Rolling mill for solid long products

Abstract

To provide a rolling machine for a solid long product having a simplified roll control system capable of extracting all cages from a same side of the rolling machine and simultaneously eliminating need for a special angle gearbox.SOLUTION: All rolling stations 100 are configured to allow lateral withdrawal of respective roll holder cartridges 120 from a same side of a rolling mill, corresponding to a first side 1a or a second side 1b. All rolling stations are arranged on a side of the rolling machine opposite to a cartridge withdrawal side, and are fixedly mounted on a load-bearing structure 110 when they have respective joining directions Z parallel to a withdrawal direction Y. Alternatively, when these devices are arranged so as to have respective coupling directions inclined with respect to the withdrawal direction, the all rolling stations have respective actuating devices movably mounted to the load-bearing structure of the roll holder cartridge. Single extension parts 171 to 173 of the all stations is movable relative to the load-bearing structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling mill for solid long products such as bars, rods and wire rods.

[0002] Advantageously, the rolling mill according to the invention is intended in particular for carrying out finish rolling. [Background technology]

[0003] Longitudinal rolling of solid elongated products has been carried out for several years by means of multi-cage rolling mills with electrically driven rolls.

[0004] A multi-cage rolling mill includes multiple rolling stations arranged in series along a rolling axis, each station containing multiple rolling rolls inserted into roll holder cartridges or cages.

[0005] Typically, each cage is provided with three rolls, although solutions using two-roll or four-roll cages have been proposed. In operation, the position of the rolls in each cage can be adjusted by varying their radial distance from the rolling axis so as to vary the rolling action depending on the diameter obtained on the long product being processed.

[0006] The term "finish rolling" is used herein to refer to a step in the processing of long products in the steel industry, such as bars, rods, or wire rods, where a long semi-finished product is subjected to longitudinal rolling by rolls to its final size. This processing essentially results in a reduction in the size of the semi-finished product until it reaches its nominal value.

[0007] As is well known, rolling rolls are subject to wear and tear and must be replaced periodically, and therefore easy roll replacement is essential in the operation management of a rolling mill.

[0008] Generally, in a multi-cage mill, roll changes are performed by first removing each cage from the mill structure.

[0009] Typically, multi-cage mills are configured for lateral stripping of the cage, i.e., obtained through movement of the cage perpendicular to the rolling axis.

[0010] Multi-cage mills are known which allow lateral stripping of all cages from the same side of the mill, which is very advantageous as it simplifies the logistics of managing the cages themselves.

[0011] An example of a multi-cage rolling mill with all cages stripped from the same side is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0012] More specifically, rolling mills generally include four or five cages arranged in series along the rolling axis. Each cage S is provided with three rolls R1, R2, and R3, evenly distributed around the rolling axis X at 120° relative to each other. One of the rolls, R1, has a horizontal rotation axis. The odd-numbered cages have rolls rotated 60° around the rolling axis relative to the even-numbered cages in order to roll the material using the groove roots of their respective rolls on parts of the product not affected by the action of the rolls in the previous cage. With this configuration, the odd-numbered cages are rotated around a horizontal axis relative to the even-numbered cages. Each roll is provided with its own adjusting actuator A1, A2, and A3, particularly hydraulic, mounted on the stationary structure F of the rolling mill. The actuators A1, A2, and A3 have the purpose of adjusting the radial distance of each roll from the rolling axis so that the rolling action can be varied depending on the diameter obtained on the long product being processed. The adjustment actuators are aligned radially with each roll and are therefore evenly distributed at 120° around the rolling axis X. Thus, in the illustrated configuration, one of the three actuators is positioned vertically through the rolling axis. Figures 1 and 2 show a section of a rolling mill with an even cage.

[0013] The rolling mill's control system includes a single motor M for each cage, connected to each roll by a three-output gear distributor group RD. The horizontal-axis roll R1 is directly connected to the distributor gear group by a kinematic connection extension L1, while the two tilt rolls R2 and R3 are each connected to the distributor gear group RD by double extensions L2+L2' and L3+L3', interspersed with special angle gearboxes G2 and G3. The motors and distributor gear groups for the different cages are all located on the same side of the mill, leaving the opposite side free for cage removal. During the cage removal step to create a free path for cage movement, the hydraulic actuator A2 of roll R2, located on the cage removal side, is rotatable (shown in its rotated, inoperative state in the figure) so that it can be temporarily removed from the removal path.

[0014] Although such rolling mill solutions are effective, they still have some limitations.

[0015] The control system is complex and expensive and includes, for each cage, a three output gear distributor group RD and special angle gearboxes G2 and G3 with an angle of approximately 50° to 60° between the input and output shafts.

[0016] Furthermore, the special angle gearbox G2, located below the rolling mill and connected to each roll with an extension L2' at 30° to the vertical, inevitably hits the drainage channel for the cooling water. Upon reaching gearbox G2, the water penetrates the lubrication system and thus reaches the other gearboxes. This causes corrosion problems that affect not only the double extension L2+L2' and the lower angle gearbox G2 but all the gearboxes as well, resulting in significant maintenance costs.

[0017] A second example of a rolling mill with lateral cage removal on the same side is shown in Figures 3 and 4. This mill employs a general configuration of rolls and control systems similar to those present in the rolling mill of Figure 1. However, the radial adjustment system of the rolls consists of a mechanical adjustment system incorporated in each roll holder cartridge and suitable for synchronously adjusting the radial movement of the rolls. The movement of the adjustment system is provided by an external control device C mounted on a fixed structure of the rolling mill on the cage removal side. Such external control device C is rotatable relative to the fixed structure F to create a free path for cage removal.

[0018] However, this solution still suffers from the limitations mentioned above related to the complexity and expense of the control system and the presence of special angle gearboxes located below the rolling mill and therefore exposed to the cooling water drains.

[0019] To overcome the above limitations, a multi-cage rolling mill has been proposed, which comprises:

[0020] a simplified control system including a gear motor group for each roll of each cage and kinematic connection extensions between the gear motor group and the respective roll without special angle gearboxes;

[0021] - (hydraulic) roll adjustment actuators located outside the cage and fixedly associated with the rolling mill structure;

[0022] - Different arrangement of the three rolls in the cage.

[0023] Multi-cage rolling mills of this type are described, for example, in WO 2009141414 A1 and EP 2560771 B1.

[0024] More specifically, each cage has three rolls evenly distributed at 120° relative to each other around the rolling axis. One of the three rolls has a vertical, rather than horizontal, rotation axis. The odd-numbered cages have rolls rotated 60° around the rolling axis relative to the even-numbered cages. Each roll has its own adjustment actuator, typically hydraulic, mounted on the rolling mill's stationary structure. The adjustment actuators are radially aligned with the respective roll, thus evenly distributed at 120° relative to the rolling axis, with one of them positioned horizontally through the rolling axis. This roll arrangement, along with the absence of special angle gearboxes located below the rolling mill, avoids problems with water penetration into the lubrication system.

[0025] Each cage is removed from the opposite side of the rolling mill to the side where the vertical-axis roll is located, after the connecting extension of one of the inclined rolls has been moved to free the path. However, in this configuration, the cages are not removed on the same side of the mill, but alternately, i.e., the even cages are removed on one side and the odd cages on the other.

[0026] Therefore, despite the significant simplification of the plant, the rolling mills described in WO 2009141414 A1 and EP 2560771 B1 do not have the operational advantage of being able to remove all cages from the same side of the mill.

[0027] To date, there are no multi-cage mills with a simplified roll control system that allows for the withdrawal of all cages from the same side of the mill while at the same time not requiring special angle gearboxes.

[0028] In the field of rolling mills for solid long products, the differentiation of roll calibration requires more frequent roll changes, so in this field there is a greater need to have multi-cage mills that combine the possibility of stripping all cages from the same side with a simplified roll control system that does not require special angle gearboxes. Summary of the Invention

[0029] It is therefore a main object of the present invention to eliminate or at least mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art by providing a rolling mill for solid long products which combines the possibility of withdrawal of all cages from the same side with a simplified roll control system which does not require special angle gearboxes.

[0030] A further object of the present invention is to provide a rolling mill for solid long products that is structurally simple to manufacture and has substantially lower manufacturing costs than conventional solutions, allowing all cartridges to be removed from the same side of the mill. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] According to the above objectives, the technical features of the present invention can be clearly seen in the content of the following claims, and its advantages will become better apparent in the following detailed description, which is given with reference to the accompanying drawings showing one or more purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof.

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial view of a first example of a conventional type solid long product rolling mill configured to allow removal of all cages from the same side of the mill, this section being made up of an even number of cages.

[0033] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged detailed view of the rolling mill of FIG. 1.

[0034] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a second example of a conventional type solid long product rolling mill configured to allow all cages to be removed from the same side of the mill, shown with the external controls for the radial roll adjustment systems in an inoperative state.

[0035] [Figure 4]4 is an orthogonal side view of the rolling mill of FIG. 3 shown with the external controls of the radial roll adjustment system in operation.

[0036] [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic view of the distribution of rolling stations along the rolling axis in a rolling mill for solid long products according to the invention;

[0037] [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic view of the arrangement of rolls in a rolling station of a rolling mill according to the invention, belonging to a first plurality of rolling stations; FIG.

[0038] [Figure 7] 3 is a schematic view of the arrangement of rolls in the rolling stations of a rolling mill according to the invention, which belong to a second plurality of rolling stations;

[0039] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a rolling mill according to the present invention, said cross-section being taken on a plane perpendicular to the rolling axis immediately upstream of the input of a station of a first plurality of stations, said station being shown with its associated roll holder cartridge in an operating position already operatively connected to the actuators of the roll control system and the roll adjustment system.

[0040] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rolling mill shown in FIG. 8.

[0041] [Figure 10] 9 is the same cross-sectional view of the rolling station of FIG. 8, the station shown with the associated roll holder cartridge in an extracted position, operatively disconnected from the control system and the actuators of the roll adjustment system.

[0042] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rolling mill shown in FIG.

[0043] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a rolling mill according to the present invention, said cross-section being taken on a plane perpendicular to the rolling axis immediately upstream of the input of a station of a second plurality of stations, said station being shown with its associated roll holder cartridge in an operating position already operatively connected to the actuators of the roll control system and the roll adjustment system.

[0044] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rolling mill shown in FIG. 12.

[0045] [Figure 14] 13 is the same cross-sectional view of the rolling station of FIG. 12, the station shown with the associated roll holder cartridge in an extracted position, operatively disconnected from the control system and the actuators of the roll adjustment system.

[0046] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of the rolling mill shown in FIG. 14.

[0047] [Figure 16] 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a roll holder cartridge of a rolling mill according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided with a system for synchronous mechanical adjustment of the rolls; FIG.

[0048] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a system for synchronous mechanical adjustment of the rolls mounted in the cartridge of FIG. 16.

[0049] [Figure 18] 18 is a detailed view of a system for synchronous mechanical adjustment of the rolls of FIG. 17 for connection with an external device for operating such a system.

[0050] Elements or parts of elements that are common to the embodiments described below are referred to by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] The present invention relates to rolling mills for solid long products in the steel industry, such as bars, rods and wire rods.

[0052] Advantageously, the rolling mill according to the invention is intended in particular for carrying out finish rolling.

[0053] The term "finish rolling" is used herein to refer to a step in the processing of long products in the steel industry, such as bars, rods, or wire rods, where a long semi-finished product is subjected to longitudinal rolling by rolls to its final size. This processing essentially results in a reduction in the size of the semi-finished product until it reaches its nominal value.

[0054] With reference to the accompanying Figures 5 to 18, the reference number 1 indicates as a whole a rolling mill for solid long products of the steel industry according to the invention.

[0055] In this specification, as well as in the following description and claims, reference is made to the rolling mill 1 in use, and any references to a lowered or upper position, or a horizontal or vertical orientation, should therefore be construed in that context.

[0056] The rolling mill 1 for solid elongated products defines a rolling axis X along which the elongated products to be rolled are made to slide.

[0057] According to a general embodiment of the invention, the rolling mill 1 comprises a first plurality of rolling stations 100 and a second plurality of rolling stations 200 arranged in series along a rolling axis X and alternating with one another between the input and the output of the rolling mill 1. This configuration of the rolling mill 1 is represented diagrammatically in Figure 5, in which the individual stations 100 and 200 (for example six in total) are indicated diagrammatically by rectangles.

[0058] Each of the aforementioned rolling stations 100 or 200 includes:

[0059] - Load-bearing structures 110, 210, and

[0060] - a roll holder cartridge 120, 220 connected in a detachable manner to the load-bearing structure 110, 210 along an extraction direction Y so that it can be extracted from the load-bearing structure itself and subjected to replacement and / or maintenance.

[0061] Preferably, as shown in Figures 8 to 15, the load-bearing structures 110, 210 of the rolling stations are fixed to a common support base 2 extending parallel to the aforementioned rolling axis X.

[0062] Advantageously, each load-bearing structure 110, 210 defines an operable housing seat 4 for a roll-holder cartridge. Such housing seat 4 is bounded at the bottom by a horizontal bottom wall 5 which serves as a support base for the roll-holder cartridge 120, 220 inside the housing seat 4.

[0063] Preferably, the load-bearing structure of each station may include a support structure 6 for the cartridges, which constitutes an extension of the aforementioned horizontal bottom wall 5 outside the housing sheet 4. This support structure 6 serves as a support base for the cartridges outside the housing sheet 4.

[0064] For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 15, each roll holder cartridge 120 or 220 includes three rolling rolls 131, 132, 133 or 231, 232, 233 mounted thereon so as to be radially movable relative to the rolling axis X along respective radial axes T1, T2, T3 passing through the rolling axis.

[0065] As shown in schematic detail in Figures 6 and 7, the three rolls 131, 132, 133 or 231, 232, 233 of each cartridge 120 or 220 are rotatable about three respective rotation axes R1, R2, R3 that are set at 120° relative to one another. One of the rolls 131, 231 has its own rotation axis R1 arranged vertically, while the other two rolls 132, 133 or 232, 233 have respective rotation axes R2, R3 that are inclined relative to the vertical. The inclined rotation axes R2, R3 each form an angle of 60° with the vertical.

[0066] Each of the aforementioned rolling stations 100 or 200 includes a system for synchronous mechanical adjustment of all three rolls 131 , 132 , 133 or 231 , 232 , 233 mounted in the roll holder cartridges 120 or 220 .

[0067] The mechanical adjustment system is adapted to act synchronously on the rolls so as to maintain, in use, a predetermined radial distance of the rolls themselves from the rolling axis X.

[0068] The radial distance of each roll is measured along the radial axis T1, T2, T3 of each roll. By "radial axis" T1, T2, T3 of a roll is meant an axis that is perpendicular to the rotation axis R1, R2, R3 of the roll and the rolling axis X.

[0069] The predetermined radial distance can be adjusted to optimize its tolerance according to the nominal dimensions of the long product to be rolled by receiving values ​​continuously measured by a specially provided measuring system located downstream of the rolling mill.

[0070] The adjustment system described above adjusts the three rolls in a synchronized and consistent manner with respect to variations in radial distance, in other words, the adjustment system described above is not configured to allow independent adjustment between the rolls of the same cartridge.

[0071] Each of the above-mentioned rolling stations 100 or 200 further comprises a device 141, 241 for actuating the synchronous machine adjustment system mounted on the cartridge. Such an actuating device 141, 241 is mounted on the load-bearing structure 110, 210 of the roll holder cartridge and is suitable for engaging by coupling the synchronous machine adjustment system along the coupling direction Z.

[0072] The synchronous machine regulation system mounted on the cartridge may be of any type, provided that it is suitable for the purpose and operable by a device external to the cartridge.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18, the aforementioned synchronous machine adjustment system comprises a circular toothed crown 151 rotatably mounted on the rim of the cartridge, coaxial with the rolling axis X. On the sides of the circular crown 151, the three rolls of the cartridge are arranged with their respective rotation axes parallel to the plane of the circular crown 151. The adjustment system comprises, for each roll, a pair of toothed circular bushings 152, 153, between which the respective roll is interposed. The two bushings are coaxial with each other and eccentric with respect to the rotation axes R1, R2, R3 of the roll. In this way, the rotation of the two bushings about their own axes corresponds to the translation of the roll parallel to its own radial axis T1, T2, T3.

[0074] The adjustment system also includes, for each bushing 152, 153, an element 162, 163 for the kinematic connection between the bushing and the circular crown 151. More specifically, such element 162, 163 consists of a rod including a first portion 162a, 163a consisting of a worm screw (which engages with the toothed bushing) and a second portion 162b, 163b consisting of a toothed wheel (which engages with the circular crown 151).

[0075] One of the kinematic connecting elements (numbered 162′ and hereinafter referred to as the “main kinematic connecting element”) further comprises a third part 162c consisting of a further toothed wheel. Said third part 162c is kinematically coupled to a coupling body 181 which is engageable by means of attachment by the aforementioned actuators 141, 241 provided outside the cartridge. The engagement between the coupling body 181 and the actuators 141, 241 is performed along a predetermined coupling direction Z. Advantageously, the engagement between the coupling body 181 and the actuators 141, 241 can be achieved in any manner suitable for the purpose. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17-18, the engagement is achieved by a coupling having a hexagonal shape. Alternatively, as shown for example in FIGS. 9, 11, 13 and 15, the engagement can be achieved by a coupling between toothed parts.

[0076] In operation, during the adjustment step, the actuator 141, 241 imparts to the main kinematic connection element 162' a rotation on its own axis by means of the coupling 181. This rotation causes a rotation of the bushing 152 directly connected to it, and at the same time an equivalent rotation of the other bushing due to the kinematic connection ensured by the circular toothed crown 151 and the other rods 162, 163. The mechanism described above therefore ensures synchronous adjustment of all three rolls of the cartridge.

[0077] Each of the aforementioned rolling stations 100 or 200 also includes three gear motor groups 161, 162, 163 or 261, 262, 263 connected to the rolls by single extensions 171, 172, 173 or 271, 272, 273 so as to provide the rolls themselves with the rotation and torque required to force the product forward along the rolling axis X. In other words, as shown in the accompanying drawings, each individual rolling station 100 or 200 is provided with three single extensions, one for each gear motor group and associated roll.

[0078] At each rolling station, a set of three gear motors and associated single extensions constitute the control system for the rolls with a single control device.

[0079] As can be seen, for example, by comparing FIGS. 9 and 13, the positions of the rolls 231, 232, 233 of the second plurality of stations 200 are rotated 60° about the rolling axis X relative to the positions of the first plurality of stations 100.

[0080] Such an angular arrangement of the rolls rotated between the first plurality of stations 100 and the second plurality of stations 200 makes it possible to uniformly roll the product sliding along the rolling axis. At a given station, the groove root of each roll actually acts on a part of the product that was not affected by the action of the roll at the previous station.

[0081] Furthermore, due to the aforementioned angular arrangement of the rolls rotated between two consecutive stations, the rolls 131 with vertical axes of the first plurality of stations 100 are arranged on a first side 1a of the rolling mill 1, and the rolls 231 with vertical axes of the second plurality of stations 200 are arranged on a second side 1b of the rolling mill 1, opposite the first, with respect to the rolling axis X.

[0082] The roll arrangements at the first and second plurality of stations 100 and 200 are shown in simplified form in Figures 6 and 7, respectively. It can be seen that the vertically-axed rolls 131, 231 have associated radial axes T1 that are horizontal, while the inclined rolls 132, 133 and 232, 233 have respective radial axes T2 and T3 that are inclined 30° to the vertical. It is also possible to distinguish the upper inclined rolls 132, 232 and the lower inclined rolls 133, 233 relative to a horizontal plane passing through the rolling axis X.

[0083] The expression "rolls on one side of the rolling mill" means that said rolls extend radially from the rolling axis towards the outside of the rolling axis and horizontally on that side.

[0084] In accordance with the present invention, all rolling stations 100, 200 of the rolling mill 1 are configured to allow lateral removal of the respective roll holder cartridges 120 and 220 from the same side of the rolling mill 1, hereinafter identified as the "cartridge removal side."

[0085] Such a cartridge removal side (which is the same for all rolling stations 100 and 200) may accommodate:

[0086] the aforementioned first side 1a, i.e. the side of the rolling mill 1 on which the rolls 131 with vertical axes of the first plurality of stations 100 are located, or

[0087] the aforementioned second side 1b, i.e. the side of the rolling mill 1 opposite the first, on which the rolls 231 with vertical axes of the second plurality of stations 200 are arranged.

[0088] Preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the cartridges 120, 220 are extracted from the associated stations 100, 200 by following an extraction path along the aforementioned extraction direction Y on a horizontal plane defined by the aforementioned horizontal bottom wall 5 and the support structure 6 outside the housing sheet 4.

[0089] According to the invention, as shown in Figures 8 to 15, all rolling stations 100, 200 can have respective devices 141, 241 for operating the synchronous machine adjustment system fixedly mounted on the load-bearing structure 110, 210 of the roll-holder cartridge. Such an arrangement can be adopted if these devices 141, 241 are arranged on the side of the rolling mill 1b opposite the cartridge extraction side and have a respective coupling direction Z parallel to the extraction direction Y.

[0090] This configuration does the following:

[0091] The actuator 141, 241 is located outside the cartridge removal path and does not constitute an obstruction element in any way;

[0092] The removal / insertion movement of the cartridge at each station along the direction Y corresponds to the movement required to engage and disengage the actuators 141, 241 in the cartridge.

[0093] In operation, this configuration allows the actuator 141, 241 to then automatically attach to the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the rolling station without requiring any movement of the actuator. Similarly, automatically, i.e., without requiring any movement of the actuator, the actuator 141, 241 can also disengage from the cartridge when the cartridge is removed from the rolling station.

[0094] This configuration greatly simplifies the preparation of empty extraction paths for cartridges on the same side of the mill: indeed, in this case, only the operation of a single extension 171, 172, 173 or 271, 272, 273 is required, as will be discussed again below.

[0095] Alternatively, always according to the invention, all rolling stations 100, 200 can have respective devices 141, 241 for operating a synchronous machine adjustment system movably mounted on the load-bearing structure 110, 210 of the roll-holder cartridge. This configuration is adopted when these devices 141, 241 are arranged in such a way that they have a respective coupling direction Z inclined with respect to the withdrawal direction Y.

[0096] In this case, in fact, the removal / insertion movement of the cartridge at each station along direction Y does not match the movements required to engage and disengage the actuators 141, 241 in the cartridge, and therefore it is necessary to move these devices 141, 241 to disengage at least the respective synchronous mechanical adjustment systems before the cartridge is removed.

[0097] If these devices 141, 241 are not positioned along the cartridge removal path, they do not constitute obstructing elements, and therefore their movement can have a limited amplitude sufficient to allow disengagement from the respective adjustment system and cartridge.

[0098] If such devices 141, 241 are instead placed along the cartridge extraction path, they constitute obstruction elements, and therefore their handling must have a greater width in order to completely free the extraction path for the cartridge.

[0099] In the following sense, an embodiment may be provided in which both of the above two different solutions are adopted.

[0100] some rolling stations adopt the first solution (i.e. the actuator is fixedly mounted on the side of the rolling mill opposite to the cartridge extraction side, with the coupling direction Z parallel to the extraction direction Y);

[0101] The remaining rolling stations adopt the second solution (i.e. movably mounted actuating devices with the coupling direction Z inclined relative to the uncoupling direction Y).

[0102] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, all rolling stations are configured according to the first solution, i.e. with actuating devices fixedly mounted on the side of the rolling mill opposite the cartridge extraction side and with an engagement direction Z parallel to the extraction direction Y. In particular, the extraction direction Y and the engagement direction Z are parallel and horizontal.

[0103] Furthermore, always in accordance with the present invention, the single extensions 171, 172, 173 and 271, 272, 273 of all rolling stations 100, 200 can be moved relative to the load-bearing structures 110, 210 of the respective stations so as to disengage the respective rolls 131, 132, 133 and 231, 232, 233 and possibly free up an extraction path for the cartridge.

[0104] The rolling mill 1 for solid long products having the above-mentioned features combines the possibility of extracting all cartridges from the same side with a simplified roll control system that does not require special angle gearboxes.

[0105] As already mentioned, the control system for the rolls of each single station consists of three gear motor groups 161, 162, 163 or 261, 262, 263 connected to the rolls by single extensions 171, 172, 173 or 271, 272, 273. The control system thus provides each roll with its own gear motor group. This allows for spatially positioning each gear motor group according to the position of the respective roll, with a kinematic connection between the group and the roll defined by the single extension. This avoids the need for a kinematic solution with double extensions connected to each other by special angle gearboxes, which is unavoidable in rolling mills with a single motor control system for all rolls of the cartridge.

[0106] Due to this configuration of the control system and the spatial distribution of the rolls, which provides at each station rolls with a vertical axis of rotation, it is also possible to arrange at each station one of the three extensions vertically and the remaining two extensions (dedicated to the two inclined rolls) on two axes at substantially 60° to the vertical. In other words, at every rolling station it is possible in a simple way to avoid having extensions (with their associated gear motor groups) directly below the rolling station, allowing easier access for maintenance work.

[0107] The control system configuration also avoids locating the gearbox directly below the rolling station, which essentially avoids problems with water penetration into the lubrication system through the gearbox.

[0108] Preferably, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the single extensions 171, 172, 173 and 271, 272, 273 are arranged so that when operatively connected, they are substantially axially aligned with the axes of rotation R1, R2, R3 of the respective rolls 131, 132, 133 and 231, 232, 233.

[0109] The expression "extensions having axes aligned with the rotational axes of the respective rolls" means the average alignment position that occurs during the transmission of motion to the rolls, excluding the net radial adjustment and tolerance optimization of the rolls according to the nominal dimensions of the product.

[0110] Thus, preferably, in each rolling station, the extensions 171, 271 dedicated to the rolls with vertical axes are arranged vertically, and the remaining two extensions 172, 173 and 272, 273 (dedicated to the two inclined rolls) are arranged on two axes at substantially 60° to the vertical.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the extensions 171, 271 associated with the vertical axis rolls 131, 231 are vertically axially arranged and associated with respective gear motor groups 161, 261, each of which includes a horizontally arranged motor 161a, 261a and an angular gearbox 161b, 261b whose input and output shafts form a 90° angle. In particular, each such gear motor group 161, 261 is supported above the respective rolling station 100, 200 by means of scaffolding 164, 264.

[0112] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the extensions 171, 271 associated with the rolls 131, 231 having vertical axes may be vertically axially arranged and associated with respective gear motor groups 161, 261, each of which includes a vertically arranged motor and a gearbox having parallel axes of input and output shafts. In particular, each such gear motor group 161, 261 is supported above the respective rolling station 100, 200 by a scaffolding 164, 264.

[0113] Preferably, the extensions 172, 173 and 272, 273 associated with the rolls 132, 133 and 232, 233 having inclined axes are associated with respective gear motor groups 162, 163 and 262, 263, each of which includes a motor and a gearbox having parallel axes of input and output shafts. In particular, as shown in the accompanying drawings, each of such gear motor groups 162, 163 and 262, 263 is arranged on a base 3a or 3b (foundation) defined by an inclined plane (preferably at 60° to the vertical) extending alongside the common support base 2, on one of the two sides 1a or 1b of the rolling mill parallel to the rolling axis X. Alternatively, the base 3a or 3b (foundation) may define a horizontal plane and the gear motor groups may be mounted on the base with the required inclination.

[0114] Preferably, the gear motor groups 161, 162, 163 and 261, 262, 263 of all rolling stations are fixedly mounted on their respective support bases. In this case (which is entirely preferred), as will become clear later in the description, the movement to disengage the extensions from the rolls (and possibly to free the cartridge extraction path) is obtained by moving only the extensions, and therefore without affecting the gear motor groups. This greatly simplifies the system.

[0115] As already highlighted above, the single extensions of all rolling stations 100, 200 can be moved relative to the load-bearing structures 110, 210 to disengage the respective rolls 131, 132, 133 and 231, 232, 233 and possibly free up an extraction path for the cartridge.

[0116] Preferably, the extensions 171, 172, 173 and 271, 272, 273 of all rolling stations 100, 200 are movable relative to the load-bearing structure of the respective rolling station by at least one translational movement along its axis.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the single extensions 171, 172, 173 and 271, 272, 273 have a telescopic structure, in which case the aforementioned translational movement of the extensions along their axes (which serves to disengage the respective rolls and possibly free the extraction path of the cartridge) can be obtained by an axial sliding movement between two or more different parts of the telescopic structure of the single extensions.

[0118] According to an embodiment not shown in the accompanying drawings, the single extensions 171, 172, 173 and 271, 272, 273 can be configured to be able to slide along the gearbox shaft of the respective gear motor group. This sliding movement causes the extension to translate along its own axis. Such axial sliding makes it possible to separate the extension from the hub of the respective roll and, if necessary, to free the extraction path for the associated cartridge.

[0119] The use of telescoping extensions may be provided as an alternative to, or in combination with, the use of extensions that slide along the shafts of the respective gear motor groups.

[0120] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, in all rolling stations 100, 200 at least one of the single extensions 172, 272 is capable of undergoing rotational translation to disengage the respective roll 132, 232 so as to release the associated cartridge for extraction and, in some cases, to free the extraction path of the cartridge itself.

[0121] From an operational standpoint, with the amplitude of the translational movement being equal compared to simple translation, rotational translation allows the extension to move more significantly away from the associated cartridge, thus allowing the extraction path of the cartridge from the rolling mill to be freed up without excessive translational stroke.

[0122] This solution can be adopted for all extensions of the rolling station, but is preferably adopted only for the extensions 172, 272 operatively associated with the upper inclined rolls 132, 232. In fact, as can be observed in particular in Figures 9 and 13, the extensions that penetrate the most into the operable housing sheet 4 are the extensions 172, 272 associated with the upper inclined rolls 132, 232.

[0123] It should be noted that the rotation-translation solution is preferably adopted for the extensions 272 associated with the upper inclined rolls in rolling stations with vertical rolls located on the opposite side to the cartridge extraction side. In fact, in these stations, the extensions of the upper inclined rolls are located along the cartridge extraction path, which is why their complete movement is important.

[0124] In contrast, the extensions 173, 273 associated with the lower inclined rolls 133, 233 and the extensions 171, 271 associated with the vertical rolls 131, 231 penetrate into their respective operable housing sheets 4 to a much lesser extent and therefore require a more limited width of movement, which can be performed by simple axial translation.

[0125] Preferably, each rolling station 100, 200 having a movable actuator is provided with means for moving the respective extension 174, 175. Such moving means 174, 175 may be any means suitable for the purpose.

[0126] In the embodiment shown in accompanying Figures 8 to 15, these movement means may consist of a simple lever mechanism 174 actuated by a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder piston to produce a simple translational movement (particularly for extensions 171, 173, 271, 273). These movement means may alternatively consist of a device for axial translation of the extensions 175 mounted on a rotatable base to produce a rotational translation (for extensions 172, 272).

[0127] Advantageously, each rolling station 100, 200 may include a device 300 for moving a respective cartridge along a cartridge extraction path.

[0128] In particular, this device 300 may be suitable both for removing a cartridge from an operable housing seat 4 and for bringing it into said housing seat.

[0129] Preferably, said transfer device 300 is located on the side 1b of the rolling mill 1 opposite to the cartridge removal side 1a.

[0130] More specifically, during the cartridge extraction step, the device 300 exerts a pushing action on the cartridge, and during positioning of the cartridge in the housing seat 4, the device 300 exerts a pulling action on the cartridge.

[0131] This configuration ensures that the transfer device 300 is never positioned within the space for handling and replacing cartridges. This ensures that there is always free space for cartridge handling and replacement, and allows for a direct connection from the rolling mill to the cartridge maintenance workshop. This configuration also simplifies the structure of the transfer device. In particular, no special structural measures are required to prevent the transfer device from interfering with the movement of cartridges.

[0132] According to a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the aforementioned moving device 300 consists of at least one hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder.

[0133] More specifically, the hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder 300 is arranged to act in an axial direction parallel to the aforementioned horizontal bottom wall 5 which serves as a support base for the roll-holder cartridges 120, 220 inside the housing sheet 4, and to the aforementioned support structure 6 for the cartridges which constitutes an extension of the bottom horizontal wall 5 outside the housing sheet 4. Preferably, the hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder is arranged near the sliding surface of the cartridge so as to exert its action on the base part of the cartridge itself.

[0134] In operation, once the three extensions have disengaged from the rolls of the respective cartridges and a free path has been prepared from the housing seat towards the outside of the cartridge removal side 1a (possibly moving the actuators 141, 241), the transfer device is activated. The cartridge is then pushed by the device 300 from the housing seat 4 through the support structure 6 to the double repositioning carriage 310, which receives the used cartridges extracted from the mill and, by pulling them through the structure 6 after translation along an axis parallel to the rolling axis X, brings new cartridges into position for insertion into the housing 4 via the device 300.

[0135] Preferably, the same carriage 310 may be directly connected to the maintenance yard by a rail transport system, as shown for example in FIG.

[0136] Advantageously, each cartridge 120, 220 is provided with a system for detecting the radial position of the respective roll so as to be able to coordinate the action of the synchronized mechanical adjustment systems of the rolls. Advantageously, due to the fact that the radial positioning of the rolls is synchronized, such a detection system may comprise a single linear transducer or a single angular encoder (associated with one of the rolls) that uniquely detects the rotation angle of the adjustment system on the cartridge.

[0137] The present invention makes it possible to obtain many advantages, which have been explained in the given premises.

[0138] The rolling mill 1 for solid long products according to the invention combines the possibility of unloading all cages from the same side with a simplified roll control system that does not require special angle gearboxes.

[0139] The rolling mill 1 for solid long products according to the invention is also structurally simpler to manufacture and has substantially lower manufacturing costs than conventional solutions, especially considering the fact that the gearbox of the rolling mill according to the invention is standard and therefore readily available on the market at a significantly lower cost. It also has the added advantage of a lower gearbox location: the latter, being farther from the rolling axis and therefore from sources of heat, water, and flakes in the mill, is more reliable and also more easily accessible in case of maintenance.

[0140] Thus, the invention thus conceived achieves its intended objects.

[0141] Obviously, the actual embodiment may assume different forms and configurations from those described above without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0142] Moreover, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements and dimensions, and the shapes and materials employed may be whatever is required.

Claims

1. A rolling mill (1) for solid elongated products, defining a rolling axis (X), comprising a first plurality of rolling stations (100) and a second plurality of rolling stations (200) arranged in series along said rolling axis (X) alternating with one another between an input and an output of said rolling mill (1), each of said first plurality of rolling stations (100) and said second plurality of rolling stations (200) comprising: - a load-bearing structure (110, 210), - said roll-holder cartridge (120; 220) comprising three rolling rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) mounted in said roll-holder cartridge (120; 220) so as to be removably connected to said load-bearing structure (110, 210) in a withdrawal direction (Y) and so as to be radially movable relative to said rolling axis (X), said three rolling rolls each having three rotation axes: a first rotation axis (R1), a second rotation axis (R2) and a third rotation axis (R3) spaced apart from each other by 120°; a roll holder cartridge (120; 220) rotatable about rotation axes (R1, R2, R3), wherein one first roll (131; 231) of the three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) has the first rotation axis (R1) arranged vertically, and the other two second rolls (132; 133) and a third roll (232, 233) of the three rolls have the second rotation axis (R2) and the third rotation axis (R3), respectively, inclined with respect to the vertical; a synchronous mechanical adjustment system for all three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) mounted on said roll holder cartridge (120; 220) and acting, in use, on said three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) to maintain a predetermined radial distance of said three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) from said rolling axis (X); a device (141; 241) for actuating the synchronous machine adjustment system, mounted on the load-bearing structure (110, 210) of the roll-holder cartridge (120; 220) and suitable for engaging by coupling the synchronous machine adjustment system along a coupling direction (Z); - three gear motor groups (161, 162, 163; 261, 262, 263) comprising a first gear motor group (161, 261), a second gear motor group (162, 262) and a third gear motor group (163, 263) connected to the three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) by means of single extensions (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) in order to provide the three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) with the rotations and torques required to force the product forward along the rolling axis (X); Including, the positions of the three rolls (231, 232, 233) of the second plurality of stations (200) are rotated by 60° around the rolling axis (X) relative to the positions of the three rolls (131, 132, 133) of the first plurality of stations (100), such that the first roll (131) having the rotation axis (R1) of the first plurality of stations (100) is arranged on a first side (1 a) of the rolling mill (1), and the first roll (231) having the rotation axis (R1) of the second plurality of stations (200) is arranged on a second side (1 b) of the rolling mill (1) opposite the first side (1 a) with respect to the rolling axis (X); all rolling stations (100, 200) of the rolling mill (1) are configured to allow lateral removal of the roll holder cartridges (120; 220) from the same side of the rolling mill (1) depending on whether it is the first side (1 a) or the second side (1 b); All said rolling stations (100, 200) said device (141; 241) is fixedly mounted on the load-bearing structure (110, 210) of said roll-holder cartridge (120; 220) when it is arranged on the side of the rolling mill (1) opposite to the removal side of said roll-holder cartridge (120; 220) and has said coupling direction (Z) parallel to said removal direction (Y), or the devices (141; 241) are movably mounted on the load-bearing structure (110, 210) of the roll holder cartridge (120; 220) when the devices (141; 241) are arranged to have the coupling direction (Z) inclined with respect to the extraction direction (Y), and the devices (141; 241) are movable to disengage the respective synchronous mechanical adjustment systems and to free the extraction path of the roll holder cartridge (120; 220); said device (141; 241) for operating said synchronous machine regulating system; It is characterized by the single extensions (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) of all the rolling stations (100, 200) are movable relative to the load-bearing structure (110, 210) to disengage the three rolling rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) and release the removal path of the roll holder cartridge (120; 220).

2. 2. The rolling mill of claim 1, wherein the single extensions (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) are axially aligned with the first rotation axis (R1), the second rotation axis (R2), and the third rotation axis (R3) of the three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) when operatively connected.

3. The single extension (171; 271) associated with the first rolling roll (131; 231) having the first rotation axis (R1) is vertically axially arranged and associated with the first gear motor group (161; 261), the first group of gear motors (161; 261) has an angular gearbox (161b, 261b), 3. A rolling mill according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angular gearbox (161b, 261b) has an input shaft and an output shaft which form an angle of 90° therebetween or which are parallel to each other.

4. 4. The rolling mill according to claim 3, wherein the single extensions (172, 173; 272, 273) associated with the second and third rolls (132, 133) having inclined axes are associated with the second and third gear motor groups (162, 262) and (163, 263), and the angular gearboxes (161 b, 261 b) have the input and output shafts parallel to each other.

5. A rolling mill as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the single extensions (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) of all the rolling stations (100, 200) are capable of translational movement along the axis of the rolling station (100, 200) relative to the load-bearing structure (110, 210) in order to disengage and remove the three rolling rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) and release the roll holder cartridge (120; 220).

6. 6. The rolling mill according to claim 5, wherein the single extensions (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) are telescopic, and the translational movement along the axis of the rolling station (100, 200) can be obtained by a sliding movement of the associated telescopic structure.

7. 7. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein the single extension (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) can be slid along the gearbox shafts of the three gear motor groups (161, 162, 163; 261, 262, 263) to separate them from the hubs of the three rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233).

8. A rolling mill as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in all rolling stations (100, 200), at least one of the single extensions (171, 172, 173; 271, 272, 273) is capable of undergoing rotational translation in order to disengage any of the three rolling rolls (131, 132, 133; 231, 232, 233) and release the roll holder cartridge (120; 220) for removal.

9. A rolling mill as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the three gear motor groups (161, 162, 163; 261, 262, 263) of all the rolling stations (100, 200) are fixedly mounted on their respective bases.

10. A rolling mill as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein all rolling stations (100, 200) include a moving device (300) for moving the roll holder cartridge (120; 220) along the removal path.

11. 11. The rolling mill according to claim 10, wherein the moving device (300) is arranged on the second side (1b) opposite the first side (1a).

12. 12. The rolling mill according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the moving device (300) comprises at least one hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder.

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