Reel driver, in particular hot-strip reel driver, and method for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a reel driver

Abstract

The invention relates to a reel driver (1), in particular a hot-strip reel driver. The reel driver (1) comprises a driver stand (2); a driver rocker arm (3), the driver rocker arm (3) being mounted on the driver stand (2) so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis (4); and an upper drive roller (5) and a lower drive roller (6). The upper drive roller (5) and the lower drive roller (6) are mounted on the driver rocker arm (3), and the driver rocker arm (3) is designed to automatically release from the driver stand (2) and has in particular two pivot axle bearings (11) which are designed to automatically release from the driver stand (2).

Description

[0001] Page 1 / 33

[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH

[0003] Our reference number: P81000DE

[0004] March 24, 2025

[0005] Reel drivers, in particular hot strip reel drivers, and methods for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a reel driver.

[0006] The present invention relates to a coiler driver, in particular a hot strip coiler driver. The invention further relates to a method for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a coiler driver.

[0007] Coil drivers are used, for example, in steel processing in hot or cold rolling mills. A coil driver is used to redirect a hot or cold strip, for example made of steel, towards a coiler or to guide it to a coiler. A coiler is a technical device for winding and unwinding hot or cold strips, especially steel strips. In this respect, a coiler, or winding coiler, is used, for example, to wind a steel strip into a coil. A coil driver is also used to ensure the even distribution of tension on the strip between the finishing mill and a coiler.

[0008] To drive the tape, a reel driver typically has an upper and a lower drive roller, with the upper drive roller in contact with the top side of the tape and the lower drive roller with the underside. The lower drive roller is usually mounted on a driver stand and the upper drive roller on a pivoting driver arm. Both drive rollers are generally driven and thus ensure... Page 2 / 33

[0009] P81000DE for driving the strip. The frictional torque, i.e., the strip tension, places constant stress on the surfaces of the drive rollers, making them prone to excessive wear. Furthermore, a strip, especially hot-rolled strip, can adhere to a drive roller, further stressing its surface. A worn drive roller surface, in turn, leads to poor strip surface quality, as damage to the roller surface during torque application negatively impacts the surface of the hot-rolled strip. Therefore, drive rollers must be regularly repaired or replaced to prevent compromising strip quality.

[0010] Due to heavy wear, it may be necessary to repair, for example by regrinding, or replace a drive roller every four to six weeks. For this, the corresponding drive roller must be removed from the coiler, as working on it while installed is difficult due to limited accessibility and also poses a safety risk to the maintenance personnel. Therefore, the coiler, and consequently at least parts of the rolling mill, must be shut down or brought to a standstill for each drive roller replacement.

[0011] In the prior art, when a reel driver is stationary, maintenance personnel loosen numerous bolted connections between the driver stand and the driver arm, between the driver arm and the upper drive roller, and between the driver stand and the lower drive roller. Subsequently, a crane is used to first remove the driver arm along with the upper drive roller, and then the lower drive roller. Therefore, in the solutions known from the prior art, it is necessary for maintenance personnel to enter the danger zone of the reel driver and manually loosen numerous bolted connections. Furthermore, this procedure is time-consuming. Page 3 / 33

[0012] The P81000DE, and in particular the successive removal of the driver arm, upper drive roller, and lower drive roller, is not time-efficient. Such a removal or replacement process can, for example, take several hours.

[0013] A major disadvantage of the previously known procedure is that maintenance personnel must remain in the danger zone of the reel driver for an extended period. Even when shut down, a reel driver must be classified as a danger zone, as moving parts and highly heated components, such as the surface of the drive rollers, can cause serious injuries. Furthermore, the probability of an accident increases the longer maintenance personnel must remain in the danger zone. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the time that maintenance personnel must spend in the danger zone.

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a reel driver that enables a quick removal or replacement process of the drive rollers and by means of which the time in which maintenance personnel have to remain in the danger zone of the reel driver during a replacement process can be reduced.

[0015] The problems addressed by the present invention are solved by a reel driver having the features of claim 1 of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] In more detail, the problem underlying the present invention is solved by a reel driver, in particular a hot strip reel driver, comprising a driver stand, a driver arm, wherein the driver arm is pivotably arranged on the driver stand about a pivot axis, an upper drive roller and a lower drive roller, wherein the upper drive side 4 / 33

[0017] P81000DE roller and the lower drive roller are arranged on the driver arm and the driver arm is designed for automated release from the driver stand, and in particular has two pivot axis bearings which are designed for automated release from the driver stand.

[0018] A reel driver according to the invention has the advantage that the upper and lower drive rollers can be removed from the reel driver together. Therefore, when changing the drive rollers, only the driver arm needs to be detached from the driver stand and then removed. Since both drive rollers are arranged on the driver arm, they can be removed together with the driver arm. This eliminates, on the one hand, the need to loosen various screw connections, for example, a screw connection between the lower drive roller and the driver stand, and on the other hand, the need to sequentially remove the driver arm, upper drive roller, and lower drive roller individually. Sequential removal, in particular, lengthens the changeover process, as a crane required for this has to be moved several times and the crane hooks have to be connected to the respective components multiple times.

[0019] Furthermore, the reel driver according to the invention has the advantage that the driver arm can be automatically detached from the driver stand. Therefore, no connection between the pivot axis bearings and the driver stand needs to be manually disconnected, and the driver arm can be automatically detached from the driver stand. This is advantageous because, firstly, maintenance personnel do not have to enter the danger zone to manually disconnect the link, and secondly, because it reduces the duration of removal or replacement processes. Page 5 / 33

[0020] P81000DE A driver stand can, for example, serve as the base frame of the reel driver and be made of steel. In this respect, a driver stand can, for example, be located on the floor of a workshop or connected to a foundation provided for this purpose. A driver stand can, for example, have a receptacle at one end for the pivot bearings of the driver arm. Furthermore, a driver stand can, for example, include a recess or enclose a space into which the lower and upper drive rollers can be inserted. Additionally, a driver stand can include a substantially horizontal space through which a belt can pass.

[0021] A driver arm can be made of steel and include a pivot axis with two pivot bearings. The pivot bearings are also considered part of the driver arm. Essentially, a driver arm can be flat and polygonal or rectangular, with the pivot axis located at one end. The pivot axis can be a continuous axis, extending completely through the driver arm. Alternatively, the pivot axis can consist of just two stub axles on opposite sides of the driver arm. A driver arm can also, for example, comprise two arms connected by fasteners, thus forming the driver arm.A driver arm can also be designed as a type of frame, with the two driver arm wings and the connecting elements forming the frame. Preferably, a driver arm does not have a recess or U-shaped form into which an upper drive roller and / or a lower drive roller can be inserted, as such a design can impair the structural integrity of the driver arm. A driver arm can also have one or more connecting elements. (Page 6 / 33)

[0022] P81000DE have lifting eyes designed for connection to a crane hook.

[0023] The driver arm can have two pivot bearings. These pivot bearings support the pivot axis, allowing it to pivot. The pivot bearings can be connected to or mounted on the driver stand, so that the driver arm is pivotally mounted relative to the stand. The pivot bearings can be connected to the driver stand in such a way that they can be automatically disconnected. "Automatically disconnected" means that they can be detached from the driver stand without manual intervention by maintenance personnel. The key requirement is that the driver arm can be disconnected from the driver stand. For example, "automatically disconnected" could mean that the connection between the driver arm and the driver stand can be released by a control unit. This unit could, for instance, control servo motors to release the pivot bearings.It is also possible to use pneumatic or, in particular, hydraulic components instead of or in addition to servomotors. For example, clamping bolts with associated clamping cylinders can be arranged in the driver stand or in the swivel axis bearings, which interact with each other. A clamping cylinder can, for instance, have a hydraulic operating principle and automatically release or lock a clamping bolt, either by means of a control unit or by force. Locking can be achieved through either frictional or positive locking.

[0024] In other words, a variety of connecting devices are possible, which form an automatically detachable connection between the swivel axis bearing and the driver stand, and thus also between the driver arm and the driver stand. Page 7 / 33

[0025] P81000DE A drive roller can be made of steel and rotatable about an axis of rotation. An axis of rotation can be, for example, a continuous axle or formed by two opposing axle stubs. A drive roller can be, for example, solid or hollow. It is possible for a drive roller to have a wear layer. A wear layer can, for example, be welded on.

[0026] Generally, the drive roller is referred to as the upper drive roller, which, when installed, is positioned above the other drive roller and above the strip. The drive roller positioned below the other, upper drive roller and below the strip is correspondingly referred to as the lower drive roller. Thus, during operation of the coiler drive, the upper and lower drive rollers enclose the strip, for example, the hot-rolled strip, which is to be fed to the coiler. The upper drive roller can therefore be in contact with the top of the strip, and the lower drive roller with the underside. Although the drive rollers can be arranged "one above the other," they do not necessarily have to be positioned exactly one above the other. For example, it is possible for the drive rollers to be arranged with a horizontal offset from each other.In this context, "top" and "bottom" refer to the orientation of the respective component in relation to the hall floor or foundation. Positioning in relation to a belt refers to the position of a belt during operation.

[0027] The designs of the lower and upper drive rollers can differ. For example, the lower drive roller can be made of solid material, e.g., steel, with a welded-on wear layer, and the upper drive roller can be a hollow steel roller with a welded-on wear layer. In particular, the through-page 8 / 33

[0028] P81000DE The diameter of the upper and lower drive rollers may differ from each other, for example, the upper drive roller may have a significantly larger diameter than the lower drive roller.

[0029] The upper drive roller can be mounted on the driver arm, for example, by means of two drive roller bearings, each arranged at its end on its axis of rotation. The drive roller bearings can, for example, be mounted centrally on the underside of the driver arm, particularly on the underside of each driver arm wing. The drive roller bearings can be mounted on the driver arm, for example, by means of screws. In particular, the drive roller bearings can be detachably mounted on the driver arm.

[0030] The lower drive roller can be mounted on the driver arm, for example, by means of two drive roller bearings, each positioned at one end of its axis of rotation. In particular, the lower drive roller can be mounted indirectly on the driver arm. For example, the drive roller bearings of the lower drive roller can be mounted indirectly on the pivot bearings of the driver arm. "Indirectly" can mean, for example, that one or more components, such as a drive roller receptacle, connect the drive roller bearings to the driver arm or to the pivot bearings of the driver arm. The drive roller bearings can be mounted on the driver arm, for example, by means of screws. In particular, the drive roller bearings can be mounted on the driver arm in a detachable manner.

[0031] To enable the automated operation of various actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, hollow cylinders, or clamping cylinders, the reel driver can, for example, include a control unit. This control unit can be connected to the respective actuators and perform automated operation. Page 9 / 33

[0032] P81000DE control, for example, triggering the release of a clamping cylinder or the movement of a hydraulic cylinder.

[0033] In other words, the fact that the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller are arranged on the driver arm means that both drive rollers are attached to the driver arm in such a way that they can be removed together from the reel driver by removing the driver arm.

[0034] The driver arm may not have a drive roller receptacle that accommodates both the upper and lower drive rollers and is detachable from the driver arm. Alternatively or additionally, the upper drive roller may have two drive roller bearings, wherein the drive roller bearings of the upper drive roller are arranged directly on the driver arm, in particular screwed to the driver arm.

[0035] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the direct connection of the upper drive roller to the driver arm via the drive roller bearings results in exceptionally high stability of the driver arm. Furthermore, additional components, which would increase both the complexity and the overall weight of the reel driver, can be omitted.

[0036] A driver arm with a drive roller receptacle that accommodates both the lower and upper drive rollers and is detachably mounted on the driver arm may lack structural integrity. Furthermore, free oscillation of the driver arm is not possible. Therefore, a driver arm with a drive roller receptacle that accommodates both the upper and lower drive rollers is not sufficiently stable to adequately support both drive rollers. Consequently, such a drive roller receptacle must be mounted in a recess (page 10 / 33).

[0037] For example, the P81000DE has a U-shaped recess in the driver arm, which in turn supports the drive roller mount. However, such a recess compromises the structural integrity of the driver arm.

[0038] The reel driver can have at least two swivel cylinders arranged on the driver stand, wherein the swivel cylinders can be detachably and positively connected to the driver arm, wherein at least one swivel cylinder can be connected to the driver arm by means of a swivel cylinder bolt, in particular by means of a swivel cylinder bolt designed as a conical bolt, wherein in particular at least one swivel cylinder bolt can be displaceable by means of a hydraulic drive.

[0039] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the driver arm can be displaced, especially pivoted, by means of the pivot cylinders. These pivot cylinders can, for example, have a hydraulic operating principle and perform a translational displacement or extension. The pivot cylinders can be arranged, in particular, at the end of the driver arm opposite the pivot axis, so that the driver arm can be pivoted around the pivot axis of the driver arm by displacing a pivot cylinder. Therefore, the pivot cylinders can be displaceably or rotatably arranged on both the driver arm and the driver stand.

[0040] The connection between one, preferably all, swivel cylinders and the driver arm can be formed by means of a swivel cylinder bolt, in particular by means of a swivel cylinder bolt designed as a conical bolt. A swivel cylinder bolt serves to connect the respective swivel cylinder to the driver arm. For example, a swivel cylinder can have a swivel cylinder eyelet for this purpose (page 11 / 33).

[0041] P81000DE features a cylinder eye, also known as a cylinder eye, through which the swivel cylinder bolt is guided. A swivel cylinder bolt can, for example, be designed as a conical bolt.

[0042] It is possible for the swivel cylinder bolt to be repositioned by means of a hydraulic drive. Repositioning means, in particular, moving the swivel cylinder bolt in such a way that it can be inserted into or removed from the cylinder eye of the swivel cylinder. In other words, repositioning the swivel cylinder bolt means connecting and disconnecting the swivel cylinder and the drive arm. The hydraulic drive can, for example, be designed as a cylinder. To achieve a space-saving design, the hydraulic drive can, in particular, be designed as a hollow cylinder that encompasses the swivel cylinder bolt. The hydraulic drive can, in particular, be designed to automatically reposition the swivel cylinder bolt and thus establish or disconnect the connection. In this respect, the connection between the swivel cylinder and the drive arm can be automatically established or disconnected."Automatically releasable" means that the connections between the swivel cylinder and the driver arm can be released without manual release by maintenance personnel.

[0043] The driver arm can have two pivot axis bearings and the pivot axis bearings can each be detachably connected to the driver stand by means of at least one connecting element, wherein in particular at least one connecting element can be designed as a bolt, in particular mushroom head bolt, wherein in particular each bolt can be connected to a hydraulic clamping cylinder arranged on the driver stand.

[0044] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the connection between the pivot axis bearing and the driver stand, and thus the connection between the driver arm and the driver stand, can be disconnected. (See page 12 / 33.)

[0045] The design of the connecting element in the P81000DE, as a bolt or mushroom-head bolt, allows for quick and automated release of the connection, enabling the driver arm to be rapidly detached from the driver stand and removed from the reel driver. Furthermore, the integration of a hydraulic clamping cylinder allows for automated release of the connecting element, such as the mushroom-head bolt, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to manually release the connecting element to remove the driver arm from the reel driver.

[0046] For example, the connection between the clamping cylinder and the mushroom-head bolt can have a holding force of 270 kN. It is also possible that the mushroom-head bolt is located on the driver stand and the clamping cylinder on the driver arm.

[0047] The lower drive roller can be arranged on the driver arm by means of a drive roller receptacle, wherein the drive roller receptacle can comprise two opposing drive roller receptacle wings, each of which can be connected to a drive roller bearing of the lower drive roller.

[0048] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller can be attached to the driver arm.

[0049] A drive roller mount can, for example, be arranged on the driver arm such that it is attached to the pivot bearings of the driver arm, in particular by bolting. This ensures free oscillation of the driver arm. In this way, arranging the drive roller mount on the pivot bearings ensures that the driver arm, and thus the upper drive roller, can oscillate independently of the lower drive roller. It is also possible for the drive roller mount to be made of multiple parts. Page 13 / 33

[0050] P81000DE

[0051] Each drive roller receiving wing can be designed in multiple parts and comprise at least one connecting part and one receiving part, wherein the connecting part can be arranged on the driver arm and the receiving part can be connected to a drive roller bearing of the lower drive roller.

[0052] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the multi-part design allows for greater flexibility in the drive roller mounting, improving the positioning of the lower drive roller. Furthermore, a multi-part design of the drive roller mounting wings can be advantageous in downstream processes, such as maintenance.

[0053] The connecting part and the receiving part of a drive roller receiving wing can be connected to each other by means of a fixing means, wherein the connecting part and the receiving part can be rotated relative to each other about the fixing means, wherein in particular the fixing means can be displaced by means of a hydraulic drive.

[0054] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the multi-part design allows for greater flexibility in the drive roller mounting, improving the positioning of the lower drive roller. Furthermore, a multi-part design of the drive roller mounting wings with a rotating joint can be advantageous in downstream processes, such as maintenance.

[0055] Such a fixing device can, for example, be designed as a bolt or comprise a bolt that connects the connecting part and the receiving part in such a way that they are rotatable relative to each other. In this respect, the lower drive roller can pivot around the fixing device. This can be particularly useful on page 14 / 33.

[0056] P81000DE Removal of the driver arm may be advantageous for subsequent processes, such as maintenance, for example when removing the lower drive roller.

[0057] The connecting part and the receiving part of a drive roller mounting wing can be connected to each other by means of a connecting element, so that the connecting part and the receiving part are rotationally secured relative to each other. Alternatively, or in addition, the connecting part and the receiving part of a drive roller mounting wing can be connected to the drive arm by means of a fixing element, so that the drive arm is rotationally secured relative to the drive roller mounting wing.

[0058] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the drive roller holder can be secured against rotation with the driver arm. In other words, by fixing the fixing element, rotation of the driver arm around the pivot axis relative to the drive roller holder can be prevented. Fixing the connecting part and the receiving part of a drive roller holder wing creates a rigid drive roller holder wing. This allows for simplified removal of the driver arm, including the drive roller holder, from the reel driver.

[0059] The connecting element can, for example, be designed as a bolt or comprise a bolt that can be inserted into a receptacle on the connecting part and the receiving part, thus joining the two parts. Together with the fixing element, the connecting element, when installed, ensures that the two parts are no longer rotatable.

[0060] The upper drive roller cannot be located on the drive roller mount, and / or the upper drive roller can be located on a component other than the drive roller mount. Page 15 / 33

[0061] P81000DE A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the upper and lower drive rollers are not arranged on the same mounting. Therefore, the corresponding mounting does not need to be designed to accommodate both drive rollers.

[0062] The reel driver can include an inlet soapy guide table, wherein the inlet soapy guide table can in particular be designed in multiple parts and at least one part of the inlet soapy guide table can be arranged at the drive roller receptacle.

[0063] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the inlet soapy guide table does not have to be pivoted or swung away when removing the lower drive roller, but rather can be removed from the reel driver together with the lower drive roller.

[0064] A guide table is understood, for example, to be a component in a reel driver that serves to guide the strip in a targeted and controlled manner to the drive rollers or the reel. "Infeed side" in this context means that the guide table is arranged in front of the drive rollers in the direction of the strip's movement. The section of the infeed guide table located at the drive roller mount can, for example, be arranged parallel to the lower drive roller and attached to both drive roller mount wings. It is also possible that another section of the infeed guide table is located on the driver stand and remains attached to the driver stand when the drive roller mount is removed from the reel driver.

[0065] The reel driver can include a soapy discharge guide table, wherein the soapy discharge guide table, in particular page 16 / 33

[0066] The P81000DE can be pivotably mounted on the driver stand using a hydraulic cylinder.

[0067] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the soapy guide table can be pivoted or swung away when the lower drive roller is removed. Furthermore, when the lower drive roller is reinserted, the soapy guide table can be swung back to its preset position relative to the lower drive roller.

[0068] A guide table, for example, is a component in a reel driver that serves to guide the strip in a targeted and controlled manner to the drive rollers or the reel. "Outfeed side" in this context means that the guide table is located downstream of the drive rollers in the direction of the strip's movement. The outfeed guide table can be pivotally mounted on the driver stand about a pivot axis. Furthermore, at least one hydraulic cylinder can be mounted on the outfeed guide table to pivot it. Therefore, the hydraulic cylinder can be located on the outfeed guide table on one side and on the driver stand on the other. The hydraulic driver can be designed to automatically pivot the outfeed guide table away from the lower drive roller and also automatically pivot or position it towards the lower drive roller.The gap between the lower drive roller and the guide table can be a few millimeters, for example 1 mm - 2 mm.

[0069] The driver stand can at least have an insertion aid.

[0070] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the insertion aids help to guide the driver arm, the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller when reinserting them after removal and to position them accordingly. Page 17 / 33

[0071] P81000DE to guide the correct position. Therefore, insertion aids can be made of steel and coated with plastic, for example. Insertion aids can be provided for the driver arm, especially the swivel axis bearings, but also for the upper or lower drive roller. It is also possible that insertion aids are provided, for example, for hydraulic cylinders or for the swivel cylinders.

[0072] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a method for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a reel driver according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0073] 51 Lifting the driver arm from the driver stand,

[0074] 52. Removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller from the driver swing arm.

[0075] This method offers the particular advantage that the upper and lower drive rollers can be removed from the reel driver together. Therefore, when removing or replacing the drive rollers, only the driver arm needs to be detached from the driver stand and then removed. Since both drive rollers are mounted on the driver arm, they can be removed together with the arm. This eliminates the need to loosen various screw connections, such as the one between the lower drive roller and the driver stand, as well as the sequential, individual removal of the driver arm, upper drive roller, and lower drive roller. Instead, the driver arm can be removed along with both the upper and lower drive rollers. Sequential removal, in particular, prolongs the removal or replacement process.Changeover process, as a crane required for this must be moved several times - page 18 / 33.

[0076] P81000DE must be connected to the respective components multiple times.

[0077] The process may also include the following step:

[0078] SO Detaching the pivot axis from the driver stand, in particular detaching the connecting elements of the pivot axis bearings from the driver stand, so that the pivot axis is no longer connected to the driver stand.

[0079] This type of design offers the particular advantage that the driver arm can be automatically detached from the driver stand. Therefore, no connection between the pivot bearings and the driver stand needs to be manually disconnected, and the driver arm can be automatically detached from the driver stand. This is advantageous because maintenance personnel do not need to enter the danger zone to manually disconnect the link, and it also reduces the duration of removal and replacement processes.

[0080] The process may further include one or more of the following steps:

[0081] SOa Loosening the swivel cylinder bolts so that the swivel cylinders are no longer connected to the driver arm,

[0082] SOb relocating the fixing means so that the connecting part and the receiving part of the respective drive roller mounting wing are connected to the driver arm in such a way that the driver arm is rotationally secured against the drive roller mounting wing,

[0083] SOc pivoting of the outflow soapy guide table so that the lower drive roller can be removed past the outflow soapy guide table.

[0084] Such a method has the particular advantage that the various connection points of the driver page 19 / 33

[0085] The P81000DE swing arm can be opened automatically along with the components of the reel driver. The driver swing arm can therefore be automatically removed from the reel driver. This eliminates the need to manually disconnect the connection between the pivot bearings and the driver stand, or between the pivot cylinder and the driver swing arm. Instead, the driver swing arm can be automatically detached from the driver stand. This is advantageous because it eliminates the need for maintenance personnel to enter the danger zone to manually disconnect the link, and it also reduces the duration of removal and replacement processes.

[0086] Furthermore, by fixing the fixing device of the drive roller mount, the position of the lower drive roller relative to the upper drive roller and relative to the driver arm can be fixed, making it easier to remove from the reel driver.

[0087] Furthermore, the lower drive roller can be more easily removed from the reel driver if the soapy discharge guide table is pivoted or swung away. Since the gap between the soapy discharge guide table and the lower drive roller is very small during use according to the invention, pivoting the soapy discharge guide table away prevents collisions and thus damage.

[0088] After servicing the drive rollers, the aforementioned steps can be carried out in reverse order when reinstalling the driver arm and the drive rollers.

[0089] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0090] Specifically, see: Page 20 / 33

[0091] P81000DE Figure 1: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reel driver according to the invention,

[0092] Figure 2A: a first stage of an exemplary process for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of the reel driver ,

[0093] Figure 2B: a second process stage in an exemplary process for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of the reel driver,

[0094] Figure 3: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a pivot axis bearing,

[0095] Figure 4: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a swivel cylinder,

[0096] Figure 5: an embodiment of a drive roller mount,

[0097] Figure 6: a section view of a partial embodiment of a reel driver.

[0098] In the following description, identical reference numerals denote identical components or identical features, so that a description given for a component in relation to one figure also applies to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive descriptions. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0099] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reel driver according to the invention. Page 21 / 33

[0100] P81000DE The reel driver 1 comprises a driver stand 2 and a driver arm 3, wherein the driver arm 3 is pivotably arranged on the driver stand 2 about a pivot axis 4.

[0101] Furthermore, the reel driver 1 comprises an upper drive roller 5 and a lower drive roller 6, although the lower drive roller 6 is obscured by the driver stand 2 in the view shown in Figure 1 and is therefore not visible. The upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6 are arranged on the driver arm 3, and the driver arm 3 has two pivot bearings 11, which are designed for automated release from the driver stand 2. The pivot bearings 11 are also considered part of the driver arm 3.

[0102] The driver arm 3 is essentially flat and polygonal or rectangular, with the pivot axis 4 located at one end of the driver arm 3. The driver arm 3 has no recess or U-shaped recess into which the upper drive roller 5 and / or the lower drive roller 6 can be inserted. Furthermore, the driver arm 3 includes one or more connecting lugs 14, which are designed for connection to a crane hook (not shown). The driver arm 3 can be picked up by a crane (not shown) at these connecting lugs 14 and lifted out of the reel driver 1.

[0103] The upper drive roller 5 is mounted on the driver arm 3 by means of two drive roller bearings 8, each arranged at its end on its axis of rotation 7. More precisely, the drive roller bearings 8 are each arranged centrally on the underside of the driver arm 3. The drive roller bearings 3 are detachably mounted directly to the driver arm 3 by means of screws 8.1.

[0104] The lower drive roller 6 is connected to the driver arm 3, in particular to the drive roller receptacle 12, by means of two drive roller bearings 10 arranged at each end on its axis of rotation 9 - page 22 / 33

[0105] P81000DE is arranged. Furthermore, the lower drive roller 6 is also arranged on the driver stand 3 when installed; in particular, the drive roller bearings 10 are arranged on the driver stand 3. Therefore, the drive roller bearings 10 can, for example, be arranged in a bearing receptacle of the driver stand 3 or be inserted into such a receptacle. To avoid double fits, an elongated hole can, for example, be provided. The drive roller bearings 10, and thus the lower drive roller 6, are indirectly arranged on the pivot axis bearings 11 of the driver arm 3. Indirectly means that a drive roller receptacle 12 connects the drive roller bearings 10 to the driver arm 3 or to the pivot axis bearings 11 of the driver arm 3. The drive roller receptacle 12 only accommodates the lower drive roller 6, but not the upper drive roller 5. In other words, the upper drive roller 5 is arranged on a component that differs from the drive roller receptacle 12.

[0106] The driver stand 2 is connected to a foundation 13 provided for this purpose. Furthermore, the driver stand 2 has several insertion aids 16 on its upper surface. These insertion aids 16 are designed such that they have a further opening on their upper surface for receiving the driver arm 3 and are narrower on their underside so that they guide the driver arm 3 into its predetermined position. In other words, the insertion aids 16 catch the driver arm 3 during assembly and guide it into its predetermined position.

[0107] The reel driver 1 also has two swivel cylinders 15 arranged on the driver stand 2, which are detachably and positively connected to the driver arm 3. The driver arm 3 can be displaced or pivoted by means of the swivel cylinders 15. The swivel cylinders 15 operate on a hydraulic principle and are arranged at the end of the driver arm 3 opposite the pivot axis 4, so that the driver arm 3 can be moved by the swivel cylinders 15 (page 23 / 33).

[0108] The P81000DE pivots around the pivot axis 4. Therefore, the pivot cylinders 15 are rotatably arranged on both the driver arm 3 and the driver stand 2.

[0109] Figures 2A and 2B show the reel driver 1 shown in Figure 1 in two different process stages in an exemplary process for removing the upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6 of the reel driver 1.

[0110] In Fig. 2A, a crane (not shown) with a driver arm receptacle 17 is connected to the driver arm 3 via four chains 17.1 and a connecting eye 14 on each chain. Before the driver arm 3 can be lifted from the driver stand 2 and the upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6 removed from the driver arm 3 in a subsequent step, the pivot bearings 11 must first be loosened from the driver stand 2. The pivot cylinder bolts 20 must also be loosened. Advantageously, the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 of the drive roller receptacle wings 23 can be connected to the driver arm 3 by means of a fixing element 26 on each side, so that the driver arm 3 is rotationally secured relative to the drive roller receptacle wings 23.

[0111] Fig. 2B shows the lifting of the driver arm 3 from the driver stand 2, illustrating that when the driver arm 3 is lifted, the upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6, which is attached to the driver arm 3 by means of the drive roller receptacle 12, are also lifted out of the driver stand 2. The driver arm 3 can then be placed, for example, on a suitable support (not shown), and the upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6 can be removed from the driver arm 3. Page 24 / 33

[0112] Figure 3 of Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a pivot bearing 11 in a sectional view. The pivot bearing 11 is detachably connected to the driver stand 2 by means of two connecting elements 18. In the state shown in Figure 3, the connecting elements 18 are fixedly connected. The connecting elements 18 are designed as mushroom-head bolts and each is connected to a hydraulic clamping cylinder 19 arranged on the driver stand 2. The hydraulic clamping cylinders 19 can automatically lock or release the connecting elements 18. The connection between the pivot bearing 11 and the driver stand 2, and thus the connection between the driver arm 3 and the driver stand 2, can therefore be quickly and automatically released. It is also possible for the connecting elements 18, i.e., the mushroom-head bolts, to be arranged on the driver stand 2 and the clamping cylinders 19 on the driver arm 3.

[0113] Fig. 4 shows a swivel cylinder 15 with a swivel cylinder bolt 20. The swivel cylinder 15 projects into a section of the driver arm 3 with a swivel cylinder eyelet 21, also referred to as the cylinder eye, and is connected to the driver arm 3 by means of the swivel cylinder bolt 20, which is designed as a conical bolt. The swivel cylinder bolt 20 thus serves to positively connect the swivel cylinder 15 to the driver arm 3. The swivel cylinder bolt 20 can be displaced by means of a hydraulic actuator 22. Displacement in this context means that the swivel cylinder bolt 20 can be inserted into or removed from the swivel cylinder eyelet 21. In other words, displacing the swivel cylinder bolt 20 means connecting and disconnecting the swivel cylinder 15 and the driver arm 3. The hydraulic actuator 22 is designed as a hollow cylinder that encompasses the swivel cylinder bolt 20.The hydraulic drive 22 can be configured in particular to automatically reposition the swivel cylinder bolt 20 and thus establish or release the connection. Page 25 / 33.

[0114] P81000DE Therefore, the connection between swivel cylinder 15 and driver arm 3 can be automatically disconnected or established.

[0115] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a drive roller receptacle 12. The lower drive roller 6 (not shown) can be arranged on the driver arm 3 by means of the drive roller receptacle 12. The drive roller receptacle 12 comprises two opposing drive roller receptacle wings 23, each with a [missing information] as shown in Fig.

[0116] 5 not shown, drive roller bearings 10 of the lower drive roller 6 can be connected.

[0117] Each drive roller mounting wing 23 is formed in multiple parts, comprising a connecting part 24 and a receiving part 25. The connecting part 24 can be arranged on the drive arm 3, for example, at the pivot bearings 11, and the receiving part 25 can be connected to a drive roller bearing 10 of the lower drive roller 6. The connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 of both drive roller mounting wings 23 are connected to each other by means of a fixing element 26. Furthermore, the drive roller mounting wing 23 can be connected to the drive arm 3 by means of the fixing element 26, so that the drive arm 3 is rotationally secured relative to the drive roller mounting wing 23, i.e., it can no longer rotate.

[0118] Furthermore, the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 of the two drive roller receiving wings 23 are each connected to one another by means of a connecting element 27, so that the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 can no longer be rotated relative to each other about the fixing element 26. The connecting element 27 is inserted here and therefore not shown in its entirety. The fixing elements 26 can each be repositioned by means of a hydraulic drive 28. Together with the fixing element 26, the connecting element 27, when inserted into the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25, ensures that the two parts can no longer be rotated relative to each other. (See also page 26 / 33.)

[0119] P81000DE The fixing device 26 advantageously connects the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 of the respective drive roller mounting wing 23 to the driver arm 3, so that the driver arm 3 cannot rotate relative to the drive roller mounting 12. A fixing device 26 can be used automatically by means of the associated hydraulic cylinder 28, so that the two parts 24, 25 can be connected automatically, or the respective drive roller mounting wing 23 can be connected to the driver arm automatically and / or secured against rotation.

[0120] Furthermore, a section of the soapy guide table 29 is arranged at the drive roller receptacle 12.

[0121] Fig. 6 shows a section of an embodiment of a reel driver 1. In particular, Fig. 6 shows that the inlet soapy guide table 29 is made up of several parts, with one section being arranged at the drive roller receptacle 12. The reel driver 1 also includes an outlet soapy guide table 30, which is pivotably mounted on the driver stand 2 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 31. Page 27 / 33

[0122] P81000DE Reference Mark List

[0123] 1. Reel driver

[0124] 2. Driver stand

[0125] 3. Driver swing arm

[0126] 4. Swivel axis (of the driver arm)

[0127] 5. upper drive roller

[0128] 6. lower drive roller

[0129] 7. Pivot axis of the upper drive roller

[0130] 8. Drive roller bearing (of the upper drive roller)

[0131] 8.1. Screws (of the drive roller bearings)

[0132] 9. Axis of rotation of the lower drive roller

[0133] 10. Drive roller bearing (of the lower drive roller)

[0134] 11. Swivel axis bearing

[0135] 12. Drive roller mount

[0136] 13. Foundation

[0137] 14. Connecting lugs (of the driver arm)

[0138] 15. Swivel cylinder

[0139] 16. Insertion aids

[0140] 17. Driver vibration mount

[0141] 17.1 Chains (of the driver swingarm mount)

[0142] 18. Connecting element (of the swivel axis bearing)

[0143] 19. Clamping cylinder (for connection to the swivel axis bearings) 20. Swivel cylinder bolt

[0144] 21. Swivel cylinder eyelet

[0145] 22. Hydraulic drive (of the swivel cylinder bolt)

[0146] 23. Drive roller mounting wing

[0147] 24. Connecting part

[0148] 25. Recording section

[0149] 26. Fixative

[0150] 27. Fasteners

[0151] 28. Hydraulic drive (of the fixing device)

[0152] 29. Inlet-side guide table

[0153] 30. Outlet-side guide table

[0154] 31. Hydraulic cylinder (of the soapy guide table outlet)

Claims

Page 28 / 33 Applicant: SMS group GmbH Our reference number: P81000DE Patent claims 1. Reel driver ( 1 ) , in particular hot strip reel driver, comprising: a driver stand (2 ) , a driver arm (3) , wherein the driver arm (3) is pivotably arranged about a pivot axis (4) on the driver stand (2 ), an upper drive roller (5) and a lower drive roller ( 6) , where the upper drive roller (5) and the lower drive roller (6) are arranged on the driver arm (3), and wherein the driver arm (3) is designed for automated release from the driver stand (2), and in particular has two pivot axis bearings (11) which are designed for automated release from the driver stand (2).

2. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: the driver arm (3) does not have a drive roller receptacle which on the one hand receives the upper drive roller (5) and the lower drive roller ( 6) and on the other hand is designed to be detachable from the driver arm (3), and / or The upper drive roller (5) has two drive roller bearings (8), wherein the drive roller bearings (8) of the upper drive roller (5) are arranged directly on the driver arm (3), in particular screwed to the driver arm (3). Page 29 / 33 P81000DE 3. Reel driver (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: the reel driver (1) has at least two pivot cylinders (15) arranged on the driver stand (2). The pivot cylinders (15) are detachably and positively connected to the driver arm (3), wherein at least one pivot cylinder (15) is connected to the driver arm (3) by means of a pivot cylinder bolt (20), in particular by means of a pivot cylinder bolt (20) designed as a conical bolt, wherein in particular at least one pivot cylinder bolt ( 20 ) can be displaced by means of a hydraulic drive ( 22 ).

4. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by the following features: the driver arm ( 3 ) has two pivot axis bearings ( 11 ), The pivot axis bearings (11) are each detachably connected to the driver stand (2) by means of at least one connecting element (18), wherein in particular at least one connecting element (18) is designed as a bolt, in particular mushroom head bolt, wherein in particular Each bolt can be connected to a hydraulic clamping cylinder (19) arranged on the driver stand (2).

5. Reel driver (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: the lower drive roller (6) is arranged on the driver arm (3) by means of a drive roller receptacle (12), wherein page 30 / 33 P81000DE the drive roller receptacle ( 12 ) comprises two opposing drive roller receptacle wings (23) which are each connected to a drive roller bearing ( 10) of the lower drive roller ( 6).

6. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the following features: Each drive roller receiving wing (23) is designed in multiple parts and comprises at least one connecting part (24) and a receiving part (25), wherein the connecting part (24) is arranged on the driver rocker arm (3) and the receiving part (25) is connected to a drive roller bearing (10) of the lower drive roller (6).

7. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the following features: The connecting part (24) and the receiving part (25) of a drive roller receiving wing (23) can be connected to each other by means of a fixing means (26), wherein the connecting part (24) and the receiving part (25) are rotatable relative to each other about the fixing means (26), wherein in particular the fixing agent (26) can be moved by means of a hydraulic drive (28).

8. Reel driver (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: the connecting part (24) and the receiving part (25) of a drive roller receiving wing (23) are connectable to each other by means of a connecting means (27) such that the connecting part (24) and the receiving part (25) are rotationally secured to each other, and / or the connecting part (24) and the receiving part (25) of a drive roller receiving wing (23) are connected by means of the page 31 / 33 P81000DE fixing means ( 26 ) can be connected to the driver arm ( 3 ) so that the driver arm ( 3 ) is rotationally secured against the drive roller receiving wing ( 23 ).

9. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 5 to 8 , characterized by at least one of the following features: the upper drive roller ( 5 ) is not arranged on the drive roller receptacle ( 12 ), and / or the upper drive roller ( 5 ) is arranged on a component that differs from the drive roller receptacle ( 12 ).

10. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 5 to 9 , characterized by the following features: the reel driver ( 1 ) comprises a single-run soapy guide table ( 29 ) , wherein the inlet soapy guide table ( 29 ) is in particular designed in multiple parts and at least a part of the inlet soapy guide table ( 29 ) is arranged on the drive roller receptacle ( 12 ).

11. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , characterized by the following features: the reel driver ( 1 ) comprises a discharge soapy guide table ( 30 ) , wherein the outflow soapy guide table ( 30 ) is pivotably arranged on the driver stand ( 2 ) in particular by means of a hydraulic cylinder ( 31 ).

12. Reel driver (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: the driver stand (2) has at least one insertion aid (16). Page 32 / 33 P81000DE 13. Method for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: 51 Lifting the driver arm (3) out of the driver stand (2) , 52 Remove the upper drive roller (5) and the lower drive roller (6) from the driver arm (3) .

14. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises the following step: SO loosening the pivot axis (4 ) from the driver stand (2 ), in particular loosening the connecting elements ( 18 ) of the pivot axis bearings ( 11 ) from the driver stand (2 ), so that the pivot axis (4 ) is no longer connected to the driver stand (2 ).

15. Method according to at least one of claims 13 and 14, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the following steps: SOa Loosening the swivel cylinder bolts (20) so that the swivel cylinders (15) are no longer connected to the driver arm (3), SOb relocating the fixing means (26) , so that the connecting part (24 ) and the receiving part (25) of the respective drive roller receiving wing (23) are connected to the driver arm (3) in such a way that the driver arm (3) is rotationally secured against the drive roller receiving wing (23), SOc pivoting of the discharge soapy guide table (30) so that the lower drive roller (6) can be removed past the discharge soapy guide table (30).

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