ES2660377T3 - Straightening machine for metal structural profiles - Google Patents

Abstract

Straightening machine for metal structural profiles comprising: - at least one axis of rotation (12) supported by a first bearing (34a) and a second bearing (34b) associated with the respective wedges (18, 19); - a group of straightening discs (11) installed on said shaft (12) between said wedges (18, 19); - a projection on the drive side (16) and a projection (17) on the operator side in each of which one of said wedges (18, 19) is installed; - drive members (20) associated with said drive side projection (16) to rotate said shaft (12); - a movement unit (66) configured to move said projection on the operator's side (17) with respect to said projection on the drive side (16) to allow the replacement of said group of straightening discs (11); - a clamping unit (48) installed in said projection on the operator's side (17) and configured to selectively restrict said second bearing (34b) with respect to said shaft (12) and the respective wedge (19); characterized in that said clamping unit (48) comprises: - a support tube (36) associated with said shaft (12) and installed in the wedge (19) that supports said second bearing (34b); - a movable tube (55) installed in said support tube (36) and selectively capable of coupling / disengaging with a stop portion (47) of said shaft (12) to prevent or allow, respectively, the movement of said projection of the operator side (17), and - an actuation device (42) configured to move said movable tube (55) with respect to said support tube (36) and to define a restriction or release condition between said support tube (36) and said tree (12).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Straightening machine for metal structural profiles Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a machine and straightening method according to the preamble of claims 1 and 13, for metal structural profiles, such as for example beams, sheet piles, tubular structural profiles, tracks, products in the form of double T, comprising a plurality of rollers or straightening discs, staggered and overlapping. Such a machine and such a method are disclosed for example in WO-A-2008/025814.

In particular, but not exclusively, the machine is designed for structural profiles that are both thick and large.

The present invention relates to a straightening machine comprising two projections in which the straightening discs or rollers are placed in a tree and between the projections.

Background of the invention

The metal structural profiles are obtained after a process of lamination and subsequent cooling.

It is known that a structural profile after cooling has residual stresses that cause a lack of geometric uniformity in the profile, and the stresses generated during the rolling cycle can also be added to these stresses.

The lack of geometric uniformity can manifest itself in distortions or deviations from the structural profile, in particular geometric modifications in an orthogonal direction to the axis and / or along the longitudinal axis of the structural profile.

To overcome this disadvantage, the structural profile is passed through a straightening machine. By straightening we refer to the joint action of a series of straightening discs or rollers, located in a staggered manner and in different planes, that induce a performance in the metal in order to obtain a structural profile with a geometrically desired and linear profile.

The straightening discs or rollers are installed in the trees, at least some of those that induce movement.

A straightening machine can have three (two straightening discs or rollers arranged above and one straightening disc or roller arranged below) to eleven (six straightening discs or rollers arranged above and five straightening discs or rollers arranged by below) or even more straightening discs or rollers. In particular, one row of trees is normally held in a fixed position and the other row of trees, alternative to the first row located, can be adjusted with respect to the trees in the fixed row.

The upper or lower straightening discs or rollers can be adjusted so that the transit separation between the straightening discs or rollers can be adjusted to the sizes of the specific structural profile.

In the case of structural profiles, straightening discs are normally used instead of straightening rollers, located in the shaft depending on the structural profile.

The trees bearing the disc or roller cooperate, for example, with two bench bearings that in turn cooperate with the corresponding projection.

In correspondence with the bench bearings, the trees that can be moved with respect to the fixed trees have wedges that slide in suitable guides present in the projections.

It is known that, according to the production requirements, it is necessary to replace the straightening discs in order to work structural profiles with different sizes or characteristics.

The operation of replacing the straightening discs is normally done manually with the intervention of operators who perform the replacement operation.

Examples of straightening machines are described in documents WO-A-2008/025814, WO-A-01/97992, GB-A-600638 and DE-A-3616699, but all of these always require manual intervention by of the operators to change the straightening discs.

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WO-A-2008/025814 describes a straightening machine provided with linear actuators associated with the support wedges of the support shaft of the straightening discs. The linear actuators allow adjusting the inclination of the pivot shaft in order to compensate for the tensions to which it is subjected, and also the possible play and wear.

Document WO-A-01/97992 also refers to a straightening machine that is provided, on the drive side, with a hydraulic system to compensate for the play between the pivot shaft, the wedges and the support bearings. The hydraulic system consists of a cylinder and a piston that slides in the cylinder and defines with it two chambers in which a pressure is generated, suitable to compensate the games or to allow the disassembly of the components. This solution, however, because of the way it is conceived, does not provide any possibility of an automatic replacement of the straightening discs.

Documents GB-A-600638 and DE-A-3616699 also describe straightening machines which, however, do not provide any teaching regarding the possibility of automatic replacement of the relative straightening discs.

A disadvantage of the known solutions described above is, therefore, that the operation to replace the straightening discs, or the tree that supports the discs, cannot be performed in the state of the art with a great degree of automation.

In addition, in the current state of the art, the replacement operation implies long replacement times.

On the other hand, for security and cost problems, it is better if the straightening machine requires minimal intervention by the operator during the replacement of the disks.

It is also necessary that the straightening machine contribute, with its own means, to accelerate the replacement operations and at the same time guarantee that once the replacement has been carried out, the machine is stable and efficient.

Another requirement is that the machine should be as simplified as possible, possibly avoiding the continuous operation of position detectors and / or automatisms that create blockages, problems in the storage of spare parts, extraordinary maintenance stop times, continuous controls on operation, etc.

The applicant has devised, tested and made a straightening machine according to the present invention to overcome these problems.

The present invention has a plurality of purposes.

One purpose is to avoid that, during the straightening stage, that is, while the structural profile is in transit, the dependent and desired correction processes that have to be used, on an instrumental basis, of the positioning and / or arrangement of the disks of straightening.

Another objective is to prevent the straightening stage from requiring the controlled and continuous repositioning of the straightening discs.

Another aspect is to simplify the operation of replacing the group of trees and / or corresponding straightening discs or rollers, at the same time, making it faster and safer.

Another aspect is to simplify the fixing of the tree in a desired reciprocal position in the projection on the operator's side.

Another aspect is to simplify the operation of installing-uninstalling the tree in the projection on the operator side.

Another objective of the present invention is to simplify the reciprocal adjustment of the straightening discs of a tree with the discs of the matching trees.

The applicant has devised, tested and realized the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other features of the invention or variants of the main inventive idea.

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In accordance with the above purposes, a straightening machine for metal structural profiles according to the present invention comprises:

- at least one turning shaft supported by a first bearing and a second bearing associated with the respective wedges;

- a group of straightening discs installed in the tree between the wedges;

- a projection on the drive side and a projection on the operator side on each of which one of the wedges is installed;

- drive members associated with the projection on the drive side to rotate the shaft;

- a movement unit configured to move the projection on the operator's side with respect to the projection on the drive side to allow replacement of the set of straightening discs;

- a clamping unit installed in the projection on the operator's side and configured to selectively restrict the second bearing in the shaft and with respect to the respective wedge.

In accordance with the present invention, the clamping unit comprises:

- a support tube installed in the wedge, which supports the second bearing and is associated with the shaft;

- a mobile tube installed in the support tube and selectively capable of engaging / disengaging with a stop portion of the shaft to prevent or allow, respectively, the movement of the projection on the operator's side, and

- a drive device configured to move the movable tube with respect to the support tube and to define a restriction or release condition between the support tube and the shaft.

From now on we will refer only to a tree that with its wedges can be adjusted vertically or sub-vertically in the respective projections.

According to the invention, all the trees that support the straightening discs are motorized.

According to a variant, only the adjustable shafts that are motorized cooperate with the respective wedges.

The motorizations can be electric or hydraulic.

According to a variant, at least some of the trees have a positioning member that allows them to be positioned axially in order to align the straightening discs or rollers of the different trees.

According to a variant, only one row of trees is equipped with said drive.

The shafts according to the invention are mounted with oscillating bearings, advantageously cylindrical roller bearings or the like.

The trees that can be placed have said bearings located in the respective wedges. In addition, at least one thrust bearing or similar means also advantageously exists in the wedge on the drive side.

According to another variant, the projection on the operator side is associated with restriction means that allow the straightening discs to be held in the shaft in the desired axial position.

According to a variant of the invention, the projection on the operator's side not only has the restraint means but also a clamping unit that allows for the clamping-release of the shaft with respect to the projection or wedge. This is in order to maintain, during the straightening stage, at least part of the movable structure towards the drive side under desired mechanical tension without the need for other mechanical restrictions.

According to another variant, the shaft has the two medium shafts of the oscillating bearings about 1.8 - 2.5 times the maximum distance between the straightening discs.

Another variant of the invention is that, under the maximum straightening load provided for the largest structural profile that has to be straightened, the shaft is sized so that it bends in the center line by a maximum of between 0.16 mm and 0 , 35 mm.

As a consequence, with a flexion for example of 0.26 mm, when the distance between the axes of the bearings is 1200 mm and the straightening discs are 600 mm away, the inflection, that is, the maximum displacement to which the straightening discs are subjected, will be only 0.20 mm.

This condition keeps the straightening discs in the correct position and allows them to move through a value that has no effect, in terms of tolerance, on the result, given the large profile sizes.

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structural.

Another variant is that the deformations generated by the maximum straightening force are absorbed by the elasticity of the structure. According to this variant, the maximum deformation brings about a reciprocal movement between the two wedges that is between 0.030 mm and 0.070 mm. These values are not a problem, due to the size of the structural profile.

According to the invention, for its vertical or sub-vertical positioning, the wedges cooperate with hydraulic jacks.

According to a variant, the hydraulic jacks have a power, that is, a push-pull capacity, which with respect to the maximum performance force that the straightening machine has to withstand, is between 1.6 and 3, 0 times This implies that hydraulic jacks do not move, because their power is redundant.

Once the wedges have been placed, according to the invention, the hydraulic jacks, taking into account that their power is redundant, maintain their position during the transit of the structural profile for which the straightening machine has been prepared.

With this system, the reciprocal displacement of the wedges is not compensated by the hydraulic jacks, but by the calculated elasticity of the structure, so that said reciprocal displacement remains within the minimum values much less than a tenth of a millimeter in the case of the greatest straightening force.

Another variant is that during the movement of the wedges for the new position of the tree (straightening rollers), or to correct the straightening capacity after the transit of a structural profile not completely straightened, or for the initial positioning for that type of profile structurally, the wedges work together to maintain a horizontal position. Therefore, the hydraulic jacks are controlled so that the possible misalignment between an oscillating bearing and the others remains confined in a field between 0.07 mm and 0.16 mm. This makes it possible to prevent the tree, when the wedges are located, from having a non-horizontal state such as to avoid correct straightening.

According to the invention, complete trees are replaced with straightening discs.

According to a variant, the trees remain in position on the projection on the operator side and only the groups of straightening discs are replaced.

If the straightening disc groups are replaced, having disconnected the wedge on the operator side hydraulically, the projection on the operator side moves in an axial direction with respect to the trees.

In this condition, the shaft and the straightening disc groups are supported by the wedge on the drive side and, subsequently, the straightening disc groups are removed, leaving the shaft in position on the wedge on the drive side.

According to a possible alternative solution, the protrusion on the operator's side carries the trees with it, or in the case of a variant the groups of straightening discs.

According to some variants, the trees remain integrated with the projection on the drive side, that is, the trees and corresponding groups of the straightening discs remain integrated with the projection on the drive side.

According to another variant, the groups of straightening discs are removed by the projection on the operator's side.

To replace the straightening disk groups, the invention provides the use of a bridge crane that carries a tool that already supports the new set of pre-set straightening disk groups, and a tool that is capable of joining the disk groups of straightening to be replaced.

According to one variant, two tools, possibly independent, are provided, one that carries the pre-adjusted straightening disc groups, and another capable of removing the straightening disc groups to be replaced.

According to another variant, the straightening discs to be replaced are manufactured to cooperate with a support frame that slides on rails while another frame, which carries the straightening disc groups, is capable of being located.

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According to another variant, the straightening disk groups cooperate with a replacement frame that remains in the straightening machine while it is straightened.

With a replacement frame it is possible to perform the substitution operation, both with the cranes and with the tracks that slide orthogonal to the axes of the trees.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments, provided as a non-restrictive example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a front view of a straightening machine for metal structural profiles according to a variant;

- Figure 2 is a plan view of a straightening machine for metal structural profiles according to another variant;

- Figure 3 is a front view of a straightening machine for metal structural profiles according to a variant;

- Figure 4 is a front view of a straightening machine for metal structural profiles according to another variant;

- Figure 5 is a side section of a straightening machine for metal structural profiles according to a variant;

- Figure 6 is a diagram showing the distribution of the inflection;

- Figure 7 is a front section of a part of a straightening machine for metal structural profiles;

- Figure 8 is a partial side section of a part of an axis;

- Figure 9 is a partial side section of a rotating joint;

- Figure 10 is an enlarged view of Figure 7.

To facilitate understanding, the same reference numbers have been used, when possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that the elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further clarification.

Detailed description of some embodiments

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, whose one or more examples are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the invention and

It will not be understood as one of its limitations. For example, the characteristics shown or described in such a way,

since they are part of one embodiment, other embodiments can be adopted in or in association with other embodiments. It is understood that the present invention will include all modifications and variants.

In accordance with the present description, the invention relates to a straightening machine 10 for metal structural profiles 35.

By metallic structural profiles 35 we refer, for example, to beams, sheet piles, structural profiles in the form of a double T in V, or tracks.

The machine according to the invention is particularly suitable for thick or large structural profiles 35, for example HE type of 100 mm to 400 mm and more, or IPE type of 200 mm to 1100 mm and more.

With reference to Figures 1, 3, 4 and 7, the straightening machine 10 comprises two projections, that is, a projection of the drive side 16 and a projection of the operator side 17 located opposite the projection of the drive side 16.

The straightening machine 10 comprises a plurality of groups of straightening discs 11 each installed on a respective axis 12 and shaped and positioned according to the structural profile 35 (Figure 7) to be straightened.

Although the present invention relates to groups of straightening discs 11, an application analogous to straightening cylinders, with different conformations depending on the structural profiles to be straightened, is not excluded.

According to the possible embodiments, the group of straightening discs 11 may comprise a pair of discs 50a arranged oriented towards and away from each other, and a distancing core 50b interposed between the pair of discs 50a. The set of straightening discs 11 can be made in a single body, or, according to the solution shown in Figures 7-10, be made with separate components connected

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each.

The axes of rotation of the shafts 12 of the straightening machine 10 are substantially parallel to each other.

According to a possible solution, the straightening machine 10 comprises a plurality of mobile straightening discs 11a, in this case the upper ones, and a plurality of fixed straightening discs 11b, in this case the lower ones.

The mobile straightening discs 11a can be moved to / away from the fixed straightening discs 11b as will be described later.

The mobile straightening discs 11a have their rotation axes located in a common positioning plane, parallel to the feeding direction of the structural profile 35.

The fixed straightening discs 11b have their rotation axes located in a common positioning plane that is parallel to that of the mobile straightening discs 11a.

The fixed straightening discs 11b are arranged so that between each pair of mobile straightening discs 11a there is a fixed straightening disc 11b. In this way, a loop straightening path is defined for structural profile 35.

Hereinafter, when not specified, reference will be made to a group of straightening discs 11, with the description being valid for mobile straightening discs 11a and fixed 11b.

The group of straightening discs 11 is installed integrated in the shaft 12 by means of a bushing 38 which guarantees the correct assembly.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the bushing 38 is fixed or keyed in the shaft 12 with kinematic connecting members 13, such as keys, tabs or tabs, for example, inserted in a recess 15 made in the shaft 12 In the same way, the straightening discs 11 can be inserted into the bushing 38 with similar kinematic connecting members.

Each shaft 12 is supported by a wedge 18 on the drive side and a wedge 19 on the operator side.

Each wedge 18 on the drive side is installed in the projection on the drive side 16 and each wedge 19 on the operator side is installed in the projection on the operator side 17.

With reference to Figures 6 and 7, each wedge 18 on the drive side and each wedge 19 on the operator side is provided respectively with at least a first bearing 34a and at least a second bearing 34b configured to support the respective shaft 12 .

The first bearing 34a and the second bearing 34b may be of the oscillating type, for example, cylindrical bearings or the like.

In accordance with the present invention, the first bearing 34a and the second bearing 34b are installed in two support portions 12a and 12b, respectively, of the shaft 12, axially spaced apart from each other. The set of straightening discs 11 is installed between the support portions 12a and 12b of the tree 12.

According to a possible solution, the first bearing 34a and the second bearing 34b are separated, along the shaft of the shaft 12, by a bearing gap 39a.

The disks 50a of the straightening disc groups 11 are reciprocally separated by a straightening disks 39b.

According to a possible solution, the bearing gap 39a is approximately 1.8 and 2.5 times the straightening disc gap 39b, so that it can contain the flexion of the shaft 12.

The particular configuration of the present invention allows the amplitude of the flexion of the shaft 12 to be contained at very limited values. By way of example only, the shaft 12 is configured to assume a bending range between 0.16 mm and 0.35 mm, advantageously between 0.24 mm and 0.28 mm in correspondence with its center line and in the condition of maximum straightening load. According to the load diagram shown in Figure 6, the shaft 12 is subjected to an inflection of approximately 0.27 mm.

According to a possible embodiment, the wedge 18 on the drive side may comprise at least one thrust bearing 33 to contain axial thrusts that are discharged into the shaft 12. According to the solution shown in Figures 6 and 7, two thrust bearings 33 are associated with shaft 12 and wedge 18 in the

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drive side and are configured to contain the axial thrusts in both axial directions of the shaft 12.

According to a possible solution, at least the first support bearing 34a, in this case also the thrust bearings 33, are installed in a support bearing ring 61 which, in turn, is installed in the wedge 18 in the drive side According to a possible solution, the second bearing 34b is installed in a support body 74 attached to the wedge 19 on the operator's side.

According to a possible embodiment, at least some of the wedges, either the wedge 19 on the operator's side or the wedge 18 on the drive side, can be installed, in an orthogonal direction to the shaft of the shaft 12 and to the direction for feeding the structural profile 35, in rigid guides 31 between the projections 60 (see Figure 5).

The rigid guides 31 are provided on the projections of the drive side 16 and those of the operator side 17, while the projections 60 are each installed in one of the wedges 19 on the operator side and wedges 18 on the drive side and slide on the rigid guides 31.

The size ratios of the rigid guides 31 and the wedges 18, 19 in any case cause the lack of alignment, according to the present invention, of the two wedges 18, 19, and therefore the non-horizontal condition of the tree 12 , stay within values much lower than 0.1 mm.

The adjustment of the position of each shaft 12 with respect to the others is allowed by the simultaneous displacement of the wedge 18 on the drive side and the wedge 19 on the operator side, the misalignment is maintained within much lower values at 0.1 mm

The positioning of the groups of mobile straightening discs 11a, in this case the upper ones (see Figure 5), with respect to the groups of fixed straightening discs 11b takes place by means of hydraulic jacks 32 operating in synchrony.

The hydraulic jacks 32 allow the wedge 18 to be positioned on the drive side and the wedge 19 on the operator's side in a vertical or sub-vertical direction along the rigid guides 31.

In particular, the hydraulic jacks 32 are configured to move each shaft 12, at least of the groups of mobile straightening discs 11a, in an orthogonal direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the latter and with respect to the axis of feeding of the structural profile 35

On the other hand, it is provided that for each mobile axis 12 there is a hydraulic jack 32 associated with the wedge 18 on the drive side and a hydraulic jack 32 associated with the wedge 19 on the operator's side.

The hydraulic jacks 32 are configured so as to exert a push-pull capacity applied in the shaft 12 comprised between about 1.6 times to about 3.0 times the maximum expected force of force for the straightening machine 10.

The wedge 18 on the drive side and the wedge 19 on the operator side work in tandem, that is, they move vertically and in synchrony, and are configured so as to keep the tree 12 horizontal during the straightening stage comprised within a minimum error

The horizontal position of the wedges 18, 19 is adjusted, to position the shaft 12 and, therefore, the straightening discs 11, only when the reciprocal position of the straightening discs 11 has to be adjusted for a new type or size of structural profile, that is, when necessary, for example after a replacement of the spent groups of straightening discs 11.

Another adjustment, for example a precision adjustment, of the wedges 18, 19 can be made following the straightening of a first structural profile 35, if the results obtained are not as expected.

Consequently, the hydraulic jacks 32 make it possible to maintain the position of the wedge 18 on the drive side and the wedge 19 on the stable operator's side until the maximum performance point of the structural profile 35 is passed.

In addition, the hydraulic jacks 32 are configured to maintain any possible misalignment of the first bearing 34a and the second bearing 34b at very low values, simply by way of example in a range between 0.007 mm and 0.16 mm, which are insignificant given the sizes of structural profiles 35.

In a variant, the straightening machine 10 can have at least some of the axles 12 axially positioned to correctly arrange the various groups of straightening discs 11.

According to this variant, the shafts 12 supporting the straightening disk groups 11 can also be adjusted axially by means of an axial positioning member 21, configured to move the shaft 12 in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation Z.

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According to a possible solution, the axial positioning member 21 comprises a gearwheel or pinion 21a (see Figure 7) that engages in a driven gearwheel 21b that can selectively rotate around its axis of rotation and is limited in its displacement in an axial direction.

The driven sprocket 21 b is installed coaxial with the axis of rotation and in the ring bearing the bearing 61.

The driven sprocket 21b is installed, with a thread 65, in a threaded coupling 65 of the ring bearing the bearing 61.

In this way, by making the driven gear 21b rotate, it is possible to determine an axial movement of the entire rotation shaft 12 and, therefore, of the group of straightening discs 11 associated therewith.

An encoder 67 makes it possible to control or manage, also automatically and in the adjustment stage, the correct axial positioning of the shaft 12 and, therefore, of the respective group of straightening discs 11.

All support shafts 12 of the straightening disk group 11 are connected to a drive member 20, that is, they are motorized. The drive member 20 may be an electric or hydraulic motor and may be provided with reduction and / or motion control members 68, such as encoders.

The drive member 20 is associated with the projection of the drive side 16 and is connected to the shaft 12 in correspondence with a first end. The connection between the drive member 20 and the shaft 12 can be obtained by similar, comparable joints, clutch joints, flanges or connecting elements.

The projection on the side of the operator 17 is associated with a movement unit 66 configured to move the projection on the side of the operator 17 with respect to the projection on the drive side 16 and thus allow replacing the group of straightening discs 11.

The movement unit 66 may comprise longitudinal guides 22 that are parallel to the axis of rotation Z and in which the projection of the operator side 17 is installed.

The cooperation of the projection on the side of the operator 17 with the longitudinal guides 22 makes it possible to move the projection on the side of the operator 17 in a longitudinal direction of the displacement F parallel to the axis of the trees 12.

In a particular variant shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the movement unit 66 comprises a linear actuator 64, or any other means that supplies the desired and controlled movement. The linear actuator 64 is configured to move the projection on the side of the operator 17 parallel to the axis of the shafts 12 and along the longitudinal guides 22.

The linear actuator 64 is capable of selectively determining the movement of the projection from the operator side 17 towards / away from the projection of the actuation side 16 to allow replacement of the set of straightening discs 11.

In a variant, not shown, the projection on the side of the operator 17 can carry the trees 12 and / or the groups of straightening discs 11 with it, during its movement.

In another variant, the shafts 12 can remain installed in the projection of the drive side 16, possibly with the straightening disk groups 11.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, when the projection of the operator side 17 moves away from the projection of the drive side 16, the shaft 12 is still supported in a cantilever by the projection of the drive side 16.

With reference to Figures 7, 8 and 10, the projection on the side of the operator 17 comprises a clamping unit 48 configured to selectively restrict the second bearing 34b with respect to the shaft 12 and with respect to the wedge 19 on the side of the respective operator .

During the operations to change the shaft 12, or the groups of straightening discs 11, the clamping unit 48 is kept integrated in the projection on the side of the operator 17.

In accordance with the present invention, the clamping unit 48 comprises a support tube 36 installed in the wedge 19, which supports the second bearing 34b and is associated with the shaft 12.

In particular, the support tube 36 is coaxially installed with the shaft 12. The second bearing 34b is in turn installed, and is coaxial with, in the support tube 36.

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The support tube 36 can be made of one or more components, in this case three, which can be separated from each other, in order to allow the second bearing 34b to be mounted.

The clamping unit 48 comprises a movable tube 55 installed in the support tube 36 and capable of selectively engaging / decoupling to / from the at least one stop portion 47 of the shaft 12, to prevent or allow, respectively, the movement of the projection on the operator's side 17.

The stop portion 47 may be provided at a second end of the shaft 12, opposite the first end. The stop portion 47 can be defined by a component connected entirely with the shaft 12.

In this way, when the movable tube 55 is coupled with the stop portion 47, an axial restriction is obtained between the projection on the side of the operator 17 and the shaft 12, thus limiting the axial positioning of the second bearing 34b with respect to the shaft 12 In this condition, the shaft 12 can be rotated around its axis to perform the straightening operations on the structural profiles 35.

When it is necessary to replace the group of straightening discs 11, the stop portion 47 is released from the movable tube 55. In this way, the projection on the side of the operator 17, or the wedge 19 on the side of the operator associated therewith, already it is not axially constrained with respect to the shaft 12, and therefore it is possible to perform an axial displacement of the projection on the side of the operator 17. During axial displacement, the projection on the side of the operator 17 carries the support tube 36 and the second bearing 34b, leaving the shaft 12 supported in cantilever on the projection of the drive side 16.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figures 7, 8 and 10, the movable tube 55 is provided with an axial seat 71 configured so as to define a bayonet type coupling with the stop portion 47 of the shaft 12. At least one part of shaft 12 is installed through axial seat 71.

According to a possible solution, the axial seat 71 is defined by a plurality of insertion seats 59, circumferentially separated from one another by locking portions 70 cooperating during use with at least one of the stopper portions 47 of the shaft 12. In particular, the locking portions 70 project radially towards the center of the axial seat 71 with respect to the insertion seats 59.

During operations to couple the shaft 12 to the movable tube 55, the projection on the side of the operator 17 moves towards the projection on the drive side 16.

At this stage the stop portions 47 of the shaft 12 substantially align with the insertion seats 59 of the movable tube 55 to insert the stop portions 47 through the insertion seats 59.

It is subsequently provided to rotate the shaft 12 in order to define a coupling between the stop portion 47 of the shaft 12 and the locking portions 70 of the movable tube 55 in order to define an axial restriction of the movable tube 55 and of the shaft 12. The rotation of the shaft 12 is carried out in a controlled manner by means of the reduction and / or movement control members 68 associated with the drive member 20.

Therefore, the stop portion 47 and the lock portion 70 together define a bayonet type connection.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the clamping unit 48 comprises an actuator 42 configured to move the movable tube 55 with respect to the support tube 36 and define a restriction or release condition of the support tube 36 and tree 12.

According to the possible solutions, the drive device 42 may be of the mechanical type, comprising, for example, threaded connection members, mechanical interference members, articulated mechanisms or the like.

According to variants shown in Figures 7 and 10, the drive device 42 is of the hydraulic type.

According to this last variant, the support tube 36 and the mobile tube 55 can define among themselves a hydraulic type actuator in which the fixed part, or sleeve, is defined by the support tube 36, while the part mobile or piston is defined by mobile tube 55.

In particular, in the solution shown in Figures 7 and 10, the support tube 36 defines a compartment 69 in which the movable tube 55 is installed, which slides axially.

In the compartment 69, between the support tube 36 and the mobile tube 55, a compression chamber 40 and a release chamber 49 are defined, within / from which a working fluid is selectively introduced or discharged in order to determine the axial sliding of the movable tube 55 with respect to the support tube 36, in one direction or another.

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The axial movement of the mobile tube 55 allows selectively defining a coupling state thereof through interference with the shaft 12.

In particular, by moving the movable tube 55 axially it is possible to generate a coupling through mechanical interference between the stop portions 47 of the shaft 12 and the locking portions 70 of the movable tube 55.

In this condition, the movable tube 55 and the support tube 36 are restricted both axially and circumferentially with respect to the shaft 12. By rotating the shaft 12, during the straightening operations, it is also possible to make the movable tube 55 and the support tube 36 rotate at the same time.

The hydraulic pressure of the working fluid present in the compression chamber 40 makes it possible to hold / release the wedge 19 on the side of the operator with respect to the shaft 12 and keep the reciprocal coupling of the wedge 19 on the side of the operator and the mechanical tension under mechanical tension. Tree 12 during the work stages, without the need for mechanical limitations, such as ring nuts, as required in known solutions.

This solution makes it possible to automate the substitution operations of the straightening disk groups 11, which also allows the replacement times to be reduced considerably.

According to the solution shown in Figures 7 and 10, the drive device 42 comprises a feed circuit 72 configured to selectively feed a working fluid to the compression chamber 40 or the release chamber 49, to define the coupling or decoupling, respectively, of shaft 12 and movable tube 55.

The supply circuit 72 can be made at least partially in the mobile tube 55.

The drive device 42 may also comprise a distribution member 73 fluidly connected to the supply circuit 72 to feed the working fluid. The distribution member 73 (see Figure 9) can have two inlets 45 and 57 connected to the respective tubes to feed and / or discharge (not shown) the working fluid.

Inlets 45 and 57 feed the respective tubes 46 and 58 of the distribution member 73 connected, respectively, to the compression chamber 40 and the release chamber 49.

The distribution member 73 may comprise a mobile body 43 integrated in the mobile tube 55 and an outer body 44 with respect to the mobile body 43. The mobile body 43, during use, is selectively rotated by the shaft 12 while the outer body 44, to which the supply and / or discharge tubes are connected, is fixed.

Gaskets 37 are installed between the movable body 43 and the outer body 44. The gaskets 37 allow separating the oil stream that feeds the compression chamber 40 from the oil stream that feeds the release chamber 49.

According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the projection on the side of the operator 17 is provided with a restriction member 51 configured to restrict the rotation of the support tube 36 with respect to the shaft 12.

The restriction member 51 may comprise an interference member 52a, for example, in the form of a tooth, selectively operable by a driving member 52b.

The restriction member 51 may also comprise a recess 53 made outside the support tube 36 and configured to cooperate with the interference member 52a.

When it is required to disengage the shaft 12 and the projection on the side of the operator 17, the restriction member 51 is actuated to prevent rotation of the support tube 36.

In this condition, by rotating the shaft 12 by a predefined angular amplitude, it is possible to release it from the movable tube 55, axially decoupling the stop portion 47 from the locking portion 70. The structure of the straightening machine 10 is able to absorb the elastic deformations generated in a condition of maximum straightening force.

As shown in Figure 1, the straightening machine 10 comprises at least one replacement unit 23, in the case shown here two replacement units 23, configured to automatically replace the groups of straightening discs 11 installed in the shafts 12 .

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The replacement unit 23 can be installed in a bridge crane structure24 and is configured to support a set of pre-set straightening disk groups 11.

By "pre-adjusted" straightening disc groups 11 we refer to the plurality of straightening disc groups 11 that are to be installed in the straightening machine 10 to straighten a new structural profile 35.

The replacement units 23 can be installed in respective movement slides 25, which allow the movement of each replacement unit 23 from one point to another, for example, of the bridge crane structure24, which allows them to cooperate with the straightening machine 10 and with the section dedicated to the preparation / maintenance of the straightening disc groups 11.

In a variant embodiment, the movement slide 25 can be selectively moved in the same direction of longitudinal movement F and in a direction transverse to the longitudinal guides 22.

On the other hand, the movement slide 25 can also allow movement of the replacement unit 23 in an upward or downward vertical direction.

In the solution where at least two replacement units 23 are provided, a first replacement unit 23 is configured to remove the straightening disk groups 11 to be replaced from the straightening machine 10, while a second replacement unit 23 is configured to supply the pre-set straightening disc groups 11 to the straightening machine 10.

In particular, the replacement unit 23 can be moved to / away from a withdrawal post 27, to / away from a supply post 28, to / away from the straightening machine 10.

In a variant embodiment, a replacement unit 23 corresponds to the withdrawal post 27 and the supply post 28.

During the replacement of the straightening disc groups 11, the replacement unit 23 of the withdrawal post 27 removes the straightening disc groups 11 from the straightening machine 10 and transports them to the withdrawal post 27.

The replacement unit 23 of the supply station 28 transports the groups of presetting straightening discs 11 towards the straightening machine 10 for installation.

The replacement unit 23 may comprise at least one support body 26 for the straightening disk groups 11, and / or installation or displacement means 29.

The support bodies 26 comprise means (not shown) that allow removal and installation of a set of straightening disk groups 11 from and respectively on the shaft 12.

The displacement means 29 (shown here only in Figure 1) allow moving and positioning the groups of straightening discs 11 of the support body 26 in the straightening machine 10 correctly.

In addition, the displacement means 29 allow the groups of straightening discs 11 to be inserted and placed in the support body 26.

In another variant shown in Figure 2, the replacement unit 23 can be installed on longitudinal rails, for example the same longitudinal guides 22 on which the projections on the operator side 17 also slide.

In this case, the transverse rails 30 can also be provided, located transversely with respect to the longitudinal rails, which serve to move the replacement unit 23 laterally.

The transverse rails 30 allow the replacement units 23 to be moved in a direction transverse to the displacement T, arranged transverse to the direction of longitudinal displacement F.

The replacement unit 23 may comprise at least one support frame 62 that can move selectively along the longitudinal guides 22 and the cross rails 30.

The support frame 62 allows the groups of straightening discs 11 to be replaced from the straightening machine 10 to be removed. In addition, the support frame 62 transports the groups of straightening discs 11 to be replaced to the supply point 28.

In this way, the straightening disk groups 11 can be replaced with a single positioning of the replacement unit 23 in correspondence with the straightening machine 10.

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According to a variant, the groups of straightening discs 11 can cooperate with a replacement frame (not shown in the drawings) that remains in the straightening machine 10 while straightening. In this case, it is possible to replace the shafts 12, or the straightening discs 11, with a crane and / or with sliding and orthogonal tracks to the axis of rotation Z.

Referring to Figures 1-10, a possible method for changing the straightening disk groups 11 will be described below, comprising at least one and / or another of the following steps:

- stop the drive members 20 which rotate the shafts 12;

- axially align the shafts 12 with respect to the projections of the drive side 16 and the projections of the operator side 17;

- move the trees 12 vertically to place them at a predefined withdrawn height;

- activating the restriction member 51 to prevent rotation of the support tube 36 and the mobile tube 55 with the shaft 12;

- releasing the pressure of the working fluid in the compression chamber 40 by introducing working fluid into the release chamber 49 and thus generating a decoupling and play between the stop portion 47 of the shaft 12 and the lock portion 70 of the mobile tube 55;

- partially rotate the shaft 12 with respect to the support tube 36 and the movable tube 55 to arrange the stop portions 47 of the shaft 12 in correspondence with the insertion seats 59 of the movable tube 55;

- move the projection on the side of the operator 17, using the movement unit 66, away from the projection on the drive side 16;

- remove the straightening disc groups 11 installed in the shafts 12 using the replacement unit 23 and reposition the pre-set straightening disc groups 11 in the shaft 12.

Once the groups of straightening discs 11 have been replaced, the operation of fixing the wedges 19 on the operator's side to the trees 12 is performed in a speculative manner with respect to the sequence described above. According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least the clamping unit 48, the drive members 20, the restriction member 51, the movement unit 66 and the replacement unit 23 are connected to a control and command unit , not shown, configured to control and order the unit of each component to allow automation of the replacement process of the straightening disk groups 11.

The method described above, which can also provide modifications in its sequence, or the introduction of other sequences, obtains a process for replacing the groups of straightening discs 11 that lasts from 10 to 20 minutes.

It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts can be made to the straightening machine 10 for metal structural profiles as described so far, without departing from the field or scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of straightening machine 10 for metal structural profiles, with the characteristics set forth in the claims and that therefore fall within the field of protection defined by them.

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Straightening machine for metal structural profiles comprising: - at least one axis of rotation (12) supported by a first bearing (34a) and a second bearing (34b) associated with the respective wedges (18, 19); - a group of straightening discs (11) installed in said tree (12) between said wedges (18, 19); - a projection of the drive side (16) and a projection (17) on the side of an operator in each of which one of said wedges (18, 19) is installed; - drive members (20) associated with said projection of the drive side (16) to rotate said shaft (12); - a movement unit (66) configured to move said projection on the operator side (17) with respect to said projection on the drive side (16) to allow the replacement of said group of straightening discs (11); - a clamping unit (48) installed on said projection on the operator's side (17) and configured to selectively restrict said second bearing (34b) with respect to said shaft (12) and the respective wedge (19); characterized in that said clamping unit (48) comprises: - a support tube (36) associated with said shaft (12) and installed in the wedge (19) supporting said second bearing (34b); - a mobile tube (55) installed in said support tube (36) and selectively capable of engaging / disengaging with a stop portion (47) of said shaft (12) to prevent or allow, respectively, the movement of said projection of the operator side (17), and - a drive device (42) configured to move said movable tube (55) with respect to said support tube (36) and to define a restriction or release condition between said support tube (36) and said shaft (12 ). 2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said movable tube (55) is provided with an axial seat (71) configured so as to define a bayonet coupling with said stop portion (47) of said shaft (12 ). 3. Machine according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said support tube (36) and said movable tube (55) define between them an actuator of hydraulic type, in which the fixed part is defined by said tube of support (36) and the mobile part is defined by said mobile tube (55). Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that between said support tube (36) and said mobile tube (55) there is defined a compression chamber (40) and a release chamber (49) into which it is inserted or discharges a working fluid, selectively, to determine the axial sliding of said mobile tube (55) with respect to said support tube (36), said sliding defining the coupling / decoupling with said stop portion (47). Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said projection on the operator's side (17) is provided with a restriction member (51) configured to restrict the rotation of said support tube (36) with respect to said tree (12). Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wedges (19, 18) are associated with hydraulic jacks (32) configured to move said wedges (18, 19) in an orthogonal direction to the axis of said tree ( 12). Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaft (12) can be adjusted axially by means of an axial positioning member (21), configured to move the shaft (12) in a direction parallel to its axis of rotation (Z). Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said group of straightening discs (11) comprises a pair of discs (50a) arranged opposite and separated from each other and a spacing core (50b) interposed between said pair of discs (50a), whereby said first bearing (34a) and said second bearing (34b) are distanced by a bearing gap (39a), because said discs (50a) of said groups of straightening discs (11) are reciprocally spaced by a straightening of discs of straightening (39b), and why said interlocking of bearings (39a) is comprised between 1.8 and 2.5 times the interlocking of straightening discs (39b). Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one replacement unit (23) configured to automatically replace said group of straightening discs (11). 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five Machine according to claim 9, characterized in that said replacement unit (23) is installed in a corresponding movement slider (25). 11. Machine according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises a withdrawal post (27) and a supply post (28) of said group of straightening discs (11), and by which said replacement unit (23) can be moved from / to said withdrawal post (27), from / to said supply post (28) and from / to said straightening machine (10). 12. Machine according to claims 5 and 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that at least said clamping unit (48), said actuating members (20), said restriction member (51), said movement unit ( 66) and said replacement unit (23) are connected to a control and command unit configured to control and order the drive of each component to allow automation of the replacement process of the group of straightening discs (11). 13. Straightening method with a straightening machine (10) that provides: - supporting at least one pivot shaft (12) in the wedges (18, 19), using a first bearing (34a) and a second bearing (34b); - installing a group of straightening discs (11) on said tree (12) between said wedges (18, 19); - installing said wedges (18, 19) on a projection on the drive side (16) and a projection on the operator side (17); - associating the drive members (20) with said projection of the drive side (16) to rotate said shaft (12); - moving, with a movement unit (66), said projection on the operator side (17) with respect to said projection on the drive side (16) to allow the replacement of said group of straightening discs (11); - selectively restricting said second bearing (34b) with respect to said shaft (12) and the respective wedge (19) with a clamping unit (48) installed in said projection on the operator's side (17); characterized in that it comprises: - associating a support tube (36) with said shaft (12), installing it in the wedge (19) that supports said second bearing (34b); - installing a movable tube (55) in said support tube (36), which can be selectively coupled / uncoupled with a stop portion (47) of said shaft (12) in order to avoid or allow, respectively, the movement of said projection on the operator's side (17); Y - moving said mobile tube (55) with respect to said support tube (36) with a drive device (42) and defining a restriction or release condition between said support tube (36) and said shaft (12). 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises activating a restriction member (51) to prevent rotation of said support tube (36) and said mobile tube (55) with said shaft (12) . 15. Method according to claims 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises the automatic replacement of said group of straightening discs (11) with a replacement unit (23) that can be moved between a withdrawal post (27), a supply post (28) and a straightening machine (10) in which said group of straightening discs (11) is installed.