Welding machine

Abstract

A welding machine, preferably of the flash-butt type, designed to facilitate the maintenance of clamping devices (3, 4, 6, 7) of two longitudinal metal products to be welded, for example the maintenance of the clamps. Advantageously, a first structure (2) provided with first clamping devices (3, 4) and a second structure (5) provided with second clamping devices (6, 7) are supported in a first portion (10) of a carriage (1) delimited by a first beam (9) and a second beam (8) of the carriage (1) parallel to the feed direction X, while at least one transformer (36) is fixed to the carriage (1) and supported in a second portion (11) of the carriage (1) arranged laterally outside the first portion (10). Furthermore, two upsetting cylinders (23, 24) are arranged along a plane Y inclined at a non-zero acute angle with respect to the horizontal plane and passing through the passage area of the longitudinal metal products along the feed direction X.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a welding machine, preferably of the flash welding type, for long metal products, such as billets, bars or blooms, suitable for welding the tail and head of two successive longitudinal products to each other along a roller bed usually arranged upstream of a rolling mill. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a rolling mill, in particular of the endless type, the metal products coming from a casting machine or from an external warehouse are welded together and then rolled seamlessly.

[0003] The metal products to be welded are usually semi-finished metallurgical products, such as billets, bars or blooms.

[0004] The welding is carried out by joining the tail of one product to the head of the next product.

[0005] The welding is achieved by means of an electric shock generated by a power supply connected to the products to be welded. This technique is known as flash welding.

[0006] During the welding process, the products must be effectively clamped. To this end, clamping devices are provided, which serve to hold the products in place during welding and are usually also used as conductors of the welding current.

[0007] Such clamping devices usually comprise elements, in particular clamps, which come into direct contact with the products to be welded. As the welding proceeds, the clamps that hold the head and tail of the products to be welded are gradually drawn closer by hydraulic cylinders of a so-called upsetting cylinder. This operation is necessary for joining the ends to be welded, in order to eliminate any inclusions and bubbles, in order to compensate for the loss of material caused by melting in the form of burrs, and in order to allow effective adhesion between the two components being welded, which forms a joint known as a weld joint.

[0008] A flash welding machine of the known type usually comprises two structures, each of which is provided with a pair of clamps, which are substantially parallel to each other and inclined at an angle of about 45° with respect to the plane defined by the carriage supporting the machine. Said inclination allows the clamps to exert a uniform contact force with the products on their sides, thus allowing their optimal holding and centring.

[0009] Usually, a transformer is provided, connected to the two structures, to supply the current to the tails and heads of the two products to be welded, which is located above the inclined upper surfaces of the two structures, which makes it difficult to access the internal components of the machine, thus making it difficult to maintain the internal components of the machine.

[0010] WO2021156738A1 describes a welding machine developed in recent years that provides a transformer fixed to and supported by a bracket, a portion of which is arranged outside another portion of the bracket, alternatively supporting two structures equipped with clamps. This portion of the bracket supporting the two structures is defined by a first beam and a second beam of the bracket, which are parallel to the feed direction of the metal product.

[0011] In this solution, two upsetting cylinders are arranged parallel to each other on a horizontal plane. The first upsetting cylinder is located below the shoulders of the two structures, i.e., below the lower inclined surface. Conversely, the second upsetting cylinder is located essentially at the bottom of the two inclined structures, on the opposite side relative to the side where the first cylinder is located.

[0012] On the one hand, if such a solution allows access from the top, thus facilitating the maintenance of certain internal components of the machine, these components can be accessed and lifted from the top by an overhead crane. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the maintenance of the fixtures is still not easy. The fixtures are the most easily worn parts of the machine and require maintenance and manual replacement by an operator who must enter the machine.

[0013] In fact, to access the fixture maintenance area, the operator is positioned in front of the second upsetting cylinder, which is located at the bottom of two inclined structures. This second upsetting cylinder occupies all or at least part of the area above the lower fixture, thus requiring its removal to obtain space that allows comfortable access to the fixture maintenance area.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to address at least the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing a welding machine that can provide easier fixture maintenance by using an easily accessible operating space for performing maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0015] One object of the present invention is to manufacture a welding machine, preferably a flash welding type welding machine, which allows easy side access to the fixture maintenance area with minimal need for disassembly, reassembly and alignment of parts, thereby allowing for rapid maintenance and cleaning; at the same time, it provides the possibility of operation using common auxiliary equipment (e.g. cranes and overhead cranes) to remove heavy parts relative to the fixture support structure.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to manufacture a welding machine that is simple from a structural point of view, while still allowing known welding machines to perform the necessary movements.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to manufacture a welding machine that can increase operator safety.

[0018] According to this specification, the present invention achieves at least one of these and other objectives, which will be readily apparent, by means of a welding machine, preferably of the flash welding type, for welding the tail of a first longitudinal metal product to the head of a second longitudinal metal product along the feed direction X of the longitudinal metal products, the machine comprising a bracket adapted to slide along the feed direction X, the bracket supporting the following:

[0019] -A first structure connected to the bracket;

[0020] -A first clamping device disposed on the first structure is used to clamp the tail of the first metal product or the head of the second metal product.

[0021] -A second structure that is parallel to the feed direction and can slide relative to the first structure and the bracket;

[0022] - A second clamping device is provided on the second structure for clamping the head of the second metal product or the tail of the first metal product;

[0023] - At least one transformer having conductors respectively connected to the first clamping device and the second clamping device to supply current to the tail and the head;

[0024] The first and second structures are supported in a first portion of a bracket defined by a first beam and a second beam of the bracket parallel to the feed direction X, while the at least one transformer is fixed to the bracket and supported in a second portion of the bracket, which is laterally arranged outside the first portion.

[0025] The first and second structures define the corresponding longitudinal axes Z and Z' that are inclined at a first acute angle relative to the horizontal plane;

[0026] It includes two upsetting cylinders arranged parallel to the feed direction X, which move the second structure toward or away from the first structure along the feed direction X.

[0027] The axes of the two upsetting cylinders are arranged along plane Y, which passes through the channel area of ​​the longitudinal metal product along the feed direction X. The channel area is defined by the first clamping device and the second clamping device.

[0028] The first upsetting cylinder is arranged on one side relative to the channel region, at least partially below the first side of the first and second structures, while the second upsetting cylinder is arranged on the other side relative to the channel region, substantially at the bottom of the second side of the first and second structures, opposite to the first side.

[0029] The plane Y is characterized by being inclined relative to the horizontal plane by a second acute angle that is less than the first acute angle and is not zero.

[0030] Preferably, in order to properly distribute the forging force without applying stress to the structure, the plane Y includes a longitudinal channel area for the metal product along the longitudinal central axis of the feed direction X, the channel area being defined by a lower clamping device and an upper clamping device in the clamping position of the metal product. This longitudinal channel area is occupied by the metal product in the welding area. Therefore, it is preferable that the lower clamping device occupies a fixed position, while the upper clamping device can be adjusted along the corresponding longitudinal axes Z, Z' of the corresponding structure.

[0031] Another advantage is that the lower upsetting cylinder is easier to maintain in the same way. In fact, the innovative location of the lower upsetting cylinder makes it easier to disassemble.

[0032] In addition, the new position of the forging cylinder makes it possible to install a larger spark suppression device, which more effectively protects the machine and the operator.

[0033] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary, but not exclusive, embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0034] In this specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of a welding machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of a welding machine;

[0037] Figure 2a It shows Figure 2 An enlarged view of a portion of the middle side view;

[0038] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a welding machine;

[0039] Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the welding machine according to the present invention is shown.

[0040] The same reference numerals and letters in the figure represent the same elements or parts. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Some examples of welding machines of the flash welding type according to the present invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] In all embodiments of the invention, a welding machine adapted to weld the tail of a first longitudinal metal product to the head of a second longitudinal metal product along the feed direction X of the longitudinal metal product includes a bracket 1 adapted to slide along the feed direction X on at least two sliding guides 15, 16 above a roller conveyor (not shown), on which the longitudinal metal product, such as a billet, blank, or bar, advances.

[0043] Bracket 1 supports the following items ( Figure 1 ):

[0044] -The first structure 2 is connected to the bracket 1;

[0045] - The first clamping devices 3 and 4, which are installed on the first structure 2, are used to clamp the tail of the first metal product or the head of the second metal product.

[0046] - A second structure 5 that is slidable relative to the first structure 2 and the bracket 1, parallel to the feed direction X;

[0047] - The second clamping devices 6 and 7, which are installed on the second structure 5, are used to clamp the head of the second metal product or the tail of the first metal product.

[0048] - At least one transformer 36, which is provided with conductors 37, 38, 39, 40 respectively connected to the first clamping devices 3, 4 and the second clamping devices 6, 7. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ( ), to provide current to the tail and the head.

[0049] The first structure 2 defines the longitudinal axis Z ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 The axis is inclined at a first acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, preferably between 40° and 70°, for example, 45°. The second structure 5 defines its own longitudinal axis Z′ ( parallel to the longitudinal axis Z). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second structure 5 is arranged parallel to the first structure 2 and is spaced apart from the first structure 2 along the feed direction X of the product to be welded.

[0050] Specifically, the first clamping devices 3 and 4 of the first structure 2 include corresponding upper clamps 3 and corresponding lower clamps 4. Each clamp 3 and 4 can be moved along axis Z by a corresponding moving system provided in the structure 2.

[0051] The second clamping devices 6 and 7 of the second structure 5 include a corresponding upper clamp 6 and a corresponding lower clamp 7. In this case, each clamp 6 and 7 may move along axis Z' by a corresponding moving system provided in structure 5.

[0052] Such moving systems include, for example, hydraulic cylinders or jacks, or electric actuators or mechanical moving devices, such as cams or eccentric devices.

[0053] The movement of all the clamps in the clamping device, and therefore its adjustability, advantageously eliminates the need to tilt or slightly rotate the two structures 2, 5 to prevent metal products, such as billets, from being dragged on the lower clamp, which is fixed in a known machine of the prior art.

[0054] In the optional variant, only the upper clamp 3 can move along the Z-axis, while the lower clamp 4 is in a fixed position. Similarly, only the upper clamp 6 can move along the axis Z', while the lower clamp 7 is in a fixed position.

[0055] The welding machine of the present invention provides an adjustment device comprising or consisting of two upsetting cylinders 23, 24 arranged parallel to the feed direction X. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second structure 5 is composed of components that move along the feed direction X towards or away from the first structure 2. This approach occurs, in particular, when the two products are flash welded.

[0056] Forging cylinders 23 and 24 pivot at their first end to the first structure 2 via their respective pins, and pivot at their second end to the second structure 5.

[0057] Two upsetting cylinders 23 and 24 are arranged along plane Y ( Figure 2 , Figure 2a The plane is defined by the longitudinal axes of the two upsetting cylinders 23 and 24, and passes through the channel area of ​​the longitudinal metal product along the feed direction X. This channel area is defined by the upper clamps 3 and 6 and the lower clamps 4 and 7.

[0058] In the variant shown, the first upsetting cylinder 23 is arranged on one side relative to the channel region, at least partially below the first side of the first structure 2 and the second structure 5, while the second upsetting cylinder 24 is arranged on the other side relative to the channel region, essentially at the bottom of the second side of the first structure 2 and the second structure 5, opposite to the first side.

[0059] Advantageously, the plane Y is inclined relative to the horizontal plane at a second acute angle less than the first acute angle and not zero. This configuration allows for easy lateral access to the fixture maintenance area in a direction transverse to the feed direction X, thereby allowing for rapid maintenance and cleaning. Preferably, the second acute angle is less than or equal to 30°.

[0060] In a variation of the invention, the first upsetting cylinder 23 is arranged at a higher height than the second upsetting cylinder 24.

[0061] In a preferred variant, the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 of the first clamping devices 3 and 4 and the second clamping devices 6 and 7 occupy fixed positions, while the upper clamping devices 3 and 6 are adjustable along the corresponding longitudinal axes Z and Z' of the respective structures 2 and 5. An upper horizontal plane W tangent to the second forging cylinder 24 is arranged above the upper ends 19 of the lower clamping devices 4 and 7. However, the distance between the upper horizontal plane W and the upper ends 19 of the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 is less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, for example, in the range of 8 to 12 mm.

[0062] Preferably, the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 define a horizontal flat surface 25 for resting the metal product, and the distance between the upper horizontal surface W and the horizontal flat surface 25 is in the range of 100 to 150 mm, preferably in the range of 110 to 140 mm, depending on the size of the metal product to be welded, which has a polygonal cross-section (e.g., a square). For example, this applies to billets, bars, or large square billets. For instance, billets or steel billets with variable sides ranging from 100 to 250 mm can be welded using the machine of this invention. The distance between the upper horizontal surface W and the horizontal plane 25 is greatest for products with a side length of 250 mm, and smallest for products with a side length of 100 mm.

[0063] The above configuration provides the possibility of installing a removable walkway 20, which is arranged above the second upsetting cylinder 24 and close to the lower clamping devices 4, 7, which facilitates operator access.

[0064] Specifically, the walkway 20 can be arranged above the frame 50. Figure 2a The second forging cylinder 24 is housed inside the frame 50. Preferably, the distance between the upper surface of the frame 50 and the upper end 19 of the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 is less than 70 mm, and more preferably less than 50 mm.

[0065] At least one step 21 may be provided between the walkway 20 and the lower clamping devices 4, 7 to allow the operator easier access to the fixture and to the fixture maintenance area without the volume of the lower upsetting cylinder 24. The step 21 is provided at a lower height relative to the walkway 20.

[0066] In a preferred specific case, the longitudinal center axis of the longitudinal channel area of ​​the metal product lies on the plane Y along the feed direction X. The channel area is defined by the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 and the upper clamping devices 3 and 6 at the clamping position of the metal product, and is therefore occupied by the metal product in the welding area.

[0067] In the same case, it is preferable that the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 occupy a fixed position, while the upper clamping devices 3 and 6 can be adjusted along the corresponding longitudinal axes Z and Z' of the corresponding structure.

[0068] In particular, when the size of the metal product changes, in order to ensure that the longitudinal center axis of the channel area of ​​the metal product is fixed and always located on the plane Y, depending on the size of the product to be welded, at least for the lower clamping devices 4 and 7, it may be sufficient to use pads of different sizes and therefore different thicknesses.

[0069] Therefore, it is advantageous to prefer that the size of the pad installed on the clamping device (preferably the size of the pad installed on the lower clamping devices 4, 7 – especially the thickness) is such that the longitudinal center axis of the passage area of ​​the longitudinal metal product is always located on the plane Y.

[0070] Therefore, when it is necessary to change the dimensions of the product to be welded, the following steps should be taken:

[0071] - The operator approaches the area of ​​the clamping device from the side;

[0072] - Remove the pads from at least the lower clamping devices 4 and 7;

[0073] - Install new pads on at least the lower clamping devices 4 and 7.

[0074] In another variation of the invention (not shown), the second forging cylinder 24 is positioned completely below the lower clamping devices 4 and 7 of the first clamping devices 3, 4 and the second clamping devices 6, 7, that is, below the lower end of the lower clamp. In this case, a walkway 20 can be provided instead of a step 21.

[0075] Optionally, the walkway surface for the operator includes a walkway 20 arranged parallel to the feed direction X and two additional walkways 22 arranged orthogonally to the walkway 20 at the ends of the walkway 20 to define a generally U-shaped walkway surface that allows the operator to also move laterally to the two structures 2, 5.

[0076] Optionally, at least one feed guide 17 and at least one output guide 18 are provided for feeding metal products into or out of the welding machine, each guide being constrained to a corresponding structure 2, 5 along the feed axis X. Optionally, the guide may be part of the bracket 1. The guide rails 17, 18 may be arranged below the corresponding walkway 22 (when it is provided).

[0077] In a first embodiment of the invention, the first structure 2 and the second structure 5 are supported and may also be contained within a first portion 10 of the bracket 1, defined by a first beam 9 and a second beam 8 of the bracket, which are parallel to each other and parallel to the feed direction X; while at least one transformer 36 is fixed to the bracket 1 and supported, and may also be completely contained within a second portion 11 of the bracket 1, which is laterally arranged outside the first portion 10. A first forging cylinder 23 is arranged on the first portion 10 of the bracket at a position between at least one transformer 36 and structures 2 and 5, and therefore at a position between the second portion 11 of the bracket and structures 2 and 5.

[0078] Transformer 36 can be a single transformer. Alternatively, a group of transformers can be provided that simultaneously supply power to clamps 3, 4, 6, and 7 via conductors 37, 38, 39, and 40.

[0079] In a variation of the first embodiment (not shown), for example, two or more transformers are provided, which are fixed to and supported on the bracket 1, and may also be completely contained within the second part 11.

[0080] In a first embodiment of the invention, the second portion 11 of the bracket 1 may be defined by the second beam 8 and the third beam 14 of the bracket 1, preferably parallel to the second beam 8. The first beam 9 and the third beam 14 are the outer perimeter beams of the bracket 1, while the second beam 8 is the intermediate beam. At least two additional outer perimeter beams may be provided, which are transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, beams 9, 8, and 14, to define the perimeter of the bracket 1 together with beams 9 and 14.

[0081] The bracket 1 is preferably mounted on two sliding guide rails 15 and 16, which are fixed directly or via a frame to the floor below the welding machine. The sliding guide rails are parallel to each other and parallel to the axis X. Figures 1 to 3 In the variant shown, the first beam 9 and the second beam 8 of the bracket 1 are positioned on corresponding sliding guides 16 and 15. In this case, the first portion 10 of the bracket 1 is located above the area defined by the sliding guides 15 and 16.

[0082] Alternatively, beams 9 and 8 can also be offset relative to sliding guides 16 and 15.

[0083] Optionally, conductors 37, 38, 39, and 40 connect transformer 36 to the first clamping devices 3 and 4 and the second clamping devices 6 and 7 respectively, passing under the first structure 2 and the second structure 5 respectively, so that the space between the first clamping devices 3 and 4 and the space between the second clamping devices 6 and 7 can be freely accessed from below and above without longitudinal metal products being welded.

[0084] Advantageously, since the transformer 36 is not arranged on structures 2 and 5, the space between the first clamping devices 3 and 4 and the space between the second clamping devices 6 and 7 can be freely accessed from above and below without any longitudinal metal products being welded.

[0085] In a variant (not shown), two or more transformers are provided in the second part 11 of the bracket 1, for example, only two, one arranged on the other, with the first upper conductor and the first lower conductor coming out from the respective transformers and reaching the clamps 3 and 4 of the first structure 2 respectively; while the second upper conductor and the second lower conductor come out from their respective transformers and reach the clamps 6 and 7 of the second structure 5 respectively.

[0086] In all variations, the current path is such that the two circuits are closed between the upper clamps 3 and 6 and the corresponding lower clamps 4 and 7.

[0087] In addition to being arranged substantially parallel to each other, the first structure 2 and the second structure 5 are preferably arranged transversely to the first beam 9 and the second beam 8, and preferably orthogonally to the first beam 9 and the second beam 8.

[0088] Specifically, in the first variant, the first beam 9 and the second beam 8 each have a first part and a second part, the first part being close to the first structure 2 and the first structure 2 being integrally fixed to the first part, the second part being away from the first structure 2 and the second structure 5 being slidably connected to the second part.

[0089] In a variant of the invention, the second portion of the first beam 9 is inserted into the first through hole of the second structure 5. Figure 1 The second structure 5 has a first roller or pad 12 inside for sliding on the first beam 9; and the second part of the second beam 8 is inserted into the second through hole of the second structure 5, and the second structure 5 has a second roller or pad 13 inside. Figure 1 ), used for the second structure 5 to slide on the second beam 8.

[0090] If it is necessary or desirable to slightly move the two structures 2, 5 to prevent the metal product (e.g., a billet) from being dragged on the lower jig, a second variation (not shown) provides a first structure 2 and a second structure 5 that are not supported in the first portion 10 of the bracket 1 by the beams 8, 9 of the bracket itself, but by a lifting system adapted to lift the first structure 2 and the second structure 5 together relative to the bracket 1 by rotation along a plane tangential to the feed direction X. This rotation can be in the range of 1° to 25°, for example, 1° to 15°. Thus, this lifting system makes it possible to move the structures 2, 5 relative to the product to be welded.

[0091] The lifting system is preferably of the linkage type.

[0092] Another advantage of the present invention is that the bracket 1 is provided with at least one motor 31 connected to the gear 32, the gear 32 being adapted to mesh with the sliding guide rails 15, 16 ( Figure 2 At least one of the racks 33 in the slide rail 15 is preferably on one side of the slide rail 15.

[0093] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the welding machine of the present invention is shown. The description of the first embodiment above also applies to this second embodiment. The difference between the latter and the first embodiment is that it provides:

[0094] - The first transformer 36, which is fixed to and supported on the bracket 1, may also be completely contained within the second part 11 of the bracket 1, and is arranged laterally outside the first part 10 defined by the first beam 9 and the second beam 8.

[0095] - and a second transformer 36', which is fixed to and supported on the bracket 1, and may also be contained within a third part 11' of the bracket 1, which is laterally disposed outside the first part 10 and opposite to the second part 11.

[0096] The first part 10 of the bracket 1 is defined by the first beam 9 and the second beam 8 of the bracket 1, which are parallel to the feed direction X.

[0097] The second part 11 of the bracket 1 is defined by the second beam 8 and the third beam 14 of the bracket 1, and is preferably parallel to the second beam 8.

[0098] The third part 11' of bracket 1 is defined by the first beam 9 and a fourth beam 14' that is preferably parallel to the first beam 9.

[0099] The fourth beam 14' and the third beam 14 are the outer beams of the bracket 1, while the first beam 9 and the second beam 8 are the middle beams of the bracket.

[0100] At least two additional peripheral beams are provided, which are transverse to, and preferably perpendicular to, beams 14', 9, 8, 14, to define the perimeter of bracket 1 together with beams 14', 14.

[0101] In this second embodiment, the upper and lower conductors exit from the first transformer 36 and reach the upper clamps 3 and 6 of structures 2 and 5, respectively; while the upper and lower conductors exit from the second transformer 36' and reach the lower clamps 4 and 7 of structures 2 and 5, respectively. Similarly, in this case, the current paths cause the two circuits to close between the upper clamps 3 and 6 and between the lower clamps 4 and 7, respectively.

Claims

1. A welding machine for welding the tail end of a first longitudinal metal product to the head end of a second longitudinal metal product along a feed direction X of the first longitudinal metal product and the second longitudinal metal product, the welding machine comprising a bracket (1) adapted to slide along the feed direction X. The bracket (1) supports the following: - A first structure (2) connected to the bracket (1); - A first clamping device (3, 4) is provided on the first structure (2) for clamping the tail of the first longitudinal metal product or the head of the second longitudinal metal product; - A second structure (5) that can slide parallel to the feed direction X relative to the first structure (2) and the bracket (1); - A second clamping device (6, 7) is provided on the second structure (5) for clamping the head of the second longitudinal metal product or the tail of the first longitudinal metal product; - At least one transformer (36) having conductors respectively connected to the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7) to supply current to the tail and the head; The first structure (2) and the second structure (5) are supported in a first part (10) of the bracket (1), defined by a first beam (9) and a second beam (8) of the bracket (1) parallel to the feed direction X, while the at least one transformer (36) is fixed to the bracket (1) and supported in a second part (11) of the bracket (1), the second part (11) being arranged laterally outside the first part (10). The first structure (2) and the second structure (5) define corresponding longitudinal axes Z and Z', which are inclined at a first acute angle relative to the horizontal plane. Two upsetting cylinders (23, 24) are arranged parallel to the feed direction X to move the second structure (5) toward or away from the first structure (2) along the feed direction X. in, The axes of the two upsetting cylinders (23, 24) define a plane Y, which passes through the channel area of ​​the first longitudinal metal product and the second longitudinal metal product along the feed direction X. The channel area is defined by the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7). The first upsetting cylinder (23) is arranged on one side relative to the channel area, at least partially below the first side of the first structure (2) and the second structure (5), while the second upsetting cylinder (24) is arranged on the other side relative to the channel area, at the bottom of the second side of the first structure (2) and the second structure (5), opposite to the first side. The plane Y is characterized in that it is inclined at a second acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, the second acute angle being smaller than the first acute angle and not zero.

2. The welding machine according to claim 1, wherein the first upsetting cylinder (23) is arranged at a higher height than the second upsetting cylinder (24).

3. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower clamping device of the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7) occupies a fixed position; wherein the upper horizontal plane W tangent to the second upsetting cylinder (24) is arranged above the upper end (19) of the lower clamping device.

4. The welding machine according to claim 3, wherein the lower clamping device defines a horizontal plane (25) for supporting the first longitudinal metal product and the second longitudinal metal product; and wherein the distance between the upper horizontal plane W and the horizontal plane (25) is in the range of 100 to 150 mm.

5. The welding machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second upsetting cylinder (24) is completely disposed below the lower clamping device of the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7).

6. The welding machine according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4, wherein, The lower clamping device of the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7) occupies a fixed position; and wherein the size of the pads of the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7) is such that the channel area of ​​the first longitudinal metal product and the second longitudinal metal product is located on the plane Y along the longitudinal central axis of the feed direction X, and the channel area is defined by the lower clamping device and the upper clamping device at the clamping position of the first longitudinal metal product and the second longitudinal metal product.

7. The welding machine according to claim 3, further comprising a removable walkway (20) arranged above the second upsetting cylinder (24) and near the lower clamping device.

8. The welding machine according to any one of claims 1-2, 4, and 7, wherein, The first acute angle is in the range of 40° to 70°, while the second acute angle is less than or equal to 30°.

9. The welding machine according to any one of claims 1-2, 4, and 7, wherein, Only one transformer (36) or two or more transformers are provided, which are fully supported in the second part (11) of the bracket (1); or at least two transformers are provided, the first of the two transformers is fixed to the bracket (1) and supported in the second part (11) of the bracket (1), and the second transformer (36') of the two transformers is fixed to the bracket (1) and supported in the third part (11') of the bracket (1), which is laterally arranged on the outside of the first part (10) on the side opposite to the second part (11).

10. The welding machine according to claim 9, wherein the second part (11) is defined by the second beam (8) and the third beam (14) of the bracket (1).

11. The welding machine according to claim 10, wherein, In the case where only one transformer (36) or both transformers are fully supported in the second part (11), the first beam (9) and the third beam (14) are the outer beams of the bracket (1), and the second beam (8) is the middle beam; or in the case where the first transformer is supported in the second part (11) of the bracket (1) and the second transformer (36') is supported in the third part (11') of the bracket (1), the third part (11') is defined by the first beam (9) and the fourth beam (14'), the fourth beam (14') and the third beam (14) are the outer beams of the bracket (1), and the first beam (9) and the second beam (8) are the middle beams of the bracket.

12. The welding machine according to claim 1, wherein, The welding machine is a flash welding type.

13. The welding machine according to claim 3, wherein, The distance between the upper horizontal plane W and the upper end (19) is less than 20 mm.

14. The welding machine according to claim 13, wherein, The distance between the upper horizontal plane W and the upper end (19) is less than 15 mm.

15. The welding machine according to claim 4, wherein, The distance between the upper horizontal plane W and the horizontal plane (25) is in the range of 110 to 140 mm.

16. The welding machine according to claim 6, wherein, The size of the pads of the first clamping device (3, 4) and the second clamping device (6, 7) is the same as the size of the pad of the lower clamping device.

17. The welding machine according to claim 16, wherein, The size of the pad in the lower clamping device is the thickness of the pad.

18. The welding machine according to claim 7, wherein, At least one step (21) is provided between the walkway (20) and the lower clamping device.

19. The welding machine according to claim 5, further comprising a removable walkway (20) arranged above the second upsetting cylinder (24) and near the lower clamping device.

20. The welding machine according to claim 19, wherein, At least one step (21) is provided between the walkway (20) and the lower clamping device.

21. The welding machine according to claim 10, wherein, The second beam (8) and the third beam (14) of the bracket (1) are parallel to the feed direction X.

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