Method and apparatus for cutting out metal sheet formats

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for cutting out a sheet metal format. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for cutting out a sheet metal format having a predetermined contour from a sheet metal strip (1) supplied in a forward movement direction (X), the cutting of the sheet metal strip (1) being performed by means of a cutting head (2). For this purpose, the distance of a point of an edge (1.1) of the sheet metal strip (1) aligned with the cutting head (2) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) relative to a reference point (1REF) in said direction (Y1, Y2) is measured; a corrected cutting path is calculated with a predetermined cutting path based on said distance; and a cut is produced by causing the cutting head (2) to follow the corrected cutting path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for cutting a metal sheet strip supplied continuously in a forward moving direction and obtaining a metal sheet format having a predetermined contour after cutting. Background Art

[0002] Devices are known in which cutting is performed on a metal sheet strip continuously supplied in a forward movement direction to obtain a metal sheet format with a predetermined contour. The cutting is performed by means of one or more cutting heads moving following a specific cutting path, which depends on the contour of the format to be obtained. Usually, the cutting head is movable in the forward movement direction and in a direction perpendicular to said forward movement direction.

[0003] Ideally, the sheet metal strip has a constant width and is supplied in the forward moving direction without any deviation, and the cutting path established for the cutting head is determined or calculated under these premises. However, if the sheet metal strip has any deviation while being supplied and / or its width is uneven, the final format after causing the cutting head to move along the predetermined cutting path will not be the desired format.

[0004] As a result, the need has been recognized to be able to detect those possible deviations and / or lack of uniformity of the metal sheet strip, so as to be able to adjust or regulate the cutting path to be followed by the cutting head according to these detections. A corrected cutting path can thus be obtained based on a predetermined (original) cutting path and taking into account said detections, and the format obtained will have the same profile as the desired profile.

[0005] EP2828029A1 discloses a cutting method including a solution of this type. In the method, the distance of an edge of a metal strip upstream of a cutting head in a forward movement direction relative to a first reference point in a direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction is measured; a corrected cutting path is calculated with a predetermined cutting path for the desired contour (with the original cutting path described previously), for which purpose the first measured distance is taken into account (the predetermined cutting path is adjusted or regulated); and a cut is produced in the metal strip by causing the cutting head to move following the corrected cutting path.

[0006] DE102013203386A1 discloses a cutting device, which includes: a laser cutting device, which cuts a metal sheet format having a predetermined contour from a metal sheet strip unwound from a reel; a roller straightener downstream of the reel; a first strip position detection device, which is used to detect the deviation of the metal sheet strip from a target position; a second strip position detection device and a third strip position detection device. The measured value from the first strip position detection device is used to correct a control program for controlling a laser cutting device arranged just downstream, the measured value from the second strip position detection device is used to control a control program for controlling the position of the reel, and the measured value from the third strip position detection device is used together with the measured values ​​from the first strip position detection device and the second strip position detection device to control a control program for controlling the position of the reel and adjusting the distance between the rollers of the roller straightener. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for cutting a metal sheet format having a predetermined contour from a metal sheet strip continuously supplied in a forward moving direction.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for cutting a sheet metal format having a predetermined profile from a sheet metal strip continuously supplied in a forward moving direction. The method comprises a cutting step in which a corresponding cut is performed in the sheet metal strip by means of at least one cutting head striking or acting on the sheet metal strip, the cutting head being caused to move according to the desired profile of the format.

[0009] The method also includes: measuring a first distance of a first edge of the metal strip relative to a first reference point in a direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction; calculating a corrected cutting path using a predetermined cutting path for a desired predetermined contour taking into account the measured first distance; and producing a cut in the metal strip by causing the cutting head to move along the corrected cutting path.

[0010] According to the desired predetermined profile, which often requires predetermined tolerances, a predetermined cutting path is calculated in advance, as previously described. The cutting path is the path that the cutting head must theoretically follow when cutting the sheet metal strip in order to obtain a sheet metal format with the predetermined profile. The cutting path is a desired path provided that certain prerequisites are maintained, for example, supplying the sheet metal strip in the forward movement direction without deviation is one of the prerequisites.

[0011] However, in practice, it is not known to supply sheet metal strips in such a way that there may be deviations which can negatively affect the final result after cutting if nothing is done to prevent it. When the distance to the edge is measured in the vertical direction and compared with a reference point (which represents a reference position of said edge and / or a longitudinal central axis of the sheet metal strip), the deviation of the metal sheet can be determined relative to a predetermined situation and the situation on which the predetermined cutting path has been predetermined, and the cutting path of the cutting head can be adjusted taking into account said deviations, thereby obtaining a corrected cutting path as a result. Due to this corrected cutting path, the movement of the cutting head is adjusted or regulated to the possible deviations of the sheet metal strip being supplied and a format with the desired predetermined contour is obtained (within the desired tolerances).

[0012] Furthermore, in the method, the measurement of the first distance is performed for a point of the metal strip which is aligned with the point of the metal strip struck by the cutting head in a direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction, so that the exact deviation to be corrected by the cutting head can be measured, wherein the corrected cutting path can be adjusted more finely than in the prior art, in which it is necessary to estimate the evolution of the deviation of the metal sheet between the measuring point (relative to the forward movement direction) and the cutting point (no matter how small the evolution may be).

[0013] A second aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a sheet metal format having a predetermined contour from a sheet metal strip continuously supplied in a forward moving direction.

[0014] The equipment includes:

[0015] - at least one cutting head configured to perform a corresponding cut of the metal strip and movable in a forward movement direction and in a direction perpendicular to said forward movement direction;

[0016] - a control device in communication with the cutting head and configured to control the movement of said cutting head; and

[0017] - a first detector configured for measuring a first distance of a first edge of the sheet metal strip relative to a first reference point in a direction perpendicular to said forward movement direction.

[0018] The control device is in communication with the first detector and is configured to calculate a corrected cutting path using the predetermined cutting path and the measured first distance, and the first detector is configured to measure the first distance for a point of the metal strip aligned with the cutting head in a direction perpendicular to the forward movement direction. In the apparatus of the invention, the advantages mentioned for the first aspect of the invention are also obtained.

[0019] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A plan view of a guide assembly and an operating assembly of an embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown on a section of a sheet metal strip.

[0021] Figure 2a Shown on a fragment of a metal strip Figure 1 A plan view of the guide assembly and the operating assembly of the device, wherein a predetermined cutting path and a corrected cutting path depending on the specific deviations of the metal sheet strip being supplied are depicted.

[0022] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a AA details.

[0023] Figure 3a A plan view of a guide assembly and an actuating assembly of another embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown on a section of a sheet metal strip.

[0024] Figure 3b Shown on a fragment of a metal strip Figure 3a A side view of the guide assembly and operating assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for cutting a sheet metal strip format having a predetermined profile from a continuous sheet metal strip 1 supplied in a forward moving direction X. A second aspect of the invention relates to a device for cutting the sheet metal strip 1 in order to obtain said format having a desired profile.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 3a As depicted by way of example in FIG. 1 , the sheet metal strip 1 comprises a first longitudinal edge 1 .1 and a second longitudinal edge 1 .2, the width of the sheet metal strip being defined between said edges 1 .1 and 1 .2.

[0027] The method comprises a cutting step in which a corresponding cut is performed on the sheet metal strip 1 by means of at least one cutting head 2 that strikes said sheet metal strip 1, preferably by laser, although this can be done with another type of technology, such as plasma or water jet. The cutting profile is determined according to the cutting path followed by the cutting head 2.

[0028] Additionally, in this method:

[0029] - by means of the first detector 3.1, the first edge 1.1 of the metal strip 1 is measured in directions Y1, Y2 perpendicular to the forward movement direction X (a first direction Y1 towards the first edge 1.1 of the metal strip 1 and a second direction Y2 towards the second edge 1.2 of the metal strip 1, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3a a first distance relative to a first reference point 1REF on the surface of the vehicle (depicted in FIG. 1 );

[0030] - calculating a corrected cutting path T2 of the cutting head 2 using the predetermined cutting path T1 for the desired predetermined contour according to the measured first distance; and

[0031] - Producing a cut in the sheet metal strip 1 by causing the cutting head 2 to move following the corrected cutting path T2.

[0032] Hereinafter, when referring to "measurement direction" (or "the measurement direction"), "measurement direction" should be interpreted as referring to any one of directions Y1 and Y2 perpendicular to the forward moving direction X. For the sake of clarity, the term "measurement direction" is used.

[0033] Preferably, the first detector 3.1 may comprise an emitter emitting light onto a point for which a first measurement is to be performed and a receiver for receiving light reflected by said point, thereby being able to detect the previously indicated first distance.

[0034] A first reference point 1REF relates to the reference position of said edge 1.1, preferably upstream of the cutting head 2 in the forward movement direction X, and preferably refers to the position of said first edge 1.1 at said point when the method for obtaining a format with the desired profile starts (when a new sheet metal strip 1 is mounted and starts to be fed in the forward movement direction X). Preferably, this position takes zero.

[0035] As previously described, typically a theoretical cutting path (predetermined cutting path T1) is generated for the cutting head 2 for obtaining a format having the desired contour, but once processed, the data typically differ from the theoretical data. The predetermined cutting path T1 can be calculated in a conventional or known manner. It can also happen that, for example, due to deviations of the sheet metal strip 1, for example, the sheet metal strip 1 does not follow the theoretical path, and if the cutting head 2 is caused to perform a corresponding cut following the theoretical cutting path T1, the final format obtained does not include the desired contour (or it may not even be possible to obtain any format at all, in which the sheet metal strip 1 is not separated from the rest of the sheet metal strip 1).

[0036] This is why it is important to be able to detect these deviations so that the theoretical cutting path T1 can be adjusted taking them into account, thereby obtaining the real cutting path (corrected cutting path T2) that the cutting head 2 follows in order to obtain a format with the desired contour despite these deviations.

[0037] In the proposed method, for this purpose, a first distance measurement is performed for a point of the edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1 which is aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction (perpendicular to the forward movement direction X), in particular aligned with the point of the sheet metal strip 1 struck by the cutting head 2. Preferably, the cutting head 2 strikes or acts perpendicularly (vertically) on the sheet metal strip 1, so that in this case the point of the edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1, on which the first measurement is performed, is aligned with said cutting head 2. Thus, an accurate measurement of a possible deviation or movement of the sheet metal strip 1 relative to a corresponding reference point at the location of the cutting head 2 is provided, wherein no additional estimation or calculation has to be performed for this purpose.

[0038] Figure 2a An example of a predetermined cutting path T1 and a corresponding corrected cutting path T2 is shown in the event of a deviation of the sheet metal strip 1. In this example, the deviation represents a "rotation" or tilt of the sheet metal strip 1 in the depicted segment, and thus represents a deviation in both the forward movement direction X and the measuring direction (the mutually perpendicular components D X and D Y ). The adjustment of the predetermined cutting path T1 (which is the corrected cutting path T2) is depicted and shown in Figure 2b The two components D are shown in more detail in X and D Y (exist Figure 2b For clarity, relative to Figure 2a deviations of the metal strip 1 are exaggerated). Figure 2a and Figure 2b A “deviant” sheet metal strip is depicted with reference numeral 1 ′.

[0039] Depending on the desired profile of the format to be obtained after cutting, it may be necessary for the cutting head 2 to reach the first edge 1.1 or its vicinity. In this case, the measurement performed by the first detector 3.1 may be lost when said cutting head 2 reaches or is about to reach this position. As a result, preferably, in this case, with the aid of the second detector 3.2, a second distance of the second edge 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1 relative to the second reference point 2REF in the measuring direction is measured and a corrected cutting path T2 is calculated with the predetermined cutting path T1 for the desired predetermined profile, taking into account the measured second distance. As with the first distance, the second distance is measured at a point of the sheet metal strip 1 aligned with the cutting head 2 in said measuring direction, thereby maintaining the same advantages as measuring the first distance in these cases. Therefore, in no case is the reference of the edges 1.1 and 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1 lost, wherein said path can be adjusted at any time. In this case, as soon as the cutting head 2 moves away from the first edge 1.1, the first distance measured to obtain the corrected cutting path T2 can be used again, or the measured second distance can continue to be used until the cutting head 2 moves towards the second edge 1.2, at which time the first measurement is taken into account in order not to lose the reference of the metal sheet strip 1.

[0040] Preferably, the second detector 3.2 is identical to the first detector 3.1.

[0041] In the method, the distance of at least one of the edges 1.1 or 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1 relative to the corresponding reference point is always available, so that the distances to be taken into account in order to obtain the corrected cutting path T2 are measured continuously. In addition, the use of one of the distances no longer requires the acquisition of the other distance, wherein, if necessary, both distances can be measured continuously, so that either one can be selected as required, as long as the reference of the sheet metal strip 1 is not lost at any time.

[0042] The second reference point 2REF relates to a reference position of the second edge 1.2, preferably upstream of the cutting head 2 in the forward movement direction X, and to the position of the second edge 1.2 at said point when the method for obtaining a format with the desired profile starts (when a new sheet metal strip 1 is mounted and starts to be fed in the forward movement direction X). Preferably, this position takes zero.

[0043] In some embodiments of the method, when the cutting head 2 is moved towards one of the edges 1.1 and 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1 in the first direction Y1 or the second direction Y2, the detector 3.1 or 3.2 associated with said edge 1.1 or 1.2 is moved from its operating position (the position in which the detector measures the effective distance) before said cutting head 2 reaches said position so as not to obstruct the path of the cutting head 2. Typically, in these embodiments, if the detector 3.1 or 3.2 is in the corrected cutting path T2 obtained for the cutting head 2, said detector 3.1 and 3.2 is moved so as to be out of said corrected cutting path T2 so as not to obstruct the cutting head 2. In these cases, before moving the detector 3.1 or 3.2, the measured distance taken into account for the continuous calculation of the corrected cutting path T2 becomes the distance obtained by the other detector 3.1 or 3.2, provided that at this time the measurement obtained with the detector 3.1 or 3.2 to be moved is being taken into account.

[0044] Preferably, when moving the detector 3.1 or 3.2 out of the operating position, the movement is performed in the measuring direction, in the same direction Y1 or Y2 in which the cutting head 2 is moving (away from the associated edge 1.1 or 1.2). As soon as it is detected that the operating position of said detectors 3.1 and 3.2 is outside the corrected cutting path T2 of the cutting head 2, said detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are caused to return to their operating position.

[0045] These embodiments of the method are suitable for devices whose detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b Depicted in.

[0046] In other embodiments of the method, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are not aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction. In these cases, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are arranged so that they do not interfere with the path of the cutting head 2, so it is not necessary for them to move out of their operating position. In these embodiments, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are oriented so that they are aimed at points of the respective edges 1.1 and 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1 that are aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction. In these embodiments, there remains the problem that the cutting head 2 can obstruct the measurement of the distance when it approaches or reaches the edges 1.1 and 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1, which problem is solved as previously described.

[0047] These embodiments of the method are suitable for devices whose detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are not aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction, such as Figure 3a and Figure 3b Depicted in.

[0048] A second aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for cutting a sheet metal format having a predetermined profile from a sheet metal strip 1 continuously supplied in a forward movement direction X.

[0049] The equipment includes:

[0050] at least one cutting head 2 configured to strike or act on the sheet metal strip 1 and to perform a corresponding cut on the sheet metal strip 1 by means of said actuation, the cutting head 2 being movable in a forward movement direction X and in a measuring direction (either of the directions Y1 and Y2 perpendicular to said forward movement direction X, as previously described);

[0051] - control means (not depicted in the figures) communicating with the cutting head 2 and configured to control said cutting head 2 and cause it to move; and

[0052] - a first detector 3.1 configured to measure a first distance of the first edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1 relative to a first reference point 1REF in the measuring direction. The first reference point 1REF relates to a reference position of the first edge 1.1, preferably upstream of the cutting head 2 in the forward movement direction X, and to the position of said first edge 1.1 at said point when the device for obtaining a format with a desired profile will be started (when a new sheet metal strip 1 is mounted and its supply will begin in the forward movement direction X). Preferably, this position takes zero.

[0053] The control device is in communication with the first detector 3.1 and is configured to calculate a corrected cutting path T2 using a predetermined cutting path T1 and a first distance measured by said first detector 3.1, as previously described for the method of the invention. The control device may comprise a microprocessor, a processor, a microcontroller, an FPGA controller or any other device having computing capabilities.

[0054] The first detector 3.1 is configured for measuring a first distance for a point of the strip of the first edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1 which is aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction. As described for the method, said point of the strip of the first edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1 is in particular aligned with a point of the sheet metal strip 1 on which the cutting head 2 acts. Preferably, the cutting head 2 is arranged and configured for acting or striking the sheet metal strip 1 perpendicularly (vertically), so that in this case the point of the edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1 on which the first measurement is performed will be aligned with said cutting head 2. Preferably, the first detector 3.1 may comprise an emitter for emitting light onto the point on which the first measurement is to be performed and a receiver for receiving light reflected by said point, thereby enabling detection of the previously indicated first distance.

[0055] The device preferably comprises a second detector 3.2, which is configured to measure a second distance of the second edge 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1 relative to the second reference point 2REF in the measuring direction, the second detector 3.2 being aligned with the first detector 3.1 in the measuring direction and communicating with the control device. The control device can thus also use the distance measured by the second detector 3.2 when necessary, as already explained for the method. Preferably, the second detector 3.2 is identical to the first detector 3.1.

[0056] The second reference point 2REF relates to the reference position of the second edge 1.2, preferably upstream of the cutting head 2 in the forward movement direction X, and to the position of the second edge 1.2 at the point when the device for obtaining a format with the desired profile will be started (when a new sheet metal strip 1 is mounted and its supply will begin in the forward movement direction X). Preferably, this position takes zero.

[0057] Preferably, the device comprises a support structure 4 movable in the forward movement direction X, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 comprised in the device and the cutting head 2 being attached to said support structure 4. Thus, all detectors 3.1 and 3.2 and the cutting head 2 move together (integrally) in the forward movement direction X simultaneously.

[0058] As described for the method, in some embodiments of the device, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 of the device are aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction (see Figure 1 and Figure 2a 1 ) and is movable relative to the cutting head 2 so as not to obstruct the path of the cutting head 2 in the removal direction (in particular when the cutting head is directed towards one of the edges 1.1 and 1.2). Preferably, the removal direction is identical to the measuring direction, the corresponding detector 3.1 or 3.2 moving in the same direction Y1 or Y2 as the cutting head 2 (and, as appropriate, relative to the support structure 4). In case the device comprises two detectors (a detector 3.1 and 3.2 associated with each edge 1.1 and 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1), the two detectors 3.1 and 3.2 move in the removal direction in an independent manner (and, as appropriate, each will move).

[0059] In other embodiments of the device, as occurs in the method, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are not aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction (see Figure 3a and Figure 3b), in any case without obstructing the path of the cutting head 2. Therefore, in these embodiments, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 do not need to be movable. Furthermore, in these embodiments, when the device comprises two detectors 3.1 and 3.2, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are preferably aligned with each other in the measuring direction, and whether aligned or not, they are preferably downstream of the cutting head 2 in the forward movement direction X. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 are oriented so that they aim at the points of the corresponding edges 1.1 and 1.2 that are aligned with the cutting head 2 in the measuring direction. Preferably, the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 each comprise a laser that illuminates said point.

[0060] When the reference points 1REF and 2REF are located upstream of the cutting head 2 in the forward movement direction X, the device comprises a guide assembly 5 comprising a first guide device 5.1 for a first edge 1.1 of the sheet metal strip 1 and a second guide device 5.2 for a second edge 1.2 of the sheet metal strip 1, the first guide device 5.1 and the second guide device 5.2 being aligned in a direction Y1, Y2 perpendicular to the forward movement direction X and arranged upstream of the cutting head 2 in said forward movement direction X. The position of the guide devices 5.1 and 5.2 (which may comprise springs and / or electric actuators) is adjusted according to the width of the sheet metal strip 1, said width being the spacing between the two guide devices 5.1 and 5.2 in said direction Y1, Y2. The position of each of the guide devices 5.1 and 5.2 is the reference position 1REF and 2REF, respectively. Preferably, the adjustment is performed when a new sheet metal strip 1 (new sheet metal reel) is arranged in the device and the performed adjustment remains constant until it is detected that the measured first distance and / or second distance exceeds a predetermined threshold value. With this threshold value, the sheet metal strip 1 is prevented from becoming over-tensioned, so that when it is detected that at least one of the distances reaches the threshold value, the guide means 5.1 and 5.2 are adjusted again, and as a result of the adjustment, the reference positions 1REF and 2REF are modified. With this adjustment, the tension in the sheet metal strip 1 is relieved.

[0061] Preferably, the cutting head 2 and the detectors 3.1 and 3.2 form an operating assembly (and, where appropriate, the support structure 4), and as needed and / or required, the device may comprise a plurality of operating assemblies distributed in series along the forward movement direction X. The device may also comprise: a guide assembly 5 associated with each operating assembly (arranged upstream in the forward movement direction X with respect to the associated operating assembly); or a single guide assembly 5 for all operating assemblies, in which case the guide assembly 5 is upstream in the forward movement direction X of the operating assembly arranged most upstream.

[0062] In general, in any of the embodiments and / or configurations of the method, the description provided for the method is also valid for the embodiments and / or configurations of the device. Therefore, the device includes embodiments and / or configurations suitable for supporting the corresponding embodiments and / or configurations of the method.

[0063] Likewise, in any of the embodiments and / or configurations of the device, the description provided for the device is also valid for the embodiments and / or configurations of the method. Therefore, the method includes embodiments and / or configurations suitable for supporting the corresponding embodiments and / or configurations of the device.

Claims

1. A method for cutting a sheet metal format having a predetermined contour from a sheet metal strip (1) continuously supplied in a forward movement direction (X), the method comprising a cutting step in which a corresponding cut is performed by means of at least one cutting head (2) striking the sheet metal strip (1), the method further comprising: - measuring, by means of a first detector (3.1), a first distance of a first edge (1.1) of the metal strip (1) relative to a first reference point (1REF) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X); - calculating a corrected cutting path (T2) using a predetermined cutting path (T1) for the desired predetermined contour according to said first distance measured; and - producing a cut in the sheet metal strip (1) by causing the cutting head (2) to move following the corrected cutting path (T2); Characterized in that the measurement of the first distance is performed with respect to a point of the metal strip (1) aligned with the point of the metal strip (1) struck by the cutting head (2) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: At least when the cutting head (2) is on the first edge (1.1) of the metal strip (1), a second distance of the second edge (1.2) of the metal strip (1) relative to a second reference point (2REF) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) is measured by means of a second detector (3.2), and based on the measured second distance, the corrected cutting path (T2) is calculated using the predetermined cutting path (T1) for the desired predetermined contour, the second distance being measured for a point of the metal strip (1) aligned with the cutting head (2) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: When the cutting head (2) is moved to one of the edges (1.1, 1.2) of the metal strip (1), before the cutting head (2) reaches a position where a detector (3.1, 3.2) suitable for performing a corresponding measurement of the edge (1.1, 1.2) performs a measurement, the detector moves away from this position, thereby clearing the path of the cutting head (2).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the cutting head (2) approaches a corresponding edge (1.1, 1.2), a measurement of the corresponding distance is performed by targeting the corresponding point of the metal strip with a detector (3.1, 3.2) from an area outside the possible path of the cutting head (2).

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein: A reference point (1REF, 2REF) is located upstream of the cutting head (2) in the forward movement direction (X).

6. A cutting device for obtaining a metal sheet format having a predetermined profile from a metal sheet strip (1) continuously supplied in a forward movement direction (X), the device comprising: at least one cutting head (2) configured to act on the metal strip (1) and to perform corresponding cuts on the metal strip (1) and movable in the forward movement direction (X) and in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X); a control device, which communicates with the cutting head (2) and is configured to control the movement of the cutting head (2); as well as a first detector (3.1) configured to measure a first distance of a first edge (1.1) of the metal strip (1) relative to a first reference point (1REF) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X); The control device is in communication with the first detector (3.1) and is configured to calculate a corrected cutting path (T2) using a predetermined cutting path (T1) and the first measured distance, Characterized in that the first detector (3.1) is configured to measure the first distance for a point of the metal strip (1) aligned with the point on which the cutting head (2) of the metal strip (1) acts in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X).

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, comprising a second detector (3.2), which is configured to measure a second distance of the second edge (1.2) of the metal strip (1) relative to a second reference point (2REF) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X), and the second detector (3.2) is aligned with the first detector (3.1) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) and communicates with the control device.

8. The device according to claim 7 comprises a support structure (4) movable in the forward moving direction (X), the detector (3.1, 3.2) and the cutting head (2) being attached to the support structure (4) so ​​that the detector (3.1, 3.2) moves integrally with the cutting head (2) in the forward moving direction (X).

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The detectors (3.1, 3.2) are independently movable relative to the cutting head (2).

10. The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The detectors (3.1, 3.2) are aligned with each other in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) and are arranged downstream of the cutting head (2) in the forward movement direction (X) of the metal strip (1), and the detectors (3.1, 3.2) are oriented so that they are configured to perform corresponding measurements on points of corresponding edges (1.1, 1.2) of the metal strip (1) aligned with the cutting head (2) in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X).

11. The device according to claim 7 comprises a guide assembly (5), wherein the guide assembly (5) comprises corresponding guide devices (5.1, 5.2) for each edge (1.1, 1.2) of the metal strip (1), and the two guide devices (5.1, 5.2) are aligned with each other in a direction (Y1, Y2) perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) and are arranged upstream of the cutting head (2) in the forward movement direction (X).

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The reference points (1REF, 2REF) are the positions of the respective guiding means (5.1, 5.2).

13. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: The cutting head (2) and the two detectors (3.1, 3.2) form an operating assembly, the device comprising a plurality of operating assemblies distributed in series in the forward movement direction (X).

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, comprising at least one guide assembly (5) for all operating assemblies, said guide assembly (5) being situated upstream of the operating assembly arranged furthest upstream.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: Each operating assembly comprises at least one associated guide assembly (5), each guide assembly (5) being arranged upstream of the operating assembly associated with it in the forward movement direction (X).

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