TW202342196A - Centering device for metal strips comprising a first holding body, a second holding body and a driving mechanism, for rolling metal strips into coil shape - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a centering device for metal strips to prevent wrinkling on the metal strips. The solution of the invention is to provide a centering device 1 that symmetrically positions the metal strip S with a first end S11 and a second end S12 in the width direction W of the metal strip relative to the centerline C of the width direction W of the metal strip. The centering device comprises a first holding body 20, 50 for holding the first end and a second holding body 30, 60 for holding the second end, and a driving mechanism 9 that drives the first holding body and the second holding body. The first holding body or the second holding body holds the first end or the second end located near the centerline. The driving mechanism moves the first holding body holding the first end or the second holding body holding the second end away from the centerline for centering the metal strip.

Description

Centering device for metal straps

Field of invention The present invention relates to a centering device for metal belts (metal strips).

Background of the invention Patent Document 1 discloses that in a continuous processing device that conveys a metal strip that has been wound into a coil shape and winds the processed metal strip into a coil shape, the conveyance of the metal strip is temporarily stopped when the coil is replaced, and the leading metal strip is The rear end is welded to the front end of the trailing metal strip.

For example, Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose that centering of the metal strip is performed in order to prevent misalignment in the width direction between the rear end of the leading metal strip to be welded and the front end of the following metal strip.

Advanced technical documents patent documents [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-161465 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-25015 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-65921 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 48-27826

Summary of the invention The problem to be solved by the invention Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 have the following problem: since the side ends of the metal strip in the width direction of the metal strip are pressed by a pressing means such as a flat plate or a roller, when the thickness of the metal strip is thin, the metal strip may be pressed due to the pressing means. The pressure causes wrinkles in the metal strip. Patent Document 4 has the following problem: while the central part of the metal strip is clamped by a clamp, the central part of the metal strip is moved in the width direction of the metal strip to perform centering. However, when moving from the clamped central part to Between the side ends, the pressing force in the width direction of the metal strip acts, thereby causing wrinkles in the metal strip.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a centering device for a metal strip that can prevent wrinkles in the metal strip even when the thickness of the metal strip is thin.

In order to solve the above problems, a centering device for a metal strip according to an aspect of the present invention is to position a metal strip having a first end and a second end in the width direction of the metal strip symmetrically with respect to the center line in the width direction of the metal strip. centering device, The aforementioned centering device for metal strips is characterized by: Has: a first holding body holding the first end and a second holding body holding the second end; and A driving mechanism drives the first holding body and the second holding body, The first holding body or the second holding body holds the first end portion or the second end portion located near the center line, The driving mechanism moves the first holding body holding the first end or the second holding body holding the second end away from the center line to center the metal strip.

Invention effect According to the present invention, the first end portion or the second end portion located near the center line is stretched and moved away from the center line while being held by the first holding body or the second holding body. Thereby, the pressing force in the width direction of the metal strip does not act on the metal strip, so even when the thickness of the metal strip is thin, the metal strip can be centered without causing wrinkles.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the centering device 1 for the metal strip S of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following description, terms showing a specific direction or position are used as appropriate (for example, terms including "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", and "back"), but These terms are used so that the present disclosure can be easily understood with reference to the illustrations, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the meanings of these terms. In addition, the following description is merely an example in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applicability, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions do not necessarily match the actual ones.

[First Embodiment] The centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating the centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the centering device 1 shown in FIG. 1 .

The metal strip S is a strip-shaped (sheet-shaped or plate-shaped) metal strip (for example, a steel strip), and is provided in the form of a coil. The metal strip S is subjected to various treatments such as annealing, electroplating, rolling or painting. The metal strip S wound into a coil shape is supplied to the processing equipment while being wound up. However, if the centering of the metal strip S is improper, there is a risk that a conveying failure may occur during long-distance conveying.

The centering device 1 is, for example, a continuous processing equipment such as a continuous annealing furnace installed in the metal strip S. The centering device 1 is used to weld the rear end S4 of the leading metal strip S and the front end S3 of the following metal strip S (shown in FIG. 6(A) ), etc., to align the following metal strip. The position of the center L of the metal strip of S is aligned with the center line C (shown in Figure 3(A)).

The centering device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a frame 3, a driving mechanism 9, first holding bodies 20, 50 and second holding bodies 30, 60, first sensors 25, 55, and a second sensor 35. 65.

Frame 3 is a rectangular frame in the front view. The frame 3 is provided with bearings 6 and 6 respectively at the upper and lower parts of the left side and at the upper and lower parts of the right side on the downstream side in the metal belt conveying direction F. The upper bearing 6 on the left side and the upper bearing 6 on the right side rotatably support the upper shaft 10 . The lower bearing 6 of the left side and the lower bearing 6 of the right side rotatably support the lower shaft 40 .

The upper shaft 10 has, for example, a first upper screw part 11 on the left side (first side) of the figure, a second upper screw part 12 on the right side (second side) of the figure, and extends in the metal strip width direction W. . For example, the first upper screw part 11 has a male right-hand thread, and the second upper screw part 12 has a male left-hand thread.

As will be described later, the upper shaft 10 screws together and supports the first movable clamping body 20 and the second movable clamping body 30 . Next, the upper rail 15 is disposed to extend in the metal strip width direction W above the upper shaft 10 and guide the first movable clamping body 20 and the second movable clamping body 30 in the metal strip width direction W so as to be slidably movable.

One upper shaft 10 is provided with a first right-threaded upper screw part 11 and a left-threaded second upper screw part 12. By using the rotation of the upper shaft 10, the first movable clamping body 20 and the second movable clamping body 30 move on the metal belt. The width directions W move in opposite directions relative to each other. In other words, the first movable clamping body 20 and the second movable clamping body 30 move synchronously to move away from or approach each other in the metal strip width direction W, and the distance between both sides can be freely adjusted in the metal strip width direction W.

The first movable clamping body 20 is located on the left side of the frame 3 and functions as the first holding body. The first movable holding body 20 has a first movable block 21 , a first pressure cylinder 22 , a first rod 23 , a first movable pad 24 , and a first light-emitting sensor 25 .

The first movable block 21 has a female first upper screw hole 27 (shown in FIG. 6 ), and the first upper screw hole 27 is screwed with the first upper screw portion 11 of the upper shaft 10 . The first cylinder 22 is arranged below the first movable block 21 . The first rod 23 is disposed below the first cylinder 22 and extends in the up-down direction (in other words, the direction perpendicular to the extension surface of the metal strip S).

The first cylinder 22 drives the first rod 23 in the up and down direction by driving means such as hydraulic pressure, air pressure, or an electromagnet. The first movable pad 24 functioning as the first pad is arranged at the lower end of the first rod 23 . The first movable pad 24 is configured to be rotatable about the first rod 23 functioning as a rotation axis, for example. Thereby, when the first movable pad 24 holds the metal strip S and moves, it is possible to prevent the metal strip S from being wrinkled. The first light-emitting sensor 25 is disposed below the first pressure cylinder 22, outside in the metal strip width direction W and downstream in the metal strip conveyance direction F, and functions as one of the first sensors.

The second movable clamping body 30 is located on the right side of the frame 3 and functions as the second holding body. The second movable holding body 30 has a second movable block 31 , a second pressure cylinder 32 , a second rod 33 , a second movable pad 34 , and a second light-emitting sensor 35 .

The second movable block 31 has a female second upper screw hole (not shown), and the second upper screw hole 37 is screwed into the second upper screw portion 12 of the upper shaft 10 . The second pressure cylinder 32 is arranged below the second movable block 31 . The second rod 33 is disposed at the lower part of the second cylinder 32 and extends in the up-down direction (in other words, the direction perpendicular to the extension surface of the metal strip S).

The second cylinder 32 similarly drives the second rod 33 in the up and down direction by driving means such as hydraulic pressure, air pressure, or electromagnet. The second movable pad 34 functioning as the second pad is arranged at the lower end of the second rod 33 . The second movable pad 34 is configured to be rotatable about, for example, the second rod 33 functioning as a rotation axis. Thereby, when the second movable pad 34 keeps the metal strip S moving, it is possible to prevent the metal strip S from being wrinkled. The second light-emitting sensor 35 is located below the second pressure cylinder 32 and is disposed outside in the metal strip width direction W and downstream in the metal strip conveying direction F, and functions as one of the second sensors.

As described above, the first movable block 21 and the second movable block 31 are screwed into the first upper screw part 11 and the second upper screw part 12 of the upper shaft 10 respectively. Furthermore, the first movable block 21 and the second movable block 31 are configured to slide in the metal strip width direction W via the upper rail 15 . That is, the first movable block 21 has a concave first upper cutout 26 (shown in FIG. 6 ) extending in the metal strip width direction W, and the first upper cutout 26 is engaged with the upper rail 15 . Furthermore, the second movable block 31 has a concave second upper cutout (not shown) extending in the metal strip width direction W, and the second upper cutout is engaged with the upper rail 15 . Thereby, for example, the first movable clamping body 20 and the second movable clamping body 30 move closer to the center line C by utilizing the clockwise (right rotation) rotation of the upper shaft 10 , and move closer to the center line C by utilizing the counterclockwise (left rotation) rotation of the upper shaft 10 . Rotation) Rotation moves away from center line C.

Similarly, the lower shaft 40 has a first lower screw part 41 on the left side (first side) of the figure, a second lower screw part 42 on the right side (second side) of the figure, and is arranged in the metal strip width direction W. extend. For example, the first lower screw portion 41 has a male right-hand thread, and the second lower screw portion 42 has a male left-hand thread.

As will be described later, the lower shaft 40 screws and supports the first opposing clamping body 50 and the second opposing clamping body 60 . Furthermore, the lower rail 45 is disposed below the lower shaft 40 and extends in the metal strip width direction W, and guides the first opposing clamping body 50 and the second opposing clamping body 50 in the metal strip width direction W so as to be slidably movable. Body 60.

One lower shaft 40 is provided with a right-threaded first lower screw part 41 and a left-threaded second lower screw part 42. By using the rotation of the lower shaft 40, the first facing clamping body 50 and the second facing clamping body 60 are moved in the opposite direction. The metal strip width directions W move in opposite directions relative to each other. In other words, the first opposing clamping body 50 and the second opposing clamping body 60 move synchronously to move away from or approach each other in the metal strip width direction W, and the distance between both sides in the metal strip width direction W can be freely adjusted.

The first opposing holding body 50 is located on the left side (the first side) of the frame 3 and functions as the first holding body. The first facing holding body 50 has a first facing block 51 , a first facing pad 54 , and a first light-receiving sensor 55 .

The first opposing block 51 has a female first lower screw hole 57 (shown in FIG. 5 ), and the first lower screw hole 57 is screwed with the first lower screw portion 41 of the lower shaft 40 .

The first facing pad 54 functioning as the first pad is arranged, for example, on the upper portion of the first facing block 51 and is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the up-down direction. Thereby, when the first facing pad 54 moves while holding and stretching the metal strip S, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in the metal strip S due to in-plane twisting of the metal strip S.

The first light-receiving sensor 55 is disposed above the first facing block 51 , outside in the metal strip width direction W and downstream in the metal strip conveying direction F, and functions as the other side of the first sensor. The light from the first light emitting sensor 25 is received by the first light receiving sensor 55 . Thereby, by detecting the first side end S1 of the metal strip S, whether either the first side end S1 or the second side end S2 is located near the center line C can be easily and accurately detected.

The second opposing holding body 60 is located on the right side (second side) of the frame 3 and functions as a second holding body. The second facing holding body 60 has a second facing block 61 , a second facing pad 64 , and a second light-receiving sensor 65 .

The second facing block 61 has a male second lower screw hole 67 (shown in FIG. 5 ), and the second lower screw hole 67 is threadedly engaged with the second lower screw portion 42 of the lower shaft 40 .

The second facing pad 64 functioning as the second pad is, for example, disposed above the second facing block 61 and is configured to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the up-down direction. Thereby, when the second facing pad 64 moves while holding and stretching the metal strip S, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in the metal strip S due to in-plane twisting of the metal strip S.

The second light-receiving sensor 65 is disposed above the second facing block 61 , outside in the metal strip width direction W and downstream in the metal strip conveying direction F, and functions as the other side of the second sensor. The light from the second light emitting sensor 35 is received by the second light receiving sensor 65 . Thereby, by detecting the second side end S2 of the metal strip S, whether either the first side end S1 or the second side end S2 is located near the center line C can be easily and accurately detected.

As described above, the first opposing block 51 and the second opposing block 61 are screwed into the first lower screw portion 41 and the second lower screw portion 42 of the lower shaft 40 respectively. Furthermore, the first opposing block 51 and the second opposing block 61 are configured to slide in the metal strip width direction W via the lower rail 45 . That is, the first facing block 51 has a concave first lower notch 56 (shown in FIG. 6 ) extending in the metal strip width direction W, and the first lower notch 56 is engaged with the lower rail 45 . Furthermore, the second facing block 61 has a concave second lower notch (not shown) extending in the metal strip width direction W, and the second lower notch is engaged with the lower rail 45 . Thereby, for example, the first opposing clamping body 50 and the second opposing clamping body 60 move closer to the center line C by utilizing the clockwise (right-turning) rotation of the lower shaft 40 , and by utilizing the counterclockwise rotation of the lower shaft 40 (Left rotation) Rotation moves away from the center line C.

The centering device 1 is provided with a driving mechanism 9 for connecting the first movable clamping body 20 and the first opposing clamping body 50 functioning as the first holding body with the second movable clamping body functioning as the second holding body. The body 30 and the second opposing holding body 60 move synchronously in the opposite direction in the metal strip width direction W. Thereby, compared with the case where the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 are driven independently, accurate synchronous movement can be realized at a low cost.

The drive mechanism 9 has a motor 5, a pulley 7, a belt 8, and a support rod 4, and is arranged on the left side (first side) of the frame 3, for example. The motor 5 is mounted on the left side of the frame 3 via a support rod 4, for example. The motor shaft 5a of the motor 5 and the left end of the upper shaft 10 are coaxially connected to form a drive shaft. The upper pulley 7 is arranged on this drive shaft. The lower shaft 40 functions as a driven shaft, and a lower pulley 7 is provided at the left end of the lower shaft 40 . The lower pulley 7 faces the upper pulley 7 in the up-down direction. The belt 8 spans the upper pulley 7 and the lower pulley 7 . Thereby, for example, when the motor shaft 5a of the motor 5 rotates clockwise (right rotation), the upper shaft 10 rotates clockwise (right rotation), and the lower shaft 40 also rotates clockwise (right rotation) in synchronization with the rotation of the upper shaft 10 ) driven rotation.

Therefore, for example, when the motor shaft 5a of the motor 5 rotates clockwise (rightward rotation), the first movable clamping body 20 and the first counter clamping body 50 are integrated in the metal strip width direction W so as to be close to the center line C. During the movement, the second movable clamping body 30 and the second counter clamping body 60 also move integrally in the metal strip width direction W so as to be close to the center line C. Furthermore, for example, when the motor shaft 5a of the motor 5 rotates counterclockwise (left rotation), the first movable clamping body 20 and the first counter clamping body 50 are integrated in the metal strip width direction W so as to be apart from the center line C. The second movable clamping body 30 and the second counter clamping body 60 also move integrally in the metal strip width direction W away from the center line C.

In the above-described centering device 1, the holding surface (upper surface) of the first facing pad 54 and the holding surface (upper surface) of the second facing pad 64 are substantially on the same plane, and the lower surface of the metal strip S It is located slightly above the upper surface of the first facing pad 54 and the upper surface of the second facing pad 64 . Thereby, even if the first opposing pad 54 and the second opposing pad 64 move in the metal strip width direction W, interference with the metal strip S can be prevented.

Therefore, the first end S11 or the second end S12 located near the center line C is held by the first holding body 20, 50 or the second holding body 30, 60 so as to move from the center line C. Move away from each other while stretching. Thereby, the pressing force in the width direction W of the metal strip does not act on the metal strip S. Therefore, even when the thickness of the metal strip S is thin, the metal strip S can be centered to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles.

The centering method of the metal strip S by the above-described centering device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the centering method of the metal strip S using the centering device 1 shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a front view continuation of FIG. 3 , explaining the centering method of the metal strip S. As shown in FIG.

Figure 3(A) shows the initial state during the centering operation. For centering, the metal strip S conveyed in the metal strip conveying direction F is temporarily stopped when passing through the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 . In FIG. 3(A) , the metal strip center L of the metal strip S is shifted to the right (second side) by an offset amount D relative to the center line C of the centering device 1 in the metal strip width direction W. In contrast, the first movable clamping body 20 and the first facing clamping body 50 and the second movable clamping body 30 and the second facing clamping body 60 are arranged in the metal strip width direction W symmetrically with respect to the center line C.

In the initial state shown in FIG. 3(A) , the first movable pad 24 and the first opposing pad 54 are located outside the first side end S1 of the metal strip S in the metal strip width direction W. The first movable pad 24 is located in the standby position above the metal belt S. The light from the first light emitting sensor 25 is received by the first light receiving sensor 55 . Similarly, in the initial state, the second movable pad 34 and the second opposing pad 64 are located outside the second side end S2 of the metal strip S in the metal strip width direction W. The second movable pad 34 is located in the standby position above the metal belt S. The light from the second light emitting sensor 35 is received by the second light receiving sensor 65 .

Figure 3(B) shows the first side end detection state of the metal strip S during the centering operation. The first movable clamping body 20 and the first facing clamping body 50, the second movable clamping body 30 and the second facing clamping body 60 are integrally moved in the metal strip width direction W so as to be close to the center line C.

In the illustrated example, the metal strip S is shifted to the right (second side) in the width direction W of the metal strip. Therefore, in the first side end detection state, the second light-emitting sensor 35 first reaches the second side of the metal strip S. 2 Position of side end S2. The light from the second light-emitting sensor 35 is blocked by the second side end S2 of the metal strip S, and the light reception by the second light-receiving sensor 65 is stopped. Thereby, as the first side end detection, the position of the second side end S2 of the metal strip S can be detected. At this time, with the first movable pad 24 and the second movable pad 34 set to the standby position, the first movable clamping body 20 and the first opposing clamping body 50 are further moved together with the second movable clamping body 30 and the second movable clamping body 30 . 2. The opposing clamping body 60 moves integrally in the metal strip width direction W so as to be close to the center line C.

Figure 4(A) shows the second side end detection state of the metal strip S during the centering operation and the holding state of the metal strip S. In the second side end detection state, the first luminescence sensor 25 reaches the position of the first side end S1 of the metal strip S, and the light from the first luminescence sensor 25 is absorbed by the first side end S1 of the metal strip S. The light is blocked and the first light receiving sensor 55 stops receiving light. Thereby, as the second side end detection, the position of the first side end S1 of the metal strip S can be detected. Next, the first movable pad 24 is moved downward, and the first end S11 on the left side (first side) of the metal strip S is pinched (held) by the first movable pad 24 and the first facing pad 54 . At this time, the second movable pad 34 is maintained at the standby position, and light reception by the second light-receiving sensor 65 is stopped.

Figure 4(B) shows the holding (holding) movement state of the metal strip S during the centering operation and the third side end detection state of the metal strip S. The first end S11 of the metal strip S is held (held) by the first movable pad 24 and the first facing pad 54 . In the clamping (holding) movement state, the first movable clamping body 20 and the first facing clamping body 50 and the second movable clamping body 30 and the second facing clamping body 60 are moved away from the center line C on the metal. The offset amount D is moved integrally in the belt width direction W. In other words, compared with FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) , the first movable clamping body 20 and the first opposing clamping body 50 and the second movable clamping body 30 and the second opposing clamping body 60 are placed in the metal position. The offset amount D is moved in the opposite direction in the belt width direction W.

In the third side end detection state, the second luminescence sensor 35 reaches the position of the second side end S2 of the metal strip S, releases the light shielding of the second side end S2 of the metal strip S, and detects light from the second luminescence sensor. The light from the sensor 35 is received by the second light-receiving sensor 65 . Thereby, as the third side end detection, the position of the second side end S2 of the metal strip S can be detected. Next, simultaneously with this detection, the movement of the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 is stopped, and the first movable pad 24 of the first movable clamping body 20 is raised, thereby releasing the clamping of the metal strip S. (Keep). Thereby, the first movable clamping body 20 and the first facing clamping body 50, the second movable clamping body 30 and the second facing clamping body 60 are symmetrically located in the metal strip width direction W with respect to the center line C, so the metal strip is The first side end S1 and the second side end S2 of the strip S are also located in the metal strip width direction W symmetrically with respect to the center line C. Therefore, the metal strip center L of the metal strip S is aligned with the center line C of the centering device 1 in the metal strip width direction W, and the centering of the metal strip S is completed. In addition, the movement of the first holders 20 and 50 and the second holders 30 and 60 must be stopped simultaneously with the centering of the metal strip S, and the light beams of the first luminescence sensor 25 and the second luminescence sensor 35 must be The spot diameter or the light-receiving sensitivity of the first light-receiving sensor 55 and the second light-receiving sensor 65 will be affected, so it should be appropriately adjusted in advance.

In the above example, the metal strip center L of the metal strip S is offset to the right (second side) with respect to the center line C in the metal strip width direction W. However, even if the center L of the metal strip is located on the left side (the first side), "1st ○╳" or "2nd △□" will be read as "2nd ○╳" or "1st side" respectively. 1△□", etc., whereby the metal strip S can be centered in the same way.

Therefore, in a state where the first end S11 or the second end S12 located near the center line C is held by the first holding body 20, 50 or the second holding body 30, 60, it is moved away from the center line C. way to stretch and move at the same time. Thereby, since the pressing force in the width direction W of the metal strip does not act on the metal strip S, even when the thickness of the metal strip S is thin, the metal strip S can be centered without causing wrinkles.

[Second Embodiment] The centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically explaining the centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the centering method of the metal strip S using the centering device 1 shown in FIG. 5 .

The centering device 1 of the second embodiment is characterized in that the guide member 70 is disposed upstream of the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 in the metal strip conveying direction F.

As shown in FIG. 5(A) , the metal strip S is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the metal strip conveying direction F while being placed on a plurality of conveying rollers 79 . However, if the thickness of the metal strip S is thin and the rigidity is low, when the conveyor roller 79 is spaced apart from the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 in the metal strip conveying direction F, the metal strip will The front end of the S3 will sag due to its own weight. In this state, if the metal strip S is further conveyed to the downstream side in the metal strip conveying direction F, the front end S3 of the metal strip S is located lower than the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 , so it may occur. The front end S3 of the metal strip S collides with the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 and cannot be supplied.

As shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) , the guide member 70 is disposed upstream of the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 in the metal strip conveying direction F. Thereby, the front end S3 of the metal strip S which hangs down by its own weight can be supplied to the upper part of the 1st facing pad 54 and the 2nd facing pad 64. The guide member 70 has a horizontal part 71 and an inclined part 72 . The horizontal portion 71 is located on the downstream side in the metal strip conveyance direction F, and extends in the horizontal direction and the metal strip conveyance direction F. The front part of the horizontal part 71 is located near the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 . The upper surface of the horizontal portion 71 is located slightly above the respective holding surfaces (upper surfaces) of the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 , or the upper surface of the horizontal portion 71 is in contact with the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 . Each holding surface (upper surface) of the facing pad 64 is substantially on the same plane.

The inclined portion 72 is located upstream of the horizontal portion 71 in the metal belt conveying direction F. The inclined portion 72 extends in the metal strip conveyance direction F and extends diagonally downward toward the upstream side in the metal strip conveyance direction F.

As shown in FIG. 6(A) , consider a case where the front end S3 of the metal strip S is supplied in a state of being drooped due to its own weight. As shown in FIG. 6(B) , the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight is guided to the inclined surface of the inclined portion 72 and is conveyed to the downstream side in the metal strip conveying direction F while moving obliquely upward. Next, as shown in FIG. 6(C) , the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight is moved by the horizontal portion 71 so as to extend in the horizontal direction, and is transported to the first pair of the first holding bodies 50 The facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 (not shown) of the second holding body 60 . Thereby, even the metal strip S with a thin thickness and low rigidity can be stably supplied to the 1st holding body 50 and the 2nd holding body 60.

[Third Embodiment] The centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 . FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically explaining the centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically explaining the main part of the centering device 1 for the metal strip S shown in FIG. 7 .

The centering device 1 of the third embodiment is characterized in that the first front end correction part 58 and the second front end correction part 68 are respectively arranged on the center line of the first opposing clamping body 50 and the second opposing clamping body 60 side of C.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first opposing holding body 50 has a first front end correction portion 58 disposed on one side of the center line C via a first intermediate portion 59 . The first intermediary portion 59 is provided between the first facing block 51 and the first facing pad 54 . The first front end correcting portion 58 has a first inclined surface 58a, a first front end portion 58b located on the side of the center line C, and a first base end portion 58c located on the side of the first facing pad 54.

The first front end portion 58b is located above the first facing block 51 . The upper end of the first base end portion 58c is located slightly below the holding surface (upper surface) of the first facing pad 54 and is located below the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight. The first base end portion 58 c of the first front end correction portion 58 has substantially the same width dimension as the first intermediate portion 59 in the metal strip conveyance direction F.

On the other hand, the first front end portion 58b of the first front end correcting portion 58 has a smaller width dimension than the first intermediate portion 59, but the width dimension on the downstream side in the metal strip conveyance direction F becomes smaller. Although it is an exaggerated representation, the first front end correcting portion 58 has a right-angled triangle shape when viewed from a plan view, as shown in FIG. 7(A) . Therefore, the first front end correcting portion 58 has a tapered shape protruding toward one side of the center line C. The first inclined surface 58a extends from the upper end of the first base end portion 58c to the upper end of the first front end portion 58b. In other words, it extends obliquely downward from the side of the first facing pad 54 toward the side of the center line C.

As described above, the first front end correcting portion 58 has a shape in which the width dimension is reduced on the downstream side in the metal strip conveyance direction F, has a tapered shape protruding beyond the center line C, and has a downwardly inclined shape. Thereby, in conjunction with the movement of the first opposing clamping body 50 to the side of the center line C, the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight can be moved downstream of the conveyor roller 79 in the metal strip conveyance direction F. Hold it up. Thereby, the lower surface of the front end S3 of the metal strip S can be located slightly above the holding surface (upper surface) of the first facing pad 54 .

Like the first opposing clamping body 50 described above, the second opposing clamping body 60 has a second front end correction portion 68 disposed on the side of the center line C via the second intermediate portion 69 . The second intermediary portion 69 is provided between the second facing block 61 and the second facing pad 64 . The second front end correction portion 68 has a second inclined surface 68a, a second front end portion 68b located on the center line C side, and a second base end portion 68c located on the first facing pad 54 side.

The second front end portion 68b is located above the second facing block 61 . The upper end of the second base end portion 68c is located slightly below the holding surface (upper surface) of the second facing pad 64 and is located below the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight. The second base end portion 68 c of the second front end correcting portion 68 has substantially the same width dimension as the second intermediate portion 69 in the metal strip conveyance direction F.

On the other hand, the second front end portion 68b of the second front end correcting portion 68 has a smaller width dimension than the second intermediate portion 69, but the width dimension on the downstream side in the metal strip conveyance direction F becomes smaller. Although it is an exaggerated presentation, the second front end correcting portion 68 has a right-angled triangle shape when viewed from a plan view as shown in FIG. 7(A) . Therefore, the second front end correcting portion 68 has a tapered shape protruding toward the center line C side. The second inclined surface 68a extends from the upper end of the second base end portion 68c to the upper end of the second front end portion 68b. In other words, it extends obliquely downward from the side of the second facing pad 64 toward the side of the center line C.

As described above, the second front end correction portion 68 has a shape in which the width dimension is reduced on the downstream side in the metal strip conveyance direction F, has a tapered shape protruding beyond the center line C, and has a downwardly inclined shape. Thereby, in conjunction with the movement of the second opposing holding body 60 to the side of the center line C, the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight can be moved downstream of the conveyor roller 79 in the metal strip conveyance direction F. Hold it up. Thereby, the lower surface of the front end S3 of the metal strip S can be located slightly above the holding surface (upper surface) of the second facing pad 64 .

Therefore, in conjunction with the movement of the first facing clamping body 50 and the second facing clamping body 60 to the side of the center line C, the lower surface of the front end S3 of the metal strip S is located farther than the first facing pad 54 and the second facing clamping body 54 . Each holding surface (upper surface) of the pad 64 is slightly upward. Thereby, the first facing clamping body 50 and the second facing clamping body 60 do not have a new driving mechanism, and even the metal strip S with a thin thickness and low rigidity can be stably supplied to the first holding body 50 and the first holding body 50 and the second facing clamping body 60 . The second holding body 60.

Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the first movable pad 24 and the second movable pad 34 located above move in the up and down direction, and the first and second facing pads 54 and 64 located below do not move in the up and down direction. Move. However, the structure may be reversed in the up-down direction to the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, it may be configured such that the first movable pad 24 and the second movable pad 34 that move in the vertical direction are located below, and the first opposing pad 54 and the second opposing pad 64 that do not move in the vertical direction are located above. In this case, the holding surfaces (lower surfaces) of the upper first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 are located slightly above the upper surface of the front end S3 of the metal strip S.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(A) , as an initial state in the centering operation, the following aspect has been exemplified: the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 are relative to the metal strip. S is located outside the width direction W of the metal strip. Thereby, even if the gap between the first movable pad 24 and the first facing pad 54 and the gap between the second movable pad 34 and the second facing pad 64 are narrowed, it is possible to prevent the first movable pad 24 and the second facing pad from being narrowed. 2. The movable pad 34 interferes with the metal belt S conveyed in the metal belt conveying direction F. However, as an initial state in the centering operation, the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 may be positioned inside the metal strip S in the metal strip width direction W (near the center line C). Attitude. Thereby, the second side end detection of the metal strip S can be omitted, so the time of the centering operation can be shortened.

In the above embodiment, the centering device 1 includes a pair of first holding bodies 20 and 50 and a pair of second holding bodies 30 and 60. However, the centering device 1 may also be configured to further include a pair of the same first holders on the upstream side of the above-mentioned first holders 20 and 50 and the second holders 30 and 60 in the metal strip conveying direction F. 20, 50 and the second holding body 30, 60. In other words, an aspect can be made in which two or more pairs of the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 are arranged along the metal belt conveying direction F. This makes it easy to correct the position of the metal strip S in the metal strip conveyance direction F.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the metal strip S is pinched and held by the first movable pad 24 and the first facing pad 54 or the second movable pad 34 and the second facing pad 64 . However, the first movable pad 24 and the second movable pad 34 or the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 may have a function of holding the metal strip S by vacuum suction. This makes it possible to omit the members necessary for holding the metal strip S (either the first movable pad 24 or the first facing pad 54 , the second movable pad 34 or the second facing pad 64 ).

In the above embodiment, the centering of the present invention is applied in the step before welding the metal strip S. However, it goes without saying that the centering of the present invention can be applied to any step that requires the centering of the metal strip S. .

The present invention and embodiments are summarized as follows.

The centering device 1 for the metal strip S according to one aspect of the present invention is to symmetrically position the metal strip S having the first end S11 and the second end S12 in the metal strip width direction W with respect to the center line C. The centering device 1 in the width direction W of the metal strip is characterized by: the first holding bodies 20 and 50 holding the first end S11 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 holding the second end S12; and The driving mechanism 9 drives the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60, The first holding body 20, 50 or the second holding body 30, 60 holds the first end portion S11 or the second end portion S12 located near the center line C, The driving mechanism 9 moves the first holding bodies 20 and 50 holding the first end portion S11 or the second holding bodies 30 and 60 holding the second end portion S12 away from the center line C. The aforementioned metal strip S is centered.

According to the above aspect, in the state held by the first holding body 20, 50 or the second holding body 30, 60, the first end S11 or the second end S12 located near the center line C is moved from the center The line C is stretched and moved in such a way that it moves away. Thereby, the pressing force in the width direction W of the metal strip does not act on the metal strip S. Therefore, even when the thickness of the metal strip S is thin, the metal strip S can be centered to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles.

Furthermore, in the centering device 1 of one embodiment, The driving mechanism 9 drives the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 so that the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 are mutually opposite in the width direction W of the metal strip. The ground moves simultaneously in the opposite direction.

According to the above-mentioned embodiment, compared with the case where the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 are driven independently, precise synchronous movement can be realized at a low cost.

Furthermore, in the centering device 1 of one embodiment, The first sensors 25 and 55 for detecting the first side end S1 of the first end portion S11 are arranged outside the first holders 20 and 50 in the width direction W of the metal strip to detect the second end. The second sensors 35 and 65 of the second side end S2 in the portion S12 are arranged outside the metal strip width direction W in the second holding bodies 30 and 60 .

According to the above embodiment, whether either the first side end S1 or the second side end S2 is located near the center line C can be easily and accurately detected. In short, the aforementioned "third side detection" is possible.

Furthermore, in the centering device 1 of one embodiment, The first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 respectively have first pads 24 and 54 and second pads 34 and 64 that rotate about the rotation shafts 23 and 33, respectively. It extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending surface of the metal strip S.

According to the above embodiment, when the first pads 24 and 54 and the second pads 34 and 64 move while holding and stretching the metal strip S, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in the metal due to distortion in the surface of the metal strip S. With S.

Furthermore, in the centering device 1 of one embodiment, The guide member 70 having the inclined portion 72 along the inclined surface is disposed upstream of the first holding bodies 20 and 50 and the second holding bodies 30 and 60 in the metal strip conveying direction F. The front end S3 of the aforementioned metal strip S is guided.

According to the above embodiment, the front end S3 of the metal strip S that hangs down due to its own weight can be supplied to the first facing pad 54 and the second facing pad 64 .

In other cases, the centering method of the metal strip S using the above-mentioned centering device 1 includes the following: The first end S11 or the second end S12 located near the center line C is held by the first holding body 20, 50 or the second holding body 30, 60; and By the driving mechanism 9, the first holding bodies 20 and 50 holding the first end S11 or the second holding bodies 30 and 60 holding the second end S12 are moved from the center line C Move away from each other to center the metal strip S.

According to the above method, the first end S11 or the second end S12 located near the center line C is held by the first holding body 20, 50 or the second holding body 30, 60 so as to move from the center line C. Move away from each other while stretching. Thereby, the pressing force in the width direction W of the metal strip does not act on the metal strip S. Therefore, even when the thickness of the metal strip S is thin, the metal strip S can be centered to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles.

1: Centering device 3:Box 4: Support rod 5,M: motor 5a: Motor shaft 6:Bearing 7: Pulley 8: belt 9:Driving mechanism 10: Upper axis 11: 1st upper screw part 12: 2nd upper screw part 15: On track 20: The first movable holding body (the first holding body) 21: 1st movable block 22: No. 1 pressure cylinder 23: Rod 1 (rotating axis) 24: 1st movable pad (1st pad) 25: The first light-emitting sensor (the first sensor) 26: 1st upper incision 27: No. 1 upper screw hole 30: The second movable holding body (the second holding body) 31: 2nd movable block 32: 2nd pressure cylinder 33: Rod 2 (rotating axis) 34: 2nd movable pad (2nd pad) 35: Second light-emitting sensor (second sensor) 40: Lower shaft 41: 1st lower screw part 42: 2nd lower screw part 45:Get off the track 50: The first opposing hostage body (the first holding body) 51: 1st opposite block 54: 1st opposing pad (1st pad) 55: 1st light-receiving sensor (1st sensor) 56: 1st lower incision 57: 1st lower screw hole 58: 1st front end correction part 58a: 1st inclined surface 58b: 1st front end part 58c: 1st base end 59:The 1st Intermediary Department 60: The second opposing hostage body (the second holding body) 61: 2nd opposing block 64: 2nd opposing pad (2nd pad) 65: 2nd light-receiving sensor (2nd sensor) 66: 2nd lower incision 67: 2nd lower screw hole 68: 2nd front end correction part 68a: 2nd inclined surface 68b: 2nd front end part 68c: 2nd base end part 69:Second Intermediary Department 70:Guide component 71: Horizontal part 72: Inclined part 79:Conveyor roller C: Center line D:offset F:Metal belt conveying direction L:Metal strip center S: metal belt S1: 1st side end S2: 2nd side end S3: front end S4: Backend S11: 1st end S12: 2nd end W: Width direction of metal strip

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating a centering device for a metal strip according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the centering device shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a centering method of a metal strip using the centering device shown in FIG. 1 . (A) shows the initial state, and (B) shows the first side end detection state of the metal strip. FIG. 4 is a front view continuation of FIG. 3 , explaining the centering method of the metal strip. (A) shows the second side end detection state of the metal strip and the holding state of the metal strip. (B) shows the clamping (holding) movement state of the metal strip and the third side end detection status of the metal strip. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically explaining the centering device of the metal strip according to the second embodiment. (A) is a cross-sectional view, and (B) is a perspective view. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining a centering method of a metal strip using the centering device shown in FIG. 5 . (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the front end of the metal belt moving along the inclined surface of the guide member, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the front end of the metal belt moving along the horizontal plane of the guide member. , (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the metal strip is held by the first holder. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically explaining a metal strip centering device according to the third embodiment. (A) is a top view, and (B) is a front view showing the state in which the tip of the metal band hangs down. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically explaining the main part of the metal strip centering device shown in FIG. 7 . (A) is a perspective view, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the tip of the metal band hangs down.

1: Centering device

3:Box

4: Support rod

5,M: motor

5a: Motor shaft

6:Bearing

7: Pulley

8: belt

9:Driving mechanism

10: Upper axis

11: 1st upper screw part

12: 2nd upper screw part

15: On track

20: The first movable holding body (the first holding body)

21: 1st movable block

22: No. 1 pressure cylinder

23: Rod 1 (rotating axis)

24: 1st movable pad (1st pad)

25: The first light-emitting sensor (the first sensor)

30: The second movable holding block (the second holding body)

31: 2nd movable block

32: 2nd pressure cylinder

33: Rod 2 (rotating axis)

34: 2nd movable pad (2nd pad)

35: Second light-emitting sensor (second sensor)

40: Lower shaft

41: 1st lower screw part

42: 2nd screw part

45:Get off the track

50: The first opposing hostage body (the first holding body)

51: 1st opposing block

54: 1st opposing pad (1st pad)

55: 1st light-receiving sensor (1st sensor)

60: The second opposing hostage body (the second holding body)

61: 2nd opposing block

64: 2nd opposing pad (2nd pad)

65: 2nd light-receiving sensor (2nd sensor)

C: Center line

S: metal belt

S1: 1st side end

S11: 1st end

S12: 2nd end

S2: Terminal 2

S3: front end

W: Width direction of metal strip

Claims (6)

A centering device for a metal strip. The centering device positions a metal strip having a first end and a second end in the width direction of the metal strip symmetrically with respect to the center line in the width direction of the metal strip. The characteristics of the centering device are: Has: a first holding body holding the first end and a second holding body holding the second end; and A driving mechanism drives the first holding body and the second holding body, The first holding body or the second holding body holds the first end portion or the second end portion located near the center line, The driving mechanism moves the first holding body holding the first end or the second holding body holding the second end away from the center line to center the metal strip. The centering device of claim 1, wherein the driving mechanism drives the first holding body and the second holding body so that the first holding body and the second holding body move in opposite directions to each other in the width direction of the metal strip. The direction moves synchronously. The centering device of claim 1, wherein the first sensor that detects the first side end of the first end is disposed outside the first holder in the width direction of the metal strip, and detects the second end. The second sensor at the second side end of the portion is arranged outside the second holder in the width direction of the metal strip. The centering device of claim 1, wherein the first holding body and the second holding body have a first pad and a second pad respectively, and the first pad and the second pad rotate around a rotation axis, and the rotation axis It extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending surface of the metal strip. The centering device according to claim 1, wherein the guide member having the inclined portion is disposed upstream of the first holding body and the second holding body in the metal belt conveying direction, and the inclined portion is along the inclined surface. Guide the front end of the aforementioned metal strip. A method for centering a metal strip using the aforementioned centering device as in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by: Has the following methods: The first end portion or the second end portion located near the center line is held by the first holding body or the second holding body; and The metal strip is centered by the driving mechanism moving the first holding body holding the first end or the second holding body holding the second end away from the center line.

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