Sheet metal decoiling device and multi-coil decoiling system

Abstract

A decoiling device for decoiling a coil of sheet material includes first and second support rollers on which to support a coil of sheet material. The first and second support rollers are oriented such that their rotation axes are parallel to a first direction. The decoiling device also includes a frame supports the first and second support rollers, a rotatable mandrel, and first and second guide members. The first and second guide members are positionable at first and second sides of the frame, respectively, so as to limit movement of the coil of sheet material in the first direction. Multiple such decoiling devices can be configured together with a support member that supports the multiple decoiling devices to provide a mobile multi-coil decoiling system that is transportable from one location to another.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present disclosure relates to metal building construction, and particularly to providing feed material for metal building construction equipment at a job site. The disclosure more particularly relates to a decoiling device for sheet metal and other feed material for metal building construction. [0003] 2. Background Information [0004] In the metal building construction process, it is necessary to provide feed material for the crimping, roll-forming, and fastening operations that comprise metal building construction. Typically the feed material, such as sheet metal of varying gauges, is manufactured, shipped, and stored in large diameter coils. The coiled feed material must be decoiled before it is fed into any apparatus that will perform the aforementioned crimping, roll-forming, and fastening operations. A known example of a decoiling device to decoil a large steel coil for feeding the steel into a roll-forming machine or the li...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a decoiling device for decoiling sheet metal or other building construction sheet material. The device has several technical effects. Firstly, it overcomes safety hazards associated with conventional decoiling methods. Secondly, it allows for the safe removal of circumferential bands from coiled material. Thirdly, it permits the safe correction of telescoped coils of sheet material for varying conditions of previously stored coiled material. Fourthly, it enhances safety by preventing unintended dislodgement of the coil from the decoiling device. Fifthly, it provides a mobile multi-coil decoiling system that can be supported by a support member or a trailer. Lastly, it uses guide rollers to limit movement of the coil in the first direction parallel to the rotation axes of the support rollers. Overall, the decoiling device improves safety and efficiency in the decoiling process."

Problems solved by technology

There are significant safety issues presented by the prior art decoiling devices.

The most significant dangers result from the nature of the feed material, specifically sheet metal.

When the sheet metal is manufactured and rolled into coils, the resilience of the sheet metal can cause the coils to unroll unless the coils are secured.

Once such circumferential bands released, the coil can unravel very rapidly, thus creating a potential hazard for anyone nearby.

Another difficulty in working with coiled sheet metal is commonly called telescoping.

At this point the skew in the layers of the coil can render the coil unusable.

The difficulty of preventing and / or correcting the skewing or telescoping of coils can be exacerbated by stress conditions that the coiled material can acquire during storage.

Furthermore, oxidation can cause variations the thickness of individual layers of coiled sheet metal, thus creating more stress in the coiled sheet metal.

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