Apparatus and method for flexible rolling of metal strip

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for processing metal strips, comprising: a feeding unit (3) for feeding a strip (4); a strip drive (5, 5'), the strip drive comprising at least one controllable traction device drive unit (10, 10') with a support (17) and a motor (13, 13'), a driven endless traction device (14, 14'), and a pressing unit (11, 11'), wherein the power of the motor (13, 13') and the The pressing force (F1, F2, F5, F6) of the pressing unit (11, 11') can be variably adjusted; a rolling device (6) for flexible rolling; a measuring device (7, 35, 36) for detecting physical parameters (F4, F6, s) of a component acting on the strip (4); wherein the drive power of the motor (13, 13') can be adjusted based on the physical parameters (F4, F6, s) determined by the measuring device (7, 35, 36). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for processing a strip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for flexible rolling of metal strips Background Art

[0002] In flexible rolling, a strip with a substantially uniform sheet thickness is rolled into a strip with a variable sheet thickness over its length by changing the roll gap during the process. The sections of different thickness produced by flexible rolling extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip or the rolling direction. After flexible rolling, the strip can be easily re-rolled into a coil and sent elsewhere for further processing, or it can be directly further processed, for example, the strip can be cut into individual sheet elements.

[0003] DE 103 15 357 A1 describes a method for flexible rolling of metal strips, which comprises: a first winding device for unwinding, from which a strip having a determined initial strip thickness is rolled out; a rolling stand with an adjustable rolling gap, and a second winding device for winding, to which the rolled strip having a final strip thickness reduced compared to the initial strip thickness is wound. A first strip storage device is provided between the first winding device and the rolling stand, and a second strip storage device is provided between the rolling stand and the second winding device. The strip storage devices each comprise a plurality of rollers, by means of which the strip is guided in the form of an "S" with at least partially superimposed arcs. By means of an adjustable movement of at least one roller of the strip storage device, the S is deformed so that the length of the metal strip changes between the entry into the strip storage device and the exit from the strip storage device. Such a strip storage device with a plurality of rollers is also referred to as a jumping (floating) system.

[0004] EP 3 216 537 A2 describes a device for transporting long metal products, in particular strips, coils (frames, coiled wires), tubes or profiles. The device comprises: two controllable chain drive units, each of which has (one) endless chain to guide the long product to pass between them; two controllable clamping units, which respectively apply a clamping force to the corresponding chain in the direction of the long product; and a controllable adjustment unit, which is mechanically connected to the chain drive unit and can move the chain drive unit in the longitudinal direction of the long product. The adjustment unit includes a variable-length linear drive in the form of a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit. By operating the piston-cylinder unit, the chain drive unit moves relative to the fixed component along the feed direction of the strip or in the opposite direction. The chain drive unit includes a bracket, a drive roller, a deflection roller and a motor that drives each chain evenly.

[0005] DE 299 09 850 U1 describes a device for pulling or braking a metal belt between two endlessly circulating chain systems, which are arranged opposite each other and driven by sprockets. The chain systems clamp the belt with wheel-shaped roller blocks, which are guided on the strips in a linear carrying area. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for the flexible rolling of metal strips which has a simple construction, requires little space and can be integrated into a process chain with other processing devices if necessary. The object is also to provide a corresponding method which allows efficient production of flexible rolled strips or components produced therefrom.

[0007] As a solution, a device for processing a metal strip is proposed, which comprises: a feed unit for feeding a metal strip; a strip drive device, which comprises at least one controllable traction device drive unit, the traction device drive unit having at least one motor and an endless traction device that can be driven by the motor, and a pressing unit for pressing the traction device against the strip, wherein the drive power of the motor and the pressing force of the pressing unit can be variably adjusted during operation, so that the drive force exerted by the traction device on the strip under friction contact can be variably adjusted; a roller device for flexibly rolling the strip in order to produce a variable plate (sheet) thickness over the length of the strip; a measuring device, in particular a tension measuring device, which is arranged or constructed to detect a physical parameter acting on the strip, in particular an inlet (introduction / feeding) tension; wherein the drive power of the motor of the strip drive device can be adjusted as a function of the physical parameter determined by the measuring device. The traction device drive unit is held fixedly, in particular in the longitudinal direction, for example, on a support element or a housing. By changing the driving power or driving moment (torque) of the motor driving the endless traction device in rotation, the driving force exerted by the traction device on the strip can be variably adjusted as required.

[0008] The advantage of the device is that it has a simple and compact design due to the use of a traction drive unit. The entry tension, i.e. the tension acting on the strip at the entry side of the rolling arrangement, can be adjusted directly by controlling the drive power of the motor. The belt drive requires no or only a small displacement, which has an overall favorable effect on the space requirement of the device. Even with a small available space, the device can be integrated into a process chain with other processing devices. In particular, further processing steps can be carried out upstream and / or downstream, because the tension upstream of the traction drive unit before the rolling arrangement or downstream of the traction drive unit after the rolling arrangement is independent of the process tension in the area of ​​the rolling arrangement. If a strip storage unit is used before the rolling arrangement, other units that are originally required, such as a jumping unit or a winding (vibration) unit, can be omitted if necessary. In flexible rolling, the hydraulic adjustment of the working rolls is the main process, which can be achieved by thickness control, position control or mass flow control. In this case, strong changes in process parameters such as tension, speed and rolling force occur. By means of the fixedly arranged drive chain unit according to the invention, which has a pressing force on the strip and a variable drive power of the motor for varying the rotational speed of the pulling device, these variations can be coordinated in terms of process technology.

[0009] In the context of the present disclosure, a traction device drive unit is understood to mean in particular a drive unit which transmits drive power (rotational speed and torque) by means of an impact-bending (compliant) or flexible machine element. Such flexible machine elements can essentially transmit tensile forces and are therefore also referred to as traction devices. Preferably, form-fitting traction devices such as chains or toothed belts are used, which always have the same circumferential speed over the circumference. Thus, a drive unit with a chain as traction device may be referred to as a chain drive; a drive unit with a toothed belt may be referred to as a toothed belt drive.

[0010] According to a possible embodiment, the second belt drive can be arranged after (downstream) the roller device in the direction of movement of the strip. The advantage of using the second belt drive is that the processing or transportation direction of the strip can also be reversed. In this case, the second belt drive is located in front of the roller device in the direction of movement of the strip, while the first belt drive is behind the roller device. In a possible specific embodiment, the second belt drive can be supported on a fixed component by at least one elastic (spring) unit. Here, the driving power of the motor of the second belt drive can be kept constant. Any element suitable for absorbing, storing and releasing external forces can be used as an elastic (spring) unit. For example, mechanical, hydraulic, electric or pneumatic springs or accumulators can be used as elastic units.

[0011] When two belt drives are used, i.e. one in front of the roller unit and one behind it, the speeds of the two belt drives can be adjusted according to the volume constant of the strip. Alternatively, a control with constant stretch (elongation) is also possible, i.e. the drive speed of the strip drive located downstream in the transport direction of the strip is slightly faster than the drive speed of the drive located upstream. Taking into account the volume constant, the speed difference between the two drives can be, for example, up to 3%.

[0012] The two belt drives are preferably of identical design in terms of structure and mode of operation. It is therefore understood that all details described within the scope of the present disclosure for one of the two belt drives or its individual components are equally applicable to the second belt drive, unless otherwise stated. In particular, the second belt drive also comprises at least one controllable traction device drive unit having a motor, an endless traction device that can be rotationally driven by the motor, and a pressing unit for pressing the traction device against the strip. The traction device comprises, in particular, a form-fitting machine element, such as a chain or a toothed belt.

[0013] By controlling the motor drive power on the basis of a physical parameter representative of the rolling process, the tension acting on the strip can be adjusted as required to support the rolling process for producing the desired thickness curve of the strip. In general, different control concepts (control concepts) of the flexible roller arrangement are possible here, so that different physical parameters of the device components acting on the strip can also be measured accordingly and used to control the motor drive power. According to a first possibility, the measuring device can be designed as a tension measuring device, which can be arranged between the belt drive and the roller arrangement in order to detect the entry tension acting on the strip as a physical parameter. According to an alternative or supplementary possibility, a force measuring device can be provided, which can detect a signal representative of the rolling force of the roller arrangement as a physical parameter. According to an alternative or supplementary possibility, a position measuring device can be provided, which can be arranged at an adjustment unit for the rollers in order to detect the adjustment position of the adjustment unit for the rollers (as a physical parameter).

[0014] According to one embodiment, a second tension measuring device can be arranged between the roller arrangement and the second belt drive device to detect the exit tension acting on the strip at the exit side. The drive power of the motor of the second belt drive device can be adjusted in particular as a function of the exit tension determined by the second tension measuring device.

[0015] Furthermore, a tape storage device can be arranged between the second tape drive and the downstream processing device, in which tape storage device the tape material can be stored while passing between a storage inlet and a storage outlet.

[0016] In at least one of the tension measuring devices, i.e. the first and / or the second tension measuring device, the pressing force of the corresponding pressing unit can be adjusted as a function of the tension determined by the corresponding tension measuring device. In particular, the drive power of the motor and / or the pressing force of the pressing unit can be variably adjusted during operation, so that the target tension exerted by the traction device on the strip under frictional contact can be variably adjusted.

[0017] According to one possible embodiment, a strip storage device is provided in which the strip can be stored while passing between the storage inlet and the storage outlet. In this embodiment, the jumping unit and / or the winding (vibration) unit can be omitted if necessary. The strip storage device can have a vertical storage device, a horizontal storage device or a winding (rotating) storage device. The vertical storage device is characterized in that the strip is stored in the vertical direction, and the space requirement in the horizontal direction is correspondingly small. The horizontal storage device stores the strip in the horizontal direction, and the space requirement in the vertical direction is correspondingly small.

[0018] The motor of the traction device drive unit generates a rotary motion for rotating the traction device. In this regard, the motor may also be referred to as a rotary drive or a rotary motor. The driving power of the rotary drive is particularly derived from the product of the rotational speed and the torque. Therefore, the motor driving power can be changed by changing the driving torque and / or the driving speed. The (one or more) motors may be designed as hydraulic motors or electric motors, in particular hydraulic or electric direct drives. For example, a torque motor may be used as an electric direct drive. Such hydraulic or electric motors allow high torques to be achieved at relatively low rotational speeds and have a high degree of dynamic adjustability. Preferably, the belt drive or the individual components of the belt drive are configured to accelerate and / or brake (decelerate) the belt at least 3 m / s2.

[0019] For example, the belt drive may be configured to generate a force of at least 1 N / mm relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the belt. 2 The tensile force is preferably at least 10N / mm 2 and / or less than 120N / mm 2 When using a relatively strong strip, for example a strip made of steel, the strip drive may be configured to generate a force of at least 50 N / mm relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the strip. 2 and / or less than 120N / mm 2 For strips with lower tensile strength, such as strips made of aluminum, the belt drive can be designed to generate a lower tensile force, for example up to 90 N / mm 2 .

[0020] The belt drive may have a drivable first shaft, the first shaft being rotatably driven by a motor to transmit a driving torque to the traction device, and a second shaft being rotationally driven by the traction device. Here, one or two motors may be provided to drive the first shaft. If two motors are used, they may be controlled independently or dependently of each other, wherein the two motors may be driven synchronously with each other to jointly drive the first shaft.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device may include two controllable traction device drive units, between which the strip can pass under frictional contact, so that when the traction device drive unit is in operation, the strip moves in the direction of motion of the traction device section in contact with the strip. The two traction drive units may be of the same design in structure and mode of operation. In the case where two motors are used in each drive unit, the belt drive has a total of four motors. The two traction device drive units may each have a corresponding clamping unit, and the clamping force is applied to the corresponding traction device in the direction toward the strip. Alternatively, a single clamping unit may be provided, which can press the two traction device drive units toward each other or move them away from each other. For example, the clamping unit may have one or more linear drives, in particular a piston-cylinder unit, which can generate a force transverse to the belt direction.

[0022] According to a possible embodiment, the traction device drive unit may include a plurality of interconnected traction device components, which constitute an endless traction device. In addition, the two traction device drive units may each have a bracket, a drive wheel and a steering wheel or a steering roller, and the endless traction device is arranged in a manner of rotating around them. The drive wheel and the steering wheel are rotatably supported at the first bracket and spaced apart from each other. The drive wheel that can be driven by the motor to rotate is preferably engaged with the traction device in a form-fitting manner to transmit the torque from the motor to the traction device. The traction device may have a plurality of circumferentially distributed friction bodies. The friction body is particularly configured so that when the traction device rotates, the friction body and the strip are in friction contact and the strip clamped between the two oppositely disposed traction device structures moves in the feed direction. One or more friction bodies can be arranged at one of the traction device components respectively. In particular, it is provided that the friction bodies each have a friction lining, which is matched with the material of the strip so as to generate static friction between the friction lining and the strip. By adjusting the forces and materials of the components involved in the movement in such a way that essentially only static friction occurs on the strip, wear is kept to a low level and the surface of the strip is protected.

[0023] One or more further processing devices may be provided. For example, a processing device, in particular a belt cleaning unit, may be arranged between the feed unit and the belt drive.

[0024] According to a preferred design, a control unit is provided for controlling the feed speed and / or the tension of the strip. For this purpose, the control unit can control one or more components of one or more belt drives. In particular, the control unit can control at least the drive motor and the clamping unit and be connected to the above-mentioned units for these purposes in terms of control technology. In this regard, it is particularly provided that each individual control variable can be adjusted individually by the control unit. In addition, the individual control parameters can preferably be adjusted steplessly between a maximum value and a minimum value.

[0025] The object is also achieved by a method for processing a metal strip, the method comprising the following steps: driving the strip by means of a belt drive, wherein the strip is unwound by a feed unit and fed to a downstream device for flexible rolling, wherein the belt drive comprises at least one controllable traction device drive unit having a motor, an endless traction device drivable by the motor, and a clamping unit for pressing the traction device against the strip; sensing an entry tension acting on the strip by means of a tension measuring device arranged between the belt drive and the device for flexible rolling; and regulating the power of the motor of the belt drive as a function of the entry tension determined by the tension measuring device.

[0026] The process offers similar advantages to those already described above in connection with the equipment, which are mentioned here in an abbreviated manner. The method can compensate for speed differences or path differences between different equipment sections, for example between equipment sections arranged before and after a rolling unit, or keep the tension acting on the strip substantially constant.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the pressing force of the pressing unit is adjusted as a function of the inlet tension determined by the tension measuring device. In this case, the drive power of the motor and the pressing force of the pressing unit can be adjusted in particular so that the driving force exerted on the strip by the belt drive is dynamically controlled in the range of 1 to 120 N / mm with respect to the cross section of the strip. 2 between.

[0028] According to a possible method embodiment, the strip can be driven by a second belt drive arranged behind the roller device in the direction of movement of the strip. In this case, the second belt drive can have at least one controllable traction device drive unit, which has a motor, an endless traction device that can be driven by the motor, and a clamping unit for pressing the traction device against the strip. Therefore, the exit tension acting on the strip can be determined by a second tension measuring device arranged between the roller device and the second belt drive. The drive power of the motor of the second belt drive can be adjusted to a constant value. As an alternative or in addition, the clamping force of the clamping unit of the second belt drive can be adjusted according to the exit tension determined by the second tension measuring device.

[0029] In general, the method can be used to control the device so that the speed and / or force of the strip is adapted in a suitable manner to the requirements of the upstream and / or downstream processes. For example, at least one belt drive can be controlled so that on one side, i.e. the inlet (feed) side or the outlet (discharge) side, the longitudinal force acting on the strip is zero, while on the other side a target tension required for the corresponding process is applied. The advantage of setting a zero tension is that no further devices are required to apply the basic tension. It goes without saying that other tensions between zero and the target force can also be set. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The preferred implementation form is explained below based on the accompanying drawings. Shown in the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 An embodiment of the apparatus for processing a metal strip according to the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the apparatus for processing a metal strip according to the invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A further embodiment of the apparatus for processing a metal strip according to the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An embodiment of a device for processing a metal strip not according to the invention is shown

[0035] Figure 5A , Figure 5B Schematically shows the Figure 1 , 2 and / or 3. A variant embodiment of the belt drive device of the device

[0036] A) Three-dimensional image;

[0037] B) side view;

[0038] Figure 6 A first embodiment of a storage unit for a device according to the invention is shown; and

[0039] Figure 7 A further embodiment of a storage unit for the device according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 The device 2 for processing a metal strip according to the invention is shown. The device 2 has a feed unit 3 for feeding a metal strip 4, a strip drive 5, a roller arrangement 6 for flexibly rolling the strip 4, and a tension measuring device 7. Optionally, a strip processing unit 8 and / or a strip storage unit 9 may be provided between the feed unit 3 and the roller arrangement 6.

[0041] The feeding unit 3 can be any unit that provides or feeds the strip 4 for further processing steps. For example, a winding device (reel) can be used, in particular a lightweight winding device (reel), which can be designed to basically carry the coil and apply the winding tension required for the subsequent process, in particular, which can be less than 10N / mm 2 , but it is not necessary to apply a winding tension exceeding this value.

[0042] Depending on technical requirements, an optional downstream strip processing unit 8 can be integrated into the device. For example, a cleaning unit and / or a welding unit for longitudinal or transverse welding of two fed coils can be provided as additional strip processing units.

[0043] Furthermore, a strip storage unit 9 is optionally provided between the feed unit 3 and the roller unit 6, which is designed to temporarily store (multiple) sections of the strip 4 when the strip 4 passes between the storage inlet and the storage outlet, in order to compensate for speed fluctuations when transporting the strip 4. The strip storage unit 9 is primarily designed as a vertical storage, but other embodiments are also possible.

[0044] The belt drive 5 mainly comprises several functional units, which in particular cooperate in pairs, namely first and second traction device drive units 10, 10', and first and second clamping units 11, 11'. The two clamping units 11, 11' can be designed to act on the (one) traction device drive unit or act on both traction device drive units 10, 10' together. A control unit 12 is also provided for controlling process parameters that influence the transport, in particular the feed speed v3 of the strip and / or the tension F3, F4 of the strip 4. It should be understood that only one traction device drive unit or clamping unit can also be provided.

[0045] The traction device drive units 10, 10' each have (one) motor 13, 13' and (one) endless traction device 14, 14' that can be driven by the motor. The motors 13, 13' can be driven and connected to drive wheels 15, 15', which transmit the driving power (driving force) of the motor to the traction devices 14, 14'. The traction device can be designed as a chain or a toothed belt. The traction device drive units 10, 10' can have steering wheels 16, 16' at the opposite ends of the drive wheels 15, 15'. The corresponding traction device drive units 10, 10' or the corresponding traction devices 14, 14' are loaded onto the strip 4 through the corresponding clamping units 11, 11'. When a clamping unit that acts together on the strip is used, the two traction device drive units 10, 10' can move relative to each other in the transverse direction of the strip 4. The drive power (drive force) of the motors 13, 13' and / or the pressing force of the pressing units 11, 11' can be variably adjusted during operation so that the drive force acting on the strip 4 by the traction devices 14, 14' under frictional contact can be variably adjusted. The drive power (drive force) of the motors 13, 13' is used in particular based on the tension (traction force) F4 determined at the inlet of the rolling unit 6, it being understood that other input parameters such as the strip speed and / or the roll gap position can be used.

[0046] The traction device drive unit 10, 10' remains stationary (fixed) in the longitudinal direction of the strip 4. A support 17 is provided, on which the drive wheels 15, 15' and the steering wheels 16, 16' of the traction device drive unit are supported rotatably around the rotation axis A15, A16 and spaced apart from each other. Alternatively, the traction device drive unit 10, 10' can be arranged fixedly in the longitudinal direction and adjustable in height in the transverse direction at the support 17 as a whole. The support 17 can be, for example, a base frame (frame). The support 17 can be fixedly erected or fixed at the building part, in particular by corresponding supports 33, 33'. The drive wheels 15, 15' can be driven to rotate by the associated motor 13, 13' and transmit the torque introduced by the motor to the respective traction device 14, 14'. For this purpose, suitable form-fitting devices can be provided on the drive rollers 15, 15', which form-fitting devices are meshed in the opposite (reverse) form-fitting devices of the traction devices 14, 14'. The clamping units 11, 11' can also be mounted on or supported on the bracket 17. Here, a bracket 17 is provided for both traction device drive units 10, 10' and the clamping units 11, 11', wherein separate brackets can also be provided for the upper and lower units.

[0047] For example, one or more motors 13, 13' can be designed as hydraulic motors or electric motors, in particular torque motors. The motors 13, 13' are preferably designed to generate high torques and are highly dynamically adjustable. In particular, the motors 13, 13' and the drive components downstream (connected behind) along the power path (dynamic path) are designed or configured so that the strip 4 can be accelerated or decelerated at a speed of at least 3 m / s2. In order to feed uniformly or introduce forces uniformly on both sides of the upper and lower sides of the strip 4, the first motor 13 for driving the first traction device 14 and the second motor 13' for driving the second traction device 14' are particularly synchronously operated so that the two traction devices 14, 14' move at the same turnover speed v14, v14'.

[0048] The belt drive 5 or its components are particularly designed to generate a force of at least 1 N / mm with respect to the cross-sectional area of ​​the strip 4. 2 , preferably at least 10 N / mm 2 and / or less than 120N / mm 2 The first drive wheel or the first shaft can be driven by one or two motors 13, 13'. If two motors are used, they can be controlled independently of each other so that one of the two motors can be driven permanently and the other can be activated as needed.

[0049] The traction devices 14, 14' each have a plurality of traction device components connected to one another. Each traction device component can have one or more friction bodies 18, 18', which are designed to come into frictional contact with the strip 4 during the pivoting movement of the traction devices 14, 14' and to move the strip 4 thus clamped between the two opposite traction device structures in the feed direction R. The friction bodies 18, 18' are designed or adapted to the material of the strip so that static friction is generated between the friction bodies and the strip 4. For transporting a strip 4 made of a metallic material, in particular steel, the friction lining can contain in particular metallic components, such as copper, brass, iron, grey cast iron, respectively in powder or fiber form, mineral fibers and / or sulfides of iron, copper, antimony, zinc, tin, molybdenum and / or components made of plastic, which can be embedded in a carrier material, in particular a carrier material made of rubber.

[0050] The traction device sections 19, 19', which are in frictional contact with the strip 4, are loaded by the corresponding pressing units 11, 11' with pressing forces F11, F11' in the direction of the strip 4, i.e. in the normal direction of the strip. It can be seen that the two pressing units 11, 11' are arranged so that the pressing forces F11, F11' are directed toward each other. The intensity of the pressing force can be adjusted variably so that the friction force between the friction bodies 18, 18' and the strip 4 (depending on the normal force) can also be changed accordingly.

[0051] The clamping units 11, 11' can each have a plurality of roller bodies 20, 20', which are rotatably supported on the support plates 18, 18'. The roller bodies 20, 20' act on the side of the traction device component away from the strip 4 and load the traction device component in the direction toward the strip 4. The clamping force F11, F11' is generated by an adjustment (servo) drive (not shown), such as a hydraulic press. The adjustment (servo) drive is connected to an electronic control unit in terms of control technology, and the transportation process is controlled by means of the electronic control unit. In particular, it is provided that the size of the clamping force F11, F11' can be variably adjusted between a maximum value and a minimum value as required by the control unit. The two clamping units 11, 11' can directly interact (load) with each other through one or more adjustment (servo) drives, and the adjustment (servo) drives are respectively supported at the two clamping units. Alternatively, a separate adjustment (servo) drive can also be provided for each clamping unit, and the adjustment (servo) drive is supported at a fixed component.

[0052] A tension measuring device 7 is provided behind the belt drive 5, which is configured to measure the tension F4 acting on the strip 4 between the belt drive 5 and the roller arrangement 6. The tension measuring device 7 can also be arranged at another suitable position, for example, in the belt drive 5. The tension F4 determined here is used as an input parameter for adjusting the drive power of the motor 13, 13' of the belt drive 5, but it can be understood that other input parameters can be added.

[0053] A rolling unit 6 for flexible rolling is provided behind the tension measuring device 7 in the processing direction. During flexible rolling, the strip 4, which has a plate (sheet) thickness that is constant to the greatest extent in length before flexible rolling, is rolled by means of rollers 21, 21' so that it obtains a plate (sheet) thickness that is variable in length in the rolling direction. The working rollers 21, 21' are supported by means of support rollers 22, 22'. Here, the rolling device 6 applies a rolling force F6 to the strip 4, wherein the working rollers 21, 21' are supported by the support rollers with a support force that can correspond to the rolling force. During rolling, the process is monitored and controlled, wherein the data determined by the plate (sheet) thickness measuring unit 23 can be used as an input signal for controlling the rollers 21, 21'. After flexible rolling, the strip 4 has different thicknesses in the rolling direction. Starting from a base plate with a uniform thickness over its length, the strip can be rolled with a rolling degree of 3% to more than 40%, in particular also with a rolling degree of more than 50% in some sections. The initial thickness of the base plate can be, for example, between 0.7 mm and 4.0 mm, but is not limited thereto. The flexibly rolled material has thicker strip sections and thinner strip sections of correspondingly reduced thickness, which are produced according to a predefined target thickness profile.

[0054] The advantage of the device 2 is that a very compact arrangement (structure) can be provided by means of the belt drive 5 with the traction device drive unit 10, 10' and the regulated drive power M1, M2 or variable drive torque of the motor 13, 13' to generate the variable counter-tension required for flexible rolling. This results in a relatively short overall size of the device, independent of any downstream (following) processes. In addition, the belt drive 5 can provide a constant rolling tension F4 at the inlet side of the rolling unit 4 by directly regulating the drive power through rapid acceleration or deceleration. This is important in flexible rolling because, from a process technology perspective, the thickness variation of the strip leads to periodic strip jams. Without further measures, such strip jams (stuck) at the inlet side of the flexible rolling device 6 would lead to a drop in the strip tension. However, by continuously measuring the tension F4 and correspondingly regulating the drive power of the motor 13, 13', i.e. accelerating or braking (decelerating) as required, the tension acting on the strip 4 is kept constant.

[0055] Using the device 2, the method for processing a metal strip according to the present invention can be performed by the following steps: driving the strip by means of a belt drive 5, wherein the strip 4 is unrolled by the feeding unit 3 and sent to a downstream rolling device 6 for flexible rolling; sensing the physical parameters F4, F6 of the equipment components acting on the strip 4 by means of a suitable measuring device 7; and adjusting the driving power of the (one or more) motors 13, 13' of the belt drive 5 according to the determined physical parameters F4, F6.

[0056] Figure 2 A further embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention is shown. Figure 2 The various units of the implementation plan and Figure 1 The same or corresponding details have the same meaning as in the examples in the examples in the literature. Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0057] according to Figure 2 The special feature of this embodiment is that a belt drive 5 with a traction device drive unit 10, 10' is used behind the flexible roller device 6 in the processing direction of the strip 4. The belt drive 5 corresponds to Figure 1 The belt drive device 5 is therefore referred to in brief above.

[0058] A tension measuring device 7' can be arranged behind the flexible roller device 6, i.e. between the roller device and the belt drive 5', to detect the exit (lead-out / discharge) tension F7 acting on the strip 4 at the exit side. The drive power or drive torque M3, M4 of the motors 13, 13' of the downstream (downstream) belt drive 5' can be adjusted, in particular, as a function of the exit (lead-out / discharge) tension F7 determined by the tension measuring device 7'.

[0059] As in the previous embodiments, the belt drive 5 ′ is fixedly fastened to a stationary structure, for example to a building part, which is schematically indicated by supports 33 , 33 ′.

[0060] A belt storage unit 9 ′ is optionally provided downstream of the belt drive 5 ′, in which the belt 4 can be temporarily stored while it passes through.

[0061] Further processing units 26 such as winding devices, forming tools, in particular for producing tubes and / or cutting devices for separating the strip or the tubes produced therefrom can be provided downstream of the strip storage unit 9 ′.

[0062] In accordance with Figure 1 and / or according to Figure 2 In the embodiment, it is particularly provided that the torque of the traction device drive unit 10 is dynamically changed as the adjustment variable, so that the constant rolling tension F4, F7 required on the inlet side or the outlet side is adjusted as the adjustment variable, for example, at 50 to 90 N / mm2 by the fastest acceleration or braking (deceleration), for example, at 3 to 4 m / s2. 2 The other process parameters are generated here: speed v3 and rolling force F6. The dynamic change of the control variables is important in flexible rolling, because from a process technology point of view, periodic strip jams can occur in front of the roller 6, which leads to a collapse (destruction) of the strip tension. By direct tension measurement of the traction force F4 or F7, the required acceleration or braking is determined and given. Depending on the force requirement, the two shafts of the traction device drive unit 10, 10' are driven by means of one or more corresponding motors.

[0063] Instead of according to Figure 1 and Figure 2The processes described, in which the strip tension as a regulating variable is kept as constant as possible, can also be, according to an alternative embodiment, a rolling force F6 which is kept as constant as possible. Here, the drive power M1, M2 or the torque of the motor 15, 15' is also dynamically changed as a controlled variable (regulating variable) in order to achieve a rolling force reduction (F6) by increasing the tension (F4, F7), or to achieve an increase in the rolling force by reducing the tension. The speed v3 of the strip 3 and the tension F4 or F7 are also generated accordingly. Here, the rolling force F6 is continuously measured by a rolling force measuring unit 35. According to another alternative or supplementary embodiment, a position measuring device 36 can be provided, which can be arranged at the adjustment unit for the rollers 20, 20', 21, 21' to detect the adjustment position s of the adjustment unit for one or more rollers as a physical parameter.

[0064] exist Figure 3 Another embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. Figure 3 The structure corresponds largely to Figure 1 The structure and Figure 2 The same or corresponding details have the same meaning as above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0065] The characteristic of this embodiment is that the first belt drive device 5 is arranged in front of the flexible roller device 6, and the second belt drive device 5' is arranged behind the roller device 6. Figure 3 The device 2 for processing metal strip comprises, in particular, the following units in the processing direction of the strip 4: a feeding unit 3, a first belt drive 27, a first belt storage unit 9, a first roller unit 28, a first belt drive device 5, a first tension measuring device 7, a first measuring unit 23 for measuring strip thickness and / or strip speed, a first squeezing unit 29, a roller device 6 for flexible rolling, a second squeezing unit 29', a second measuring unit 29 for measuring strip thickness and / or strip speed, a second tension measuring device 7', a second belt drive device 5, a second roller unit 28, a second belt storage unit 9, a second belt drive 27 and / or a third measuring unit 23 for measuring strip thickness and / or strip speed. The squeezing units (squeezing units) 29, 29' are used to squeeze out the lubricating fluid used during rolling.

[0066] The first belt drive 5 may be as follows Figure 1 as implemented in Figure 1 The second belt drive device 5' can be as follows Figure 2 as implemented in Figure 2Due to the use of belt drives 5, 5' with traction device drives 10, 10' and drive regulation by rotary motors (electric machines) 13, 13', according to Figure 3 The device has a particularly short device length, in particular, can be less than 25 meters. Other processing units, such as cutting units or welding units, can be arranged behind the third measuring unit 23 ".

[0067] Figure 4 An alternative or supplementary embodiment of the device 2 is shown. Figure 4 The units of the embodiment correspond to Figure 1 The same or corresponding details are hereby given the same Figure 1 The same reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0068] according to Figure 4 The special feature of this embodiment is that a belt drive 5 with a traction device drive unit 10, 10' is used behind the flexible roller device 6 in the processing direction of the strip 4. The belt drive 5 corresponds to Figure 1 The belt drive device is therefore referred to above for brevity.

[0069] A tension measuring device 7' can be arranged behind the flexible roller device 6, i.e. between the roller device and the belt drive 5', to detect the outlet (discharge / discharge) tension F7 acting on the strip 4 at the discharge side. The drive powers M3, M4 of the motors 13, 13' of the downstream (following) belt drive 5' can be adjusted, in particular, as a function of the outlet (discharge / discharge) tension F7 determined by the tension measuring device 7'.

[0070] In this embodiment, the belt drive 5' can move along the belt 4 within a limited range. To this end, the belt drive 5' is supported on the fixed components 25, 25' by elastic (spring) structures 24, 24'. The elastic (spring) structures 24, 24' allow elastic mobility of the belt drive 5' in the belt direction R or opposite to this direction, which is schematically shown by arrows P, P'. The present invention provides a separate elastic structure 24, 24' for each traction device drive unit 10, 10', one end of which is supported at the bracket 17, 17' of the drive unit 10, 10' and the other end is supported at the fixed component. Alternatively, only one elastic (spring) system can be provided, which can be supported, for example, at the bracket of the belt drive 5'.

[0071] In accordance with Figure 4In the structure of the present invention, due to the elasticity of the pulling device drive structure connected to the elastic (spring) structure 24, 24', a buffering of the strip jams that occur in connection with the flexible rolling process can be achieved at the exit side of the roller gap, i.e. behind the roller unit 6. Since the strip jams or the fluctuations of the strip tension F7, F8 at the exit side of the rolling device are much lower than before, it is not necessary to dynamically adjust the drive power of the motor 13, 13'. Rather, the motor here can be operated with a constant drive power or a constant drive moment (torque) M3, M4.

[0072] After the belt drive 5 ′ with the spring bearing, a belt storage unit 9 ′ is optionally provided, in which the belt 4 can be (temporarily) stored while it is passing.

[0073] Following the strip storage unit 9 ′, further processing units 26 may be provided, such as a winding device, a forming tool, in particular for producing tubes, and / or a cutting device for separating the strip or the tubes produced therefrom.

[0074] In another embodiment according to the present invention, Figure 1 Equipment and basis Figure 4 The devices can be arranged one after another and together form an overall device.

[0075] In the commonly described Figure 5A and 5B In the figure, a belt drive device 5 is shown in a slightly modified embodiment, which can be used according to Figure 1 , 2 and / or 3 devices. Figure 5A , 5B The belt drive shown is largely similar to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiments shown correspond to each other, and their description refers to the common points in this respect. Details that are identical or correspond to one another are provided here with the same reference numerals as in the previous figures.

[0076] The traction device drive unit 10, 10' is fixedly held on a support 17 in the longitudinal direction R of the strip 4 and movably held in the transverse direction H of the strip. The support 17 is designed as a base frame or frame fixedly mounted (erected) at a building part. The traction device drive unit 10, 10' has a support 34, 34', respectively, and the corresponding drive wheels 15, 15'; the steering wheels 16, 16'; the traction device 14, 14' and the motor 15, 15' are mounted on the support 34, 34' and respectively form a unit. The drive wheels 15, 15' can be driven to rotate by the corresponding motor 13, 13' and transmit the torque introduced by the motor to the corresponding traction device 14, 14'. The pressing unit 11, 11' is also mounted on the support 17 or supported on the support 17. Here, in this embodiment, a pressing unit 11, 11' is provided on each side of the support 17, which can load the traction device drive unit 10, 10' toward each other or away from each other. For this purpose, each of the two pressing units 11, 11' is engaged with the upper support 34 on the one hand and with the lower support 34' on the other hand, so that they can be pressed against each other (loaded relative to each other) in the vertical direction H and can exert pressing forces F1, F2 on the strip 4 passing between the traction device drive units 10, 10'. The supports 34, 34' are each height-adjustable, i.e. guided in the frame 17 in the transverse direction H and fixed in the frame in the longitudinal direction L. The forces F1, F2 acting between the supports 34, 34' correspond to each other. The pressing units 11, 11' can be designed as linear drives, in particular as hydraulic piston-cylinder units.

[0077] Figure 6 A strip storage unit 9 is shown for an apparatus 2 according to one embodiment of the invention. The strip storage unit 9 of the invention is designed in the form of a vertical storage and comprises a plurality of rollers 30, 30', at least one of which is vertically movable. By vertically moving the roller 30', the path that the strip can pass between the entry (feed) roller 31 and the exit (discharge) roller 32 is changed. In this way, a strip storage is formed in which strip jams that occur during the processing process, during flexible rolling, can be buffered. In this case, the displacement path of the strip storage unit 9 or of the (one or more) movable rollers 30' is particularly designed to achieve a length compensation of at least 100 mm and / or up to 1000 mm. At the exit side, i.e. behind the flexible rolling unit 6, the strip storage unit can be omitted. The cases of strip jams are relatively rare here and can optionally be avoided by using a method according to Figure 4 The belt drive 5' is damped by the elasticity of the traction device structure connected to the elastic (spring) structure 24, 24'.

[0078] Figure 7A strip storage unit 9 is shown in another embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the strip storage unit 9 is designed in the form of a horizontal storage and comprises a number of rollers 30, 30', at least one of which is movable in a horizontal plane. The horizontal movement of the (one or more) rollers 30' changes the path that the strip can pass between the (one or more) inlet (feed) rollers 31 and the (one or more) outlet (discharge) rollers 32. By forming a strip storage in this way, strip blockages that occur during processing and during flexible rolling can be buffered in the strip storage. In this case, the displacement path of the strip storage unit 9 or the (one or more) movable rollers 30' is particularly designed to achieve a length compensation of at least 100 mm and / or up to 1000 mm. At the outlet side, i.e. behind the flexible rolling unit 6, the strip storage unit can be omitted. The case of strip blockage is relatively rare here and can be optionally avoided by using a method according to Figure 4 The belt drive 5' is damped by the elasticity of the traction device structure connected to the elastic structure 24, 24'.

[0079] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The belt storage unit 9 shown in FIG. 1 can be used according to Figures 1 to 5B equipment.

[0080] List of reference numerals:

[0081] 2 Equipment

[0082] 3 Feeding unit

[0083] 4 Strip

[0084] 5 Belt drive

[0085] 6 Roller device

[0086] 7,7' tensile force measuring device

[0087] 8 With processing unit

[0088] 9 With storage unit

[0089] 10,10' traction device drive unit

[0090] 11,11' compression unit

[0091] 12Control Unit

[0092] 13,13' motor

[0093] 14,14' traction device

[0094] 15,15' drive wheel

[0095] 16,16' steering roller

[0096] 17 Bracket

[0097] 18,18' Friction body

[0098] 19,19' traction device section

[0099] 20,20' roller body

[0100] 21,21' working roll

[0101] 22,22' support roll

[0102] 23,23'Thickness measurement unit

[0103] 24,24' elastic device

[0104] 25,25' component

[0105] 26 processing units

[0106] 27,27' with drive

[0107] 28,28' roller unit

[0108] 29,29' extrusion unit

[0109] 30,30' roller

[0110] 31 Entrance roller

[0111] 32 Exit roller

[0112] 33 Support

[0113] 34,34' bracket element

[0114] 35 Force measuring device

[0115] 36 Position measuring device

[0116] A-axis

[0117] F-Force

[0118] H Horizontal direction

[0119] L Longitudinal direction

[0120] M Driving torque

[0121] P Arrow

[0122] R Feed device

[0123] s position.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing a metal strip, comprising: A feeding unit (3) for feeding a metal strip (4); A belt drive (5, 5') having at least one controllable traction device drive unit (10, 10') with at least one motor (13, 13') and an endless traction device (14, 14') which can be rotationally driven by the motor (13, 13'), and a pressing unit (11, 11') for pressing the traction device (14, 14') against the strip (4), wherein a driving force can be transmitted to the strip (4) by the traction device (14, 14') under frictional contact with the strip (4); a rolling device (6) for flexibly rolling the strip, the rolling device being configured to produce a variable sheet thickness over the length of the strip by varying the roll gap in the strip; Measuring means (7, 7'; 35; 36) arranged to detect a physical parameter acting on the strip (4), wherein the physical parameter is any one of the following: tension, rolling force, or adjustment position of a roll; It is characterized in that The at least one controllable traction device drive unit (10, 10') is fixedly fastened to a stationary part (17) along the direction of movement (R) of the strip (4), and The driving torque of the motor (13, 13') can be adjusted based on the physical parameter measured by the measuring device (7, 7'; 35; 36), wherein the driving force acting on the strip (4) by the traction device (14, 14') can be variably adjusted by changing the driving torque of the motor (13, 13'), and wherein the physical parameter is any one of the following: tension, rolling force, or adjustment position of the roller.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, It is characterized in that The measuring device comprises a first tension measuring device (7) which is arranged between the belt drive device (5, 5') and the roller device (6) to detect the entry tension acting on the strip (4) as a physical parameter.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The measuring device comprises a force measuring device (35) which is arranged at the rollers (21, 22) of the rolling device (6) to detect the rolling force exerted by the rolling device (6) on the strip (4) as a physical parameter.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The measuring device comprises a position measuring device (36) which is arranged at an adjustment unit of the rolling device (6) to detect the adjustment position of the rolling rollers (21, 22; 21', 22') acting on the strip (4) as a physical parameter.

5. The device as claimed in claim 2, It is characterized in that The belt drive device comprises a first belt drive device (5) and a second belt drive device (5'), wherein the first belt drive device (5) is arranged before the roller device (6) along the movement direction (R) of the strip (4), wherein the second belt drive device (5') is arranged after the roller device (6) along the movement direction (R) of the strip (4), wherein the second belt drive device (5') has at least one controllable traction device drive unit (10, 10'), which has a motor (13, 13'), an endless traction device (14, 14') that can be rotationally driven by the motor (13, 13'), and a pressing unit (11, 11') for pressing the traction device (14, 14') against the strip (4); The measuring device comprises a second tension measuring device (7'), which is arranged between the roller device (6) and the second belt drive device (5') to detect the exit tension acting on the strip (4) at the exit side. The driving power of the motor (13, 13') of the second belt drive device (5') is variably adjusted based on the exit tension measured by the second tension measuring device (7').

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, It is characterized in that In at least one of the first tension measuring device (7) and the second tension measuring device (7'), the pressing force of the corresponding pressing unit (11, 11') is variably adjusted based on the tension measured by the corresponding one of the first tension measuring device (7) and the second tension measuring device (7').

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that A strip storage device (9, 9') is provided in which the strip material can be stored while passing between a storage inlet (31) and a storage outlet (32).

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, It is characterized in that The strip storage device (9, 9') has a vertical storage, a horizontal storage or a coiled storage.

9. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The motor (13, 13') is designed as a hydraulic motor or an electric motor.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The belt drive (5, 5') is configured to generate a force of at least 1 N / mm with respect to the cross section of the belt (4). 2 And less than 120N / mm 2 The pulling force, Wherein, when using a strip (4) made of steel, the strip drive (5, 5') is configured to generate a force of at least 50 N / mm with respect to the cross section of the strip (4). 2 The pulling force.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The belt drive (5, 5') is configured to drive the belt at a speed of at least 3 m / s. 2 To accelerate or brake the strip (4).

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The belt drive device (5, 5') comprises two controllable traction device drive units (10, 10'), wherein the controllable traction device drive units (10, 10') respectively have a drivable first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft can be rotationally driven by the motor (13, 13') to transmit the driving torque to the traction device (14, 14'), and the second shaft is rotationally driven by the traction device (14, 14').

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, It is characterized in that Two controllable traction device drive units (10, 10') are provided, and the strip (4) can pass between the traction device drive units under friction contact, so that when the traction device drive units (10, 10') are running, the strip moves in the movement direction of the traction device section (19, 19') in contact with the strip (4), wherein at least one clamping unit (11, 11') is provided, which applies a clamping force to the corresponding traction device (14, 14') in the direction toward the strip (4).

14. The device according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that A processing device (8) is arranged between the feed unit (3) and the belt drive (5, 5'), wherein the processing device (8) is a belt cleaning unit.

15. The device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The second belt drive (5') is supported on a fixing component (25, 25') at least by means of an elastic unit (24, 24'), wherein the power of the motor (13, 13') of the second belt drive (5') can be kept constant.

16. A method for processing a metal strip, the method comprising: A strip (4) is driven by means of a belt drive (5, 5'), wherein the strip (4) is unwound by a feed unit (3) and fed to a downstream roller device (6) for flexible rolling, wherein the belt drive (5, 5') has at least one controllable traction device drive unit (10, 10'), the traction device drive unit having a motor (13, 13') and an endless traction device (14, 14') which can be rotationally driven by the motor (13, 13'), and a pressing unit (11, 11') for pressing the traction device (14, 14') against the strip (4); By means of measuring devices (7, 7'; 35, 36) arranged at or at the periphery of a rolling device (6) for flexible rolling, a physical parameter acting on the strip (4) is sensed, the physical parameter being any one of the following: tension, rolling force, or adjustment position of the rolling rollers; It is characterized in that At least one traction device drive unit (10, 10') is fixedly fastened to a stationary part (17) along a movement direction (R) of the strip (4); The driving torque of the motor (13, 13') is adjusted according to the physical parameter measured by the measuring device (7, 7'; 35; 36), and the physical parameter is any one of the following: tension, rolling force, or adjustment position of the roller, wherein the driving force applied to the strip (4) by the traction device (14, 14') is changed by changing the driving torque of the motor (13, 13').

17. The method of claim 16, It is characterized in that The measuring device comprises a first tension measuring device (7), and the first tension measuring device (7) is arranged between the belt drive device and the roller device (6) to detect the entry tension acting on the strip (4) as a physical parameter.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, It is characterized in that The measuring device comprises a force measuring device (35) for detecting the rolling force of the rolling device (6) acting on the strip (4) as a physical parameter, or The measuring device comprises a position measuring device (36) which is used to detect the adjustment position of the rollers (21, 22; 21', 22') acting on the strip (4) as the position.

19. The method of claim 16, It is characterized in that The pressing force of the pressing unit (11, 11') is adjusted according to the tension determined by the first tension measuring device (7) and the second tension measuring device (7'), wherein the driving power of the motor (13, 13') and the pressing force of the pressing unit (11, 11') are adjusted so that the driving force applied by the belt drive device to the strip (4) is dynamically controlled within a range of 1 to 120 N / mm with respect to the cross section of the strip. 2 between.

20. The method of claim 17, It is characterized by the following steps: The belt drive device comprises a first belt drive device (5) and a second belt drive device (5'), the strip (4) being driven by means of the first belt drive device (5) arranged before the roller device (6) along the movement direction (R) of the strip (4) and by means of the second belt drive device (5'), the second belt drive device being arranged after the roller device (6) along the movement direction (R) of the strip (4), wherein: The second belt drive (5') has at least one controllable traction device drive unit (10, 10'), the traction device drive unit having a motor (13, 13') and an endless traction device (14, 14') drivable by the motor (13, 13'), and a pressing unit (11, 11') for pressing the traction device (14, 14') against the strip (4); The measuring device comprises a second tension measuring device (7'), by means of which the exit tension acting on the strip (4) is sensed by means of the second tension measuring device (7') arranged between the roller device (6) and the second belt drive device (5'); as well as According to the outlet tension measured by the second tension measuring device (7'), the pressing force of the pressing unit (11, 11') of the second belt driving device (5') is adjusted, and the driving power of the motor (13, 13') of the second belt driving device (5') is adjusted to a constant value.

Images