Method and device for providing inserts for support and / or work rolls of a roll stand

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing inserts (1) for support rolls and / or work rolls of a roll stand, which are required during roll changes. In order to simplify the logistics of changing the rolls of a roll stand and in particular the support rolls and to reduce the changeover times, the method according to the invention comprises the steps: a) assembling at least one insert (1), preferably at least two or three inserts (1), into an insert pack (2) at a first location remote from the roll stand; b) placing the insert pack (2) at the first location into a carrier element (3); c) transporting the carrier element (3) together with the insert pack (2) from the first location to the location near the roll stand; d) removing the insert pack (2) from the carrier element (3) at the location near the roll stand; e) using the inserts (1) when changing rolls. The invention also relates to a device for this purpose.

Description

[0001] Method and device for providing shims for backup and / or work rolls of a rolling stand

[0002] The invention relates to a method for providing shims for backup and / or work rolls of a rolling stand, which shims are required during roll changes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for this purpose.

[0003] Shims are particularly required when changing the backup rolls of a rolling stand. These shims are placed in a so-called changing carriage. The shims serve to compensate for the wear on the lower rolls, ensuring that the level of the upper edge of the lower work rolls fluctuates as little as possible. The shims are replaced in the changing carriage. Typically, the shims are transported individually from a preparation workshop to the backup roll changing pit by means of an overhead crane. Each shim is inserted separately into the backup roll changing carriage and centered. When removing the shims, the corresponding steps are carried out in reverse order.

[0004] US Pat. No. 3,782,161 A describes the generic method used for changing rolls in a rolling stand. It involves a number of independently arranged plates used for the individual parts to be changed.

[0005] The disadvantage is that the replacement of the support roller takes a correspondingly long time: The individual shims must be removed and the new shims installed, which requires the use of a crane; only then can the new support roller be installed.

[0006] Up to 30 crane movements may be necessary to transport the individual shims to the roller changing pit (including empty crane runs). Each shim is transported and secured individually. Furthermore, each shim must be centered in the changing carriage. During assembly or disassembly, each shim is secured using two eyebolts.

[0007] Another problem is that the individual shims adhere strongly to one another, as oil between the panels creates strong adhesion forces, making disassembly difficult. There's a risk of accidents because panels hanging from the crane and stuck together can come loose and fall off during transport.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of simplifying the logistics involved in changing the rolls of a rolling stand, particularly the backup rolls, and reducing changeover times. This is intended to improve the efficiency of the rolling process. The shim changeover times are thus to be significantly reduced, which in turn also leads to a corresponding reduction in backup roll changeover times. Finally, employee safety is to be improved.

[0009] The solution to this problem by the invention provides for a generic method for providing shims for backup and / or work rolls of a rolling stand, which are required during roll changes, that it comprises the steps: a) assembling at least one shim, preferably at least three shims, to form a shim package at a first location remote from the rolling stand; b) introducing the shim package into a support element at the first location; c) transporting the support element together with the shim package from the first location to a location near the rolling stand; d) removing the shim package from the support element at a location near the rolling stand; e) using the shims during roll changes.

[0010] The above-mentioned step d) may comprise the step of temporarily storing the package of inserts in an intermediate storage element.

[0011] Before step e) above, the insert package can be inserted into a roller changing carriage.

[0012] The first location mentioned is, in particular, a preparatory workshop (located at some distance from the rolling stand whose rolls are to be changed).

[0013] The location near the rolling stand is preferably a roll changing pit or a location immediately adjacent to it.

[0014] The process is carried out in particular for changing the support rolls of the rolling stand.

[0015] The device for providing and / or transporting shims for backup and / or work rolls of a rolling stand, which are required during roll changing, comprises according to the invention a support frame which has means for coupling to a crane, and connecting means for positively connecting shims compiled to form a shim package to the support frame.

[0016] The connecting means are particularly designed as screws or comprise such screws. Particularly preferably, two screws are arranged, in particular diagonally, on the support frame. Furthermore, centering means can be arranged on the support frame, which are designed to center the insert package relative to the support frame.

[0017] For optimal security, the individual shims can have recesses, preferably two each, that correspond to the position of the screws. This secures the individual shims when the screws are screwed in.

[0018] The device preferably further comprises a base plate formed with threaded holes for engagement of the screws, wherein the base plate is formed for supporting the insert package.

[0019] As explained above, another problem is that the shim pack adheres to the floor it rests on due to adhesion (due to an oil film). To solve this problem, one development proposes that the length of the screw thread be greater than the length of the threaded hole in the floor plate, preferably by 1 mm to 5 mm. Then, by tightening the screws, the shim pack can be pushed off the surface, thus overcoming the adhesion.

[0020] As explained, the proposed method and the described device are used in particular for changing the shim packs in the support roll changing carriage of rolling mills.

[0021] The method and device allows a reduction in the changing times of the inserts in the (support roller) changing carriage and thus generally a reduction in the changing times of the (support) rollers.

[0022] The inserts are assembled into insert packages of at least one, preferably at least two or three, and especially a maximum of five inserts. The package is then transported as a single unit (by overhead crane). This significantly eliminates crane travel; the delivery time of the inserts (to the exchange carriage or exchange pit) is significantly reduced. The aforementioned centering devices are provided for precise centering of the insert package. A reliable and secure connection between the carrier element and the insert package can be achieved with just two screws, which offers corresponding advantages in handling.

[0023] The supplement packages are prepared in particular in the preparation workshop.

[0024] The intermediate storage element (essentially a "dummy carriage") is loaded with the required shim packs. The intermediate storage element preferably has several compartments: one for used shim packs for the drive and operating sides, and one for newly adjusted shim packs, also for the drive and operating sides. The holders in the intermediate storage element are designed to hold the shim packs there and allow the lifting tool (a support element lifted by the overhead crane) to remove them. The intermediate storage element can be transported to the roll changing pit by crane or other transport equipment.

[0025] The intermediate storage element can also be transported with the newly adjusted shim packages to the rolling mill using a lifting tool, as close as possible to the changing area (i.e. to the (support) roll changing pit).

[0026] The (support) roll is then moved out of the rolling stand and removed from the roll changing pit.

[0027] The intermediate storage element including the prepared insert packages is picked up by means of a lifting tool (crane) and moved to one side (operating side) of the (support) roller changing carriage.

[0028] The insert packs are preferably secured manually using the two screws mentioned above. However, the insert pack can also be secured to the carrier element using other common fixing methods (e.g., an automatic locking mechanism or a lever). The (old) insert packs are then lifted from the roller changing carriage with the carrier element and placed on the intermediate storage element. The fixing is then released.

[0029] Now the carrier element is moved over the new (supplied) shim packages of the respective side (drive or operating side). The shim packages are fixed as described above and are now positioned in the exchange pit at the now empty location and released from the carrier element by loosening the screws.

[0030] This process is then repeated for the page that has not yet been edited.

[0031] The fastening and loosening of the rollers in the support element, as well as the fastening in the roller changing carriage, can also be carried out automatically. Appropriate devices can be provided on the support element for this purpose.

[0032] A gap (approx. 1 to 5 mm) can be created between the shim packs and the support of the shim packs (cover of the load cell) by tightening the screws, which facilitates the release of the shim packs (by overcoming the adhesion).

[0033] This results in simple installation of the insert packages and a significant time saving compared to the previously known procedure. At the same time, the safety of the process is guaranteed.

[0034] The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows several inserts assembled into a package of inserts, which rest on the base plate of a support element,

[0036] Fig. 1a shows an enlargement of a part of the base plate, Fig. 2 shows a support element which is currently holding a package of inserts,

[0037] Fig. 2a shows the enlargement of a part of the support element, namely

[0038] Centering devices, in conjunction with the insert package,

[0039] Fig. 3 the support element which holds the insert package, which is fixed to the support element by means of screws,

[0040] Fig. 3a the enlargement of a part of the base plate with a screwed-in screw,

[0041] Fig. 4 the carrier element which holds a package of inserts,

[0042] Fig. 5 an intermediate storage element which has several, namely four, receptacles for insert packages,

[0043] Fig. 6 shows part of a rolling stand with roll changing carriage and roll changing pit, with the intermediate bearing element arranged next to the roll changing pit,

[0044] Fig. 6a the inclusion of a package of inserts by means of the carrier element,

[0045] Fig. 7 the transport of a new package of inserts from the intermediate storage element to the roller changing carriage,

[0046] Fig. 8 shows the arrangement according to Figure 7, wherein a new package of inserts is still in the intermediate storage element and another new package of inserts is already placed in the roller changing carriage, and

[0047] Fig. 9 shows the roll changing carriage equipped with two new shim packages and two old shim packages arranged in the intermediate storage element. Figure 1 shows four shim packages 1 arranged together to form a shim package 2. The shim packages 1 are required for changing the backup rolls of a rolling stand. For this purpose, the shim packages 1 are prepared in a preparation workshop (which is located some distance from the rolling stand and is not shown in the figures) and then transported (by overhead crane) to the rolling stand where they are required for the roll change. The shim package 2 rests on a base plate 12, which is (temporarily, so to speak) a component of a support element 3 provided for the transport of the shim packages 1. On the other hand, the entire package consisting of the shim packages 1 and the base plate 12 is mounted in the rolling stand, so that the base plate 12 then remains a component of the package 2.

[0048] Figure 1a shows that the base plate 12 has a recess in its lower area into which an insert is inserted, which insert is provided with a threaded hole 13. Screws 8, 9 are screwed into the threaded hole 13, which secure the shim package 2 to the support element 3. To achieve this reliably, the individual shims 1 have recesses 11 in which the shafts of the screws 8, 9 rest when they are screwed into the base plate 12. The two recesses 11 for each shim 1 are arranged diagonally, as shown in Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 2 shows how the support element 3 holds a package of inserts 2 for picking up and transporting. The support element 3 consists of a support frame 7, which can be coupled to an overhead crane (not further illustrated in the figures).

[0050] A plurality of (six in the exemplary embodiment) centering means 10 are fastened to the support frame 7. These centering means are designed as vertically extending rods which have an insertion bevel 14 in the lower end region, as can be seen in Figure 2a. Figure 3 shows how the support element 3 has gripped a package of inserts 2 and the latter is firmly (positively) connected to the support element. For this purpose, the two screws 8 and 9 are guided through corresponding through-holes in the upper region of the support frame 7. The screws 8, 9 are screwed into the base plate 12 and into the threaded holes 13 provided there (see Figure 1a). The package of inserts 2 is secured relative to the support element 3 by the recesses 11 (see Figure 1).

[0051] Occasionally, problems arise due to the underside of the insert package 2 and especially the base plate 12 being held to the substrate by adhesion. To avoid this, the length of the thread L G the screws 8, 9 are made larger than the length of the threaded hole L B , as shown in Figure 3a. This makes it possible to press the underside of the base plate 12 away from the substrate by screwing in the screws 8 and 9 accordingly, thus eliminating adhesion effects.

[0052] Figure 4 shows once again how the carrier element 3 has gripped a package of inserts 2 located underneath it. It is then transported (by overhead crane) to an intermediate storage element 4, which is shown in Figure 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the intermediate storage element 4 has four receptacles 15 for respective packages of inserts 2. Figure 5 shows how two of the receptacles 15 (namely the two middle receptacles) are each equipped with a new package of inserts 2', whereby the carrier element 3 is shown again here, which has just placed a package of inserts 2' into the receptacle 15 of the intermediate storage element 4.

[0053] The following Figures 6 to 9 show various stages that illustrate the process of providing new shim packs 2' for the roll change of a backup roll of a rolling stand, with the new shim packs 2' replacing the old shim packs 2". The old shim packs 2" are transported away from the rolling stand or the roll change carriage.

[0054] Figure 6 initially shows the intermediate storage element 4 with two new shim packs 2' (as shown in Figure 5). The intermediate storage element 4 is located directly next to a roll changing pit 6, at which a roll changing carriage 5 is arranged. In Figure 6, the roll changing carriage 5 is still equipped with two used shim packs 2" that were removed from the rolling stand. The gripping of a shim pack 2, either from the intermediate storage element 4 or from the roll changing carriage 5, is again illustrated in Figure 6a.

[0055] Figure 7 shows how a new insert package 2' is transported from the intermediate storage element 4 to the roller changing carriage 5. The intermediate storage element 4 is equipped with another new insert package 2' and a used insert package 2".

[0056] Figure 8 shows how the new shim pack 2' was moved into the roll changing carriage 5. At this stage, half of the replacement of the old shim pack 2" with new shim packs 2' has been completed for one side of the rolling stand (drive or operating side).

[0057] Finally, Figure 9 shows how the two old insert packages 2" were moved into the intermediate storage element 4, while the two new insert packages 2' are placed in the roller changing carriage 5.

[0058] The intermediate storage element 4 can be placed by means of an overhead crane either to the side or behind the roll changing pit 6, depending on requirements.

[0059] The described arrangement and procedure simplify the logistics of supplying the rolling stand or roll changing carriage with new shim packages, thus significantly reducing the number and duration of crane travels. Reference symbols:

[0060] 1 side dish

[0061] 2 side dish packages

[0062] 2' new side dish package

[0063] 2" old insert package

[0064] 3 support element

[0065] 4 Intermediate bearing element

[0066] 5 roller changing carriages

[0067] 6 roller changing pit

[0068] 7 support frames

[0069] 8 fasteners (screw)

[0070] 9 Fasteners (screw)

[0071] 10 centering devices

[0072] 11 Recess in the insert

[0073] 12 Base plate

[0074] 13 threaded hole

[0075] 14 insertion bevel

[0076] 15 slots for a side dish package

[0077] LG Length of thread

[0078] LB Length of the threaded hole

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A method for providing inserts (1) for backup and / or work rolls of a rolling mill stand, which are required during roll changes, comprising the steps of: a) assembling at least one insert (1), preferably at least two or three inserts (1), into an insert package (2) at a first location remote from the rolling mill stand; b) inserting the insert package (2) at the first location into a carrier element (3); c) transporting the carrier element (3) together with the insert package (2) from the first location to a location near the rolling mill stand; d) removing the insert package (2) from the carrier element (3) at a location near the rolling mill stand; e) using the inserts (1) during roll changes.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that step d) of claim 1 comprises the step: intermediate storage of the insert package (2) in an intermediate storage element (4).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, prior to step e) of claim 1, the insert package (2) is placed in a roller change slide (5).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first location is a preparation workshop.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the location near the rolling stand is a roll changing pit (6) or a location located directly next to it.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is carried out for changing backup rolls of the rolling mill stand.

7. Device for providing and / or transporting supports (1) for support and / or work rolls of a rolling mill stand, which are required during roll changes, the device comprising: a support frame (7) having means for coupling to a crane, and Connecting means (8, 9) for positively joining the inserts (1) assembled into an insert package (2) with the carrier frame (7).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting means (8, 9) are designed as screws or comprise such screws.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that two screws (8, 9) are preferably arranged diagonally on the support frame (7). Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that centering means (10) are arranged on the support frame (7), which are designed to center the insert package (2) relative to the support frame (7). Device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that recesses (11), preferably two recesses (11) each, are formed in the inserts (1), which correspond to the position of the screws (8, 9). Device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the device comprises a base plate (12) which is provided with threaded bores (13) for engagement of the screws (8, 9), wherein the base plate (12) is designed to support the insert package (2). Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the length (L) G ) of the thread of the screws (8, 9) is greater than the length (L B ) the threaded hole (13) in the base plate (12), preferably by 1 mm to 5 mm larger.

Images