Apparatus for the fast finishing rolling of long metal products

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for the fast finishing rolling of long metal products (50) comprising a plurality of rolling modules (20a, 20b) disposed in sequence with respect to a feeding axis (L) and each provided with at least a first rolling stand (11) having at least a first pair of support shafts (15) opposing with respect to the feeding axis (L) and each equipped with a corresponding rolling ring / shaft (16), in at least one of the rolling modules (20b) each rolling ring (16) having a rolling seating (19) configured to define, with an opposing rolling seating (19), a pair of rolling axes (XI, X2) which are distinct and diverging with respect to the feeding axis (L) and along which the fast finishing rolling of two distinct long metal products (50a, 50b) occurs.

Description

[0001] “APPARATUS FOR THE FAST FINISHING ROLLING OF LONG METAL

[0002] PRODUCTS”

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention concerns an apparatus for the fast finishing rolling of long metal products, such as, for example, but not limited to, metal bars of the type intended for building reinforcement, known by the term rebar (abbreviation of the English indication “reinforcing bar”).

[0005] In particular, the fast rolling apparatus according to the present invention is used in the last finishing rolling passes of the metal products to obtain, in addition to the reduction of thickness to the desired value, a split into two distinct metal bars or wires.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Rolling plants, designed to operate starting from metal products, for example billets, to be subjected to multiple rolling passes through successive roughing and finishing stands so as to obtain a long rolled product, are known. There are known plants which, in order to optimize productivity and make the rolling continuous, comprise, downstream of specific heating furnaces, a welding machine, by means of which the sequentially heated billets are reciprocally welded head-to-tail, so as to allow the rolling stands to be fed with a continuous metal product that complies with the supply dimensions of the final rolled product.

[0008] Alternatively, there are also known plants that cast a billet in continuous mode and feed it to the rolling mill without a break in continuity, creating an endless corolling process.

[0009] It is also known, in the finishing processes of long continuous products of small dimensions, such as metal wire or bars, whether traditional or of the rebar type, to provide a fast rolling apparatus, also known by the acronym HSB (High Speed Block), which gives the product the final desired dimensions.

[0010] An HSB normally consists of a plurality of finishing stands, disposed in sequence, generally numbering 2-4-6-8-10, in which support shafts are provided on which corresponding rolling rings are mounted suitable to obtain the final section. The shafts are normally disposed cantilevered with respect to a fixed shoulder, with an inclination of approximately 40°-50° with respect to the horizontal, and offset by 90° in succession to each other, so as to carry out an ovalround rolling in sequence. An example of this known technology is disclosed in US patent US-B-9808843.

[0011] These known finishing machines have a rolling speed even of up to approximately 100-120 m / s, thanks to the use of oil-based brasses to support the cantilevered shafts, as described in US patent application US-A-2016 / 0114365, for example.

[0012] However, using brasses is very expensive, both in terms of heat dissipation and extra energy consumption, and also in operating terms, because the oil works under pressure at more than 3bar with an estimated average consumption of approximately 800 liters per month, per machine, which brings annual costs to several hundred thousand Euros. In addition, the consumed oil is not suitable for recovery because, since it mixes with other process residues, it has to be treated as special waste, with a consequent increase in disposal and management costs, as well as greater risks to the environment.

[0013] Another disadvantage of traditional type fast rolling apparatuses is that the shafts, since they are cantilevered and subjected to radial rolling loads, tend to move away from each other as a result of bending, making the initial calibration less precise over time.

[0014] In addition, considering both that the hydraulic plant is connected to each brass, and also that the volumes of oil involved are considerable, any ring change, for production change or maintenance, often takes place on site, that is, on the rolling line, with consequent production stoppages that lead to a reduction in productivity for the whole rolling line and plant.

[0015] These disadvantages are even more significant in rolling plants in which a separation, or splitting, station is provided, that is, a split of the semi-finished long rolled product at exit from the intermediate rolling stands, wherein the two bars or wires are then sent to two distinct HSB fast rolling lines.

[0016] An example of such solutions is disclosed in US 4182148 and US 6216517.

[0017] This splitting is traditionally carried out upstream of the HSBs, on an intermediate rolling train which then feeds two HSBs, each suitable to operate only with a single wire, creating the need to double the finishing lines, provided that the necessary spaces are available, with a consequent doubling of operating and management costs. Performing the splitting in the intermediate train requires changing the rolling sequence compared to a conventional single-wire ‘oval / round’ calibration performed by rolling stands which are set up with a horizontal / vertical orientation, switching to having the last passes all horizontal. This also requires stopping production in order to install splitting stands instead of the single-wire stands, even for small production batches.

[0018] Since the rolling train’s stands have much greater weights and dimensions than those of the finishing stands, suitable for rolling products of smaller sizes, moving them requires more time and attention. For example, if to move an HSB it is possible to use an overhead crane to move several stands, since the unit is compact and the weights are smaller, in the case of individual rolling stands of the intermediate train it is possible to move only one stand at a time. In addition, considering that on average a span has 1 or 2 overhead cranes, the replacement of several stands, for example 5-6, in order to install the split or restore the singlewire, requires the overhead cranes to be released gradually.

[0019] An alternative that is used to try to partly simplify matters is to provide convertible stands that allow to carry out both the rolling of the split as well as that of the single wire: these stands have a double provision of connections for motorization, so that they can be moved by adapters located either vertically or horizontally. These stands can therefore be installed in correspondence with the passes that are replaced, for example instead of a vertical stand between two horizontal ones, so as to be able to switch from a vertically fed configuration for the vertical passes to a configuration that has to roll horizontally, at least partly reducing machine downtimes and the time to adjust the rolling line when a product change occurs. These stands, however, are expensive, and often require specific excavations and foundations for their installation that may not even be possible in already existing plants.

[0020] In addition, once installed, cantilevered stands tend to give way slightly, due to the diversity of the barycenters of the respective two channels. This results in it being difficult to keep the distances of the channels the same, and therefore can lead to having one wire with a larger diameter and one with a smaller diameter, resulting in speed differences between one wire and the other, which create problems in cutting to size, leading to the creation of short and long bars forming part of the same bundle, which then need to be rectified.

[0021] With reference to the above described characteristic of the cantilevered shafts giving during work, it is not possible to roll two wires together in a single HSB, since their sections would tend to differ due to this phenomenon, generating the disadvantageous effect of advancing at different speeds.

[0022] Another inherent disadvantage resulting from the splitting carried out in the rolling train, which sends two distinct wires to the downstream finishing unit, is that it is necessary to double the number of HSBs, each unit receiving only one wire, essentially creating two parallel fast finishing lines, thus determining, in addition to the inherent mechanical and production precision problems, a doubling of both energy and also oil consumption, with consequent operational, maintenance and production difficulties, as described heretofore.

[0023] There is therefore the need to perfect an apparatus that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0024] To do this, it is necessary to resolve the technical problem of splitting the long rolled product while maintaining high productivity, reducing management costs and polluting factors to a minimum, without production limitations, as a function of the rolled products to be obtained.

[0025] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that allows for an effective and economical simultaneous fast finishing rolling of two or more long continuous metal products.

[0026] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that guarantees an effective finishing rolling while reducing the environmental impact to a minimum, in particular with regard to the consumption of lubricants and the reduction of the disposal of special waste, as well as reducing energy consumption.

[0027] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0028] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0030] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, an apparatus according to the present invention is applied for the fast finishing rolling of long metal products, whether metal bars or wires, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of rolling modules which are disposed in sequence with respect to an entry feeding axis of the long metal products, each provided with at least a first rolling stand having at least a first pair of support shafts opposing with respect to the feeding axis and each equipped with a corresponding rolling ring / shaft.

[0031] In particular, the apparatus according to the present invention is intended for the fast finishing rolling of metal products, that is, that final segment of a rolling line in which a semi-finished product with a diameter, for example, comprised between approximately 20-40 mm, coming from intermediate stands located upstream, is rolled to obtain a finished product with exit diameters that can even be of the order of four or more times smaller than the entry diameters.

[0032] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, in at least one of the rolling modules each rolling ring has a rolling seating configured to define, with an opposing rolling seating, a pair of rolling axes which are diverging with respect to the entry feeding axis, and along which the fast finishing rolling of two distinct long metal products occurs.

[0033] In this way, therefore, there is a progressive splitting of the semi-fmished product into two or more distinct metal bars or wires, directly during the passage between the finishing rolling modules.

[0034] In other words, with the solution according to the present invention it is possible to carry out a splitting of the rolled product in the fast rolling block, maintaining high productivity, reducing management costs and polluting factors to a minimum, without any production limitations, as a function of the rolled products to be obtained.

[0035] With the solution according to the present invention it is possible to carry out an effective and economical fast finishing rolling of long continuous metal products, carrying out a splitting into at least two distinct product lines in the fast finishing rolling phase.

[0036] Doing so achieves at least the advantage of not having to split the finishing rolling line, with the consequent benefits on the management and maintenance of the fast block.

[0037] In fact, unlike known solutions that have to necessarily provide a split of the wires upstream of the fast rolling apparatus, with the solution according to the present invention it is possible to provide a single fast rolling block, substantially halving both the construction costs and also the volumes of oil needed to lubricate the rolling parts, as well as maintenance and installation footprints.

[0038] The solution of the present invention also advantageously allows to simplify the foundations, requiring less excavation of the upstream train, since there is no longer the need to install convertible stands.

[0039] The solution of the present invention is also advantageous in that it allows to significantly simplify the plant layout, since there are no longer any lateral conveyor lines that divert the individual wires in order to feed the separate HSBs, as in traditional solutions in which the splitting occurs in the intermediate train.

[0040] The solution of the present invention therefore allows to reduce equipment, foundations and energy consumption, as well as the sizes of the warehouses where the rolling machines are housed.

[0041] According to some embodiments, a dividing member configured to physically split the two distinct long metal products is disposed in the sequence of rolling modules. Additional rolling modules can be provided downstream of the dividing member, which are able to complete the rolling of the two distinct long metal products.

[0042] Cutting members, winding members and / or other known accumulation devices for long metal products can be provided downstream of the apparatus according to the invention.

[0043] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus also comprises at least one compensator device, which is disposed in association with at least one of the rolling modules and is configured to compensate and standardize the rolling speed of each of the distinct long metal products obtained from splitting the intermediate product at entry.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the compensator device provides at least one detection member configured to detect the rolling speed and / or the section or mass of each of the distinct long metal products, and at least one actuation member disposed upstream of the dividing member and configured to intervene on the feeding condition of the product entering the splitting stands, with respect to the feeding axis, as a function of the data on rolling speed, section and / or mass detected by the detection member.

[0045] The aim of this solution is to try and guarantee a substantial uniformity of the rolled section and, therefore, of the rolling speed of the two distinct long metal products, benefitting the quality of their production.

[0046] In some solutions, the actuation member can comprise at least one deviator, such as a motorized rest-bar that can be controlled from the pulpit for example, to deviate the direction of feed of the long metal products, with respect to the rolling seatings, so as to selectively feed more or less material toward one or the other rolling axis and, therefore, vary the specific rolling conditions.

[0047] In other solutions, the compensator device can provide two distinct stands operating in parallel with each other, which are, advantageously, provided at exit from the rolling modules indicated above and downstream of the dividing member, that is, when the metal products have already been split, so that each of the stands receives a single wire that can run at a desired speed.

[0048] In other words, each of these distinct and parallel stands acts as an actuation member and cooperates with a corresponding rolling axis, and operates at its own rolling speed. According to the invention, the apparatus also comprises a support structure on which at least the rolling stand is mounted, which is configured to be selectively mobile between a first rolling position, in which it keeps the rolling axis substantially coinciding with the entry feeding axis, and a second maintenance position, in which it moves the rolling axis into a condition in which it is distanced with respect to the entry feeding axis.

[0049] The present invention essentially allows to define a rolling module that can be selectively positioned in line or offline with the long metal product’s feeding axis, so as to be able to carry out maintenance interventions, whether for inspection or replacement of parts, off line, to the benefit of the possible temporary replacement of the stand undergoing maintenance with a stand that has already been maintained.

[0050] This replacement of the individual modules requires production downtimes limited to ten minutes or less, without substantially interfering with the plant’s productivity.

[0051] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first rolling stand comprises at least a first fixed shoulder configured to cooperate rotationally with each support shaft, and at least a second fixed shoulder opposing the first and configured to cooperate rotationally with the same support shaft. Moreover, the rolling stand comprises a plurality of rolling bearings, which are interposed between both the first and second shoulder, and the shaft, to define the reciprocal rotational cooperation between the parts.

[0052] In this way, unlike known solutions that provide a cantilevered arrangement of the support shafts, with the solution according to the present invention it is possible to provide, for each support shaft, a double rest on the two fixed shoulders, in correspondence with the first and second portion, on opposite sides with respect to the rolling axis. The rotation of each support shaft is guaranteed by the presence of corresponding rolling bearings provided in correspondence with the rests on the fixed shoulders, that is, the first and second portion.

[0053] This mechanical conformation with double support also guarantees better resistance to bending of the support shafts, to the advantage of the calibration quality of the rolling rings.

[0054] Furthermore, since rolling bearings are provided, neither complex on-board lubrication systems nor large quantities of oil are required, therefore maintenance operations can be carried out in optimal conditions in the workshop, to the advantage of the working conditions and the quality of the operations performed. In fact, the use of rolling bearings instead of brasses allows for a clear reduction in the consumption of lubricants required, which can be estimated from 25m3for the brasses to 6m3for the bearings, in the same unit of time, that is, a reduction of approximately 76% in the volume of oil used. This advantage, in addition to reducing management costs, substantially allows to eliminate any special waste caused by the lubrication of the rotating parts of the fast rolling apparatus.

[0055] Another advantage of the solution according to the present invention is that, since there is less friction, the motor consumes less power, making the apparatus much less impactful in terms of energy and the environment.

[0056] With the solution according to the present invention it is therefore possible to maintain high productivity, reducing management costs and polluting factors to a minimum, without production limitations, as a function of the rolled products to be obtained. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises, in sequence with each other, at least one stand that intervenes, with corresponding rolling seatings, for the edging of the long metal product being fed, and a stand that intervenes, with corresponding rolling seatings, for the forming of the two long metal products, deforming the long metal product being fed into a plurality of longitudinal portions. Advantageously, a dividing member is provided downstream of this last stand, in which the two long metal products are split and cut longitudinally, so that they can be rolled individually in the last modules provided, along the respective rolling axes.

[0057] Moreover, a pair of rolling stands can be advantageously provided upstream of the sequence just described, even with the rolls in an operating condition whereby they are discordant with respect to each other, for example horizontal and vertical, having corresponding rolling seatings configured to carry out a flattening action on the long metal product being fed.

[0058] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus comprises at least a second rolling stand, which is substantially equivalent to the first rolling stand and is provided with a second pair of support shafts which are oriented in a manner discordant, advantageously orthogonal, with respect to the first pair of support shafts.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus can comprise a sequence of rolling stands, for example two or three in a row, substantially equivalent to each other and each provided with a corresponding pair of support shafts oriented in a manner concordant with respect to the first pair of support shafts of the first rolling stand. In these embodiments, corresponding torsion guides of a substantially known type can be advantageously provided between one rolling stand and the other.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the second rolling stand is mounted on the same support structure, in a position adjacent to, and operationally in line with, the first rolling stand.

[0061] This coupled configuration of two rolling stands with rolls oriented discordant, for example horizontal and vertical, means that what has previously been defined as a rolling module is able to perform a complete oval-round rolling pass on the long metal product. It is not excluded that each stand can be mounted on a single independent support structure, as, for example, in the solution in which the actuation member can provide two distinct stands.

[0062] Advantageously, the apparatus comprises a plurality of support structures disposed in sequence with each other, each provided with both a first rolling stand as well as a second rolling stand, to define respective rolling modules.

[0063] Each support structure is mobile independently of the others between the first rolling position and the second maintenance position, so that there can be a single and independent management of the rolling stands.

[0064] With the solution according to the present invention, a number equal to 4-6-8 rolling modules can be provided to carry out an effective fast finishing rolling with a reduction in diameter at exit from the apparatus that can be four, or more, times greater than the entry diameter.

[0065] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0067] - fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a layout of a portion of a rolling plant, in which a fast rolling apparatus according to the present invention is installed;

[0068] - fig. 2 shows a partial enlargement of the apparatus of fig. 1, in combination with progressive passes for deforming the long product;

[0069] - fig. 3 schematically shows a section along the line III-III of fig. 1 ;

[0070] - fig. 4 schematically shows a section along the line IV-IV of fig. 1;

[0071] - fig. 5 schematically shows a section along the line V-V of fig. 1 ;

[0072] - fig. 6 schematically shows a first embodiment of a layout of a portion of a rolling plant, in which a fast rolling apparatus according to the present invention is installed.

[0073] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims. To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0074] With reference to fig. 1, an apparatus 10 according to the present invention is applied for the fast finishing rolling of long continuous metal products, such as bars 50, or so-called rebar bars intended for construction reinforcement, or in any case bars with final diameters of approximately 6 mm or greater, for example up to 32 mm.

[0075] The apparatus 10 according to the invention, however, also allows to roll profiles such as L bars, U-shaped rods, flat rods and T-shaped profiles, joists in accordance with international standards.

[0076] The apparatus 10 according to the present invention provides to operate at a rolling speed of approximately 60-75m / s, and can be installed in a generic rolling plant 100. The plant 100 is a terminal finishing unit of a rolling line.

[0077] By way of example only, the plant 100 can be of the type designed to operate starting from billets to be subjected to multiple heating and rolling passes in order to obtain the bars 50 rolled in a plurality of stands, of which only a segment of intermediate rolling stands 200 is schematized with a single rectangle in fig. 1 and in fig. 5.

[0078] In particular, the plant 100 develops along a feeding axis or line L, or entry feeding axis, with respect to which the bars 50 are fed and rolled, and with which the apparatus 10 is also operationally associated.

[0079] The apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of rolling modules 20, in this specific case five, which are configured for the finishing rolling of the bars 50 and are disposed independent from and in sequence with each other, inside a finishing box 30.

[0080] It is clear, however, that the number of rolling modules 20 can be lower, for example between 2 and 4, or even higher, for example from 6 to 20.

[0081] Each rolling module 20 can comprise a first 11 and a second 12 rolling stand, preferably disposed angled with respect to each other. By way of example, the two rolling stands 11, 12 of a same module can be angularly offset by an angle comprised between approximately 0° and 90°.

[0082] In the example solution shown in fig. 1, inside the finishing box 30 there is provided a first module 20a, consisting of both a first rolling stand, or horizontal stand 11 , and a second rolling stand, or vertical stand 12, and an additional four second modules 20b disposed in sequence and consisting of only a single horizontal stand 11.

[0083] In any case, the single horizontal stand 11 or both the rolling stands, horizontal I l and vertical 12, of a same rolling module 20a or 20b can be connected to a common support structure, or frame 13, so that they can be moved as a single entity.

[0084] The horizontal stand 11 and the vertical stand 12 can be substantially the same as each other, that is, have similar structure, components and dimensions and differ substantially in the orientation of the respective support shafts 15, which are preferably oriented in orthogonal directions so as to carry out an oval-round rolling on the bar 50.

[0085] To simplify the description, here and hereafter the comprehensive term “stand”, associated with the double numbering 1 1, 12, will be used generically to denote one or the other of either the horizontal stand 11 or the vertical stand 12 indiscriminately. For any descriptive details, the individual terminology of horizontal stand 11 or vertical stand 12 will be used.

[0086] Each stand 11, 12 substantially comprises a pair of support shafts 15, opposing with respect to the feeding axis L, and each shaft being equipped with a corresponding rolling ring 16, preferably attached on a ring-bearing element, not shown in detail, using glue.

[0087] Each stand 11, 12 also comprises a first shoulder 17 and a second shoulder 18, which are fixed on opposing sides to the feeding axis L and suitable to rotationally support the support shafts 15, for example by means of rolling bearings, for example of the single row type, not shown in detail. This conformation substantially defines a double support for each support shaft 15 on the two shoulders 17 and 18, to the advantage of both the static and structural arrangement of the support shafts 15 themselves, and also the operating and qualitative rolling functions.

[0088] In general, each rolling ring 16 has one or corresponding rolling seatings, described and numbered in detail below, each having a shaping such as to define, together with a rolling seating of the opposing rolling ring 16, the rolling profile of the bar 50.

[0089] With particular reference to figs. 1 and 2, the horizontal stand 1 1 and the vertical stand 12 of the first module 20a provide that the respective rolling rings 16 have corresponding rolling seatings 19a and 19b shaped so as to intervene in the sectional flattening of the bar 50; while the sequence of horizontal stands 11 provided in the second modules 20b provides that the respective rolling rings 16 have corresponding rolling seatings 19c and 19d, defining a pair of rolling axes XI and X2, which are distinct and diverging with respect to the entry feeding axis L, and along which the fast finishing rolling of two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b occurs, in the respective horizontal stand 11.

[0090] Advantageously, the rolling seatings 19c and 19d of the horizontal stands 11 provided in the sequence of second modules 20b have a conformation progressively shaped to gradually define the two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b. As will be explained in detail below, the conformation of the rolling seatings 19c and 19d is such that their operating combination defines an ovoid aperture that gradually changes centrally, to substantially form an increasingly accentuated eight-like shape, so as to shape the bar 50 and progressively define the two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b, each one on its own rolling axis XI and X2.

[0091] In particular, the solution according to the present invention provides that the first of the horizontal stands 11 of the sequence of second modules 20b intervenes, with the corresponding rolling seatings 19c, to carry out the edging of the bar 50, beginning to define a central loop, which is intermediate between the rolling axes XI and X2.

[0092] The second of the horizontal stands 11 of the sequence of second modules 20b intervenes, with the corresponding rolling seatings 19d, to form the two long metal products 50a and 50b, deforming the bar 50 into a plurality, in this specific case two, longitudinal portions. A dividing member, or cutting cassette 14, is provided downstream of this horizontal stand 11, in which the two long metal products 50a and 50b are split and cut longitudinally so that they can be rolled individually in the last second modules 20b provided along the respective rolling axes XI and X2. As shown in fig. 2, additional stands are provided downstream of the cutting cassette 14, in the example case three horizontal stands 11 in a row, each one, provided with corresponding feeding seatings 19e and 19f, for finishing the two long metal products 50a and 50b, each of which advances along the respective rolling axis XI and X2.

[0093] Although not shown, corresponding torsion guides, of a substantially known type, can be advantageously provided between one horizontal stand 11 and the other.

[0094] This operating sequence for splitting the bar 50 into the two long metal products 50a and 50b is also valid for the solution schematized in fig. 6.

[0095] The apparatus 10 according to the present invention also comprises a compensator device, indicated as a whole with reference number 21 in figs. 1 and 2, and with reference number 121 in fig. 6, which is generically configured to control and adjust the rolling speed of each of the two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b at exit from the finishing box 30. In general, the compensator device 21 or 121 is disposed in association with the second rolling modules 20b.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in figs, from 1 to 4, the compensator device 21 comprises a pair of detection members, disposed at exit from one of the second modules 20b, specifically in proximity to the cutting cassette 14. The detection members can be able to measure the speed and / or profile or section of the respective long metal products 50a and 50b.

[0097] Each detection member 22 is associated with a corresponding rolling axis XI and X2, and is configured to detect at least the rolling speed of each of the distinct long metal products 50a, 50b. The detection members can comprise at least one velocity meter.

[0098] Always in the same embodiment, the compensator device 21 comprises at least one actuation member, or guide 23, also known by the term “rest-bar”, which is disposed at entry to the second modules 20b and is configured to intervene on the feeding condition of the bar 50, with respect to the feeding axis L, as a function of the rolling speed detected by the detection members 22. In other words, in this embodiment the guide 23 determines a different feeding condition of the bar 50 in feed-forward, that is, as a function of the differences in speed and / or different sections detected by the detection members 22. In fact, as can be seen in the diagram of fig. 4, the guide 23 can selectively offset the relative axial position of the bar 50 with respect to the concentricity with the feeding axis L, so as to promote the action of one part or the other of the rolling seatings 19c. This adjustment allows to regulate the feed of the bar 50 toward one part or the other of the rolling seatings 19c, that is, more toward the rolling axis XI or more toward the rolling axis X2, in order to balance the mass flow rate, varying the section that will be split and, consequently, the relative rolling speed of the distinct long metal product 50a, with respect to the parallel product indicated with reference number 50b.

[0099] By coordinating this variation in feed defined by guide 23 as a function of the specific speed values detected by the velocity meters 22, it is possible to compensate and standardize the rolling speeds of the two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b, guaranteeing a desired uniformity in the quality of the rolling performed. This coordination can advantageously be realized by means of a command and control unit, of a substantially known type and not shown in the drawings, by means of which an operational programming of the entire compensator device 21 can be done.

[0100] In the alternative embodiment shown in fig. 6, the compensator device, in this specific case indicated with reference number 121, substantially consists of a pair of stands, in this example case two vertical stands 112, disposed downstream of the sequence of horizontal stands 11 and of the dividing member 14, which determine the progressive splitting of the bar 50, forming the two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b.

[0101] In this embodiment, the guide 23 is optional and not shown, since the difference in section and speed is managed directly by the two individual final vertical stands 112, which can individually and independently roll each long metal product 50a and 50b, operating at different speeds depending on the section of the respective long metal product 50a, 50b.

[0102] In particular, the two vertical stands 112 can be disposed in parallel and offset from each other, both to reduce the overall dimensions and also to cooperate with a corresponding one of the rolling axes XI and X2, and are suitable to roll a corresponding one of the two distinct long metal products 50a and 50b, at their own rolling speed, so as to standardize the finish before the exit from the finishing box 30.

[0103] In the event that the guide 23 is also present, this can be used to approximately standardize the mass flow rate fed to the stands 11, 12 upstream of the dividing member 14, that is, the amount of material fed along one or the other rolling axis XI, X2, while minimum deviations between the two long metal products 50a, 50b can be managed by the respective vertical stands 112.

[0104] In both the solutions shown, the apparatus 10 can also comprise a pair of rails 40 for each module 20a or 20b, configured to cooperate sliding with a corresponding support structure 13, so as to allow the selective movement of each module 20a or 20b between a first rolling position, in which the rolling axes XI and X2 are in proximity to the feeding axis L, and a second maintenance position (schematized with a dashed line in figs. 1, 2, 3 and 5), in which the rolling axes XI and X2 are distanced with respect to the feeding axis L.

[0105] Each support shaft 15 is connected to a corresponding straight transmission member, for example a toothed joint 41, in turn kinematically connected to a reducer 42, for example a gear reducer.

[0106] The reducer 42 can take motion from a corresponding adapter 44, for example cardanic, in turn connected to a motor 45 suitable to develop the necessary power to guarantee the operating torque and speed for the finishing rolling of the two distinct long metal products 50a, 50b. The reducer 42, the adapter 44 and the motor 45 define a common command unit 46 to command a coordinated opposing rotation of the support shafts 15, during the step of finishing rolling of the two distinct long metal products 50a, 50b.

[0107] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0108] For example, according to some embodiments, an eccentric bush can be mounted between each shoulder 17 and 18, which defines an eccentric assembly of each support shaft 15 with respect to the corresponding first shoulder 17 and second shoulder 18, and allows to adjust the reciprocal position of the support shafts 15 and of the respective rolling rings 16 with respect to the feeding axis L. This advantageous embodiment allows to selectively define desired distances between the two rolling rings 16, defining an analogue adjustment of the distance between the two, guaranteeing a consistently high quality of the finishing rolling carried out.

[0109] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of apparatus for the fast finishing rolling of long metal products, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0110] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (10) for the fast finishing rolling of long metal products (50) comprising a plurality of rolling modules (20a, 20b) disposed in sequence with respect to an entry feeding axis (L) of said long metal products (50), each provided with at least a first rolling stand (11) having at least a first pair of support shafts (15) opposing with respect to said feeding axis (L) and each equipped with a corresponding rolling ring (16), characterized in that in at least one of said rolling modules (20b) each rolling ring (16) has a rolling seating (19c, 19d) configured to define, with an opposing rolling seating (19c, 19d), a pair of rolling axes (XI, X2) which are distinct and diverging with respect to said entry feeding axis (L) and along which the fast finishing rolling and the progressive splitting of the semifinished product into two or more distinct long metal products (50a, 50b) occurs.

2. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a sequence of said rolling modules (20b) in which there is provided at least one rolling stand (11) whose rolling seatings (19c) are configured to carry out an edging of said long metal products (50), and at least one rolling stand (11) whose rolling seatings ( 19d) are configured to carry out a forming of said two long metal products (50a, 50b) along said rolling axes (XI, X2).

3. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one compensator device (21) disposed in association with said at least one of said rolling modules (20b) and configured to compensate and standardize the rolling speed of each of said distinct long metal products (50a, 50b), said compensator device (21) comprising at least one detection member (22) disposed at exit from said at least one of said rolling modules (20b) and configured to detect the rolling speed and / or the section or mass of each of said distinct long metal products (50a, 50b), and at least one actuation member (23) disposed at entry to said at least one of said rolling modules (20b) and configured to intervene on the feeding condition of said long metal product (50) with respect to said feeding axis (L), as a function of the data detected by said detection member (22).

4. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said detection member comprises at least one velocity meter (22) associated with each of said rolling axes (XI, X2).

5. Apparatus (10) as in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said actuation membercomprises at least one guide (23) disposed in cooperation with said feeding axis (L) and configured to significantly deviate the direction of feed of said long metal products (50) with respect to the rolling seatings (19c).

6. Apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one compensator device (121) disposed in association with said at least one of said rolling modules (20b) and configured to compensate and standardize the rolling speed of each of said distinct long metal products (50a, 50b), said compensator device (121) comprising at least one pair of rolling stands (112) disposed in parallel to each other in cooperation with a corresponding one of said rolling axes (XI , X2) and each configured to roll a corresponding one of said distinct long metal products (50a, 50b) at its own rolling speed.

7. Apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one group of said rolling modules (20b) disposed in operating sequence with respect to said feeding axis (L) and each provided with respective rolling rings (16) having rolling seatings (19) with a conformation progressively shaped to define said two distinct long metal products (50a, 50b).

8. Apparatus (10) as in claim 7, characterized in that a dividing member (14) is disposed in said sequence of rolling modules (20b), configured to physically separate said two distinct long metal products (50a and 50b).

9. Apparatus (10) as in one or the other of the previous claims, characterized in that said first rolling stand (11) comprises at least a first fixed shoulder (17) configured to cooperate rotationally with each of said support shafts (15), at least a second fixed shoulder (18) opposing said first shoulder (17) with respect to said rolling axis (L) and configured to cooperate rotationally with each of said support shafts (15), and in that it comprises a support structure (13) on which at least said rolling stand (11) is mounted, configured to be selectively mobile between a first rolling position in which said rolling axes (XI , X2) are in proximity to said feeding axis (L), and a second maintenance position in which said rolling axes (XI, X2) are distanced with respect to said feeding axis (L).

10. Apparatus (10) as in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a second rolling stand (12) substantially equivalent to said first rolling stand (1 1) and provided with a second pair of said support shafts (15) oriented in a manner discordant with respect to said first pair of support shafts (15), and in that saidsecond rolling stand (12) is mounted on said support structure (13) in a position adjacent to and operationally in line with said first rolling stand (11).11 . Apparatus (10) as in claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of support structures (13) disposed in sequence with each other, each provided with both a first rolling stand (1 1) and also with a second rolling stand (12), or with only the first rolling stand (11), in order to substantially define a corresponding plurality of rolling modules (20a, 20b) which are mobile independently of each other between said first rolling position and said second maintenance position.

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