Tool and method for replacing work rolls in a rolling mill

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for replacing a work roll (12) in a rolling mill, the method limiting the risk of scraping the work roll (12) or even the metal strip when removing or inserting the work roll (12), the method being made by means of mechanical separation components of branches (20, 21) of a bifurcation system, the mechanical separation components being inserted by a robotic component.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for changing the work rolls of a rolling mill in the presence of a metal strip to be rolled between two work rolls, the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, the method being adapted to remove the work rolls from the roll stand.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for changing the work rolls of a rolling mill in the presence of a metal strip to be rolled between two work rolls, the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, the method being adapted to insert and place the lower work roll or the upper work roll, specifically, a new or ground work roll.

[0003] This disclosure further relates to a work roll changing tool configured to perform actions suitable for removing work rolls and / or suitable for inserting and placing upper or lower work rolls, specifically new or ground work rolls, into the roll stand. Technical Field

[0004] Therefore, the present invention discovers advantageous applications for multi-roll mills, which are typically “Sendzimir” mills.

[0005] Cold rolling can achieve the final thickness of a strip by continuously passing the metal strip between rolls under high pressure and traction.

[0006] "Sendzimir" type rolling mills contain multiple rolls or rollers arranged relative to each other to allow for changes in the mechanical characteristics of the metal strip and to obtain strip thicknesses that can be less than 3 millimeters.

[0007] More specifically, a “Sendzimir” mill that may contain twenty rolls is known; an exemplary embodiment of this twenty-roll mill is described in US 5,193,377 and US 5,471,859.

[0008] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section of a 20-roll mill. In this diagram, the rolls are divided into a lower group LG and an upper group UG; more precisely, these groups LG and UG have a symmetrical structure and each contains ten rolls, including: a work roll 12, two first intermediate rolls 13, three second intermediate rolls 14 and 15, and four support rolls or bearing rolls located outside the arrangement and indicated by A, B, C, and D in the upper group UG and by E, F, G, and H in the lower group LG.

[0009] This naming convention for the various rolls that make up a 20-roll mill is common practice in the rolling mill field and is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0010] In the field of rolling mills, it is recognized that Figure 12The roll arrangement described herein allows the metal strip MS to operate efficiently to achieve the desired strip thickness.

[0011] Due to the stress applied to the work roll 12 and the fact that these components 12 require very regular maintenance during the processing of metal strip MS, it is desirable to be able to remove and replace the work roll 12 quickly and safely for the operator.

[0012] In 20-roll (“20Hi”) mills, the smaller opening of the stands is still noted, especially when the roll stand is a single piece, as this is achieved only by eccentrically pivoting the support rolls outward (A, B, C, D for the upper group UG and E, F, G, H for the lower group LG). According to the inventors, there is a significant risk of collision and friction between the work rolls and surrounding mill components (e.g., the first two intermediate rolls 13, or even the metal strip MS present in the stand) during their removal (or insertion).

[0013] It is necessary to be able to replace work rolls during the removal step or when placing new or ground work rolls in the roll stand without marking the metal strip, without deteriorating the surface condition of the work rolls, or even replacing the first intermediate roll.

[0014] Therefore, this disclosure is particularly applicable to replacing the work rolls of cold rolling mills, typically used for bright annealing. In this mill, the work rolls have so-called mirror-polished surface conditions with very low roughness. Background Technology

[0015] Based on the applicant's knowledge, robotic systems are known from the prior art, such as multi-axis arms equipped with grippers configured to ensure the removal of rolls from the mill. These robotic systems allow for the removal of rolls from the mill with minimal risk of operator injury compared to elevator changeover methods that require the operator to be physically present near the work roll being processed to remove it and replace it with a new or ground-level roll.

[0016] However, based on the inventors’ findings, no known robotic system can guarantee the safe removal (or insertion) of work rolls in a 20Hi mill, thereby avoiding the risk of marking between work rolls (on the one hand) and the metal strip, or even between the first intermediate roll (on the other hand). Summary of the Invention

[0017] This disclosure improves upon the described situation.

[0018] According to a first aspect, a method is provided for changing work rolls in a rolling mill when there is a metal strip to be rolled between two work rolls, the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, and wherein, in a closed position of a roll stand configured to roll the metal strip, each work roll has a contact generatrix with the metal strip, the contact generatrix and the axis of the work roll being located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the metal strip, for example, a rolling element of a first intermediate roll contacts along the two contact generatrixes between each work roll and the rolling element, the rolling element ensuring the transmission of rolling force to the lower and upper work rolls in contact with the metal strip, and a method for ensuring the removal of the work roll from the roll stand after at least partially opening the roll stand by performing the following steps on the upper and / or lower work rolls, wherein, in the closed position of the roll stand, the positions of the work rolls relative to each other are spaced apart:

[0019] - Insertion step a) includes:

[0020] --The mechanical separation component between the work roll and the metal strip is robotically inserted into the separation position, wherein the metal strip and the work roll are physically separated along the length of the work roll, and until contact between the work roll and the metal strip is suppressed, and / or

[0021] --A mechanical separation component between the work roll and the rolling element is robotically inserted into the separation position, wherein the work roll and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll until contact between the work roll and the rolling element is ensured to be eliminated.

[0022] - Remove step b), including:

[0023] --The work roll is robotically removed by clamping one end of the work roll and moving it along its axis relative to the metal strip and the rolling components present in the roll stand, wherein the mechanical separation component:

[0024] --In the separated position, the work roll and the metal strip are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement, and / or...

[0025] --In the separated position, the work roll and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

[0026] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for changing the work rolls of a rolling mill in the presence of a metal strip to be rolled between two work rolls, the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, wherein, in a closed position of a roll stand configured to roll the metal strip, each work roll has a contact generatrix with the metal strip, the contact generatrix and the axis of the work roll being located substantially perpendicular to the movement of the metal strip.

[0027] In the plane of orientation, for example, the rolling element of the first intermediate roll contacts along two contact generatrices between each work roll and the rolling element. The rolling element ensures that the rolling force is transmitted to the lower and upper work rolls in contact with the metal strip (MS). A method is employed to ensure the insertion of a new or ground work roll into the roll stand in the presence of the metal strip and rolling element after at least partially opening the roll stand by performing the following steps on the upper and / or lower work rolls.

[0028] - Insertion step c), including:

[0029] --A mechanical separation component is robotically inserted between the metal strip and the work roll to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll and the metal strip is suppressed, and / or

[0030] --A mechanical separation member is robotically inserted between the rolling element and the work roll to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll and the rolling element is suppressed.

[0031] - Insertion step d), which is simultaneous with or after insertion step c), includes robotically inserting the work roll by pushing the end of the work roll and moving the work roll along its axis relative to the metal strip and the rolling components present in the roll stand, wherein the mechanical separation member:

[0032] --In the separated position, where the work roll and the metal strip are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement, and / or

[0033] --In the separated position, the work roll and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

[0034] According to a third aspect, this disclosure relates to a tool suitable for changing the work rolls of a rolling mill configured to be operated by a motor component, the tool comprising:

[0035] - A bifurcation system comprising two branches configured to be inserted into a mill stand at positions spaced apart on either side of the upper work roll of the mill, the branches being movable relative to a bifurcation support, the branches being configured to move from their spaced-apart positions to a closed position, wherein, upon removal of the work roll, the branches ensure the lifting of the upper work roll, thereby guaranteeing physical separation between the work roll and the metal strip, and / or the bifurcation system comprising two branches configured to be inserted into a mill stand at their closed positions, the branches being movable relative to a bifurcation support, the branches being configured to move from their closed positions to their spaced-apart positions to place the upper work roll onto the metal strip.

[0036] - A clamping device, comprising a clamp connected by an actuator to a bifurcation support, the clamping device being configured to clamp one end of a work roller and, more specifically, to pull the work roller along a branch of the bifurcation system when removing the work roller, or even to push the work roller along a branch of the bifurcation system when inserting a new or ground work roller.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a movable support element connected to a bifurcation support via a second actuator is configured to ensure that the end of a work roller held and pulled by a clamping device is locked when the branch is in the closed position. The work roller is clamped between the movable support element and a reverse support element near the bifurcation support.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the tool may include two wing-shaped elements with insertion functionality, the wing-shaped elements being integrated with two branches of the bifurcation system respectively and ensuring that:

[0039] - As the two branches move from their spaced-out positions to their closed positions, and as the two branches move closer to each other and simultaneously to the insert airfoil, the work roll and the rolling element are mechanically separated. This separation is achieved by physically separating the work roll and the rolling element along the length of the work roll via the insert airfoil, thereby ensuring suppression of contact between the work roll and the rolling element, particularly suppressing the two contact generatrices of the lower work roll and the rolling element, and / or

[0040] - In the closed position of the branch in the roll stand, the lower work roll is released on the insert wing between the work roll and the rolling element, and then the lower work roll is placed on the rolling element as the branch and the insert wing move from their closed position to their spaced position. Attached Figure Description

[0041] After reading the following detailed description and analyzing the accompanying drawings, other features, details, and advantages will become apparent, among which:

[0042] Figure 1

[0043] [ Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of a robot that handles a work roll changing tool according to the present disclosure and is suitable for performing the method according to the present disclosure. The robot is placed in the work area in front of a 20-roll mill, facing the entrance to the work roll after the door is opened.

[0044] Figure 2

[0045] [ Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the work roll changing tool in the position relative to the allowable clamping of the work roll relative to the metal strip; the components of the rolling mill are not shown.

[0046] Figure 3

[0047] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 2 The detailed view illustrates the free ends of the branches of the bifurcation system, and also illustrates two airfoils with insertion function, respectively hinged to the branches and extending along the length of the branches. The airfoils are configured to be inserted between one work roller and the corresponding first intermediate roller of the other during the movement of the branches of the bifurcation system toward each other from their spaced-apart positions to their closed positions.

[0048] Figure 4

[0049] [ Figure 4 [Is] along a vertical plane passing through one of the branches of the bifurcation system. Figure 2 The view illustrates a configuration that lifts the metal strip and moves the free end of the metal strip with an incline away from the lower work roll.

[0050] Figure 5

[0051] [ Figure 5 [Illustration 1] is a cross-sectional view along a plane passing through the axis of the second intermediate roller, illustrating the insertion of the branches of the bifurcation system and the insertion of the insert airfoil at the spaced-out positions of the branches.

[0052] Figure 6

[0053] [ Figure 6 [A plane is a vertical cross-section plane parallel to the direction of rotation of the metal strip in the rolling mill.] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view, which specifically illustrates the two branches on either side of the clamping plane passing through the axes of the two work rolls and the airfoil, which are positioned at a distance.

[0054] Figure 7

[0055] [ Figure 7 ] is in Figure 6 In the subsequent cross-sectional view, two branches move to their closed position, contacting the work roll by lifting the work roll until the contact generatrix with the metal strip is suppressed, and the two airfoils become integrated with the two branches, while ensuring mechanical separation between the work roll on one side and the two intermediate rolls on the other side.

[0056] Figure 8

[0057] [ Figure 8 ] is in Figure 7 The following view shows the electromagnetic chuck-type gripper of the clamping device being moved by an actuator until it clamps one end of the work roller.

[0058] Figure 9

[0059] [ Figure 9 ] is in Figure 8 The subsequent view shows the work roll being pulled by the gripper across the branch currently in the closed position, and the end of the gripped work roll being positioned between the movable support element and the reverse support element, which is intended to lock the work roll position.

[0060] Figure 10

[0061] [ Figure 10 [Illustration] is a cross-sectional view along a vertical plane parallel to the direction of operation of the metal strip in the rolling mill, specifically illustrating the two branches on either side of the clamping plane passing through the axes of the two work rolls and the airfoil, which are located at a distance from each other. The lower roll is supported by two contact generatrices with the first intermediate roll of the rolling mill.

[0062] Figure 11

[0063] [ Figure 11 ] is in Figure 10 The subsequent cross-sectional view shows the two arms moving to their closed position, with the two airfoils integrated with the two arms, while mechanical separation between the lower work roll and the first two intermediate rolls is ensured by suppressing the two contact lines between the work roll and the first intermediate roll.

[0064] Figure 12

[0065] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 This is a schematic representation of the configuration of a 20-roll mill.

[0066] Figure 13

[0067] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 This is a schematic representation illustrating the positioning of a forked branch before insertion between the metal strip and the work roll, in order to lift the metal strip and move it away from the lower work roll.

[0068] Figure 14

[0069] [ Figure 14 ] Figure 14 Is Figure 13 The following view illustrates how the metal strip is lifted and spaced from the lower work roll by the insertion movement of the bifurcated branches and the machining of ramps at the free ends of the branches of the bifurcated system. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The following figures and description contain primarily definitive elements. Therefore, they can be used not only to further understand this disclosure, but also to help define this disclosure where necessary.

[0071] Therefore, this disclosure first relates to a method for changing the work roll 12 of a mill marked 10 in the presence of a metal strip MS to be rolled between two work rolls 12, the work roll comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll.

[0072] In the closed position of the roll stand configured to roll metal strip MS, each of the work rolls 12 has a contact generatrix with the metal strip, and the contact generatrix and axis of the work roll 12 are in a plane substantially perpendicular to the running direction of the metal strip.

[0073] In the closed position of the frame, for example, the rolling element of the first intermediate roll 13 contacts the two contact generatrices between each of the work rolls 12, and the rolling element ensures that the rolling force is transmitted to the lower and upper work rolls 12 that are in contact with the metal strip MS.

[0074] According to the method of this disclosure, after the roll stand in which the work rolls 12 are at least partially (or even completely) opened, and in the closed position of the roll stand relative to the work rolls 12, the work rolls 12 are ensured to be removed from the roll stand by performing the following steps for the upper and / or lower work rolls.

[0075] - Insertion step a) includes:

[0076] --The mechanical separation component 1 between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS is robotically inserted into the separation position SP1, wherein the metal strip MS and the work roll 12 are physically separated along the length of the work roll, and until contact between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS is suppressed, and / or

[0077] --A mechanical separation member 1 between the work roll 12 and the rolling component is robotically inserted into the separation position SP2, wherein the work roll 12 and the rolling component are physically separated along the length of the work roll until contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling component is suppressed.

[0078] - Remove step b), including:

[0079] --The work roll 12 is robotically removed by clamping one end of the work roll 12 and moving it along its axis relative to the metal strip MS and the rolling components present in the roll stand, wherein the mechanical separation component:

[0080] --At the separated position SP1, the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement, and / or

[0081] --In the separated position SP2, the work roll 12 and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

[0082] Therefore, it is noteworthy that, prior to removal step b), the method includes insertion step a), in which a robot inserts a mechanical separation member to ensure that contact between the work roller 12 and the metal is suppressed.

[0083] The strip MS is in the separation position SP1, and alternatively or preferably additionally, in the separation position SP2, the robot inserts a mechanical separation member to ensure that contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling element is suppressed.

[0084] Then, when the mechanical separation member is in the separation position SP1 in which the work roller 12 and the metal strip MS are physically separated, or / and preferably in the separation position SP2 in which the work roller 12 and the support member are physically separated from each other, the removal step b is performed.

[0085] The method according to this disclosure advantageously avoids any friction between the work roll and the metal strip and / or the rolling element during the removal step b) when the work roll is moved to remove it from the roll stand.

[0086] When removing a work roll by moving it along its axis, the lower or upper work roll can be removed without marking the work roll or without marking the metal strip or the rolling element.

[0087] According to the method of this disclosure, in Figure 12 A specific application is found in the 20Hi rolling mill, which is schematically represented in the diagram.

[0088] The method according to this disclosure can be advantageously implemented by a roll changing tool 8, which includes a bifurcated system having two branches 20, 21. When the branches 20, 21 are inserted parallel to the axis of the work roll between the metal strip MS and the work roll 12 to be removed, the insertion of the branches between the metal strip MS and the work roll 12 ensures that contact between the metal strip and the work roll is suppressed.

[0089] Therefore, insertion step a) and removal step b) can be performed on the upper work roller 12, and as in Figures 5 to 9As can be seen, the separation member 1 between the upper working roller 12 and the metal strip MS includes the bifurcation system 2 having two parallel branches 20, 21, which are held to the same bifurcation support 22.

[0090] The two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation support to present one side Figure 6 The visible spaced-out SAP position is configured to ensure that the two branches 21, 20 of the bifurcation system insert onto either side of the upper work roll without rubbing against the upper work roll 12, which is currently still in contact with the metal strip via the contact busbar, and on the other hand presents... Figure 7 The visible closed position CP, in which the two branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other.

[0091] In the closed position CP, two branches are advantageously configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll 12 respectively, thereby separating the upper work roll from the metal strip MS by lifting the upper work roll, thus suppressing contact between the upper work roll and the metal strip, and as... Figure 7 As can be seen in the text.

[0092] For this purpose, and according to one embodiment, the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system 2 may advantageously have a cross-section along a plane perpendicular to the direction of the branches 20, 21, said cross-section comprising two inclined planes 25, 26, which belong to the two branches 20, 21 facing each other, and are inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip MS along the direction of travel of the metal strip. The two inclined planes 25, 26 are configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll 12 to ensure the lifting of the upper work roll 12 by forming a bracket for holding the upper work roll 12 in the closed position CP of the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system 2.

[0093] It is worth noting that the branches 20, 21 of the forking system may have a metal body machined to form the ramps 25, 26. For example, a plastic or Teflon protective coating may cover the metal body at least at the ramps 25, 26 where they are intended to contact the work roll 12. This coating can protect the surface conditions of the work roll as it rolls or slides on the ramps 25, 26 of the branches, and thus prevents marking / scratching of the work roll.

[0094] According to an advantageous embodiment:

[0095] - The separation member between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS includes the bifurcation system 2, comprising two branches 20, 21, which are movable relative to each other from their spaced-apart position SAP to a closed position CP. In the closed position, the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system are inserted between the upper or lower work roll 12 and the metal strip MS, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS is suppressed, and additionally...

[0096] - The mechanical separation member between the work roll 12 and the rolling component, particularly the first intermediate roll 13, includes two airfoils 3 and 4 with an insertion function. The airfoils are respectively hinged to the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system and simultaneously ensure that the work roll 12 is mechanically separated from the rolling component when the two branches 20 and 21 move closer to each other from their spaced-apart position SAP to their closed position CP. The work roll 12 and the rolling component are physically separated along the length of the work roll by the airfoils 3 and 4 as inserts, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling component is suppressed.

[0097] Therefore, in Figure 3 It should be noted that the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system each have a first airfoil 3 and a second airfoil 4. The first airfoil 3 extends longitudinally to branch 20 and is hinged to branch 20 along pivot axis 30, and the second airfoil 4 extends longitudinally to branch 21 and is hinged to the other branch 21 along pivot axis 40.

[0098] It should be noted that the two airfoils 3 and 4 extend toward each other from their pivot axis 30 or 40 along a section perpendicular to the branching direction of the bifurcation system, each inclined at a certain angle relative to a plane passing through the axis of the two branches, the angle of which allows the introduction of a free edge 31 or 41 of each airfoil 3 or 4 between the work rolls and the corresponding rolling components, i.e., between the two first intermediate rolls in the case of a 20Hi mill.

[0099] Therefore, and according to one embodiment of the method:

[0100] - The separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes the bifurcation system 2, comprising two branches 20 and 21, which are movable relative to each other from their spaced-apart position SAP to a closed position CP. In the closed position, the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system are inserted between the upper or lower work roll 12 and the metal strip MS, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS is suppressed.

[0101] - The mechanical separation member between the work roll 12 and the rolling component includes two airfoils 3 and 4 with an insertion function. The airfoils are respectively hinged to the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system and simultaneously ensure that the work roll and the rolling component are mechanically separated when the two branches 20 and 21 move closer to each other from their spaced-apart position SAP to their closed position CP. The work roll 12 and the rolling component are physically separated along the length of the work roll by the airfoils 3 and 4 as inserts, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling component is suppressed.

[0102] Therefore, in Figure 6 When removing the upper work roll 12, it should be noted that the branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system moving closer to each other not only allows the branches 20 and 21 to lift the upper work roll by spacing the upper work roll 12 from the metal strip MS, but also allows the insertion of the wing-shaped piece marked 3 between the work roll 12 and one of the first two intermediate (left) rolls 13, and the insertion of the wing-shaped piece marked 4 between the work roll 12 and the other (right) of the two intermediate rolls.

[0103] The upper work roll can then be removed by means of branches 20, 21 inserted between the work roll 12 and the metal strip without any risk of friction with the metal strip MS, and by means of wings 3, 4 respectively inserted between the work roll and the first two intermediate rolls 13 without any risk of friction between the work roll 12 and the first two intermediate rolls.

[0104] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an insertion step a) and a removal step b) are performed for the lower work roll, and wherein the separating member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system 2, the bifurcation system including two parallel branches 20, 21 held to the same bifurcation support 22, and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends 23 that advantageously have ramps 24.

[0105] When the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the MS plane of the metal strip, these inclined planes 24 in Figure 3 and 4 This is especially evident in the fact that it is inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip MS along a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip.

[0106] like Figure 13 and 14 As explained, these ramps 24 are advantageously configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip MS to lift the metal strip in a direction parallel to the lower work roll when the branches 20, 21 are inserted, thereby spacing the metal strip MS from the lower work roll 12 and thus suppressing contact between the lower work roll 12 and the metal strip MS.

[0107] When the work roll changing tool does not contain the insertable airfoils 3 and 4, the two branches can be directly inserted into their closed positions CP. Alternatively, and when the two branches 20 and 21 have the airfoils 3 and 4, the branches 20 and 21 are inserted between the metal strip MS and the lower work roll 12 in their spaced-apart positions SAP during insertion step a), and as... Figure 10 As can be seen in the text.

[0108] Advantageously, from such Figure 10 The movement of the two branches 20 and 21 from their spaced-out position SAP to their closed position CP not only inserts the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system between the lower work roll 12 and the metal strip, thus ensuring that no contact between the metal strip MS and the lower work roll 12 is suppressed, but also simultaneously inserts the airfoils 3 and 4 between the lower work roll and the rolling element, specifically between the first two intermediate rolls. It should be noted that as branches 20 and 21 move closer together, airfoils 3 and 4 perform the same operation until airfoil 3 is inserted between the lower work roll 12 and the leftmost of the first intermediate rolls, and airfoil 4 is inserted between the lower work roll 12 and the first right intermediate roll 13.

[0109] Therefore, the lower work roll 12 can be removed by means of the branches 20, 21 inserted between the work roll 12 (especially the upper or lower work roll) and the metal strip MS without any risk of friction with the metal strip MS, and the lower work roll 12 can be removed by means of the wings 3, 4 respectively inserted between the work roll and the first two intermediate rolls 13 without any risk of friction between the work roll 12 (especially the lower or upper work roll) and the first two intermediate rolls.

[0110] The insertable wing-shaped parts 3 and 4 may be made of plastic material or the like at least on their surface to contact the work roll and the rolling element, specifically the first intermediate roll.

[0111] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, during the removal step b), the end of the work roll is held by a clamping device 5, which is configured to hold the end of the work roll. The clamping device includes a clamp 50 having an electromagnetic chuck or a pneumatic chuck that cooperates with the base of the roll, or having a clamp whose clamps engage the cylindrical periphery of the end of the roll.

[0112] According to one embodiment, removal step b) is performed by moving the clamp 50 of the clamping device 5 along the direction of the work roller to ensure that the work roller 12 is pulled.

[0113] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the clamping device 5 includes the clamp 50 and further includes an actuator 51 that connects the bifurcation support 22 to the clamp 50, the actuator being configured to move the clamp 50 relative to the bifurcation support 22 along a direction parallel to the branches of the bifurcation system. For example, in Figure 8 In this device, the clamping mechanism includes a clamp 50, particularly an electromagnetic chuck, and an actuator including a rack 52. This rack 52 supports the clamp 50 at one end. A motor unit 53, integrated with the bifurcation support 22, includes a pinion (not visible due to its internal location) that meshes with the teeth of the rack. Motor drive of the pinion in one direction of rotation allows the clamp 50 to be pulled in the direction of the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system 2. Motor drive of the pinion in the opposite direction allows the work roll to be pushed into the roll stand when a new or ground work roll is inserted.

[0114] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a movable support element 6 connected to a fork support 22 via a second actuator 60 is configured to ensure that the end of a work roll held and pulled by a clamping device 5 is locked when the branch is in the closed position CP. The work roll is locked between the movable support element 6 and a reverse support element 7 near the fork support.

[0115] Therefore, as Figure 8 As can be seen, when the gripper 50 is at the end of its retraction stroke, it should be noted that the end of the gripped work roller is located on the reverse support element 7, which extends from branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, which are currently in the closed position CP. The second actuator 60 is then configured to ensure that the movable support element 6 moves closer to the reverse support element 7 until the work roller gripped between the two support elements 6 and 7 is locked onto the bifurcation system.

[0116] Specifically, when the work roll is the upper work roll held against the branches 20, 21 by gravity during removal, or when the work roll is the lower work roll currently located below the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, this locking can be achieved by moving the entire bifurcation system and the work roll locked between the movable support element 6 and the reverse support element 7 to completely remove the work roll 12.

[0117] Even with the upper work roll removed, this still allows for placement of the upper work roll by rotating the entire fork system / work roll locked between support elements 6 and 7. Work roll 12 is then positioned on the removal support by the robotic component. Movable support element 6 is spaced apart from reverse support element 7, and the gripper is then deactivated to ensure placement of the work roll.

[0118] Therefore, removal step b) may include:

[0119] - First removal sub-step, wherein the gripper 50 grips the end of the work roll 12 and advances to partially remove the work roll 12 relative to the bifurcation system by moving the work roll 12 along branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, the branches 12 of which are fixed in the closed position CP in the roll stand 10.

[0120] -In the second removal sub-step, the support element 6, movable in a direction perpendicular to the branch direction and connected to the bracket by the second actuator 60, engages with the periphery of the work roller near the clamped end to ensure locking of the work roller clamped between the motor-driven support element 6 and the opposing support element 7 near the forked bracket 12.

[0121] - The third removal sub-step involves completely removing the work roll locked between support element 6 and reverse support element 7 from the roll stand by moving the entire bifurcation system and the locked work roll.

[0122] According to one embodiment illustrated in the figures, in addition to the gripper 50, the fork system 2 and the gripping device 5 include an actuator 51 that connects the support of the fork system to the gripper, and a support element 6 connected to the support via the second actuator 60 is a self-supporting assembly forming the same work roll changing tool 8 processed by the robot component Ro.

[0123] exist Figure 1 In the work area in front of the maintenance entrance of the roll mill stand, the robot component Ro that handles the work roll replacement tool 8 is shown.

[0124] An orthogonal reference frame (x, y, z) defines three directions in space, where:

[0125] -x direction, which is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of the metal strip's movement.

[0126] -y direction, that is, the horizontal direction parallel to the direction of the metal strip's movement.

[0127] -z direction, i.e., the vertical direction.

[0128] The robot component Ro includes a motor bracket that can move along a track Rai oriented in the x-direction.

[0129] In the insertion step (a) (or removal step), the replacement tool 8 is oriented in the axis of the work roll 12 to be clamped, wherein the parallel branches 20, 21 are oriented parallel to the axis of the work roll to be clamped, and the parallel branches are substantially contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip MS.

[0130] To hold the upper work roll 12, the clamping device is located above branches 20 and 21; however, to hold the lower work roll, the two branches are above the clamping device 5.

[0131] The work roll changing tool 8 is mounted to a bracket S, which is movably mounted along a column C supported by a bracket of robotic components via a motor unit. The height of the tool can be adjusted by moving the bracket S vertically upward (or downward) along the column C.

[0132] The tilt of the longitudinal axis of the changing tool, which is parallel to the branch axis, can be adjusted via the pivot P between the tool 8 and the support S through the motor unit. Another degree of freedom during pivoting allows the changing tool 8 to pivot about its longitudinal axis and allows the changing tool to rotate 180°.

[0133] It should be understood that robotic components can take many other forms, such as a six-axis robotic arm that handles the work roll changing tool 8.

[0134] Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower work rolls can be advantageously removed continuously by the same work roll changing tool 8 processed by a robotic component Ro, the robotic component including components for moving the self-supporting assembly:

[0135] -During the insertion or removal step, for example by moving the carriage along the track Rai in the x-direction parallel to the axis of the work roller 12 to be clamped,

[0136] - At a height along the z-direction, the motor moves along the column C, specifically via the support S, from the position allowing removal of the upper work roll to the position allowing removal of the lower roll.

[0137] - By pivoting along a rotation axis parallel to the branching direction of the bifurcation system, the configuration is moved from one that allows removal of the self-supporting assembly of the upper work roll to one that allows removal of the self-supporting assembly of the lower work roll to pivot 180°.

[0138] According to the method of this disclosure, in Figure 12 A specific application is found in the 20Hi rolling mill, which is schematically represented in the diagram.

[0139] This disclosure further relates to a tool 8 suitable for changing work rolls, the tool being configured to be handled by a motor component Ro. The tool 8 includes a bifurcation system 2 comprising two branches 20, 21, configured to be inserted into the mill stand at spaced-apart positions SAP on either side of the upper work roll 12 of the mill. The branches 20, 21 are movable relative to a bifurcation support 22 and are configured to move from their spaced-apart positions SAP to a closed position CP, in which the branches 20, 21 elevate the upper work roll 12 by ensuring physical separation between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS upon removal of the work roll.

[0140] The tool further includes a clamping device 5, which includes a clamp 50 connected to the bifurcation support via an actuator 51. The clamp is configured to clamp the end of the work roller 12 and pull the work roller 12 along the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system.

[0141] The work roll changing tool 8 may further include a movable support element 6 connected to the fork bracket 22 via a second actuator 60. The movable support element is configured to ensure that the end of the work roll held and pulled by the clamping device 5 is locked when the branches 20, 21 are in the closed position CP. The work roll is clamped between the movable support element 6 and the reverse support element 7 near the fork bracket.

[0142] It should be noted that this work roll changing tool is suitable not only for removing work rolls, but also for clamping and inserting new or ground work rolls into the mill to replace the upper work roll.

[0143] Therefore, in the presence of metal strip and rolling elements, the work roll removed from the roll stand, specifically the first intermediate roll, can be replaced by reversing the steps of the method to ensure the removal of the work roll.

[0144] To replace the upper roll, a new or ground work roll is inserted along the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, which are currently in the closed position CP. This allows the insertion of the new or ground work roll 12 without any risk associated with marking the metal strip MS, or even with marking the rolling element, particularly when the tool further includes two first intermediate rolls 13 with insertable wings 3 and 4. The branches 20, 21 are movable relative to the bifurcation support 22, and are configured to move from their closed position CP to their spaced-apart position SAP, so that the upper work roll 12 is placed on the metal strip MS. In this way, the upper work roll 12 is positioned in a controlled manner, particularly by means of the ramps 25, 26 of the branches, without falling, which ensures a smooth descent of the work roll when the branches 20, 21 are spaced apart from each other.

[0145] Prior to this placement, by separating the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system and when the tool includes the movable support element 6 and the reverse support element 7, it should be understood that the movable support element 6 is separated from the reverse support element 7 in order to release the work roll; then the gripper 50 is pushed by the actuator 51 to fully push the work roll into the roll stand in the desired position along the axial direction of the roll.

[0146] The tool may also include two airfoil-shaped components 3 and 4 with insertion capabilities, which are respectively hinged to the two branches 20 and 21 of the bifurcation system and ensure that:

[0147] - When the two branches 20, 21 and the simultaneously inserted airfoils 3, 4 move closer to their closed position CP from their spaced-apart position SAP, the work roll 12 is mechanically separated from the rolling element. This separation is achieved by physically separating the work roll and the rolling element along the length of the work roll via the inserted airfoils 3, 4, thereby ensuring suppression of contact between the work roll and the rolling element, particularly suppressing the two contact generatrices of the lower work roll and the rolling element, and / or

[0148] - In the closed position CP of the branch in the roll stand, the lower work roll 12 is released onto the wing-shaped members 3, 4, which serve as inserts between the work roll 12 and the rolling element, and then the lower work roll is placed on the rolling element when the branches 20, 21 and the wing-shaped members 3, 4, which serve as inserts, have moved from their closed position CP to their spaced-apart position SAP.

[0149] Therefore, the insertable wings 3 and 4 are of interest when removing the work roll; the two wings are inserted between the lower or upper work roll 12 and the rolling element, specifically the first two intermediate rolls 13, thereby advantageously avoiding any markings on the work roll and the first two intermediate rolls when the work roll is moved by the clamping device or by the movement caused by the robot component when the work roll is completely removed from the roll stand.

[0150] These airfoils 3 and 4 are important for ensuring the replacement of work rolls and rolling elements removed from the roll stand in the presence of metal strips by suppressing the risk of marking between the new (or ground) rolls and the first two intermediate rolls.

[0151] Specifically, and relative to the insertion of a new or ground-level work roll, and when the unlocking of the movable support element and the deactivation of the gripper can cause a (very slight) descent; this descent is advantageously triggered in the closed position CP of branches 20 and 21, and therefore the airfoil, so that the release of the lower, new, or ground-level work roll occurs on the airfoils 3, 4, thus avoiding the risk of marking between the work roll 12 and the first intermediate roll during this release. The work roll is then partially inserted into the roll stand, and before the gripper fully pushes the work roll into the roll stand.

[0152] Secondly, by extending the arm from Figure 11 As can be seen, its closed position is moved to its spaced-out position, and a new or ground roll is placed on the rolling element, especially the first intermediate roll. This results in the removal of the airfoils 3 and 4 between the work roll and the two first intermediate rolls, as shown in Figure 10 As can be seen in the text.

[0153] Therefore, this tool is advantageous not only in that it allows the removal of work rolls without the risk of marking them, but also in that it allows the insertion of new or ground work rolls, especially mirror-polished work rolls, without the risk of marking them, which is a great advantage.

[0154] Therefore, in general, this disclosure still relates to a method for changing work rolls in the presence of metal strip and rolling elements, the method being adapted to insert the work roll into the roll stand. This method is particularly advantageous because it suppresses or greatly reduces the risk of friction against new or ground work rolls and thus scratching of the work rolls.

[0155] Therefore, this disclosure also relates to a method for changing the work rolls 12 of a rolling mill 10 in the presence of a metal strip MS to be rolled between two work rolls 12, the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, wherein, in the closed position of the roll stand configured to roll the metal strip MS, each of the work rolls 12 has a contact generatrix with the metal strip, the contact generatrix and the axis of the work roll being located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the metal strip, for example, the rolling element of the first intermediate roll 13 contacts along the two contact generatrixes between each work roll 12 and the rolling element, the rolling element ensuring the transmission of rolling force to the lower and upper work rolls 12 in contact with the metal strip MS, by performing the following steps on the upper and / or lower work rolls to ensure that the work rolls 12, specifically new or ground work rolls, are inserted into the roll stand in the presence of the metal strip and rolling element after at least partially opening the roll stand.

[0156] - Insertion step c), including:

[0157] --A mechanical separation member 1 is robotically inserted between the metal strip MS and the work roller to be inserted, thereby ensuring the removal of contact between the work roller 12 and the metal strip MS, and / or

[0158] --A mechanical separation member 1 is robotically inserted between the rolling component and the work roll 12 to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling component is suppressed.

[0159] - Insertion step d), which is simultaneous with or after insertion step c), includes robotically inserting the work roll 12 by pushing the end of the work roll 12 and moving the work roll along its axis relative to the metal strip MS and the rolling components present in the roll stand, wherein the mechanical separation member:

[0160] --In the separated position SP1, the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement, and / or

[0161] --In the separated position SP2, the work roll 12 and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

[0162] Therefore, it is noteworthy that the method includes an insertion step c) before or together with the insertion step d), wherein in the separation position SP1, a mechanical separation member is inserted in a robotic manner to ensure contact between the inhibiting work roll 12 and the metal strip MS, and alternatively or preferably additionally, wherein in the separation position SP2, a mechanical separation member is inserted in a robotic manner to ensure contact between the inhibiting work roll 12 and the rolling element.

[0163] Then, when the mechanical separation member is in the separation position SP1 in which the work roller 12 and the metal strip MS are physically separated, or / and preferably in the separation position SP2 in which the work roller 12 and the support member are physically separated, the step of inserting the work roller d) is performed.

[0164] When moving the work roll to insert it into the roll stand, the method according to this disclosure advantageously avoids any friction between the new or ground work roll to be inserted on one side and the metal strip and / or rolling element on the other side during the insertion step d).

[0165] When removing a work roll by moving it along its axis, the lower or upper work roll can be inserted without marking the work roll or without marking the metal strip or the rolling element.

[0166] Therefore, the method may have an insertion step c) comprising robotically inserting a mechanical separation member between the upper or lower work roll 12 to be inserted and the metal strip MS into a separation position SP1, wherein the metal strip MS and the upper or lower work roll 12 are physically separated along the length of the work roll, thereby ensuring suppression of contact between the work roll and the metal strip and ensuring insertion, wherein the work roll insertion is performed robotically by moving the work roll relative to the metal strip and the rolling element along the axis of the work roll 12, in which the upper or lower work roll 12 and the metal strip MS are physically separated so as to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement.

[0167] The method according to this disclosure can be advantageously implemented, particularly with respect to the roll changing tool 8 previously described for removal, which includes a bifurcated system having two branches 20, 21. When the branches 20, 21 are inserted parallel to the axis of the work roll between the metal strip MS and the work roll 12 to be inserted, the branches 20, 21 are advantageously inserted between the metal strip MS and the work roll 12, thereby ensuring that contact between the metal strip and the work roll is suppressed.

[0168] Therefore, insertion steps c) and d) can be performed on the upper working roller 12 by reversing the steps described for removal, and as can be seen from... Figures 5 to 9 As can be seen, the separation member 1 between the upper working roller 12 and the metal strip MS includes the bifurcation system 2, which has parallel branches 20 and 21 fixed to the same bifurcation support 22.

[0169] Therefore, insertion steps c) and d) can be performed on the upper work roll 12. The separation member 1 between the upper work roll 12 and the metal strip MS may include a bifurcation system 2, which includes two parallel branches 20, 21 fixed to the same bifurcation support 22. The two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation support to present, on the one hand, a closed position CP during insertion steps c) and d), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other, the closed position being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll 12 respectively to move the upper work roll spaced apart from the metal strip MS, and on the other hand, a spaced-apart position SAP, which is configured to ensure that the upper work roll 12 is placed on the metal strip with contact generatrices between the upper work roll and the metal strip, and then the two branches are arranged on either side of the upper work roll.

[0170] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the upper work roll 12 can be inserted between the metal strip MS and the rolling element by means of the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system during insertion step d) without any risk of friction between the work roll and the metal strip MS, in the closed position CP of the branch and as Figure 7 As described, the branches are inserted between the work roll and the metal strip. Once the work roll 12 is inserted into the appropriate position in the roll stand, deposition is achieved by spacing the branches 20, 21 to their spaced-apart positions (SAP), which causes the work roll to descend until it contacts the metal strip MS by gravity, as... Figure 6 As explained in the text.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system 2 may have sections along a plane perpendicular to the direction of the branches 20, 21, including two ramps 25, 26 belonging to the two branches 20, 21 facing each other, the ramps being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip MS along the direction of the metal strip's movement, the two ramps 25, 26 being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll 12 to secure the upper work roll, thereby forming a bracket for securing the upper work roll 12 in the closed position CP of the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system 2, and then, when the two branches move to their spaced-apart position SAP, the upper work roll is controlled to be placed on the metal strip by means of the ramps 25, 26.

[0172] Relative to the lower work roll 12, insertion steps c) and d) can be performed on the lower work roll, and the mechanical separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system 2, the bifurcation system including two parallel branches 20, 21 fixed to the same bifurcation support 22, and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends 23 with inclined surfaces 24, the inclined surfaces being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip MS in a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip when the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip MS.

[0173] The inclined surface 24 at the end of branch 21 is configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip MS to lift the metal strip in a direction parallel to the lower work roll when the branches 20, 21 are inserted, wherein the metal strip MS is spaced apart from the lower work roll 12.

[0174] Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 11 As understood, the branches of the bifurcation system with bevels 24 inserted at the ends of branches 20, 21 allow the metal strip MS to be lifted and provide mechanical separation between the two branches 20, 21, thereby preventing any friction between the lower work roll and the metal strip when the branches are inserted.

[0175] The lifting of the metal strip can be performed by machining the inclined surface 24 in the closed position CP of the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, or even in conjunction with the insertion of the lower work roll, which is currently located just below the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system during insertion step d), which is similar to the example of machining the inclined surface when removing the work roll (…). Figure 13 and 14 )Same.

[0176] According to an advantageous embodiment, the method not only allows for the avoidance of friction between the (upper or lower) work roll 12 to be inserted and the metal strip MS, but also allows for the avoidance of friction between the (lower or upper) work roll and the rolling element, specifically between the upper work roll 12 and the upper first intermediate roll 13, or between the lower work roll 12 and the lower first intermediate roll 13.

[0177] For this purpose, the insertion step c) includes:

[0178] The mechanical separation member 1 is robotically inserted between the metal strip MS and the work roll to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS is suppressed.

[0179] as well as

[0180] The mechanical separation member 1 is robotically inserted between the rolling component and the work roll 12 to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling component is suppressed.

[0181] And wherein the insertion step d) comprises robotically inserting the work roll by pushing the end of the work roll and moving the work roll relative to the metal strip MS and the rolling member along its axis, and wherein the mechanical separation member 1:

[0182] --At the separated position SP1, the work roller 12 and the metal strip 2 are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roller and the metal strip during movement, and simultaneously

[0183] --In the separated position SP2, the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

[0184] For this purpose, according to one embodiment, the separation member between the work roll and the metal strip may include the bifurcation system 2, which includes two branches 20, 21, movable relative to each other from a closed position CP. The two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system are inserted between the upper or lower work roll 12 and the metal strip MS, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the metal strip MS is suppressed during insertion steps c) and d). The mechanical separation member between the work roll 12 and the rolling element further includes two winglets 3, 4 with insertion functions, which are integral with the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, respectively, and simultaneously ensure mechanical separation between the work roll and the rolling element in the closed CP position. The work roll 12 and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll by the winglets 3, 4 as inserts, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll 12 and the rolling element is suppressed during insertion steps c) and d).

[0185] For example, insertion steps c) and d) are performed on the upper work roll 12, and the separation member 1 between the upper work roll 12 and the metal strip MS includes a bifurcation system 2, which includes two parallel branches 20, 21 fixed to the same bifurcation support 22.

[0186] The two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation support to present, on the one hand, a closed position CP during insertion steps c) and d), wherein the two branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system move closer to each other, the closed position being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll 12 respectively to space the upper work roll from the metal strip MS, the two airfoils 3, 4 simultaneously ensuring mechanical separation between the work roll 12 and the rolling element, and then, on the other hand, a spaced-apart position SAP, the spaced-apart position being configured to ensure that the upper work roll 12 is placed onto the metal strip MS with contact generatrices present between the upper work roll 12 and the metal strip. In its spaced-apart position SAP, the two branches then arrange themselves on either side of the upper work roll, which simultaneously causes the airfoils 3, 4 to retract into the spaced-apart position, wherein the latter releases the gap between the work roll and the rolling element.

[0187] According to one embodiment, in the insertion step d), the end of the work roller 12 is pushed by a clamp 5, which includes a clamp 50 configured to push the end of the work roller, and wherein the insertion step d) is performed by moving the clamp 50 along the direction of the work roller, thereby pushing the work roller 12.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the gripper 5 further includes an actuator 51 that connects the bifurcation support 22 to the gripper 50, the actuator being configured to move the gripper 50 relative to the bifurcation support 22 along a direction parallel to the branches of the bifurcation system, the insertion step d) comprising:

[0189] - In the first insertion sub-step, the work roll 12, locked between the support element 6 and the reverse support element 7 on the bifurcation support, is partially inserted into the roll stand between the metal strip MS and the upper or lower work roll 12. In its closed position CP, the branches 20, 21 of the bifurcation system, or even the wing-shaped elements 3, 4, ensure that contact between the metal strip MS and the work roll 12 is suppressed. It is possible to ensure that contact between the work roll and the rolling element is suppressed by the wing-shaped elements 3, 4 as inserts.

[0190] - Second unlocking sub-step, wherein the movable support element 6 is spaced apart from the reverse support element to release (unlock) the work roller, the movable support element being connected to the support via a second actuator 60 in a direction perpendicular to the branch direction.

[0191] - The third insertion sub-step, wherein the partially inserted work roll is pushed by actuator 51 to its final axial position in the roll stand by sliding the upper work roll onto the branches 20, 21 of the system, with the bifurcation target in the closed position CP, or even by sliding the lower roll onto the insertion airfoils 3, 4.

[0192] The branches 20 and 21 are spaced apart from their closed position CP to their spaced position SAP to ensure placement of the upper work roll 12. This also causes the airfoils 3 and 4 to retract, thereby releasing the gap between the work roll and the rolling element, especially between the first two upper intermediate rolls 13.

[0193] By spacing branches 20 and 21 and thus simultaneously spacing the wing-shaped members 3 and 4 as inserts until they are spaced out, SAP is used to ensure the placement of the lower work roll 12, in which the lower work roll 12 contacts the rolling element along the two contact lines between the work roll and the two first lower intermediate rolls 13, respectively, specifically with the two first lower intermediate rolls 13.

[0194] As previously described, the work roll changing tool 8, processed by the robotic component Ro, can be adapted to perform the insertion step a) and the removal step b) for taking out the work roll.

[0195] As previously described, the work roll replacement tool 8, processed by the robotic component Ro, can be further adapted to implement insertion steps c) and d) for inserting a new or ground work roll.

[0196] This disclosure can avoid damage to the metal strip, such as the rolling elements of the first intermediate roll, and the work roll, not only when removing the work roll from the roll stand, but also advantageously when inserting a new or ground work roll.

[0197] Reference Symbol List

[0198] -1. Mechanical separation components

[0199] -2. Branching system,

[0200] -20,21. Forking (forking system)

[0201] -22. Split Bracket

[0202] -23. Free end (branch)

[0203] -24. Inclined plane (free end of a branch),

[0204] -25,26. Sloping surfaces of the branch-facing sections.

[0205] -3,4. Airfoils with insertion function, respectively hinged to branches of the bifurcation system.

[0206] -30, 40. Pivot axis

[0207] -31,41. Free Edge

[0208] -5. Clamping device (roll end)

[0209] -50. Clamping device

[0210] -51. Actuator,

[0211] -52. Gear

[0212] -53. Motor Unit (Rack and Pinion)

[0213] -6. Movable support element

[0214] -7. Reverse support element

[0215] -60. Second Actuator

[0216] -8. Work Roller Replacement Tool

[0217] -MS. Metal strip,

[0218] -SP1. Separation position, wherein the metal strip and the work roll are physically separated along the length of the work roll.

[0219] -SP2. Separation position, wherein the work roll and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll.

[0220] -SAP. (Bifurcation system) The spacing between branches.

[0221] -CP. (The closing position of a branch in a bifurcation system)

[0222] -10. Rolling Mill

[0223] -12. Work Roller

[0224] -13. First intermediate roll

[0225] -14, 15. Second intermediate roller,

[0226] -A,B,C,D. Rollers of the upper UG group

[0227] -E,F,G,H. Rollers of the lower LG group

[0228] -LG,UG. Lower Group / Upper Group

[0229] Ro. Robot components,

[0230] Rai. Ground track for brackets,

[0231] C. Columns supported by brackets,

[0232] S. A support that slides along the column.

[0233] P. Pivot between the replacement tool and bracket S

Claims

1. A method for changing the work rolls (12) of a rolling mill (10), the method being used in the presence of a metal strip (MS) to be rolled between two work rolls (12), the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, wherein in a closed position of a roll stand configured to roll the metal strip (MS), each of the work rolls (12) has a contact generatrix with the metal strip, the contact generatrix and the axis of the work roll being located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip, the rolling element along each The work roll (12) contacts two contact busbars between itself and the rolling element, the rolling element ensuring the transmission of rolling force to the lower and upper work rolls (12) in contact with the metal strip (MS), and ensuring the removal of the work roll (12) from the roll stand after at least partially opening the roll stand by performing the following steps on the upper and / or lower work rolls: wherein, in the closed position of the roll stand, the work rolls (12) are spaced apart from each other relative to the work rolls. - Insertion step a), including: --The mechanical separation member (1) between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is robotically inserted into the separation position (SP1), wherein the metal strip (MS) and the work roll (12) are physically separated along the length of the work roll, and until it is ensured that contact between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is removed, and / or --A mechanical separation member (1) between the work roll (12) and the rolling element is robotically inserted into the separation position (SP2), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll until contact between the work roll (12) and the rolling element is effectively suppressed. -Remove step b), including: --The work roll (12) is robotically removed by clamping its end and moving it along its axis relative to the metal strip (MS) and the rolling element present in the roll stand, wherein the mechanical separation member: --In the separated position (SP1), the work roller (12) and the metal strip (MS) are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roller and the metal strip during movement, and / or --In the separated position (SP2), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising the insertion step a), comprising robotically inserting the mechanical separation member between the upper or lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) into the separation position (SP1), wherein the metal strip (MS) and the upper or lower work roll (12) are physically separated along the length of the work roll, thereby ensuring suppression of contact between the work roll and the metal strip and ensuring removal, wherein the removal of the work roll is robotically performed by moving the work roll relative to the metal strip and the rolling member along the axis of the work roll (12), in the separation position (SP1), the upper or lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) are physically separated so as to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insertion step a) and the removal step b) are performed on the upper work roll (12), and the separation member (1) between the upper work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation bracket to present a spaced-apart position (SAP) on the one hand, the spaced-apart position being configured to ensure that the two branches of the bifurcation are inserted into either side of the upper work roll without friction with the upper work roll (12) which is still in contact with the metal strip via the contact busbar, and to present a closed position (CP) on the other hand, wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other and are configured to contact the two busbars of the upper work roll (12) respectively to space the upper work roll from the metal strip (MS) by lifting the upper work roll, thereby suppressing contact between the upper work roll and the metal strip.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insertion step a) and the removal step b) are performed on the lower work roll, and the separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends (23) with ramps (24), the ramps being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip (MS) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip when the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip (MS), the ramps (24) at the ends of the branches (21) being configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip (MS) to lift the metal strip with a movement parallel to the direction of the lower work roll when the branches (20, 21) are inserted, wherein the metal strip (MS) is spaced apart from the lower work roll (12) and contact between the lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system (2) have a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the branches (20, 21), the cross section comprising two inclined planes (25, 26) belonging to the two branches (20, 21) facing each other, the inclined planes being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip (MS) in the direction of operation of the metal strip, the two inclined planes (25, 26) being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll (12) to ensure the lifting of the upper work roll, thereby forming a bracket for holding the upper work roll (12) in the closed position (CP) of the branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system (2).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The insertion step a) includes: - The mechanical separation member (1) between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is robotically inserted into the separation position (SP1), wherein the metal strip (MS) and the work roll (12) are physically separated along the length of the work roll, and until contact between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed. The mechanical separation member that robotically inserts between the work roll (12) and the rolling element is then inserted into the separation position (SP2), wherein the work roll and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll until contact between the work roll and the rolling element is suppressed. And wherein, the removal step b) includes robotically removing the work roll by clamping one end of the work roll and moving the work roll relative to the metal strip and the rolling member along its axis, and wherein the mechanical separation member (1): --In the separated position (SP1), the work roller (12) and the metal strip (123) are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roller and the metal strip during movement, and simultaneously --In the separated position (SP2), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insertion step a) and the removal step b) are performed on the upper work roll (12), and the separation member (1) between the upper work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) fixed to the same bifurcation bracket (22), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation bracket to present, on the one hand, a spaced-apart position (SAP) configured to ensure that the two branches of the bifurcation are inserted into either side of the upper work roll without friction with the upper work roll (12) which is still in contact with the metal strip via the contact busbar, and on the other hand, a closed position (CP) wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other and are configured to contact the two busbars of the upper work roll (12) respectively to space the upper work roll from the metal strip (MS) by lifting the upper work roll, thereby suppressing contact between the upper work roll and the metal strip. or, The insertion step a) and the removal step b) are performed on the lower work roll, and the separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends (23) with ramps (24), the ramps being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip (MS) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip when the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip (MS), the ramps (24) at the ends of the branches (21) being configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip (MS) to lift the metal strip with a movement parallel to the direction of the lower work roll when the branches (20, 21) are inserted, wherein the metal strip (MS) is spaced apart from the lower work roll (12) and contact between the lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed. Furthermore, the separating member between the work roll and the metal strip includes the bifurcation system (2), which includes two branches (20, 21) that are movable relative to each other from their spaced-apart position (SAP) to the closed position (CP). The two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system are inserted between the upper or lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS), thereby ensuring suppression of contact between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS), and the separation member between the work roll (12) and the rolling element... The mechanical separation component includes two airfoils (3, 4) with an insertion function, which are respectively hinged to the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system and simultaneously ensure that the work roll is mechanically separated from the rolling element when the two branches are moved from their spaced-apart position (SAP) to their closed position (CP), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll by the airfoils (3, 4) as inserts, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll (12) and the rolling element is suppressed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, During the removal step b), the end of the work roll (12) is held by a clamping device (5) configured to hold the end of the work roll. The clamping device includes a clamp (50) having an electromagnetic or pneumatic chuck that cooperates with the base of the roll, or having a clamp whose clamps engage the cylindrical periphery of the end of the roll. The removal step b) is carried out by moving the clamp (50) in the direction of the work roll, thereby ensuring that the work roll (12) is pulled.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The insertion step a) and the removal step b) are performed on the upper work roll (12), and the separation member (1) between the upper work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) fixed to the same bifurcation bracket (22), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation bracket to present, on the one hand, a spaced-apart position (SAP) configured to ensure that the two branches of the bifurcation are inserted into either side of the upper work roll without friction with the upper work roll (12) which is still in contact with the metal strip via the contact busbar, and on the other hand, a closed position (CP) wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other and are configured to contact the two busbars of the upper work roll (12) respectively to space the upper work roll from the metal strip (MS) by lifting the upper work roll, thereby suppressing contact between the upper work roll and the metal strip. or, The insertion step a) and the removal step b) are performed on the lower work roll, and the separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends (23) with ramps (24), the ramps being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip (MS) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip when the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip (MS), the ramps (24) at the ends of the branches (21) being configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip (MS) to lift the metal strip with a movement parallel to the direction of the lower work roll when the branches (20, 21) are inserted, wherein the metal strip (MS) is spaced apart from the lower work roll (12) and contact between the lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed. Furthermore, the clamping device (5) further includes the clamp (50) and also includes an actuator (51) that connects the fork support (22) to the clamp (50), the actuator being configured to move the clamp (50) relative to the fork support (22) in a direction parallel to the branch of the fork system, the removal step b) comprising: - First removal sub-step, wherein the clamp (50) clamps the end of the work roll (12) and performs partial removal of the work roll (12) relative to the bifurcation system by moving the work roll (12) along the branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system, the branches (12) of the bifurcation system being fixed in the roll stand (10) in the closed position (CP). - A second removal sub-step, wherein a support element (6) movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the branch and connected to the support via a second actuator 60 engages with the periphery of the work roller near the clamped end, in order to ensure locking of the work roller clamped between the motor-driven support element (6) on one side and the opposing support element (7) near the forked support (12) on the other side. - The third removal sub-step, wherein the work roll locked between the support element (6) and the reverse support element (7) is completely removed from the roll stand by moving the entire bifurcation system and the locked work roll.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bifurcation system (2) and the clamping device (5) further include the clamp (50) and also include an actuator (51) that connects the bracket of the bifurcation system to the clamp, and the support element (6) connected to the bracket via the second actuator 60 is a self-supporting assembly formed by a robot component (Ro) to form the same work roll changing tool (8).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The upper and lower work rolls are continuously removed by the same work roll changing tool handled by a robotic component (Ro), the robotic component including components for moving the self-supporting assembly: - During the insertion or removal step, in the x-direction parallel to the axis of the work roller (12) to be clamped, - At a height along the z-direction, from the position allowing removal of the upper work roll to the position allowing removal of the lower work roll, - Pivot along a rotation axis parallel to the direction of the branch of the bifurcation system to move from a configuration that allows removal of the self-supporting assembly of the upper work roll to a configuration in which the self-supporting assembly of the lower work roll can be pivoted 180°.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rolling mill is a 20HI rolling mill.

13. A method for replacing work rolls (12) of a rolling mill (10), the method being used in the presence of a metal strip (MS) to be rolled between two work rolls (12), the work rolls comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll, wherein in a closed position of a roll stand configured to roll the metal strip (MS), each of the work rolls (12) has a contact generatrix with the metal strip, the contact generatrix and the axis of the work roll being located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip, a rolling element contacting each of the work rolls (12) along two contact generatrixes between the rolling element and the rolling element, the rolling element ensuring the transmission of rolling force to the lower work roll and the upper work roll (12) in contact with the metal strip (MS), and by performing the following steps on the upper work roll and / or the lower work roll, a method for ensuring the insertion of a new or ground work roll (12) into the roll stand in the presence of the metal strip and the rolling element after at least partially opening the roll stand: - Insertion step c), which includes: --A mechanical separation member (1) is robotically inserted between the metal strip (MS) and the work roller to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roller (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed, and / or --A mechanical separation member (1) is robotically inserted between the rolling component and the work roll (12) to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll (12) and the rolling component is suppressed. - Insertion step d), which is simultaneous with or after insertion step c), comprises robotically inserting the work roll (12) by pushing one end of the work roll and moving the work roll along its axis relative to the metal strip (MS) and the rolling element present in the roll stand, wherein the mechanical separation member: --In the separated position (SP1), wherein the work roller (12) and the metal strip (MS) are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roller and the metal strip during movement, and / or --In the separated position (SP2), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the insertion step c), comprising robotically inserting a mechanical separation member between the upper or lower work roll (12) to be inserted and the metal strip (MS) into the separation position (SP1), wherein the metal strip (MS) and the upper or lower work roll (12) are physically separated along the length of the work roll to ensure suppression of contact between the work roll and the metal strip, and comprising the insertion step d), wherein the insertion of the work roll is performed robotically in the separation position (SP1) by moving the work roll relative to the metal strip and the rolling member along the axis of the work roll (12), wherein the upper or lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the metal strip during movement.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Insertion steps a) and d) are performed on the upper work roll (12), and the separation member (1) between the upper work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation bracket to present a closed position (CP) on the one hand during insertion steps c) and d), wherein the branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other, the closed position being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll (12) respectively to space the upper work roll from the metal strip (MS), and on the other hand presenting a spaced position (SAP), the spaced position being configured to place the upper work roll (12) on the metal strip with the presence of contact generatrices between the upper work roll and the metal strip, and the two branches then being arranged on either side of the upper work roll.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Insertion steps c) and d) are performed on the lower work roll, and the separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends (23) with ramps (24), the ramps being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip (MS) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip when the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip (MS), the ramps (24) at the ends of the branches (21) being configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip (MS) to lift the metal strip in a direction parallel to the lower work roll when the branches (20, 21) are inserted, wherein the metal strip (MS) is spaced apart from the lower work roll (12).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system (2) have a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the branches (20, 21), the cross section comprising two inclined planes (25, 26) belonging to the two branches (20, 21) facing each other, the inclined planes being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip along the direction of operation of the metal strip (MS), the two inclined planes (25, 26) being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll (12) to ensure the retention of the upper work roll, thereby forming a bracket for retaining the upper work roll (12) in the closed position (CP) of the branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system (2), and then the upper work roll is controlledly placed onto the metal strip when the two branches move to their spaced-apart position (SAP).

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The insertion step c) includes: - The mechanical separation member (1) is robotically inserted between the metal strip (MS) and the work roller to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roller (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed, and -The insertion step, in which a mechanical separation member (1) is robotically inserted between the rolling component and the work roll (12) to be inserted, thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll (12) and the rolling component is suppressed. And wherein the insertion step d) comprises robotically inserting the work roll by pushing one end of the work roll and moving the work roll relative to the metal strip and the rolling member along its axis, and wherein the mechanical separation member (1): --In the separated position (SP1), the work roller (12) and the metal strip (MS) are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roller and the metal strip during movement, and simultaneously --In the separated position (SP2), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling element are physically separated to avoid any friction between the work roll and the rolling element during movement.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Insertion steps a) and d) are performed on the upper work roll (12), and the separation member (1) between the upper work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) fixed to the same bifurcation bracket (22), and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation bracket to present a closed position (CP) on the one hand during insertion steps c) and d), wherein the branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other, the closed position being configured to contact the two generatrices of the upper work roll (12) respectively to space the upper work roll from the metal strip (MS), and on the other hand presenting a spaced-apart position (SAP), the spaced-apart position being configured to place the upper work roll (12) on the metal strip with contact generatrices between the upper work roll and the metal strip, and the two branches then being arranged on either side of the upper work roll. or, Insertion steps c) and d) are performed on the lower work roll, and the separation member between the work roll and the metal strip includes a bifurcation system (2) comprising two parallel branches (20, 21) held to the same bifurcation bracket (22), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system have free ends (23) with ramps (24), the ramps being inclined relative to the plane of the metal strip (MS) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the metal strip when the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system have axes contained in a plane parallel to the plane of the metal strip (MS), the ramps (24) at the ends of the branches (21) being configured to cooperate with the edge of the metal strip (MS) to lift the metal strip in a direction parallel to the lower work roll during insertion of the branches (20, 21), wherein the metal strip (MS) is spaced apart from the lower work roll (12). The separating member between the work roll and the metal strip includes the bifurcation system (2), which comprises two branches (20, 21) movable relative to each other from a closed position (CP). The two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system are inserted between the upper or lower work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS), thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) is suppressed during insertion steps c) and d), and between the work roll (12) and the rolling element. The mechanical separation component includes two airfoils (3, 4) with an insertion function, which are respectively hinged to the two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system and simultaneously ensure mechanical separation between the work roll and the rolling component in the closed position (CP), wherein the work roll (12) and the rolling component are physically separated along the length of the work roll by the insertion airfoils (3, 4), thereby ensuring that contact between the work roll (12) and the rolling component is suppressed during the insertion steps c) and d).

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Insertion steps c) and d) are performed on the upper work roll (12), and the separating member (1) between the upper work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) includes the bifurcation system (2), which includes two parallel branches (20, 21) fixed to the same bifurcation bracket (22), and wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system are movable relative to the bifurcation bracket to, on the one hand, present a closed position (CP) during insertion steps c) and d), wherein the two branches of the bifurcation system move closer to each other, and the closed position is configured to contact the upper work roll (12) respectively. Two generatrices of the work roll (12) are used to space the upper work roll from the metal strip (MS). Two airfoils (3, 4) simultaneously ensure mechanical separation between the work roll (12) and the rolling element, and then, on the other hand, present a spaced-apart position (SAP) configured to ensure that the upper work roll (12) is placed on the metal strip with contact generatrices between the upper work roll and the metal strip. Two arms are then arranged on either side of the upper work roll, and the airfoils (3, 4) simultaneously retract into the spaced-apart position, wherein they release the gap between the work roll and the rolling element.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The insertion step d) is performed by a clamp (5) that pushes the end of the work roller (12) by means of a clamp (50) configured to push the end of the work roller, and wherein the insertion step d) is performed by moving the clamp (50) along the direction of the work roller, thereby ensuring that the work roller (12) is pushed.

22. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The clamp (5) includes an actuator (51) connecting the bifurcation support (22) to the clamp (50), the actuator being configured to move the clamp (50) relative to the bifurcation support (22) in a direction parallel to the branches of the bifurcation system, the insertion step d) including: -In the first insertion sub-step, the work roll, locked between the support element (6) and the reverse support element (7) on the bifurcation support, is partially inserted into the roll stand between the metal strip (MS) and the upper or lower work roll. In its closed position (CP), the branches of the bifurcation system, or even the wing members (3, 4), ensure inhibition of contact between the metal strip and the work roll, wherein it is possible to ensure inhibition of contact between the work roll and the rolling element by means of the wing members (3, 4). - Second unlocking sub-step, wherein the support element (6) is spaced apart from the reverse support element to release the work roller, the support element being movable via a second actuator (60) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the branch and connected to the support. - Third insertion sub-step, wherein the fork is subsequently in the closed position (CP) by sliding the upper work roller on the branch of the system, or the work roller is partially inserted by the actuator (51) by sliding the lower work roller on the insertion airfoil (3, 4).

23. A tool (8) suitable for changing the work rolls of a rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 22, said tool being configured to be handled by a motor-driven member (Ro), comprising: - A bifurcation system (2) comprising two branches (20, 21) configured to be inserted into the mill stand at spaced-apart positions (SAP) on either side of the upper work roll (12) of the mill, the branches (20, 21) being movable relative to a bifurcation support (22), the branches (20, 21) being configured to move from their spaced-apart positions (SAP) to their closed positions (CP), wherein the branches (20, 21) ensure the lifting of the upper work roll (12) by ensuring physical separation between the work roll (12) and the metal strip (MS) when the work roll is removed, and / or the bifurcation system comprising two branches (20, 21) configured to be inserted into the mill stand at their closed positions (CP), the branches being movable relative to the bifurcation support (22), the branches being configured to move from their closed positions (CP) to their spaced-apart positions (SAP) to allow the upper work roll (12) to be placed from the metal strip (MS). - Clamping device (5), the clamping device including a clamp (50) connected to the bifurcation support (22) by an actuator (51), the clamp being configured to clamp one end of the work roller (12) and pull the work roller along the branches (20, 21) of the bifurcation system.

24. The tool according to claim 23, comprising a movable support element (6) connected to the fork support (22) via a second actuator (60), the movable support element being configured to ensure locking of the end of the work roller held and pulled by the clamping device (5) when the branch is in the closed position (CP), the work roller being held between the movable support element (6) and a reverse support element (7) near the fork support (22).

25. The tool according to claim 23 or 24, comprising two airfoils (3, 4) having an insertion function, the airfoils being respectively hinged to two branches (20, 21) of the bifurcated system and ensuring that: - When the two arms (20, 21) and the wing-shaped members (3, 4), which simultaneously act as inserts, move closer from their spaced-apart position (SAP) to their closed position (CP), the work roll (12) is mechanically separated from the rolling element, wherein the work roll and the rolling element are physically separated along the length of the work roll by the insert wing-shaped members (3, 4), thereby ensuring suppression of contact between the work roll and the rolling element, and / or - In the closed position (CP) of the branch in the roll stand, the lower work roll (12) is released onto the insert wing (3, 4) between the work roll (12) and the rolling element, and then the lower work roll is removed onto the rolling element when the branch (20, 21) and the insert wing (3, 4) have moved from their closed position (CP) to their spaced-apart position (SAP).

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