Spatial-separation device, mobile roller changing device, method for changing at least one roller, and use of a sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for spatially separating at least one roller (2A, 2B) for rolling a metal rolling material, in particular at least two rollers (2A, 2B) which can be spaced apart from one another by a rolling gap, from a surrounding area (4), having a hood part (8) for at least partly covering the at least one roller (2A, 2B), the hood part (8) having a cavity (10) which is open on the lower face of the hood part (8) with respect to the at least one roller (2A, 2B) for assembly and disassembly purposes.

Description

[0001] Page 1 / 33

[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH

[0003] Our reference: P81011WO

[0004] December 5, 2025

[0005] Device for spatial separation, mobile roller changing device, method for changing at least one roller, and use of a sensor

[0006] The invention relates to a device for spatial separation.

[0007] The invention further relates to a mobile roll changing device, in particular a roll changing carriage, with a receiving device for receiving at least one roll for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular at least two rolls spaced apart from each other by a roll gap.

[0008] The invention further relates to a method for changing at least one roller for rolling a metallic rolling material, in particular at least two rollers spaced apart from each other by a rolling gap.

[0009] The invention also relates to the use of a sensor, in particular an acoustic sensor.

[0010] It is known from the prior art to transport rolls for rolling metallic rolled materials between a roll depot and the rolling stands of a rolling mill using a roll changing device, such as a roll changing carriage. In particular, changing used rolls, including transport by means of the roll changing device and further handling in the roll depot or a roll workshop or the like, almost always requires a... Page 2 / 33

[0011] P81011WO highest hazard potential as long as the rolls removed from the rolling mill are still very hot due to their thermal rolling loads and / or show damage.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improvement or an alternative to the prior art. In particular, the invention is based on the objective of significantly reducing the potential danger during a roller change, especially for personnel involved in the roller change.

[0013] According to a first aspect, the object of the invention is to provide a device for spatially separating at least one roller for rolling a metallic rolling material, in particular at least two rollers spaced apart from each other by a roller gap, from an environment with a hood part for at least partially enclosing the at least one roller, wherein the hood part has a cavity which is open to the underside of the hood part for assembly and disassembly with respect to the at least one roller, wherein the device for partially closing the end faces of the hood part has two end face surface parts.

[0014] In particular, if a roller that is still subject to high thermal and / or dynamic stress, or an arrangement of several rollers (roller set), can be isolated from the environment by the separating device outside a rolling mill, the roller can be handled much more safely overall during a roller change.

[0015] Firstly, this allows the roller removed from the rolling mill to be advantageously shielded from its surroundings for observed cooling, thus enabling a very reliable and / or safe observation period, usually several days. Page 3 / 33

[0016] P81011WO

[0017] Secondly, the area surrounding the roller can be very well protected from dangerous chipping or breaking off of parts of the roller's surface, which can often be unexpectedly and sometimes explosively ejected from the roller's surface into the surrounding area. This is extremely dangerous for personnel in the immediate vicinity of the roller.

[0018] Such flaking or breakouts are in particular parts of the roller's bale surface, such as metal splinters or similar.

[0019] Both aspects can be successfully achieved using the present invention.

[0020] In particular, the risk of personal injury can be significantly reduced.

[0021] For the purposes of this invention, the term "roller" describes any roll used in a rolling mill for rolling metallic rolling material, such as strip or the like. This particularly refers to work rolls, whose rolling surface is in direct contact with the rolling material during the rolling process and which can therefore be subjected to high thermal and / or dynamic stress.

[0022] The term "hood part" as used in the invention describes any device by which a roller, preferably several rollers, can be at least temporarily enclosed, particularly outside a rolling mill. In other words, the hood part refers to a cover that at least partially encloses the roller, especially the surface of the roll. Preferably, the hood part can also accommodate a set of rollers consisting of at least [page 4 / 33]

[0023] P81011WO two rollers spaced apart by a roller gap at least partially enclose .

[0024] The term "cavity" here describes a receiving space of the device, in particular of the hood part thereof, into which a single roller or several rollers can be temporarily placed.

[0025] Reliable recording of critical areas of at least one roller can be ensured if the cavity has a cavity length that corresponds at least to the length of the bale surface, bale length and / or the at least simple roller diameter.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that, within the context of the present patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical specifications such as "one...", "two...", etc., are generally to be understood as minimum specifications, i.e., as "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., is meant.

[0027] It should also be noted here that, within the context of the present patent application, the expression "in particular" is always to be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The expression is not to be understood as "namely" or "namely".

[0028] A very advantageous embodiment of the device can be provided if the device has a sensor device by means of which the at least one roller located in the cavity of the hood part can be observed. Page 5 / 33

[0029] P81011WO

[0030] The sensor device allows the cooling behavior and / or cracking behavior of at least one roller to be monitored automatically and thus very well and reliably.

[0031] Furthermore, monitoring at least one roller using the sensor device has the advantage that a period or point in time from which work on at least one roller can be carried out safely again can be determined extremely precisely.

[0032] It is understood that this sensor device for observing the at least one roller, in particular for observing the cooling and / or cracking behavior of the at least one roller, can be designed differently.

[0033] For example, the sensor device can have one or more temperature sensor elements, by means of which the cooling behavior on at least one roller can be reliably and automatically observed.

[0034] In particular, this allows the point in time when sufficient cooling has been reliably determined, from which, for example, unexpected chipping or the like can be ruled out.

[0035] The sensor device can alternatively also have optical sensor elements in order to be able to monitor the cooling behavior of at least one roller in an operationally reliable and automated manner.

[0036] For example, crack formation can be detected depending on the cooling behavior of at least one roller. In particular, based on crack formation behavior, such as the cessation of cracking, a reliable conclusion can be drawn about the risk of unexpected spalling. Page 6 / 33

[0037] P81011WO

[0038] A sensor element of the sensor device can be provided at different locations on and / or within the device.

[0039] For example, the sensor element can be arranged on the hood part, especially facing the cavity.

[0040] Alternatively, the sensor element can also be arranged within the cavity at a distance from the hood part by means of a holding device.

[0041] The holding device can also be different from the hood part.

[0042] For example, the holding device could be the roller itself.

[0043] It has been found that the pivot, roller bearing and / or bezel seat of the roller can be used very well as a holding device for a sensor element.

[0044] If the sensor part is attached directly to the roller and / or a bezel seat thereof, additional holding devices can also be dispensed with.

[0045] A preferred embodiment for the automated monitoring of the cooling behavior on at least one roller provides that the sensor device has an acoustic sensor element.

[0046] Crack growth can be readily observed, particularly using such an acoustic sensor element, as it depends on temperature behavior at at least one roller and / or can be perceived acoustically. Page 7 / 33

[0047] P81011WO

[0048] If the acoustic sensor element is arranged directly on a surface of the roller or on a lunette seat thereof, crack formation can be detected particularly well directly on the roller using structure-borne sound.

[0049] For example, crack formation can be detected using surface acoustic waves (SAW), which can propagate approximately planarly on the surface of the roller.

[0050] The sensor system can also include different sensor elements of this type in order to be able to monitor the cooling behavior of at least one roller in a variety of automated ways. In particular, this allows for good redundancy in monitoring.

[0051] In order for the data acquired by means of one or more such sensor elements to be evaluated automatically, it is advantageous for the sensor device to be technically connected to a higher-level data processing unit. For example, this can generate a warning signal indicating that at least one roller can be operated safely.

[0052] Therefore, it is particularly useful if the sensor device has a data interface to a maintenance device.

[0053] A suitable data interface can be designed in a variety of ways, in particular as a physical data interface or a wireless data interface.

[0054] For example, data regarding thermal behavior, especially crack formation behavior, can provide insights into the previous operating behavior or similar characteristics of at least one roller. For example, with- Page 8 / 33

[0055] P81011WO Based on the cracking behavior and any related spalling, conclusions can be drawn about suboptimal handling of at least one roll, or about insufficient grinding after rolling processes. Furthermore, conclusions can optionally be drawn about suboptimal grinding specifications, improper handling during production, double rolling, or the like.

[0056] It is understood that the sensor elements of the sensor device can be operated particularly well when they are arranged in the cavity of the present device, in particular in the cavity of the hood part.

[0057] Preferably, the maintenance device is configured to provide a notification to remove the hood, particularly after the sensor device has not recorded or detected any change in signal for a period of 10 hours or more, preferably 15 hours or more.

[0058] If a sensor element cannot be attached directly to the roller and / or to a lunette seat thereof, crack formation behavior can also be observed very reliably if the device has an acoustic chamber for acoustically observing the cooling behavior of at least one roller, to name only one example at this point.

[0059] This acoustic chamber allows for the particularly differentiated observation and thus very effective detection of noises (airborne sound) associated with thermal stresses on or within the component (roller), which often lead to critical cracking behavior. Page 9 / 33

[0060] P81011WO

[0061] It is particularly advantageous if the acoustic space is such that at least one roller, in particular its ball surface, can be arranged therein, preferably completely.

[0062] The acoustic chamber can advantageously be provided by the cavity of the present device, in particular by the cavity of the hood section. For example, the acoustic chamber can optionally be equipped with acoustic elements that can reduce or completely block out acoustic disturbances from the environment, such as ambient noise from work being carried out in the vicinity of the device.

[0063] The area around at least one roller can be particularly well protected against unexpected chipping or breakouts if the hood part has a top surface part and two adjoining side surface parts that extend further away from the top surface part.

[0064] One or more side surface parts can help to ensure the safe disassembly of a roller bearing assembly.

[0065] Preferably, the two side surface parts are arranged essentially parallel to each other.

[0066] Here, the two side surface parts are arranged at a distance from each other which is at least equal to or preferably greater than the roller diameter of the roller to be enclosed.

[0067] In order to easily fit the device, or in particular the hood part thereof, over at least one roller, it is advantageous if the distance is 5% or more of the roller diameter, preferably 10% or more, and particularly preferably 15% or more. Page 10 / 33

[0068] P81011WO

[0069] In order to make the device as compact as possible overall, and the hood part in particular, it is advantageous if the distance between the two side surface parts is only 130% or less of the roller diameter, preferably 120% or less and particularly preferably 115% or less.

[0070] Furthermore, the maximum external dimensions of the device are preferably determined by a mobile roller changing device, such as a roller changing trolley.

[0071] A slightly larger distance would also have the advantage that one and the same device could be used for several different roller diameters.

[0072] Preferably, the design of the device is customized, since in particular the roller ball lengths and roller diameters can differ.

[0073] The device can be advantageously arranged opposite the at least one roller if the upper surface part has a bearing surface on its side facing the cavity for resting on a ball surface of the roller.

[0074] Alternatively or cumulatively, the top surface part can also rest particularly well on a lunette seat of the roller, especially with regard to the ends of the top surface part.

[0075] The device can be positioned even more advantageously in relation to the at least one roller if the top surface part is curved.

[0076] If the upper surface part is concave on its inner side facing the cavity, the upper surface part can at least partially exhibit the contour of a ball surface. Page 11 / 33

[0077] P81011WO

[0078] If the upper surface part is designed to be convex on its outer side facing away from the cavity, the hood part as a whole can be designed to be thinner with regard to its wall thickness.

[0079] If the top surface part has fastening elements for a lifting device, the entire device can be handled with machine assistance, thus preferably eliminating the need for manual work by personnel altogether.

[0080] For example, suitable lifting means of the lifting device can hook into these fastening elements or these fastening elements can actively grip in order to mount or dismount the device or at least the upper surface part thereof in accordance with the invention.

[0081] Guides are also advantageous by means of which the present device, in particular the hood part or surface part thereof, can additionally be guided spatially along a predetermined guide path, in particular towards or away from the at least one roller.

[0082] In order to shield at least one roller even more comprehensively from the environment, it is advantageous if the device for closing the underside of the hood part has an underside surface part.

[0083] Specifically, an acoustic chamber or similar within the device can be even more clearly encapsulated from external disturbances, allowing the cooling behavior of at least one roller to be observed and, if necessary, evaluated more precisely. Furthermore, the device encloses at least one roller, thus preventing [a [something] from [something] (see page 12 / 33).

[0084] P81011WO at least one roller can reduce the risk of injury from chipping or the like.

[0085] The underside surface part can be designed differently, for example flat.

[0086] In this context, it is also advantageous if the underside surface part is concave on its inner side facing the cavity.

[0087] This allows the underside surface part to be positioned as close as possible to at least one roller from below, saving space, similar to the top surface part.

[0088] For stable placement of the device, it is advantageous if the outer surface of the underside facing away from the cavity is essentially flat.

[0089] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the device for partially closing the end faces of the hood part has at least two end face surface parts.

[0090] This allows at least one roller to be spatially shielded even better from its surroundings by means of the device, thereby further increasing the safety of personnel in the vicinity.

[0091] This means that work such as inspections, assembly / disassembly work of roller bearing components or the like can be carried out safely, even though at least one roller is still in a cooling process.

[0092] In particular, an acoustic chamber or the like can be even better encapsulated against external disturbances, so that the cooling behavior of at least one roller (page 13 / 33)

[0093] P81011WO can be observed even more precisely and evaluated if necessary.

[0094] Furthermore, the device can be advantageously arranged opposite the at least one roller if the end face part has a bearing surface on its underside facing the cavity for resting on lunette seats of the at least one ball surface of the roller.

[0095] Preferably, the end face parts have approximately the same dimensions in diameter as the lunette seats of the upper roller.

[0096] The end-face parts preferably also serve as a support for the top surface part.

[0097] The term "bezel seat" describes a section of the roller on which the latter can be supported if the respective roller, with its bearing journal elements, is not supported by a roller bearing assembly. This is the case, for example, when the roller is held in a grinding machine.

[0098] The optional end-face side parts, especially those that can be inserted laterally, can be mounted particularly well opposite the at least one roller if the respective end-face side part has two or more surface elements.

[0099] This applies in particular to the bearing journal elements located at the end of the roller.

[0100] Roller bearing components can be mounted on these bearing journal elements. Page 14 / 33

[0101] P81011WO

[0102] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the surface elements of the respective end face surface part have material recesses for such a bearing journal element, which correspond approximately to the diameters of the bearing journal elements of the at least one roller.

[0103] Preferably, the diameter of a material recess is equal to or preferably larger than the diameter of a bearing journal element, but not larger than 15%.

[0104] If a top surface part of the hood part and a bottom surface part of the hood part are arranged apart from each other by means of the two side surface parts, the assembly of the present device can be carried out more easily.

[0105] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the device has a support device on which the hood part, in particular the top surface part and / or the bottom surface part, can be supported, wherein the support device is arranged at the level of a roller gap (roller exchange distance position) of two opposing working rollers.

[0106] This can further increase the stability of the present device.

[0107] Preferably, the support device has two support elements arranged between the two opposing rollers, each support element tapering to a point on its side facing the rollers, preferably with concave contact surfaces corresponding to the radius of the rollers. This allows the rollers and the support device to interact particularly closely with each other. Page 15 / 33

[0108] P81011WO

[0109] If the hood part has two end-face material recesses for passing bearing journal elements / bezel seats of at least one roller, the present device can be designed to be more compact with regard to its longitudinal extent, since the area of ​​the bearing journal elements is considered non-critical.

[0110] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the hood part has a shielding length that corresponds at least to the length of the bale surface or the bale length of the roller.

[0111] To promote a cooling process of at least one roller below or within the device, it is advantageous if the devices optionally have ventilation openings.

[0112] In this context, it is advantageous if these ventilation and / or exhaust openings are arranged on the device in such a way that additional thermal effects can be achieved within the device, by means of which cooler air from the outside can be conveyed into and through the cavity, whereby the cooler air can produce additional cooling effects within the device on the at least one roller.

[0113] This can have a positive effect on the dwell time of at least one roller.

[0114] The object of the invention is also solved according to a second aspect by a system consisting of a device according to the first aspect for spatially separating at least one roller from an environment and a sensor device with at least one sensor element for observing cooling behavior and / or crack formation behavior on the at least one roller.

[0115] Advantageously, the system proposed here allows the area around at least one roller to be cleaned using the device shown on page 16 / 33.

[0116] P81011WO are protected from dangerous chipping from at least one roller, whereby it can be detected by means of the sensor device or the at least one sensor element whether there is still a danger of such chipping from the at least one roller.

[0117] The system can also be advantageously further developed with features of the device and / or sensor system described here.

[0118] According to a third aspect, the object of the invention is also solved by a mobile roller changing device, in particular a roller changing carriage, with a receiving device for receiving at least one roller for rolling a metallic rolling material, in particular at least two rollers that can be spaced apart from each other by a roller gap, wherein the mobile roller changing device has a device according to the first aspect for spatially separating the at least one roller from the environment.

[0119] The portable device allows for a significant functional improvement of the mobile roller changing device according to the invention, since the portable device makes it possible to observe the cooling behavior of at least one roller in a particularly reliable manner and also provides better protection for the surroundings against unforeseen explosive chipping or breakouts from the roller's ball surface.

[0120] In this case, the mobile roller changing device can be equipped with such a device directly at the factory and thus permanently.

[0121] Alternatively, the mobile roller changing device can also use mounting surfaces, mounting elements or the like for the temporary arrangement of the present device (page 17 / 33).

[0122] P81011WO features, so that the device can be arranged and fixed on the mobile roller changing device only as required, in particular firmly, but releasably.

[0123] The present device is also advantageous in that, in particular during transport with a mobile roller changing device, particles or the like can be explosively blown off the bale surface by the rollers located therein.

[0124] Such a roller changing device can also be used as a temporary roller storage device, or in particular be set up as such.

[0125] In order to reliably observe the cooling behavior of at least one roller, it is advantageous if the mobile roller changing device has an acoustic chamber by means of which at least one roller can be acoustically shielded from the environment.

[0126] The surrounding area can be better protected from unforeseen explosive spalling or eruptions from the surface of the roller if the mobile roller changing device has a protective space to protect the surrounding area from material spalling from at least one roller.

[0127] Preferably, the transportable and / or mobile roll changing device has a device proposed herein for spatially separating the at least one roll for rolling a metallic rolling material from the environment according to one of the features described herein.

[0128] This allows the mobile roller changing unit to be equipped particularly advantageously. Page 18 / 33

[0129] P81011WO

[0130] According to a fourth aspect, the object of the invention is also solved by a method for changing at least one roll for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular at least two rolls spaced apart from each other by a roll gap, in which the at least one roll is at least partially enclosed after being removed from a rolling stand for spatial separation from the environment by means of a device for spatial separation.

[0131] This can significantly improve the process of changing rolls on a rolling mill, and in particular, it can improve the safety of people involved in changing rolls.

[0132] It is particularly advantageous if at least one roller is placed in an acoustic room to observe the cooling behavior of its ball surface.

[0133] This allows at least one roll to be handled much more safely after removal from a rolling mill, since the present device is only removed from the at least one roll once critical cracking behavior is no longer observable or detectable there.

[0134] In this respect, the invention also relates to a method for observing the cooling and / or cracking behavior of a roller, in particular a ball surface of this roller.

[0135] This allows at least one roll to be easily and reliably monitored for cracking on the roll surface after it has been removed from the rolling stand, especially continuously 24 / 7.

[0136] Furthermore, at least one roll can be handled much more safely after removal from a rolling mill stand, page 19 / 33

[0137] P81011WO if at least one roller is moved into a shelter to protect the surroundings from material flaking off the roller surface.

[0138] A particularly safe procedure variant can be achieved if at least one roller is moved into a protective room and / or an acoustic room after at least one roller has been transferred to the mobile roller changing device.

[0139] Such a protective space or acoustic chamber can be expediently provided by means of the present device for separating at least one roller from the environment.

[0140] It should also be noted that the described method can be further supplemented by additional technical features described here, in particular by features of the device, in order to advantageously develop the method further or to be able to represent or formulate method specifications even more precisely.

[0141] According to a fifth aspect, the object of the invention also solves the problem of using a sensor, in particular an acoustic sensor, for the automated observation of the cooling and / or cracking behavior of at least one roller for rolling a metallic rolling material, in particular a ball surface of the at least one roller, on a device for spatially separating the at least one roller from the roller environment, in particular on the present device according to one of the claimed features.

[0142] By using a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, an optical sensor, or the like, and especially an acoustic sensor, the handling of a used and worn roller after removal from a rolling mill can be made significantly safer. Page 20 / 33

[0143] P81011WO

[0144] According to a sixth aspect, the object of the invention also solves the problem of using a sensor, in particular an acoustic sensor, for the automated observation of the cooling behavior of at least one roller for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular a ball surface of the at least one roller.

[0145] Preferably, at least one such sensor is assigned to each roller, in particular arranged on the roller.

[0146] Preferably, the sensor is arranged on a bezel seat of the roller.

[0147] Alternatively or cumulatively, the relevant sensor can also be a temperature sensor.

[0148] If the mobile roll changing device is equipped with one or more of the sensors or sensor elements described here, safety in the vicinity of the roll can be significantly increased, especially in the vicinity of a roll storage device, a mobile roll changing device or the like.

[0149] Such use is therefore advantageous on a roller storage device, on a mobile roller changing device, in particular on a roller changing carriage.

[0150] Sensors for automated monitoring in accordance with the present invention on a roll storage device, on a mobile roll changing device or the like are not known to date, especially outside a rolling mill stand.

[0151] Preferably, one acoustic sensor and one temperature sensor are used per roller. Page 21 / 33

[0152] P81011WO

[0153] These sensor elements can be securely but releasably attached to the respective roller or to a bezel seat, for example by means of a magnet, thus enabling even the smallest noises on the roller to be reliably detected.

[0154] To ensure the surrounding area is reliably protected from chipping as described in the invention, it is advantageous if the device or the hood part thereof has a wall thickness of 4 mm or more, preferably 6 mm or more, and particularly preferably 8 mm or more. A wall thickness of 4 mm or less is advantageous to prevent the device from being too heavy.

[0155] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will also become apparent from the exemplary examples explained below.

[0156] The drawing shows:

[0157] Figure 1: schematically a perspective view of a device for spatially separating a used roller set from its surroundings;

[0158] Figures

[0159] 2A to 2E: schematically an exploded view of the device from Figure 1; and

[0160] Figure 3: schematically a view of the roller set from Figure 1, suspended from an overhead crane.

[0161] According to Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a device 1 for spatially separating a roller set 2 consisting of two rollers 2A and 2B for rolling a metal- Page 22 / 33

[0162] P81011WO shows rolled material (not shown) from an environment 4 in different representations, with the two rolls 2A and 2B including their mounting pieces 6 or roll bearing mounting pieces (numbered only as examples) being shown.

[0163] The two rollers 2A and 2B are work rollers which, when mounted in a rolling stand (not shown here), are in direct contact with the metallic rolling material to be rolled.

[0164] The roller set 2 is arranged with the mounting pieces 6 of the lower roller 2B on a mobile roller changing device 7 (not shown in detail here), wherein the mobile roller changing device 7 has a roller changing carriage (not separately numbered). For this purpose, the mobile roller changing device 7 has a receiving surface 7A, which in this embodiment is a simple receiving device (not again numbered) for receiving the roller set 2.

[0165] The present device 1 is designed as a sheet metal construction (not separately numbered) and is characterized in particular by a hood section 8 for enclosing the roller set 2, especially the two rollers 2A and 2B thereof, whereby the mounting pieces 6 remain outside, so that their accessibility is maintained safely despite the device 1 being installed. Thus, work on the mounting pieces 6 or the like is still possible, and particularly safe, despite the enclosure of the rollers 2A and 2B.

[0166] The device 1 has a cavity 10 into which the two rollers 2A and 2B can be placed so that they can be received by the cavity 10, this cavity 10 being essentially formed by the hood part 8. Page 23 / 33

[0167] P81011WO

[0168] The cavity 10 is opened in particular for the assembly and disassembly of the device 1 opposite the roller set 2 on the underside 8A of the hood part 8.

[0169] In this embodiment, the hood part 8 is designed by a top surface part 12 and two adjoining side surface parts 14 and 16 of the device 1, wherein two side surface parts 14 and 16 extend further away from the top surface part 12 and parallel to each other.

[0170] Therefore, the hood part 8 is U-shaped.

[0171] By means of the cavity 10 of the device 1 or . in particular the hood part 8 a protective space 10A or . in particular an acoustic space 10B can be designed on the device 1.

[0172] In this case, the protective chamber 10A and the acoustic chamber 10B are designed in such a way that the roller set 2 can be accommodated here and already well shielded from the environment 4.

[0173] In order to be able to observe, in particular automatically, the cooling and / or cracking behavior of the rollers 2A and 2B of the roller set 2 using data technology, the device 1 has a sensor device 18 with at least two sensor elements 18A, wherein the respective sensor element 18A is an acoustic sensor element (not again referred to).

[0174] The respective sensor element 18A or the acoustic sensor element is arranged within the cavity 10; namely, with direct contact to the ball surface of the respective rollers 2A, 2B.

[0175] The sensor device 18 is shown here arranged on the device 1 by way of example. Page 24 / 33

[0176] P81011WO

[0177] In order to communicate with a higher-level data processing system, such as a maintenance facility 20, the sensor device 18 has a corresponding data interface (not shown separately), which in this embodiment enables a wireless operational connection or data connection.

[0178] Furthermore, the upper surface part 12 is curved so that the device 1 or the hood part 8 can conform well to the circumferential curvature of the bale surface (not separately numbered) or roller surface.

[0179] Furthermore, the upper surface part 12 has fastening elements 22 (numbered only by way of example) for a lifting device 24 (see Figure 3), by means of which the device 1 can also be lifted and moved relative to the roll set 2, which is located, for example, directly on or in front of the rolling stand (not shown), or relative to the mobile roll changing device 7. The roll set 2 is already arranged on the mobile roll changing device 7.

[0180] As can be clearly seen from the illustration in Figures 2A to 2E, the device 1 for closing the underside 8A of the hood part 8 also has an underside surface part 26 and at least two front surface parts 30 and 32 for partially closing the end faces 28A and 28B of the hood part 8.

[0181] The underside surface part 26 is also designed to accommodate the at least one roller 2A, 2B, in particular corresponding with the top surface part 12. In this way, the removal of the installation pieces 6 is possible more safely.

[0182] In this embodiment, the two end-face parts 30 and 32 each additionally have a first surface element 34 (page 25 / 33).

[0183] P81011WO and a second surface element 36, so that end-face material recesses 38 (numbered only as examples) for the insertion of bearing journal elements (not shown) and / or lunette seats (also not shown) of the rollers 2A or 2B can be better closed.

[0184] The surface elements 34 and 36 can subsequently be inserted laterally, so that the end face surface parts 30 and 32 can be adapted in particular to the diameters of bearing journal elements and / or of steady rest seats of the rollers 2A and 2B in the area of ​​the end faces 28A and 28B, depending on how the device 1 is constructed.

[0185] It should also be mentioned here that a sensor element 18A can be attached cumulatively or alternatively, in particular, to such a bezel seat of the respective roller 2A and 2B, which also ensures good accessibility to the respective sensor element 18A.

[0186] Due to the additional sealing by means of the four surface elements 34, 36 (two each on OS (operator side) , and AS (drive side) ) the installation pieces 6 can be safely removed from the front face, protected against chipping.

[0187] To further stabilize the device 1, a support device 40 is provided, on which the hood part 8, in particular the top surface part 12 and / or the bottom surface part 26, can be supported, wherein the support device 40 is placed at the level of the roll gap of the roll set 2 when the device 1 is properly assembled, in particular between the steady rest seats on the drive side and operator side.

[0188] As shown in Figure 3, the roller set 2 is suspended from the lifting device 24, with lifting cables 24A (numbered for illustrative purposes only) attached to bearing journal elements of the rollers 2A and 2B. Page 26 / 33

[0189] P81011WO

[0190] By means of the device 1 described here, which can be attached to the mobile roller changing device 7A (roller changing carriage) placed directly in front of a rolling mill frame without external intervention by personnel, the risk of personal injury is avoided in particular.

[0191] Should the rollers 2A and 2B of the roller set 2 be transported upwards from the mobile roller changing device 7A using the lifting device 24, the entire device 1, in particular the hood part 8 thereof, can remain above the rollers 2A and 2B during the entire lifting operation, especially safely without further fall protection or the like.

[0192] In particular, the acoustic sensor element 18A can specifically measure the time of the “growth” of cracks during the cooling process on the ball surface of the rollers 2A or 2B, since the crack formation can be perceived acoustically.

[0193] After approximately 2 days at the latest, the cracking should be complete and the rollers 2A or 2B can usually be processed or disposed of safely, with any necessary but not excludable further safety precautions.

[0194] By means of the described device 1 or the sensor device 18, a system can be provided for protecting the surroundings from roller spalling on the one hand, and for observing and assessing the danger of such roller spalling on the other. Page 27 / 33

[0195] P81011WO

[0196] Reference symbol list

[0197] 1 Device for spatial separation

[0198] 2 roller set

[0199] 2A first roller or working roller

[0200] 2B second roller or working roller

[0201] 4 Environment

[0202] 6 mounting pieces or roller bearing mounting piece

[0203] 7 mobile roller changing unit

[0204] 7A Recording area

[0205] 8 Hood part

[0206] 8A Underside

[0207] 10 Cavity

[0208] 10A Shelter

[0209] 10B Acoustic Room

[0210] 12 Top surface part

[0211] 14 first side surface part

[0212] 16 second side surface part

[0213] 18 Sensor setup

[0214] 18A Sensor elements or acoustic sensor elements

[0215] 20 Data processing system or maintenance facility

[0216] 22 fasteners

[0217] 24 Lifting device

[0218] 24A Lifting ropes

[0219] 26 Underside surface part

[0220] 28A first end face

[0221] 28B second front

[0222] 30 first end face part

[0223] 32 second end face part

[0224] 34 first surface element, in particular insertable

[0225] 36 second surface element, in particular insertable

[0226] 38 front-facing material recesses

[0227] 40 support device

Claims

Page 28 / 33 P81011WO Patent claims 1. Device (1) for spatially separating at least one roller (2A, 2B) for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular at least two rollers (2A, 2B) which are spaced apart from each other by a roll gap, from an environment (4) with a hood part (8) for at least partially enclosing the at least one roller (2A, 2B), wherein the hood part (8) has a cavity (10) which is open on the underside (8A) of the hood part (8) for assembly and disassembly relative to the at least one roller (2A, 2B), wherein the device (1) has two end-face parts (30, 32) for partially closing the end faces (28A, 28B) of the hood part (8).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) has a sensor device (18) by means of which the at least one roller (2A, 2B) placed in the cavity (10) of the hood part (8) can be observed.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor device (18) has an acoustic sensor element (18A).

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensor device (18) has a data interface to a maintenance device (20).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device (1) has an acoustic chamber (10B) for acoustically observing a cooling behavior of the at least one roller (2A, 2B).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a top surface part (12) and two adjoining side surface parts (14, Page 29 / 33 P81011WO 16) which extend further away from the upper surface part (12).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the upper surface part (12) has a bearing surface on its side facing the cavity (10) for resting on a ball surface of the roller (2A, 2B).

8. Device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the upper surface part (12) is designed to be concave on its inner side facing the cavity (10).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the upper surface part (12) has fastening elements (22) for a lifting device (24).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device (1) for closing the underside (8A) of the hood part (8) has an underside surface part (26).

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the underside surface part (26) is designed to be concave on its inner side facing the cavity (10).

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the respective end face surface part (30, 32) has two or more surface elements (34, 36).

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 12, characterized in that a top surface part (12) of the hood part (8) and a bottom surface part (26) of the hood part (8) are arranged apart from each other by means of the two side surface parts (14, 16).

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the device (1) has a support device (40) on which the hood part (8), in particular the Page 30 / 33 P81011WO The upper surface part (12) and / or the lower surface part (26) are supported, wherein the support device (40) is arranged at the level of a roll gap between two opposing rolls (2A, 2B).

15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the hood part (8) has two end-face material recesses (38) for passing bearing journal elements / bezel seats of the at least one roller (2A, 2B).

16. System comprising a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims for spatially separating at least one roller (2A, 2B) from an environment (4) and a sensor device (18) with at least one sensor element (18A) for observing a cooling behavior and / or a crack formation behavior on the at least one roller (2A, 2B) .

17. Mobile roll changing device (7), in particular roll changing carriage, with a receiving device (7A) for receiving at least one roll (2A, 2B) for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular at least two rolls (2A, 2B) that can be spaced apart from each other by a roll gap, characterized in that the mobile roll changing device (7) has a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 for spatially separating the at least one roll (2A, 2B) from the environment (4).

18. Mobile roller changing device (7) according to claim 17, characterized by an acoustic chamber (10B) by means of which the at least one roller (2A, 2B) can be acoustically shielded from the environment (4).

19. Mobile roller changing device (7) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by a protective space (10A) for protecting the surroundings (4) from material chipping from at least one roller (2A, 2B). Page 31 / 33 P81011WO 20. Method for changing at least one roll (2A, 2B) for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular at least two rolls (2A, 2B) that can be spaced apart from each other by a roll gap, in which the at least one roll (2A, 2B) is at least partially enclosed after being removed from a rolling stand for spatial separation from the environment (4) by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 for spatial separation.

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one roller (2A, 2B) is placed in an acoustic room (10B) to observe the cooling behavior of its ball surface.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the at least one roller (2A, 2B) is moved into a protective space (10A) to protect the surroundings (4) from material flaking off the roller surface of the least one roller (2A, 2B).

23. Method according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the at least one roller (2A, 2B) is placed in a protective room (10A) and / or in an acoustic room (10B) after the at least one roller (2A, 2B) is transferred to a mobile roller changing device (7).

24. Use of a sensor (18A), in particular an acoustic sensor (18A), for the automated observation of the cooling and / or cracking behavior of at least one roller (2A, 2B) for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular a ball surface of the at least one roller (2A, 2B), on a device (1) for spatially separating the at least one roller (2A, 2B) from the roller environment (4), in particular on a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.

25. Use of a sensor (18A), in particular an acoustic sensor (18A), for automated monitoring of a cooling process Page 32 / 33 P81011WO hold at least one roller (2A, 2B) for rolling a metallic rolled material, in particular a ball surface of the at least one roller (2A, 2B) . -32-

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