Abstract:
The invention relates to a support for metal coils ( 1, 11, 31 ), wherein a metal coil ( 1, 11, 31 ) substantially has a circular circumference as viewed in cross section and the support comprises at least three support points ( 2, 2′, 12, 32 ), which are arranged in such a manner as to make contact with the metal coil ( 1, 11, 31 ) in the circumferential direction of the metal coil ( 1, 11, 31 ) when the metal coil ( 1, 11, 31 ) is laid on the support. The support permits particularly secure storage and/or transportation.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to the field of storing and processing metal coils. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Today&#39;s hot wide strip rolling trains are configured for producing high strength material, for example, with thicknesses of up to 30 mm. The strip to be coiled in this case must be shaped elastically and plastically in a reeling plant. In other words, the metal coil must be managed with respect to its shape. After shaping the coil it must be ensured that the coil shape is retained. 
         [0003]    Unfortunately, in accordance with the present state of the art, it may happen that the metal coil opens like a clock spring because of its internal tension and the windings of the coil have intermediate spaces relative to each other. If such coil is loosened as described, this results in a high danger of accidents to the operators on the one hand, and on the other hand, in the risk of significant damage to the plant. In addition, the surface quality of the coiled metal strip may be impaired. 
         [0004]    Therefore, in accordance with the present state of the art, in a reeling plant or immediately following, a metal coil is tied several times by means of a binding band, or the last coil winding is welded to the penultimate winding in order to prevent opening of the coil. Simultaneously, the coil is positioned in such a way that the strip end is clamped into a trough, so that the coil cannot open up or roll away. However, for this purpose, a certain minimum weight of the coil is disadvantageously necessary to exceed the internal tension of the coil. Moreover, the binding bands used are frequently not sufficient in every case, even with multiple bindings, to compensate for the internal tension of the metal coils. Especially when moving metal strips, for example, between various troughs, relative movements between the metal coils and the binding bands occur so that the coil is damaged or—even worse—the metal coil opens and the serious consequences already discussed above could result. 
         [0005]    European Patent 1 683 588 B1 shows a device for transporting metal coils on pallets. This document primarily deals with making available a device which constitutes an operationally safe transport system in spite of cumulative influences of load and heat and ensures a stable travel direction of a pallet. The support disclosed in this document includes essentially four rigid support members which assume fixed positions relative to each other. A metal coil resting in this support has only two support points in the circumferential direction of the coil, or in a cross section extending perpendicularly of the axis of rotation of the metal coil. This arrangement has the disadvantage that also in this device a sufficient safety for moving the metal coils is not ensured. It shall be briefly clarified at this point that in such devices frequently additional rollers are used which, for example, can be placed against the coil from above, such as for uncoiling an opened coil. However, such rollers do not serve as support for the coil. 
         [0006]    The publication GB 607,350 discloses a coil support with a plurality of support parts which each rotatably supports a pair of shaft bearing rollers. 
         [0007]    The publication U.S. Pat. No. 2,285,358 discloses a coil support with a plurality of rollers for storing a metal coil. Always two of these rollers are held by a pivotable clamp, so that the metal coil can be placed on two pivotable clamps arranged next to each other, including their rollers. 
         [0008]    The publication U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,724 discloses a method and a device for coiling a metal coil. In particular, two pivotable lever arm arrangements are used in order to ensure coiling of the coil with a changing diameter of the coil. 
         [0009]    The publication WO 91/09694 A1 discloses a device for manipulating metal strip. In particular, after traveling through an induction heating unit, the metal strip is placed in coils onto pivoting frames which each support two rollers. 
         [0010]    The publication U.S. Pat. No. 2,122,674 discloses a device for uncoiling a metal coil. The metal coil is placed on roller pairs which are supported in a yoke. The yoke can be pivoted through a shaft and a corresponding worm drive. 
         [0011]    The technical object which results from the state of the art is to make available an improved device for storing and or for transporting metal coils, or to overcome at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages. 
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The technical object is met by the device according to the invention which comprises a support for a metal coil which has essentially the circular cross section with a circular circumference, wherein the support has at least three support points which are arranged in such a way that they contact the metal coil in the direction of the circumference at least at three points when the metal coil is placed on the support. The object according to the invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. By making available three support points in the circumferential direction, it can serve the purpose of providing a secure support and secure transport of metal coils. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment of the support, the support comprises at least one support member on which is arranged a support lever, preferably a rotatable support lever, and wherein two rollers, preferably rotatable rollers, are arranged at the support lever, wherein the rollers form two of the support points on which the metal coil is placed. As a result of this arrangement, a metal coil is placed particularly safely in the support. As a result of the rotatable support levers, this device can be used for different metal coil cross sections. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the at least one support member and the two rollers of the support member essentially form a triangle extending in a cross section, extending perpendicularly of the axis of rotation of the metal coil. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the support points and/or the at least one support member of the support are arranged and constructed in such a way that they contact the metal coil along a partial circle circumference of up to 150 degrees. As a result of this arrangement of the support points, or rollers, the metal coil can be secured particularly well on or in the support. 
         [0016]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the support comprises four support points. By providing four or at least four support points in the circumferential direction, a metal coil can rest even more securely in the support. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the support comprises two support members on each of which is arranged a support lever, preferably a rotatable support lever, and wherein two rollers are arranged at each support lever, wherein the rollers form the support points and the metal coil can be placed on the support points. As a result of this arrangement, a metal coil rests particularly securely in the support. Because of the rotatable support levers, this device can be used especially for different metal coil cross sections. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the horizontal spacing of the bearing points is constructed so as to be adjustable. Since optionally the spacing of the bearing points, particularly the horizontal distance between the bearing points, is adjustable the support can be used for many different coil diameters or coil cross sections. As a result, the support can be variably used. 
         [0019]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the support comprises a support member as well as another roller which is arranged in such a way that it forms a third support point which contacts the metal coil in the direction of the circumference, when the metal coil is placed on the support. As a result of this embodiment of the support, the advantage of the above described support can be utilized, on the one hand, however, on the other hand, a third support point is formed by a simple roller which simplifies the construction of the system. 
         [0020]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the horizontal spacing of the support member and of the additional roller is arranged so as to be adjustable. As a result of the fact that the spacing between the additional roller and the support member, particularly the two rollers thereof, is constructed so as to be adjustable, coils having various coil diameters can be placed. 
         [0021]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the support, each support point is formed by a roller, which extends essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the metal coil. Since the support points are formed by rollers which extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the metal coil, the manipulation of the metal coils on the support is simplified; in particular, the rollers may be constructed so as to be rotatable, but they may also be constructed to be rigid. 
         [0022]    In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the support, the rollers extend over the entire width of the metal coil. This ensures a good load bearing capacity and transportability of the support. 
         [0023]    In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the support, the rollers are driven. If the rollers of the support are driven, they can be used, for example, directly for uncoiling and coiling the metal strip in a sample pick-up station. 
         [0024]    Furthermore, the invention comprises a sample pick-up station for picking up samples of a metal coil which comprises the following: a support according to the invention, as well as means, preferably a chisel, for opening the metal coil; means, preferably shears, for severing a sample piece and/or an end crop, and means for binding the metal coil after removal of a sample. In particular, but not exclusively, in a sample removal station, the support, according to the invention has the advantages which were already discussed above. 
         [0025]    In a preferred embodiment, the sample removal station comprises at least one contact pressure roller which is arranged and constructed in such a way that it can be pressed essentially from above against the metal coil in order to prevent an opening of the unlocked metal coil and/or means for winding back the metal coil. 
         [0026]    Moreover, the invention comprises a pallet system, particularly for storing and transporting metal coils, which comprises a pallet which, in turn, comprises the support according to the invention. If the support according to the invention is intended for contact with a pallet, the device can be used even more flexibly. 
         [0027]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the pallet system, means for connecting a crane transport are provided on the pallet and/or the support. By providing the means for crane transport, such as standard connections, or hooks and eyes, the pallet system can be transported between various plants or can be placed in a simple manner onto a vehicle. 
         [0028]    The invention further comprises a reeling device, particularly a hot strip reeling device, which comprises a reel mandrel and the above described support according to the invention and/or the above described pallet system, wherein the reeling device is constructed in such a way that a metal coil which is resting on the reel mandrel can be placed on the support or on the pallet system. By means of the support according to the invention or the pallet system according to the invention, the reel can be operated particularly efficiently with respect to time and safely. 
         [0029]    Moreover, the invention comprises a method for removing a sample piece or end crop from the above described sample removal station, which comprises the following steps: placing the metal coil on the support; placing the at least one contact pressure roller onto the upper side of the metal coil; cutting the metal coil; uncoiling the metal coil; cutting off a sample or the end crop; coiling back the metal coil, and finally, optionally binding the metal coil. 
         [0030]    Finally, the invention comprises a method for coiling a metal coil with the above described reeling device which comprises the following steps: coiling the metal coil on the reel mandrel as well as pulling off the metal coil including the support according to the invention or the pallet system according to the invention from the reel mandrel. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0031]    In the following, the Figures of the embodiments are briefly described. Further details can be found in the detailed description of the embodiments. In the drawing: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic cross sectional view of a first embodiment of metal coil support pursuant to the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic cross sectional view of a second embodiment pursuant to the invention of a metal coil support; 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic cross sectional view of a support, similar to  FIG. 2 , but with a horizontal adjusting device between the individual support members; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a sample removal station which comprises a support and a metal coil, for example, according to  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  shows the sample removal station according to  FIG. 4 , but with already cut metal coil and a cut off sample; 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  shows the sample removal station according to  FIG. 4  or  5  during the removal of the metal coil from the station; 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic cross sectional view of an embodiment of a pallet system which comprises a support according to the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  shows a schematic cross sectional view of a reeling device which is constructed in such a way that a pallet system according to the invention can be used for storing and removing the metal coil from the reel mandrel. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]      FIG. 1  shows a first schematic embodiment of a support according to the invention. Illustrated is a metal coil  1  which rests on three support points  2 ,  2 ′. These three support points  2 ,  2 ′ are arranged, as seen in the cross section, in the direction of the circumference of the coil  1  when a metal coil  1  is placed on the support points  2 ,  2 ′. In this case, the cross section of  FIG. 1  extends perpendicularly of the axis of rotation or the coiling axis of the metal coil  1 . In particular, the support points  2 ,  2 ′ can be constructed as rollers  2 ,  2 ′ or bearing rollers  2 ,  2 ′ or, in other words, by support rollers  2 ,  2 ′. Preferably, two rollers  2  are arranged at a support lever  4  which, in turn, is arranged preferably rotatably, on a support  3 . Additionally, in this embodiment a roller  2 ′ is provided which contacts the circumference of the metal coil  1  and forms a third support point  2 ′, in addition to the two rollers  2 . The rollers  2 ,  2 ′ are preferably constructed so as to be rotatable and/or driven, however they can also be of rigid construction. Preferably, two rollers  2  form a pair of rollers which are arranged on a support lever  4 . In particular, a triangle is essentially formed by two rollers  2  together with a fulcrum of a support lever  4  or the support  3 . The illustrated device comprises a support  3  on which a support lever  4  is arranged. However, it is also possible to provide several such supports  3  with support levers  4  and rollers  2 . A metal coil  1 , which is placed on a support constructed in accordance with  FIG. 1  exerts with its weight force F G , inter alia, a force F S1  against the lower roller  1  of the support  3  and a force F S2  against the additional roller  2 ′. As a result the support  3  exerts, through the lever  4  which is rotatable about the support  3 , a torque against the upper roller  2  of the support  3 . Accordingly, the upper roller  2  is pressed with a force F A  against the metal coil  1 . By means of a support constructed in this manner, metal coils  1 , especially with different diameters or cross sections, can be supported even more securely. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic embodiment of another support according to the invention. As in  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a metal coil  1  which, however, rests on four support points  2 . These four support points  2  are arranged, as seen in cross section, in the direction of the circumference of the metal coil  1  when a metal coil  1  rests on the four support points  2 . The cross section of  FIG. 2  extends also perpendicularly of the axis of rotation or coiling axis of the metal coil  1 . Once again, the support points  2  can be formed by rollers  2  or by bearing rollers  2 , or, expressed differently, by support rollers  2 . Preferably, two rollers  2  are arranged at a support lever  4  which in turn is mounted, preferably rotatably, on a support member  3 . The rollers  2  are preferably constructed so as to be rotatable and/or driven, however, they can also be of rigid construction. Preferably, two rollers  2  form a roller pair which is arranged at a support lever  4 . In particular, two rollers  2  form essentially a triangle with a fulcrum of a support lever  4  or the support member  3 . In total the illustrated support includes preferably two supports  3  on each of which a support lever  4  is arranged. The two supports  3  are arranged, as seen in the cross section of the coil  1 , preferably to the right and to the left underneath the coil  1 . A metal coil  1  which is placed on a support constructed in this manner exerts with its weight force F G , inter alia, a force against the respectively lower rollers  2  of the respective support  3 . As a result, the supports exert through the lever  4  rotatable about the support  3  a torque against the respectively upper rollers  2  of the respective support  3 . Consequently, the upper rollers  2  are pressed with a force F A  against the metal coil  1 . By means of such a support constructed in this manner, metal coils  1  having various diameters or cross sections can be stored even more safely. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a similar embodiment according to the invention as in  FIG. 2 . However, compared to the device of  FIG. 2 , the support of  FIG. 3  includes an adjusting device  5 . This adjusting device has the purpose of adjusting the spacing of the supports  3  and, thus, of storing or transporting an almost complete spectrum of various metal coil cross sections. In particular, the adjusting device  5  is arranged to be adjustable horizontally, optionally underneath the support  3 . The adjusting device can be formed, for example, by a piston/cylinder unit  5 . The support according to  FIG. 1  can also be equipped with such a horizontal adjusting device  5 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6  show an embodiment of a sample removal station  10  for removing samples  23  of a metal coil  1 ,  11 . In  FIG. 4 , a metal coil  11  is illustrated, analogous to the illustration in  FIG. 3 , on a support according to the invention with rollers  12 , adjusting device  5 , supports  13  and support levers  14 . For opening the metal coil  11  a cutting device  19  with means  18  for severing the metal coil  11  is provided. In this embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the rollers  12  are driven, so that the metal coil  11  is rotatable optionally in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction. Moreover, the sample removal station  10  preferably has shears  21 , or dividing shears  21 , for cutting off samples  23  from an end  22  of the metal coil  11 . In order to ensure that after cutting the coil  11 , the cut end  22  of the metal coil  11  does not flap upwardly or outwardly, a contact pressure device  17  is also provided which includes, for example, two contact pressure rollers  16  which are pressed against the upper side of the metal coil  11  placed in the support or are placed against the metal coil  11 . 
         [0044]    The sample removal station  10  can then be operated, for example, as follows: The metal coil is moved either together with its support into the sample removal station  10  or the support is fixedly installed in the sample removal station  10  and the metal coil  11  is moved into the station  10 . Preferably, the rollers  16  of the contact pressure device  17  are then placed against the metal coil  11  from above and the metal coil  11  is turned into a desired position by means of the movable rollers  12 . The metal coil  11  is opened by means of the severing means  18 , for example, a chisel. As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , following the cutting of the metal coil  11 , the metal coil can be uncoiled by the driven rollers  12  of the support, but also by other drive means or rollers which are not illustrated. For this purpose, for example, the separating means  20 , in this case a roller, may be helpful at the severing device  19  to facilitate feeding the metal coil end  22 , or the strip end  22 , into the shears  21 . Subsequently, the shears  21  can sever a sample piece or end crop  23 . It shall be mentioned at this point that the construction of the devices  17  and  19  is known by the expert. In a subsequent step, the metal coil can be coiled up again by means of driven rollers, for example, by the rollers  12 , and bound by means of a binding device, not shown, which is known from the prior art. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  shows a possibility for removing the metal coil  11  from a sample removal station  10 , as it is already illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . For removing the coil  11 , the devices  17  and  19  are moved or pushed to the side, so that the coil  11  can be lifted upwardly out of the sample removal station  10 . Alternatively, the invention also includes the possibility of removing the metal coil  11  together with its support out of the sample removal station  10 , for example, including a pallet, downwardly or upwardly or also optionally, to one of the sides of the sample removal station. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  schematically shows a possible embodiment of a pallet system  30  which includes a support according to the invention, for example, according to  FIGS. 2 to 6 . A metal coil  31 , resting on four support points  32 , is placed on the illustrated pallet system  30 . These points are preferably formed by rollers  32  which are optionally rotatable and/or driven. However, alternatively the support points can also be formed by rigidly arranged support elements. The construction of the support members  33  and support levers  34  preferably corresponds to that of  FIGS. 2 to 5 . However, these are arranged on a pallet  35  or a carrier  35 . The system  30  of  FIG. 7  is variably usable, for example, for transportation or for storage. It is also possible to provide means for a crane transport (not shown) on the system  30 , particularly on the pallet  35 , or also on parts of the support, so that the pallet system  30  can be transported within a manufacturing plant by a crane or can also be loaded for shipment by truck, boat or railroad. 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a support according to the invention in a reeling device  40 . The illustrated reeling device  40  comprises particularly a reel mandrel  44  on which a metal coil  1 ,  11 ,  31  can be coiled. The means for coiling the metal coil  1 ,  11 ,  31  are not the focus of the invention and are constructed as known from the prior art. In  FIG. 8 , the coiled metal coil  31  is placed on the pallet system  30  according to  FIG. 7 . Also possible is a support without the pallet  35 , as shown, for example, for the sample removal station  10 . According to  FIG. 8 , the metal coil  31  can be pulled off in the direction of the axis of the reel mandrel  44 . At that time, the coil  31  rests especially on the pallet system  30 . Preferably, a coil carriage  50 , already known in the art, is used. 
         [0048]    Generally, the support illustrated in  FIG. 1  can be used in the devices of  FIGS. 4 to 8 , i.e., in a sample removal station, in a pallet system or in a reeling device. 
         [0049]    Finally, it is pointed out that the features of the individual embodiments can be combined or exchanged with each other. In addition, the expert can modify individual structural details in accordance with his normal expert knowledge and adapt them to specific requirements. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Metal coil 
           2  Roller 
           2 ′ Roller 
           3  Support 
           4  Support lever 
           5  Adjusting device 
           10  Sample removal station 
           11  Metal coil 
           12  Roller 
           13  Support 
           14  Support lever 
           15  Adjusting device 
           16  Contact pressure roller 
           17  Contact pressure device 
           18  Separating means 
           19  Separating device 
           20  Separating means 
           21  Shears 
           22  Uncoiled coil end 
           23  Sample/end crop 
           30  Pallet system 
           31  Metal coil 
           32  Roller 
           33  Support 
           34  Support lever 
           35  Pallet 
           40  Reeling device 
           44  Reeling mandrel 
           50  Coil carriage 
         F A  Adjusting force of an upper roller 
         F G  Weight force 
         F S  Force acting on a lower roller 
         F S1  Force acting on a lower roller 
         F S2  Force acting on a roller