Conical bending of a sheet metal

Abstract

Device (1) for bending a sheet metal part (2), comprising a bending device (3) for bending the sheet metal part (2), a feeding device (4) for feeding the sheet metal part (2) to the bending device (3) along a first direction (X), wherein the feeding device (4) forms a transport plane (5) for receiving the sheet metal part (2), which is spanned by the first direction (X) and a second direction (Y) different therefrom, characterized in that the feeding device (4) has a rail element (6) along the second direction (Y) and an associated train (7), wherein the train (7) comprises a motor-driven carriage (8) and is movable along the rail element (6), wherein the carriage (8) has a roller (10) on a top surface (9) of the carriage (8), wherein the roller (10) has a running surface (11) lying in the transport plane (5) and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis (12) aligned parallel to the transport plane (5). is,wherein the roller axis (12) is oriented along the rail element (6) and wherein the orientation of the roller axis (12) relative to the railcar (8) is not adjustable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for bending sheet metal, in particular for bending sheet metal into a conical shape, as well as a track system for a feeding device. Sheet metal bent in this way can be used, in particular, as part of a wind turbine tower.

[0002] Wind turbine towers often have conical sections. To manufacture these, a sheet of metal is typically bent into a conical shape. Devices are known for this purpose, comprising a bending unit and a roller conveyor positioned upstream. The sheet metal to be bent can be fed to the bending unit via the roller conveyor.

[0003] Depending on the size of the sheet metal to be bent, a considerable roller conveyor may be required. Large roller conveyors are expensive and therefore disadvantageous. This is especially true as offshore wind turbines are being built with increasingly larger towers. Consequently, ever larger conical bent sheets are needed. For example, wind turbines are currently being built with a cone diameter of 16 meters and a cone angle of 30° (full angle). The sheets to be bent can be up to 50 meters long, up to 200 mm thick, and weigh up to 350 tons. Handling such dimensioned sheets is challenging.

[0004] Furthermore, roller conveyors typically only have rollers that can move a sheet metal part in the feed direction. However, when bending a sheet metal part into a cone shape, the sheet also moves perpendicular to the feed direction. This creates transverse forces that can damage the roller conveyor or the sheet metal. The fact that the sheet metal can only be moved smoothly along the roller conveyor in the feed direction also makes handling more difficult. Manipulators are generally used to align the sheet metal. To twist large and heavy sheets perpendicular to the roller conveyor, the manipulators must be correspondingly robust. Such manipulators can also damage the sheet metal.

[0005] The disadvantages described also occur when sheets are bent into a conical shape for applications other than wind turbines.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to present a particularly advantageous device and method with which a sheet metal can be bent into a conical shape in a simple and particularly gentle manner. A further object of the present invention is to present a particularly advantageous conveyor system with which a sheet metal can be fed to a bending device in a simple and particularly gentle manner.

[0007] These tasks are accomplished with the device, the method, and the railway system according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The features described in the claims and in the description can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way.

[0008] According to the invention, a device for bending a sheet metal part is presented. The device comprises a bending unit for bending the sheet metal part and a feeding unit for feeding the sheet metal part to the bending unit along a first direction. The feeding unit forms a transport plane for receiving the sheet metal part, which is spanned by the first direction and a second direction distinct from it. The feeding unit has a rail element along the second direction and an associated train. The train comprises a motor-driven carriage. Furthermore, the train is movable along the rail element. The carriage has a roller on its upper surface. The roller has a running surface located in the transport plane and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis aligned parallel to the transport plane. The roller axis is oriented along the second direction.The orientation of the roller axle relative to the railcar is not adjustable.

[0009] The described device can be used to bend a sheet of metal for a wind turbine tower. However, the intended purpose of the bent sheet is irrelevant to the device's operation. Therefore, this document describes the bending of sheet metal in general terms. In principle, the described device can be of any dimension and used accordingly for bending sheets of any size. However, the advantages of the described device are particularly evident when bending large and heavy sheets. Accordingly, it is preferred that the device be configured to bend a sheet of metal with a thickness of at least 20 millimeters, preferably 100 to 500 millimeters, and / or a mass of at least 10 tons, preferably 100 to 500 tons, and / or a length of at least 10 meters, preferably 25 to 75 meters, before bending.

[0010] Preferably, the device is used for bending a sheet metal into a conical shape.

[0011] The sheet metal can be bent into a conical shape using the device. The result is preferably a cone. Before bending, the sheet metal is preferably in a flat state. The fact that a cone is obtained from a flat sheet metal implies that the sheet metal has the shape of a conical development. This is a section of a circular ring.

[0012] Although the device is suitable for bending sheet metal into a conical shape and is preferably used for this purpose, there is nothing preventing its use for other purposes, such as bending sheet metal into a cylindrical shape. In fact, the device is quite versatile.

[0013] The device includes a bending unit for bending the sheet metal. The functionality of the described device does not depend on the design of the bending unit. For example, the bending unit can be a 3-roll or a 4-roll machine.

[0014] The edge of the sheet metal that first reaches the bending device is referred to herein as the beginning of the sheet metal. The edge of the sheet metal furthest from the beginning, which last reaches the bending device, is referred to herein as the end of the sheet metal. After bending, the beginning and end of the sheet metal are preferably joined together to form a closed cone.

[0015] Furthermore, the device includes a feeding device for supplying the sheet metal to the bending device along a first direction. The first direction can also be referred to as a feed direction. The feeding device forms a transport plane for receiving the sheet metal, which is defined by the first direction and a second direction distinct from it.

[0016] The feeding device has a rail element along the second direction and an associated pull. This defines the second direction. In the simplest case, the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other. This is therefore preferred. However, the advantages described for the device can also be achieved if this is not the case.

[0017] The feeding device preferably comprises several such rail elements and associated trains distributed in the first direction, each of which is movable along the second direction. Particularly preferably, the device comprises at least five, and especially at least nine, such rail elements with associated trains.

[0018] Several such rail elements and associated trains, distributed along the first direction, offer the technical advantage of reduced lateral forces on the individual rollers. Each train can be moved at a specific point along the first direction by a different distance along the second direction, thus better following the movement of the sheet metal. Consequently, the sheet metal can be twisted more effectively, and damage to the sheet or the rollers can be reduced.

[0019] The rail element can be a steel beam. Preferably, the design of the rail element is adapted to the shape of the train's guide rollers, so that the trains are guided on the rail element. This has the advantage that the trains do not derail from the rail element even under lateral forces.

[0020] Preferably, the rail element is linear. The rail element may have slight curvatures, in particular manufacturing-related curvatures, such that the rail element is essentially aligned along the second direction and the train can travel along the second direction.

[0021] The transport plane is preferably arranged horizontally. This has the advantage that the sheet metal cannot fall off the feeding device due to gravity. However, the advantages described for the device can also be achieved if the transport plane is not horizontally aligned. In particular, minor deviations have no or only slight adverse effects. It is preferred that the transport plane is tilted by no more than 20°, and especially by no more than 10°, relative to the horizontal.

[0022] The bending device is preferably configured to bend the sheet metal around a bending axis that is parallel to the transport plane and perpendicular to the first direction. A bending axis parallel to the second direction is particularly preferred. However, the advantages described for the device can also be achieved if the bending axis is arranged differently. In particular, minor deviations have no or only slight adverse effects. It is preferred that the bending axis is rotated by at least 45°, and in particular by at least 60°, relative to the first direction. It is preferred that the bending axis is rotated by no more than 45°, and in particular by no more than 30°, relative to the second direction. It is preferred that the bending axis is tilted by no more than 20°, and in particular by no more than 10°, relative to the transport plane.

[0023] The train comprises a motor-driven railcar. Furthermore, the train can travel along the track element.

[0024] The railcar can travel in the second direction. For example, the railcar can be equipped with an electric motor to move along the track element. The railcar can be controlled via a control system so that it travels along the track element.

[0025] The railcar is preferably designed to align the sheet metal in the transport plane. This requires that the railcar be designed to move the sheet metal along and / or against the second direction without manipulators.

[0026] Preferably, the railcar is not movable in the first direction. This prevents the sheet metal from pulling the railcar towards the bending device. However, the functionality of the described device does not depend on whether the railcar can also move in the first direction or not. The crucial factor is that the railcar's ability to move in the second direction creates an additional degree of freedom.

[0027] Rather, the railcar can be moved by the movement of the sheet metal. The railcar's drive can be set to neutral or braking, so that the railcar can be moved effortlessly or only against resistance.

[0028] The railcar has a roller on its upper surface. The roller has a running surface lying in the transport plane and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis aligned parallel to the transport plane.

[0029] The roller axis is the axis around which the roller rotates during normal operation. The roller is preferably free to rotate around the roller axis. Therefore, the roller is preferably not driven. However, there is also nothing wrong with driving the roller. This can assist in feeding the sheet metal into the bending device. In an alternative embodiment, it is therefore preferred that the roller of the drive unit is driven.

[0030] The railcar can also have multiple rollers on its upper surface. These multiple rollers preferably each have a running surface located in the transport plane and are rotatably mounted around a corresponding roller axis, particularly a common one, which is aligned parallel to the transport plane. The multiple rollers of the railcar are thus not arranged in parallel in the first direction. If multiple rollers are present, one, some, or all of them can be driven.

[0031] A railcar with multiple independently rotatable rollers, mounted on a common axle, offers the advantage that the sheet metal can be rotated more easily around an axis perpendicular to the transport plane. The forces required to rotate the sheet metal can be reduced, resulting in significantly improved twisting and easier alignment.

[0032] The roller axle is oriented along the second direction. The orientation of the roller axle relative to the railcar is not adjustable. It is irrelevant whether the roller axle is described as oriented along the second direction or along the rail element, since the rail element is oriented along the second direction.

[0033] The railcar can be moved along the rail element, so that the roller axis remains oriented along the railcar.

[0034] The roller axle can be defined by a bearing for the roller. The bearing for the roller is preferably located on the top of the railcar. In particular, the bearing for the roller is fixed on the top of the railcar so that the orientation of the roller axle relative to the railcar is not adjustable.

[0035] Preferably, a bearing block is arranged on the top of the railcar, designed to support the roller around its axis. The roller has two ends. Preferably, the ends of the roller are supported in their respective bearing blocks on the top of the railcar.

[0036] Preferably, the bearing block has a rolling bearing for supporting the roller. This has the advantage that heavy sheets can be supported with particularly low wear and friction and can be moved along and / or against the first direction by rotating the roller in the transport plane.

[0037] The mobility of the railcar provides an additional degree of freedom for transporting the sheet metal. This is particularly evident when compared to a conventional roller conveyor. Such a conveyor typically has fixed rollers which—using the terminology employed for the described device—can be rotated around a roller axis perpendicular to the first direction in the transport plane. With such a roller conveyor, the sheet metal can only be moved with minimal friction along the first direction. The rollers offer no degree of freedom perpendicular to the first direction. However, when bending a sheet metal into a conical shape, it is necessary for the sheet metal to move perpendicular to the first direction in the transport plane.

[0038] In a conventional roller conveyor, lateral forces occur which can damage the sheet metal and / or the roller conveyor itself. This is different in the described device due to the fixed orientation of the roller axis relative to the railcar and the train's mobility.

[0039] Forces along the roller axis can be absorbed particularly well by allowing the train to move along the rail element. This process can be achieved, in particular, by the forces themselves.

[0040] Despite the unique characteristics of conical bending, the sheet metal can be moved with minimal friction when fed into the bending machine. This not only prevents unwanted lateral forces but also facilitates handling of the sheet metal.

[0041] The train's mobility allows the roller of the railcar to be positioned precisely where it is needed. This enables the coverage of a large area within which the sheet metal can be held by the feeding device. In contrast, a roller conveyor with fixed rollers can only cover a similarly large area with correspondingly long rollers. Compared to such a conventional design, the described device with the mobile train is simpler and therefore more economical.

[0042] Although the device is particularly well suited for conical bending of a sheet metal due to the mobility of the train and is preferably used for this purpose, there is nothing to prevent the device from being used for other purposes, for example for cylindrical bending of a sheet metal.

[0043] The feeding device of the described apparatus offers advantages over a conventional roller conveyor. However, this does not preclude the feeding device of the described apparatus from also including a roller conveyor in addition to the at least one movable train. The latter is even preferred. If a roller conveyor is used in addition to the at least one movable train, this roller conveyor can be considerably smaller than would be the case if a roller conveyor were used without a movable train. The disadvantages of the prior art solutions are therefore also avoided in this case.

[0044] The roller conveyor of the feeding device of the described apparatus preferably has rollers, each of which can be rotated about a roller axis that is oriented perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the transport plane, and in particular parallel to the second direction. It is especially preferred that the feeding device has a roller conveyor arranged between the bending device and the rail element. If the feeding device has several rail elements arranged side by side in the first direction, each with its own pull, the roller conveyor is preferably arranged between the bending device and the rail element closest to the bending device.

[0045] Furthermore, the described device preferably includes a manipulation device for aligning the sheet metal within the transport plane. The manipulation device preferably comprises a first manipulator and a second manipulator. It is also possible to have the manipulation device with more than two manipulators, in particular three or four. The manipulators can be designed and arranged as in conventional devices for conical bending of a sheet metal.

[0046] Because the train can so easily follow the movement of the sheet metal, the device has the advantage that less sliding force and / or travel force and / or manipulator force is required to move the sheet metal.

[0047] Additionally, the train, with the help of the power car, can assist the manipulator in moving the sheet metal. This has the further advantage of requiring even less manipulator force.

[0048] The device has the particular technical advantage of reducing scratches on the sheet metal surface. Especially during sheet metal movement, the device is less likely to cause marks and grooves.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the train comprises a wagon. The wagon is movable along the rail element. The wagon has a roller on its upper surface. The roller has a running surface lying in the transport plane and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis aligned parallel to the transport plane. The roller axis is oriented along the second direction. It is irrelevant whether the roller axis is oriented along the second direction or whether the roller axis is oriented along the rail element, since the rail element is oriented along the second direction.

[0050] The carriage is connected to the railcar. The orientation of the roller axle relative to the carriage is not adjustable.

[0051] The roller of the wagon can be designed like the roller of the railcar. The roller can preferably rotate freely around its axis. Therefore, the roller is preferably not driven. However, there is nothing wrong with the roller being driven. This would assist in feeding the sheet metal into the bending device. In an alternative embodiment, it is therefore preferred that the roller of the wagon be driven.

[0052] The wagon can also have multiple rollers on its upper surface. Each of these rollers has a running surface located in the transport plane and is rotatably mounted around a corresponding roller axis, which is aligned parallel to the transport plane and is, in particular, a common axis. The multiple rollers of the wagon are therefore not arranged in a parallel distribution in the first direction. If multiple rollers are present, one, some, or all of them can be driven.

[0053] A wagon with multiple independently rotatable rollers, and especially those mounted on a common roller axle, offers the advantage that the sheet metal can be rotated more easily around an axis perpendicular to the transport plane. The forces required to rotate the sheet metal can be reduced. Consequently, the sheet metal can be twisted with greater precision, making it easier to align.

[0054] Preferably, a bearing block is arranged on the top of the wagon, designed to support the roller. The roller has two ends. Preferably, the ends of the roller are supported in their respective bearing blocks on the top of the wagon. A bearing block has the direct advantage that the orientation of the roller axle relative to the wagon is fixed and the axle can rotate.

[0055] Preferably, the bearing block has a rolling bearing for supporting the roller. This has the advantage that heavy sheets can be supported with particularly low wear and friction and can be moved along and / or against the first direction by rotating the roller in the transport plane.

[0056] A train consisting of a power car and a wagon has the advantage that the sheet metal can be rotated more easily around an axis perpendicular to the transport plane on the train's rollers. Because the power car and the wagon each have independently rotating rollers, the forces required to rotate the sheet metal are reduced. Consequently, the sheet metal can be rotated particularly well, making it easier to align. Furthermore, the wagon offers the advantage of making it easier to position at least part of the train beneath the sheet metal, thus providing more reliable support.

[0057] Preferably, the train comprises several wagons. The power car and the wagons are arranged in series and connected to each other. The power car and the wagons are movable along the track element. Each wagon has a roller on its upper side. The roller has a running surface located in the transport plane and is rotatably mounted about a corresponding roller axis aligned parallel to the transport plane. The roller axis is oriented in the second direction. The orientation of the roller axis relative to the corresponding wagon is not adjustable.

[0058] In cases where the sheet metal is locally uneven, for example, it can be particularly advantageous for the train to consist of several wagons. An uneven sheet metal surface can result in the sheet not resting and being supported in the transport plane within the uneven area. With multiple wagons, the sheet metal can still rest and be supported in the transport plane, even with the areas that do lie within it.

[0059] Furthermore, in cases where the sheet metal is uneven and loses contact with the train, the train can be easily readjusted so that contact between the sheet metal and the train is restored.

[0060] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the power car is arranged at the front of the train.

[0061] The train has a front and a rear. This corresponds to a first side of the train and a second side of the train. This embodiment relates in particular to a train with several wagons.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment of the device, the wagon is designed with a single axle.

[0063] The railcar and the carriage can each have a first section and a second section. The first section of the carriage can be connected to the second section of the railcar.

[0064] Preferably, the first section of the wagon is supported on the railcar and the second section of the wagon is supported on the rail element.

[0065] The first section of the wagon can be designed to be supported on the power car. The first section of the wagon can have a coupling element, so that the first section of the wagon is supported on the power car.

[0066] Preferably, the train comprises several wagons arranged in series and connected to one another. The multiple wagons are preferably designed like the wagon described above. The first section of each wagon is preferably supported on a preceding wagon, and the second section of each wagon is supported on the rail element.

[0067] The railcar and the wagons can, for example, have "guide rollers" that allow them to move along the track. The term "guide rollers" is used here to distinguish them from the rollers considered elsewhere. However, the way in which the railcar and wagons are moved is irrelevant to the functionality of the described device.

[0068] Preferably, the respective wagon is supported on the rail element via the guide rollers in the second area of ​​the respective wagon.

[0069] Preferably, the railcar is supported on the rail element via at least one traversing roller in the first area and via at least one traversing roller in the second area.

[0070] In this embodiment, the rolling resistance of the train can be reduced by having the wagon or wagons each have only one axle and thus fewer "traveling rollers" than a multi-axle wagon.

[0071] The advantage of this design is that the train can be moved with less resistance. The locomotive can expend less tractive force to move the train.

[0072] As a further aspect of the invention, a method for bending a sheet metal part using a device designed as described is presented. Preferably, the method is used for bending a sheet metal part into a conical shape.

[0073] The procedure includes: a) Arranging the train so that the train is at least partially located below the sheet metal, and positioning the sheet metal in the transport plane of the feeding device, b) Feeding the sheet metal with the feeding device along the first direction to the bending device and bending the sheet metal with the bending device, c) Realigning the sheet metal in the transport plane, wherein the train is driven during alignment in such a way that the train remains at least partially below the sheet metal.

[0074] The described advantages and features of the device are applicable and transferable to the method, and vice versa. The device is preferably configured for operation according to the described method. The method is preferably carried out using the device.

[0075] Although the method is suitable for and preferably used for bending sheet metal into a conical shape, there is nothing to prevent the device from being used for other purposes, such as bending sheet metal into a cylindrical shape. In fact, the method is quite versatile.

[0076] In step a), the train is positioned so that it is at least partially located below the sheet metal, and the sheet metal is positioned in the transport plane of the feeding device. For this purpose, the train is moved along the rail element. The train's power car can, for example, be controlled and moved along the rail element.

[0077] The sheet metal can be positioned using a crane, for example. Even when a crane is used, the described device facilitates handling compared to a device with a conventional roller conveyor. The motor-driven carriage further simplifies the positioning of the sheet metal.

[0078] At the end of step a), the tension member is positioned at least partially, preferably completely, below the sheet metal. Thus, at the end of step a), the tension member is positioned where it can support the sheet metal.

[0079] It is irrelevant whether the train is first brought into the appropriate position and the sheet metal is then positioned, or whether the sheet metal is positioned first and the train is then brought into the appropriate position.

[0080] The latter is possible, for example, by using a crane to bring the sheet metal into the desired position and then moving the train so that it is at least partially positioned below the sheet metal.

[0081] Preferably, the train is arranged so that it is at least partially positioned below the sheet metal while the sheet metal is positioned in the transport plane of the feeding device. Simultaneous positioning of the sheet metal and arrangement of the train can shorten the operation time of step a).

[0082] The transport direction of the sheet metal is the direction along which the sheet metal can be transported with minimal friction. The transport direction is perpendicular to the roller axis and parallel to the transport plane.

[0083] In step b), the sheet metal is bent. For this, the sheet metal is fed to the bending device along the first direction using the feeding device. This can be done with minimal friction by the roller of the railcar or the rollers of the wagons. The sheet metal can be driven by the bending device or by an additional drive unit.

[0084] While the sheet metal is being fed into the bending device, the sheet metal is bent by the bending device. This can be done – insofar as bending alone is concerned – in the same way as with conventional methods for bending sheet metal, in particular for conical bending of sheet metal.

[0085] Even though the sheet metal only moves in the first direction during bending, the position at which it is ideally supported by the tension shifts due to the sheet's shape. Because the tension can move, it can remain below the sheet metal and support it during the bending process.

[0086] While the sheet metal is being fed into the bending device, it is preferably not rotated within the transport plane. Continuous rotation, especially during conical bending, would be ideal. However, this is not preferred for practical reasons, as the sheet metal is usually clamped so tightly in the bending device that continuous rotation would require very high forces. Nevertheless, continuous rotation is of course a viable alternative, particularly for small and / or thin sheets.

[0087] In this alternative, the train is preferably moved along the second direction in such a way that the train remains at least partially below the sheet metal, while the sheet metal is fed to the bending device and bent along the first direction.

[0088] To bend large sheets into a conical shape, they are bent section by section. Bending large sheets into a conical shape section by section is known in the prior art. First, so-called "rays" are drawn on the sheet, which delineate the sections of the sheet to be bent successively. The sheet is then aligned and bent up to the first ray. This is repeated for the subsequent sections. In the present embodiment, the sheet can be bent section by section, as in the conventional method, by providing rays on the sheet.

[0089] When the sheet metal is bent section by section, the bending process occurs in only one direction from beam to beam. The number of beams determines the margin of error compared to continuous bending. The more beams, the more precise the process. The sheet metal clamp in the bending device can be opened and the sheet rotated at each beam.

[0090] The train can be moved along the second direction if the sheet metal is fed into the bending device in the first direction. The train does not need to be powered for this movement. It automatically follows the movement of the sheet metal along the second direction and is thus always in the desired position. If the train deviates from the desired position, the motor-driven carriage can move it back to the correct position.

[0091] The guide rail preferably remains at least partially positioned below the sheet metal until the sheet metal has advanced sufficiently in the first direction that its end is spaced away from the guide rail in that direction. It goes without saying that the guide rail's position is no longer relevant once the sheet metal no longer extends from the bending device to the guide rail in the first direction. This trivial fact will not be discussed further here. If the feeding device has multiple guide rails along the first direction, the sheet metal will naturally lose contact with each individual guide rail gradually as it is fed further into the bending device.

[0092] In step b), the sheet metal can be bent continuously in a single step. For this, the sheet metal is fed to the bending device continuously without interruption and bent. This is the simplest way to bend the sheet metal. However, depending on the size and radius of the sheet metal compared to the capacity of the bending device, it may not be possible to bend the sheet metal continuously in a single step.

[0093] In step c), the sheet metal is realigned in the transport plane. During alignment, the train is driven in such a way that it remains at least partially positioned below the sheet metal.

[0094] The sheet metal can therefore be rotated with minimal friction within the transport plane due to at least one pull during alignment. With a conventional roller conveyor, the sheet metal would have to be rotated perpendicular to the transport direction of the rollers. This requires a great deal of force and can damage the sheet metal and / or the roller conveyor.

[0095] The train can also be guided during alignment. The sheet metal, which is moved and / or rotated during realignment, for example by manipulators, can pull the train along the rail element. In this case, the train is not driven by the railcar, but rather by the movement of the sheet metal.

[0096] Preferably, in step c), the train is driven in the opposite direction to the second direction during alignment such that the train remains at least partially positioned below the sheet metal. This has the advantage that manipulators can be dispensed with. The control effort is thereby reduced, and damage to the sheet metal caused by the manipulators can be minimized.

[0097] In an alternative embodiment, step c) is replaced by step c1). Step c1) comprises: c1) Driving the train so that the sheet is realigned in the transport plane and the train remains at least partially below the sheet.

[0098] In step c1), the train is driven in such a way that the sheet metal is realigned in the transport plane and the train remains at least partially positioned below the sheet metal. This has the advantage that manipulators can be dispensed with. This reduces the control effort and minimizes damage to the sheet metal caused by the manipulators.

[0099] Preferably, steps b) and c) are performed section by section from beam to beam.

[0100] As an alternative to the present embodiment, the sheet metal can be bent continuously. Rotation of the sheet metal can be ensured by the driven train and / or by a conical bending shoe in the bending device. Rotation by manipulators is not required. Continuous bending is particularly possible and preferred for relatively thin sheets. This alternative embodiment has the advantage that the sheet metal can be bent more quickly.

[0101] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet metal has a thickness of at least 20 millimeters, preferably 100 to 500 millimeters and / or a mass of at least 10 tons, preferably 100 to 500 tons and / or a length of at least 10 meters, preferably 25 to 75 meters, before bending.

[0102] After bending, the sheet preferably has the shape of a cone with a diameter of at least 3 meters, in particular at least 8 meters.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the sheet metal is used as part of a wind turbine tower after bending. The method is preferably also a method for manufacturing part of a wind turbine tower.

[0104] As a further aspect of the invention, a track system for a feeding device is presented. The feeding device can be the feeding device of the apparatus designed as described.

[0105] The railway system comprises a track section and an associated train. The train consists of a motor-driven locomotive and several carriages. The locomotive and carriages are arranged in series and connected to each other.

[0106] The railcar and the wagons are movable along the track element. Each railcar and wagon has a roller on its upper side. Each roller is designed to transport a sheet metal plate within a transport plane. The roller has a running surface located within the transport plane. Each roller is rotatably mounted around a roller axis aligned parallel to the transport plane.

[0107] The respective roller axis is oriented along the rail element. The orientation of the roller axis of the railcar's roller is not adjustable relative to the railcar. Similarly, the orientation of the respective roller axis of the railcar's roller is not adjustable relative to the corresponding railcar.

[0108] The described advantages and features of the device and method are applicable and transferable to railway systems, and vice versa. The described advantages and features of the device and method are particularly applicable and transferable to railway systems when the train of the device comprises several wagons.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the railway system, the railcar is arranged at the front of the train.

[0110] In a further preferred embodiment of the railway system, the railcar and the wagons have a bearing block on the upper side of the railcar and the respective wagon, which is designed to support the respective roller. Each roller has two ends. Preferably, the ends of each roller are supported in a bearing block on the upper side of the railcar and / or the wagon. A bearing block has the direct advantage that the orientation of the roller axle relative to the corresponding wagon and / or the railcar is fixed and the respective roller axle can rotate.

[0111] Preferably, each bearing block has a rolling bearing for supporting the roller. This has the advantage that heavy sheets can be supported with particularly low wear and friction and can be moved along and / or against the first direction by rotating the roller in the transport plane.

[0112] In another preferred embodiment of the railway system, at least one of the wagons is designed with a single axle.

[0113] As a further aspect of the invention, a feed mechanism is presented. The feed mechanism can be the feed mechanism of the device designed as described.

[0114] The train comprises a transport platform and a motor-driven locomotive. The transport platform is defined by a first direction and a second direction distinct from it. The train can move in the second direction. The locomotive has a roller on its upper surface. The roller has a running surface located within the transport platform and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis aligned parallel to the transport platform. The roller axis is oriented along the second direction. The orientation of the roller axis relative to the locomotive is not adjustable.

[0115] The train preferably comprises one or more wagons designed as described in the device or railway system.

[0116] The described advantages and features of the device, the method, and the railway system are applicable and transferable to the train, and vice versa. The described advantages and features of the device, the method, and the railway system are particularly applicable and transferable to the train if the train has one or more wagons.

[0117] The train with only one power car without wagons is particularly advantageous for narrow sheets, as the resistance of additional wagons can be saved and the sheet can still be optimally supported.

[0118] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show a particularly preferred embodiment, to which, however, the invention is not limited. The figures and the size relationships shown therein are only schematic. They show: Fig. 1.1: a sheet metal which can be bent into a conical shape using a device and / or a method according to the invention, Fig. 1.2: the sheet metal made of Fig. 1.1, after it has been bent into a cone shape, Fig. 2: a device according to the invention for bending a sheet metal sheet into a conical shape, such as the one made of Fig. 1.1, Fig. 3.1 to 3.6: Views of the device from Fig. 2, which describes the implementation of a method according to the invention for conical bending of a sheet metal such as that made of Fig. 1.1 Illustrate, Fig. 4: Schematic side view of a railway system according to the invention for a feeding device of the device according to the invention.

[0119] Fig. Figure 1.1 shows a sheet metal plate 2, which is to be bent into a conical shape. In the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 1.1, the sheet 2 is not yet bent. It can therefore also be described as a "conical development". Three rays 20 are shown, dividing four sections 17. The rays 20 are guidelines for the bending process. The sheet 2 can be bent into a conical shape by realigning it each time it reaches a ray 20. In the example shown, three rays 20 are provided. Before bending, the sheet 2 has a length of, for example, 50 meters, a thickness of, for example, 200 millimeters, and a mass of, for example, 350 tons.

[0120] Fig. 1.2 shows sheet metal 2 from Fig. 1.1, after it has been bent into a conical shape. In the Fig. In the state shown in 1.2, sheet 2 can therefore also be described as a "cone". After bending, sheet 2 can be used as part of a wind turbine tower.

[0121] Fig. Figure 2 shows a device 1 for conical bending of a sheet metal part 2. The device 1 comprises a bending unit 3 for bending the sheet metal part 2 and a feeding unit 4 for feeding the sheet metal part 2 to the bending unit 3 along a first direction x. A bending axis of the bending unit 3 is aligned along a second direction y perpendicular to the first direction x.

[0122] The feeding device 4 forms a transport plane 5 for receiving the sheet metal 2. The transport plane 5 is defined by the first direction x and the second direction y, which is horizontal. Fig. 2. The transport plane 5 lies parallel to the drawing plane.

[0123] The feed device 4 has a rail element 6 along the second direction y and an associated train 7. The train 7 comprises a motor-driven carriage 8. The train is movable along the rail element 6. The carriage 8 has a roller 10 on its upper surface 9. The roller 10 has a running surface 11 located in the transport plane 5.

[0124] The roller is rotatably mounted about a roller axis 12 aligned parallel to the transport plane 5. The roller axis 12 is also oriented along the rail element 6. The orientation of the roller axis 12 relative to the railcar 8 is not adjustable.

[0125] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the train 7 on the rail element 6 furthest from the bending device 3, which, as described, comprises only one railcar 8. On the adjacent rail element 6, a train 7 is shown that comprises several wagons 13.

[0126] The railcar 8 and the respective wagons 13 each have a roller 10 on a corresponding upper surface 9. Each roller 10 is designed to transport a sheet metal plate 2 in a transport level 5. The roller 10 has a running surface 11 located in the transport level 5 and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis 12 aligned parallel to the transport level 5. The roller axis 12 is oriented along the rail element 6. The orientation of the roller axis 12 of the roller 10 of the railcar 8 is not adjustable relative to the railcar 8. Similarly, the orientation of the roller axis 12 of the roller 10 of each wagon 13 is not adjustable relative to the corresponding wagon 13.

[0127] A rail element 6 described in this way, together with a train 7 described in this way, can also be referred to as a railway system 18.

[0128] The train 7 of railway system 18 differs from the train 7 comprising the track element 6 and the railcar 8 in that the train 7 of railway system 18 additionally has several wagons 13.

[0129] The sheet metal 2 can be aligned using a first manipulator 21 and a second manipulator 21. The track system 18 can assist the manipulators 21 in aligning the sheet metal 2 using the powered railcars 8, thus reducing the force required by the manipulators 21. The track system 18 can also replace the manipulators 21 entirely, particularly using the powered railcars 8, in aligning the sheet metal 2.

[0130] Fig. Sections 3.1 to 3.6 illustrate how to use device 1 from Fig. 2 a method for bending a sheet metal into a conical shape 2 as described above Fig. 1.1 can be carried out. The result is a cone-shaped bent sheet metal 2 like the one in Fig. 1.2 shown.

[0131] At the beginning of the process, the trains 7 are arranged so that the trains 7 are at least partially located below the sheet 2, and the sheet 2 is positioned in the transport level 5 of the feeding device 4 ( Fig. 3.1). The Fig. Figure 3.1 illustrates step a) of the procedure. Only the trains 7 that are actually located below the sheet 2 are controlled.

[0132] The Fig. Figure 3.2 illustrates step b) of the process. The sheet metal 2 is fed to the bending device 3 along the first direction x and the sheet metal 2 is bent by the bending device 3. In doing so, section 17 of the sheet metal 2 is bent.

[0133] The Fig. Sections 3.3 and 3.4 illustrate step c) of the procedure. Fig. 3.4 The sheet metal 2 is shown transparently to better show the hidden features 7.

[0134] The sheet 2 is realigned in the transport plane 5. Several of the illustrated trains 7 are driven in the opposite direction y during alignment such that the trains 7 remain at least partially below the sheet 2.

[0135] The route along which the multiple trains 7 travel can vary.

[0136] Fig. Figure 3.5 illustrates how a second section 17 of the sheet is bent according to steps b) and c). The sheet 2 is fed to the bending device 3 along the first direction x, and the second section 17 of the sheet 2 is bent by the bending device 3. The sheet 2 is realigned in the transport plane 5. Several of the illustrated trains 7 are driven in the opposite direction y during realignment such that the trains 7 remain at least partially below the sheet 2.

[0137] Fig. Figure 3.6 illustrates how a third section 17 of the sheet is bent according to steps b) and c).

[0138] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the track system 18 according to the invention. The side view is of a plane spanned by the second direction y and a third direction z. The first direction x, the second direction y, and the third direction z are each orthogonal to one another. The track system 18 is used in the device 1 according to the invention. The feed device 4 of the device 1 can comprise several of these track systems 18. The number of wagons 13 can vary.

[0139] The railway system 18 comprises a track element 6 and an associated train 7. The train 7 consists of a motor-driven locomotive 8 and several wagons 13. The locomotive 8 and the wagons 13 each have a first section 14 and a second section 15. The locomotive 8 is located at the front 19 of the train 7. The locomotive 8 and the wagons 13 are arranged in series and connected to each other. For this purpose, the first section 14 of the foremost wagon 13 is connected to the second section 15 of the locomotive 8.

[0140] The wagons 13 are single-axle. For this purpose, the first section 14 of the foremost wagon 13 is supported on the second section 15 of the railcar 8.

[0141] The other wagons 13 are supported on the respective front wagon 13.

[0142] The second section 15 of each wagon 13 is supported on the rail element 6. The railcar 8 and the wagons 13 have guide rollers 16 by which the railcar 8 and the wagons 13 can be moved on the rail element 6. Thus, each wagon 13 is supported on the rail element 6 via the guide roller 16 in the second section 15 of the respective wagon 13.

[0143] The railcar 8 and the respective wagons 13 each have a roller 10 on their upper surface 9. Each roller 10 is designed to transport a sheet metal plate 2 in a transport level 5. The roller 10 has a running surface 11 located in the transport level 5 and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis 12 aligned parallel to the transport level 5. The roller axis 12 is oriented along the rail element 6. The orientation of the roller axis 12 of the roller 10 on the railcar 8 is not adjustable relative to the railcar 8. Similarly, the orientation of the roller axis 12 of the roller 10 on each wagon 13 is not adjustable relative to the corresponding wagon 13.

[0144] On the upper surface 9 of the railcar 8 and on the respective upper surface 9 of the wagons 13, a bearing block 22 is arranged, which is designed to support the respective roller 10. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 sheets 3 Bending device 4 Feeding device 5 Transport level 6 rail elements 7th train 8 railcars 9 Top 10 rolls 11 Running surface 12 roller axle 13 wagons 14 first area 15 second area 16 traversing roller 17 Section of the sheet 18 railway facility 19 Front of the train 20 beams 21 22 Manipulator bearing block x first direction y second direction z third direction

Claims

[1] Device (1) for bending a sheet metal (2), comprising: - a bending device (3) for bending the sheet metal (2), - a feeding device (4) for feeding the sheet metal (2) to the bending device (3) along a first direction (x), wherein the feeding device (4) forms a transport plane (5) for receiving the sheet metal (2), which is spanned by the first direction (x) and a second direction (y) different from it, characterized by , that the feed device (4) has a rail element (6) along the second direction (y) and an associated train (7), wherein the train (7) comprises a motor-driven carriage (8) and is movable along the rail element (6), wherein the railcar (8) has a roller (10) on a top side (9) of the railcar (8), wherein the roller (10) has a running surface (11) lying in the transport plane (5) and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis (12) aligned parallel to the transport plane (5), wherein the roller axis (12) is oriented along the second direction (y) and wherein the orientation of the roller axis (12) relative to the railcar (8) is not adjustable. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a bearing block (22) is arranged on the top (9) of the railcar (8) which is designed to support the roller (10) around the roller axis (12). [3] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the train (7) comprises a wagon (13), wherein the wagon (13) is movable along the rail element (6), wherein the wagon (13) has a roller (10) on a top surface (9) of the wagon (13), wherein the roller (10) has a running surface (11) lying in the transport plane (5) and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis (13) aligned parallel to the transport plane (5), wherein the roller axis (13) is oriented along the second direction (y), and wherein the wagon (13) is connected to the traction vehicle (8) and wherein an orientation of the roller axis (12) relative to the wagon (13) is not adjustable. [4] Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein a bearing block (22) is arranged on the top (9) of the wagon (8) which is designed to support the roller (10) around the roller axis (12). [5] Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the wagon (13) is designed as a single axle. [6] Method for bending a sheet (2) with a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a) Arranging the train (7) so that the train (7) is at least partially arranged below the sheet (2), and positioning the sheet (2) in the transport plane (5) of the feeding device (4), b) Feeding the sheet (2) with the feeding device (4) along the first direction (x) to the bending device (3) and bending the sheet (2) with the bending device (3), c) Realigning the sheet (2) in the transport plane (5), wherein the train (7) is driven during alignment in such a way that the train (7) remains at least partially below the sheet (2). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the sheet (2) has a thickness of at least 20 millimeters and / or a mass of at least 10 tons and / or a length of at least 10 meters before bending. [8] Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the sheet (2) is used as part of a tower of a wind turbine after bending. [9] Railway system (18) for a feed device (4) comprising a rail element (6) and an associated train (7), wherein the train (7) has a motor-driven railcar (8) and several wagons (13), wherein the railcar (8) and the wagons (13) are arranged in series and connected to each other, wherein the railcar (8) and the wagons (13) are movable along the rail element (6), wherein the railcar (8) and the respective wagons (13) each have a roller (10) on a respective upper surface (9), wherein the respective roller (10) is suitable for transporting a sheet (2) in a transport plane (5), wherein the respective roller (10) has a running surface (11) lying in the transport plane (5) and is rotatably mounted about a respective roller axis (12) aligned parallel to the transport plane (5), wherein the respective roller axis (12) is oriented along the rail element (6),and wherein the orientation of the roller axis (12) of the roller (10) of the railcar (8) relative to the railcar (8) is not adjustable and wherein the orientation of the respective roller axis (12) of the roller (10) of the respective wagon (13) relative to the corresponding wagon (13) is not adjustable. [10] Railway system (18) according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the wagons (13) is designed as a single axle. [11] Train (7) for a feeding device (4), comprising a transport plane (5) and a motor-driven traction unit (8), wherein the transport plane (5) is spanned by a first direction (x) and a second direction (y) different therefrom, wherein the train (7) is movable in the second direction (y), wherein the traction unit (8) has a roller (10) on a top surface (9) of the traction unit (8), wherein the roller (10) has a running surface (11) lying in the transport plane (5) and is rotatably mounted about a roller axis (12) aligned parallel to the transport plane (5), wherein the roller axis (12) is oriented along the second direction (y) and wherein the orientation of the roller axis (12) relative to the traction unit (8) is not adjustable.

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