DESCRIPTION

Scope

[0001] The object of the present invention is a coil winding system and a method for a hot-rolled product by means of a rotating coiler.

[0002] In technical jargon, coil winding by means of a rotating coiler is known as "pouring reel" winding.

[0003] "Hot-rolled products" means products such as rods, rebars, squares, hexagons, plates or other hot-formed polygonal profiles made of metallic material, in particular bronze, brass, aluminum and steel, such as spring steel, bearing steel, stainless steel, etc.

[0004] In particular, the coil winding system and method according to the invention are applicable to the processes for forming reels made of rolled product with a cross-section of less than 3000 mm ² with particularly appreciable advantages in high speed processes.

State of the art

[0005] A reel is formed by a continuous spiral of a hot- rolled product with a constant section, resulting from a continuous hot-rolling process. The rolled product moves linearly at a constant speed, depending on the rolling process and the final section obtained. To create a reel, the rolled product must be deformed into a circular shape .

[0006] As is well known, coiling by means of a rotating coiler ("pouring reel") involves the rolled product being pushed into a special coiler by means of a feed device, which gives the hot-rolled product a linear motion.

[0007] An example of a coiler for "pouring reel" is shown in Figures 1 to 4. The coiler is indicated at A, while the feed device is indicated at B.

[0008] More specifically, the coiler A comprises an outer drum Al, and a mandrel A2 that is placed coaxially inside the drum Al and delimits the inner diameter of the reel. Between the drum Al and the mandrel A2, an interspace A3 with an annular section is defined, into which the rolled product is "poured", and the reel is formed. The coiler A is equipped with a bottom A4 that closes the annular interspace A3 on the bottom and collects the rolled product "poured" inside the annular interspace A3.

[0009] The force that pushes the rolled product against the walls of the outer drum Al of the coiler creates radial reaction forces that change the direction of the rolled product and at the same time cause a plastic deformation. The rolled product, having a continuous linear motion and a constant thrust force, follows the shape of the interspace A3 and takes the form of a cylindrical spiral.

[0010] Operatively, the aforesaid radial forces also create friction between the rolled product and the coiler. This friction may occur in the form of sliding and related surface wear. To avoid or at least reduce this phenomenon, the coiler 1 is rotated on itself. In other words, the drum Al, the bottom A4 and the mandrel A2 rotate together.

[0011] Generally, the rotation axis of the coiler A is vertical and the filling of the annular interspace A3 takes place progressively by "pouring" the rolled product from the top.

[0012] This type of coiler is normally used for quality hot-rolled products that have sections that cannot be processed with other coil winding techniques or for hot- rolled products that, having to be subjected to subsequent heat treatments after winding, must not be formed into reels with excessively compact coils, but on the contrary must have a minimum of free space between coils. By way of example, a winding carried out with a winder reel (i.e. with a reel that pulls the rolled product) leads to the formation of reels with very compact coils, substantially without free space.

[0013] In "pouring reel" winding, however, the rotation of the coiler alone does not guarantee the quality of the final reel. The finished product wound into a reel may, in fact, still have surface defects created by sliding or have non-constant deformations (elbow curves), especially in the case of small section hot-rolled products.

[0014] In order to further limit sliding phenomena, and in particular to avoid inconsistent deformation of the rolled product, the "pouring reel" coilers A are generally equipped with a device C, called a "spiral guide", which is applied inside the annular section A3 between the mandrel A1 and the drum A2.

[0015] More specifically, as shown in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the spiral guide C comprises a support frame D which is generally made up of a tubular body coaxially associated with the mandrel A1. A series of tubes or roller guides Cl are anchored to the support frame D, following a vertical spiral profile. The support frame D does not rotate with the mandrel but is axially movable relative to the same mandrel as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0016] Operatively, the rolled product - pushed inside the spiral guide C (non-rotating) - is pre-formed, and the coils coming out of this guide rest gently on the bottom A4 of the rotating coiler. Also in this case, the rotation of the drum, mandrel and bottom prevents friction and is necessary so that the rolled product does not get stuck inside the spiral guide C. As the coil forms, the spiral guide C rises progressively, leaving space for the reel Q to grow in height within the annular interspace A3. The feed device B of the rolled product upstream of the spiral guide moves accordingly (as may be seen by comparing Figure 1 with Figure 2) .

[0017] As shown in particular in Figure 3, to compensate for any misalignment between the feed device B and the spiral guide C, the spiral guide must be provided with a funnel-shaped guide element E which conveys the rolled product entering the series of tubes or roller guides Cl.

[0018] The filling of the reels is defined as the ratio between the actual volume of a reel and the theoretical volume of the reel, where the theoretical volume is defined as the volume of a reel with a gap between the coils equal to 0.

[0019] The filling of the reel is the characteristic that affects the height of the reel itself before binding. A reel that is too high is difficult to handle and not very stable. Filling also defines the ability of the reel to be heat-treated. The free space between the coils guarantees, in fact, an even distribution of temperature, as well as a passage for air or cooling water to flow.

[0020] To improve the surface quality of the material wound in a reel and to increase the control over the filling of the reels, it is known to regulate the rotation speed of the coiler (regardless of whether or not a spiral guide is used), as will be explained hereinafter. [0021] The rolled product has a constant linear speed. The speed of rotation of the coiler must be such as to follow the spiral winding movement of the rolled product and thus depends on the linear speed of the rolled product, as explained hereinafter:

cocoiler = Vlam x 60 / (D x n) where cocoiler indicates the angular speed of rotation of the coiler in revolutions per minute [rpm] , with Vlam being the linear speed of the rolled product in m/ s and D the diameter (variable) of the annular section A3 in m.

[0022] The annular section A3 is comprised between the innermost circumference delimited by the mandrel A2 [Dmin x n] and the outer circumference delimited by the drum A1 [Dmax x n] . The speed of rotation therefore changes according to the circumference one wishes to fill.

[0023] Typically, the tangential speed on the average diameter Dmed of the annular section A3 corresponds to the linear speed of the rolled product.

[0024] The average diameter Dmed is calculated as follows:

Dmed = Dmin + (Dmax-Dmin) /2

[0025] Therefore, the average rotation speed corned of the coiler in relation to the average diameter is calculated as follows:

corned = Vlam x 60 / (Dmed x n)

[0026] To increase the filling, one tries to cover the entire annular section A3 evenly.

[0027] To do this, it is necessary for the rotation speed of the coiler A to increase or decrease with each turn to arrange the coil in a larger or smaller diameter than the previous one.

[0028] The ramp created by the acceleration or deceleration described above follows a cyclic course that changes direction with each filled layer, i.e. each time the maximum or minimum limit speed is reached, as shown in Figure 15. In jargon, this cycle is called "wobbling." When the rotation speed cocoiler is at its maximum, the coil is wound onto the mandrel A2, conversely, when it is at its minimum, the coil rests on the drum A1.

[0029] The adoption of wobbling cycles in the coil winding allows the formation of the coils to be controlled and thus the filling of the reel to be increased.

[0030] Obtaining this result by wobbling cycles is however theoretical and based simply on geometric rules. In practice there are some variables that affect the position of the coil that are difficult to control.

[0031] First of all, the rolled product is moving on a curved trajectory and is therefore subject to centrifugal force. Moreover, where a spiral guide is provided, the rolled product is not strictly bound to the average bending radius of the spiral guide C. The roller guides or tubes Cl typically have a through section that is larger than the section of the rolled product. In fact, excessive precision combined with possible misalignments would force the rolled product to deform in an irregular way with the consequent probability that it would get stuck inside the same guides, blocking the process. Moreover, the friction that would be created would cause premature wear on the spiral guide. Finally, to be applicable in the industrial field, the spiral guide C cannot be dedicated to a specific section of rolled product. Hot-rolling systems typically process different sections and the change from one section to another may occur very often. If this is the case, the machine setup time must be kept to a minimum. For this reason, one tries to use the same spiral guide to cover a wide range of different sections.

[0032] Operatively, the instability of the coil is all the more marked, the more the section of the rolled product is reduced and consequently the speed is high. Specifically, as they are not strictly bound in space, the coils tend to widen relative to the average bending radius of the spiral guide C and thus are deposited in the outer part of the annular section A3, i.e. close to the drum A1. Moreover, during the process, the spiral guide C rises progressively, whereby the new coils are not deposited inside the previous ones but are deposited on top, increasing the height of the reel.

[0033] Another problematic phenomenon occurs when the speed of rotation of the coiler exceeds the average speed corned (see Figure 15) . As the hot-rolled product is hot and easily deformable, the over-speed of rotation forces it to wind on the mandrel A2, and also in this case the coils are not deposited at the center of the annular section A3.

[0034] The result will be a high reel, very compact on the outside Dmax and on the inside Dmin, but practically empty in the middle, with a very low filling factor.

[0035] In the application of the "pouring reel" coil winding there is therefore a need to further improve the filling of the reel.

Presentation of the invention

[0036] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to eliminate all or part of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art, by providing a coil winding system for a hot-rolled product by means of a rotating coiler, which allows the filling of the reel to be better controlled .

[0037] A further object of the present invention is to provide a coil winding system for a hot-rolled product by means of a rotating coiler that may be easily managed from an operative point of view.

[0038] A further object of the present invention is to provide a coil winding system for a hot-rolled product by means of a rotating coiler which is simple and economical to implement.

Brief description of the drawings

[0039] The technical features of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, are clearly apparent from the content of the claims provided below and the advantages thereof will become more apparent in the following detailed description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which represent one or more purely illustrative and non-limiting embodiments, wherein:

Figure 1 shows an overall perspective view of a conventional coil winding system with a rotating coiler shown in an operating condition with spiral guide raised;

- Figure 2 shows the coil winding system in Figure 1, shown in an operating condition with spiral guide lowered;

- Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the coil winding system of Figure 2, relative to the rotating coiler, partially shown in a cutaway view to better highlight the inside during use;

- Figure 4 shows a plan view from the top of the coiler of Figure 3, with some parts removed to better highlight others ;

Figure 5 shows an overall perspective view of a conventional coil winding system with a rotating coiler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, provided with a spiral guide, shown in an operating condition with spiral guide raised;

- Figure 6 shows a coil winding system in Figure 5, shown in an operating condition with spiral guide lowered;

- Figure 7 shows a detailed perspective view of the coil winding system of Figure 6, relative to the rotating coiler, shown partially in a cutaway view to better highlight the inside during use;

- Figure 8 shows a plan view from the top of the coiler of Figure 7, with some parts removed to better highlight others ;

- Figure 9 shows a lateral orthogonal view of a component of the coiler shown in Figure 7, relative to a support frame for a guide element of the rolled product, for a spiral guide of the rolled product and a diverter device of the rolled product;

- Figure 10 shows schematically some operating positions of the diverter device shown in Figure 9;

- Figure 11 shows an enlarged viewof Figure 10, relative to the diverter device and an actuator of such device, with some angular positions that may be assumed by the actuator;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a detail of Figure 9, relating to the diverter device and the actuator thereof;

- Figure 13 shows a lateral orthogonal view of a component of a coiler according to an alternative embodiment of the invention without spiral guide, relative to a support frame for a guide element of the rolled product and for a diverter device of the rolled product;

- Figure 14 shows a control diagram of the coil winding system with rotating coiler according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; and

- Figure 15 shows the graph comparing the time trend of the angular speed of the coiler according to a wobbling cycle and the time trend of the position of the diverter device and the actuator thereof.

Detailed description

[0040] With reference to the attached drawings, a coil winding system for a hot-rolled product according to the invention has been indicated collectively at 1.

[0041] For the sake of simplicity, the coil winding method according to the invention will be described after the coil winding system, making reference to the latter.

[0042] Here and in the description and claims that follow, reference will be made to the coil winding system 1 in the condition of use. It is in this sense that any references to a lower or upper position, or to a horizontal or vertical orientation, are therefore to be understood.

[0043] According to a general embodiment of the invention, the coil winding system 1 comprises:

- a rotating coiler 10 with vertical axis Y; and

- means 20 for conveying the hot-rolled product entering the rotating coiler 10.

[0044] As shown in particular in Figures 5 to 8, the rotating coiler 10 comprises an outer drum 11 and an inner mandrel 12 coaxial to the outer drum. The outer drum 11 and the inner mandrel 12 delimit an annular interspace 13, which is closed at the bottom by a bottom wall 14 integral with the drum 11 and/or the mandrel 12.

[0045] Operatively, as will be resumed below, in use, the hot-rolled product is deposited (poured) inside the annular interspace 13 to wind it in the form of a reel.

[0046] The mandrel 12 may be attached in rotation to the external drum 11 or it may be moved in rotation independently of the drum itself. Preferably, the bottom wall 14 is integral in rotation to the inner mandrel 12.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2 and schematically in Figure 14, the rotating coiler 10 is equipped with motorized means 15 suitable to rotate the coiler 10.

[0048] The rotating coiler 10 is well known per se to those skilled in the art. It will therefore not be described in more detail.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in use upstream of the coil winding system 1, a feed device 2 is provided, which is designed to draw towards the coiler 10 the hot-rolled product coming out of a rolling mill (not shown) and running along a transport line, usually consisting of a roller guide 3.

[0050] Functionally, the aforesaid conveying means 20 are suitable for conveying the hot-rolled product entering the rotating coiler 10 towards the aforesaid annular interspace 13.

[0051] Preferably, the aforesaid conveyors consist of a funnel guide element 20, which is intended to compensate for any misalignments between the aforesaid feed device 2 and the annular interspace 13 of the coiler 10.

[0052] In particular, the aforesaid funnel guide element 20 is configured to impose on the hot-rolled product a trajectory towards the annular interspace 13 forming a predefined inclination angle towards the bottom wall 14 with respect to a horizontal reference plane.

[0053] As shown in the attached Figures, the conveying means 20 are associated with a support frame 21 that is rotationally fixed with respect to the coiler 10.

[0054] Advantageously, the support frame 21 is movable with respect to the coiler 10 so that, in particular, it is possible to move it away from the coiler 10 thus allowing the reel to be extracted from the annular interspace 13 at the end of the operations of winding the rolled product. For this purpose, the coil winding system 1 comprises means 50 for moving the aforesaid support frame 21 relative to the coiler 10.

[0055] Advantageously, the aforesaid support frame 21 is movable coaxially to the coiler 10, along the vertical axis of rotation Y, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0056] As shown in particular in Figure 7, the aforesaid support frame 21 is axially hollow and is configured to insert itself at least partially inside the aforesaid annular interspace 13, receiving coaxially therein the internal mandrel 12 of the coiler 10, leaving it free to rotate around the aforesaid axis Y.

[0057] On the support frame 21 it is possible to identify a lower portion 21a, which in use is intended to insert itself into the annular interspace 13, and an upper portion 21b, which in use is intended to remain outside the annular interspace 13.

[0058] According to the invention, the coil winding system 1 comprises means 30 for diverting the hot-rolled product into the aforesaid annular interspace 13 from the winding trajectory induced by the rotation of the coiler 10.

[0059] Such diverting means 30 are located downstream of the aforesaid conveying means 20 with respect to the movement of the rolled product entering into the coiler 1 and are suitable for setting the radial winding distance R of the hot-rolled product relative to the vertical axis Y of the coiler inside the annular interspace 13.

[0060] More specifically, as shown in the accompanying figures, the diverting means 30 comprise a diverter element 31 which in use comes into contact with the hot- rolled product and the orientation of which within the annular interspace 13 is adjustable so as to vary the setting of the radial winding distance R.

[0061] Due to the invention it is therefore possible to direct the hot-rolled product in a controllable way into the annular interspace, influencing the winding trajectory induced by the rotation of the coiler 10 in order to correct it, if necessary. Operatively, in fact, the orientation of the diverter element 31 forces the hot-rolled product to assume, at least near the same diverter element 31, a predefined radial distance R relative to the vertical rotation axis Y of the coiler, thus conditioning the winding trajectory and therefore also the formation of the coils S of the reel Q. [0062] The diverter element 31, as it is adjustable in its orientation within the annular interspace 13, thus allows one to better control the filling of the reel Q during its formation inside the rotating coiler 10.

[0063] Preferably, as will be resumed below, the orientation of the diverter element 31 is varied over time during reel formation, thus implementing real-time control of the coils S within the coiler 10. Such real ^¬ time control mode is implemented via an automatic control system.

[0064] More specifically, this real-time control mode may be associated with a control logic of the formation of the reel through the wobbling cycle. In this case, the control logic of the diverter element 31 may provide for the orientation of the diverter element 31 to vary over time in a synchronized manner with the acceleration- deceleration cycles of the winding machine 10 set by the wobbling cycle, as shown in Figure 15. In this way, it is possible to increase control over the formation of the coils, since it is possible to control - at least in part - operative variables that affect the position of the coil and that escape from control through a simple wobbling cycle. In particular, it is possible to counteract the effects of centrifugal force on the formation of the coils of the reel. [0065] Advantageously, the aforesaid real-time adjustment mode may also be implemented independently of the implementation of a wobbling cycle control logic. In other words, real-time control of the diverter element 31 may replace the implementation of a wobbling cycle. Due to the invention, for each coil S being formed, it is in fact possible to set the radial winding distance R of the hot-rolled product relative to the vertical axis Y of the coiler within the annular interspace 13.

[0066] Alternatively, the diverter element 31 may be adjusted with a fixed orientation during reel formation. The orientation may be chosen as a compromise position suitable to facilitate, for example, the filling of the rolled product in the central area of the annular interspace 13, correcting, at least in part, the natural tendency to a filling predominantly towards the outer drum 11 and towards the inner mandrel 12. Such fixed orientation may be changed when the operating conditions change, for example, to facilitate filling towards the mandrel or the drum, if the rotation of the coiler tends to avoid filling towards the mandrel or towards the drum. This fixed setting adjustment mode is operatively easier to implement and may also be carried out manually by an operator before or during the coil winding process.

[0067] Operatively, this fixed setting adjustment mode may be adopted in particular in the case of low-speed, hot- rolled products, in particular at speeds not exceeding lOm/s, and thus subject to lower centrifugal force.

[0068] Preferably, as shown in particular in Figures 5, 7, 9 and 13, the aforesaid diverting means 30 are associated with the support frame 21.

[0069] More specifically, the diverting means 30 are associated with the aforesaid lower portion 21a of the support frame 21 which is intended in use to insert itself within the annular interspace 13.

[0070] Preferably, as shown in particular in Figures 8, 9,

10 and 13, the aforesaid diverter element 31 delimits an inner through seat 32 for the hot-rolled product, ending with an exit portion 33 that in use is positioned inside the annular interspace 13 at a radial distance R relative to the vertical axis Y of the coiler 10.

[0071] As shown in particular in Figures 10 and 11, the aforesaid diverter element 31 may be oriented relative to the annular interspace 13 between the outer drum 11 and the inner mandrel 12 so as to vary the radial distance R of the aforesaid exit portion 33 inside the annular interspace 13 and thus in use vary the radial winding distance R of the hot-rolled product L exiting from the diverter element 31 with respect to the vertical axis Y. In this way it is possible to divert the hot-rolled product L from the winding trajectory induced by the rotation of the coiler 10, thus conditioning the formation of each individual coil S.

[0072] Operatively, the diverter element 31 does not have the function of deforming the hot-rolled product L. This function is in fact performed by the coiler 10 and by a possible spiral guide (where provided, as will be shown hereinafter) . As already mentioned, the main function of the diverter element 31 is to divert the hot-rolled product L locally from the winding trajectory induced by the rotation of the coiler 10. It is thus not necessary for the diverter element 31 to engage the hot-rolled product for a long distance (as a spiral guide must do) in order to perform this function. Conversely, in order to more easily adjust the orientation of the diverter element 31 inside the annular interspace 13, avoiding the interference on the adjustment induced by the sliding of the hot-rolled product L, it is preferable that the diverter element 31 engages the hot-rolled product for as small a distance as possible, compatibly with the constructive requirements of the diverter element 31.

[0073] Preferably, depending on the characteristics of the hot-rolled product to be wound, the diverter element 31 may have an extension equivalent to an arc of circumference subtended at an angle between 5° and 45°, and even more preferably the angle is between 5° and 20°.

[0074] Advantageously, the small size of the diverter element 31 relative to a spiral guide, and thus the lower friction generated, allow the use of a diverter element 31 with an inner through seat 32 more suited to the section of hot-rolled product L processed. In this way, it is possible to direct the hot-rolled product L more precisely and force the coil to assume a more precise radial position within the annular interspace 13.

[0075] Advantageously, the small size of the diverter element 31 relative to a spiral guide makes the diverter element 31 easier to replace in case of wear or in case of changing the format of the hot-rolled product to be wound into a reel.

[0076] Preferably, the aforesaid diverter element 31 consists of a tubular body, straight or curved. The hollow inner section of the tubular body defines the aforesaid inner through seat 32 for the hot-rolled product .

[0077] Alternatively, the aforesaid diverter element may consist of a roller guide. The through opening between the rollers defines the aforesaid inner through seat 32 for the hot-rolled product.

[0078] According to the preferred embodiment shown in

Figures 5 to 10, the coil winding system 1 may comprise a spiral guide 60, associated with the support frame 21, downstream of the conveying means 20.

[0079] Functionally, this spiral guide 60 (consisting of a series of static or roller guides) is suitable to impart to the hot-rolled product a curvature with a predefined average curvature radius, which, preferably, is equivalent to the radius of the median circumference of the aforesaid annular interspace 13. The spiral guide 60 imposes a cylindrical spiral trajectory on the hot-rolled product. The spiral guide 60 thus imposes a trajectory on the hot-rolled product that forms a predefined angle of inclination towards the bottom wall 14 relative to a horizontal reference plane.

[0080] In this case, the diverting means 30 are arranged downstream of the aforesaid spiral guide 60 and receive the hot-rolled product out of the spiral guide 60, to divert it in a controlled way already deformed.

[0081] In other words, the spiral guide 60 is placed between conveying means 20 and diverting means 30.

[0082] Preferably, in the presence of a spiral guide 60 upstream of the diverting means, the inner through seat 32 for the hot-rolled product in the diverter element 31 defines a curved trajectory so as to follow the curvature already assumed by the hot-rolled product as it exits the spiral guide. In particular, the curved trajectory defined by the diverter element 31 is an arc of circumference with a curvature radius substantially equivalent to the predefined average curvature radius of the aforesaid spiral guide 60.

[0083] Advantageously, as shown in particular in Figures 7 and 9, the spiral guide 60 extends over the entire height of the support frame 21 between the upper portion 21b and the lower portion 21a.

[0084] Operatively, the spiral guide 60 has the function of accompanying the hot-rolled product 3 as it is deposited inside the annular interspace 13. For this object, moved by the support frame 21, the spiral guide 60 is initially inserted completely into the annular interspace 13 up close to the bottom wall 14 and is then raised progressively upwards to allow the reel to develop in height. By progressively raising the spiral guide 60, a constant distance is maintained between the exit portion of the spiral guide 60 and the last coil deposited on the forming reel. The diverter element 31 is integral to the support frame 21 and to the associated spiral guide 60 and allows one to control the deposition of the new coils in the proximity of the reel being formed.

[0085] Preferably, the spiral guide solution is used for hot-rolled products with cross-sections of less than 1,300 mm2 (equivalent to a rod with a diameter of 40 mm) . [0086] According to the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 13, the coil winding system 1 may not be provided with a spiral guide 60.

[0087] In this case, the aforesaid diverting means 30 are arranged immediately downstream of the conveying means 20 without the interposition of a spiral guide.

[0088] Functionally, in the absence of a spiral guide, the curvature of the hot-rolled product is left completely to the action of the coiler determined by the rotation movement. The diverter element 31 corrects the winding trajectory by forcing the hot-rolled product into a precise radial position before it is deformed.

[0089] Advantageously, in the absence of a spiral guide, the inner through seat 32 for the hot-rolled product in the diverter element 31 may define a curved or straight traj ectory .

[0090] With respect to the case wherein a spiral guide is provided, in the absence of a spiral guide, being the height of the coiler 10 equal, the support frame 21 may have a lower extension in height, since in this case it is sufficient for the frame 21 to partially enter the annular interspace 13 without having to arrive near the bottom wall 14.

[0091] Preferably, the solution without spiral guide is adopted for hot-rolled products with cross-sections not less than 1,300 mm2.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 7, 8,

9, 12 and 13, the diverter element 31 is pivoted to the support frame 21 around a vertical pivot axis Z and may be rotated around this vertical pivot axis Z so as to vary the radial distance R of the exit portion 33.

[0093] Preferably, the aforesaid vertical pivot axis Z passes through the annular interspace 13, in particular at the median circumference of such annular interface 13.

[0094] As shown in particular in Figures 9 and 13, the diverter element 31 is oriented to impose on the hot- rolled product a trajectory within the annular interspace 13 forming an angle of inclination b towards the bottom wall 14 relative to a horizontal reference plane on a vertical projection plane.

[0095] Preferably, the aforesaid angle of inclination b corresponds to the angle of inclination imposed on the hot-rolled product L by the conveying means 20 and by the spiral guide 60 (where provided) .

[0096] Advantageously, the aforesaid diverter element 31 may be associated with the support frame 21 so that it may also be rotated around a horizontal pivot axis X so as to vary the aforesaid angle of inclination b. The adjustment of the angle b may be manual or automated.

[0097] Advantageously, the coil winding system 1 comprises means 40 for adjusting the orientation of the diverter element 31 within the annular interspace 13.

[0098] In particular, the aforesaid adjusting means 40 comprise an actuator 41 which is connected directly or indirectly via a transmission device 42 to said diverter element 31.

[0099] The actuator 41 may be of any type suitable for the purpose. In particular, it may consist of an electric motor (as shown in the attached figures), or alternatively of a pneumatic, hydraulic or electric linear actuator. Alternatively, the actuator may consist of a lever that may be actuated manually by an operator.

[00100] Preferably, the actuator 41 is associated with the upper portion 21b of the support frame 21, which in use is intended to remain outside the annular interspace 13, and is connected to the diverter element 31 (associated with the lower portion 21a of the support frame 21) through the transmission device 42. In this way, the integrity of the actuator 41 is preserved, protecting it from the heat that is released in the annular interspace 13.

[00101] According to the preferred embodiment shown in particular in Figures 7 and 12, the diverter element 31 (consisting in particular of a tubular body) is indirectly associated with the support frame 21 through a support structure 34, which in turn is pivoted to the lower portion 21a of the frame 21 to rotate around the aforesaid vertical pivot axis Z. Advantageously, the diverter element 31 may in turn be pivoted to the support structure 34 to rotate around the aforementioned horizontal pivot axis X so as to vary the inclination angle b.

[00102] More specifically, the support structure 34 is connected directly or indirectly through a connecting rod

35 to an eccentric shaft 36. In turn, the eccentric shaft

36 may be driven in rotation by the aforesaid actuator 41, preferably consisting of an electric motor. In the specific example, the eccentric shaft 36 and the connecting rod 35 (if any) form the aforesaid transmission device 42.

[00103] Operatively, as shown in Figures 11 and 15, by controlling the angular position of the eccentric shaft 36 by means of the actuator 41, it is possible to control the angular position of the diverter element 31 relative to the axis Z. Each angular position of the diverter element 31 relative to the axis Z corresponds to a different radial distance R (R0, Rl, R2 ) of the exit portion 33, and thus a different orientation of the diverter element 31 within the annular interspace 13.

[00104] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in particular in Figure 14, the adjustment means 40 comprise an electronic control unit 100, which is connected to the aforesaid actuator 41 and is programmed to control the intervention of the actuator 41 according to a predefined adjustment logic for the orientation of the diverter element 31. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 100 is equipped with a user interface 102.

[00105] Advantageously, the aforesaid predefined adjustment logic provides for the orientation of the diverter element 31 to vary over time.

[00106] Preferably, as shown in Figure 15, the aforesaid predefined adjustment logic provides for the orientation of the diverter element 31 to vary cyclically over time.

[00107] More specifically, the orientation of the diverter element 31 (defined by the radial distance R of the exit portion 33) varies cyclically over time, between a minimum radial distance R2 (corresponding to a winding trajectory close to the inner mandrel 12) and a maximum radial distance R1 (corresponding to a winding trajectory close to the outer drum 11), passing through an intermediate radial distance R0 (corresponding preferably to a winding trajectory corresponding to the median circumference of the annular interspace 13) . The cyclic variation in the orientation of the diverter element 31 over time allows the coils being formed to be distributed over all or a predefined part of the radial width of the annular interspace 13.

[00108] Advantageously, the aforesaid predefined adjustment logic may provide for the orientation of the diverter element 31 to vary cyclically over time in a synchronized manner with the acceleration-deceleration cycles of the coiler 10 (e.g. imposed by a wobbling cycle) .

[00109] More specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the aforesaid electronic control unit 100 is also connected to the aforesaid motorized means 15 of the coiler 10 and is suitable to control in particular the rotation speed of the coiler 10 according to a predefined control logic of the reel formation. In particular, the electronic control unit 100 may be programmed to impose on the coiler 10 a predefined sequence of acceleration- deceleration cycles in order to implement a so-called wobbling cycle. For this purpose, the angular rotation speed of the coiler 10 may be detected by means of position sensors or encoders 103 associated with the aforesaid motorized means 15 and connected to the electronic control unit 100.

[00110] Advantageously, the amplitude of the variation of the angular position of the diverter element 31 with respect to the axis Z (and thus of the radial distance R) is inversely proportional to the section of the hot- rolled product to be wound.

[00111] Advantageously, as shown in Figure 14, the orientation of the diverter element 31 may be detected via position sensors or encoders 101 applied to the actuator 41 (or directly to the kinematic chain 42) and connected to the electronic control unit 100.

k k k

[00112] The method of coil winding a hot-rolled product using the coil winding system 1 according to the invention will now be described.

[00113] The method according to the invention comprises the following operative steps:

a) associating the support frame 21 to the coiler so as to position the conveying means 20 and the diverting means 30 in the annular interspace 13;

b) conveying the hot-rolled product towards the annular interspace 13 by means of the aforesaid conveying means 20;

c) rotating the coiler 10 around its vertical rotation axis Y simultaneously with the aforesaid conveying step b) so as to impose on said hot-rolled product L a winding trajectory around said vertical axis of rotation Y, and determining the progressive formation of a reel having more coils inside said annular interspace 13 starting from the bottom wall 14.

[00114] According to the invention, the method comprises a step d) of setting the radial winding distance R of the hot-rolled product relative to the vertical axis Y of the coiler inside said annular interspace 13, adjusting the orientation of said diverter element 31 inside the annular interspace 13, so as to divert through said diverting means 30 the hot-rolled product inside the annular interspace 13 from the winding trajectory induced by the rotation of the coiler 10 and thus obtain a controlled distribution of the coils inside said annular interspace 13.

[00115] Preferably, in the aforesaid step d) of setting the radial winding distance R of the hot-rolled product with respect to the vertical axis Y of the coiler inside said annular interspace 13 is varied over time by varying the orientation of the diverter element 31 inside the annular interspace 13 in a controlled manner.

[00116] Advantageously, the aforesaid rotation step c) of the coiler is conducted with a predefined sequence of acceleration-deceleration cycles. The orientation of the diverter element 31 varies over time in a synchronized manner with the aforesaid acceleration-deceleration cycles of the coiler 10.

[00117] The advantages offered by the invention already highlighted above when describing the coil winding system 1 also apply to the coil winding method and will not be repeated here for brevity of exposition.

[00118] The invention allows many advantages already partly described to be obtained.

[00119] Due to the invention it is possible to direct the hot-rolled product in a controllable way inside the annular interspace, influencing the winding trajectory induced by the rotation of the coiler in order to correct it, if necessary. Operatively, the orientation of the diverter element forces the hot-rolled product to assume, at least near the same diverter element, a predefined radial distance relative to the vertical rotation axis of the coiler, thus conditioning the winding trajectory and therefore also the formation of the coils S of the reel Q.

[00120] The diverter element, being adjustable in its orientation within the annular interspace, thus allows the filling of the reel Q to be better controlled during its formation inside the rotating coiler.

[00121] The coil winding system of a hot-rolled product by means of a rotating coiler according to the invention may be easily managed from an operative point of view, either automatically by means of an electronic control unit in the case in which the orientation of the diverter element is to be changed cyclically over time, or manually in the case in which a fixed setting of the orientation of the diverter element is provided.

[00122] In the case of automatic control, the coil winding system according to the invention allows a real time control of the formation of the coils to be implemented inside the coiler.

[00123] The real-time control of the formation of the coils via the diverter element may be implemented as a single control system or may be implemented in combination with a wobbling cycle.

[00124] The coil winding system according to the invention is simple and economical to implement, since, compared to traditional winding systems, it only requires the installation of the diverter element and the adjustment means thereof. As described, such components may be manufactured and installed in a mechanically very simple way.

[00125] Advantageously, the small size of the diverter element relative to a spiral guide makes it possible to adapt the diverter element to the section of the processed hot-rolled product L and to provide for its rapid replacement both in the event of wear and in the event of a change of format of the hot-rolled product to be wound in a reel.

[00126] The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the foregoing objects.

[00127] Obviously, in its practical implementation, it may also be assumed to take on embodiments and configurations other than those described above without departing from the present scope of protection.

[00128] Moreover, all details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements, and the dimensions, shapes and materials used may be of any kind according to the need.