Communication equipment, measurement device, spindle device, and method for operating rolling facility and communication machine

Abstract

This communication equipment is provided with: a reception unit for wirelessly receiving a signal from a transmission unit provided in a rotary member that can move along a first direction; and a guide unit configured to guide the movement of the reception unit along the first direction.

Description

Communication equipment, measuring equipment, spindle equipment, rolling equipment, and communication equipment operation method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a measuring device, a spindle device, rolling equipment, and a method of operating a communication device.

[0002] The operating state of a rotating member that rotates during operation may be monitored.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a monitoring system for monitoring the vibration, torque, temperature, etc. of a shaft coupling (rotating member) that constitutes a rolling mill. This monitoring system includes a sensor unit and a transmitter attached to the shaft coupling, and a communication device (information communication device) that can wirelessly communicate with the sensor unit via the transmitter. A signal indicating a measurement value of the vibration, torque, temperature, etc. of the shaft coupling obtained by the sensor unit is wirelessly sent via an oscillator to the communication device, and data of these measurement values ​​is collected by the communication device.

[0004] Patent No. 5194229

[0005] Incidentally, a rotating member provided with a measuring unit (e.g., a sensor) and a transmitting unit (e.g., a transmitter) may be moved in a specific direction. For example, in a rolling mill, the position of a roll in the axial direction, the vertical direction, and / or the rolling direction (i.e., the direction of travel of a metal plate (rolled material)) may be changed for the purpose of adjusting the thickness or shape of the rolled material. At this time, the position of a rotating member (e.g., a spindle device) connected to the roll is also changed together with the roll. When the position of a rotating member is changed in this way, the position of a transmitting unit (the transmitter in Patent Document 1) provided on the rotating member is also changed together with the rotating member. Therefore, the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit (the communication device in Patent Document 1) in the direction of movement of the rotating member changes, which may result in poor communication accuracy.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a communication device, a measuring device, a spindle device, a rolling facility, and an operation method of a communication device that have good communication accuracy.

[0007] A communication device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a receiving unit for wirelessly receiving a signal from a transmitting unit provided on a rotating member movable along a first direction; and a guiding unit configured to guide movement of the receiving unit along the first direction.

[0008] Furthermore, a measuring device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a measuring unit for measuring a quantity representing a state of the rotating member; and the above-described communication device, wherein the transmitting unit of the communication device is configured to receive a signal representing the measurement value from the measuring unit.

[0009] Furthermore, a spindle device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a spindle outer cylinder having internal teeth on its inner peripheral surface; a spindle inner cylinder having external teeth on its outer peripheral surface that mesh with the internal teeth; and the above-mentioned measuring device, wherein the rotating member includes the spindle inner cylinder, and the measuring unit includes a temperature sensor provided on the spindle inner cylinder to measure the temperature of the meshing portion between the internal teeth and the external teeth.

[0010] Furthermore, a rolling facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: a rolling roll; a spindle device for transmitting rotation of a motor to the rolling roll; and the above-described measuring device attached to the spindle device.

[0011] Furthermore, a method for operating a communication device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is the method for operating the communication device described above, comprising the step of moving the receiving unit along the first direction.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a communication device, a measuring device, a spindle device, a rolling facility, and a method for operating a communication device, which have good communication accuracy.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of rolling equipment according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication device and a measurement device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a transmitter according to one embodiment as viewed from the side. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section along the A-A direction in FIG. 5) perpendicular to the axial direction of a transmitter according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a spindle device according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a spindle device according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a communication device and a measurement device according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an example of a spindle carrier device for supporting a spindle device.

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0015] In this specification, a spindle of a rolling mill is described as an example of a rotating member to which a communication device and a measuring device according to some embodiments are applied, but the communication device and measuring device according to the present invention can also be applied to rotating members other than spindles, or to rotating members that constitute equipment other than rolling mill equipment.

[0016] (Configuration of Rolling Facility) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a rolling facility to which a communication device according to some embodiments is applied. Figs. 2, 3, and 9 are each schematic diagrams more specifically showing a communication device and a measurement device applied to the rolling facility according to one embodiment.

[0017] 1 to 3 and 9, the rolling equipment 1 includes rolls 8 for rolling a metal sheet S, a motor 2 (see FIG. 1) for driving the rolls 8, and a power transmission unit 3 (see FIG. 1) for transmitting the power of the motor 2 to the rolls 8. The rolling equipment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 9 also includes a measuring device 64 for measuring quantities (such as temperature and torque) that indicate the state of the rotating members 24 that constitute the rolling equipment 1.

[0018] The rolling rolls 8 are configured to roll the metal sheet S and include a pair of work rolls 12A, 12B that sandwich the metal sheet S from above and below and apply a load to the metal sheet S, and a pair of intermediate rolls 14A, 14B and a pair of backup rolls 16A, 16B that are provided on opposite sides of the pair of work rolls 12A, 12B from the metal sheet S. The intermediate rolls 14A, 14B are provided between the work rolls 12A, 12B and the backup rolls 16A, 16B, respectively. Each rolling roll 8 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 9) housed in a bearing housing. Note that FIG. 2 shows only the work roll 12B of the rolling rolls 8, and the work roll 12B is rotatably supported by a bearing 13. The bearings that support each rolling roll 8 may be supported by a housing 18 (see FIG. 3).

[0019] The power transmission unit 3 includes a gear 4 and a spindle device 6 driven by the motor 2. The gear 4 is connected to the motor 2, and the spindle device 6 is connected to the motor 2 via the gear 4. Furthermore, the rolling rolls 8 are connected to the motor 2 via the gear 4 and the spindle device 6. The power of the motor 2 is transmitted to the rolling rolls 8 via the gear 4 and the spindle device 6.

[0020] The rolling equipment 1 is equipped with a screw down device 20 (see FIG. 3 ; for example, a hydraulic cylinder) for applying a load to a pair of work rolls 12A, 12B to reduce the metal sheet S. The amount of reduction by the screw down device 20 is adjusted so that the thickness and shape of the metal sheet S after passing through the rolling rolls 8 approach target values. When the screw down device 20 is operated to change the position of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder, the positions of the work rolls 12A, 12B in the vertical direction (the reduction direction) are changed in accordance with the change in the piston position, and the position of the spindle device 6 connected to the work rolls 12A, 12B in the vertical direction (the reduction direction) is also changed.

[0021] That is, in some embodiments, the spindle device 6 can be moved in the up and down direction (the screw-down direction) by the screw-down device 20 .

[0022] The rolling equipment 1 may also include a shift device 22 (see FIG. 2 ; for example, a hydraulic cylinder) for shifting the work rolls 12A, 12B in the axial direction. During rolling of the metal sheet S, the shape of the metal sheet S and the edge drop of the end portions can be controlled by appropriately axially shifting the work rolls 12A, 12B (see FIG. 2 ), which have tapered portions 11 (see FIG. 2 ) at their axial ends, using the shift device 22. When the shift device 22 is operated to change the position of a piston of a hydraulic cylinder, for example, the axial positions of the work rolls 12A, 12B are changed in accordance with the change in the piston position, and the axial position of the spindle device 6 connected to the work rolls 12A, 12B is also changed.

[0023] That is, in some embodiments, the spindle device 6 is axially movable by the shift device 22 .

[0024] Furthermore, the rolling equipment 1 may be configured so that the work rolls 12A, 12B can be offset (i.e., moved in the rolling direction) to the entry side and / or exit side in the rolling direction (i.e., the direction in which the metal sheet travels), as shown in Fig. 9, for example. When the work rolls 12A, 12B are offset in the rolling direction as shown in Fig. 9, the center position C1 of the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction is shifted by an offset amount Lo from the center position C0 of the rolling mill in the rolling direction (i.e., the reduction position by the reduction device 20). By appropriately offsetting the work rolls 12A, 12B, it is possible to suppress vibrations and periodic thickness fluctuations that occur during rolling, or to maintain high plate shape controllability.

[0025] In one embodiment, the rolling equipment 1 is configured to be able to set a variable offset amount Lo, and before starting operation of the rolling equipment 1, the offset amount of the work rolls 12A, 12B may be changed to a predetermined offset amount Lo, and then operation of the rolling equipment 1 may be started. In this case, the same offset amount Lo may be maintained (i.e., the positions of the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction may be fixed) from the start of operation of the rolling equipment 1 to the stop of operation. When the offset amount of the work rolls 12A, 12B is changed, the positions of the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction are changed, and the position of the spindle device 6 connected to the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction is also changed.

[0026] In one embodiment, the rolling equipment 1 may be equipped with an offset device 26 (see FIG. 9 ; for example, a hydraulic cylinder) for offsetting the work rolls 12A, 12B. In this case, the offset amount Lo can be dynamically changed during operation of the rolling equipment 1. When the offset device 26 is activated to change the position of a piston of a hydraulic cylinder, for example, the positions of the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction are changed in accordance with the change in the piston position, and the position of the spindle device 6 connected to the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction is also changed. Note that the offset device 26 (hydraulic cylinder, etc.) may be configured to drive the work rolls 12A, 12B in the rolling direction via bearing housings that house bearings that support the work rolls 12A, 12B, support mechanisms provided at the entry and exit sides of the work rolls 12A, 12B, etc.

[0027] That is, in some embodiments, the spindle device 6 can be moved in the rolling direction by the offset device 26 or by manually adjusting the positions of the work rolls 12A, 12B, for example, before starting operation of the rolling equipment 1.

[0028] (Configuration of Measuring Device and Communication Device) The measuring device 64 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 9 is configured to measure a quantity indicating the state of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) connected to the work roll 12B.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 9, a measurement device 64 according to some embodiments includes a measurement unit 56 for measuring a quantity (e.g., temperature or torque) representing the state of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24), and a communication device 30 including a transmitting unit 32 and a receiving unit 34.

[0030] The measuring unit 56 is configured to measure quantities (for example, temperature or torque) that represent the state of the spindle device 6. The measuring unit 56 may include a temperature sensor (such as a thermocouple) that can measure the temperature of the spindle device 6, or a strain gauge that measures strain of the spindle device 6 that can be converted into torque. The measuring unit 56 may be attached to the spindle device 6.

[0031] The transmitting unit 32 is configured to rotate together with the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24). The transmitting unit 32 is configured to receive, from the measuring unit 56, a signal indicating a measurement value of a quantity that represents the state of the spindle device 6. The transmitting unit 32 and the measuring unit 56 are connected via electrical wiring, and the signal from the measuring unit 56 is sent to the transmitting unit 32 via the electrical wiring.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the transmitter 32 according to one embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction of the transmitter 32 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9, the transmitter 32 includes an annular member 48 provided on the outer periphery of the rotating member 24. The annular member 48 is configured to rotate together with the spindle device 6. The transmitter 32 also includes a circumferential antenna 50 provided on the outer periphery of the annular member 48. A signal from a measuring unit 56 may be amplified by an amplifier 52 before being sent to the antenna 50.

[0033] The receiving unit 34 is provided separately from the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) and the transmitting unit 32, and is configured to wirelessly receive signals from the transmitting unit 32 provided in the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24).

[0034] In the communication device 30 according to one embodiment, when the transmitter 32 receives a signal from the measuring unit 56, the resistance of the antenna 50 on the transmitter 32 side changes in accordance with the voltage of the signal, and this resistance change causes a change in the impedance, which is made up of resistance and self-inductance, on the receiver 34 side, changing the voltage of the antenna on the receiver 34 side. Therefore, the signal level of the signal received by the transmitter 32 from the measuring unit 56 (corresponding to the value measured by the measuring unit 56) can be calculated from the change in the voltage of the antenna on the receiver 34 side.

[0035] Note that the receiver 34 may be configured to supply power to the transmitter 32. For example, by supplying a voltage to the antenna on the receiver 34 side, an induced electromotive force may be generated in the coil of the antenna on the transmitter 32 side, thereby operating the transmitter 32.

[0036] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 34 is guided by the guide portion 36 in its movement along the movement direction (first direction) of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24 ).

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) is movable along the axial direction (first direction) of the rolling roll 8, and the receiving portion 34 is guided in its movement along the axial direction by the guide portion 36.

[0038] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) is movable along the vertical direction (pressing direction) (first direction), and the receiving portion 34 is guided in its movement along the vertical direction by the guide portion 36.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 9, the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) is movable along the rolling direction (the direction in which the metal plate S travels) (first direction), and the receiving unit 34 is guided in its movement along the rolling direction by the guide unit 36.

[0040] The guide unit 36 ​​may include a linear guide for guiding the receiving unit 34 along the first direction. The linear guide may include a ball screw or a rail extending along the first direction, and the receiving unit 34 may be configured to move on the ball screw or the rail.

[0041] According to the communication device 30 of the above embodiment, the receiving unit 34 is movable along the first direction, which is the movement direction of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24), and therefore the receiving unit 34 can be moved to follow the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24). As a result, the distance between the transmitting unit 32 provided on the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) and the receiving unit 34 is easily maintained, so that even if the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) is moved in the first direction by the shift device 22 or the screw-down device 20, the receiving unit 34 can accurately receive signals (such as signals indicating measurement data acquired by the measuring unit 56) from the transmitting unit 32 provided on the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24).

[0042] 2, 3, or 9, in some embodiments, the communication device 30 may include a drive unit 38 for moving the receiving unit 34 along the first direction. The drive unit 38 may include a motor for rotating a ball screw (guide unit 36) or a cylinder for moving the receiving unit 34 along the rail (guide unit 36).

[0043] According to the above-described embodiment, the drive unit 38 moves the receiving unit 34 in accordance with the position of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) in the first direction, so that the receiving unit 34 can be moved in the first direction to follow the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the communicator 30 may include a controller 100 for controlling the driver 38.

[0045] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the receiving unit 34 may be moved along the guide unit 36 ​​(i.e., along the first direction) by manually operating the drive unit 38 without using a control device or by manually operating the receiving unit 34 directly.

[0046] The following mainly describes the procedure for controlling the drive unit 38 using the control device 100, but some or all of the procedure described below may be performed manually.

[0047] 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 includes a target position acquisition unit 102, an actual position acquisition unit 104, and a control unit 106.

[0048] The target position acquisition unit 102 is configured to acquire the target position of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 102 may be configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit 34 based on the detection result of the position of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) in the first direction. For example, the target position acquisition unit 102 may be configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit 34 so that it is within a predetermined range from the position (detected position) of the spindle device 6 in the first direction.

[0050] For example, the rolling equipment 1 may be provided with a first position detection unit 42 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 9) for detecting the position of the spindle device 6 in the first direction. The first position detection unit 42 may be configured to detect the position of a cylinder in the first direction of a drive device (such as the shift device 22 (FIG. 2), screw down device 20 (FIG. 3), or offset device 26 (FIG. 9)) for driving the spindle device 6 (and the work roll 12B) in the first direction. The first position detection unit 42 may include a rotation detector such as an encoder or an absocoder for position detection. The target position acquisition unit 102 may then acquire the position of the spindle device 6 in the first direction based on the position of the cylinder in the first direction detected by the first position detection unit 42.

[0051] The position of the cylinder detected by the first position detection unit 42 indicates the position of the spindle device 6 in the first direction, and also indicates the position of the work roll 12B in the first direction. Therefore, a signal indicating the position of the cylinder detected by the first position detection unit 42 may be sent to a higher-level control device 200 that controls the rolling equipment 1, and used to control the above-mentioned drive devices (such as the shift device 22 and the screw down device 20). Furthermore, the target position acquisition unit 102 may be configured to acquire, from the higher-level control device 200, the position of the cylinder detected by the first position detection unit 42, or the position of the spindle device 6 acquired from the position of the cylinder.

[0052] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 102 may be configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit 34 based on a predetermined target position of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) in the first direction acquired from a host control device 200 for controlling a machine including the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24). In the rolling equipment 1, the target position of the spindle device 6 may be set in advance depending on operating conditions (such as the thickness and material of the rolled material). In such cases, the target position of the receiving unit 34 can be determined based on the predetermined target position of the spindle, as described above. For example, the target position acquisition unit 102 may determine the target position of the receiving unit 34 so that it is within a predetermined range from the target position of the spindle device 6 in the first direction.

[0053] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the target position acquisition unit 102 may be configured to acquire a set value for the position of the work rolls 12A, 12B or the spindle device 6 in the first direction, and determine the target position of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction based on the set value. The set value may be a value scheduled in advance, or may be input via an input device (e.g., a keyboard, a touch panel, or another input terminal) before the start of operation or during operation. These set values ​​may be stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the control device 100.

[0054] The correlation between the above-mentioned setting value and the target position of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction may be stored in advance in a memory unit (not shown) of the control device 100, and the target position acquisition unit 102 may be configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction based on the above-mentioned correlation acquired from the memory unit.

[0055] The real position acquisition unit 104 is configured to acquire the actual position (real position) of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction.

[0056] In one embodiment, the communication device 30 may include a second position detection unit 40 (position detection unit; see FIGS. 2, 3, and 9) for detecting the position of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction, and the actual position acquisition unit 104 may acquire the position of the receiving unit 34 detected by the second position detection unit 40 as the above-mentioned actual position. The second position detection unit 40 may detect the position of the receiving unit 34 in the first direction based on the position of a drive unit 38 for driving the receiving unit 34 (the rotation angle of the motor or the position of the cylinder). The second position detection unit 40 may include a rotation detector such as an encoder, or an absocoder for position detection.

[0057] The control unit 106 is configured to control the drive unit 38 based on the target position of the receiving unit 34 acquired by the target position acquisition unit 102 and the actual position of the receiving unit 34 acquired by the actual position acquisition unit 104.

[0058] In one embodiment, the control unit 106 is configured to control the drive unit 38 so that the deviation between the actual position acquired by the actual position acquisition unit 104 and the target position acquired by the target position acquisition unit 102 approaches zero.

[0059] According to the above-described embodiment, the drive unit 38 is controlled based on the target position and actual position of the receiver 34, so that the receiver 34 can be appropriately moved in the first direction to follow the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) in accordance with the position of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitter 32 provided on the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) and the receiver 34, so that even if the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) moves in the first direction, the receiver 34 can accurately receive the signal from the transmitter 32 provided on the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24).

[0060] The control device 100 includes a computer equipped with a processor (e.g., CPU), a main storage device (memory device; e.g., RAM), an auxiliary storage device, an interface, etc. The control device 100 receives signals indicating detection values ​​from the first position detection unit 42 and / or the second position detection unit 40, and signals from the upper control device 200, via the interface. The processor is configured to process the signals received in this manner. The processor is also configured to process programs loaded in the main storage device. This realizes the functions of the above-mentioned functional units (the target position acquisition unit 102, the actual position acquisition unit 104, and / or the control unit 106).

[0061] The processing contents of the control device 100 are implemented as programs executed by the processor. The programs may be stored in, for example, an auxiliary storage device. When the programs are executed, they are loaded into the main storage device. The processor reads the programs from the main storage device and executes the instructions contained in the programs.

[0062] As described above, in some embodiments, the communication device 30 includes an amplifier 52 for amplifying the signal (signal from the measurement unit 56) sent from the transmitter 32 to the receiver 34. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , for example, the amplifier 52 is provided in a recess 49 recessed from the inner circumferential surface 48 a of the annular member 48 that constitutes the transmitter 32.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the amplifier 52 is provided in the recess 49 recessed from the inner circumferential surface 48a of the annular member 48 that constitutes the transmitter 32, and therefore, it is possible to suppress imbalance in the weight balance in the circumferential direction of the annular member 48 compared to, for example, a case in which the amplifier 52 is provided protruding from the inner circumferential surface 48a or the outer circumferential surface of the annular member 48. This makes it possible to suppress vibrations that may occur during rotation of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24).

[0064] 6 , a counterweight 54 having approximately the same weight as the amplifier 52 may be provided on the opposite side of the center of the annular member 48 from the amplifier 52 (i.e., at a position 180 degrees away from the amplifier 52 in the circumferential direction). The counterweight 54 may be provided in a recess 49 recessed from the inner circumferential surface 48 a of the annular member 48 that constitutes the transmitter 32.

[0065] In this way, by providing the counterweight 54 having a weight approximately equal to that of the amplifier 52 at a position opposite the amplifier 52 across the center of the annular member 48, it is possible to more effectively suppress imbalance in the weight balance in the circumferential direction of the annular member 48. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress vibrations that may occur during rotation of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24).

[0066] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a spindle device 6 according to one embodiment. The spindle device 6 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a spindle outer cylinder 6A having internal teeth 7A formed on its inner circumferential surface and a spindle inner cylinder 6B (rotating member 24) having external teeth 7B formed on its outer circumferential surface, which mesh with the internal teeth 7A. The spindle device 6 also includes a thermocouple 58 (temperature sensor) for measuring the temperature of the spindle device 6 as the measurement unit 56 of the measurement device 64. The thermocouple 58 is provided on the spindle inner cylinder 6B so as to measure the temperature of the meshing portion between the internal teeth 7A and the external teeth 7B. As illustrated, the thermocouple 58 may be connected to the amplifier 52 by wiring passing through a hole 9 formed in the spindle inner cylinder 6B.

[0067] According to the above-described embodiment, the receiving unit 34 of the communication device 30 is movable along the first direction, which is the movement direction of the spindle device 6, and therefore the receiving unit 34 can be moved to follow the spindle device 6. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit 32 provided on the spindle device 6 and the receiving unit 34, so that even if the spindle device 6 moves in the first direction, the receiving unit 34 can accurately receive a signal (a signal indicating measurement data related to the temperature of the meshing portion between the inner teeth 7A and the outer teeth 7B, acquired by the thermocouple 58 (temperature sensor)) from the transmitting unit 32 provided on the spindle inner cylinder 6B (rotating member 24).

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a spindle device 6 according to one embodiment. The spindle device 6 shown in FIG. 8 includes a strain gauge 60 for measuring the torque of the spindle device 6 as the measurement unit 56 of the measurement device 64. The strain gauge 60 is attached to the surface of the spindle inner cylinder 6B and may be configured to detect strain in two directions, for example, the compressive direction and the tensile direction. As shown in the figure, the strain gauge 60 may be connected to the amplifier 52 via wiring. Furthermore, a relay box 62 may be provided between the strain gauge 60 and the amplifier 52.

[0069] According to the above-described embodiment, the receiving unit 34 of the communication device 30 is movable along the first direction, which is the movement direction of the spindle device 6, and therefore the receiving unit 34 can be moved to follow the spindle device 6. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit 32 provided on the spindle device 6 and the receiving unit 34, so that even if the spindle device 6 moves in the first direction, the receiving unit 34 can accurately receive a signal (a signal indicating measurement data related to the torque of the spindle acquired by the strain gauge 60) from the transmitting unit 32 provided on the spindle inner cylinder 6B (rotating member 24).

[0070] The above describes an embodiment in which the receiving unit 34 is movable along a first direction (axial, vertical, and / or rolling direction), which is the movement direction of the rotating member 24. However, in some embodiments, the rotating member 24 may be movable along the first direction (e.g., axial) and a second direction (e.g., vertical) intersecting the first direction, and the receiving unit 34 may be movable along the first direction and the second direction.

[0071] That is, in some embodiments, the communication device 30 may include a receiving unit 34 for wirelessly receiving a signal from a transmitting unit 32 provided on the rotating member 24, a first guiding unit configured to guide movement of the receiving unit 34 along a first direction, and a second guiding unit configured to guide movement of the receiving unit 34 along a second direction.

[0072] If the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction in a plan view is defined as the axial direction, then, for example, when performing pair cross rolling, the work rolls 12A, 12B may be moved so that the axes of the work rolls 12A, 12B are inclined relative to the axial direction so that the pair of work rolls 12A, 12B intersect in a plan view. In this case, when focusing on each portion of the work rolls 12A, 12B, each portion moves in the rolling direction (first direction) and an axial direction intersecting the rolling direction (second direction) depending on the angle of inclination of the work rolls 12A, 12B with respect to the axial direction (i.e., moves in a direction that is a combination of the first and second directions).

[0073] In this case, the work rolls 12A, 12B and the spindle devices 6 (rotating members 24) connected to the work rolls 12A, 12B are movable along the rolling direction (first direction) and the axial direction (second direction). In this case, the receiver 34 may be movable along the rolling direction (first direction) and the axial direction (second direction). The communication device 30 may also include a first guide configured to guide movement of the receiver 34 along the rolling direction (first direction), and a second guide configured to guide movement of the receiver 34 along the axial direction (second direction).

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the receiving unit 34 of the communication device 30 is movable along the first and second directions, which are the movement directions of the rotating member 24, and therefore the receiving unit 34 can be moved to follow the movement of the rotating member 24 in the first and second directions. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit 32 provided on the rotating member 24 and the receiving unit 34, so that even if the rotating member 24 moves in the first direction, the receiving unit 34 can accurately receive signals from the transmitting unit 32 provided on the rotating member 24 (such as signals indicating measurement data acquired by the measuring unit 56).

[0075] In some embodiments, in cases where there is a possibility of unexpected movement of the rotating member 24 in a first direction (e.g., vertical, axial and / or rolling direction), the guide 36 may be used to move the receiving unit 34 along the first direction to retract (move away from) the rotating member 24.

[0076] 10 is a schematic diagram of an example of a spindle carrier device for supporting a spindle device in a rolling facility. The spindle carrier device is a device for supporting the spindle device 6 when the work rolls 12A, 12B are removed from the spindle device 6, for example, during replacement of the work rolls 12A, 12B, and the spindle device 6 is no longer constrained by the work rolls 12A, 12B.

[0077] 10 includes arm portions 72A, 72B provided on both sides (the entry side and the exit side in the rolling direction) of the spindle device 6, rollers 73A, 73B provided at the tips of the arm portions 72A, 72B, and cylinders 76A, 76B for driving the arm portions 72A, 72B. The arm portions 72A, 72B are rotatable about fulcrums 74A, 74B, and the positions of the arm portions 72A, 72B and the rollers 73A, 73B can be adjusted by extending and retracting the cylinders 76A, 76B.

[0078] During rolling of the metal sheet S, the spindle carrier device is retracted from the spindle device 6 so as not to interfere with the spindle device 6. That is, in the illustrated spindle carrier device 70, the positions of the tip ends of the arm portions 72A and 72B including the rollers 73A and 73B are lowered by operating the cylinders 76A and 76B.

[0079] On the other hand, when replacing the work rolls 12A, 12B, the cylinders 76A, 76B are operated to raise the positions of the tips of the arm sections 72A, 72B to a position where the rollers 73A, 73B contact the spindle device 6, as shown in FIG. 10 . At this time, the positions of the tips of the arm sections 72A, 72B, including the rollers 73A, 73B, may be slightly misaligned between the entry side and the exit side due to differences in the operation of the cylinders 76A, 76B, etc. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10 , the center position C2 of the spindle device 6 is misaligned toward the entry side or the exit side in the rolling direction relative to the center position C0 of the rolling mill. This increases the possibility of contact between the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) and the receiver 34 provided near the spindle device 6.

[0080] In this way, in preparation for the case where the position of the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24) in the rolling direction deviates from the intended position, when replacing the work rolls 12A, 12B, etc., the guide unit 36 ​​may be used to move the receiving unit 34 a sufficient amount along the rolling direction (first direction) to move it away from the spindle device 6 (rotating member 24). Alternatively, the position of the spindle device 6 may be detected using a position detector such as a camera, and based on the detection result, the receiving unit 34 may be controlled to move along the rolling direction (first direction) so that the distance between the spindle device 6 and the receiving unit 34 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0081] In some embodiments, the communicator 30 may include a retraction mechanism for retracting (or moving away from) the receiver 34 and the guide 36 from the rotating member 24 .

[0082] According to the above-described embodiment, a retraction mechanism is provided for retracting the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​from the rotating member 24. Therefore, even if there is a possibility that the rotating member 24 may move during a period when the rotating machine including the rotating member 24 is not in operation, the retraction mechanism can be used to retract the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​from the rotating member 24, thereby preventing contact between the rotating member 24 and the receiving unit 34 or the guide unit 36.

[0083] In Figure 9, the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​are shown in solid lines in their normal positions during normal use (when the rotating machine including the rotating member 24 is operating), and the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​are shown in dashed lines in their retracted positions where they have been retracted (i.e., moved away) from the rotating member 24 by a retraction mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0084] 9, the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​are movable between the normal position and the retracted position by rotating around a rotation axis using a retraction mechanism. In the illustrated example, the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​are rotatable around a rotation axis extending along the axial direction. In other examples, the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​may be rotatable around a rotation axis extending along a direction other than the axial direction (e.g., the up-down direction).

[0085] Alternatively, the receiving unit 34 and the guide unit 36 ​​may be movable between the normal position and the retracted position by translation in any direction (for example, the rolling direction or the up-down direction) using a retraction mechanism.

[0086] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0087] [1] A communication device (30) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a receiving unit (34) for wirelessly receiving a signal from a transmitting unit (32) provided on a rotating member (24) movable along a first direction; and a guide unit (36) configured to guide movement of the receiving unit along the first direction.

[0088] According to the configuration [1] above, since the receiving unit of the communication device is movable along the first direction, which is the direction of movement of the rotating member, the receiving unit can be moved to follow the rotating member. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that even if the rotating member moves in the first direction, the receiving unit can accurately receive signals from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member (such as signals indicating measurement data acquired by the measuring unit).

[0089] [2] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [1] above, the communication device includes a drive unit (38) for moving the receiving unit along the first direction, and the drive unit is configured to move the receiving unit according to the position of the rotating member in the first direction.

[0090] According to the configuration [2] above, the drive unit moves the receiving unit in accordance with the position of the rotating member in the first direction, so that the receiving unit can move to follow the rotating member in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that the receiving unit can receive the signal from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member with high accuracy even if the rotating member moves in the first direction.

[0091] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [2] above, the communication device includes a control device (100) for controlling the drive unit, and the control device includes: a target position acquisition unit (102) configured to acquire a target position of the receiving unit in the first direction; an actual position acquisition unit (104) configured to acquire an actual position of the receiving unit in the first direction; and a control unit (106) configured to control the drive unit based on the target position and the actual position.

[0092] According to the configuration [3] above, since the drive unit is controlled based on the target position and actual position of the receiver, the receiver can be appropriately moved in the first direction to follow the rotating member in accordance with the position of the rotating member in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitter and receiver provided on the rotating member, so that the receiver can accurately receive signals from the transmitter provided on the rotating member even if the rotating member moves in the first direction.

[0093] [4] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [3] above, the target position acquisition unit is configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit based on a detection result of the position of the rotating member in the first direction.

[0094] According to the configuration [4] above, the target position of the receiving unit is determined based on the detection result of the position of the rotating member in the first direction, so the receiving unit can be appropriately moved in the first direction to follow the rotating member in accordance with the detection result of the position of the rotating member in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that the receiving unit can accurately receive signals from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member even if the rotating member moves in the first direction.

[0095] [5] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [3] above, the target position acquisition unit is configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit based on the target position of the rotating member in the first direction acquired from a host control device (200) for controlling a machine including the rotating member.

[0096] According to the configuration [5] above, the target position of the receiving unit is determined based on the target position of the rotating member in the first direction acquired from the host control device, so the receiving unit can be appropriately moved in the first direction to follow the rotating member according to the target position of the rotating member in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that the receiving unit can receive the signal from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member with high accuracy even if the rotating member moves in the first direction.

[0097] [6] In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of [3] to [5] above, the control unit is configured to control the drive unit so that the deviation between the actual position and the target position approaches zero.

[0098] According to the configuration [6] above, the drive unit is controlled so that the deviation between the actual position of the receiver in the first direction and the target position approaches zero, so that the receiver can be appropriately moved in the first direction to follow the rotating member according to the position of the rotating member in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitter and receiver provided on the rotating member, so that the receiver can receive the signal from the transmitter provided on the rotating member with high accuracy even if the rotating member moves in the first direction.

[0099] [7] In some embodiments, in any of the configurations [3] to [6] above, the communication device is provided with a position detection unit (the above-mentioned second position detection unit 40) for detecting the position of the receiving unit in the first direction, and the real position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the position of the receiving unit detected by the position detection unit as the real position.

[0100] According to the configuration [7] above, the position of the receiving unit in the first direction detected by the position detection unit is acquired as the actual position, so that the driving unit can be appropriately controlled based on the actual position of the receiving unit acquired in this manner and the target position of the receiving unit.

[0101] [8] In some embodiments, in any of the configurations [1] to [7] above, the communication device comprises: the transmitting unit including an annular member (48) provided on the outer periphery of the rotating member; and an amplifier (52) for amplifying the signal sent from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, wherein the amplifier is provided in a recess (49) recessed from the inner periphery (48a) of the annular member.

[0102] According to the configuration [8], the amplifier is provided in a recess recessed from the inner circumferential surface of the annular member on which the transmitter is provided, thereby suppressing imbalance in the weight balance in the circumferential direction of the annular member, thereby suppressing vibrations that may occur when the rotating member rotates.

[0103] [9] In some embodiments, in the configuration of any one of [1] to [8] above, the communication device includes a retraction mechanism for retracting the receiving unit and the guide unit from the rotating member.

[0104] According to the configuration [9] above, a retraction mechanism is provided for retracting the receiving unit and the guide unit from the rotating member. Therefore, even if there is a possibility that the rotating member may move during a period when a rotating machine including the rotating member is stopped, the retraction mechanism can be used to retract the receiving unit and the guide unit from the rotating member, thereby preventing contact between the rotating member and the receiving unit or the guide unit.

[0105]

[10] A measuring device (64) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a measuring unit (56) for measuring a quantity representing the state of the rotating member; and a communication device (30) according to any one of [1] to [9] above, wherein the transmitting unit of the communication device is configured to receive a signal indicating the measured value of the quantity representing the state of the rotating member from the measuring unit.

[0106] According to the configuration

[10] above, since the receiving unit of the communication device is movable along the first direction, which is the direction of movement of the rotating member, the receiving unit can be moved to follow the rotating member. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that even if the rotating member moves in the first direction, the receiving unit can accurately receive a signal from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member (a signal indicating measurement data acquired by the measuring unit).

[0107]

[11] A spindle device (6) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a spindle outer tube (6A) having internal teeth (7A) on its inner peripheral surface; a spindle inner tube (6B) having external teeth (7B) on its outer peripheral surface that mesh with the internal teeth; and the measuring device (64) described in

[10] above, wherein the rotating member includes the spindle inner tube, and the measuring unit includes a temperature sensor provided on the spindle inner tube to measure the temperature of the meshing portion between the internal teeth and the external teeth.

[0108] According to the configuration

[11] above, since the receiving unit of the communication device is movable along the first direction, which is the direction of movement of the spindle device, the receiving unit can be moved to follow the spindle device. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the spindle device, so that even if the spindle device moves in the first direction, the receiving unit can accurately receive a signal from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member (a signal indicating measurement data related to the temperature of the meshing portion between the inner and outer teeth obtained by the temperature sensor).

[0109]

[12] A rolling facility (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rolling roll (8); a spindle device (6) for transmitting rotation of a motor to the rolling roll; and the measuring device (64) according to the above

[10] attached to the spindle device.

[0110] According to the configuration

[12] above, since the receiving unit of the communication device is movable along the first direction, which is the direction of movement of the spindle device, the receiving unit can be moved to follow the spindle device. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided in the spindle device, so that even if the spindle device moves in the first direction, the receiving unit can accurately receive a signal from the transmitting unit provided in the spindle device (a signal indicating measurement data acquired by the measuring unit).

[0111]

[13] A method for operating a communication device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a method for operating a communication device (30) described in any one of [1] to [9] above, comprising a step of moving the receiving unit along the first direction.

[0112] According to the method

[13] above, since the receiving unit of the communication device is movable along the first direction, which is the moving direction of the rotating member, the receiving unit can be moved to follow the rotating member. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that even if the rotating member moves in the first direction, the receiving unit can accurately receive signals from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member (such as signals indicating measurement data acquired by the measuring unit).

[0113]

[14] In some embodiments, the method of

[13] above further comprises the steps of: acquiring a target position of the receiving unit in the first direction; and acquiring an actual position of the receiving unit in the first direction, wherein the moving step adjusts the position of the receiving unit in the first direction based on the target position and the actual position.

[0114] According to the method of

[14] above, the position of the receiving unit is adjusted based on the target position and actual position of the receiving unit, so that the receiving unit can be appropriately moved in the first direction to follow the rotating member according to the position of the rotating member in the first direction. This makes it easy to maintain the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit provided on the rotating member, so that the receiving unit can receive the signal from the transmitting unit provided on the rotating member with high accuracy even if the rotating member moves in the first direction.

[0115] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and also includes forms in which the above-described embodiment is modified, or forms in which these forms are appropriately combined.

[0116] In this specification, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangements, such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial," not only strictly express such arrangements, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions expressing that things are in an equal state, such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous," not only express a state in which there is a strict equivalence, but also express a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions expressing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only express shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape in the strict geometric sense, but also express shapes including concave and convex portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other components.

[0117] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Rolling equipment 2 Motor 3 Power transmission section 4 Gear 6 Spindle device 6A Spindle outer cylinder 6B Spindle inner cylinder 7A Inner peripheral teeth 7B Outer peripheral teeth 8 Rolling roll 9 Hole 11 Tapered section 12A Work roll 12B Work roll 13 Bearing 14A Intermediate roll 14B Intermediate roll 16A Backup roll 16B Backup roll 18 Housing 20 Screw down device 22 Shift device 24 Rotating member 26 Offset device 30 Communication device 32 Transmitter 34 Receiver 36 Guide section 38 Drive section 40 Second position detection section 42 First position detection section 48 Annular member 48a Inner peripheral surface 49 Recess 50 Antenna 52 Amplifier 54 Counterweight 56 ​​Measurement section 58 Thermocouple 60 Strain gauge 62 Relay box 64 Measuring device 70 Spindle carrier device 72A, 72B Arm section 73A, 73B Roller 74A, 74B Fulcrum 76A, 76B Cylinder 100 Control device 102 Target position acquisition section 104 Actual position acquisition section 106 Control section 200 Upper control device S Metal plate

Claims

1. A communication device comprising: a receiving unit for wirelessly receiving a signal from a transmitting unit provided on a rotating member movable along a first direction; and a guiding unit configured to guide the movement of the receiving unit along the first direction.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit for moving the receiving unit along the first direction, the drive unit being configured to move the receiving unit in accordance with the position of the rotating member in the first direction.

3. A communication device as described in claim 2, comprising a control device for controlling the drive unit, the control device including: a target position acquisition unit configured to acquire a target position of the receiving unit in the first direction; an actual position acquisition unit configured to acquire an actual position of the receiving unit in the first direction; and a control unit configured to control the drive unit based on the target position and the actual position.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the target position acquisition unit is configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit based on a detection result of the position of the rotating member in the first direction.

5. A communication device as described in claim 3, wherein the target position acquisition unit is configured to determine the target position of the receiving unit based on the target position of the rotating member in the first direction acquired from a higher-level control device for controlling a machine including the rotating member.

6. A communication device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit so that a deviation between the actual position and the target position approaches zero.

7. A communication device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a position detection unit for detecting the position of the receiving unit in the first direction, and wherein the actual position acquisition unit is configured to acquire the position of the receiving unit detected by the position detection unit as the actual position.

8. A communication device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: the transmitting unit including an annular member provided on the outer periphery of the rotating member; and an amplifier for amplifying the signal sent from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit, wherein the amplifier is provided in a recess recessed from the inner periphery of the annular member.

9. A communication device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a retraction mechanism for retracting said receiving section and said guide section from said rotating member.

10. A measuring device comprising: a measuring unit for measuring a quantity representative of a state of the rotating member; and a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmitting unit of the communication device is configured to receive a signal indicating a measurement value of the quantity representative of the state of the rotating member from the measuring unit.

11. A spindle device comprising: a spindle outer cylinder having inner teeth on its inner surface; a spindle inner cylinder having outer teeth on its outer surface that mesh with the inner teeth; and the measuring device described in claim 10, wherein the rotating member includes the spindle inner cylinder, and the measuring unit includes a temperature sensor provided on the spindle inner cylinder so as to measure the temperature of the meshing portion between the inner teeth and the outer teeth.

12. A rolling facility comprising: a rolling roll; a spindle device for transmitting rotation of a motor to said rolling roll; and the measuring device according to claim 10 attached to said spindle device.

13. A method for operating a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the step of moving the receiving unit along the first direction.

14. A method for operating a communication device as described in claim 13, comprising the steps of: acquiring a target position of the receiving unit in the first direction; and acquiring an actual position of the receiving unit in the first direction, wherein in the moving step, the position of the receiving unit in the first direction is adjusted based on the target position and the actual position.

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