Device and method for changing the position of the belt beginnings during belt transport

Abstract

Device (2) for changing the position of the tape beginnings during the transport of tape strips (3) guided side by side in the transport direction before the tape strips (3) are wound into tape rings with at least one tape gripper (6) with gripping means (8) for automatically gripping the tape beginning of at least one tape strip (3), characterized in that the tape gripper (6) together with at least one gripped tape strip (3) is designed to be rotatable or tiltable about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the strip transport of strips guided next to one another in the transport direction before the strips are wound up into strip rings according to the preamble of claim 1, claim 11 and claim 14.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for changing the position and / or orientation of the tape beginnings during the tape transport of tape strips guided next to one another in the transport direction according to claims 12 and 15.

[0003] When slitting metallic strips or strips made of other materials with cutting devices such as circular knife shears, a cutting burr can form during the cutting process. The size and shape of this burr depend on the material properties and the cutting geometry settings, such as the cutting air and the insertion depth. Adjacent strips have cutting burrs that can alternately be oriented upwards or downwards. When the strips are subsequently wound into coils, the different directions of the burrs result in different ring geometries.

[0004] To standardize these, operators are forced to rotate individual strips, for example, every other strip, around their longitudinal axis after slitting and before winding, so that the cutting edges on all strips are aligned in the same direction. This requires manual intervention by personnel, reduces production time, and also poses risks for personnel, as this must be done in the plant.

[0005] Before braking and winding up in a winding device, it is also usually necessary to separate the cut strips to ensure that the cut edges do not collide and become damaged. This distance is currently set using separating discs mounted on a separating shaft. The strips lying in line immediately behind a cutting device, such as a slitting shear, with no gap between them are separated by these separating discs after leaving a loop pit. Manual intervention is usually necessary to position the strips between the separating discs. With a typical separation width of, for example, 2 mm, and with, for example, 30 strips of tape guided next to each other in the transport direction, the outer strips must be shifted by approximately 60 mm relative to their position coming out of the cutting device.

[0006] To separate the strips, axially oscillating separating shafts are known from the prior art. The entire separating shaft is moved in an axially oscillating motion to slide the strips between the separating discs. Depending on the strip thickness and width, manual intervention by an operator is usually necessary, for example, using a separating rod or other tools to space the strips and place them between the discs. This is strenuous and labor-intensive, especially for larger strip widths.

[0007] US 2 775 151 A discloses a device for edge processing of a large number of strips.

[0008] DE 40 18 950 A1 discloses a device for transferring and threading a cold-rolled or hot-rolled metal strip wound into a coil from a pay-off reel to a strip processing plant.

[0009] DE 37 112 88 C1 discloses a transfer device for strips which can be moved between a pay-off reel carrying a coil and a strip processing device.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned at the outset which enable a simplified and guided tape transport of the tape beginnings of tape strips guided next to one another in the transport direction between a cutting device, such as a tape shear, and a winding device following in the transport direction, essentially without manual intervention, wherein in particular the alignment of the tape strips in a specific flat side direction and / or the separation of the tape strips at a distance can be achieved in a simple manner without manual intervention.

[0011] The aforementioned object is achieved according to the invention by a device having the features of claim 1, claim 11, and claim 14, as well as by methods having the features of claim 12 and claim 15. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] The device according to the invention for transporting the strip ends comprises at least one strip gripper with gripping means for automatically gripping the strip end of at least one strip. Preferably, the strip end is clamped between the gripping means, so that the strip end can be securely guided by the strip gripper for a change in position or orientation.

[0013] The strip gripper enables easy, automated turning of strips, particularly without manual intervention by personnel. Automatic turning or flipping of the strips leads to increased productivity due to reduced personnel input and reduced time expenditure, thus increasing the efficiency of the entire process from slitting the strip to winding it into a coil. Furthermore, hazards to personnel resulting from manual intervention during the turning of the strips can be prevented.In this context, the method according to the invention provides that at least one strip of tape, preferably a plurality of strips of tape guided next to one another in the direction of tape travel, more preferably every second strip of tape guided next to one another, is / are automatically gripped at the beginning of the tape before winding and in particular subsequently and is / are rotated or tilted about a longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip in order to align the strip(s) in a specific flat side direction.

[0014] In addition, the strip gripper allows each strip to be gripped at the beginning of the strip and positioned at a separation distance, for example, 2 or 3 mm, from the adjacent strip. For example, a first strip can be offset 60 mm from its starting position and the next strip next to it at the corresponding separation distance, etc. Once all strips are positioned at the separation distance, they "fall" easily between the separation discs of a downstream separation shaft as the strip ends pass the separation shaft. The separation device can follow a loop pit in the transport direction.

[0015] At least one strip of tape, preferably a plurality of strips guided side by side in the direction of tape travel, more preferably all strips guided side by side, can be rotated before or after separation with the strip gripper to align cutting burrs formed during cutting of a tape, as described above. However, rotating the strips is not necessarily intended in connection with separation.

[0016] The strip gripper is designed to be movable and / or adjustable in the transport direction of the strips and, preferably, together with the beginning of the strip of at least one strip.

[0017] The strip gripper is designed to be movable and / or adjustable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip, in particular movable and / or adjustable across the entire width of all adjacent strips. This allows the strip gripper to grasp each strip at its beginning and align or position it in a specific manner, as required.

[0018] Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the strip gripper is guided linearly and / or can be positioned arbitrarily, i.e., at any point along the guide path. However, the strip gripper can also be moved to certain predetermined positions along the guide path.

[0019] In order to separate individual strips, the strip gripper is designed to be movable and / or adjustable with the beginning of the strip of at least one strip transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip, in particular movable and / or adjustable across the entire strip width of all strip strips guided next to one another.

[0020] As described above, by rotating the strip strips, the strip gripper enables, in particular, the alignment of the strip strips in a specific flat-side direction, so that cutting burrs on the strip strips are oriented either upwards or downwards. For this purpose, the strip gripper can be designed to be rotatable or tiltable about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip when gripping at least one strip strip. In particular, the strip gripper can be rotatable, for example, by 180° about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The strip gripper accordingly has means for gripping at least one strip strip and further means for rotating the strip strip about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip.By combining means for mechanical gripping and mechanical turning of the strips, the turning process can be carried out with reduced manual effort or even entirely without manual intervention, with the strip being securely held by the strip gripper during the turning process.

[0021] The strip gripper can be height-movable or height-adjustable, ie can be raised or lowered, preferably together with at least one strip of tape or independently of the strip of tape.

[0022] It is provided that the strip gripper, when gripping at least one strip of tape, is designed to be rotatable or tiltable together with the strip of tape about a width axis of the strip of tape. By rotating or tilting the strip gripper against the transport direction of the strip of tape by, for example, 90° or more, relative to a width axis adjacent to the outer transverse edge of the strip beginning, it is possible to bring the strip beginnings into a position in which the strip strips hang vertically downwards against the transport direction, for example into a loop pit. This results in significant advantages, particularly in connection with the above-described rotating of the strip beginnings for aligning the strip beginnings in a specific flat side direction and / or in connection with the above-described separating of the strip beginnings to the separating distances of a subsequent separating device.

[0023] Free-hanging strips of tape require the least amount of force to rotate or separate. This occurs when the strips are hanging down into the loop pit. To do this, the beginnings of the strip are transported over the loop pit with the strip gripper and stopped in a position after the loop pit, in particular before a separating device such as a separating shaft with separating discs. If the beginning of the strip is now rotated by the strip gripper around its width axis against the direction of travel by, for example, 90°, the strip of tape hangs in the loop pit if the corresponding length of strip is fed in from the cutting device. The vertically hanging strip of tape has less resistance to a rotating movement and, in the case of thick and wide strips, makes a rotating movement possible in the first place. It goes without saying that the gripping or holding force required to hold the hanging strip of tape is small.The clamping force for each strip must be sufficient to hold it against the vertically acting weight. The same advantages arise when separating the strips at a specific distance from each other, if the strips are held upright by the beginning of the strip during the separation process and hang along the strip axis in the loop pit.

[0024] The means for gripping the beginning of at least one strip of tape can, for example, be opposing gripping jaws, with the beginning of the tape being held and clamped between the gripping means. This enables very precise alignment of the beginning of the tape when rotating about a longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip and / or when rotating about a width axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip and / or when separating or spacing the strips from one another when the strips are positioned offset in a direction transverse to the transport direction.

[0025] The strip gripper is preferably designed to grip only one strip of tape at a time. However, it is generally possible for the strip gripper to grip and hold or clamp two or more strips, even all of the strips, simultaneously. This is particularly advantageous when the strips are rotated or tilted around their width axis by the strip gripper, counter to the transport direction, so that the strips hang vertically into a loop pit with the tape ends raised.

[0026] In addition, several strip grippers can be provided for simultaneous or sequential gripping of several strips of tape.

[0027] In order to enable the above-described rotation of the strip beginnings about a width axis of the strip beginnings, so that the further conveyed strip length hangs essentially vertically downwards, for example, into a loop pit, and / or to position the strip strips at a separation distance, the strip gripper can be movable between a position adjacent to a cutting device, in particular a strip shear, and a position downstream of a loop pit in the transport direction of the strip strip, in particular upstream of a separating device for separating several strip strips guided side by side in the strip travel direction, preferably together with at least one strip strip. The separating device can be arranged upstream of a braking and / or winding device.

[0028] As described above, the strip gripper already has means for gripping a tape start of at least one tape strip, wherein the gripping means fulfill a clamping and / or holding function for the tape start. In addition to these gripping means, the invention provides a tape clamp which is arranged upstream of the strip gripper in the transport direction of the tape and comprises at least one clamping means for the automatic or mechanical clamping of at least one tape strip adjacent to the clamping area of ​​the strip gripper. The tape clamp is provided and designed for the simultaneous clamping of several tape strips guided next to one another in the tape travel direction, more preferably for clamping all tape strips guided next to one another, across the entire tape width of the tape strips guided next to one another.

[0029] The strip clamp and / or strip gripper can be designed to transport the strips through a system peripheral while the strip ends are clamped. The strip clamp and / or strip gripper thus also perform a transport function.

[0030] The strip clamp is particularly designed to clamp and hold the strip beginnings before they are gripped by the strip gripper, i.e., to hold the strips in a stable position before they are gripped and rotated, or before they are gripped and separated, with the strip gripper in order to be able to carry out the gripping and / or separating process precisely. The strip clamp is arranged downstream of a longitudinal cutting device, for example, a strip shear, in the transport direction of the strips and upstream of the strip gripper, which is located behind the strip clamp on the outlet side.

[0031] The method according to the invention can accordingly provide that at least one strip, preferably all adjacent strips, is / are clamped with the strip clamp on the outlet side and adjacent to the strip beginning, before the strip gripper grips at least one strip at the strip beginning. Clamping with the strip clamp can be terminated after the strip gripper has gripped the strip beginning. This ensures that the strip beginning is securely held at all times before and during a turning process and / or a separating process, namely with the strip clamp and / or the strip gripper. This enables very precise guidance of the strip beginnings and maintenance of predetermined target positions of the strip beginnings before, during, and after the turning and / or separating process.For this purpose, the tape strip can also be clamped again with the tape clamp after the tape strip has been rotated and / or separated, wherein, preferably, the grip of the strip gripper is terminated after the tape start has been clamped again and, further preferably, wherein the strip gripper can be adjusted or moved to grip and rotate and / or separate another tape strip.

[0032] To enable gripping of the strip end with a gripping means of the strip gripper, the clamping means can be arranged on the outlet side of a strip at a distance from a strip beginning. When clamping a strip beginning, the clamping means of the strip clamp are spaced sufficiently far from a transverse edge of the strip beginning to provide sufficient contact surface for the means for gripping and rotating and / or separating the strip with the strip gripper.

[0033] The band clamp can have a plurality of clamping means on both sides of a band strip. This ensures secure clamping of the band strip. Alternatively, the band clamp can also have clamping means on one side of the band strip that interact with a clamping plate on the other side of the band strip.

[0034] The strip clamp has a plurality of clamping means for clamping, in particular, a plurality of strips of tape guided next to one another in the strip travel direction simultaneously. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the strip clamp has a plurality of clamping means for clamping, in particular, all strips of tape simultaneously across the entire strip width, wherein the entire strip width extends across the width of all strips of tape guided next to one another. This allows all strips of tape to be clamped, in particular, simultaneously, regardless of the orientation of the cutting burrs on the flat sides of the strips. In principle, however, an embodiment is also possible in which the strip clamping device is designed and constructed only to clamp strips of tape which have cutting burrs aligned in a specific flat side direction.For example, the clamping device can be designed to clamp every second strip of tape transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tape.

[0035] A control and / or regulating device can be provided with which a clamping position of the clamping means can be controlled and / or regulated accordingly in order to clamp only certain strips of tape before gripping and turning and / or separating, in particular on both sides, and to fix them in a precise position for the subsequent turning or separating process.

[0036] The clamping means can be designed as an electrically, pneumatically, and / or hydraulically height-adjustable ram, or as a fixed or height-adjustable clamping plate, and / or the clamping means can be spring-loaded. When designed as a ram, the clamping means can be stationary, i.e., fixed in position with respect to horizontal positioning, while the rams for clamping the tape strips are height-adjustable.

[0037] The clamping means can be adjusted and / or moved vertically and / or horizontally to clamp and terminate the clamping of a strip of tape.

[0038] To enable the subsequent rotation of a strip of tape, the clamping means can be raised (when the clamping means acts on the top side of a strip of tape) or lowered (when the clamping means acts on the underside of the strip of tape) by an adjustment stroke corresponding to at least half the strip width or even the entire strip width. If clamping means are provided above and below the strip of tape, the total stroke of the clamping means is greater than the strip width, so that after the clamping means have been raised and lowered, contact of the strip of tape with the clamping means during rotation of the strip of tape is excluded.

[0039] In order to be able to clamp and release individual strips of tape individually, the clamping devices can also be individually height-adjusted using an appropriate control and / or regulation device.

[0040] It is expedient for the strip clamp to have several clamping means arranged equidistantly transversely to the strip travel direction or transversely to the strip's longitudinal direction. This is particularly advantageous when a plurality of strips of the same width, lying adjacent to one another in the strip's longitudinal direction, are to be clamped simultaneously.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the clamping means can also be designed as a clamping wheel that can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip, or as a movable clamping roller. Clamping wheels or clamping rollers enable, in particular, the clamping of tape strips with a narrow strip width.

[0042] In this context, at least one clamping means carrier, movable in a carriage-like manner transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip, can be provided for supporting the clamping means. In particular, two clamping means carriers, movable relative to one another in the width direction, can be provided, in particular to clamp or release specific individual strips of tape for a subsequent rotation process of the respective strip.

[0043] At least one clamping device carrier that can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip allows multiple strips to be clamped as needed, or individual strips to be released from the clamping action for a subsequent turning operation. Two clamping devices can be moved to a gap in the area of ​​a strip to be turned after the strip gripper has grasped this strip. After turning, the clamping devices can be moved again and moved to a gap with the next strip to be turned. This strip is then turned.

[0044] The tape clamp can preferably be designed to be movable and / or adjustable together with the strip gripper in the transport direction of the tape, more preferably in the clamped state of at least one tape strip.

[0045] The tape clamp and / or clamping means of the tape clamp and the strip gripper can be height-adjustable or height-movable relative to one another. For example, a lower clamping plate can be provided on which the beginnings of the tape strips rest and which serves as an abutment for additional clamping means of the tape clamp acting on the tape strips from above. When using a non-height-adjustable clamping plate, for example, the strip gripper and the gripped tape strips must also be raised and lowered to rotate the tape strips. In this case, the adjustment stroke of the upper clamping means is greater than the strip width of the tape strips. The gripped tape strips are raised and lowered with a stroke of the strip gripper that is greater than half the strip width.

[0046] In order to be able to move and / or adjust the belt clamp together with the strip gripper in the transport direction of the belt, the belt clamp and the strip gripper can be arranged on a common machine frame that can be moved or adjusted translationally in the transport direction of the belt.

[0047] Furthermore, the strip gripper can also be designed to be rotatable or tiltable relative to the strip clamp about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip, preferably when at least one strip is clamped. This makes it possible to clamp at least one, preferably all, strips with the strip clamp before gripping them with the strip gripper until the strip gripper has grasped a strip strip at the beginning of the strip and subsequently rotates it to align a specific flat side of the strip strip upwards or downwards. The strip clamp is preferably not designed to be rotatable or tiltable about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip.

[0048] In connection with the separation of the strips, the strip gripper can be movable and / or displaceable relative to the strip clamp in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the strips, while the strip clamp is preferably stationary and is not moved or displaced transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strips for the separation process. In this context, the strip clamp can preferably have clamping means for simultaneously clamping all strips arranged next to one another in the transport direction of the strips.

[0049] In order to lift the strip beginnings or to rotate or tilt the strip beginnings against the transport direction of the strip strips, the strip clamp can be height-movable or height-adjustable when at least one strip strip is clamped, preferably when several or all strip strips are clamped, and / or the strip clamp can also be designed to be rotatable or tiltable about a width axis of the strip strip. Preferably, the strip clamp, together with the strip gripper, is height-movable or height-adjustable and / or rotatable or tiltable about a width axis of the strip strip. This enables the strip beginnings to be clamped when the strip beginnings are lifted and / or rotated against the transport direction, so that the strip strips hang essentially vertically downwards due to the additional strip length being conveyed, for example into a loop pit.To apply a sufficiently high clamping force to the tape strips when they hang essentially vertically downwards, the tape ends can be clamped and held simultaneously by the gripping means of the strip gripper on the one hand and the clamping means of the tape clamp on the other. However, it is also possible for the tape ends to be held and / or clamped solely by the clamping means of the tape clamp during lifting or lowering and / or during rotation around the width axis against the transport direction, while the strip gripper does not perform any clamping function.

[0050] To control and / or regulate the movement sequences when gripping and rotating and / or separating the strip with the strip gripper and / or the movement sequences when clamping a strip with the strip clamp, a correspondingly designed control and / or regulation device can be provided, which may interact with a measuring device for determining the position of the strip, in particular wherein the control and / or regulation takes place as a function of the position of a cutting means when slitting a strip into strips.

[0051] Particularly preferably, a measuring, control and / or regulating device is provided which allows automatic positioning of the strip gripper in the region of the strip center of a strip of tape, which ensures an exact rotation process of the strip of tape and / or exact separation.

[0052] Further advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention emerge from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The described and / or shown advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention can be combined with one another as needed, even if this is not described and / or shown in detail. In the drawing show Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the strip transport of, in particular, metallic strips between a cutting device and a winding device, with a strip clamp for clamping several strips before winding the strips into a strip ring, in particular before rotating individual strips with a Fig. 1 strip gripper, not shown, for aligning cutting burrs of the strip strips in a same flat side direction and / or before separating the strip strips with the strip gripper at a distance from each other before passing a separating shaft, in a schematic representation; Fig. 2 a device according to the invention for changing the position of the tape beginnings during the tape transport of tape strips, with a tape clamp of the type shown in Fig. 1 and with a strip gripper following or downstream of the strip clamp in the transport direction for automatically gripping and rotating individual strips of tape about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip and / or for separating the strips from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip, in a schematic representation; Fig. 3 an alternative embodiment of a tape clamp as a functional unit of a device according to the invention for changing the position of the tape beginnings during the tape transport of tape strips, designed to clamp the tape strips before winding the tape strips into a tape ring and in particular upstream of a strip gripper, in a schematic representation, and Fig. 4A to 4C a schematic representation of the belt transport of belt strips with a change in the position of the belt beginnings after passing through a loop pit, wherein the belt beginnings are lifted and vertically aligned with a device according to the invention for changing the position of the belt beginnings and wherein the belt strips hang essentially vertically downwards from the belt beginnings into a loop pit against the transport direction.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a band clamp 1 as a functional unit of a Fig. 2 for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the strip transport of metallic strips 3 guided side by side in the transport direction, prior to winding the strips 3 into strip rings. The strip clamp 1 has clamping means 4 designed as a stamp for automatically clamping the strips 3. The strip clamp 1 enables the clamping of strips 3 across the maximum strip width behind a longitudinal cutting device (not shown) for a metal strip, in particular behind a circular knife shear.

[0054] The clamping devices 4 are arranged equidistantly across the entire width of the adjacently guided belt strips 3. Each clamping device 4 can be individually moved up and down using pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric drives, preferably in combination with spring force. The spacing and number of clamping devices 4 are determined by the number of belt strips 3 and the minimum strip width.

[0055] The clamping means 4 engage at a distance from the transverse edges 5 of the strip beginnings, so that the strips 3 are clamped in such a way that they protrude on the outlet side of the clamping means 4. This provides a sufficiently large contact surface for a Fig. The strip gripper 6 shown in Figure 2 is created, with which it is possible to grip individual strips 3 and then rotate or separate them, i.e., to bring them into a position in which the strips 3 are spaced apart from one another in a direction transverse to the transport direction. The strip clamp 1 makes it possible to individually clamp or release each strip beginning.

[0056] The clamping means 4 are held and guided on clamping devices 7 in a height-adjustable manner.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a device 2 for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the strip transport of strip strips 3, in particular metallic, guided next to one another in the transport direction before the strip strips 3 are wound up into strip rings, in particular after the slitting of a strip into strip strips 3 in slitting systems, with a strip clamp 1 of the type shown in Fig. 1 and with a strip gripper 6, with which it is possible to grip the strips in the area of ​​the strip beginnings and to rotate and / or separate and / or raise or lower them. The strip gripper 6 is arranged on the outlet side behind the strip clamp 1, wherein the strip gripper 6 can be designed to grip and rotate and / or separate and / or raise or lower individual or all of the strip strips 3. The strip gripper 6 is guided linearly at least over the maximum strip width plus the separation distance of the strip strips 3, which corresponds to the strip clamp width, and can be positioned as desired. The strip gripper 6 has at least one gripping means 8, which is formed, for example, by two gripping jaws 9, 10. The gripping jaws 9, 10 are linearly displaceable on a jaw holder 11 and can be moved relative to one another using a corresponding adjustment drive.

[0058] To adjust or move the gripping jaws 9, 10 in a guide groove of the jaw holder 11, the gripping jaws 9, 10 in the illustrated embodiment have internal guide sections 12 that engage behind retaining projections 13, 14 on the guide groove of the jaw holder 11. As a result, the gripping jaws 9, 10 are held positively on the jaw holder 11 in the longitudinal direction of the strip.

[0059] The jaw holder 11, in turn, is rotatably connected to a support 16 via a rotation axis 15. The support 16 can be moved linearly in the strip width direction via a rail 17.

[0060] The turning process of a strip of tape 3 is as described below. When the slitting device is set up, the position of each strip of tape 3 is known. This allows the gripping jaws 9, 10 to be positioned precisely in the center of each strip of tape 3. This occurs after the strip of tape 3 has been clamped vertically with the tape clamp 1. Once the positioning of a first strip of tape 3 to be turned has been completed and this strip of tape 2 is clamped between the gripping jaws 9, 10, the clamping means 4 that clamp this strip of tape 3 are opened so that sufficient free space is created above and below the clamping means 4 that corresponds to the width of the strip of tape 3. The stroke of the clamping means 4 must be taken into account in the design accordingly.

[0061] Subsequently, the strip 3 is rotated by 180° around an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip using the strip gripper 6. The open clamping means 4 of the strip clamp 1, which are assigned to the 180° rotated strip 3, then move toward each other again into the clamping position. After the strip 3 has been clamped again, the strip gripper 6 can open the gripping jaws 9, 10 and is moved in the strip width direction until it is positioned centrally in front of the next strip 3 to be rotated. The described process is repeated until each strip 3 to be rotated has been rotated.

[0062] What is not shown is that it is possible to use several strip grippers 6 in order to be able to automatically grip and automatically rotate several strips of tape 3 at the same time.

[0063] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a tape clamp 1 according to the invention, wherein clamping wheels movable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip are provided as clamping means 4 instead of the punches. The clamping wheels are arranged in several rows, and the rows are preferably offset from one another. This allows the clamping of tape strips 3 with small strip widths.

[0064] Two slide-like clamping means supports 18 can be provided for moving the clamping wheels, in which the clamping wheels are mounted. A clamping plate 19 can be provided to support the tape strips 3 from below. Means for moving the clamping means supports 18 transversely to the longitudinal axis of the strip are not shown.

[0065] In the area of ​​a strip 3 to be rotated, the clamping means supports 18 are moved to a gap after the strip gripper 6 has gripped this strip 3. After rotation, the clamping means supports 18 can be moved toward each other again and can then be positioned at a gap at the next strip 3 to be rotated, so that this next strip 3 can be rotated with the strip gripper 6. The above-described process for gripping and rotating the strip 3 remains unchanged.

[0066] Not shown in detail is that in the embodiment of the band clamp 1 according to Fig. 1 the lower clamping means 4 below the band strips 3 can be replaced by a clamping plate, as is the case in Fig. 3 is the case. When using a clamping plate, in order to rotate the strips 3 with the strip gripper 6, it is also necessary to raise and lower the strip gripper 6 and the strip 3 gripped by the strip gripper 6. This is indicated by the double arrow 20 in Fig. 2 schematically shown. The adjustment stroke of the clamping means 4 then arranged above the strips 3 is selected to be greater than the strip width of the strip 3 to be rotated. The gripped strip 3 is raised and lowered with a stroke that is greater than half the strip width of the strip 3 to be rotated.

[0067] The lifting and lowering of the strip gripper 6 can also be carried out in Fig. 3 shown alternative embodiment of the band clamp 1 may be provided.

[0068] Alternatively or in addition to a height adjustability of the strip gripper 6, a height adjustability of the strip clamp 1 can also be provided.

[0069] What is not shown in detail is that the strip gripper 6 makes it possible to separate the strips 3 at a specific transverse distance from one another. Each strip 3 can be gripped by the strip gripper 6 and positioned at a separation distance of, for example, 2 or 3 mm from the adjacent strip and then clamped with the strip clamp 1. Once all strips are positioned at the separation distance in the strip clamp 1, they can be easily arranged between separation discs of a separation shaft when the strip clamp 1 with the clamped strip strips 3 passes the separation shaft. This can be done with or without prior rotation of the strip strips 3.

[0070] The strip gripper 6 can thus be a device that enables both the rotation of the strips 3 and their separation from one another.

[0071] The strip clamp 1 and the strip gripper 6 can be moved together with the strip ends of the strip strips 3 in the transport direction of the strip strips 3. For this purpose, the strip clamp 1 and the strip gripper 6 can be arranged on a movable machine frame. Preferably, the strip gripper 6 is designed to be movable and rotatable relative to the strip clamp 1 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip. Furthermore, the strip clamp 1 and / or the strip gripper 6 can also be designed to be height-adjustable in the thickness direction of the strip strips 3.

[0072] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the use of the device 2 with a band clamp 1 and a strip gripper 6 to vertically align end sections of the band strips 3. For this purpose, the band clamp 1 and / or the strip gripper 6 grip the band strips 3 behind a cutting device 21, such as a circular knife shear ( Fig. 4A).

[0073] The device 2 is then moved together with the strips 3 over a downstream loop pit 22 and stops with the strip beginnings in front of a separating shaft 23. The separating shaft 23 has separating discs. The cutting device 21 feeds metal strip so that the loop pit 22 is filled. This is shown in Fig. 4B shown.

[0074] The device 2 is subsequently rotated or pivoted by, for example, 90°, counter to the direction of travel of the strips 3, specifically while the strips 3 are clamped, so that the strips 3 hang vertically downwards into the loop pit 22, starting from the raised beginning of the strip. In this position, the strips 3 can be rotated and / or separated with reduced force, as described above. The clamping force for each strip 3 is sufficiently large to hold it against the vertically acting weight force.

[0075] It should be added that the device 2 as a unit comprising the band clamp 1 and the strip gripper 6 can be rotated back into the horizontal position of the band beginnings, ie by 90°, for example, after the vertically hanging band strips 3 have been rotated and / or separated, so that the strip beginnings are again horizontal and the band strips 3 can then be pulled further through the system with the device 2, ie in the case of Fig. 4 described embodiment via the separating shaft 23 and then further to a winding device not shown. List of reference symbols: 1 band clamp 2 Device 3 tape strips 4 clamping devices 5 Cross margin 6 strip grippers 7 Clamping device 8 gripping devices 9 gripping jaw 10 gripping jaws 11 jaw holder 12 Guide section 13 Holding projection 14 Holding projection 15 axis of rotation 16 carriers 17 Rail 18 clamping center supports 19 Clamping plate 20 Arrow 21 Cutting device 22 Loop Pit 23 Separating shaft

Claims

[1] Device (2) for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the strip transport of strip strips (3) guided next to one another in the transport direction before the strip strips (3) are wound up into strip rings, with at least one strip gripper (6) with gripping means (8) for automatically gripping the strip beginning of at least one strip strip (3), characterized by that the strip gripper (6) together with at least one gripped strip (3) is designed to be rotatable or tiltable about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip. [2] Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the strip gripper (6) is designed to be movable and / or adjustable in the transport direction of the strips (3) together with the beginning of the strip of at least one strip (3). [3] Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the strip gripper (6) is designed to be movable and / or adjustable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip together with the beginning of the strip of at least one strip (3). [4] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the strip gripper (6) together with at least one gripped strip (3) is designed to be rotatable or tiltable about a width axis of the strip (3). [5] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the strip gripper (6) is height-movable or height-adjustable together with at least one gripped strip (3). [6] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a tape clamp (1) arranged in front of the strip gripper (6) in the transport direction of the tape is provided with at least one clamping means (4) for automatically clamping at least one tape strip (3) adjacent to the gripping area of the strip gripper (6). [7] Device (2) according to claim 6, characterized by that several clamping means (4) are individually height-adjustable and / or that several clamping means (4) are arranged equidistantly transversely to the belt running direction. [8] Device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the band clamp (1) together with the strip gripper (6) is designed to be movable and / or adjustable in the transport direction of the band and / or that the band clamp (1) and / or clamping means (4) of the band clamp (1) and the strip gripper (6) are height-movable and / or height-adjustable relative to one another. [9] Device (2) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized bythat the strip gripper (6) is designed to be rotatable or tiltable relative to the strip clamp (1) about an axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip together with at least one strip of tape (3). [10] Device (2) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the band clamp (1) is height-movable or height-adjustable in the clamping state of at least one band strip (3) and / or is designed to be rotatable or tiltable about a width axis of the band strip (3). [11] Device (2) for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the transport of strips (3) guided next to one another in the transport direction before the strips (3) are wound up into strip rings, with at least one strip gripper (6) with gripping means (8) for automatically gripping the strip beginning of at least one strip (3), characterized bythat the strip gripper (6) is designed to be movable and / or adjustable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip together with the beginning of the strip of at least one strip (3). [12] Method for changing the position of the tape beginnings during the tape transport of tape strips (3) guided next to one another in the transport direction between a cutting device (21) for cutting a tape into tape strips (3) and a winding device following in the transport direction of the tape strips (3) for winding the tape strips (3) into tape rolls, wherein at least one tape strip (3) is automatically gripped at the tape beginning with a strip gripper (6) before winding and is automatically rotated or tilted together with the strip gripper (6) about a longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the strip and / or is moved and / or adjusted together with the strip gripper (6) transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip. [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized bythat a plurality of strips (3) guided next to one another in the direction of travel of the strip are automatically gripped at the beginning of the strip before winding up and before passing through a separating device and are positioned with the strip gripper at a predetermined separating distance. [14] Device (2) for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the transport of strips (3) guided next to one another in the transport direction before the strips (3) are wound up into strip rings, with at least one strip gripper (6) with gripping means (8) for automatically gripping the strip beginning of at least one strip (3), characterized bythat a band clamp (1) arranged in front of the strip gripper (6) in the transport direction of the band is provided with a plurality of clamping means (4) which are individually adjustable in height and can be individually controlled by means of a control and / or regulating device in order to individually clamp or individually release individual band strips (3) of the band strips (3) guided next to one another in the band running direction. [15] Method for changing the position of the strip beginnings during the strip transport of strip strips (3) guided next to one another in the transport direction before the strip strips (3) are wound up into strip rings, wherein the strip beginnings of the strip strips (3) are automatically gripped by at least one strip gripper (6) with gripping means (8) before the winding up, characterized bythat individual strips (3) of the strips (3) guided next to one another in the strip running direction are individually clamped or released before being gripped by the strip gripper (6) by means of a strip clamp (1) arranged in front of the strip gripper (6) in the transport direction of the strip and having a plurality of clamping means (4) which are individually height-adjustable and can be individually controlled by means of a control and / or regulating device.

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