Rolling mill and method for controlling the same

Abstract

The application discloses a rolling equipment and a control method thereof. The rolling equipment comprises an uncoiler, a rolling mill unit, a hydraulic system, a detection device and a central controller. The uncoiler is provided with a parent material roll and is used to drive the parent material roll to unroll. The rolling mill unit is arranged downstream of the parent material roll and is provided with at least one set of working rolls. The hydraulic system is connected with at least one working roll in each set of working rolls and is used to apply pressure to the working rolls. The pressure applied to the working rolls by the hydraulic system is dynamically adjustable during the rolling process of the rolling mill unit. The central controller is respectively signal-connected with the detection device and the hydraulic system. After a preset curve of the roll material is acquired, the central controller controls the hydraulic system to roll the roll material along the rolling direction according to the preset curve. Based on the real-time deviation of the thickness of the roll material at the actual outlet from the target thickness curve, a thickness compensation instruction is generated. The hydraulic system controls the hydraulic system to dynamically adjust the roll gap and the pressure between the working rolls according to the compensation instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal processing, and in particular to a rolling mill and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demands for lightweighting and structural performance in the automotive, aerospace, and other fields, unequal thickness metal sheets are widely used because they can achieve optimal thickness-performance matching in different parts. Traditional methods for producing unequal thickness sheets mainly involve welding or casting, which have drawbacks such as low production efficiency, weak weld joint performance, and low material utilization.

[0003] Currently, advanced variable thickness rolling technology can achieve continuous thickness variation on the same coil of sheet. However, in the production process, especially under high-speed continuous rolling conditions, existing technologies suffer from insufficient control precision in the thickness transition zone, which easily leads to abrupt changes or fluctuations in thickness. This affects the smooth transition of material properties and results in poor responsiveness to complex thickness variation curves (such as sine waves). During the rolling process, the drastic changes in rolling force caused by abrupt changes in thickness can easily lead to poor sheet shape (such as waviness and warping) and mill vibration, affecting production stability and product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of this invention is to provide a rolling mill that, based on the real-time deviation between the actual thickness of the coil at the exit and the target thickness curve detected by a detection device, generates a thickness compensation command, and controls the hydraulic system to dynamically adjust the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls according to the compensation command.

[0005] The rolling equipment according to this application includes an uncoiler, a rolling mill unit, a hydraulic system, a detection device, and a central controller. The uncoiler holds a master stock coil and is used to drive the master stock coil to unfold. The rolling mill unit is located downstream of the master stock coil and has at least one set of paired work rolls, with an adjustable roll gap between each pair of work rolls. The hydraulic system is connected to at least one of the work rolls in each set and is used to apply pressure to the work rolls; the pressure applied by the hydraulic system to the work rolls is dynamically adjustable during the rolling process. The detection device is located downstream of the rolling mill unit and is used to detect the thickness, shape, and thickness curve of the rolled material. The central controller is signal-connected to the detection device and the hydraulic system, respectively. The central controller is configured to: after acquiring a preset curve of the coil, control the hydraulic system to roll the coil along the rolling direction according to the preset curve; generate a thickness compensation command based on the real-time deviation between the actual thickness of the coil at the exit and the target thickness curve detected by the detection device; and control the hydraulic system to dynamically adjust the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls according to the compensation command.

[0006] The rolling equipment described in this application, through the coordinated action of the uncoiler, rolling mill unit, detection device, and central controller, dynamically adjusts the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls according to compensation instructions when deviations occur in the preset thickness curve of the coil. It can continuously roll products of unequal thickness with thickness variations according to a preset curve on a single coil, with a smooth thickness transition zone without abrupt changes, good sheet shape quality, and a production rhythm comparable to conventional equal-thickness rolling, significantly improving material utilization and production efficiency.

[0007] Without stopping the machine or changing the tooling, products with unequal thicknesses, such as sine wave or trapezoidal wave, can be continuously rolled on a single coil. The thickness transition zone is smooth without abrupt changes, the plate shape quality is good, and the production rhythm is comparable to that of conventional equal thickness rolling. The material utilization rate and production efficiency are significantly improved.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the detection device includes: a thickness gauge, a length gauge, and a shape gauge. The thickness gauge is located downstream of the rolling mill and is used to acquire the actual thickness parameters of the rolled material. The length gauge is located downstream of the rolling mill and is used to acquire the real-time length and position parameters of the material in the rolling direction. The shape gauge is located downstream of the rolling mill and is used to acquire the shape defect information of the rolled material. The central controller is connected to the thickness gauge, length gauge, and shape gauge respectively and is configured to perform coordinated control of the hydraulic system based on the detection results of the thickness gauge, length gauge, and shape gauge.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the central controller is also configured to: predict the required roll gap setting value S_set(t) for future moments based on a preset curve and the current rolling speed, and send the setting value to the hydraulic system in advance as a feedforward instruction.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the preset curve is H(x), and the preset curve H(x) defines a set value S_set(t) corresponding to the length coordinate. Based on the rolling speed V and the current coordinate L of the coil, the roll gap set value S_set(t) required at the future time point t is calculated.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the central controller is further configured to: calculate the deviation between the actual exit thickness of the roll material and the target thickness, generate a real-time fine-tuning compensation amount based on the deviation and its rate of change, and add it to the compensation instruction.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the rolling equipment further includes: a bending roll mechanism, which is disposed on one side of the work roll and is used to apply bending roll force to the work roll; a central controller is signal-connected to the bending roll mechanism and configured to: when the rolling force changes drastically due to the dynamic adjustment of the roll gap, adjust the bending roll force of the bending roll mechanism in conjunction with the feedback signal of the shape meter.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the hydraulic system includes: a pressure sensor and a displacement sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is used to monitor the rolling force in real time; the displacement sensor is used to monitor the actual roll gap value of the work roll in real time; wherein the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor are respectively connected to the central controller to provide feedback signals and to realize closed-loop control.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the rolling equipment further includes a winding machine, which is located downstream of the rolling mill and is used to wind up the rolled coil.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the rolling equipment further includes: a first guide roll and / or a second guide roll, wherein the first guide roll is disposed between the uncoiler and the rolling mill unit, and the second guide roll is disposed between the rolling mill unit and the coiler, and the first guide roll and the second guide roll are used to maintain the tension of the coil during the conveying process.

[0016] The control method for rolling equipment according to this application is briefly described below.

[0017] The control method includes: loading the equal-thickness base material coil into the uncoiler and inputting the preset target thickness curve into the central controller; using the detection device to monitor the thickness and position of the coil passing through the rolling mill unit, and obtaining the deviation value between the actual thickness at the target position and the target thickness; and adjusting the distance between the work rolls of the rolling mill unit and / or the rolling speed according to the deviation value.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rolling mill according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rolling mill unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a control method for rolling mill equipment according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 1 Uncoiler, 2 First guide roll, 3 Rolling mill unit, 4 Thickness gauge, 5 Length gauge, 6 Shape gauge, 7 Second guide roll, 8 Rewinder, 9 Hydraulic system, 10 Central controller, 11 Support roll, 12 Work roll, 13 Bending roll mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0026] The following is for reference. Figures 1-3 A rolling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0027] The rolling equipment according to this application includes an uncoiler 1, a rolling mill unit 3, a hydraulic system, a detection device, and a central controller 10. The uncoiler 1 has a master stock coil mounted on it and is used to drive the master stock coil to unfold. The rolling mill unit 3 is located downstream of the master stock coil and has at least one set of paired work rolls 12, the roll gap between each pair of work rolls 12 being adjustable. The hydraulic system is connected to at least one of the work rolls 12 and is used to apply pressure to the work rolls 12. The pressure applied by the hydraulic system to the work rolls 12 is dynamic during the rolling process of the rolling mill unit 3. Adjustable; the detection device is located downstream of the rolling mill unit 3 and is used to detect the thickness, shape, and thickness curve of the rolled material; the central controller 10 is connected to the detection device and the hydraulic system respectively, and the central controller 10 is configured to: after acquiring the preset curve of the coil, control the hydraulic system to roll the coil along the rolling direction according to the preset curve; generate a thickness compensation command based on the real-time deviation between the actual thickness of the coil at the exit and the target thickness curve detected by the detection device; and control the hydraulic system to dynamically adjust the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls 12 according to the compensation command.

[0028] The rolling equipment of this application includes an uncoiler 1, a rolling mill unit 3, a hydraulic system, a detection device, and a central controller 10. The uncoiler 1 drives the unwinding of the master stock coil mounted on it, providing raw material supply for continuous rolling. The rolling mill unit 3 is located downstream of the master stock coil and is equipped with at least one pair of work rolls 12. The roll gap between the work rolls 12 is adjustable, forming the basic execution unit for thickness deformation. The hydraulic system is connected to the work rolls 12 and applies pressure to them. This pressure is dynamically adjustable during rolling, achieving real-time and precise control of the rolling force. The detection device is located downstream of the rolling mill unit 3 and is used to detect the thickness, shape, and thickness curve of the rolled material, providing online quality feedback. The central controller 10 is connected to both the detection device and the hydraulic system. Its configuration involves first acquiring a preset curve and then controlling the hydraulic system to roll according to this curve. Then, based on the real-time deviation between the detected actual thickness and the target thickness, a thickness compensation command is generated. Finally, the hydraulic system is controlled to dynamically adjust the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls 12 according to this command.

[0029] The uncoiler 1 enables continuous material feeding, while the rolling mill unit 3 and the dynamically adjustable hydraulic system constitute a flexible and adjustable thickness actuator. The detection device provides real-time thickness and shape feedback, and the central controller 10 performs closed-loop control based on a preset curve and real-time deviation. This combination enables the equipment to continuously roll products with thickness variations according to a preset curve on a single coil, achieving smooth control of the thickness transition zone, effectively avoiding abrupt changes or fluctuations in thickness, and ensuring a smooth transition of material properties. At the same time, by real-time compensation and adjustment of the roll gap and pressure, it suppresses drastic fluctuations in rolling force caused by thickness variations, thereby preventing problems such as poor sheet shape, warping, and vibration of the rolling mill unit 3.

[0030] Hydraulic system 9 is connected to the work rolls 12 of the rolling mill unit 3 and is used to apply rolling pressure to the work rolls 12. The pressure is dynamically adjustable during the rolling process. Hydraulic system 9 is located in the area of ​​rolling mill unit 3, downstream of uncoiler 1 and upstream of detection device. It is connected to at least one of the work rolls 12 in each group of rolling mill unit 3 and is used to apply pressure to the work rolls 12. The pressure is dynamically adjustable during the rolling process. Hydraulic system 9 is signal-connected to central controller 10 and is controlled by it to roll according to a preset curve. It also dynamically adjusts the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls 12 according to thickness compensation instructions. According to the rolling equipment of this application, the master stock coil is first unwound and driven by the uncoiler 1 and enters the downstream rolling mill unit 3. At least one pair of work rolls 12 in the unit rolls the coil, and the roll gap between the pair of work rolls 12 is adjustable to change the thickness of the rolled coil. The hydraulic system connected to the work rolls 12 applies dynamically adjustable pressure to the work rolls 12 during the rolling process to control the roll gap and rolling force. The rolled coil continues to flow downstream of the rolling mill unit 3, where the thickness, shape, and thickness curve are detected online by the detection device. The central controller 10 is connected to the detection device and the hydraulic system. Before the coil flows, a preset curve is acquired and the hydraulic system is initially controlled accordingly. During the rolling process, based on the real-time deviation between the actual thickness fed back by the detection device and the target curve, a thickness compensation command is generated, and the hydraulic system is immediately controlled to dynamically adjust the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls 12 according to the command, so as to realize the real-time correction of the thickness of the subsequent coil.

[0031] The rolling equipment of this application can realize a complete closed loop of continuous feeding, dynamic rolling, online detection, and real-time feedback control. This process enables the equipment to roll products with thicknesses varying according to a preset curve during the continuous flow of a single coil. The uncoiler 1 ensures continuous feeding, the rolling mill unit 3 and the hydraulic system constitute a rapidly responsive actuator, the detection device provides real-time quality data during the flow process, and the central controller 10 realizes precise closed-loop control based on the preset curve and feedforward control, combined with real-time deviation and feedback compensation.

[0032] The rolling equipment of this application, through the coordinated action of the uncoiler 1, the rolling mill unit 3, the detection device, and the central controller 10, enables the dynamic adjustment of the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls 12 according to the compensation command after the coil deviates from the preset thickness curve. Without stopping the machine or changing tooling, it can continuously roll unequal thickness products with thicknesses varying according to a preset curve on a single coil. The thickness transition zone is smooth without abrupt changes, resulting in good sheet quality, and the production rhythm is comparable to conventional equal thickness rolling, significantly improving material utilization and production efficiency. It can also continuously roll unequal thickness products with longitudinal thicknesses varying according to any preset curve, such as sine wave or trapezoidal wave, on a single coil. The thickness transition zone is smooth without abrupt changes, resulting in good sheet quality, and the production rhythm is comparable to conventional equal thickness rolling, significantly improving material utilization and production efficiency.

[0033] According to some embodiments of this application, the detection device includes: a thickness gauge 4, a length gauge 5, and a shape gauge 6. The thickness gauge 4 is located downstream of the rolling mill 3 and is used to obtain the actual thickness parameters of the rolled material. The length gauge 5 is located downstream of the rolling mill 3 and is used to obtain the real-time length and position parameters of the material in the rolling direction. The shape gauge 6 is located downstream of the rolling mill 3 and is used to obtain the shape defect information of the rolled material. The central controller 10 is connected to the thickness gauge 4, the length gauge 5, and the shape gauge 6 by signals, and is configured to perform coordinated control of the hydraulic system based on the detection results of the thickness gauge 4, the length gauge 5, and the shape gauge 6.

[0034] The specific structure and collaborative workflow of the detection device are as follows: After being rolled by the rolling mill unit 3, the coil material passes sequentially through the "thickness gauge 4", "length gauge 5", and "shape gauge 6". The "thickness gauge 4" is located downstream of the rolling mill unit 3 and is used to acquire the "actual thickness parameters" of the rolled material online, providing direct data for thickness control. The "length gauge 5" is also located downstream and is used to acquire the "real-time length and position parameters" of the material in the rolling direction, realizing precise positioning and synchronization of the thickness curve in the length direction. The "shape gauge 6" is also located downstream and is used to acquire the "shape defect information" of the rolled material, monitoring the flatness of the material. The "central controller 10" is connected to the thickness gauge 4, length gauge 5, and shape gauge 6 respectively, and is configured to perform "collaborative control" of the hydraulic system based on the detection results of the three: that is, to generate integrated thickness and shape compensation commands by comprehensively considering the actual thickness deviation, length position information, and shape defects.

[0035] In this embodiment, the combination of thickness gauge 4, length gauge 5, and shape gauge 6 enables comprehensive detection of thickness, position, and shape during the roll material flow process. The central controller 10 performs coordinated control based on multi-source information, realizing that the thickness adjustment for roll material processing is not only based on the deviation of the thickness itself, but also associated with the precise location where the deviation occurs, and simultaneously considers the possible impact of the adjustment action on the shape.

[0036] The precise positioning of the length measuring instrument 5 ensures synchronization between the thickness compensation command and specific positions on the coil, greatly improving the tracking accuracy and responsiveness to complex preset thickness curves, resulting in a smoother and more precise thickness transition. By introducing feedback from the shape measuring instrument 6, the central controller 10 can dynamically adjust the roll gap and pressure to correct the thickness while anticipating or compensating for disturbances to the shape. This allows for more effective synergistic suppression of shape defects such as waviness and warping during continuous rolling, ensuring the overall shape quality of the product. This solves the problem of insufficient control precision in the thickness transition zone of the coil, minimizing the occurrence of shape defects and achieving synergistic optimization of both thickness and shape quality goals under high-speed continuous production conditions.

[0037] According to some embodiments of this application, the central controller 10 is further configured to: predict the required roll gap setpoint S_set(t) for future moments based on a preset curve and the current rolling speed, and send this setpoint as a feedforward command to the hydraulic system in advance. The function of the central controller 10 is further extended based on feedback compensation. The central controller 10 is also configured to, during the continuous flow of the coil, predict the required roll gap setpoint S_set(t) for future moments based on a preset curve and the current rolling speed, and send this setpoint as a feedforward command to the hydraulic system in advance. This feature upgrades the control strategy from a simple detection-feedback mode to a composite advanced control mode combining prediction-feedforward and feedback compensation.

[0038] During rolling, the central controller 10 calculates the roll gap setting value required to achieve the target thickness at a specific future moment based on the known preset curve, i.e., the change function of the target thickness along the rolling length and the current rolling speed obtained in real time by the length measuring instrument 5, etc., and issues this predicted value to the hydraulic system in advance as a feedforward command so that it can adjust the position of the work roll 12 in advance.

[0039] This predictive action works in conjunction with the aforementioned feedback compensation command based on the real-time deviation of the detection device. The combined technical effect is as follows: First, feedforward control can pre-set the roll gap based on the known thickness change curve and speed, proactively responding to upcoming thickness changes, thereby significantly reducing the thickness tracking error caused by system response lag, and improving the accuracy and dynamic responsiveness for complex thickness change curves.

[0040] Secondly, by actively intervening with feedforward, the rolling force fluctuations caused by thickness changes are smoothed out in advance, reducing the dynamic load impact of the rolling mill unit 3 in the thickness transition zone. This can effectively suppress the vibration of the rolling mill unit 3 and prevent the resulting poor plate shape. This feedforward control optimizes the control process and, together with real-time feedback compensation, achieves a closed-loop control system with rapid response, strong anti-disturbance capability, and high precision. Under high-speed continuous rolling conditions, it achieves the goal of smooth thickness transition zone without abrupt changes and production stability.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this application, the preset curve is H(x), and the preset curve H(x) defines a set value S_set(t) corresponding to the length coordinate. Based on the rolling speed V and the current coordinate L of the coil, the roll gap set value S_set(t) required at the future time point t is calculated.

[0042] The feedforward prediction function of the central controller 10 is further mathematically defined, with a preset curve H(x). This preset curve H(x) defines a setpoint S_set(t) corresponding to the length coordinate (x). This setpoint can be directly or indirectly associated with the roll gap value required for the target thickness. During the control process, the central controller 10 calculates the roll gap setpoint S_set(t) required at a future time point t based on the rolling speed V and the current coordinate L of the coil, using the relation t = (x - L) / V or other equivalent algorithms.

[0043] The feedforward mechanism explicitly defines the preset curve H(x) as a function with length as the independent variable, storing the target thickness or corresponding ideal roll gap value for each point on the entire roll of material. In the real-time control of the roll flow, the central controller 10, combined with the current roll coordinate L and real-time rolling speed V continuously provided by the length measuring instrument 5, can dynamically calculate and map the roll gap setting value required when a specific length coordinate point enters the roll at any future moment.

[0044] In this embodiment, the static, length-domain preset thickness curve (H(x)) is transformed into a dynamic, time-domain mill execution command and a precise mathematical model of the roll gap setpoint S_set(t). This ensures the accuracy and repeatability of the feedforward control and forms the algorithmic basis for handling "complex thickness variation curves." Secondly, this calculation process achieves synchronization and lead compensation between the control command and the physical position of the coil, enabling the hydraulic system to accurately complete roll gap pre-adjustment before the target point reaches the roll. This significantly reduces thickness control lag caused by mechanical and hydraulic system response delays, effectively ensuring the smoothness of the thickness transition zone and suppressing abrupt thickness changes. The feedforward control based on the mathematical model, working in conjunction with real-time feedback compensation based on the thickness gauge 4 and shape gauge 6, constitutes a high-precision, high-dynamic-response adaptive control system. This systematically solves the problems of "thickness fluctuation," "poor shape," and "mill vibration" caused by response lag and dynamic disturbances in the background technology, achieving high-fidelity rolling of the preset thickness curve under high-speed continuous rolling conditions.

[0045] According to some embodiments of this application, the central controller 10 is further configured to: calculate the deviation between the actual exit thickness of the roll material and the target thickness, generate a real-time fine-tuning compensation amount based on the deviation and its rate of change, and add it to the compensation command. The feedback compensation function of the central controller 10 calculates the deviation between the actual exit thickness of the roll material and the target thickness, further generates a real-time fine-tuning compensation amount based on the deviation and its rate of change, and finally adds this fine-tuning compensation amount to the compensation command.

[0046] The central controller 10 continuously receives actual exit thickness data from the thickness gauge 4 and compares it in real time with the target thickness at the corresponding position, derived from the preset curve H(x) and the positioning of the length gauge 5, to calculate the instantaneous deviation (e). The central controller 10 not only analyzes the magnitude of this deviation but also its rate of change de / dt, i.e., the trend of the deviation changing over time, to obtain a real-time fine-tuning compensation amount. This fine-tuning amount is ultimately superimposed on the original compensation command and sent to the hydraulic system to adjust the roll gap and pressure between the work rolls 12.

[0047] This application introduces the deviation change rate as a control parameter, enabling the control system to anticipate the development trend of thickness deviation, such as whether the thickness deviation is rapidly increasing or decreasing, and thus implement proactive correction. This significantly improves the system's dynamic suppression capability against sudden disturbances such as minor fluctuations in material properties and thermal expansion of rolls, resulting in stronger anti-interference capabilities and faster recovery speed for thickness control, further reducing the range of thickness fluctuations.

[0048] Secondly, this real-time fine-tuning and feedforward predictive control complement each other perfectly: feedforward control handles predictable, planned thickness variations based on a preset model; while fine-tuning feedback based on deviations and rates of change is used to suppress unpredictable random disturbances not included in the model. The combination of these two technologies creates a control system that combines planned tracking capabilities with random disturbance suppression. This directly addresses and effectively mitigates the problem of abrupt thickness changes or fluctuations caused by various disturbances under high-speed continuous rolling conditions, ensuring a smooth transition in the thickness transition zone. Furthermore, by rapidly suppressing thickness fluctuations, it indirectly improves the stability of rolling force, which is beneficial for maintaining good sheet shape quality and production stability.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this application, the rolling equipment further includes: a bending roll mechanism 13, which is disposed on one side of the work roll 12 and is used to apply bending roll force to the work roll 12; the central controller 10 is signal-connected to the bending roll mechanism 13 and configured to: when the rolling force changes drastically due to the dynamic adjustment of the roll gap, adjust the bending roll force of the bending roll mechanism 13 in linkage based on the feedback signal of the shape meter 6.

[0050] When the rolled material flows through the roll gap between the work rolls 12, the central controller 10 may cause rapid changes in rolling force when dynamically adjusting the roll gap to track the preset thickness curve or for compensation, which may induce the risk of shape defects. At this time, while driving the hydraulic system to adjust the roll gap, the central controller 10 monitors the signal of the shape meter 6 in real time. Once it detects a trend of shape disturbance or actual defects, it immediately generates a bending roll force adjustment command to compensate for the crown of the work rolls 12, so as to offset or prevent the occurrence of shape problems.

[0051] When adjusting the roll gap and shape control via the hydraulic system, the bending roll force is adjusted through the bending roll mechanism 13 to achieve an active decoupling and linkage compensation mechanism. When the main thickness control action, especially large or rapid roll gap adjustment, becomes a major source of shape interference, this mechanism can make immediate and targeted adjustments, thereby effectively isolating the negative impact of thickness changes on shape quality while achieving complex thickness curve rolling.

[0052] According to some embodiments of this application, the hydraulic system includes: a pressure sensor and a displacement sensor. The pressure sensor is used to monitor the rolling force in real time; the displacement sensor is used to monitor the actual roll gap value of the work roll 12 in real time; wherein the pressure sensor and the displacement sensor are respectively connected to the central controller 10 to provide feedback signals and to realize closed-loop control.

[0053] A pressure sensor is used to monitor the rolling force in real time; a displacement sensor is used to monitor the actual roll gap value of the work roll 12 in real time. Simultaneously, the pressure sensor and displacement sensor are connected to the central controller 10, providing their monitoring data as feedback signals to the central controller 10 for closed-loop control. This adds internal sensing and feedback to the dynamic adjustment function of the hydraulic system. During the execution of feedforward setting or compensation commands issued by the central controller 10—that is, adjusting the pressure and roll gap—the pressure sensor continuously measures the actual "rolling force" applied to the work roll 12, while the displacement sensor measures the actual roll gap value of the work roll 12. These two parameters are fed back to the central controller 10 in real time, forming a fast-response control loop embedded in the main control loop.

[0054] Combined with the overall equipment and other control features, direct closed-loop control of the roll gap and pressure at the end of the rolling process is achieved, greatly improving execution accuracy and dynamic response speed. The central controller 10 can quickly fine-tune by comparing the target rolling force / roll gap with the actual value, ensuring that the hydraulic system can accurately and stably reproduce control commands, providing a reliable and lag-free execution basis for thickness and shape control. Secondly, real-time and accurate rolling force and roll gap feedback provides key data for the coordinated and safe control of the central controller 10. For example, by combining pressure data with preset models, the dynamic fluctuations of the rolling mill unit 3 can be more accurately evaluated and compensated, improving thickness control accuracy; at the same time, continuous monitoring of rolling force helps to identify abnormal loads, prevent equipment damage, and ensure production stability.

[0055] According to some embodiments of this application, the rolling equipment further includes a winding machine 8, which is located downstream of the rolling mill unit 3 and is used to wind up the rolled coil.

[0056] The rewinder 8 completes the entire flow sequence of the coil within the equipment. After the master coil is unwound on the uncoiler 1, it is dynamically rolled and deformed by the rolling mill unit 3, and then inspected by the detection device. Finally, it is rewound into a coil by the rewinder 8 located at the end of the production line, forming a complete and continuous automated production process from unwinding, rolling, inspection to rewinding.

[0057] As the final actuator, the coiler 8 ensures a closed-loop continuous rolling process, enabling uninterrupted production from uncoiling to coiling. This significantly improves production efficiency and continuity, achieving a production rhythm comparable to conventional equal-thickness rolling. The coiler 8 ensures stable coiling and controllable tension, helping to maintain the strip shape at the end of the production line and preventing new defects in subsequent processes. This plays a positive role in maintaining the good strip shape quality of the final product.

[0058] The winding machine 8 enables the equipment of this application to directly produce deliverable coiled products of unequal thickness that conform to a preset thickness curve, significantly improving material utilization and overcoming the shortcomings of low production efficiency and low material utilization of traditional welding or casting methods.

[0059] According to some embodiments of this application, the rolling equipment further includes: a first guide roller 2 and / or a second guide roller 7, wherein the first guide roller 2 is disposed between the uncoiler 1 and the rolling mill unit 3, and the second guide roller 7 is disposed between the rolling mill unit 3 and the coiler 8, and the first guide roller 2 and the second guide roller 7 are used to maintain the tension of the coil during the conveying process.

[0060] Tension control mechanisms are introduced in key sections of the coil transport path. The first guide roller 2, located between the uncoiler 1 and the rolling mill 3, mainly applies post-tension or provides tension buffering to the coil entering the rolling mill 3. The second guide roller 7, located between the rolling mill 3 and the rewinder 8, mainly applies tension or stabilizes the tension of the coil leaving the rolling mill 3. Working together, these two mechanisms ensure that the coil maintains a suitable and stable tension level throughout the entire transport process from uncoiling to rewinding, especially before and after the rolling deformation zone.

[0061] Stable and controllable tension of the coil is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving stable high-speed continuous rolling. The first guide roll 2 and the second guide roll 7 effectively prevent the coil from becoming loose, deviating, or vibrating during transmission by maintaining stable tension. This directly ensures that the coil can pass through the rolling mill unit 3 and the high-precision detection device at a constant speed and with a precise trajectory, thus creating the necessary conditions for the stability, accurate measurement, and execution of the entire control system.

[0062] Appropriate rolling tension is a crucial factor in strip shape control. Stable front and rear tension helps suppress uneven lateral elongation of the strip during rolling. Working in conjunction with the bending roll mechanism 13, it further enhances the prevention and control of strip shape defects such as waviness and warping. Ultimately, this feature, from the perspective of basic transmission stability, consolidates and improves the stability of the entire system. It ensures that even during dynamic variable-thickness rolling, where thickness and rolling force constantly change, the coil delivery remains smooth and reliable. This avoids additional thickness errors or strip shape disturbances that may be introduced by tension fluctuations, allowing the aforementioned advanced control strategies to achieve maximum effectiveness on a stable process basis, comprehensively guaranteeing high-quality product thickness and strip shape, as well as continuous and stable production processes.

[0063] The control method for rolling equipment according to this application is briefly described below.

[0064] The control method includes: loading the equal-thickness base material coil onto the uncoiler 1 and inputting the preset target thickness curve into the central controller 10; monitoring the thickness and position of the coil passing through the rolling mill unit 3 according to the detection device, and obtaining the deviation value between the actual thickness at the target position and the target thickness; adjusting the distance between the work rolls 12 in the rolling mill unit 3 and / or the rolling speed according to the deviation value.

[0065] According to the control method for rolling equipment of this application, a base material coil of equal thickness is loaded onto the uncoiler 1, and the preset target thickness curve is input into the central controller 10 to complete production preparation and target setting; during continuous rolling, the thickness and position of the rolled coil are monitored by a detection device located downstream of the rolling mill 3, thereby obtaining the deviation value between the actual thickness at a specific target position and the preset target thickness; based on the calculated deviation value, the distance between the work rolls 12 in the rolling mill 3 (i.e., roll gap) and / or rolling speed are dynamically adjusted by the central controller 10 to achieve real-time compensation and correction of thickness deviation.

[0066] By combining a preset target curve with online detection feedback, a closed-loop control system for coil thickness and position is formed. This system can identify and immediately adjust thickness deviations in real time during continuous production without stopping the machine, effectively solving the problems of insufficient control precision in the thickness transition zone and the tendency for sudden thickness changes or fluctuations. Precise control of the roll gap or speed ensures that the coil thickness closely follows the complex changes in the preset curve, achieving smooth control of the thickness transition zone. This helps maintain a stable rolling process, suppressing poor sheet shape and mill vibration that may result from uncontrolled thickness. Ultimately, while ensuring sheet quality and production stability, it efficiently produces unequal thickness products that meet design requirements.

[0067] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0068] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0069] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0070] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0071] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0073] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A rolling mill, characterized in that, include: An uncoiler (1) is provided with a master material roll, and the uncoiler (1) is used to drive the master material roll to unfold. A rolling mill unit (3) is located downstream of the masterbatch coil. The rolling mill unit (3) is provided with at least one set of paired work rolls (12). The roll gap between each set of paired work rolls (12) is adjustable. A hydraulic system (9) is connected to at least one of the work rolls (12) and is used to apply pressure to the work rolls (12), the pressure applied by the hydraulic system (9) to the work rolls (12) being dynamically adjustable during the rolling process of the mill unit (3); The detection device is located downstream of the rolling mill (3) and is used to detect the thickness, shape and thickness curve of the rolled material. A central controller (10) is connected to the detection device and the hydraulic system (9) via signals, and the central controller (10) is configured as follows: After obtaining the preset curve of the coil, the hydraulic system (9) is controlled to roll the coil along the rolling direction according to the preset curve; Based on the preset curve and the current rolling speed, the required roll gap setting value S_set(t) for future moments is predicted, and this setting value is sent to the hydraulic system in advance as a feedforward instruction (9). The preset curve is H(x), and the preset curve H(x) defines a set value S_set(t) corresponding to the length coordinate. Based on the rolling speed V and the current coordinate L of the coil, the roll gap set value S_set(t) required at the future time point t is calculated. Based on the real-time deviation between the actual thickness of the roll material at the exit and the target thickness curve detected by the detection device, a thickness compensation command is generated. Calculate the deviation between the actual exit thickness and the target thickness of the roll material, generate a real-time fine-tuning compensation amount based on the deviation and its rate of change, and add it to the compensation instruction; The hydraulic control system (9) dynamically adjusts the gap and pressure between the work rolls (12) according to the compensation command.

2. The rolling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device includes: Thickness gauge (4), the thickness gauge (4) is set downstream of the rolling mill (3) and is used to obtain the actual thickness parameters of the rolled material; Length measuring instrument (5), the length measuring instrument (5) is set downstream of the rolling mill (3) and is used to obtain the real-time length and position parameters of the material in the rolling direction; A plate shaper (6) is located downstream of the rolling mill (3) and is used to obtain plate shape defect information of the rolled material; The central controller (10) is connected to the thickness gauge (4), the length gauge (5), and the shape gauge (6) respectively, and is configured to perform coordinated control of the hydraulic system (9) based on the detection results of the thickness gauge (4), the length gauge (5), and the shape gauge (6).

3. The rolling equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A bending roller mechanism (13) is provided on one side of the work roller (12) and is used to apply bending force to the work roller (12); The central controller (10) is signal-connected to the bending roller mechanism (13) and configured as follows: When the rolling force changes drastically due to the dynamic adjustment of the roll gap, the bending force of the bending roll mechanism (13) is adjusted in conjunction with the feedback signal of the plate shape meter (6).

4. The rolling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic system (9) includes: A pressure sensor is used to monitor rolling force in real time; A displacement sensor is used to monitor the actual roll gap value of the work roll (12) in real time; wherein The pressure sensor and the displacement sensor are respectively connected to the central controller (10) to provide feedback signals and to realize closed-loop control.

5. The rolling equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A winding machine (8) is located downstream of the rolling mill unit (3) and is used to wind up the rolled coil.

6. The rolling equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The first guide roller (2) and / or the second guide roller (7) are arranged between the uncoiler (1) and the rolling mill (3), and the second guide roller (7) is arranged between the rolling mill (3) and the coiler (8). The first guide roller (2) and the second guide roller (7) are used to maintain the tension of the coil during the conveying process.

7. A control method for the rolling mill as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: Load the equal-thickness base material roll into the uncoiler (1) and input the preset target thickness curve into the central controller (10); The thickness and position of the coil passing through the rolling mill (3) are monitored by the detection device to obtain the deviation between the actual thickness and the target thickness at the target position; The distance between the work rolls (12) in the rolling mill unit (3) and / or the rolling speed are adjusted according to the deviation value.

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