Controlled deflection roll

Abstract

A controlled deflection roll has a revolving roll shell, a yoke which passes axially through the roll shell and is fixed against rotation, and at least one source of support arranged between the yoke and the roll shell. The source of support is at least partly operated with one of an electrorheological fluid (ERF) and a ferrofluid. The viscosity of the ERF and the ferrofluid can be varied using an electric field or a magnetic field.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Patent Application No. 10 2004 022 3777, filed on May 6, 2004, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herin in their entireties. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates to a controlled deflection roll having a revolving roll shell, a yoke which passes axially through the roll shell and is fixed against rotation, and at least one source of support arranged between the yoke and the roll shell. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Background Information [0005] The regulation of the pressure of controlled deflection rolls is carried out by means of hydraulic valves, of which a large number of circuit variants exist. These include, inter alia, the variants in which the relevant pressure regulating valves are integrated in the interior of the roll. In contrast with positioning outside the roll, a design of this type has special advantages in the e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Under the influence of the relevant field, the flow characteristics of the electrorheological fluids (ERF) or ferrofluids can be adjusted continuously and reversibly. The ER fluids which are available are in particular silicone oil in which polyurethane particles are dispersed. With increasing electrical voltage or field strength, the apparent viscosity of the ERF in the field increases and the volume flow decreases. The characteristics of an electrorheologigal fluid (ERF) or ferrofluid therefore permit, for example, regulation of the pressure of the sources of support which is relatively simple, fast and extremely fail-safe. In addition, specific damping properties of the source of support can specifically be implemented, or the oscillatory behavior of the roll shell can be influenced in a specific manner.

[0020] Since only one hydraulic feed line is required in the preferred embodiment, the mechanical construction of the roll system is simplified considerably. Thus, as compared with a conventional construction having a plurality of adjusting zones, the following components can be dispensed with: hydraulic valves, feed lines, quick-action couplings, pipe bundles in the interior of the roll.

[0026] However, the throttling point can also be capable of control via an electric or magnetic field, and can in turn comprise an electric conductor, cable or the like for producing the field. Such a controlled variant has the advantage that the circulation volume flow of a respective source of support can be kept relatively constant irrespective of the pressure. In the case of the technically simpler variant mentioned previously, in which the throttling is carried out via capillaries or throttling points and in which the source of support is operated exclusively with the electrorheological fluid or ferrofluid, the circulating volume flow is approximately proportional to the piston pressure.

[0027] All the design variants permit very fast pressure regulation, since no connecting line is connected between the actuating element (a throttle which can be controlled electrically in the region of one millisecond by means of viscosity change) and the pressure chamber of the source of support. In the case of an oscillating roll shell, the pressure change can be regulated so quickly that it is possible to exert an active influence on the oscillation.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, this design has been implemented only rarely in the past, which can be attributed to the fact that the maintenance of such systems appears to be too complicated and the technology appears to be too temperamental.

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