Coiling Device and Method for Rolled or Drawn Long Products

Abstract

Coiling device (“R”) and relative method for a windable long, metal product ( 10 ). The device (“R”) comprises a mandrel ( 12 ) having a substantially circular transverse section and rotating around a horizontal, vertical or inclined axis, and at least a guide and containing device ( 15, 16 ) which is driven between a first working position wherein it cooperates with the mandrel ( 12 ), and a second inactive position wherein it is arranged distant from the mandrel ( 12 ). The coiling device (“R”) also comprises at least a clamping device ( 21 ) associated with the mandrel ( 12 ), which clamps at least temporarily an initial segment of the metal product ( 10 ).

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . Device for coiling a windable long, metal product, comprising a mandrel having a substantially circular transverse section and rotating around a horizontal, vertical or inclined axis, at least a guide and containing device able to be driven between a first working position in which said guide and containing device cooperates with said mandrel, and a second inactive position in which said guide and containing device is arranged distant from said mandrel, and at least a clamping device associated with said mandrel, and able to clamp at least temporarily an initial segment of said metal product, wherein said clamping device comprises pincer means able to be selectively activated, which are arranged in correspondence with the outer surface of said mandrel. 
   
   
       22 . Device as in  claim 21 , wherein said guide and containing device comprises means able to displace said metal product towards said clamping device. 
   
   
       23 . Device as in  claim 21 , wherein said pincer means are arranged in an inner position with respect to said outer surface of said mandrel. 
   
   
       24 . Device as in  claim 21 , wherein said pincer means are arranged in an outer position with respect to said outer surface of said mandrel. 
   
   
       25 . Device as in  claim 21 , wherein said pincer means comprise four pincers. 
   
   
       26 . Device as in  claim 21 , wherein an actuator device is able to act on respective arms of said pincer means, in order to perform the selective activation of the said pincer means. 
   
   
       27 . Device as in  claim 21 , wherein an inner plate is provided to define one of the lateral walls between which said metal product is wound. 
   
   
       28 . Device as in  claim 27 , wherein said inner plate defines an annular channel in proximity with the outer surface of said mandrel. 
   
   
       29 . Device as in  claim 28 , wherein said guide and containing device comprises at least a first flap. 
   
   
       30 . Device as in  claim 29 , wherein said guide and containing device comprises a second flap arranged diametrically opposite said first flap. 
   
   
       31 . Device as in  claim 30 , wherein said first and second flap constitute, in said first working position, a lateral cover to said annular channel. 
   
   
       32 . Device as in  claim 27 , wherein a flange is applied on said inner plate substantially perpendicular to said mandrel and shaped so as to have an annular tooth substantially coaxial with said mandrel, said annular tooth defining an annular channel. 
   
   
       33 . Device as in  claim 32 , wherein said annular tooth has a thickness substantially equal to the diameter of said metal product, or to a multiple thereof. 
   
   
       34 . Device as in  claim 32 , wherein the protrusion of said annular tooth is substantially equal to a value of between 1.5 and 2 times the diameter of said metal product. 
   
   
       35 . Device as in  claim 32 , wherein said flange is interchangeable according to the size of said metal product. 
   
   
       36 . Device as in  claim 32 , wherein said flange is made of material of great hardness. 
   
   
       37 . Method for coiling a long metal product, performed by means of a coiling device which comprises a mandrel having a substantially circular transverse section and rotating around a horizontal, vertical or inclined axis, and at least a guide and containing device, able to be driven between a first working position in which said guide and containing device cooperates with said mandrel, and a second inactive position in which said guide and containing device is arranged distant from said mandrel, said method comprising the following steps:
 a first step wherein a leading end of said metal product is inserted into a groove of said guide and containing element arranged in said first working position, so as to guide said metal product along an outer circumference of said mandrel,   a second step wherein said metal product is gripped and clamped at least temporarily on said mandrel by means of one or more pincers arranged in correspondence with the outer surface of said mandrel;   a third step wherein said guide and containing element is taken from said first working position to said second inactive position; and   a fourth step wherein said metal product is wound for the remainder of its length.   
   
   
       38 . Method as in  claim 37 , wherein before said first step, said metal product is inserted into said groove by means of a distributor of said metal product. 
   
   
       39 . Method according to  claim 38 , wherein during said first step, said mandrel is in rotation around its own axis. 
   
   
       40 . Method as in  claim 39 , wherein during said first step said metal product is guided from said groove inside an annular channel arranged on an inner plate of said mandrel.