Measuring straightness of an elongated rolled workpiece

US8230709B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SMS MEER GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Daube · Duisburg, DE
• Thomas Nerzak · Gelsenkirchen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 10, 2008
• Grant date: Jul 31, 2012
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B21B38/00
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An elongated workpiece is treated, e.g. rolled, in a production system where treatment devices move the workpiece longitudinally in a horizontal travel direction and at a generally constant travel speed along a horizontal longitudinal path and a control computer is connected to the treatment devices. Straightness of the workpiece is measured by gripping the workpiece at a pair of longitudinally spaced supports, applying tension to a longitudinally extending horizontal portion of the workpiece between the supports, and continuously moving the workpiece in the travel direction at the travel speed with a lower surface of the portion substantially unsupported. At least periodically a vertical spacing is measured between the portion and a straight longitudinal reference line extending in the direction between the supports parallel to the workpiece at the supports. The vertical-spacing measurement are fed to the computer for use controlling the devices.