EP3341143B1 - Straightening machine with a modular interchangeable casette system - Google Patents

Description

The invention is directed to a straightening machine with associated straightening roller drive, comprising an upper bearing frame and a lower bearing frame, in which a plurality of straightening rollers and support rollers are mounted like a cassette and interchangeably arranged.

In the processing of flat material, such as flat steel or non-ferrous metal sheet, the required manufacturing steps usually include straightening to produce flat and low-stress (steel) strips or sheets. When straightening the material is bent several times with or without train in leveling machines using straightening rollers to produce the desired straightening effect. When straightening flat products, the product is usually passed between a group of upper and lower straightening rollers and plastically deformed by appropriate adjustment of the upper and lower straightening rollers. In order to achieve the respective desired plastic deformation, it requires a bending radius, which is different depending on the strip thickness or sheet thickness and yield strength of the product or material to be straightened or can be and which is realized in each case by means of suitable roll diameter, roller pitches and roller immersion depths. In this case, the smaller the roll diameter is formed, the greater the possible plastic deformation of the product or material. However, in a straightening machine not arbitrarily small roles can be used, as on the one hand, the bending forces may not be recorded and on the other hand, the required process moments for displaying the forming work may not be made available with the help of small straightening rollers due to excessive mechanical stress , This is the reason that for a given roll diameter, given roll pitch, which is the center distance between two adjacent rolls, and given depth of immersion as well the given or desired plastic deformation in each case only a defined product spectrum or material spectrum can be directed, which depends on the respective product thickness and its yield strength. In order to make straightening machines relatively flexible and adaptable to different products, it is known from the prior art to use straightening machines with exchangeable cassettes and different roll diameters.

Such a generic straightening machine is from the EP 1 584 384 B1 known. This document discloses a straightening machine comprising a motorized drive unit and a main gearbox connected therewith in drive, wherein exchangeable exchangeable cassettes can be connected to the main gearbox in their entirety, which exchangeable cassettes each have straightening rollers with different sized diameters and different straightening roller numbers. In addition, the exchangeable removable cassette with straightening rollers, which have a small straightening roller diameter, a single, integrated in the removable cassette intermediate gear, which is coupled to the main gear of the straightening machine. Replacement cassettes are used, each of which is equipped with a fixed set of straightening and support roller combinations, tool set. It is in each case the entirety of an upper bearing frame or a lower bearing frame existing straightening rollers and support rollers replaced. In this respect, it is known from the prior art to replace a complete set of straightening rollers and support rollers by means of a removable cassette.

An alternative to changing a complete set by means of a removable cassette is in the WO 2008/145355 A1 described. This document discloses the change of each individual straightening rollers of a leveler. If necessary, upper and lower pairs can be changed together.

Furthermore, today's sheet metal producers are confronted with the requirement that a large spectrum of metal sheets or strips of very different dimensions and strengths, in small as well as large batch sizes, have to be manufactured. As a result, the straightening machines required for this have to cover a large straightening range. In order to cover large straightening area, differently sized straightening roll diameters and / or different sized divisions must be used in the straightening machines in order to achieve optimum straightening results. This can be basically with the exchange cassette straightening machines, such as those in the EP 1 584 384 A1 are described, each with fixed predetermined tool sets, ie, with fixed predetermined combinations of straightening rollers and support rollers, equipped, reach, but without the flexibility appropriate for today's production conditions. In order to be able to judge a large range of dimensions and strengths with a straightening machine, however, a large number of different exchangeable cassette sets must be kept ready. If necessary, even more straightening machines must be provided in order to be able to optimally adapt the requirements to a respective product to be straightened, ie to thin, medium or thick sheets.

Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide existing straightening machines with respect to the realizable straightening range, i. to expand the product dimensions to be processed, and in particular to enable cost-effective and rapid machine conversion.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a solution that provides an improved adaptability of a leveler to different judge requirements and Richtbereiche.

In a straightening machine of the type described in more detail, this object is achieved by that, the entirety of each arranged in the upper and / or the lower bearing frame straightening rollers and support rollers is divided into a plurality of modularly matched and each designed in the manner of an exchangeable removable cassette straightening roller segments, each straightening roller segment comprises at least one layer of support rollers and at least one associated straightening roller.

Advantageous developments and expedient embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention therefore proposes to provide a modular straightening tool (modular straightening roller segment) within a lower and / or upper cassette or an upper and / or lower bearing frame in order to ensure cost-effective and rapid machine conversion for expanding or adapting the straightening area of the straightening machine. In this case, the respective modular straightening tool or the respective tool module consists of a modular segment which is designed in the manner of an exchangeable exchangeable cassette, wherein each straightening roller segment has at least one layer of support rollers and at least one associated straightening roller. The respective straightening roller segments thus form modular segments which each form a tool module, the upper and / or lower bearing frame representing the tool carrier. This makes it possible to equip the upper and / or the lower bearing frame with a variable number of modular straightening roll segments or tool modules alternately and interchangeably, each consisting of Straightening roller and back-up roller combinations with different diameters, pitches, roll materials and each for optimum adaptation to each to be performed Richt task, in particular the respectively to be addressed material selected. It is possible to replace only individual modular straightening roller segments or even all straightening roller segments of a bearing frame and thereby convert the straightening machine accordingly.

Due to the modular design, it is also possible to realize a large variety of different straightening roller segment combinations in a straightening machine and thereby to provide a significantly improved adaptability of the straightening machine to different Richter requirements and Richtbereiche. In this case, it is also possible to significantly expand the entire straightening range of the straightening machine by suitable selection of the respective straightening roller segments with regard to the associated selection of a gradation of straightening roller diameters and the division thus realized. It is also possible, by means of a skilful selection of straightening rollers actively involved in the straightening process, to equip a straightening machine adapted to the respectively desired technological requirements of the straightening process, thereby improving straightening quality. Also, in cases where only a straightening roller of straightening machine equipment is worn, only the straightening roller having this module can be replaced. It is then no longer necessary to replace the complete set straightening complete set of straightening machine.

The loading of a straightening machine can therefore depend on the sheet metal parameters and tool load history, i. the straightening roller load history, done. Individual straightening rolls of a straightening machine are subjected to varying degrees of stress during the straightening process, so that their service lives are different. Here then the particularly heavily loaded tool can be replaced. However, it is also possible within the scope of a changeover routine to carry out a cyclical exchange of different, similarly constructed modules to a specific position within the upper and / or lower bearing frame of the straightening machine.

Another advantage of the invention is that now only smaller in terms of weight units have to be replaced in a straightening machine. This makes it possible to work with crane capacities that have a lower load capacity than those that would be necessary if any Straightening rolls comprehensive complete set of a straightening machine as a whole would have to be replaced. Likewise, the space required for a single modular straightening roller segment is less than for a complete set of straightening rollers. The low weight and the smaller dimension of a modular straightening roller segment compared to a complete set of straightening rollers and / or support rollers now also makes it possible to set up tool centers or machining centers, if necessary.

• Reduzierung der Transportgewichte und Abmessungen der Werkzeugmodule;
• Optimale Konfiguration der Richtwerkzeuges an das zu richtende Produkt;
• Erweiterbare und an Veränderungen des mit der Richtmaschine zu bearbeitenden Produktionsprogrammes anpassbare Richtwalzen/Stützwalzen-Kombinationen;
• Verringerung der Investitionskosten gegenüber einer Kassettenlösungen mit einem Wechsel von Komplettsätzen;
• Minimierung der Rüstzeiten durch den modularen Aufbau der Richt-/Stützrolleneinheiten;
• Durch zyklischen Wechsel der Richt-/Stützrolleneinheiten innerhalb der Kassette kann die Lebensdauer/Standzeit der Werkzeuge vereinheitlicht werden.

Overall, the following advantages can be achieved with the invention:

• Reduction of transport weights and dimensions of the tool modules;
• Optimum configuration of the straightening tool to the product to be straightened;
• Expandable straightening rollers / back-up roller combinations adaptable to changes in the production program to be processed by the straightening machine;
• Reduction of investment costs compared to cassette solutions with a change of complete sets;
• Minimization of set-up times due to the modular design of the straightening / support roller units;
• By cyclically changing the straightening / supporting roller units within the cassette, the service life / tool life of the tools can be standardized.

In an embodiment, the invention provides that the modularly matched straightening roller segments are formed individually or in groups interchangeable and arranged in the upper and / or lower bearing frame. This ensures that a complete, at least comprehensive flexibility is ensured with regard to the positioning of individual straightening roller segments.

In order to equip the leveler particularly flexible interchangeable with straightening rollers at different positions, it is advantageous according to the invention, if both the totality of arranged in the upper bearing frame and the entirety of the arranged in the lower bearing frame straightening rollers and support rollers in several modular arranged and matched in the manner of an exchangeable removable cassette straightening roller segments is arranged.

In order to be able to provide a good adaptation to different Richter requirements and straightening ranges, it is furthermore expedient that the entirety of the straightening rollers and support rollers arranged in each case in the upper and / or the lower bearing frame be divided into identical or differently dimensioned types of modular straightening roller segments and / or exchangeable cassettes is what the invention also provides.

It is also useful to use different types of modular straightening roller segments, so that the invention further provides that the entirety of each arranged in the upper and / or lower bearing frame straightening rollers and support rollers with respect to the respective straightening and / or support roller diameter and / or respect the respective straightening roller and / or support roller number is divided differently with straightening rollers and / or support rollers equipped types of modular straightening roller segments and / or exchangeable cassettes.

It is particularly advantageous if the individual modular straightening roller segments each form an exchangeable cartridge and are each matched to one another in such a way that, in their entirety, they form an exchangeable cartridge system formed of mutually replaceable exchangeable cartridges. The invention is therefore further characterized in that the individual modular straightening roller segments individually or in groups forming interchangeable changeable cassettes of a removable cassette system.

Such an exchangeable cassette system can comprise differently dimensioned types of modular straightening roller segments and / or exchangeable cassettes, which the invention also provides.

In this case, the exchangeable cassette system can comprise different types of modular straightening roller segments and / or exchangeable cassettes with different straightening roller and / or support roller diameters and / or with respect to the respective straightening roller and / or support roller number with straightening rollers and / or support rollers, whereby the invention continues to be distinguished.

In order to be able to record operating data and wear conditions and to be able to determine and determine service lives and necessary change cycles of straightening rollers, the invention finally also provides that they have means for detecting and / or storing material parameters of the material to be straightened and / or means for detecting and / or storing process parameters acting on each modular straightening roll segment during a straightening process and / or state parameters that adjust themselves after a straightening process on each modular straightening roll segment.

The modularly matched straightening roller segments are each exchangeable, complex elements of the straightening machine, each of which forms a closed functional unit and thus a "module straightening roller segment".

Fig. 1

in schematischer Seitenansicht den Aufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Richtmaschine aus modularen Richtwalzensegmenten,

Fig. 1a

in schematischer Seitenansicht ein modulares Richtwalzensegment in Seitenansicht in Bearbeitungsrichtung der Richtmaschine betrachtet,

Fig. 2

Ausführungsbeispiele möglicher Werkzeugumrüstungen durch Austausch von modularen Richtwalzensegmenten,

Fig. 3

in schematischer Darstellung verschiedene Anordnungen unterschiedlicher Richtwalzensegmentkombinationen im unteren Lagerrahmen,

Fig. 4

in schematischer Darstellung verschiedene Kombinationen an modularen Richtwalzensegmenten im oberen Lagerrahmen,

Fig. 5

ein Flussbild zur Erfassung und Verwendung ermittelter Verfahrensparameter und/oder Zustandsparameter und

Fig. 6

in schematischer Darstellung die Anordnung einer erfindungsgemäßen Richtmaschine mit zugeordneter Werkzeugbearbeitungsstation.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawing. This shows in

Fig. 1

in a schematic side view of the structure of a straightening machine according to the invention of modular straightening roller segments,

Fig. 1a

in a schematic side view of a modular straightening roller segment viewed in side view in the machining direction of the straightening machine,

Fig. 2

Embodiments of possible tool conversions by replacement of modular straightening roller segments,

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of different arrangements of different straightening roller segment combinations in the lower bearing frame,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of various combinations of modular straightening roller segments in the upper bearing frame,

Fig. 5

a flowchart for the detection and use of determined process parameters and / or state parameters and

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of the arrangement of a leveler according to the invention with associated tool processing station.

The Fig. 1 shows a generally designated 1 straightening machine comprising an upper bearing frame 2 and a lower bearing frame 3. Arranged in the upper bearing frame 2 are three straightening roller segments 4, 5 and 6 which are modularly matched and designed in each case in the manner of an exchangeable changeable cassette, onto which the entirety of the straightening rollers 7 and support rollers 8 arranged in the upper bearing frame 2 are divided. The three modular ones Straightening roller segments 4, 5, 6 are formed uniformly in this embodiment and each have both the same number of straightening rollers 7 and support rollers 8 as well as those with identical diameters. In the modular straightening roll segment 4, the straightening roll 2 'is arranged in the straightening roll segment 5, the straightening roll 4' and in the straightening roll segment 6 the straightening roll 6 '.

In the lower bearing frame 3 four modularly matched and each designed in the manner of an exchangeable removable cassette straightening roller segments 9, 10, 11 and 12 are arranged. In this case, in turn, distributes the totality of arranged in the lower bearing frame 3 straightening rollers 7 and back-up rollers 8. Also in this case, the straightening rollers 7 of the respective modular straightening roller segments 9-12 have the same diameter and are in the same number in a respective modular straightening roller segment 9-. 12 formed. Similarly, the modular straightening roller segments 9-12 are equipped with support rollers 8, each with the same diameters and in the same number. If now a change with respect to one or more straightening rollers 7 and support rollers 8 takes place, the individual modules 4-6 and 9-12 can be exchanged and replaced independently of one another. As a result, the straightening machine 1 can be adapted to different judge requirements.

The Fig. 1a shows a schematic side view of a modular lower straightening roller segment 9 viewed in side view in the machine direction 40. It can be seen how each one straightening roller 7 is supported by a plurality of support rollers 8.

The Fig. 2 shows a lower bearing frame 3, wherein the modular straightening roller segments 10 and 11 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 have been replaced by four half-width straightening roller segments 13-16. Also, the modular straightening roller segments 13-16 are identical to each other, but in relation to the straightening roller segments 9 and 12 but significantly smaller roller and roller diameter.

In the left part of Fig. 2 is now shown in phantom that individual modules, here exemplified by the modules 12 and 15, can be replaced as part of a tool conversion. But it can also be replaced several straightening roller segments in groups, as shown in the middle picture of the Fig. 2 is shown in dash-dotted representation. The developed straightening roller segments 13-16 are replaced by straightening roller segments 17-19 to be installed. The right part of the image Fig. 2 shows a cyclic exchange of individual modular straightening roller segments 13-16. Here, the straightening roller segment 13 is removed, the straightening roller segments 14-16 then slide in the lower bearing frame 3 to close the gap formed by the removed straightening roller segment 13 up to the straightening roller segment 9 zoom. Thereafter, the straightening roller segment 13 is inserted again into the gap then formed on the side of the straightening roller segment 12. In this way, the individual straightening roller segments 13-16 can be brought to positions which are exposed to different mechanical stresses during straightening of a sheet metal material guided by the straightening machine. As a result, a uniform wear of the straightening rollers of the straightening roller segments 13-16 can be achieved.

The Fig. 3 shows by way of example several possible combinations of different modular straightening roller segments 9-21 in their arrangement in the lower bearing frame 3. In an analogous manner, the Fig. 4 in a schematic representation of different arrangements and combinations of modular straightening roller segments 4-6 and 22-30 in the upper bearing frame second

From the Figures 3 and 4 It can be seen that not only different sized rollers and / or rollers can be combined as desired, but also the pitches (center distances) are variable depending on the pairing.

In a manner not shown, the individual straightening roll segments can also be moved vertically upwards or downwards with respect to the sheet metal material passing through the straightening machine so that they are not in continuous mechanical contact with the sheet material to be processed, as is fundamentally known from sheet metal working by straightening machines , In this respect, it is possible to vary the respective active number of straightening rollers 7 without having to exchange individual modular straightening roller segments.

In the Fig. 5 is shown schematically how the processing of the detected state parameter "straightening rollers actual diameter" and the detected process parameters "sheet metal data acquisition: temperature, strength, thickness" can be used to help with the help of stored data and a computer unit and a storage unit automated assistance and display whether on the one hand the correct tool combination, ie the required in the current case for the achievement of the desired Richtergebnisses combination of modular straightening rolls, set and is present and whether they also have the necessary condition parameters, ie, for example, sufficient straightening roll diameter. Before the metal-straightening process then starts, this is checked and in the event that the existing combination of modular straightening roll segments should be found to be insufficient or accurate, a tool change or exchange of individual modular straightening roll segments is made. Only then does the sheet metal straightening process begin.

The Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of a leveler 1 according to the invention with associated straightening roller drive 31, which comprises a main drive 32 and a master gear 33 and drive trains 34. On the opposite side of the straightening roller drive 31 a tool processing station 35 is arranged, which comprises a grinding machine 36, a reserve of modular straightening roller segments with straightening roller sets 37 and a tool construction with crane track 38.

The modular straightening roller segments 4-6 and 9-30 are relative to the measured in the machining direction 40 of a sheet to be processed frame width 41 of the lower bearing frame 3 or the frame width 42 of the upper bearing frame 2 depending on their location in the upper bearing frame 2 or in the lower bearing frame. 3 with respect to their respective width 43, 44 so modular matched to one another that at a position defined by the respective width 43, 44 or a multiple of a respective width 43, 44 position a modular straightening roller segment or more modular straightening roller segments can be placed. In this case, it is of course also possible for the cases in which a certain position is to be released to use corresponding blocks there, which are not equipped with straightening rollers 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

straightener

2

bearing frame

3

bearing frame

4-6

Straightening roll segment

7

straightening roll

8th

supporting role

9-30

Straightening roll segment

31

Straightening roll drive

Claims (9)

1. Straightening machine (1) with associated straightening roller drive (31), comprising an upper mounting frame (2) and a lower mounting frame (3), in which a plurality of straightening rolls (7) and backing rollers (8) are held in cassette-like manner and arranged to be exchangeable, characterised in that the totality of the straightening rolls (7) and backing rollers (8) respectively arranged in the upper and/or lower mounting frame (2, 3) is apportioned to several straightening roll segments (4 to 6, 9 to 30) matched to one another in modular manner and each constructed in the manner of an exchangeable change cassette, wherein each straightening roll segment (4-6, 9-30) comprises at least one layer of backing rollers (8) and at least one associated straightening roll (7).
2. Straightening machine (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the straightening roller segments (4-6, 9-30) matched to one another in modular manner are constructed to be exchangeable individually or in groups and are arranged in the upper and/or lower mounting frame (2, 3).
3. Straightening machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that not only the totality of the straightening rolls (7) and backing rollers (8) arranged in the upper mounting frame (2), but also of the totality thereof arranged in the lower mounting frame (3) are arranged in several straightening roller segments (4-6, 9-30) respectively matched to one another in modular manner and constructed in the form of an exchangeable change cassette.
4. Straightening machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the totality of the straightening rolls (7) and backing rollers (8) respectively arranged in the upper and/or lower mounting frame (2, 3) is apportioned to types, which are of the same or different dimensions, of modular straightening roll segments (4-6, 9-30) and/or change cassettes.
5. Straightening machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the totality of straightening rolls (7) and backing rollers (8) respectively arranged in the upper and/or lower mounting frame (2, 3) is apportioned to types, which are differently equipped with straightening rolls (7) and/or backing rollers (8) with respect to the respective straightening roll and/or backing roll diameter and/or with respect to the respective straightening roller and/or backing roller number, of modular straightening roll segments (4-6, 9-30) and/or change cassettes.
6. Straightening machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the individual modular straightening roll segments (4-6, 9-30) individually or in groups form mutually exchangeable change cassettes of a change cassette system.
7. Straightening machine (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the change cassette system comprises differently dimensioned types of modular straightening roll segments (4-6, 9-30) and/or change cassettes.
8. Straightening machine (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the change cassette system comprises types, which are differently equipped with straightening rolls (7) and/or backing rollers (8) with respect to the respective straightening roll and/or backing roller diameter and/or with respect to the respective straightening roll and/or backing roll number, of modular straightening roll segments (4-6, 9-30) and/or change cassettes.
9. Straightening machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means for detecting and/or storing material parameters of the material to be straightened and/or means for detecting and/or storing process parameters acting during a straightening process on each modular straightening roll segment (4-6, 9-30) and/or state parameters arising after a straightening process at each modular straightening roll segment (4-6, 9-30).

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