EP3566788A1 - Installation and method for separating flexible rolled strip material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for separating flexibly rolled strip material, comprising: a storage device (9) for temporarily storing the flexibly rolled strip material (3); a first feed device (15) behind the storage device (9); at least one length measuring device (16) for continuously measuring a length (L3) of the strip material (3); a thickness measuring device (14) for continuously measuring a thickness (D3) of the strip material (3) along the length (L3); a second feed device (17) behind the first feed device (15); a separating device (19) behind the second feed device (17); wherein the first and second feed means (15, 17) are arranged to move the strip material (3) from the storage means (9) to the singulation means (16) in dependence on the thickness measurement and the length measurement; wherein the thickness gauge (14) is disposed between the memory means (9) and the first feed means (15); and wherein the length measuring device (16) is arranged behind the first feed device (15).

Description

The invention relates to a system and a method for separating flexibly rolled strip material. Flexibly rolled strip material has a variable thickness profile in the strip longitudinal direction. The separation of flexibly rolled strip material therefore requires an exact positioning of the separation area to obtain boards with a defined nominal thickness profile.

From the CN 104551538 B For example, an apparatus and a method for separating flexibly rolled strip material are known. The strip material is guided by a reel via a first pinch roller and a band straightening arrangement in a tape storage. Behind the tape storage are two other pinch rollers with integrated length measurement, between a band thickness measurement, and behind a hydraulic shears for separating the strip material arranged. The tape length supplied to the tape store is determined via the first pinch roller and the tape length led out of the tape store is determined via the pinch roller arranged behind the tape store. By integrating the difference between supplied tape length and tape length led out over time, the stored tape length in the tape memory can be determined. If the stored strip length in the strip store exceeds a set value, strip material is tracked via the clamping roller arranged behind the strip store and the subsequent thickness measuring unit, and an actual thickness profile of the strip material is determined. On the basis of the actual thickness profile, a cutting plan is created according to which the tracked length of the strip material is regulated and the cutting process is carried out. In this case, the band length supplied to the hydraulic shears is determined by averaging the values determined by the pinch rollers arranged immediately before and behind the thickness measurement.

From the EP 3 181 248 A1 For example, a method and a system for producing a sheet metal blank are known. The method comprises the steps of: flexibly rolling a strip material, wherein a thickness profile is produced with different sheet thicknesses over the length of the strip material; Determining a Messdickenprofils of several successive areas of the strip material; Calculating a desired position in the strip material for a sheet metal blank to be cut from the strip material as a function of the generated measuring thickness profile of at least two successive regions of the strip material; Cutting the flexibly rolled strip material by means of at least one cutting device along the desired position for producing the sheet metal blank.

The production of shaped cuts and rectangular blanks, which are also referred to as Tailor Rolled Shapes or Tailor Rolled Blanks, can be effected by means of a suitable separating device. For this purpose, arranged in front of the separator tape feed unit, which is usually equipped with a spool, a leveler, a tape storage unit and a feed device. The threading of a metal strip in such a system is done manually by the operator. The operator threads the beginning of the strip to a marked point in the separating tool or on the transverse dividing shear. Subsequently, the automatic mode is started and the feed system pushes the tape per working stroke by a certain, always the same length measure. In this procedure, the cyclic thickness profile of the flexibly rolled strips can only be positioned inaccurate or not at all to the separating edge of the separating device. This position tolerances for the thickness profile relative to the position within the shape of the section or the rectangular board can not be met. In addition, areas of the metal strip that do not comply with the thickness tolerances can not be detected and sorted out. Furthermore, it is not possible to position cyclic in the flexibly rolled strips recurring thickness profile automatically, locationally on the Trennkannte the separators.

The invention is based on the object to propose a system for separating flexible rolled strip material, the accurate measurement and evaluation allows the sheet thickness profiles and ensures a positionally accurate positioning of the strip material for separating. The object is also to propose a corresponding method for separating flexibly rolled strip material, which enables accurate measurement, evaluation and positioning.

For solving a system for separating flexibly rolled strip material is proposed, comprising: a memory means for temporarily storing the flexibly rolled strip material; a first feed device, which is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material behind the storage device; at least one length measuring device for continuously measuring a length of the strip material; a thickness measuring device for continuously measuring a thickness of the strip material along the length; a second feed device, which is arranged behind the first feed device; a separating device, which is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material behind the second feed device; wherein the first advancing means and the second advancing means are configured to move the strip material from the storage means to the singulating means in response to the thickness measurement and the length measurement; wherein the thickness measuring device is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material behind the storage device and in front of the first tape feed device; and the at least one length measuring device is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material behind the first strip feed device.

The system has the advantage that the feed applied by the first feed device can be controlled by means of the values previously determined by the thickness measuring unit. A recurrent thickness profile of the flexibly rolled strip can be accurately recognized, compared with the desired nominal profile and positioned exactly to the separation point of the separating device. In addition, areas of the metal strip that do not comply with the thickness tolerances can be detected and sorted out.

According to one embodiment, the system may further comprise a reel for unwinding the flexibly rolled strip material and at least one straightening unit for straightening the flexibly rolled strip material. In particular, several straightening units can be used used in the processing of particularly thicker tapes and / or in tapes with large absolute thickness jumps of, for example, more than 1 mm. The reel and the at least one straightening unit, which together can also be referred to as an unwinding and straightening group, are connected upstream of the band storage device. Preferably, the first and second feed device for the separating device control technology independent of the feed of the unwinding and straightening group. The unwinding and straightening group conveys the strip into the strip store and provides the flexibly rolled strips for processing by the further line. In this case, the conveying or unwinding speed of the unwinding and straightening group can be regulated by means of a filling level sensor of the strip accumulator. The filling level sensor can be, for example, an ultrasound unit which senses the depth of the band loop hanging in the band store and transmits a corresponding signal to the regulator for the unwinding and straightening group. It is understood that other sensors can be used, such as an optical sensor, a capacitive and / or an inductive sensor. The straightening unit can be supported by an inlet driver and a take-off roller. The operation or the running of the system components reel, inlet driver, straightening unit and take-off roller can be synchronized with each other via controllers and operated in speed control or torque control to each other. Each of the units can be operated individually, that is independently of each other, as a generator or as a motor. The execution with Abhaspel- and straightening group lends itself to, if the strip material after the flexible rolling is rewound to the coil and further processed elsewhere. However, it is also possible in principle that the system parts tape storage, feed and separation unit directly connect to a flexible rolling in the ongoing process.

The tape storage is used to decouple the unwinding and straightening group of the system from the working on the basis of feed lengths, position-controlled part of the system with the components thickness measurement, feeds, length measurements and singler. In particular, it is provided that the length-based feed control of the singling system is based solely on the length measured values of the length measuring device located behind the strip accumulator. Possibly of a length measured values detected in front of the storage device can be disregarded in the present feed control.

The thickness measuring unit is arranged in the passage direction behind the tape storage and before the first feed device. Immediately behind the first feed device is the associated first length measuring unit. The first length measuring unit is configured to continuously detect the length of the strip material. The thickness measurement is carried out in particular continuously during the tape feed. Preferably, the length measuring device and the thickness measuring device are metrologically coupled with each other. In this case, provision is made in particular for the length measuring unit to generate trigger signals and pass them on to the thickness measuring unit in order to trigger thickness measurements, which in turn are detected.

According to one embodiment, the length measuring unit may comprise a measuring wheel, which is in abutting contact on a first side of the strip material, and a support wheel which is in abutting contact with an opposite side of the strip material as an abutment for the measuring wheel. The tread of the measuring wheel can be made for example of a steel material. The tread of the support wheel can for example be made of an elastic material. It is understood that the above-described embodiment of the length measuring unit can also be used for any other length measuring unit of the system.

According to a preferred embodiment, two length measuring devices are provided, a first length measuring device, which is associated with the first feed device, and a second length measuring device, which is associated with the second feed device. The second length measuring device is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material behind the second feed device and in front of the singulation device. For a high measurement accuracy, it is advantageous if the measuring devices are each arranged as close as possible to the respective feeds. Preferably, the first length measuring device to the first feed device at a first distance which is smaller than 0.5 times, in particular less than 0.25 times the distance between the first feed device and the second feed device. The second length measuring device may have a second distance to the second feed device, which is smaller than 0.5 times, in particular less than 0.25 times the distance between the second feed device and the separating device.

The two feed devices operate synchronously in order to feed the strip material from the strip store to the singulation unit. Both feeds each exert a tensile force on the strip material in order to move it. In order to keep the strip material flat between the two feed devices, it is provided in particular that the second feed device, which is located downstream in the direction of passage, can be driven more quickly than the upstream first feed device. In this way, the strip material between the two feed devices is easily kept on train and is therefore flat, which has a favorable effect on the measurement accuracy.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the thickness measuring device and the separating device is at least twice the length of the blank of a blank to be cut out of the strip material. In particular, the distance is at least twice the length of a board plus the feed path which the strip material travels during the computing time for a board to be cut out.

The separating device can be selected to the requirements of the flat product to be separated and, for example, a transverse dividing shear or a jet cutting unit, in particular a laser cutting unit include. For easy cutting to length of boards, a dividing shears, a cross-section laser or a comparable blasting machine for cross-cutting, can be used, connected to the tape feed system. In order to produce shaped cuts, a press line with suitable separating tools or a jet cutting unit, in particular a laser jet unit, in each case connected to the tape feed system, can be used.

A solution of the above object is further in a method for separating flexibly rolled strip material, in particular by means of a plant according to one of the above embodiments, comprising the steps of: buffering the flexibly rolled strip material by means of a storage device; Advancing the strip material from the intermediate store by means of a first feed device and a second feed device; continuous measurement of a Thickness of the strip material by means of a thickness measuring device while the strip material is advanced, wherein the measurement of the thickness in the feed direction of the strip material takes place before the first feed device; continuously measuring a length of the strip material by means of a length measuring device while advancing the strip material, wherein the measuring of the length in the feed direction of the strip material takes place behind the first feed device; Calculating an actual thickness profile for a board to be singulated from the strip material from measured thickness values and associated measured length values; Comparing the calculated actual thickness profile with a predetermined nominal thickness profile and calculating a feed length for the board to be singulated from the strip material; Feeding the strip material to a separating device by means of the first feed device and the second feed device on the basis of the calculated feed length.

The length measurement behind the respective feed unit decouples the feed movement from the length measurement, which leads to particularly accurate measurement results. The thickness measurement before the first feed unit also has a favorable effect on the measurement accuracy, since the feed rate applied by the first feed device can be controlled by means of the values previously determined by the thickness measuring unit. The use of the second position-controlled feed device with associated length measuring unit contributes to a flat, warp-free and tape loop-free tape running between the thickness measuring unit and the separation point, which in turn ensures a precise positioning of the reference edges of the feed length with respect to the separation point. There are the same overall advantages for the process as for the plant. A recurring thickness profile of the flexibly rolled strip can be accurately recognized, compared with the desired nominal profile and positioned exactly relative to the separation point of the singulator. In addition, areas of the metal strip that do not comply with the thickness tolerances can be detected and sorted out. It is understood that all procedural features are mutatis mutandis transferable to the system, and conversely, all system-related features on the process.

After a process, the strip material is pulled from the position-controlled first or second tape feed from the tape storage. in this connection The flexible rolled strip is continuously measured by the thickness measuring unit with respect to the thickness. In this case, the thickness measuring unit, on the basis of the measured thickness taking into account the associated length measured values, evaluates whether the flexible rolled strip meets the required thickness tolerances or not. The comparison of the determined actual thickness profile with the predetermined nominal thickness profile takes place in particular also taking into account the associated tolerances of the nominal thickness profile, which can be represented by an envelope. It is checked by calculation whether the determined actual profile lies within the envelope of the nominal profile. From the result of the comparison, the feed length for the tape or the board to be cut therefrom and the cutting position of the board in the tape can be calculated. The band is divided into areas that are in order (so-called 10 parts) and those that are out of order (so-called ni0 parts). The position and length of these individual areas in the band is passed from the thickness measuring device to the first feed device. The first feed device, and also the second feed device coupled thereto, can then perform the feeds instructed by the thickness measuring unit and position the reference edges of the individual feed lengths accurately to the separation point of the separating device. In this case, the feed unit to the other parts of the system forward the information, whether it is a feed length with iO thickness profile or niO thickness profile.

The length measuring device is configured to continuously detect a length value representing the feed path of the tape. Preferably, high-precision length measuring devices are used for this purpose which have a measuring tolerance of up to 0.5 mm per meter strip length, in particular of up to 0.1 mm per meter strip length. The length measurement can be done for example by means of a measuring wheel which is in abutting contact with the strip material passed by. The length measuring device can measure the strip material from beginning to end without interruption. As the starting point of the measurement, the beginning of the tape can be used, which defines the length zero position accordingly. From the starting point of the length measurement, the length is recorded continuously.

After a preferred process control, the first length measuring device of the first feed at the starting point referenced with the thickness measurement in terms of length. This can be done by continuously reporting the length measurement value from the first length measuring device to the thickness measuring device. The message of the length measured values can be absolute or incremental. The thickness measurement scales the thickness readings based on the reported length readings over the tape length. In this way, both measuring devices can work from the exact same band length zero point. The measured actual thickness profile can be reliably compared with the predetermined nominal thickness profile and a corresponding assessment made with regard to the parts which are in order and those which are not in order. Referencing the length measuring device with the thickness measuring device is also of importance for the positionally accurate positioning of the feed lengths by the feed with respect to a reference interface for the singulation. Alternatively or in addition, the second length measuring device of the second feed can also be referenced at the starting point with the thickness measurement in terms of length.

According to one embodiment, a further length measurement of the strip material can be carried out by means of a second length measuring device during the feeding of the strip material to the singling device, wherein the measurement of the length with the second measuring device in the feed direction of the strip material behind the second feed device. It can also be provided as a further method step: comparing the first length measured values determined by the first length measuring device with the associated second length measured values determined by the second length measuring device; and shutting down the system when a difference between the first length measurements and the second length measurements exceeds a predetermined difference value. By this configuration, a measurement redundancy is generated, so that the risk of missing parts is reduced.

After a procedure, a fixed distance can be set between the thickness measuring device and the first feed device. This distance is precisely measured, preferably with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.2 mm, and maintained during operation of the plant. In this way, the length reference between the thickness measurement on the one hand and the feed or the length measurement On the other hand reliably ensured over the entire length of the strip material.

For positionally accurate positioning of a reference edge of a feed length to a reference separation point of the singling device, a fixed distance can be set between the thickness measuring device and the singling device after a possible process control. This distance is precisely measured, preferably with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.2 mm, and maintained during operation of the plant.

After a further process, the measuring distance between the thickness measurement and the singulation device can be set to at least twice the length of the blank of a blank to be cut out of the strip material. In particular, the distance between thickness measurement and singulation device can be set to at least twice the length of a board plus the feed travel which the strip travels during the computing time for a blank to be cut out.

If in the context of the present disclosure reference is made to a distance between two devices, this may relate to a predetermined reference point of the respective device, for example a measuring plane at the measuring devices, or a separating point at the separating device.

According to a preferred process control, the second feed device is operated synchronously with the first feed device, in particular with the same length scale as the first feed device and the thickness measuring unit. By regulating such that the second feed unit slightly advances with respect to the first feed unit, the second feed unit generates a slight strip tension in the strip section, which is located within the measuring section, which ensures a flat strip run.

Figur 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Anlage zum Vereinzeln von flexibel gewalztem Bandmaterial schematisch in dreidimensionaler Darstellung in einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Vereinzeln von flexibel gewalztem Bandmaterial;

Figur 3

den Dickenverlauf einer beispielhaften Platine, die mit der Anlage und dem Verfahren gemäß Figur 1 und 2 herstellbar ist;

Figur 4

den Dickenverlauf einer weiteren beispielhaften Platine, die mit der Anlage und dem Verfahren gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 herstellbar ist;

Figur 5

den Dickenverlauf einer weiteren beispielhaften Platine, die mit der Anlage und dem Verfahren gemäß Figur 1 und 2 herstellbar ist;

Figur 6

eine beispielhafte Abfolge mehrerer Platinen nach Figur 3 beziehungsweise Figur 4, die mit der erfindungsgemäßen Anlage beziehungsweise Verfahren hergestellt sind;

Figur 7

eine erfindungsgemäße Anlage zum Vereinzeln von flexibel gewalztem Bandmaterial schematisch in dreidimensionaler Darstellung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Figur 8

einen beispielhaften Formschnitt in Draufsicht, der mit der Anlage gemäß Figur 7 beziehungsweise dem Verfahren gemäß Figur 2 herstellbar ist;

Figur 9

eine beispielhafte Abfolge mehrerer Formschnitte nach Figur 8, die mit der erfindungsgemäßen Anlage beziehungsweise Verfahren hergestellt sind.

Preferred embodiments will be explained below with reference to the drawing figures. Hereby shows:

FIG. 1

a system according to the invention for separating flexibly rolled strip material schematically in three-dimensional representation in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2

an inventive method for separating flexibly rolled strip material;

FIG. 3

the thickness profile of an exemplary board, with the system and the method according to FIG. 1 and 2 can be produced;

FIG. 4

the thickness profile of another exemplary board, with the system and the method according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 can be produced;

FIG. 5

the thickness profile of another exemplary board, with the system and the method according to FIG. 1 and 2 can be produced;

FIG. 6

an exemplary sequence of several boards after FIG. 3 respectively FIG. 4 , which are produced with the system or method according to the invention;

FIG. 7

a system according to the invention for separating flexibly rolled strip material schematically in three-dimensional representation in a second embodiment;

FIG. 8

an exemplary sectional shape in plan view, with the system according to FIG. 7 or the method according to FIG. 2 can be produced;

FIG. 9

an exemplary sequence of several form sections after FIG. 8 , which are produced with the system or method according to the invention.

The FIGS. 1 to 9 will be described together below. In FIG. 1 a system 2 according to the invention for separating flexible rolled strip material 3 is shown. Flexibly rolled strip material means that a strip material having a substantially constant sheet thickness is rolled over the length by means of rolling is that it receives a variable sheet thickness along the rolling direction. After flexible rolling, the strip material 3 in the rolling direction has different thicknesses over the length. The strip material 3 is wound up again to the coil 4 after the flexible rolling, so that it can be fed to the next process step, or it can optionally be further processed directly.

In the present case, a coil 4 of flexible rolled strip material is shown as the starting material. The plant 2 comprises a reel 5 for unwinding the flexibly rolled strip material 3 and a straightening unit 6 for straightening the flexibly rolled strip material. The straightening unit 6 comprises a plurality of rollers, in particular between 7 to 23 rollers, which passes through the band material. Between the reel 5 and the straightening unit 6, an inlet driver 7 can be provided, which pulls the band material 3 from the reel and supplies the straightening unit. In the direction of passage of the band behind the straightening unit 6, a take-off roll 8 can be arranged, which transfers a feed force to the strip material 3. The operation of the system components reel, inlet driver, straightening unit and take-off roller can be synchronized with each other via controllers and operated in speed control or torque control. Each of the units can be operated individually, that is independently of each other, as a generator or as a motor. In the FIG. 1 are the transferable from the respective components 5, 6, 7, 8 on the strip material moments M5, M6, M7, M8 drawn.

In the tape feed direction behind the unwinding and straightening group 10, a memory device 9 is provided, which is designed to temporarily store a respective section of the tape 3. In this case, a feed movement of the unwinding and straightening group 10 is decoupled from a feed movement of the separating group 12. The unwinding and straightening group 10 conveys the strip 3 into the strip store 9, which provides the flexibly rolled strip 3 for further processing in the singling group 12. The conveying or unwinding speed of the unwinding and straightening group 10 can be regulated by means of a filling level sensor 13 of the strip accumulator 9. The filling level sensor 13 may comprise, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor which senses the depth of the belt loop suspended in the tape store and transmits a corresponding signal to the controller for the unwinding and straightening group 10.

The system 2 comprises, as further components behind the storage device 9, a thickness measuring device 14 for continuously measuring the thickness of the strip material, a first feed device 15, a first length measuring device 16 associated with the first feed device for continuously measuring the length of the strip material 3, a second feed device 17 is arranged at a distance behind the first feed device 15, a second length measuring device 18 assigned to the second feed device 17 and a singling unit 19 for singulating the strip material 3.

The two feed devices 15, 17 are operated synchronously and are designed to move the strip material 3 from the storage device 9 to the singulator 19 as a function of the thickness measurement and the length measurement. In this case, the two advances 15, 17 each exert a feed force on the strip material in order to move it. So that the strip material between the two feed devices 15, 17 is kept flat, the second feed device 17 can be driven with a slight forward movement relative to the first feed device 15. A special feature of the present arrangement is that the thickness measuring device 14 is arranged in the direction of passage R of the strip material 3 behind the storage device 9 and before the first feed device 15, and that the first length measuring device 16 is designed separately from the first feed device 15 and downstream. For the length-based feed control of the singling group 12, only the length measured values of the length measuring devices 16, 18 behind the strip accumulator 9 are taken as a basis.

The first length measuring device 16 and the thickness measuring device 14 are metrologically coupled with each other. For a reliable compliance with the length reference over the strip length between the thickness measurement 14 on the one hand and the first feed 15 and the first length measurement 16 on the other hand, a fixed Abtandsmaß A1 between the thickness gauge 14 and the first feed device 15 is set. This distance A1 is precisely measured, preferably with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.2 mm, and maintained during operation of the plant. In this way, the length reference between the thickness measurement on the one hand and the feed or the length measurement on the other hand over the entire Length of the strip material can be reliably guaranteed. During operation of the system 2, the length measuring unit 16 can generate trigger signals B1 and pass them on to the thickness measuring unit 14. Each trigger signal B1 serves as a trigger for a thickness measurement, so that a thickness measurement value is generated with each trigger signal of the length measuring unit 16 and assigned to a corresponding length measurement value. In this way, data sets of pairs of length and thickness values are generated, from which the actual thickness profile of the board to be cut out of the strip material 3 can be determined.

The first and second length measuring units 16, 18 each comprise a measuring wheel 20, 20 ', which is in abutting contact with a first side of the strip material 3, and a support wheel 21, 21', which serves as an abutment for the measuring wheel 20, 20 '. The running surface of the measuring wheels can for example be made of a steel material. The running surface of the support wheels can be made of an elastic material, for example. It is understood, however, that other forms of length measurements, such as non-contact sensors, can be used. For a high measuring accuracy of the length measured values, it is favorable if the measuring devices 16, 18 are each arranged as close as possible to the respective feeds 15, 17. In this case, the distance between the first length measuring device 16 and the first feed device 15 in particular less than 0.1 times the distance between the two feed devices 15, 17 to each other. The second length measuring device 18 may have a distance to the second feed device 17 that is less than 0.1 times the distance between the second feed device 17 and the singling device 19.

It is in FIG. 1 Furthermore, the distance A2 between the thickness gauge 14 and the singulator 19 drawn. This is preferably at least twice the length of the board L22 of a cut out of the strip material 3 board 22 plus the feed path, which covers the strip material during the computing time for a cut-out board.

The separating device 19 can be selected to the requirements of the flat product 22 to be separated and, for example, a mechanical separating device, such as a dividing shear (as shown here), or a jet cutting unit, in particular a laser cutting unit. In general, the separating device can also be referred to as a cutting or separating device. The present separator 19 is configured to create cuts perpendicular to the belt edge. It is understood, however, that the separating device can in principle be adapted to the final contour of the board to be produced with regard to the separating cut to be produced. For example, the separating device can also be designed to produce obliquely to the band edge running cuts, or even curved cuts. Hereby, if necessary, the amount of scrap can be reduced.

Hereinafter, a method for separating flexibly rolled strip material 3 to boards 22 based on FIG. 2 described. The method can be considered in two parts with regard to the regulation of the components. For, the process steps S10 unwinding and S20 straightening carried out by the unwinding and straightening group 10 can be decoupled from the control point, at least with regard to the feed of the strip material, by the method steps (S40-S130) carried out by the feed and singulation group 12 behind the strip store S30 be.

According to the invention, provision is made: according to step S30, buffering of the flexibly rolled strip material 3 by means of the storage device 9. It is provided in particular that the strip material 3 is fed continuously from the unwinding and straightening group 10 into the strip store 9. In step S40, the strip material 3 is fed out of the intermediate store 3 by means of the first and second feed devices 16, 17. This takes place in particular at intervals according to a calculated feed length for the respective blank 22 to be cut from the strip material 3. The feed length is determined in FIG Steps S50, S60 continuously measure a thickness signal and a length signal of the strip material 3. This is carried out continuously by means of the thickness measuring device 14 and the first length measuring device 16, that is, while the strip material 3 is continued by the feed devices 15, 17 by a feed length. The thickness measurement (S50) takes place in the direction of passage R of the strip material 3 in front of the first feed device 15 or in front of the first length measuring device 16.

The thickness and length values detected by the measuring devices 14, 16 are forwarded to a computing or control unit, where they are further processed to calculate the actual thickness profile of a board 22 to be cut out and to calculate the feed length for this board. To determine the thickness profile of the strip or of the blanks to be cut therefrom, a thickness value D is assigned to each length position L of the strip material 3. Since the thickness measuring device 14 is arranged in front of the first feed device 15, the thickness values detected therefrom and the actual thickness profiles determined therefrom together with the associated length values can be taken into account directly during the current feed movement. The length measurement can take place in the direction of passage R of the belt immediately behind the first feed device 15.

The continuous measurement of the length or displacement signal of the strip material 3 by means of the first length measuring device 16 takes place simultaneously with the thickness measurement while the strip material is advanced. It is provided in particular that the first length measuring device 16 is referenced at the starting point with the thickness measuring device 14 with respect to the length. This is done for the first time, as described above, by setting the defined distance measure A1 and during the process by continuously reporting the length measurement value from the first length measuring device 16 to the thickness measuring device 14. The length measurement values can be reported absolutely or incrementally, for example by means of trigger signals B1, B2 , The thickness measurement scales the thickness readings based on the reported length readings over the tape length. In this way, both measuring devices 14, 16 work from the exact same band length zero point. From the measured thickness and length measured values of the measuring devices 14, 16, the actual thickness profile for the board 22 to be singulated from the strip material 3 is calculated in step S70. The measured actual thickness profile can be reliably compared with the predetermined nominal thickness profile and the associated tolerances, in particular representable by an envelope, in step S80 and a corresponding assessment made with regard to the parts which are in order and those which are not in order. At the same time or offset in time, the feed length for the board 22 to be separated from the strip material 3 can be calculated in step S90.

In the subsequent step S100, the strip material 3 is fed to the singling device 19 by means of the two feed devices 15, 17 on the basis of the calculated feed length VL. While the strip material is advanced by the calculated feed length VL for a first board, the thickness and length measurement for the next board 22 'to be cut out subsequently takes place simultaneously by means of the thickness and length measuring devices 14, 16 in the area of the first feed unit 15 the dashed line in FIG. 2 shown. It is envisaged that the measuring path between the thickness measurement 14 and the singling device 19 is set to at least twice the length of the board L22 of a board 22 to be cut out of the strip material 3 plus the feed path traveled by the strip during the computing time for the blank to be cut out. The cutting out of the board 22 takes place in method step S110.

After a possible further step S120, during the advancement of the strip material 3 from the second feed device 17 to the separation unit 19, a further length measurement can take place by means of a second length measuring device 18. The second length measuring unit is preferably arranged in the feed direction of the strip material 3 directly behind the second feed device 17. It can also be provided as a further method step S130: comparing the first length measured values determined by the first length measuring device 16 with the associated second length measured values determined by the second length measuring device 18 and switching off the system if a difference between the first and second length measuring values exceeds a predetermined difference value. This measurement redundancy minimizes the risk of waste production.

In the FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 various forms of manufactured from the strip material 3 boards are shown, as well as in FIG. 6 an example of a separation sequence for a board according to FIG. 3 or one according to FIG. 4 ,

In FIG. 3 an embodiment of a rectangular board 22 is shown with a single-ended thickness curve D22 over the length L22 of the board. The board 22 has, starting from the first end 23, different sections 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d with different thicknesses D24a, D24b, D24c, D24d, wherein the first section 24a and the last section 24d at the second end 25 have the same thickness (D24a = D24d). exhibit. Between each two sections 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d constant thickness, which may also be referred to as plateaus, each having a transition portion 26a, 26b, 26c is formed with a variable thickness, which may also be referred to as ramps. In the FIG. 3 Rectangular board 22 shown is produced by simply cutting the strip material 3 brought to the correct position by the feeds 15, 17 by a simple cut, for example by means of a transverse dividing shear. An exemplary separation sequence for the rectangular board 22 from FIG. 3 is in the upper path of the FIG. 6 shown. Successive boards have the same reference numeral with primed indices. It is an "OK" board 22, followed by a "NOK" board 28, followed by an "OK" board 22 ', a short "NOK" bridge 28' to be cut out, followed by another "OK". Board 22 ", and the" iO "boards 22, 22 ', 22" are stacked by means of a stacker (not shown). The "no" sections 28, 28 'are sent for automatic scrapping. In the lower half of the FIG. 6 a further exemplary separation sequence for a further exemplary rectangular board is shown. The thicknesses of the respective first section 24a and the last section 24a are also the same for the rectangular boards 22, 22 ', 22 "of the lower separation sequence 24. The last section 24a of the board 22 has the same thickness as the first section 24a' of the subsequent board 22 In the example shown, a "NOK" board 28 is followed by an "OK" board 22, a short "NOK" interface 28 'to be cut out, followed by another "IO" board 22', a "NO "Board 28" and an "iO" board 22 "." The "10" boards 22, 22 ', 22 "are stacked by means of a stacker (not shown). The "no" sections 28, 28 'are sent for automatic scrapping.

In FIG. 4 a further embodiment of a rectangular board 22 is shown, which in contrast to FIG. 3 has a symmetrical thickness D22 over the length L22. It can be seen that the thickness profile D22 of the board 22 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a center plane E. The rectangular plate 22 shown here is also produced by simply cutting the strip material 3 brought to the correct position from the feeds 15, 17 by a simple cut, for example by means of a transverse dividing cutter.

In FIG. 5 an embodiment of boards is shown, whose end sections respectively have a different thickness. For this reason, two successive boards 22A, 22B are each mirrored to each other. Over the length of the band in each case a first circuit board 22A and a second circuit board 22B alternate. The profile of the first boards 22A corresponds to the profile of the second boards 22B. The boards 22A, 22B shown here furthermore each have an asymmetrical thickness profile D22A, D22B over the respective length L22A, L22B. It can be seen that the thickness profile D22A of the board 22A with respect to a center plane EAB is mirror-symmetrical to the thickness profile D22B of the following board 22B. The board 22A has, starting from the first end 23A, a first portion 24Aa having a first thickness, a second portion 24Ab having a second thickness, a third portion 24Ac having a third thickness, a fourth portion 24Ad having a fourth thickness, and a final portion 24Ae having a thickness which is different from the first thickness of the first portion 24Aa. Between the sections 24Aa, 24Ab, 24Ac, 24Ad and 24Ae, each having a constant thickness along the length, there are provided transition portions 26Aa, 26Ab, 26Ac, 26Ad and 26Ae of variable thickness over the length, respectively. The second board 22B is constructed correspondingly symmetrical to the first board. The second board 22B is again followed by a first board 22A, and so on. The rectangular blanks 22A, 22B shown here are also produced by simply cutting the strip material 3 brought to the correct position from the feeds 15, 17 by a simple cut, for example by means of a transverse dividing cutter.

FIG. 7 shows a system 2 according to the invention for separating flexible rolled strip material in a modified embodiment. This corresponds largely to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 , so that reference is made to the above description in terms of similarities. The same or modified components are provided with the same reference numerals, as in FIG. 1 , The present Annex 2 according to FIG. 7 can be related with the same above FIG. 2 operated method described.

The only difference of the present embodiment consists in the configuration of the singling device 19, which in the present case comprises a shape-cutting tool, in particular with a strip-separating tool. The shape cutting tool is designed in that it cuts out a shape-cutting board 22 corresponding to the target contour from the strip material 3. Depending on the component to be produced, one or more shaped cutting boards 22 can be cut out of the strip material 3 in one operation of the shaped cutting tool. The singling device 19 can be designed as a punching tool, as described in more detail in FIG FIG. 9 shown with a tool lower part 29 and a tool upper part 30 which is movable relative thereto to perform a contoured cut. In addition, the singulating device may comprise an integrated strip separating tool which separates a board from the strip. Here, the cutting order can be selected as desired, that is only first cut a circuit board from the strip, then form cut from the board, or cut and cut simultaneously, or first cut from the strip and then cut from the strip. Analogous to the embodiment with transverse dividing shears, an accurate positioning of the shaped cut 22 to be cut out relative to the tool 19 by means of the feed units 15, 17 is also provided in the present embodiment with a shaped cutting tool. The cutting tool may have a deviating from a perpendicular to the band edge cutting line, which may be straight, oblique or curved. Depending on the shape of the cutting board to be cut out, the punched scrap can optionally be reduced with oblique or curved cutting lines.

The feed units 15, 17 are connected with the form-cutting tool 19 such that the strip material is advanced in the desired length up to a reference point 32 or a reference plane on the shaped cutting tool 19. In particular, it is provided that the shaped cutting tool 19 is exactly aligned with respect to the press table 31 and is precisely positioned or fixed by means of positioning means, such as, for example, a dowel pin or a dowel.

In FIG. 8 a mold cutting board 22 is shown, as for example by means of the punching tool 19 according to the Appendix FIG. 7 can be cut out. The shaped cutting board 22 is characterized in that it has a defined circumferential contour 27. The contour of the cut out of the strip material 3 sheet metal blanks 22 is arbitrary and can be adjusted individually according to the geometric specifications. To produce a shaped cutting board 22 is alternatively to the punching tool described in particular also a jet cutting device, for example a laser beam separating device, which can be moved along several axes, namely at least in the feed direction and in the transverse direction and optionally in the vertical direction of the strip material. The mold cutting board 22 has sections 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d with different thicknesses (plateaus) and intermediate transition sections 26a, 26b, 26c (ramps). In FIG. 8 the reference edge 32 is drawn onto which the strip material 3 is positioned in the singulator 19 in order to produce the shaped cut.

FIG. 9 FIG. 12 shows an exemplary separation sequence for a die cutting board 22 FIG. 8 by means of the shape-cutting tool 19, which is represented here by dashed lines. From the mold cutting tool 19, the lower tool part 29, which is positioned on the press table 31, and the upper tool part 30 can be seen. For the cutting process, the band 3 is advanced to a reference separating edge 32 according to calculation of the feed unit 15, 17. Then, the shape cutting board 22 is cut by moving the upper 30 to the lower part 29. The exemplary sequence shown concretely includes an "OK" form cutting board 22 followed by a "OK" board area 22 'to be cut, followed by two "NOK" board areas 28, 28', another "OK" board area 22 " another "niO" board area 28 "and another" io "board area 22"'. The "10" boards 22, 22', 22 ", 22"'are stacked by means of a stacker (not shown) "Sections 28, 28 'are sent for automatic scrapping.

With the systems or methods described above, it is possible to unwind coils 4 with flexibly rolled strip material 3, to judge, to check the sheet thickness gradients contained for conformity with the sheet thickness tolerance and to make an OK / NOK evaluation. As a result, the band 3 is divided into feed lengths, which are positioned position exactly under the separation edge of the separator 19. Subsequently, the separator 19 separates the feed lengths from the tape. In the case of a feed length that is "OK" (OK), the rectangular or shape-cutting board is fed for further processing. In the case that it is an advance length that is "not OK" (NOK), it will be sorted out and scrapped.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

investment

3

band material

4

coil

5

reel

6

straightening unit

7

incoming drivers

8th

off roll

9

memory device

10

Unwinding and guidance group

12

singulator

13

level sensor

14

Thickness measuring device

15

first feed device

16

first length measuring device

17

second feed device

18

second length measuring device

19

separating device

20, 20 '

Measuring Wheel

21, 21 '

stabilizer

22

circuit board

23

The End

24

sections

25

The End

26

Transition section

27

peripheral contour

28

n.i.O area

29

Tool part

30

Upper die

31

press table

32

reference edge

A

distance

B

trigger signal

D

thickness

e

level

L

length

M

torque

P

profile

R

direction

S

step

VL

feed length

Claims (15)

Apparatus for separating flexibly rolled strip material, comprising: a storage device (9) for temporarily storing the flexibly rolled strip material (3); a first feed device (15) which is arranged in the feed direction (R) of the strip material (3) behind the storage device (9); at least one length measuring device (16) for continuously measuring a length (L3) of the strip material (3); a thickness measuring device (14) for continuously measuring a thickness (D3) of the strip material (3) along the length (L3); a second feed device (17) which is arranged behind the first feed device (15); a separating device (19) which is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material (3) behind the second feed device (17); wherein the first feed means (15) and the second feed means (17) are arranged to move the strip material (3) in dependence upon the thickness measurement and the length measurement from the storage means (9) to the singulator (12); characterized, that the thickness measuring device (14) in the feed direction of the strip material (3) between the memory device (9) and the first feed device (15) is arranged; and in that the at least one length measuring device (16) is arranged in the feed direction of the strip material (3) behind the first feed device (15). Plant according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that a reel (5) is provided for unwinding the flexibly rolled strip material (3) and a straightening unit (6) for straightening the flexibly rolled strip material (3) which precedes the storage device (9), wherein the first feed device (15) and the second feed device (17) for the singling device (19) is independent of control of a feed of the reel (5) and the leveling unit (6). Plant according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that the at least one length measuring device (16, 18) comprises a measuring wheel (20, 20 ') which is in abutting contact on a first side of the strip material (3) and a support wheel (21, 21') serving as an abutment for the measuring wheel (20, 20 ') is in abutting contact with an opposite side of the strip material (3), wherein the running surface of the measuring wheel is made in particular of a steel material. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized,
that the at least one length measuring device (16, 18) is a first length measuring device (16) for measuring the length of the strip material, and in that a second length measuring device (18) is provided for measuring the length of the strip material (3), the second length measuring device (18) being arranged in the feed direction of the strip material between the second feed device (17) and the singling device (19). Plant according to claim 4,
characterized,
that the first length measuring means (16) to the first feeding means (15) a first distance that is less than 0.5 times the distance between the first feeding means (15) and the second feed means (17), and / or
in that the second length measuring device (18) has a second distance to the second feed device (17) which is smaller than 0.5 times the distance between the second feed device (17) and the singling device (19). Installation according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized,
in that the second feed device (17) can be driven faster than the first feed device (15), so that the strip material (3) can be tensioned between the first feed device (15) and the second feed device (17). Plant according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized,
in that the distance (A2) between the thickness measuring device (14) and the singling device (19) is at least twice the length of the board (L22) of a board (22) to be cut from the strip material, in particular at least twice a board length plus the feed path which the strip material (3) travels during the calculation time for the board to be cut out. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized,
in that the at least one length measuring device (16) and the thickness measuring device (14) are metrologically coupled to one another, wherein it is provided in particular that the length measuring device (16) generates trigger signals and transmits them to the thickness measuring device (14), the trigger signals acting as triggers for carrying out thickness measurements serve. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized,
in that the singling device (19) comprises a transverse dividing shear or a jet cutting unit, in particular a laser cutting unit. Method for separating flexibly rolled strip material, in particular by means of a plant according to one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising: Buffering (S30) the flexibly rolled strip material (3) by means of a storage device (9); Advancing (S40) the strip material from the storage device (9) by means of a first feed device (15) and a second feed device (17); continuously measuring (S50) a thickness (D3) of the strip material (3) by means of a thickness measuring device (14) while advancing the strip material (3), measuring (S50) the thickness (D3) in the direction of advance of the strip material before the first feed device (S50) 15) takes place; continuously measuring (S60) a length (L3) of the strip material (3) by means of a length measuring device (16) while advancing the strip material (3), measuring the length (L3) in the feed direction of the strip material behind the first feed device (15) ; Calculating (S70) an actual thickness profile (P22) for a board (22) to be singulated from the strip material from measured thickness values and associated measured length values; Comparing (S80) the calculated actual thickness profile (P22) with a predetermined nominal thickness profile and calculating a feed length (VL22) for the board (22) to be singulated from the strip material; Feeding (S100) the strip material (3) to a singling device (19) by means of the first feed device (15) and the second feed device (17) on the basis of the calculated feed length (VL22). Method according to claim 10,
characterized,
that is provided as a further method step: continuously measuring (S120) the length (L3) of the strip material (3) by means of a second length measuring device (18) during the feeding of the strip material to the singling device (19), wherein the measuring by means of the second length measuring device (18) in the feed direction (R) of the Band material behind the second feed device (17) takes place, in particular being provided as a further method step: Comparing (S130) the first length measurement values determined by the first length measuring device (16) with the associated second length measurement values determined by the second length measuring device (18); and Shut down the system when a difference between the first length measurements and the second length measurements exceeds a predetermined difference value. Method according to claim 10 or 11,
characterized,
in that the length measuring device (16) generates trigger signals and forwards them to the thickness measuring device (14), the trigger signals being used as a trigger for carrying out the measurements thickness measurements of the thickness gauge (14) are used. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12,
characterized,
that the first feed device (15) and the second feeding means (17) are operated synchronously, in particular with a same length scale. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13,
characterized,
that the first feed means (15) and the second feeding means (17) are controlled such that the second feeding means (17) slightly precedes opposite the first feeding means (15) so that the strip material (3) is subject to a slight tension. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14,
characterized,
that between the thickness measuring device (14) and said first feeding means (15), a fixed first distance (A1) is set, and / or that between the thickness measuring device (14) and the separating device is adjusted (19), a fixed second distance (A2),
wherein the first distance (A1) and / or the second distance (A2) are measured with an accuracy of in particular up to +/- 0.2 mm.

Images