Position-measuring method and device adapted for the positioning of a wheel

A position-measuring method for positioning a wheel in a mash seam resistance welding process for butt-joining steel strips on a continuous processing line, the method which comprises:

• a) positioning a rotary roller which is fastened to a movable frame in a measuring position vertically below a reference wheel;
• b) continuously lowering the reference wheel in a vertical direction so that a lower surface thereof comes into contact with the rotary roller and produces a bearing force on the roller;
• c) continuously moving the roller in the vertical direction;
• d) repeatedly measuring a distance between an index that is secured to a measuring arm of the movable frame and an articulated post fixed to the movable frame during the continuous movement;
• e) comparing the distance with a distance threshold for each of the repeated measurements until the reference wheel reaches a first operating position in which the distance is equal to a predefined factor of the distance threshold;
• and
• f) recording the first operating position as a reference point in a system for the vertical movement of the reference wheel.

A measuring device adapted for positioning the wheels of a mash seam resistance welding machine for butt-joining steel strips on a continuous processing line, comprising:

• a tiltable frame and an hydraulic cylinder for actuating said tiltable frame from a position of repose to an active measuring position;
• said tiltable frame including an articulated post and a measuring arm articulated on said post, and a resilient return member coupling said arm to said post;
• a rotary roller carried by said measuring arm;
• a position detection and measuring device fixed to said frame;
• an index fixed to said measuring arm, said index having a length enabling a position thereof to be detected by said position detection and measuring device;
• a device stop disposed to mechanically block a movement of said frame beyond the active measuring position;
• and
• a stop affixed to said post and disposed to oppose said resilient return member to prevent a return of said measuring arm beyond the parking position.