directions. With appropriate Design of the guides F10 - F25 can also be synchronous drive of the shafts 1,2 are provided.

Clamping the beginning of the strip in the guide gaps R10, R20 during the separation process or afterwards this can be useful if the separation unit N after insertion and separation of the beginning of the strip for further processing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.2

waves

1a

shaft center

1b, 2b

shaft end

3.4

spacer

5

bearing surface

6

edge

7

wall

8th

collar

9

bearing surface

D1

diameter

D2

diameter

E1, E2

conveying planes

F10 - F14, F20 - F25

guide

L

Longitudinal axis of the separation unit

N

separating unit

P10 - P14, P20 - P24

pairs

R10, R20

conveyor column

S1 - S12

strip

s10 - s14, s20 - s25

slopes

V10 - V110, V20 - V210

separating segments

W1, W2

Axes of rotation of the shafts 1,2

X

axially

Claims (15)

1. Device for separating from one another strips (S1 - S12), and particularly metal strips, which are fed in their longitudinal direction next to one another, the device having at least one separating unit (N) extending in an axial direction (X) in which each strip (S1 - S12) has a respective guide (F10 - F25) assigned to it, characterised in that, for the purpose of positive interengagement, each guide (F10 - F25) guides the strip (S1 - S12) which is resting in it in a different plane (E1 - E2), extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the separating unit (N), from each of the guides (F10 - F25) arranged adjacent to it, the guides (F10 - F25) also being displaceable, with strips (S1 - S12) resting in them, from an initial position in which the strips (S1 - S12) are at a small lateral spacing, to a separating position in which a greater lateral spacing is present between the strips (S1 - S12).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that two planes (E1, E2) in which strips (S1 S12) are respectively guided are provided, and in that individual ones (F10, F11, F12, ...) of the guides guide the strips (S1, S3, S5 ...) which are assigned to them in one plane (E1) , whereas the guides (F20, F21, F22, ...) in the axial direction (X) of the separating unit (N) which are respectively most closely adjacent to the individual ones (F10, F11, F12, ...) of the guides guide the strips (S2, S4, S6, ...) assigned to them in the respective other plane (E2).
3. Device according to either of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the separating unit (N) comprises two rotatably mounted shafts (1, 2) arranged with their axes parallel to one another, between which shafts (1, 2) the strips are guided, and in that the guides (F10 - F15, F20 - F25) for the strips (S1 - S12) are formed on respective ones of the shafts (1, 2) and extend in the circumferential direction of the shafts (1, 2).
4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the guides (F10 - F25) are in the form of portions of thread of respective pitches (s10 - s25), and in that the shafts (1, 2) are actuated in opposite directions of rotation.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that, starting from a first guide (F20) which is of the smallest pitch (s20), the pitch (s10 - s25) of each succeeding guide (F10 - F25) in the axial direction (X) of the shafts (1, 2) is in each case larger than the pitch (s10 - s25) of the guide (F10 - F25) which is most closely adjacent thereto in the direction of the first guide (F20).
6. Device according to one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the guides (F10 - F25) of the separating unit (N) are formed on separating sectors (V10 - V110, V20 - V210).
7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that the separating sectors (V10 - V110, V20 - V210) are guided to be movable in the axial direction (X) of the separating unit (N) after the fashion of slide blocks.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that the separating sectors (V10 - V110, V20 - V210) are divided among different guideways.
9. Device according to one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the separating unit has a first operating position in which the strips (S1 - S12) rest loose in their guides (F10 - F25) and a second operating position in which the strips (S1 - S12) are held clamped in the guides (F10 - F25).
10. Device according to one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the free edges of the guides are chamfered, at least in the region in which they come into contact with the strips.
11. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that the chamfering is in the form of a rounding or flatting.
12. Device according to claim 4 and either of claims 10 or 11, characterised in that the angle of the chamfering is matched to the individual pitches (s1 - s15) of the portions of thread in such a way that between the chamfering and the particular strip there is a substantially exclusively line contact.
13. Device for dividing a parent strip, and particularly a metal parent strip, longitudinally into a plurality of strips (S1 - S12) with are fed in the longitudinal direction next to one another, characterised in that a device for separating the strips (S1 - S12) from one another according to one of claims 1 to 9 is arranged at the outlet thereof.
14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that the device for separating the strips (S1 - S12) from one another can be shifted from a transfer position in which it takes over the strips (S1 to S12) to be separated from one another to a separating position in which the separation of the strips (S1 - S12) from one another take place.
15. Device for transporting strips, and particularly metal strips, from a device in which the strips are produced by dividing a parent strip longitudinally to a device in which further processing of the strips takes place, characterised in that the device for transporting the strips (S1 - S12) is fitted with a device for separating the strips (S1 - S12) from one another according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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