Rolling Equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a rolling mill 1 having two roll shafts 3 mounted in a housing 2, the roll shafts 3 being preferably mounted parallel to one another and each carrying at least one rolling ring 5 in its end region 4, with a sealing device 6 fixed to or in the housing 2, by means of which the axial end region 4 of the roll shaft 3, together with the rolling ring 5, can be sealed against the inside of the housing 2. In order to improve the sealing device in the event of wear in the sealing device, so that it can be maintained in a significantly shorter time than before, and in particular so that the seals can be replaced, the invention provides a sealing device (6) comprising: a seal carrier plate (7) which is fixed to or in the housing (2) or is part of the housing (2), for each of the roll shafts (3) two sliding rings (8, 9) which are arranged on the roll shafts (3), for each of the roll shafts (3) a double lip seal (10) with two sealing lips (11, 12) which are arranged on the seal carrier plate (7), with the sealing lips (11, 12) abutting against a respective sliding ring (8, 9), Each roll shaft 3 has a support ring 13 arranged in the radially inner region of the double lip seal 10 and supporting it radially, with anti-rotation devices 14, 15 provided to prevent rotation of the double lip seal 10 relative to the seal carrier plate 7.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a rolling mill having two roll shafts mounted in a housing, the roll shafts being preferably mounted parallel to one another, In this case, the roll shafts each carry at least one rolling ring in their end regions, In this case, a sealing device is fixed to or in the housing, By means of this sealing device, the axial end regions of the roll shafts together with the rolling rings can be sealed against the inside of the housing. [Background technology]

[0002] A rolling device of the type mentioned at the outset is known from DE 10 200 06 136 A1. DE 10 200 06 136 A1, DE 10 200 06 141 A1 and DE 10 200 06 152 A1 relate to embodiments of a sealing device 6. The sealing devices of such rolling mills are subjected to strong loads in wire or rod rolling mills under operating conditions, which result from high and intense alternating temperatures, from contamination with contaminants and scale, from the influence of cooling water, as well as from high frictional forces during operation. These sealing devices respectively have to seal the area of ​​the rolling ring against the inside of the housing so that, on the one hand, no water or contaminants can flow into the housing, and, on the other hand, however, likewise no oil can flow out of this housing.

[0003] This leads to wear on the sealing elements of the sealing devices, which impairs the functionality of these sealing devices and requires frequent replacement of these seals.

[0004] The time required for replacing the sealing elements is then very high. Double lip seals are known, which are provided with a spring steel ring, a synthetic ring or a similar tensioning element to ensure the sealing function in the operating state and to prevent rotational movements relative to the seal carrier plate. The tensioning force of the spring steel or synthetic ring for the fixation of the seal, in the narrowness of the installation situation and due to the necessary deformation of the tensioning ring during installation, requires the removal of the seal carrier and other equipment fixed at this seal carrier (guides, guide holders, cooling tubes, etc.). Known tensioning elements, which require less deformation and therefore allow assembly of the seal without dismantling the seal carrier, do not provide sufficient radial force to prevent concomitant rotation of the double lip seal relative to the seal carrier plate; and the result is high wear and loss of the seal.

[0005] The replacement of sealing elements therefore represents a significant cost block. The service life of a seal is typically in the range of 3 to 4 weeks. For replacement of the sealing elements, times in the range of about 30 minutes are estimated per sealing position, which, depending on the number of rolling stands (e.g. a 10-stand rolling block with 20 seals), totals a considerable cost volume over a year at a given hourly rate of the installation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Specification No. 0 850 703 B1 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2018 104 123 B3 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 3 892 446 A [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 4 910 987 A [Patent Document 5] European Patent Specification No. 0 196 117 B1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to develop a rolling mill of the type described at the beginning in such a way that, in the event of wear in the sealing device, it is possible to maintain this sealing device in a significantly shorter time than previously possible, and in particular to make it possible to replace the seals. The disassembly and assembly efforts required for this should be able to be reduced, which should result in a corresponding cost savings, and the replacement times should accordingly be able to be reduced without interfering with the service life of the seal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The solution to this problem according to the invention is that the sealing device comprises: - a seal-carrying plate, which is fixed to or within said housing or is part of said housing; - for each of said roll shafts, respectively, two sliding rings, which are arranged on said roll shafts, for each roll shaft there is a double lip seal with two sealing lips, which is arranged on the seal carrier plate (or on an injection ring arranged in the seal carrier plate 7, see below), with the sealing lips each resting on a sliding ring, - a support ring for each roll shaft, which is arranged in the radially inner region of the double lip seal and radially supports the double lip seal, In this case, an anti-rotation device is provided, which prevents the double lip seal from rotating relative to the seal carrier plate; In this case, the misrotation prevention device has at least one (preferably exactly one) radial projection arranged on the seal carrier plate (or on the injection ring), which projection engages into a corresponding recess in the double lip seal, or In this case, the misrotation prevention device has at least one (preferably exactly one) radial projection arranged on the double lip seal, which projection engages in a corresponding recess in the seal carrier plate (or in the injection ring). 、 a form-fitting engagement is used to prevent said rotation; and the protrusion and the cutout are arranged concentrically with the roll shaft and are not continuous in the circumferential direction; It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0009] The proposed solution, as can be seen further below, allows that the removal of the double lip seal can be carried out upon removal of only one of both sliding rings.

[0010] The support ring is formed as a separate structural member according to one embodiment of the invention; and can alternatively, however, be integrated into the dual lip seal as well.

[0011] In this case, the support ring is particularly configured so that it does not need to be deformed for assembly, or so that it needs to be deformed only slightly so that assembly of the support ring is possible when only one of the sliding rings is removed.

[0012] Said double lip seal advantageously has no other reinforcing elements.

[0013] Accordingly, the double lip seal is extremely elastic during installation and can be installed upon removal of only one of the two sliding rings.

[0014] The double lip seal and the support ring are advantageously permitted to mutually tolerate each other such that, in the assembled state, a radially outwardly directed force is exerted by the support ring on the double lip seal.

[0015] Accordingly, the axial positional stability of the double lip seal in the operating condition is not provided by the double lip seal itself but rather by the support ring.

[0016] It is possible that the projection and the recess are formed congruently with one another, but it is equally possible that a projection on one structural element cooperates with a groove on the other structural element, which groove extends over the entire width of this structural element.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, said projection is formed as a cylinder or a pin.

[0018] The support ring advantageously has a chamfer at least in one axial end region, which significantly facilitates assembly and eliminates damage to the double lip seal and the support ring during assembly.

[0019] The support ring is advantageously formed as a steel ring, but it can also be manufactured from other materials, which are adapted to withstand operating and environmental conditions in a similar manner. Unless the support ring is integrated into a double lip seal, the use of suitable materials allows the support ring to be reusable several times for further seal assemblies.

[0020] The radial thickness of the support ring depends on the size of the seal. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the radial thickness of the support ring is between 1 and 10 mm, particularly advantageously between 2 and 5 mm.

[0021] The seal-carrying plate is preferably provided with a device for supplying cut-off water or cut-off air, for which purpose an injection ring is integrated into the seal-carrying plate or the injection ring is integrated into the seal-carrying plate.

[0022] Said rolling device is advantageously a component of a wire or rod rolling stand.

[0023] The proposed sealing device, i.e. configured as a sliding ring seal, is used in metallurgical installations, preferably in rolling module housings, in particular in wire or rod rolling mills.

[0024] In a typical installation, typically ten rolling stands are arranged in the area of ​​the wire rolling block in which the rolled product is rolled to the final dimensions, in each of which a seal carrier plate is arranged with two injection rings and two double lip seals. In this seal-carrying plate, cutouts for a double lip seal are provided, which have a "figure eight" configuration due to the parallel arrangement of the two roll axes.

[0025] The proposed solution allows a significant reduction in the time for replacing the double lip seal. Advantageously, when replacing the seal, removal of the seal-carrying plate can be omitted, so that the equipment provided on this plate as well (guides, guide holders, cooling tubes, etc.) does not have to be dismantled.

[0026] The provided anti-rotation device (i.e., rotation of the dual lip seal relative to the seal carrier plate is eliminated) ensures that wear on the seal is kept low and sealing function is assured. Without such protection, the accompanying rotation of the seal would generate friction and heat that could damage the seal and induce premature failure.

[0027] For the rolling mill operator, this results in significantly reduced downtimes and therefore rolling cost advantages. Furthermore, maintenance costs are likewise significantly reduced.

[0028] Thereby the possibility of rapid replacement of the seal in the assembled seal carrier plate is given: the time for replacement of the seal can be significantly reduced in comparison with known solutions, without any reduction in the seal's service life being given.

[0029] The support ring used is preferably made of steel and ensures that sufficient tension is applied in the operating state, which tension holds the double lip seal reliably in its axial position and thus provides an effective sealing action. Unless the support ring is integrated in the double lip seal, after replacement of the double lip seal the support ring is used again in the same sealing position. The reusability of the support ring reduces maintenance material costs.

[0030] The provision of the support ring with a chamfer allows assembly without high effort and without damage to the seal or the support ring.

[0031] When the term double lip seal is used here, it should be understood that the above-mentioned sealing element has at least two sealing lips, one of which abuts on one sliding ring, but this does not mean that further sealing lips cannot be arranged in the double lip seal.

[0032] In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an end region of a roll shaft of a wire rolling mill, the roll shaft being supported in a housing, in which a rolling ring is mounted, the sealing device being operatively arranged between the sealing device and the housing. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a view of detail "X" according to FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] 1, part of a rolling mill 1 can be seen, which is a component of a wire or rod rolling mill. A roll shaft 3 is mounted in a housing 2. In this housing 2, two adjacently arranged roll shafts 3 are supported (not shown), both of which are arranged parallel to one another, i.e. their axes a are parallel.

[0035] In the axial end regions 4 of each roll shaft 3, one rolling ring 5 is respectively arranged, which is used for rolling the material, i.e. the material to be rolled is rolled between two cooperating rolling rings 5. The rolling rings 5 ​​are fixed on the journals of the roll shafts 3 by means of conical sleeves 18, for which purpose furthermore caps 19 are used, which are fixed in the end regions 4 of the roll shafts 3 by means of screws.

[0036] In order that the inside of the housing 2 is sealed against the rolling area with the rolling rings 5 ​​so that no contaminants can penetrate inside the housing and no oil can escape from it, a sealing device 6 is provided, which is formed as a sliding ring seal.

[0037] The sealing device 6 comprises a seal carrier plate 7, which is screwed to the housing 2. The seal carrier plate 7 likewise comprises a cut-off water or cut-off air supply 17, i.e. an integral component of the seal carrier plate is an injection ring, by means of which the cut-off water or cut-off air can be sprayed in the direction towards the rolling ring 5.

[0038] The exact embodiment of the sealing device 6 can be seen from FIGS.

[0039] From these figures it can be seen that the sealing device 6 firstly comprises two sliding rings 8 and 9 per sealing position, which are assembled as shown and together form in radial cross section an essentially U-shaped structure. A double lip seal 10 is fixed to the seal carrier plate 7, which has two sealing lips 11 and 12. In the assembled state, one sealing lip 11 then rests frictionally against the sliding ring 8 and the sealing lip 12 rests frictionally against the sliding ring 8 .

[0040] The double lip seal 10 is thereby constructed without any reinforcing elements, thus achieving a structure which is easily deformable and therefore also easily installable. The stability of the double lip seal 10 in the operating conditions of the rolling mill is achieved by a support ring 13, which can be best seen in FIG. The support ring 13 is a thin-walled steel ring provided with a chamfer 16 at the axial end of the steel ring.

[0041] Since in the operating condition of the installation the double lip seal 10 cannot rotate relative to the seal carrier plate 7 (about axis a), anti-rotation devices 14, 15 are provided, which can best be seen in FIG. 3.

[0042] Accordingly, the seal carrier plate 7 has at one circumferential point a radially extending projection 14 in the form of a pin or cylinder, which projection engages into a corresponding recess 15 in the double lip seal 10. Thus, relative rotation between the seal carrier plate 7 and the double lip seal 10 about the axis a is prevented.

[0043] If the double lip seal 10 needs to be replaced as a result of wear, this is essentially done in a simpler and less complex manner than would be the case in such a situation with known solutions.

[0044] The method of replacing the double lip seal 10 proceeds as follows:

[0045] First of all, the cap 19 is unscrewed, the conical sleeve 18 is removed and the rolling ring 5 is taken out. The outer sliding ring 9 is then pulled out axially.

[0046] Now, the support ring 13 is pulled out axially, so that the double lip seal 10 is accessible; and it can be removed, which is without any problems as a result of the freedom of this double lip seal from the reinforcing element.

[0047] A new double lip seal 10 is inserted, taking into consideration the matching of the projections and notches. The seal carrier plate 7 and the inner sliding ring 8 remain assembled.

[0048] When a new double lip seal 10 is inserted, the support ring 13 is pressed in again, the chamfer 16 allowing a light-motion assembly and ensuring that no damage occurs to the double lip seal 10. The support ring 13 holds the double lip seal 10 stably in its intended operating position and exerts a radially outwardly acting force on the double lip seal 10, which is thus held reliably on the seal carrier plate 7.

[0049] Now the outer sliding ring 9 is pressed in again and then the further structural parts (rolling ring 5, conical sleeve 18 and cap 19) are reassembled.

[0050] The time required for this is only a fraction of the time that is conventionally customary, especially since the seal-carrying plate 7 does not have to be removed together with the mountings and armour arranged on it.

[0051] Therewith, the proposed device offers, as a result of the described and simplified disassembly and installation method, a significant increase in the productivity of the rolling installation, which cannot be achieved with conventional methods. In addition, the present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following as other aspects. 1. A rolling mill (1) having two roll shafts (3) supported within a housing (2), The roll shafts (3) are preferably supported parallel to one another, the roll shafts (3) each carrying at least one rolling ring (5) in their end regions (4), A sealing device (6) is fixed to or within the housing (2), In the rolling mill as described above, by means of this sealing device, the axial end region (4) of the roll shaft (3) can be sealed together with a rolling ring (5) against the inside of the housing (2), The sealing device (6): - a seal-carrying plate (7) fixed to or within said housing (2) or being part of said housing (2); - for each said roll shaft (3) there are respectively two sliding rings (8, 9) arranged on said roll shafts (3), - for each of the roll shafts (3), a double lip seal (10) with two sealing lips (11, 12) is arranged on the seal carrier plate (7), the sealing lips (11, 12) resting against a respective sliding ring (8, 9), - for each roll shaft (3) there is a support ring (13) which is arranged in the radially inner region of the double lip seal (10) and which radially supports said double lip seal, an anti-rotation device (14, 15) is provided which prevents rotation of the double lip seal (10) relative to the seal carrier plate (7); A rolling apparatus comprising: 2. The rolling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support ring (13) is formed as a separate structural member or is integrated within the double lip seal (10). 3. The rolling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the double lip seal (10) does not have a reinforcing element. 4. The double lip seal (10) and the support ring (13) are 4. The rolling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in an assembled state, the support ring (13) and the double lip seal (10) are mutually permitted to exert a radially outwardly directed force on the double lip seal (10). 5. The misrotation prevention device (14, 15) comprises at least one radial projection (14) arranged on the seal carrier plate (7), 5. The rolling mill according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protrusion engages into a corresponding notch (15) in the double lip seal (10). 6. The misrotation prevention device (14, 15) has at least one radial protrusion disposed on the double lip seal (10); 5. A rolling mill as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protrusions engage into corresponding cut-outs in the seal-carrying plate (7). 7. The rolling device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the protrusion (14) and the cutout portion (15) are formed congruently with each other. 8. The rolling device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the protrusion is formed as a cylinder or a pin. 9. A rolling apparatus as described in any one of 1 to 8 above, characterized in that the support ring (13) has a chamfered portion (16) at least in one end region in the axial direction. 10. The rolling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support ring (13) is formed as a steel ring. 11. A rolling mill as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the seal-carrying plate (7) is provided with a device for the supply of seal water or seal air. 12. A rolling mill as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the rolling mill is a component part of a wire or rod rolling stand. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Rolling equipment 2. Housing 3 Roll axis 4 Axial end area 5 Rolled Ring 6 Sealing device 7 Seal carrying plate 8 Sliding Ring 9 Sliding Ring 10 Double lip seal 11 Sealing lip 12 Sealing lip 13 Support Ring 14 Misrotation prevention device, protrusion (cylinder / pin) 15 Misrotation prevention device, notch 16 Chamfered part 17. Shut-off water supply unit / Shut-off air supply unit 18 Cone Sleeve 19 Cap a-axis

Claims

1. A rolling mill (1) having two roll shafts (3) supported in a housing (2), The roll shafts (3) are preferably supported parallel to one another, The roll shafts (3) each carry at least one rolling ring (5) in their end regions (4), A sealing device (6) is fixed to or within the housing (2), By means of this sealing device, the axial end regions (4) of the roll shafts (3) can be sealed together with the rolling rings (5) against the inside of the housing (2), The sealing device (6): - has a seal-carrying plate (7) which is fixed to or in said housing (2) or which is part of said housing (2); - for each said roll shaft (3) there are respectively two sliding rings (8, 9) which are arranged on said roll shafts (3), for each of the roll shafts (3), a double lip seal (10) with two sealing lips (11, 12) is arranged on the seal carrier plate (7), the sealing lips (11, 12) resting against a respective sliding ring (8, 9); - for each roll shaft (3) there is a support ring (13) which is arranged in the radially inner region of the double lip seal (10) and which radially supports said double lip seal; an anti-rotation device (14, 15) is provided, which prevents rotation of the double lip seal (10) relative to the seal carrier plate (7); the misrotation prevention device (14, 15) has at least one radial projection (14) arranged on the seal carrier plate (7), which projection engages into a corresponding recess (15) in the double lip seal (10), or the misrotation prevention device (14, 15) has at least one radial protrusion arranged on the double lip seal (10), which protrusion engages into a corresponding notch in the seal carrier plate (7); a form-fitting engagement is used to prevent said rotation; and The protrusion (14) and the cutout (15) are arranged concentrically with the roll shaft (3) and are not continuous in the circumferential direction; A rolling device comprising:

2. 2. The rolling mill according to claim 1, characterized in that the support ring (13) is formed as a separate structural member or is integrated within the double lip seal (10).

3. 3. Rolling mill according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the double lip seal (10) does not have a reinforcing element.

4. The double lip seal (10) and the support ring (13) are 4. The rolling mill according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the support ring (13) is allowed to mutually support the double lip seal (10) such that a radially outwardly directed force is applied from the support ring (13) to the double lip seal (10).

5. 5. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (14) and the notch (15) are formed congruently with each other.

6. 6. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is formed as a cylinder or a pin.

7. 7. Rolling mill according to claim 1, characterized in that the support ring (13) has a chamfer (16) at least in one axial end region.

8. 8. Rolling mill according to claim 1, characterized in that the support ring (13) is made as a steel ring.

9. 9. Rolling mill according to claim 1, characterized in that the seal-carrying plate (7) is provided with a device for the supply of seal water or seal air.

10. 10. A rolling mill according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling mill is a component of a wire or rod rolling stand.

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