Apparatus and method for spot polishing metal sheets or plate levelers.

Abstract

An apparatus for spot polishing the work rolls of a metal sheet or plate leveler having a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls. The apparatus includes a spot polishing machine frame, an airbag, and a polishing machine having a polishing surface configured to polish one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls. The apparatus further includes a polishing machine arm. The polishing machine is attached to a first end of the polishing machine arm. The apparatus further includes a second end of the polishing machine arm hinged to the spot polishing machine frame. The airbag is configured to inflate and deflate with air. While the airbag is inflated with air, the polishing machine is in a first position, and while the airbag is deflated, the polishing machine is in a second position. The first position is further from the spot polishing machine frame than the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related patent applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 097,985, filed on January 17, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to metal leveling grinders, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for grinding the working rolls of a metal sheet or plate leveler.

Background Art

[0003] Levelers such as hot levelers are commonly used in ironworks such as hot rolling mills for manufacturing steel sheets or plates. They can also be used to level aluminum, bronze, and other metals. FIG. 1 shows a typical leveler 100 as seen from the operator's side. As shown in FIG. 1, a leveler typically includes a movable upper working roll 60 and a fixed lower working roll 62. A metal plate enters the leveler from the inlet side 64 of the leveler, passes between the upper and lower working rolls, and then exits the leveler from the outlet side 66. The rolling and cooling processes of the leveler reduce the residual flatness error and residual stress of the sheet or plate passing through it. However, as a result of passing the metal sheet or plate through the rollers, a significant compressive force acts on the steel, and particles tend to accumulate on the working rolls that process the metal, which can cause vibrations of the sheet and potentially lead to a decrease in the quality of the subsequently leveled plate. Therefore, the grinding and cleaning of the working rolls are extremely important for the effectiveness and quality of the metal products passing through the leveler.

[0004] Conventionally, levelers are polished by supporting them in an open position where the upper part 42 of the leveler is lifted (for example, by a roll nest support vehicle). The operator then crawls into the open leveler and grinds the work rolls using a hand grinder power tool. This process is dangerous and inefficient because the operator may be injured while polishing the work rolls. Similarly, the degree to which the work rolls are consistently and qualitatively cleaned varies depending on the operator, the mechanical condition of the grinding equipment, and whether the operator has full access to the area on the work rolls to polish them. The uniformity of the polishing work can vary not only in terms of accessibility to the work roll area, but also in terms of the amount of time and pressure applied by the operator. Lack of uniformity can affect the resulting condition of the work rolls and, consequently, the quality of the leveled metal sheet or plate.

[0005] More automated approaches have come into use. One such technology is disclosed in Chinese Patent No. 205183384, which discloses the use of a concave steel brush to clean the work rolls.

[0006] Alternatively, Japanese Patent No. 200605193 discloses the use of a cleaning member that includes an inflatable air bladder that reciprocates along the length of the work roll while the work roll rotates for cleaning.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 10,279,383 (in its entirety incorporated herein) discloses an apparatus and method for safely and efficiently polishing the work rolls of a metal sheet or plate leveler. The apparatus comprises one or more polishing machine assemblies inserted between a support and the upper and lower work rolls of the leveler, and polishes the upper and / or lower work rolls of the leveler simultaneously while these work rolls are rotating. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, selected concepts that will be further explained in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify any important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] Various embodiments described herein relate to a device for spot polishing the work rolls of a metal leveler, the leveler having a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls. The device includes a spot polishing machine frame, an airbag, and a polishing machine having a polishing surface configured to polish one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls. The device further includes a polishing machine arm. The polishing machine is attached to a first end of the polishing machine arm. The device further includes a second end of the polishing machine arm hinged to the spot polishing machine frame. The airbag is configured to inflate and deflate with air. While the airbag is inflated with air, the polishing machine is in a first position, and while the airbag is deflated, the polishing machine is in a second position. The first position is further from the spot polishing machine frame than the second position.

[0010] Various embodiments described herein relate to a device for polishing the work rolls of a metal plate or sheet leveler, such as a steel leveler, the leveler having a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls. The device includes a spot polishing machine frame and a plurality of polishing machine arms, each having a first end and a second end. The second end of each of the plurality of polishing machine arms is hinged to the spot polishing machine frame at one of a plurality of hinges. The device further includes a plurality of airbags, each of which is positioned at the first end of one of the plurality of polishing machine arms. The device further includes a plurality of polishing machines, each having a polishing surface configured to polish one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls, and each of the plurality of polishing machines is coupled to one of the plurality of polishing machine arms. Each of the plurality of airbags is configured to inflate and deflate with air. When each of the airbags is inflated with air, the polishing machines are positioned in their respective first positions. When each of the airbags is deflated, the polishing machines are positioned in their respective second positions.

[0011] Various embodiments described herein relate to a method for polishing the work rolls of a metal plate or sheet leveler, such as a steel leveler, which has a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls. The method includes inserting a spot polisher into the metal sheet or plate leveler while the airbag of the spot polisher is deflated. The method further includes inflating the airbag so that each of the multiple polishers of the spot polisher comes into contact with one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls. The method further includes rotating the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls so that the multiple polishers rub against the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls. The method further includes deflating the airbag after inflating the airbag and rotating the work rolls so that the multiple polishers come out of contact with the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls. This method further includes the step of removing the spot polishing machine from the metal sheet or plate leveler while each of the airbags is deflating.

[0012] Unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or by the nature of the embodiments, one or more features of any one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even if not described or illustrated.

[0013] Details relating to the embodiments described above and other embodiments are described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] The following drawings are illustrative and not limiting. For the sake of brevity and clarity, not all features of a given structure are necessarily numbered in every drawing in which that structure appears. The same reference number does not necessarily indicate the same structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate similar features or features with similar functions, and different reference numbers may be used. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a front view of a metal sheet or plate leveler. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention for polishing metal sheets or plate levelers, which includes upper and lower platforms supporting a plurality of polishing machines and a concave pan for a series of upper work roll polishing machines, as in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a front view of the polishing apparatus of Figure 2, sharing a series of upper and lower polishing machines in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a front view of a polishing device in an orientation position that allows it to be inserted into an open leveler, as in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a front view of one embodiment of a polishing device in a polishing position within a leveler, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the polishing machine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a front view of another embodiment of the polishing apparatus positioned prior to the engagement of the polishing machine with the work rolls, in which the polishing unit is supported by a single, integrated platform, with both its upper and lower polishing machines supported by the platform, and when the upper part of the leveler is lowered, all polishing machines are in contact with all the work rolls, respectively. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, which includes a pan leveler attached to a spot polishing machine, as in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a front view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing metal sheets or plate levelers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a top view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing metal sheets or plate levelers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing metal sheets or plate levelers, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, obtained along line AA in Figure 11, in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B shows a side view of one embodiment of a polishing machine arm for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, obtained along line BB in Figure 11 when the polishing machine is retracted, in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13C] Figure 13C shows a side view of the polishing machine arm of Figure 13B when the polishing machine is in the extended position, in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13D] Figure 13D shows a perspective view of the polishing machine arm of Figure 13B in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler as it is attached to a pan leveler and initially inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler, in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a spot grinding machine for spot grinding a metal sheet or plate leveler attached to a pan leveler and fully inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a spot grinding machine for spot grinding a metal sheet or plate leveler when attached to a pan leveler and located within the metal sheet or plate leveler in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A shows a perspective view of a spot grinding machine for spot grinding a metal sheet or plate leveler when attached to a pan leveler, inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler, and the grinding machine is extended and in contact with the leveling roll in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B shows a perspective view of a spot grinding machine for spot grinding a metal sheet or plate leveler when attached to a pan leveler, inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler, and the grinding machine is retracted and not in contact with the leveling roll in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a grinding wheel for a spot grinding machine in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19-20] FIG. 19 shows a top view of the grinding wheel for the spot grinding machine of FIG. 18 in various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 shows a side view of the grinding wheel for the spot grinding machine in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Herein, various embodiments are described in detail, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are described together with preferred embodiments, but it will be understood that they are not intended to be limited to these various embodiments. Rather, this description is intended to include alternative forms, modifications and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, numerous specific details are given in order to provide a complete understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known methods, procedures, components and circuits are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the aspects of the various embodiments.

[0016] Generally speaking, various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for safely and efficiently polishing the work rolls of metal sheet or plate levelers, such as steel sheet or plate levelers, such as a hot leveler 100 as shown in Figure 1. The leveler 100 consists of an upper part 42 that can move up and down and a lower part 43 that is normally stationary. Specifically, Figures 1 to 7 show a polishing unit 20 that can be used to polish all the rollers of the leveler 100 simultaneously, and that can polish the entire length of all the rollers of the leveler 100 simultaneously. This method allows for faster and more efficient polishing of the rollers.

[0017] However, in various situations, more intensive polishing or cleaning of the rollers of a metal sheet or plate leveler may be required at various points on the rollers (for example, if one or more rollers are damaged, or if there are barbs or other rolled metal parts protruding from the rollers). Therefore, this specification describes an improved spot polishing machine for cleaning or polishing more difficult-to-remove issues on the rollers before or after the polishing unit 20 polishes all rollers simultaneously, with reference to Figures 8 to 20. In various embodiments, a leveler operator may notice defects at specific points along the lateral distance of the leveler, and therefore recognize that spot cleaning of the leveler rollers may be performed. In various embodiments, all rollers at their lateral position may be cleaned, thereby eliminating the need to identify specific rollers causing defects in the steel sheet or plate coming out of the leveler. In various embodiments, a spot polishing machine, such as the one described with reference to Figures 8 to 20 as shown in the figures and described herein, may also be attached to a pan leveler, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In this method, the spot grinder may first be inserted between the rollers of the leveler to spot clean / grind one or more lateral positions along the rollers, and then the spot grinder may be completely pushed out from the other end of the leveler so that the entire length of the rollers can be ground using the pan leveler. After use of the pan leveler, the entire assembly including the pan grinder / leveler and the spot grinder may be removed so that sheets and / or plates of steel or other metals can be formed using the leveler with newly ground / leveled rollers.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 200 may include a polishing unit 20 and a fixed table support 11, the polishing unit 20 being able to be moved and inserted (and / or removed) from the operator side of the leveler 100 to a position between a series of opposing work rolls 45, 44 of the leveler 100 (e.g., an upper work roll 45 and a lower work roll 44). The polishing unit 20 may include a plurality of polishing machines 22 on its upper and lower surfaces, so that a plurality of work rolls 45 of the leveler 100 can be polished while the work rolls 45 are rotating, while each polishing machine 22 engages with and polishes at least a large portion of the operable length of the corresponding work roll of the leveler. Furthermore, (as shown in Figure 3), the polishing unit may include one or more internal expandable elements, such as an airbag 28, between the upper platform 24 and the lower platform 26 of the polishing unit 20, thereby allowing the polishing unit 20 to expand within the leveler 100, thereby allowing the polishing machine 22 (e.g., polishing material and pad) to contact the rotating work rolls 60, 62 for polishing. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the polishing unit may, during the polishing process, simultaneously contact and polish all of the upper and / or lower work rolls, or polish only those. After the polishing process, the expandable elements may be retracted to move the platform 24 to a position close to the platform 26, allowing the polishing unit 20, and optionally the entire apparatus 200, to be removed from a position close to the leveler.

[0019] Figure 2 shows the polishing apparatus 200 in various other embodiments. The apparatus 200 includes an apparatus table 11 having support legs 10. The fixed apparatus table 11 balances and supports a polishing unit 20 movably positioned on it, and allows the polishing unit 20 to reciprocate in and out of a leveler 100 in an open position. The user may optionally operate and control the movement of the polishing unit 20 relative to the table 11 by a motor 12 (e.g., an air motor), its control unit and valve 12(a), thereby moving the polishing unit 20 in and out of the leveler 100. Furthermore, the polishing unit 20 may include one or more polishing machines 22 on its upper platform 24 and lower platform 26, respectively. Each polishing machine 22 is shaped and sized to align with, engage with, and receive the corresponding work rolls 60, 62 of the leveler 100. As shown in Figure 2, the polishing machine 22 has a substantially rigid concave pan 22(a), which supports a polishing surface or polishing lining 22(b), or a combination of a hard rubber backing 22(b) and abrasive paper 22(c), as shown in Figure 6. Therefore, during the polishing process, multiple working rolls of the leveler can be polished simultaneously by the polishing surface.

[0020] Figure 3 shows a side view of the polishing unit 20, illustrating the structure and components of this embodiment in more detail. Specifically, platforms 24 and 26 are shown in Figure 3 in their retracted orientation. In this embodiment, the upper polishing machine 22 on platform 24 is configured to extend away from the lower polishing machine 22 on lower platform 26. When the series of upper work rolls 45 on the upper part 42 of the movable leveler are retracted away from the series of fixed lower work rolls 44 on the lower part 43 of the fixed leveler, so that the leveler takes the open position shown in Figure 1, the separation of the two platforms constituting the polishing unit 20 allows the polishing unit 20 to be inserted between the upper and lower work rolls 45 within the metal sheet or plate leveler 100.

[0021] Figure 3 also shows an airbag 28, which, when activated by, for example, the air motor 12 and air motor control unit 12(a) shown in Figure 2, or by another air motor, extends the platform 26 away from the platform 24. The shape of the concave pans constituting the polishing machine 22 is shown in Figure 3 along with the polishing lining 22(a) inside each pan. An enlarged view of the polishing machine structure is shown in Figure 6. As shown by dashed lines in Figure 3, an electric motor 47 can be used in conjunction with the motor control unit 47(a) as an alternative to the air motor 12. By rotating the motor gear 48, also shown by dashed lines, through the electric motor 47, the upper platform 24 can be separated from the lower platform 26 and engaged with the work rolls 60 and 62 when they are in the open position. Also in Figure 3, a platform lock lever 30 is shown together with the positioning lock pin 32 of the polishing unit 20. This allows the polishing machine 22 to be aligned with each of the work rolls 60 and 62 through the cooperation of the pin 32 and the opening in the upper part 42 of the leveler 100. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the positioning lock pin 32 works in cooperation with the aligned opening in the upper part 42 of the leveler to maintain the polishing machine aligned with each work roll both immediately before and during the polishing operation.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the polishing unit 20 includes an upper platform 24 and a lower platform 26, with polishing machines 22 positioned on the upper surface of the upper platform 24 and the lower surface of the lower platform 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper platform 24 includes five concave polishing machines, and the lower platform 26 includes six concave polishing machines, so that each polishing machine 22 corresponds to one of the eleven work rolls 60, 62 of the leveler 100 in Figure 1. The polishing unit 20 may also include one or more expandable elements 28 positioned between the upper 24 and the lower 26. Expansion and depressurization can be controlled by an inflatable airbag 28, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston, or an electric motor 47, etc. When the device 200 is in use, the expandable elements 28 allow the polishing machines 22 to contact the rotating work rolls 60, 62 for polishing. When the device 200 is not in use, it is desirable to retract the expandable elements 28 to bring the upper platform 24 and the lower platform 26 closer together. The polishing unit 20 may include rollers and levers 30 for holding the upper and lower parts together when the device 200 is not in use.

[0023] Figures 4 and 5 show the polishing unit 200 inserted into the leveler 100. The polishing unit 200 is inserted from the operator side of the leveler 100 (for example, toward the longitudinal direction of the work rolls). Positioning lock pins 32 are used to position and lock the polishing unit 200 within the level upper part 42 of the leveler frame 34, so that the polishing unit 200 is securely positioned within the leveler 100, especially during the polishing process, and so that the respective polishing machines 22 and work rolls 60, 62 are aligned for engagement and polishing. Inlet and outlet aprons 36 are positioned on the inlet and outlet sides of the leveler 300 to allow for a uniform height for insertion of the polishing unit 200. As shown in Figure 4, before the polishing process, the expandable element 28 is in a contracted state (for example, not expanded), and the upper platform 24 and lower platform 26 are locked together. In the illustrated embodiment, eleven polishing machines 22 are positioned in close proximity to each of the eleven work rolls 60, 62 within the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. As shown in Figure 5, during the polishing process, the expandable elements 28 may be extended (e.g., expanded) and adjusted. Thus, the polishing machines of the polishing unit 200 extend to engage with and contact the upper and / or lower work rolls of the leveler 100, and therefore, when the work rolls begin to rotate, the polishing machines 22 can polish the work rolls. After the polishing process, the expandable elements 28 may be retracted, and the polishing unit 20 may then be removed from the leveler, either alone or as part of the removal of the entire device 200.

[0024] Figure 6 shows three main layers of one embodiment of the polishing machine of the present invention, for example, polishing machine 22, namely, the concave pan 22(a), the elastic liner backing 22(b), and the polishing material 22(c).

[0025] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, platforms 24 and 26 are integrated to form a single platform 27, on which the upper and lower polishing machines 22 do not extend or retract relative to each other. In this embodiment, the platform 27 is spring-biased relative to the polishing unit 20 by a spring coil 37. Engagement between the polishing machine 22 and the work rolls 60, 62 is achieved by lowering the upper leveler 42 after the polishing machine unit has been inserted into the open leveler. In this embodiment, the upper work roll 60 on the upper leveler 42 engages with and presses against the upper polishing machine 22 on the upper part of the platform 27, and then the lower polishing machine 22 on the lower part of the platform 27 aligns with and engages with the work roll 62 on the lower leveler 43. In this embodiment, the polishing material 22(c) in the substantially rigid tray 22(a) of the polishing machine 22 is thicker or more resilient to absorb the force transmitted downward by the upper leveler and provide a tolerance for pressure between the polishing machine and the work rolls.

[0026] As an exemplary operating process, the user first checks the leveler to ensure it is ready for polishing. For example, the user should ensure that all metal plates have passed through the hot leveler and reached the cooling bed, and then turn off the cooling water to the leveler rolls. Next, the user will set the leveler to a fully open position before inserting the polishing unit. The user can then insert or push the polishing unit into the leveler. After the polishing unit is inserted and aligned, the user can adjust the gap between the work rolls and begin rotating the work rolls at the desired speed (e.g., 580 feet per minute). While the work rolls are rotating, the user can then further expand and adjust the distance of the expandable elements within the polishing unit (e.g., by valves) so that the polisher can make sufficient contact with the rotating work rolls to polish under appropriate contact pressure. For example, in an embodiment where the expandable unit is an airbag, the user can rotate the work roll and inflate the airbag (for example, to 10 psi or less) using the valve control unit 12(a) located on the operator side while the work roll is engaged with the polishing machine of the polishing unit (for example, for about 5 minutes per setting). During this process, the user can inspect and verify that the polishing machine (particularly those corresponding to the inlet and outlet rolls) is in proper contact with the work roll and adjust the airbag pressure according to the desired roll pressure, as well as in response to temperature and noise. After the polishing process, while the work roll is still rotating, the user can retract the expandable element of the polishing unit. The user can then set the leveler to the fully open position and stop the rotation of the work roll. Finally, the user can remove the polishing unit and / or the entire polishing unit and apparatus from the leveler and / or from the vicinity of the leveler.

[0027] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of one embodiment 800 of the apparatus of the present invention for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, which includes a pan leveler attached to a spot polishing machine. In particular, Figure 8 shows the pan leveler 20 described herein attached to the spot polishing machine 70 on a table support 11. Embodiment 800 shows the pan leveler 20 and spot polishing machine 70 not being used or outside the metal sheet or plate leveler. As shown, the spot polishing machine 70 can be attached to one end of the pan leveler.

[0028] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler. The spot polishing machine 70 includes a polishing arm 74 to which a polishing machine 72 having a polishing surface for rollers to be spot polished is attached. The spot polishing machine 70 also includes an airbag 76 that moves the polishing arm 74 from a disengaged position to an engaged position and then back to the disengaged position, thereby allowing the polishing machine 72 to contact the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler to spot polish the rollers and then retract.

[0029] Figure 10 shows a front view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler. In Figure 10, the airbag 76 is not inflated and therefore does not extend to a position where the polishing machine 72 contacts the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler. In this way, the height of the spot polishing machine 70 is small or condensed so that it can easily fit and move between the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler (e.g., rollers 60 and 62 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100).

[0030] Figure 11 shows a top view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler. Figure 12 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, polishing machines 72 are located both at the bottom and top of the spot polishing machine 70, thereby enabling spot polishing of both the upper and lower work rolls of the metal sheet or plate leveler. Each polishing machine 72 may correspond, for example, to one of the rollers 60 and 62 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. Similarly, polishing machine arms 74 may also correspond to one of the polishing machines 72 and one of the rollers 60 and 62 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, respectively. Furthermore, airbags 76 may also correspond to one of the polishing machines 72, one of the polishing machine arms 74, and one of the rollers 60 and 62 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, respectively. In this way, the airbag 76 can be inflated or deflated to control the movement of the polishing machine arm 74 (and therefore the polishing machine 72) to come into contact with or disengage from the rollers 60 and 62 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, as needed.

[0031] Figure 13A shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, obtained along line AA in Figure 11. An airbag 76 is shown in a deflated state and is attached to at least one of the stationary portion 90 (e.g., part of the frame of the spot polishing machine 70) or the polishing arm 74 of the spot polishing machine 70. In various embodiments, the airbag 76 may be attached to both the stationary portion 90 and the polishing arm 74. In various embodiments, even if the airbag 75 is attached to only one of the stationary portion 90 and the polishing arm 74, when the airbag 76 inflates, the airbag 76 may come into contact with the stationary portion 90 and the polishing arm 74 to which the airbag 76 is not attached, thereby causing the airbag 76 to cause motion of the polishing arm 74 (and thereby causing motion of the polishing machine 72 in the C direction). The spot polishing machine 70 may also include a hinge 84 that connects the polishing arm 74 to the stationary portion 90 of the spot polishing machine 70. In this way, the polishing arm 74 and the polishing machine 72 can rotate around the hinge 84 (for example, when the airbag 76 inflates) to move the polishing machine 72 in the C direction to contact the roller, and (for example, when the airbag 76 deflates) to move the polishing machine 72 in the opposite direction C to disengage from contact with the roller. The polishing machine 72 may also be coupled to the polishing arm 74 by a hinge 98 so that the polishing machine 72 can be pressed against the leveler roll, thereby allowing the polishing machine 72 to self-level relative to the leveler roll.

[0032] The airbag 76 may be fluidly connected to a tube 78, and the tube 78 may be fluidly connected to an air pump to control the inflation and deflation of the airbag 76. In the example in Figure 13, the tube 78 may be connected to a tube 80 by a hose (not shown), such as a flexible (e.g., rubber) hose. A valve 82 may be further connected to the tube 80 to control the flow of air to the tubes 78, 80, and thus to the airbag 76. In various embodiments, the tube 80 and / or the valve 82 may be connected to an air pump or other air reservoir (e.g., a compressed air tank) configured to cause the inflation and / or deflation of air in the airbag 76. A valve such as the valve 82 may also be able to release air from the airbag 76. In various embodiments, other mechanisms other than the airbag may be used to move the polishing machine arm 74 and / or the polishing machine 72. For example, a hydraulic or other system may be used to generate the movement of the polishing machine 72, thereby moving the polishing machine to a predetermined position relative to the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler, and holding the rollers in place as they rotate to spot polish them.

[0033] In various embodiments, valves 82, air pumps, etc., may be controlled automatically or electronically by a user via a user interface, thereby allowing airbags 76 to inflate and / or deflate as desired for spot polishing of the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler. In various embodiments, individual airbags 76 may be controlled individually, thereby allowing one or fewer polishing machines 72 to contact the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler at any given time, as needed. In various embodiments, the airbags 76 may also be controlled collectively so that all polishing machines 72 are either in contact with the rollers or not at the same time (e.g., moving between positions at the same time). In various embodiments, an operator visually inspecting a plate or sheet coming out of the leveler may notice that a defect is present only on the top or bottom of the sheet or plate. If the defect is present only on the top, all spot polishing machine arms associated with the upper roll 60 are activated (e.g., the airbags are inflated), while the polishing machine arms associated with the lower roll 62 are not activated (e.g., the airbags remain deflated). If the defect occurs only on the lower side, all spot polishing machine arms associated with the lower roll 62 are activated (e.g., the airbags are inflated), while the polishing machine arms associated with the upper roll 60 are not activated (e.g., the airbags remain deflated). The airbags can be inflated, or may be inflated, in the range of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) to 80 psi, such as 20 psi, 25 psi, 30 psi, 35 psi, 40 psi, 45 psi, 50 psi, 55 psi, 60 psi, 65 psi, 70 psi, 75 psi, or 80 psi. The rollers can rotate while polishing at various speeds, including the range of 180 revolutions per minute (RPM) to 230 RPM, such as 180 RPM, 185 RPM, 190 RPM, 195 RPM, 200 RPM, 205 RPM, 210 RPM, 215 RPM, 220 RPM, 225 RPM, or 230 RPM.

[0034] Figure 13B shows a side view of the polishing machine arm of Figure 11 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, obtained along line BB of Figure 11 while the polishing machine is retracted. Figure 13B shows components similar to those shown in Figure 13A, and further shows a spring 99. The spring 99 may be one or more metal springs, or it may be other material or component that stores potential force when the airbag 76 is deflated and holds the polishing machine arm 74 in place, as shown in Figure 13B. Figure 13C shows a side view of the polishing machine arm 74 of Figure 13B when the polishing machine 72 is in the extended position. In particular, in Figure 13C the airbag 76 is inflated, thereby causing the polishing machine arm 74 to rotate around the hinge 84 and extend the polishing machine 72 to, for example, the leveler roll of a metal sheet or plate leveler as described herein. The spring 99 extends when the airbag 76 inflates, and when the airbag 76 deflates, the spring 99 pulls the polishing machine arm 74 back to its original position, causing the polishing machine 72 to retract (for example, to the position shown in Figure 13B). Figure 13D shows a perspective view of the polishing machine arm in Figure 13B.

[0035] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment 130 of a spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler, mounted on a pan leveler, before the spot polishing machine is inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler. In particular, the spot polishing machine 70 coupled to the pan leveler 20 is located outside the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 and is about to be inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. As shown in the figure, the spot polishing machine 70 is positioned close to the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 so that it can spot polish one or more spots on the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 before the spot polishing machine 70 is first inserted and the pan leveler 20 is used to polish the entire length of the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100.

[0036] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a spot polishing machine 70 attached to a pan leveler 20 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler 100 while it is inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. As shown in the figure, the pan leveler 20 (and the spot polishing machine 70, which is firmly fixed to the pan leveler 20) is supported by a table 11 as the spot polishing machine 70 is moved into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. The entire assembly (pan leveler and spot polishing machine 70) can slide or move on the table 11 so that the assembly can be inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. The table 11 may have rails that accommodate the movement of the assembly. The steel lever 100 may also have a rail aligned with the rail of the table 11, so that even when the assembly is moved to the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, the assembly is still supported by the rail of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, the rail of the table 11, or a combination of the two.

[0037] The linkage mechanism 94 can house a rotating element, gearbox, transmission, or any combination thereof, configured to rotate the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. The linkage mechanism 94 and its rotatable elements may be configured to move so that when the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 are separated for cleaning or during cleaning, the linkage mechanism 94 and its elements do not need to be disconnected from the rollers themselves. When the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 are separated for cleaning / polishing, the linkage mechanism 94 may separate to form a space 92. The space 92 can be large enough to accommodate a spot polishing machine 70 when the pan leveler 20 is being used to clean the entire length of the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. That is, when the pan leveler 20 is fully moved into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 and the spot grinder 70 is no longer in use, the dimensions of the spot grinder may be such that the spot grinder 70 fits into the space 92 after it has been pushed out from the distal end of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 (for example, while the pan leveler 20 is in use, the spot grinder 70 can enter and exit from the first end of the metal sheet or plate leveler, and thereafter, as the pan leveler 20 is removed from the first end of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, the spot grinder 70 may enter the second end, and finally, as the pan leveler 20 is pulled away from the metal sheet or plate leveler 100 along the table 11, the spot grinder 70 may be removed from the first end of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100).

[0038] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a spot polishing machine 70 attached to a pan leveler 20 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler 100 while it is inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. As shown in the figure, the spot polishing machine 70 in Figure 16 has (not shown) airbags inflated so that each polishing machine 72 is in contact with the rollers of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100.

[0039] Figure 17A is a side cross-sectional view of a spot polishing machine 70 for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler 100 attached to a pan leveler 20 while it is inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. Similar to Figure 16, the spot polishing machine 70 in Figure 17 has an inflated airbag 76, thereby causing each polishing machine 72 to be in contact with the rollers 60, 62 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100. Figure 17 also shows how the pan leveler 20 is placed on the rails 96 of the metal sheet or plate leveler 100, and how the pan leveler 20 and the spot polishing machine 70 are supported. As shown in Figure 17, the polishing machines 72 also extend beyond the upper and lower edges of the frame of the spot polishing machine 70, thereby allowing them to contact the rollers 60, 62. Figure 17B shows a perspective view of a spot polishing machine for spot polishing a metal sheet or plate leveler when it is attached to a pan leveler, inserted into a metal sheet or plate leveler, and the polishing machine is retracted and not in contact with the leveler rolls. Comparing Figures 17A and 17B, it can be seen that in Figure 17B, the spot polishing machine 70 can be easily moved between the leveler rolls 60 and 62, allowing the spot polishing machine 70 to move in and out of the leveler 100, whereas in Figure 17A, the spot polishing machine 70 can be used to polish the leveler rollers 60 and 62 of the leveler 100.

[0040] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the grinding wheel 140 for the grinding machine 72 of the spot grinding machine 70. Figure 19 shows a top view of the grinding wheel 140 for the spot grinding machine 70. The grinding wheel 140 includes an upper grinding surface having an angled groove 86. The length D of the grinding wheel 140 may be in the range of 3 inches to 15 inches, for example, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, or 15 inches.

[0041] Figure 19 shows a side view of a grinding wheel 140 for a spot grinding machine. The grinding wheel 140 may further include a socket 98, thereby allowing the grinding wheel 140 to be rotatably coupled to the grinding machine arm 74. In this way, the grinding wheel 140 may rotate even slightly relative to the grinding machine arm 74, thereby assisting in the leveling / cleaning / polishing of the rollers of a metal sheet or plate leveler, such as by adapting to the deformation of the rollers and smoothing them, or by self-leveling relative to the roller surface to ensure efficient cleaning of the rollers.

[0042] Figure 20 shows a side view of the grinding wheel 140 of Figures 18 and 19 for a spot grinding machine. Figure 20 also shows a socket for hinge coupling (e.g., hinge 98 as described herein and shown in Figures 13A–13C and 16) so that the grinding wheel 140 can articulate or rotate relative to the grinding machine arm to which it is mounted. The grinding wheel can be made from any abrasive material, such as rocks and minerals, durable plastics, rubber, elastomers, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof. As an example, the grinding wheel can be made from material type #4-M / B, available from R&S Processing Co., Inc. in Paramount, California.

[0043] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to create or use the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the various embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the various embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to those shown herein, but should be given the broadest scope that is consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for polishing the work rolls of a metal sheet or plate leveler, wherein the metal sheet or plate leveler has a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls, and this apparatus is Spot polishing machine frame, Airbags and A polishing machine having a polishing surface configured to polish at least one of the upper work roll or the lower work roll, A polishing machine arm, wherein the polishing machine is attached to the first end of the polishing machine arm. The second end of the polishing machine arm is hinged to the spot polishing machine frame. The airbag is operably positioned in close proximity to the polishing machine arm. The aforementioned airbag is configured to inflate and deflate using air. While the airbag is inflated with air, the airbag comes into contact with the polishing machine, moving the polishing machine to the first position. While the airbag is contracting, the polishing machine moves to the second position. The first position is further from the spot polishing machine frame than the second position. The polishing machine arm and A device having.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of polishing machine arms, each polishing machine, and an airbag.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of polishing machine arms is associated with each of the rolls of the series of upper work rolls or the series of lower work rolls.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the airbags is configured to inflate or deflate to move each of the polishing machines.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a tube connected to the airbag, wherein the tube is fluidly connected to the inside of the airbag.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an air pump fluidly connected to the tube, wherein the airbag is inflatable or deflated based on the operation of the air pump.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, while the airbag is inflated or deflated by air, the first end of the polishing machine arm moves together with the polishing machine via a hinge between the second end of the polishing machine arm and the spot polishing machine frame.

8. In the apparatus described in claim 1, the apparatus is The airbag is inserted into the metal sheet or plate leveler while it is inflating, The airbag is inflated, thereby moving the polishing machine to the first position, and the polishing machine comes into contact with one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls. A device configured in such a way.

9. In the apparatus described in claim 8, the apparatus further comprises: After the airbag inflates, the airbag is deflated, thereby moving the polishing machine to the second position, disengaging from contact with one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls, and Remove the airbag from the metal sheet or plate leveler while the airbag is inflated. A device configured in such a way.

10. An apparatus for polishing the work rolls of a metal sheet or plate leveler, wherein the metal sheet or plate leveler has a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls, and this apparatus is Spot polishing machine frame, A plurality of polishing machine arms, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of each of the plurality of polishing machine arms is hinged to the spot polishing machine frame at one of a plurality of hinges, A plurality of airbags, each of which is positioned at the first end of one of the plurality of polishing machine arms, A plurality of polishing machines, each having a polishing surface configured to polish one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls, and each of the plurality of polishing machines is coupled to one of the plurality of polishing machine arms, Each of the aforementioned airbags is configured to inflate and deflate with air, While each of the aforementioned airbags is inflating with air, the aforementioned polishing machines are in their respective first positions. While each of the aforementioned airbags is contracting, the aforementioned polishing machines are in their respective second positions. The aforementioned multiple polishing machines and A device having.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, in the first position, each of the plurality of polishing machines is in contact with one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, at the second position, each of the plurality of polishing machines is in contact with one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of the polishing work rolls has a work roll length.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the polishing surface of each of the plurality of polishing machines has a length shorter than the length of the work roll, so that as the work roll to be polished rotates while the plurality of polishing machines are in the first position, only a portion of the work roll to be polished is polished.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the polishing surface of each of the plurality of polishing machines has a length of less than half the length of the work roll, less than one-quarter the length of the work roll, less than one-eighth the length of the work roll, less than one-sixteenth the length of the work roll, or less than one-thirtieth the length of the work roll.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an air pump configured to alternately inflate and deflate the plurality of airbags.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the air pump operates to inflate and deflate the plurality of airbags simultaneously and alternately.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein when the air pump operates to inflate and deflate the plurality of airbags simultaneously and alternately, the plurality of polishing machine arms also move simultaneously around their respective hinges.

19. A method for polishing the work rolls of a metal sheet or plate leveler, wherein the metal sheet or plate leveler has a series of upper work rolls and a series of lower work rolls, and this method is The step of inserting the spot polishing machine into the metal sheet or plate leveler while the airbag of the spot polishing machine is contracting, A step of inflating the airbag so that each of the multiple polishing machines of the spot polishing machine moves to contact one of the upper work rolls or one of the lower work rolls, The process involves rotating the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls, thereby causing the multiple polishing machines to rub against the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls, The process of inflating the airbag and rotating the work roll, then deflating the airbag, thereby moving the plurality of polishing machines so as to move away from contact with the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls, The steps include removing the spot polishing machine from the metal sheet or plate leveler while the airbag is inflating, and A method having

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the insertion of the spot polishing machine comprises moving the spot polishing machine to a first position relative to the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls, and the method further comprises After the airbag is deflated, the spot polishing machine is moved to a second position along the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls, and another position on the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls is spot polished. A method having the following characteristics.

21. In the method according to claim 19, the insertion of the spot polishing machine is insertion into the first end of the metal sheet or plate leveler, and this method further, After the airbag is deflated, the spot polishing machine is moved from the second end of the metal sheet or plate leveler, thereby moving the pan leveler attached to the spot polishing machine to a predetermined position relative to the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls. A step of polishing the series of upper work rolls and the series of lower work rolls using the pan leveler, After using the pan leveler, the pan leveler and the spot polishing machine are removed from the metal sheet or plate leveler. A method having the following characteristics.

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