Method for operating a reel device, reel device, and computer program for operating a reel device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and computer program for operating a reeling device (100). The reeling device has a reel mandrel (120) for winding a strip (20). For winding, the reel mandrel has a plurality of segments (124) distributed around its circumference. The segments (124) are pivotally connected to a control rod (122) that is axially movable within the reel mandrel via at least two link plates to move the segments radially in and out of at least one operating position. To detect wear conditions of the internal components of the reel mandrel that are not visible from the outside, the method provides for running the segments to specific operating positions multiple times during the use of the reeling device, and each time determining the distance between the segments and a fixed operating position. The distances stored at different times are then evaluated to determine whether they exceed or fall below a predetermined threshold value during the use of the reeling device. If they exceed or fall below the predetermined threshold value, the presence of a wear condition is inferred.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a reeling device, the reeling device having a reel mandrel for winding up a strip, preferably a metal strip. The reel mandrel has at least one, and typically several, segments distributed around its circumference, each of which is pivotally connected via at least two link plates to a control rod that is axially movable within the reel mandrel to radially extend and retract the segment into at least one operating position. The present invention also relates to the reeling device itself. [Background technology]

[0002] This type of reeling device is known and is subjected to high mechanical loads during the daily operation of the rolling mill. Wear of the moving parts of the reel mandrel is therefore inevitable. A distinction must be made between externally visible and non-externally visible wear conditions. Patent Document 1 deals with wear that occurs on the outer surface of the strip or segments on which the metal strip is wound.

[0003] In contrast, there has been no possibility to detect wear of the link plates or the casing of the compression spring unit in the assembled state of the reel mandrel. There are, however, rough indicators that suggest wear of the aforementioned internal components of the reel mandrel, such as the "rattle" of the segments during idle running or indirect measurement of the pressure rollers. Rotational maintenance of the reel mandrel is also typically performed when the "wound tonnage" exceeds a predetermined weight threshold. However, the above-mentioned methods do not allow pinpointing the optimal replacement time for the wear components. To this extent, it is not possible to optimize the service life of the reel mandrel with respect to wear. Therefore, unnecessary costs are incurred due to the non-optimal use of the reel mandrel's lifespan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-226141 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem underlying the present invention is to improve known methods and computer programs for operating reeling devices, as well as the corresponding known reeling devices themselves, in such a way that wear conditions of the internal components of the reel mandrel that are not visible from the outside are also recognizable, without the need to disassemble the reel mandrel into its components in order to recognize the wear conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: b) determining and storing, directly or indirectly, at different times during the period of use, the radial spacing of the segments in their operating position relative to a fixed reference position; c) evaluating the intervals stored at different times as to whether they exceed a predetermined upper threshold or fall below a predetermined lower threshold during the course of use of the reel device; and d) Indirectly recognizing the wear state of the reel device when the detected radial distance exceeds an upper threshold value or falls below a lower threshold value from a certain point in time among the plurality of points in time.

[0007] If individual internal components of the reel mandrel wear over the course of their use, this leads to the fact that, after a certain amount of use and wear, the various pre-specified operating positions for the reel mandrel segments that could still be reached at the time of first use can no longer be accurately reached at the time of later use. In particular, the intended operating positions at the time of later use no longer correspond to the intended operating positions at the time of first use, e.g., in the new state of the reel mandrel. This difference in the intended operating positions is manifested in a changing distance of the intended operating positions relative to a fixed reference position over the course of the use of the reel mandrel.

[0008] The present invention provides that the change in the intended operating position of the reel mandrel over its lifetime can be determined and, based on this change, the wear of the internal components of the reel mandrel can be inferred.

[0009] The expression "determining the radial spacing" should be interpreted broadly. "Determining" includes, inter alia, measuring and / or simulating the radial spacing.

[0010] In the expression "directly or indirectly determine and store the radial spacing," "directly determine" means to actually determine the actual radial spacing, whereas "indirectly determine" means to determine the physical quantity representing the radial spacing.

[0011] The expression "at different times during the period of use, determining and storing the radial spacing of the ... segments" also includes determining, so to speak, "continuously in time" and storing the spacing with an arbitrarily small time resolution, two of which delimit a given observation period during the period of use.

[0012] The term "stationary" is used herein to mean that the segments are movable relative to a fixed reference position.

[0013] The term "indirectly recognized" relates to the fact that the wear state is not directly visible to an observer from the outside, since the internal components of the reel mandrel wear out. Based on this indirect recognition, the wear state can be inferred when the determined and stored intervals are above or below their corresponding predefined thresholds.

[0014] Generally speaking, whether the observed distance increases or decreases due to wear to be determined in the present invention depends on the position of the fixed reference point relative to the segments. This description essentially assumes that the fixed reference point is located radially more inward in the reel mandrel than the segments. For example, the upper edge of the casing of the compression spring unit is selected as the fixed reference point. However, essentially, any other fixed position in space can be selected as the reference point, and therefore a fixed point located radially more outward in space than the segments can also be selected as the reference point. Therefore, the evaluation of the stored distances by the present invention, with respect to whether they exceed or fall below a threshold value during the course of use of the reel device, can be reversed. This is intended by the expression "or vice versa."

[0015] With regard to the compression spring unit, the present invention assumes that the compression spring unit does not suffer from wear.

[0016] The present invention provides for at least temporary intelligent evaluation of the distances of the segments in their operating position relative to a fixed reference position during the period of use, preferably starting from a new condition or an equivalent defect-free condition after maintenance. Based on these stored distances, the method according to the present invention allows for accurate reporting of the wear pattern of the main wear parts of the reel mandrel. By implementing the method according to the present invention, the user of the reel mandrel can very accurately recognize even the silent wear of the internal components of the reel mandrel, and can thus plan for the intentional replacement or intentional maintenance of the reel mandrel in a reel mandrel shutdown that has already been confirmed, without requiring excessively short shutdowns of the equipment.

[0017] According to a first embodiment, the first operating position is the start-winding position of a pre-stretched segment without a wound strip. If, during the course of use of the reeling device, a gradually increasing distance between the segment at the start-winding position and the fixed reference position is detected upon arrival at the start-winding position, the invention infers an undesired elongation of the link plates and / or a wear condition in the form of a tilting of the joint holes in the link plates and / or wear of the mounting pins that pivot the link plates to the control rods. This is particularly true if the stored distance exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value or vice versa.

[0018] According to a second alternative embodiment, the second operating position is a segment winding position, in which at least one, preferably several, windings of strip have already been wound onto the segments and the reel mandrel. If a gradual decrease in the spacing of the segments relative to a fixed, radially inner reference position is detected during the course of use of the reeling device, the method of the present invention provides for a wear condition to be inferred in the form of undesired wear on the surface of the bevel on the outer surface of the control rod and / or on the underside of the casing of the compression spring unit. This is particularly true if the spacing stored over the course of use falls below a predetermined lower threshold.

[0019] The terms "winding start position" for the first operating position and "winding position" for the second operating position are fundamentally distinguishable from each other. The winding start position, within the meaning of the present invention, is the position where the segment is slightly extended radially relative to its contracted position and where the winding of the strip onto the reel mandrel or onto a segment of the reel mandrel begins. Winding start means that initially only a few turns of the strip are wound onto the reel mandrel, but the entire length of the strip is not yet wound. When the winding of the strip begins onto the reel mandrel, typically 1 to 7 turns, the increasing strip tension exerts a radial compression force on the compression spring unit of the reel mandrel, counteracting the spring force of the compression spring unit acting radially outward. This results in at least one segment being moved to a compressed position that is radially inward compared to the winding start position.

[0020] For the subsequent winding of the strip, the segments are then moved radially outward from the compression position to a winding position where winding of the strip onto the reel mandrel is continued, so that sufficient static friction is created between the segments and the innermost layer of the wound strip for the winding process to proceed. The winding position may coincide radially with the winding start position. However, the winding position may also be located radially inward or outward compared to the winding start position, depending on the desired force with which the segments are pressed against the winding of the strip to be wound.

[0021] According to a third embodiment, the operating position is the ejection position of the segment on the reel mandrel. This means that the segment is forced against the spring force of the compression spring unit to an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the loop of the coil previously wound on the reel mandrel. In this ejection position, the previously wound coil can therefore be ejected from the reel mandrel. However, the outer diameter of the segment in the ejection position is typically larger than in the collapsed state. In this collapsed state, the segment is compressed as much as possible and has the smallest outer diameter.

[0022] At the beginning of the observation period, the distance between the segments in the discharge position and the radially inner reference position is still minimal. This distance gradually increases as the reel mandrel is used longer due to undesired elongation of the link plates and / or undesired tilting of the joint holes in the link plates and / or wear of the mounting pins that pivot the link plates to the control rods. If the stored distance exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value over time, this is, within the meaning of the present invention, a sign that at least one link plate has suffered from the above-mentioned wear phenomenon and should therefore be replaced.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the method of the present invention, it is advantageous that at least one of the operating positions, but preferably all of them, is within the elastic, linear spring range of the compression spring unit. This is a prerequisite for these operating positions to be constantly and repeatedly targetable during the use of the reel mandrel and for objectively comparing the distances between the target operating positions and the fixed reference positions measured during the use period with each other. If the operating positions are within the nonlinear spring range of the compression spring unit, they will be within the range of plastic deformation of the compression spring unit, and an objective evaluation of the distances will no longer be possible.

[0024] Advantageously, the method according to the invention not only serves to recognize possible wear states of the internal components of the reel mandrel, but also to start appropriate maintenance as early as possible, before failure of individual components or undesirable losses in the quality of the strip to be wound occur.

[0025] Modern reeling devices are designed for use in the rigors of daily operation in rolling mills, and therefore wear conditions typically do not occur immediately after start-up, but only after a longer period of use of the reel mandrel, typically several weeks or months. Therefore, it is useful to simply compare the intervals between the operating position and the fixed reference position, detected and stored according to the present invention, with each other over longer time intervals, preferably several months. This is not to say that the intervals between the operating position and the reference position could also be detected over shorter time intervals, preferably continuously during the use of the reel mandrel.

[0026] Furthermore, the above-mentioned object of the present invention is solved by a computer program product according to claim 9 and by a reel device according to claim 10. The advantages of these solutions correspond to the advantages mentioned above in connection with the claimed method.

[0027] Further advantageous configurations are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0028] The specification is accompanied by a total of 11 drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a compression spring unit together with its characteristic curves. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a reel mandrel with segments in a first operating position with no wear. [Figure 4] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reel mandrel shown in FIG. 3 with the segments run out in a first operating position with wear present. [Figure 5] 10 is a graph showing the change in the interval A1 during the period of use. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a reel mandrel with segments in a second operating position with no wear. [Figure 7] 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6 showing the reel mandrel with the segments in a second operating position with wear present. [Figure 8] 10 is a graph showing the change in the interval A2 over time during the use of the reel mandrel. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a reel mandrel with segments in a third operating position with no wear. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 9, showing the wear present. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in the distance A3 during the use of the reel mandrel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the above-mentioned drawings, in which the same technical elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a reeling device 100. The reeling device 100 has a reel mandrel 120 on which a strip, in particular a metal strip, is wound. The reel mandrel 120 is driven to rotate by a rotation drive 130, which is driven and controlled by a control device 140. The reel mandrel itself has a control rod 122, which is axially movable within the reel mandrel 120 by a pushing / pushing drive 110. The pushing / pushing drive 110 is also driven and controlled by the control device 140. The reel mandrel 120 has at least one, but typically several, radially expandable segments 124 on its outer periphery, which are distributed around the entire circumference of the reel mandrel 120. The segments 124 are pivotally connected to the control rod 122, typically via at least two link plates 125, 126. As a result, the segments 124 can be radially extended and retracted into different operating positions depending on the axial displacement of the control rod 122. Each segment 124 is held under a radial preload FD by at least one compression spring unit between the segment and the control rod. The compression spring units 150 are radially guided within the reeling device 100 by guides 128 (see FIG. 3). When a segment is radially extended or retracted, the compression spring units 150 are also radially moved. This is achieved by the inclined lower surface of the casing of the compression spring units 150 sliding over the inclined surface 123 of the control rod 122 when the control rod is moved axially.

[0032] 2 shows a compression spring unit 150 holding the segment 124 while applying a radial preload FD. The present invention assumes that the compression spring unit 150 can be operated within its elastic operating range without wear. The compressive force FD applied by the compression spring unit 150 is linearly dependent on the deflection of the compression spring unit 150.

[0033] The linearly rising characteristic line in FIG. 2 shows the radial movement of the surface of the casing 153 as a function of the extension stroke of the control rod 122 with the bevel 123. The simultaneous radial movement of the unloaded segment 124 (i.e., when no strip is wound up) shows a curved curve above the linear characteristic line. This nonlinear course is due to the rotational movement of the link plates 125, 126 about their bearing points during radial expansion. The springs in the compression spring unit 150 compensate for the discrepancy between the linear and rotational movement by deflection. As a result, the segment 124 is always radially outwardly stressed in the unloaded state.

[0034] 3 shows a detailed longitudinal cross section of the reel mandrel 120. The compression spring units 150 can be seen, which press against the segments 124 from below with a pressing force FD exerted by the compression spring units 150, thereby holding the segments while applying a radial preload. The compression spring units 150 are guided in the radial direction R, and the inclined lower surface of their casings 153 slides on the inclined surface 123 of the control rod 122. When the control rod 122 is moved in the axial direction L, the aforementioned sliding occurs, which causes the compression spring units 150 to move radially. Because the compression spring units 150 hold the segments 124 while applying the aforementioned preload, the axial movement of the control rod 122 moves or positions not only the compression spring units 150 but also the segments 124 radially. Specifically, this allows the segments 124 to be moved to or positioned in different radial operating positions. To enable the above-mentioned preload to be applied to the segments 124, the segments 124 are limited in their radial freedom of movement in the direction opposite to the pressing force FD of the compression spring unit 150 by two link plates 125, 126. Each of the link plates 125, 126 is pivotally supported at its lower end on the reel mandrel 120, in particular on the control rod 122, via a mounting pin 121, and each of the opposite upper ends of the link plates 125, 126 has an elongated hole in which the segment 124 is pivotally supported.

[0035] 6, the surface or top surface of the casing 153 of the compression spring unit 150 forms an upper or inner stop for compression of the compression spring unit, i.e., at maximum compression, the segments 124 rest on the surface of the casing 153 of the compression spring unit 150.

[0036] A distance sensor 160 is provided to detect the distance of the segments 124 in the first, second or third operating position P1, P2 or P3, respectively, from a fixed operating position P0, which is exemplarily selected in Fig. 3 in the form of the upper edge of the radial guide 128. However, basically, any other position in space that is fixed, i.e., positionally fixed, with respect to the relative movement of the segments 124 is also suitable as a reference position.

[0037] The lower half of Fig. 3 shows a measurement chain for the measurement signal detected by the distance sensor 160. The measurement signal represents the direct or indirect radial distance of the segments 124 in each of the operating positions. The distance values ​​determined by the distance sensor are stored in a memory device 170 and evaluated in an evaluation device 180 with respect to the possibly existing wear state of the individual components of the reel mandrel. If wear is recognized, a corresponding suggestion is made to the operator of the reeling device 100 or to a notification center, if necessary, preferably in combination with a recommendation to replace the worn components of the reel mandrel 120. The output of this notification is symbolized in the measurement chain by the reference symbol 190.

[0038] The structural configuration of the reeling apparatus 100, and in particular the reel mandrel 120, just described with reference to FIG. 3 applies equally to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, as well as FIGS.

[0039] The method according to the invention for operating the described reel mandrel will now be explained in more detail with reference to the above-mentioned figures, which show different operating positions: Figures 3, 6 and 9 respectively show the reel mandrel in a state without wear, and Figures 4, 7 and 10 show the reel mandrel with wear.

[0040] To determine the wear state of the link plates 125, 126, the method according to the present invention provides for the segments 124 to be moved to a first operating position P1, also referred to as the start-of-operation position, multiple times during the use of the reel device. Each radial movement is performed under a preload applied by the compression spring unit 150. In the start-of-operation position, the segments 124 are moved radially slightly wider than in the contracted state of the reel mandrel, specifically to a predetermined distance A1 from a fixed reference position P0. The radial distance A1 is determined and stored at different times during the use period. During the use period of the reel mandrel, the joint holes 127 of the link plates 125, 126 wear due to the large radial forces acting on them, i.e., the joint holes 127 "stretch out." Alternatively or additionally, as the link plates 125, 126 increase in strength, they also experience plastic elongation, which can lead to wear. The retaining pin 121 also experiences localized wear, resulting, for example, in a localized reduction in the diameter of the retaining pin. The three wear phenomena described above lead to the radial distance A1 measured for the first operating position P1 gradually increasing over the course of the reel mandrel 120's service life. Therefore, the method according to the present invention evaluates the stored distance A1 as to whether it exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value S1 from a predetermined point in time during the service life. If reaching or exceeding this first upper threshold value S1 is recognized, the method according to the present invention provides for indirectly recognizing or inferring the wear state of the link plates 125, 126 or the retaining pin 121.

[0041] As mentioned above, Figure 3 shows the reel mandrel in a state where there is no or little wear. In this state, the required spacing A1 is still less than the first upper threshold value S1. In contrast, Figure 4 shows the same reel mandrel 120 in a state where the link plates 125, 126, the joint holes 127 of these link plates 125, 126, and / or the mounting pins 121 are worn. The worn state is reflected in the required spacing A1, which is larger in Figure 4 compared to Figure 3 and which in Figure 4 actually already reaches the upper threshold value S1.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the progression of the distance A1 over time during the use of the reel mandrel 120. It can be seen that the measured distance A1 is smaller at earlier times, when the link plates 125, 126 are not yet worn or only slightly worn, than at later times, when the link plates have become worn. FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of distances determined at different times, with each black dot corresponding to a distance determined at a particular time. Over time, or over the use of the reel mandrel, this cluster of measurements shifts toward larger distances. In practice, instead of multiple individual measurements, the distance A1 may be averaged over a specific time window and evaluated.

[0043] 3, 4 and 5 show, as mentioned above, the method according to the invention for the first operating position, ie the so-called starting position as explained above in the overview part of this document.

[0044] In contrast, Figures 6, 7, and 8 relate to the method according to the invention in the so-called winding position, as also described above in the summary section of this specification. In Figures 6 and 7, it can be seen that in the second operating position, i.e., the winding position, the compression spring unit 150 is maximally compressed, i.e., the segment 124 rests on the upper edge of the casing 153 of the compression spring unit 150. The radial compression force acting in the direction opposite to the pressing force FD of the compression spring unit 150 is generated by the strip tension of the turns of the strip 20 wound onto the segment 124 of the reel mandrel 120 in the winding position. At the same time, in the winding position, the compression spring unit 150 is radially extended to a distance A2 from the fixed reference position P0, thereby ensuring a sufficiently tight winding of the strip 20 onto the segment 124. In the wear-free state shown in Figure 6, the distance A2 is greater than the lower threshold value S2. The radial movement of the segment 124 into the interval A2 is achieved by the axial movement of the control rod 122 to the left, and then the compression spring unit 150, guided by the guide 128 in the radial direction R, slides upward in the radial direction R on the inclined surface 123 of the control rod 122.

[0045] During the course of use of the reel mandrel 120, the sliding surface 129 between the inclined lower surface of the casing 153 of the compression spring unit 150 and the upper surface of the inclined surface 123 undergoes wear, as shown in FIG. 7. Due to this wear, i.e., as a result of wear, the sliding surface 129 shown in FIG. 7 is lowered compared to the state without wear shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the compression spring unit 150 no longer reaches the same radial distance A2 as in the state without wear shown in FIG. 6 when the control rod 122 is moved axially the same amount. Rather, the radial runout, represented by the distance A2 of the segments 124 relative to the fixed reference position P0, continuously decreases during the course of use of the reel mandrel (see FIG. 8). As soon as the wear reaches a certain magnitude, the radial distance A2 falls below the lower threshold distance S2. If the evaluation of the radial spacing by the method according to the invention recognizes this situation, it is inferred that significant wear of the above-mentioned sliding surfaces is present and a corresponding recommendation is made to replace the control rod 122 and / or the casing 153.

[0046] Finally, Figures 9 to 11 illustrate a third operating position for the reel mandrel, the so-called ejection position. Figure 9 shows a state without wear, while Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a state with wear. After the strip 20 has been completely wound into a coil in the winding position, the segments mounted on the reel mandrel must be slightly retracted radially so that the coil can be unwound from the reel mandrel. This position of the segments is the aforementioned ejection position, represented in Figures 9 to 11 by a radial distance A3 relative to the fixed reference position P0. The distance A3, measured at different times during the use of the reel mandrel 120, is also suitable for indirectly determining the wear state of the link plates 125, 126, the joint holes 127 of the link plates 125, 126, and / or the mounting pins 121. To transition from the winding position to the unwinding position, the control rod 122 is moved to the right, causing the compression spring unit 150 to slide down the ramp 123 to the distance A3. In the unworn state of the link plates shown in FIG. 9, the radial distance A3, or the third operating position, is below the predetermined second upper threshold S3. As can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, this radial distance A3 gradually increases as wear increases over the course of the reel mandrel 120's service life. After a certain period of use, the radial distance A3 reaches the upper threshold S3. In this case, the method of the present invention indirectly recognizes the presence of the aforementioned wear condition in the link plates 125, 126, the joint holes 127 of the link plates 125, 126, and / or the link plate mounting pins 121. Again, this wear condition is reported, and replacement of the link plates is recommended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 20 Strips, especially metal strips 100 Reel device 110 Push / thrust drive for control rod 120 reel mandrel 121 Mounting pin for link plate 122 Control Rod 123 Slope 124 segments 125,126 Link plate 127 Link plate joint hole 128 Radial guide for compression spring unit 129 Sliding surface between compression spring unit and inclined surface 130 Rotational drive unit 140 Control device 150 compression spring unit 153 Casing 160 Spacing Sensor 170 Storage device 180 Evaluation Device 190 Output Notification A1 Radial spacing A2 Radial spacing A3 Radial spacing FD Radial pressing force, radial preload L axis direction P0 Fixed reference position P1 First operating position (= winding start position) P2 Second operating position (= winding position) P3 Third operating position (= discharge position) R Radial direction S1 Upper threshold for the distance to start winding S2 Lower threshold of spacing for winding position S3 Upper threshold for the interval for ejection position

Claims

1. A method of operating a reeling device (100), said reeling device having a reel mandrel (120) for winding up a strip (20), in particular a metal strip, the reel mandrel (120) has at least one segment (124) distributed on its circumferential surface, the segment (124) being pivotally connected via at least two link plates (125, 126) to a control rod (122) that is axially movable within the reel mandrel (120) in order to move the segment (124) radially to at least one predefined operating position (P1, P2, P3); The reel mandrel (120) has at least one compression spring unit (150) that holds the segments (124) while applying a radial preload (FD), and the method comprises: a) during the course of use of the reel device (100), the segments (124) are run multiple times to the operating positions (P1, P2, P3) while applying a preload (FD) each time, during which the link plates (125, 126) and / or the control rod (122) are subjected to wear.

1. The method of claim 1, wherein b) determining and storing, directly or indirectly, at different times during the period of use, the radial spacings (A1, A2, A3) of said segments (124) in their operating position relative to a fixed reference position (P0); c) evaluating the intervals (A1, A2, A3) stored at different times with respect to whether said intervals (A1, A2, A3) exceed a predetermined upper threshold (S1, S3) or fall below a predetermined lower threshold (S2) during the course of the use period of said reel device (100); and d) indirectly recognizing the wear state of the reel device (100) when the detected radial distances (A1, A2, A3) exceed upper thresholds (S1, S3) or fall below lower thresholds (S2) from a certain point in time among a plurality of points in time.

10. A method comprising:

2. a first operating position (P1) being a winding start position of the pre-expanded segment (124) without a strip (20) being started to be wound; In step c), it is confirmed that the interval (A1) gradually increases during the use period of the reel device (100); and In step d), if the stored distance (A1) exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value (S1) or vice versa, a wear condition in the form of an undesired elongation of the link plates (125, 126), a tilt of the joint holes (127) provided in the link plates and / or of the mounting pins (121) of the link plates is indirectly recognized.

2. The method of claim 1.

3. The control rod (122) has at least one inclined surface (123) on its circumferential surface, and the compression spring unit (150) has a casing (153) with an inclined lower surface; and When the segment (124) is caused to travel radially during axial movement of the control rod, the inclined lower surface of the casing of the compression spring unit (150) slides along the inclined surface (123); the second operating position (P2) is a winding position of the segment (124), in which a plurality of windings of strip (20) are wound onto the segment and onto the reel mandrel (120); In step c), it is confirmed that the interval (A2) gradually decreases during the use period of the reel device (100); and In step d), indirectly recognizing a wear condition in the form of undesired wear on the surface of the ramp (12) and / or on the lower surface of the casing (153) of the compression spring unit (150) if the stored interval is below a predetermined lower threshold (S2).

2. The method of claim 1.

4. The transition from the winding start position (P1) to the winding position (P2) is - starting winding 1 to 7 turns of the strip (20) onto the reel mandrel (120) with the segments (124) at the start of winding position (P1), whereby a radial compressive force acts on the compression spring units (150) and moves the segments (124) into a compressed position; and - running the segments against a compressive force from the compressed position to the winding position again in order to continue winding the strip (20) onto the reel mandrel to form a coil; 4. The method of claim 3, comprising:

5. a third operating position (P3) is an ejection position of the segments of the reel mandrel; In step c), it is determined that during the course of use of the reeling device (100), the spacing (A3) of the segments (124) to the radially inner operating positions (P0) gradually increases, or vice versa; and In step d), if the stored distance (A3) exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value (S3) or vice versa, a wear condition in the form of an undesired elongation of the link plates (125, 126), a tilt of the joint holes (127) provided in the link plates and / or of the mounting pins (121) of the link plates is indirectly recognized.

2. The method of claim 1.

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the upper threshold value (S1, S3) and the lower threshold value (S2) and the operating positions (P1, P2, P3) are each within the elastic spring range of the compression spring unit (150).

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising initiating maintenance of the reel mandrel (120) in step e) if a wear state is indirectly recognized in step d).

8. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of moving the segments (124) into an operating position and determining and storing the radial spacings (A1, A2, A3) of the segments (124) in the operating position are performed multiple times a day, multiple times a month, multiple times a year, preferably continuously, and the step of evaluating the stored spacings (A1, A2, A3) is performed at the same frequency as or less frequently than the storage of the spacings.

9. 10. A computer program product loadable into the internal storage of a digital computer and containing software code sections which, when the product is run on a computer, perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A reeling device (100) having a reel mandrel (120) for winding up a strip, in particular a metal strip, comprising: a rotation drive (130) for rotating the reel mandrel (120) for the winding operation of the reeling device (100); a pushing / pushing drive (110) for axially moving a control rod (122) within the reel mandrel (120); and a control device (140) for driving and controlling the rotation drive (130) and the pushing / pushing drive, wherein the reel mandrel: said control rod (122); at least one radially expandable segment (124) provided on the circumferential surface of the reel mandrel (120), the segment (124) pivotally connected to the control rod (122) via at least two link plates (125, 126) for radially extending and retracting the segment (124) into at least one operating position in response to respective axial movement positions of the control rod (122); at least one compression spring unit (150) disposed between the segment (124) and the control rod (122) for holding the segment (124) while applying a radial preload; In a reel device (100) comprising: at least one distance sensor (160) for determining, directly or indirectly, a radial distance (A1, A2, A3) of said segments (124) in at least one operating position (P1, P2, P3) relative to a fixed reference position (P0) multiple times; a storage device (170) and an evaluation device (180) for storing the detected plurality of intervals (A1, A2, A3) and evaluating a change in the intervals over the course of a period of use of the reel device (100), specifically, whether the detected radial intervals (A1, A2, A3) exceed predetermined upper thresholds (S1, S2) or fall below a predetermined lower threshold (S2) over time; A reel device (100) characterized in that:

11. 11. A reel device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that an inner stop is provided for compressing the compression spring unit (150) when winding of the strip begins, the stop being formed, for example, by the upper edge of a casing (153) that partially surrounds the compression spring unit (150) in its uncompressed state.

12. A reel device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the fixed reference position (P0) is formed, for example, by the upper edge of a guide (128) that guides the compression spring unit (150) radially.

13. A reel device (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the control device (140) of the reel device (100) is configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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