Method and device for aligning at least one lateral guide of a roll stand

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning at least one lateral guide (20-1,..., 20-4) for laterally delimiting a transport path, in particular for goods to be rolled, through a roll stand (40). According to the invention this is achieved in that, first, the central axis of a transport path is to be defined and then all of the actuators (A1,..., A8) of the lateral guide are to be moved into the respective minimum extended position of the actuators. The respective perpendicular distances (a1,... a8) from at least two measurement points per lateral guide to the central axis are then determined in order to determine an individual calibration stroke for each individual actuator from the minimum of said perpendicular distances in order to actuate the lateral guide. Finally, each of the actuators is calibrated by changing the individual extended position thereof, on the basis of the minimal extended position thereof, in order to change the respective calibration stroke calculated for the respective actuator.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning at least one lateral guide ruler for laterally limiting a transport path for a product, in particular for a rolling stock to be rolled through a rolling stand.

[0002] Such methods and devices are generally known in the prior art. European patent EP 3 365 120 B1, which forms the basis for the preamble of claim 1 and claim 10, respectively, discloses a casting or rolling plant for producing or processing a cast strand. The plant has a transport path for the cast strand, with lateral guides for guiding the cast strand provided at the edge of the transport path. The lateral guides are moved into and out of the transport path transversely to the line of the transport path with the aid of actuators. The European patent further discloses a method for measuring such a lateral guide using laser light in order to determine the extent of wear in specific partial areas of the lateral guide. The said measuring system is installed in the casting or rolling plant and calibrated there before use.In this context, calibration initially means the fine adjustment or fine positioning of a light source, a receiving device and, if applicable, a reflector device with the help of associated adjusting elements so that they are optimally aligned with one another and can interact.

[0003] The state of the art also includes the Chinese utility model CN 203370832 U, which primarily describes the design of a caliper for the parallel alignment of side guides along the edge of a transport path, particularly for slabs. In addition to the parallel alignment of the side guides to each other and to the specified centerline of the transport path, the caliper also ensures that the respective distances between opposing side guides and the centerline do not deviate by more than 5 mm.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing an alternative method and an alternative device for aligning at least one lateral guide ruler for laterally limiting a transport path for a product, in particular a rolling stock to be rolled through a rolling stand.

[0005] This object is achieved with regard to the method by the method claimed in patent claim 1.

[0006] By the claimed method, at least one lateral guide rail is aligned parallel to the center axis of the transport path. The claimed calibration of the at least one lateral guide rail along the transport path advantageously ensures a uniform, homogeneous travel of the product to be transported, i.e., in particular, curvatures in the product are prevented. The lateral guide rails calibrated according to the invention on the drive and operator sides are advantageously adjusted parallel and aligned to one another by the inventive method, and the opening dimension of the lateral guide rails is calibrated in a common process sequence.

[0007] The required rectangular distance measurement starting from the center axis of the transport path to the measuring points, which represent the points of action of the actuators on the side guide rulers, can be carried out mechanically, by laser or visually.

[0008] The term "points of action ... represent" here means "in the immediate vicinity," ideally in the center of the articulated points of action. This also includes a measuring point on the inside of a lateral guide ruler at the shortest distance from the actuator's point of action. The position of the measuring points is preferably chosen to be the same with respect to all points of action.

[0009] The parameter i denotes a control variable; it denotes the number of measurement points, the number of position sensors, and the number of actuators. This is possible and useful according to the invention because each actuator must necessarily be assigned a position sensor and a measurement point; otherwise, the method cannot be implemented with the respective actuator.

[0010] The claimed calibration method and the calibration of the opening dimensions of the side guides are particularly helpful during the initial assembly and commissioning of a rolling stand, but also for subsequent necessary realignments and calibrations, e.g., after maintenance shutdowns and after the replacement of various plant components. Especially during modernizations, the calibration method according to the invention can be used to correct misalignments of the side guides caused by dimensional deviations due to existing old plant components and old foundations thanks to the design with independently adjustable rulers in conjunction with the calibration method according to the invention.

[0011] Preferably, according to a first embodiment, each of the side guides is controlled by at least two actuators, which are arranged in an articulated manner on the side guide, offset in the longitudinal direction of the transport path. The actuators are advantageously each hinged to the (outer) side of the side guides facing away from the center of the transport path. The inner sides of the side guides should be kept as smooth as possible to ensure unhindered sliding of the product. According to the invention, the actuators can be individually controlled for position with the aid of associated position sensors, i.e., displacement transducers, preferably so-called Temposonics.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of defining the center axis of the transport path is carried out in the following substeps: First, a first reference point x and a second reference point y are determined, both of which are to lie on the center axis to define the center axis. Preferably, a laser beam is also aligned as a reference axis along the center axis of the transport path defined by the reference points x and y.

[0013] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention relate to different possible transport paths. Thus, a transport path can refer to the inlet in front of a rolling stand, or the inlet and passage of the rolled stock through the roll gap of the rolling stand, or the passage through the roll gap of the rolled stock and the exit from the rolling stand, or the exit from the rolling stand, or the inlet in front of the rolling stand, the passage through the rolling stand, and the exit from the rolling stand. For all of these transport path variants, the side guides can be arranged differently. However, for all of these variants, the method according to the invention offers a reliable option for calibrating the side guides or actuators.

[0014] The object of the invention is finally solved with regard to the device by claim 10. The advantages of this solution correspond to the advantages mentioned above with reference to the claimed method.

[0015] Two figures are attached to the description, where Figure 1 shows the device according to the invention; and Figure 2 shows the method according to the invention illustrated.

[0016] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the figures mentioned in the form of exemplary embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 shows the device 100 according to the invention for aligning at least one lateral guide ruler 20-1...20-4 for laterally limiting a transport path for in particular a rolling stock through a rolling stand 40. The rolling stand 40 is in Figure 1 abstracted to its center line, ie the longitudinal alignment of its rolls. This center line runs transverse to the transport direction T of the rolled material. The transport direction is in Figure 1 also marked by arrows from left to right.

[0018] Each individual lateral guide rail 20-1...20-4 is articulated by at least two actuators A1...A8. These actuators allow the lateral guide rail to be adjusted or aligned at an angle to the transport direction, and it can be moved transversely to the transport direction, i.e., into or out of the transport path. Each actuator A1...A8 is assigned a position sensor S1...S8 to detect the current position of the associated actuator. The individual actuators are controlled by a control device 120, which is programmed according to the invention to carry out the method according to the invention. The sensors S1...S8 report the detected positions of the actuators back to the control device. The device 100 according to the invention comprises the actuators, the position sensors, and the control device. The lateral guide rails 20-1...20-4 and the rolling stand 40 are not the subject of the device according to the invention.

[0019] The inventive method according to Figure 2 is used to align the side guides or to calibrate the actuators controlling the side guides. Figure 2 The term "cylinder" is used as an example for "actuator." It involves the following steps: In a variant not shown, calibration can also be performed using inserts.

[0020] First, the linear transport path for a product and the center axis of the transport path are defined. For this purpose, a first reference point X and a second reference point Y, both of which should lie on the center axis of the transport path, are determined. The center axis itself is then preferably defined by aligning a laser beam as a reference axis along the center axis of the path defined by the two reference points X and Y; see process steps 1 - 3 in Figure 2 The first reference point X is preferably set near the beginning of a side guide, while the second reference point Y is preferably set at the end of a side guide Y, so that the two reference points X and Y are as far apart as possible. The greater the distance, the more precisely the transport path can be defined.

[0021] Step 4 of the method then provides that all lateral guide rails 20-1...20-4 are moved to a maximum opening dimension, ie their actuators A1...A8 are moved to their respective individual minimum extension positions. In this minimum extension position, the lateral guide rails are each at a maximum distance from the center axis of the transport path. During step 3 of the method according to Figure 2 In any case, step 4 can only take place after steps 1 and 2, but step 4 can also take place at any time before steps 1, 2, or 3, or during the execution of these steps. The method according to the invention is only necessary because typically not all actuators are pre-assembled at exactly the same distance from the center axis of the transport path and / or because they have inherent inaccuracies in their positioning or in their individual minimum extension positions.

[0022] After all lateral guide rails 20-1...20-4 have been moved to their minimum extended position, the respective right-angled distances ai of at least two measuring points i with i≥2 per lateral guide rail 20-1...20-4 to the center axis of the transport path are determined according to process step 5. The measuring points each represent the articulation points of the actuators A1...A8 on the lateral guide rails. Ideally, the measuring points are located in the center of the articulation points; in practice, the measuring points can also be selected on the inside of the respective lateral guide rails, preferably with the shortest distance to the respective articulation points. However, to ensure consistent measurement results, it is advisable to always define the measuring points on all lateral guide rails in the same way.

[0023] After determining the individual rectangular distances, the calculation or determination of their minimum, preferably averaged across all actuators and lateral guide rulers, takes place in process step 6. According to process step 7, an individual calibration stroke or offset value is then determined for each actuator according to the formula Δi = ai − amin

[0024] At the end of the process, according to process step 8, the actuators A1...A8 are calibrated by changing their individual extension position—starting from their respective minimum extension position—by their respective individual calibration stroke Δi to a calibrated extension position. According to the invention, this change can be achieved either by extending the actuators by their individual calibration stroke or by extending the actuator with shims, i.e., spacers at the height of the calibration stroke Δi, or by a proportional combination of both approaches.

[0025] As a result, this procedure ultimately results in a parallel alignment and equal spacing of each individual side guide ruler to the center axis of the transport path, particularly in the calibrated extended position of all actuators.

[0026] This method is advantageously applicable to a wide variety of transport paths, i.e., to a wide variety of configurations of lateral guide rails relative to a rolling stand. Some examples are given below.

[0027] Side guide rulers on the inlet side of a rolling stand are referred to as inlet side guide rulers and side guide rulers on the outlet side of a rolling stand are referred to as outlet side guide rulers. 1. Example:

[0028] At least one inlet side guide rail 20-2 is provided on at least one side along the inlet in front of the rolling stand 40, as viewed in the transport direction (T). The transport path refers to the inlet in front of a rolling stand. Preferably, both reference points X and Y are located in front of the rolling stand 40. The first reference point X is farther away from the rolling stand than the second reference point Y. 2. Example:

[0029] At least one inlet side guide bar 20-2 is provided on at least one side along the inlet in front of the rolling stand 40, as viewed in the transport direction T. The transport path refers to the inlet and the passage of the rolled stock 40 through the roll gap of the rolling stand. Preferably, the first reference point X is located at the beginning of the inlet side guide bar(s), and the second reference point Y is located behind the rolling stand. 3. Example:

[0030] At least one exit side guide bar 20-4 is provided—as viewed in the transport direction T—on at least one side along the exit behind the rolling stand 40. The transport path refers to the passage through the roll gap of the rolling stand 40 and the exit from the rolling stand 40. Preferably, the first reference point X is located in front of the rolling stand 40 and the second reference point Y is located behind the rolling stand, preferably at the end of the at least one exit side guide bar 20-4. 4. Example:

[0031] At least one exit side guide bar 20-4 is provided—viewed in the transport direction T—on at least one side along the exit behind the rolling stand 40. The transport path refers to the exit from the rolling stand 40. Preferably, both reference points X, Y are located behind the rolling stand 40, wherein the first reference point X is preferably provided at the beginning of the at least one exit side guide bar and the second reference point Y is preferably provided at the end of the at least one exit side guide bar. 5. Example:

[0032] At least one inlet side guide bar 20-2 is arranged—as viewed in the transport direction T—on at least one side along the inlet in front of the rolling stand 40, and at least one outlet side guide bar 20-4 is arranged—as viewed in the transport direction T—on at least one side along the outlet behind the rolling stand 40. The transport path refers to the inlet in front of the rolling stand 40, the passage through the rolling stand, and the outlet from the rolling stand. The first reference point X is located in front of the rolling stand, preferably at the beginning of the inlet side guide bar, and the second reference point Y is located behind the rolling stand 40, preferably at the end of the outlet side guide bar 20-4.

[0033] The actuators are preferably controllable hydraulic cylinders. List of reference symbols

[0034] 20-1...20-4Side guide ruler 40Roll stand 100Device 120Control device A1... A8 Actuators S1... S8 Position sensors T Transport direction, transport path X First reference point Y Second reference point

Claims

1. Method of aligning at least one lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) for lateral bounding of a transport path for a product, particularly a rolling material to be rolled, through a roll stand (40), wherein the lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) is movable transversely to the transport path into and out of this with the help of at least two actuators (A1 ... A8) which are pivoted at the lateral guiding straight-edge at the outer side at at least two points of engagement, characterised in that the method comprises the following steps: defining the centre axis of the transport path; moving all actuators (A1 ... A8) of the lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) into the respective minimum moved-out position thereof so that the lateral guiding straight-edge is at a maximum spacing from the centre axis of the transport path; determining the right-angular spacings ai of at least two measuring points i, wherein i ≥ 2, per lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) from the centre axis when the actuators are moved into the respective minimum moved-out position thereof, wherein the measuring points respectively represent the points of pivotation of the actuators (A1 ... A8) at the lateral guiding straight-edges; determining the minimum amin of the determined right-angular spacings; calculating an individual calibration stroke Δi for each of the i actuators, wherein i ≥ 2, as follows: Δi = ai - amin; and calibrating the actuators (A1 ... A8) by changing the moved-out position thereof - starting from the respective minimum moved-out position thereof - to a calibrated moved-out position by the respective individual calibration stroke Δi thereof.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least two actuators (A1 ... A8) are pivotably arranged at the lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) to be offset in longitudinal direction of the transport path or the lateral guiding straight-edge.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the step of defining the centre axis of the transport path comprises the following sub-steps: fixing a first reference point (X) and a second reference point (Y) which are to both lie on the centre axis so as to define the centre axis; and preferably aligning a laser beam as reference axis along the centre axis, which is defined by the two reference points (X, Y), of the transport path.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that< / b> at least one entry lateral guiding straight-edge (20-2) is provided at at least one side along the entry in front of the roll stand (40) as seen in transport direction (T); the transport path means the entry in front of a roll stand; preferably both reference points (X, Y) lie in front of the roil stand (40); and the first reference point (X) is further from the roll stand than the second reference point (Y).

5. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that< / b> at least one entry lateral guiding straight-edge (20-2) is provided at at least one side along the entry in front of the roll stand (40) as seen in transport direction (T); the transport path means the entry and the passage of the product in the form of the rolling material (40) through the rolling gap of the roll stand; and preferably the first reference point (X) lies at the start of the entry lateral guiding straight-edge and the second reference point (Y) behind the roll stand as seen in transport direction of the product in the form of the rolling material (40).

6. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that< / b> at least one exit lateral guiding straight-edge (20-4) is provided at at least one side along the exit behind the roll stand (40) as seen in transport direction (T); the transport path means the passage through the rolling gap of the roll stand (40) and the exit from the roll stand (40); and preferably the first reference point (X) lies in front of the roll stand (40) and the second reference point (Y) behind the roll stand (40), preferably at the end of the at least one exit lateral guiding straight-edge (20-4), as seen in transport direction of the product in the form of the rolling material.

7. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that at least one exit lateral guiding straight-edge (20-4) is provided at at least one side along the exit behind the roll stand (40) as seen in transport direction (T); the transport path means the exit from the roll stand (40); and preferably both reference points (X, Y) lie behind the roll stand (40), wherein the first reference point (X) is preferably provided at the start of the least one exit lateral guiding straight-edge and the second reference point (Y) is preferably provided at the end of the least one exit lateral guiding straight-edge.

8. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that< / b> at least one entry lateral guiding straight-edge (20-2) is arranged at at least one side along the entry in front of the roll stand (40) as seen in transport direction (T) and at least one exit lateral guiding straight-edge (20-4) is arranged at at least one side along the exit behind the roll stand (40) as seen in transport direction (T); the transport path comprises the entry in front of the roll stand (40), the passage through the roll stand and the exit from the roll stand; and the first reference point (X) lies in front of the roll stand (40), preferably at the start of the entry lateral guiding straight-edge, and the second reference point (Y) behind the roll stand (40), preferably at the end of the exit lateral guiding straight-edge (20-4), as seen in transport direction of the product in the form of the rolling material.

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the change of the moved-out position of the at least one actuator to the calibrated moved-out position can be realised either by moving out the actuators through the individual calibration stroke thereof or by lengthening the actuators by shims or spacers at the height of the calibration stroke Δi or by a proportionate combination of the two procedures.

10. Device for aligning at least one lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1, 20-2, 20-3, 20-4) for lateral bounding of a transport path for a product, comprising: actuators (A1 ... A8) for moving the lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) transversely to the transport path (T) into and out of this with respect to a predetermined position; and a control device (120) for controlling the actuators (A1 ... A8); characterised in that at least two of the actuators (A1 - A8) are provided per lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4), of which a respective one is pivoted at the region, which is forward and rearward in the transport direction (T) of the product, of the lateral guiding straight-edge; and the control device (120) is programmed to move all actuators (A1 ... A8) per lateral guiding straight-edge (20-1 ... 20-4) into the respective minimum moved-out position thereof so that the lateral guiding straight-edge has maximum spacing from the centre axis of the transport path; calculate an individual calibration stroke Δi for each of the actuators on the basis of the determined right-angular spacings ai and of the minimum amin determined on the basis of these right-angular spacings, wherein i ≥ 2, as follows: Δi = ai - amin; and calibrate the actuators (A1 ... A8) by changing the moved-out position thereof - starting from the respective minimum moved-out position thereof - to a calibrated moved-out position by the respective individual calibration stroke Δi thereof; in performance of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that preferably position sensors (S1 ... S8) are associated with each of the actuators (A1 ... A8) for detection of the respective current position of the associated actuator (A1 ... A8).

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