Reel driver, method for coupling at least one drive roller and at least one articulated shaft of a reel driver and method for decoupling same, and rolling mill
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/058166
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-24
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2026058166_01102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Page 1 / 43
[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH
[0003] Our reference number: P81008WO
[0004] March 18, 2026
[0005] Reel driver, method for decoupling and method for coupling at least one drive roller and at least one cardan shaft of a reel driver and rolling mill.
[0006] The present invention relates to a reel driver, a method for decoupling and a method for coupling at least one drive roller and at least one cardan shaft of a reel driver and a rolling mill.
[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 strip, 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 strip and the lower drive roller with the underside. The upper and lower drive rollers are usually mounted on a drive roller frame. The two drive rollers are driven by a drive roller mechanism, thus ensuring the forward motion. (Page 2 / 43)
[0009] P81008WO belt drive. To compensate for horizontal and / or vertical misalignment between the drive rollers and the drive roller drive, cardan shafts are sometimes used. The frictional torque applied to the belt, i.e., the belt tension, places constant stress on the surfaces of the drive rollers, making them prone to excessive wear. Furthermore, a belt, especially a hot-rolled strip, can adhere to a drive roller, further stressing its surface. A defective surface on the drive rollers, in turn, leads to poor belt surface quality, as damage to the roller surface during torque application negatively impacts the belt surface. Therefore, a drive roller must be regularly repaired or replaced to prevent compromising belt 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 a number of connections, such as bolted connections, between the drive rollers and the drive shafts and decouple the drive shafts from the drive rollers. Subsequently, the upper and lower drive rollers are removed from the reel driver for maintenance using a crane. 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... (Page 3 / 43)
[0012] The P81008WO releases a multitude of connections to decouple the drive rollers from the drive roller assembly or the drive shafts. The coupling and decoupling process is performed entirely manually. Furthermore, its use is time-consuming. The entire 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 fast coupling and decoupling process of the drive rollers and cardan shafts and by means of which the time in which maintenance personnel have to remain in the danger zone of the reel driver during a coupling 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] More precisely, the problem underlying the present invention is solved by a reel driver, in particular a hot strip reel driver, comprising: an upper drive roller and Page 4 / 43
[0017] P81008WO a lower drive roller, a drive roller frame, a drive roller drive, two telescopic cardan shafts and a coupling unit, wherein the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller are rotatably arranged on the drive roller frame, each drive roller is detachably connectable to a cardan shaft by means of a connection system and each cardan shaft is connected to the drive roller drive, and wherein the coupling unit is designed to couple and uncouple each cardan shaft with its associated drive roller, in particular automatically.
[0018] A reel driver according to the invention has the advantage that it enables a rapid coupling and decoupling process of the drive rollers and drive shafts. This reduces the time maintenance personnel need to spend in the danger zone of the reel driver during a coupling process. Furthermore, the upper and lower drive rollers can be coupled or uncoupled together with the drive roller assembly. "Together" in this context means that this can be performed in a single movement or continuous process using the coupling unit for both drive rollers. Therefore, redundancy in the displacement movements of the coupling unit is eliminated.
[0019] Furthermore, the reel driver according to the invention has the advantage that the drive rollers can be automatically coupled and uncoupled from the drive shafts. Therefore, no connection between the drive rollers and the drive shafts, or any connection system, needs to be manually disconnected, and the drive shafts can be automatically detached from the drive rollers. This is advantageous because maintenance personnel do not have to enter the danger zone, and it also reduces the duration of removal and replacement processes. Page 5 / 43
[0020] P81008WO A drive roller frame can, for example, serve as the base frame of the reel driver and be made of steel. In this respect, a drive roller frame can, for example, be located on the floor of a workshop and / or connected to a foundation provided for this purpose. A drive roller frame can, for example, include a pivoting driver arm. Furthermore, a drive roller frame can, for example, include a recess or enclose a space in which the lower drive roller and the upper drive roller can be arranged. Additionally, a drive roller frame can include a substantially horizontal space through which a belt, in particular a metal belt, can pass.
[0021] A drive roller can be made of steel and be rotatable about an axis of rotation. This 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. This wear layer can, for example, be welded on.
[0022] Generally, the drive roller is referred to as the upper drive roller, which is positioned above the other drive roller and above the strip during operation. 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 reel driver, the upper and lower drive rollers encircle the strip, for example, the hot-rolled strip, which is to be fed to a reel. 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. Therefore, for example, it is possible that the drive rollers are positioned on page 6 / 43
[0023] The P81008WO rollers are arranged in a horizontal offset from each other. Here, "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.
[0024] 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 diameters of the upper and lower drive rollers can differ, with the upper drive roller, for example, having a larger diameter than the lower drive roller.
[0025] The upper and lower drive rollers can be rotatably mounted on the drive roller frame, for example on the driver arm, by means of two drive roller bearings arranged at their respective ends on their axes of rotation. Rotatable in this context means able to rotate or turn around its own axis of rotation. The drive roller bearings can be attached to the drive roller frame, for example, by means of screws. Alternatively or additionally, the drive roller bearings can be positively engaged with the drive roller frame, so that they are positively locked to the frame. In particular, the drive roller bearings can be detachably mounted to the drive roller frame.
[0026] A drive roller assembly is used to power one or more drive rollers. A drive roller assembly can have one or more motors to drive the drive rollers. If there are multiple motors, they do not have to be housed in a common casing, but can also be arranged separately at a distance from each other. Such a motor can be, for example, [page 7 / 43]
[0027] P81008WO can be designed as an electric motor. A drive roller drive can also include one or more gearboxes. A gearbox can, for example, be designed as a spur gear drive. A drive roller drive can be designed for maximum torques up to, for example, 150 kNm. It is possible that the lower and upper drive rollers are driven with different torques, for which, for example, different motors can be used. In the context of this application, the term "drive roller drive" therefore also refers to embodiments that include multiple motors.
[0028] A telescopic driveshaft is used, for example, to transmit torque between two shafts whose distance can change during or outside of operation. A telescopic driveshaft can, for instance, comprise an outer and an inner shaft that slide into one another to accommodate changes in length or distance. One or more joints at the ends of the driveshaft enable torque transmission even with axial misalignment or angular differences. Due to its telescoping capability and ability to compensate for axial misalignment, a telescopic driveshaft can be used in variable drive situations and compensate for displacements in the coupling systems. In this respect, a telescopic driveshaft can compensate for the misalignment that occurs when the coupling unit releases the driveshaft's coupling system and decouples the driveshaft from the drive wheel.
[0029] A connecting system serves to connect a drive roller, in particular the pivot axis of a drive roller, and a driveshaft. In this respect, the drive roller and driveshaft can be connected by means of a connecting system in such a way that torque can be transmitted from the driveshaft to the drive roller. Furthermore, a connecting system can also create an axial locking mechanism, so that the drive roller and the driveshaft (page 8 / 43)
[0030] The P81008WO shaft cannot be axially separated from each other during the transmission of torque. A torque can be transmitted, for example, by means of a positive-locking connection. Force-locking connections or combinations of force-locking and positive-locking connections are also conceivable. In this respect, a connection system can, for example, be designed with multiple links. Such a multi-link connection system can, for example, be positively connected, with the links interlocking.
[0031] A coupling unit can essentially serve to couple or decouple one or more drive rollers from a driveshaft. Therefore, a coupling unit can, for example, release a connection system and thus decouple the corresponding drive roller from its associated driveshaft. For instance, a coupling unit can hold and relocate a driveshaft, or at least a portion thereof. For example, a coupling unit can hold a driveshaft and move it away from the drive roller, for example, axially. This can be understood as "pulling" the driveshaft off the drive roller, thereby releasing the connection between the two components established by the connection system. This process would accordingly be decoupling. A coupling unit can also be designed to perform the opposite process, namely coupling.During coupling, a coupling unit can, for example, accommodate a driveshaft, initially position it coaxially with the drive roller or the drive roller's axis of rotation (i.e., displace it radially with respect to the axis of rotation), and then displace it axially so that the drive roller and the driveshaft are connected by means of the appropriate connection system. This process can also be described as "sliding on" or "plugging in." Therefore, a coupling unit can incorporate various actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders. Page 9 / 43.
[0032] P81008WO
[0033] Automated operation means, in particular, that the entire coupling and uncoupling process can be carried out in such a way that no human operator or maintenance personnel need to enter the danger zone of the reel driver. Instead, the process is performed by various actuators without requiring any manual intervention. For example, the coupling unit can be moved automatically. Furthermore, a connection system can be automatically connected or disconnected. To enable the automated operation of various actuators, such as hydraulic 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 trigger automated control actions, such as releasing a clamping cylinder or moving a hydraulic cylinder.
[0034] Each connection system can be designed in two parts, with a first connection system part being arranged on the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller and a second connection system part being arranged on the corresponding drive shaft. Furthermore, the connection system parts can form a positive-locking connection when coupled, allowing torque to be transmitted from the drive shaft to the axis of rotation. Additionally, one connection system part can be designed as a flat pin and the other as a flat pin receptacle.
[0035] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that coupling and decoupling of a drive roller and its associated drive shaft can be carried out automatically. In particular, the two-part design of the connection system allows the drive roller and the drive shaft to be configured in such a way that they can be connected by simply "inserting" them, i.e., by axially displacing the two coaxially aligned components. (Page 10 / 43)
[0036] P81008WO connection system parts to each other, a connection and thus a transmission of torque can be established.
[0037] A design featuring a flat pin and a flat pin receptacle, also known as a flat pin connection, is characterized by particularly high fatigue strength. Furthermore, a flat pin allows for simple insertion. In this respect, a flat pin solution is significantly more robust than, for example, a splined shaft-hub connection. Moreover, such a flat pin solution results in little to no "galling" of the connection. Galling refers to the occurrence of severe material wear where the shaft and hub, due to high friction and insufficient lubrication, adhere to each other, seizing, jamming, or damaging one another. This design also allows for a positive-locking connection for transmitting torque.It is possible that a flat pin is located on the axis of rotation of the drive roller and a flat pin receptacle is located on the driveshaft. Conversely, it is also possible that a flat pin is located on the driveshaft and a flat pin receptacle is located on the axis of rotation of the drive roller.
[0038] A connecting system component can form and / or include a toothed connection. For example, a connecting element component can have a Hirth toothed connection, and the other connecting system component can have a matching Hirth toothed connection, with the Hirth toothed connections of the connecting system components being designed to jointly form a positive-locking connection. A Hirth toothed connection can be understood as an axially effective, planar toothed connection in which the teeth lie statically and flat against each other, are conically shaped, and are radially arranged. Page 11 / 43
[0039] P81008WO In another example, a fastener component can have a helical toothing, and the other fastener component can have a matching helical toothing, the helical toothing of the fastener components being designed to jointly form a positive-locking connection. Such a helical toothing could be, for example, a Klingelnberg toothing.
[0040] Advantageously, such a toothed connection can be detachably attached to the connecting system component so that it can be removed and replaced in case of wear. In this respect, such a toothed connection can, for example, be attached to the respective connecting system component with a multitude of screws. However, it is also possible for a connecting system component to be designed directly as a toothed connection.
[0041] With such interlocking connections, the two parts of the connection system cannot, for example, be inserted into one another, but can instead be joined together, for instance, on their flat sides. Connections that include an angle are also possible in principle.
[0042] A connecting system component can also form and / or include a splined connection. For example, such a splined connection can be designed as a multi-splined connection. In particular, two connecting system components of a connecting system can be designed such that one connecting system component has a splined connection or is designed as a splined connection and can be inserted into the other connecting system component. The other connecting system component can, for example, have an internal spline designed to receive and form a positive connection with the splined connection of the first connecting system component. Such a spline can also be referred to as a splined connection or a splined connection. (See page 12 / 43 for more information.)
[0043] P81008WO: Additional locks or safety devices may be provided to prevent the two connection system parts from coming loose.
[0044] The first connection system part of at least one connection system can be formed integrally with the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller, or the first connection system part of at least one connection system can be connected to the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller, in particular as a sleeve fitted onto the axis of rotation, wherein the connection can in particular be force-fit and / or form-fit.
[0045] The fact that the first connecting system component can be formed integrally with the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller means that the connecting system component can be part of the axis of rotation. For example, an axis of rotation can be designed at one end such that this end forms a flat pin, which then constitutes the first connecting system component. In this respect, the axis of rotation and the connecting system component, i.e., the flat pin, can be manufactured from a single workpiece, for example, by turning or milling. This design has the particular advantage that no further components need to be manufactured and assembled. This can, for example, reduce the complexity of the fixture.
[0046] The first connection system component can also be another component, located away from the axis of rotation, which can be connected to the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller. Such a design has the particular advantage that a connection system component can be replaced, for example in case of wear, without having to replace the axis of rotation. Furthermore, such a connection system component can also be retrofitted to existing drive rollers, thus conserving resources. For example, the connection system (page 13 / 43)
[0047] The P81008WO component is designed as a sleeve, which is arranged to enclose one end of the pivot shaft. This sleeve can then be connected to the pivot shaft using a force-fit connection, for example, a shrink disc. Such a connection can also additionally or alternatively incorporate positive-locking fasteners, such as screws, grooves and springs, or wedges. In particular, such a connection system component can comprise a sleeve for connection to a pivot shaft and a flat pin. The sleeve can be adapted to the torques to be transmitted by the drive rollers. The joining diameter of the pivot shaft and sleeve can, for example, be between 150 mm and 250 mm.
[0048] At least one coupling system can have a locking unit, wherein the locking unit, in the coupled state of the coupling system, locks the connection of the drive roller to the cardan shaft.
[0049] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the connection between the drive roller and the drive shaft cannot be disconnected during operation, especially during torque transmission. This ensures continuous torque transmission and also protects the material of the connection system, such as the flat journal. Furthermore, it increases system safety. In this respect, a locking mechanism can, for example, prevent axial displacement or separation of the drive roller and the drive shaft from their axis of rotation.
[0050] For example, a locking unit can be designed to automatically lock the connection of the drive roller to the drive shaft, particularly during the connection process. For example, a locking unit can have locking pins that engage during the connection process. Page 14 / 43
[0051] P81008WO two connection system components are displaced by a spring into a recess provided for this purpose in one of the connection system components. For example, when the locking bolts are displaced into the recess, locking elements provided in the locking unit, such as locking balls, can secure the locking bolts. When the locking unit is released, the locking elements can be displaced, for example, by an external force applied to the locking unit, such as a thrust or clamping force, so that the locking bolts are released and can be displaced. A locking unit can, in particular, be designed as a snap coupling and / or include a snap coupling.
[0052] The coupling unit can be designed to be linearly displaceable, in particular mounted on axles, and in particular displaceable by means of a displacement cylinder. The coupling unit can have two drive shaft receptacles, each designed to accommodate a drive shaft. Each drive shaft receptacle can be connected, in particular automatically, to its associated drive shaft, and in particular to the connection system of this drive shaft.
[0053] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the coupling unit can be repositioned safely, precisely, and automatically. This repositioning is repeatable thanks to the axes, or alternatively, rails. If the coupling unit incorporates one or more drive shafts during repositioning, decoupling or coupling can also be performed simultaneously.
[0054] For this purpose, a coupling unit can, for example, have a slide that is arranged to be displaceable on two or more axes. For example, the slide can be moved on the axes by means of page 15 / 43
[0055] The P81008WO axles can be displaced via grease-lubricated bushings. The axles can be, for example, chrome-plated, and each axle may have a bellows for protection. The end positions of the displacement via the axles can be defined by the position of the fully disengaged and fully coupled drive shafts. An adjustable stop can also be provided on each axle. The axles can also be arranged on a base frame of the reel driver, which is connected to or integrally formed with the base frame of the drive roller frame. Alternatively or additionally, the base frame on which the axles are arranged can be mounted on the same foundation as the drive roller frame.
[0056] A hydraulic cylinder can be used, for example, to reposition the coupling unit. This cylinder can, for instance, move the carriage along the axes. The hydraulic cylinder can be attached to the same base frame as the axles. Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder can be mounted to the carriage via a rubber element to prevent the carriage from binding against the axles.
[0057] A driveshaft receptacle can be arranged on the slide and designed to accommodate a driveshaft. "Accept" in this context can mean that the driveshaft receptacle is designed to be connected to the driveshaft in such a way that it can displace it. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a positive fit and / or a friction fit. For instance, a driveshaft receptacle can have clamping jaws that can establish a friction fit with a driveshaft. In particular, a driveshaft receptacle can be designed to accommodate a connection system or a component of a connection system of the driveshaft. Inso-page 16 / 43
[0058] P81008WO, for example, clamping jaws of a driveshaft mount can grip the connection system component associated with the driveshaft. If a driveshaft mount has gripped a driveshaft and then the slide is moved, the driveshaft itself is also moved. For example, a telescopic driveshaft can be compressed or extended in this process. Therefore, the coupling unit, especially the slide, can be displaceable in the direction of the axes of rotation of the drive rollers.
[0059] Furthermore, a driveshaft mount can be inclined and / or offset on the carriage. Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the carriage, but can be positioned at an angle between 0 and 20 degrees, for example, approximately 12 degrees. Multiple driveshaft mounts do not need to be identical in design or arrangement.
[0060] At least one driveshaft mounting can comprise two clamping jaws designed to receive a driveshaft, in particular the connection system of this driveshaft. The clamping jaws can be designed to unlock the locking unit of the connection system.
[0061] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the drive shaft receptacles can accommodate the drive shafts regardless of their respective rotational position. Furthermore, the decoupling process can be simplified if the locking unit can be unlocked simultaneously when the drive shaft is gripped by the clamping jaws.
[0062] For example, the clamping jaws can be arranged on the corresponding connection system when receiving a cardan shaft and, for example, apply an external force to the locking unit, which engages the locking elements of the locking mechanism - page 17 / 43
[0063] The P81008WO coupling unit is displaced in such a way that the locking bolts are released and can be moved. By subsequently moving the coupling unit, and thus also the mounted driveshaft, the released locking bolts can be moved out of the recess, for example along a chamfer.
[0064] The clamping jaws can be repositioned by means of an actuator and a toggle lever. The clamping jaws can be pivotable about a pivot axis. The clamping jaws can include elastic receiving elements, in particular rubber elements.
[0065] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the clamping jaws, via the toggle levers, can exert a high holding force or clamping force, requiring comparatively small actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders. Furthermore, check valves can be incorporated into the actuators to maintain the holding force in the event of a pressure drop in the hydraulic system. The pivot axis of the clamping jaws ensures that they adapt to the geometry of the driveshaft or connection system to which they are attached. The elastic mounting elements support the positive locking of the clamping jaws and can also increase the friction between the clamping jaws and the connection system or driveshaft.
[0066] At least one driveshaft mount can be designed to be vertically displaceable. A control unit and a linear sensor unit can be provided and configured to control the vertical displacement.
[0067] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the received drive shaft is vertically displaced by this drive shaft holder for a coupling process. Page 18 / 43
[0068] P81008WO can be adjusted. Therefore, it can be adapted to the arrangement, i.e., the vertical height, of the corresponding drive roller. This is particularly relevant for the lower drive roller, as its vertical position in the drive roller frame can or must be changed depending on wear. Therefore, when worn, the lower drive roller must be readjusted to the belt to compensate for the material loss.
[0069] For vertical displacement, a screw jack, particularly a self-locking screw jack, can be used. This can operate hydraulically or electrically. The control unit and sensor unit can automatically determine and adjust the necessary vertical displacement of the driveshaft mount so that, when the coupling unit's slide is moved, the drive roller's axis of rotation and the driveshaft remain coaxially aligned. This allows, for example, the two coupling system components to be slid into one another, thus establishing a connection. A sensor unit could, for instance, be a displacement sensor, which could be configured to determine the vertical distance between the drive roller's axis of rotation and the driveshaft.
[0070] The reel driver can include a positioning device, wherein the positioning device can be designed for positioning, in particular for rotation, at least one drive roller.
[0071] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller can be prepared for coupling with the cardan shaft in the uncoupled state. In this respect, for example, a connection system with a flat pin has only two positions in which the connection system components can be joined, since page 19 / 43
[0072] The P81008WO flat pin must fit precisely into the flat pin receptacle. A positioning aid can shift, i.e., rotate, the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller, or all intended drive rollers, so that the connection system part of the drive roller, for example the flat pin, is aligned with the connection system part of the drive shaft.
[0073] For example, a positioning device can include a motor and a gearbox to rotate the respective drive roller. Such a positioning device can also include a coupling device to decouple the motor from the drive roller. Other designs are also possible. A limit switch can also be provided so that the positioning device's motor can set the required position.
[0074] The positioning device can comprise at least one positioning lever and at least one positioning element, wherein each positioning element can be arranged on a drive roller, and the positioning device can be designed such that by moving a positioning lever against a positioning element the respective drive roller can be rotatably moved into a predetermined position.
[0075] Such a design is advantageous because the positioning aid can be compact and at the same time achieve highly accurate positioning of the drive roller.
[0076] Therefore, a positioning lever can have a flat contact surface, and the corresponding positioning element can be designed, for example, as a disc which also has at least one flat contact surface. The contact surface of the positioning lever and the contact surface of the respective drive roller are then located in the desired predetermined position (page 20 / 43).
[0077] The two contact surfaces of the positioning element (P81008WO) are flat against each other, so that further pressure has no effect on the position. If the desired position has not yet been reached, the two contact surfaces are at an angle to each other, so that an applied contact force causes the drive roller on which the positioning element is mounted to rotate.
[0078] The positioning device can be arranged on the side of the respective drive roller opposite the connection system.
[0079] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the positioning device cannot collide with the connection system, the coupling unit or the cardan shaft mounts.
[0080] The invention further relates to a method for decoupling at least one drive roller and at least one drive shaft of a reel driver, in particular a reel driver according to at least one of the preceding examples, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
[0081] 51 Receiving at least one cardan shaft coupled to a drive roller by means of a cardan shaft receptacle of a coupling unit;
[0082] 52. Relocation, in particular horizontal relocation, of the coupling unit to decouple the drive roller and the cardan shaft.
[0083] This method has the particular advantage of enabling a rapid decoupling process for the drive rollers and drive shafts. This reduces the time maintenance personnel need to be in the danger zone of the reel driver during a decoupling operation. Furthermore, the upper and lower drive rollers can be decoupled from the drive roller assembly together. "Together" means (see page 21 / 43).
[0084] P81008WO means that this can be carried out in one movement or continuous process using the coupling unit for both drive rollers. Therefore, redundancy in displacement movements of the coupling unit is eliminated.
[0085] Furthermore, the method has the advantage that the drive rollers can be automatically decoupled from the drive shafts. Therefore, no connection between the drive rollers and the respective drive shaft, or any connection system, needs to be manually disconnected, and the drive shafts can be automatically detached from the drive rollers. This is advantageous because maintenance personnel do not have to enter the danger zone for manual decoupling, and it also reduces the duration of removal and replacement processes.
[0086] "Receiving" can mean that the driveshaft receptacle is designed to be connected to the driveshaft in such a way that it can displace it. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a positive fit and / or a force-fit. For instance, a driveshaft receptacle can have clamping jaws that can establish a force-fit with a driveshaft. In particular, a driveshaft receptacle can be designed to receive a connection system or a connection system component of the driveshaft. In this respect, for example, the clamping jaws of a driveshaft receptacle can receive the connection system component associated with the driveshaft. If a driveshaft receptacle has received a driveshaft and then the slide of the coupling unit is displaced, the driveshaft itself is also displaced.For example, a telescopic driveshaft can be compressed or lengthened if the carriage of the coupling unit is linearly displaced.
[0087] If the coupling unit has one or more drive shafts, decoupling can be achieved by relocation - page 22 / 43
[0088] P81008WO can be used. Therefore, the coupling unit can, for example, have a slide that is arranged to be displaceable on two or more axes. By displacing the slide, the cardan shaft is "pulled off" the drive roller and the connection of the coupling system is released.
[0089] Such a procedure may also include the following step: 1. Unlocking, in particular automated unlocking, of a locking unit of a connection system.
[0090] Such a method has the particular advantage that a connection of the linkage system that is locked during operation can be unlocked during decoupling, especially automatically, by picking up a driveshaft or the linkage system. In this respect, the connection is secured or locked during operation, but is automatically released during decoupling.
[0091] The invention further relates to a method for coupling at least one drive roller and at least one drive shaft of a reel driver, in particular a reel driver according to at least one of the preceding examples, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
[0092] 51 Positioning the drive roller, in particular by means of a positioning device;
[0093] 52 Horizontal displacement of the drive shaft by means of a coupling unit and a drive shaft mount connected to the drive shaft;
[0094] 53 Connecting the drive roller and the drive shaft using a connecting system;
[0095] 54. Detaching the drive shaft mount from the drive shaft.
[0096] Such a method has the particular advantage that a fast coupling process of the drive rollers and cardan shafts is possible. Page 23 / 43
[0097] This is made possible by the P81008WO. Therefore, the time maintenance personnel need to spend in the danger zone of the reel driver during a coupling operation can be reduced. Furthermore, the upper and lower drive rollers can be coupled together with the drive roller drive. "Together" means that this can be done in a single movement or continuous process using the coupling unit for both drive rollers. This eliminates the need for redundant displacement movements of the coupling unit.
[0098] Furthermore, the method has the advantage that the drive rollers can be automatically coupled to the drive shafts. Therefore, no connection between the drive rollers and the respective drive shaft, or any connection system, needs to be manually established, and the drive shafts can be automatically connected to the drive rollers. This is advantageous because maintenance personnel do not have to enter the danger zone for the manual coupling process, and it also reduces the duration of removal and replacement operations.
[0099] Positioning the drive roller can involve rotating or turning one or more drive rollers so that the connection system associated with the drive roller can establish a connection, or so that two connection system components can be joined together. For example, a connection system with a flat pin has only two positions in which the connection system components can be joined, since the flat pin must fit precisely into the flat pin receptacle. A positioning aid can shift, i.e., rotate, the axis of rotation of the respective drive roller so that the connection system component of the drive roller, for example, the flat pin, is aligned with the connection system component of the driveshaft. Page 24 / 43
[0100] P81008WO Horizontal displacement of the driveshaft by means of the coupling unit guides the received driveshaft to the axis of rotation of the drive roller, thus coupling the drive roller to the driveshaft via the connection system. For this purpose, the coupling unit can, for example, have a slide that is displaceable on two or more axes. Through this displacement, the received driveshaft is, for example, "pushed onto" the drive roller, or the two connection system parts are "inserted into one another," and the connection of the connection system is established accordingly.
[0101] Releasing the drive shaft mount from the drive shaft can, for example, involve releasing clamping jaws, thereby enabling the drive shaft to be used.
[0102] The procedure may also include, for example, at least one of the following steps:
[0103] 51.1 Vertical displacement of at least one cardan shaft by means of a coupling unit and a cardan shaft mount connected to the cardan shaft;
[0104] 54.1 Locking, in particular automated locking, of a locking unit of the connection system.
[0105] Such a method has the particular advantage that the connection of the coupling system can be locked during coupling, especially automated coupling, with the horizontal displacement of a driveshaft or the coupling system. In this respect, the connection is automatically secured or locked during operation.
[0106] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the position of the mounted driveshaft can be adjusted to the arrangement, i.e., the vertical height, of the drive roller to be coupled. This is particularly relevant for the lower drive roller, as its vertical position in the drive roller frame may change depending on wear. Page 25 / 43
[0107] P81008WO can / must. Therefore, when the lower drive roller wears, it must be readjusted to the belt to compensate for the removed material. For vertical adjustment, a screw jack, particularly a self-locking screw jack, can be used. This can operate hydraulically or electrically. The control unit and sensor unit automatically determine and adjust the necessary vertical adjustment of the drive shaft mount so that, when the coupling unit's slide is moved, the drive roller's axis of rotation and the drive shaft remain coaxially aligned. This allows, for example, the two coupling system components to be slid together and the coupling system to be connected.A sensor unit can, for example, be a displacement sensor, whereby the displacement sensor can be designed to determine the vertical distance between the axis of rotation of a drive roller and the drive shaft.
[0108] The invention further relates to a rolling mill, in particular a hot strip rolling mill, comprising a reel driver according to one of the preceding examples.
[0109] Such a rolling mill offers the particular advantage of enabling a rapid coupling and uncoupling process for the drive rollers and cardan shafts of the reel driver. This reduces the time maintenance personnel must spend in the danger zone of the reel driver during a coupling operation.
[0110] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures.
[0111] Specifically, see: Page 26 / 43
[0112] P81008WO Figure 1: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reel driver according to the invention,
[0113] Figure 2A: a schematic perspective partial view of a first state of the object from Figure 1,
[0114] Figure 2B: a schematic perspective partial view of a second state of the object from Figure 1,
[0115] Figure 3A: a schematic view of an embodiment of a coupling unit in a first state,
[0116] Figure 3B: a schematic view of an embodiment of a coupling unit in a second state,
[0117] Figure 4: a schematic view of an embodiment of a connection system,
[0118] Figure 5: another schematic perspective partial view of the object from Figure 1.
[0119] 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.
[0120] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reel driver 1 according to the invention. The reel driver 1 comprises an upper drive roller 2 and a lower drive roller 3, a drive roller frame 4, and a drive roller side 27 / 43.
[0121] P81008WO reel drive 5, wherein the drive roller drive 5 is configured with two motors 6, which are not arranged in a common housing but separately offset from each other. In Figure 1, only one of the motors 6 is shown in its entirety. The reel driver 1 further comprises two telescopic drive shafts 7 and a coupling unit 8. The upper drive roller 2 and the lower drive roller 3 are rotatably mounted on the drive roller frame 4. Each drive roller 2, 3 is detachably connected to a drive shaft 7 by means of a connecting system 9. Each drive shaft 7 is in turn connected to the drive roller drive 5, namely to a motor 6.
[0122] The drive roller frame 4 serves as the base frame of the reel driver 1 and is made of steel. The drive roller frame 4 is connected to a foundation 10 provided for this purpose. The coupling unit 8 is arranged on the same foundation 10. It is also possible for the drive roller frame 4 and the coupling unit to be arranged on a common frame.
[0123] The drive rollers 2 and 3 each have a pivot axis 2A and 3A, respectively, and are rotatably mounted on the drive roller frame 4. The lower drive roller 3 is located below the upper drive roller 2 and below the belt (not shown). Here, "top" and "bottom" refer to the orientation of the respective component relative to the foundation 10. Thus, during operation of the reel driver 1, the upper drive roller 2 and the lower drive roller 3 enclose the belt (not shown). The drive rollers 2 and 3 are arranged with a horizontal offset from each other.
[0124] The coupling unit 8 is designed to couple and uncouple both cardan shafts 7 with their respective associated drive rollers 2, 3, particularly automatically. Therefore, the coupling unit 8 is designed to connect the connection system (page 28 / 43).
[0125] The coupling unit 8 is designed to release the P81008WO element 9 and thus decouple the corresponding drive rollers 2, 3 from their respective associated drive shafts 7. The coupling unit 8 can accommodate and displace both drive shafts 7 by means of a drive shaft receptacle 11, axially in the direction opposite to that of the drive rollers 2, 3. For this purpose, the coupling unit 8 has a slide 12, which is displaceably arranged on two axes 13. In addition, the coupling unit 8 includes a displacement cylinder 14, which can displace the slide 12 along the axes 13. The entire decoupling process can be understood, for example, as "pulling off" the respective drive shaft 7 from the respective drive roller 2, 3, whereby the connection of the two components at the coupling system 9 is released. The coupling unit 8 is also designed to carry out the coupling process, wherein the coupling unit 8 directs the mounted cardan shafts 7 in the direction of the drive rollers 2, 3, respectively.the axes of rotation 2A, 3A of the drive rollers 2, 3 are axially displaced so far that the drive rollers 2, 3 and the cardan shafts 7 are connected by means of the corresponding connection systems 9.
[0126] Furthermore, the coupling unit 8 initially positions the driveshaft 7 coaxially with the axis of rotation 3A for coupling with the lower drive roller 3. Since the carriage 12 already moves on the axes 13 in the plane of the axis of rotation 3A of the lower drive roller 3, the coaxial alignment primarily concerns the vertical displacement of the driveshaft 7. For this purpose, the coupling unit 8 includes a spindle lifting mechanism, which is not shown in Figure 1. By means of a control unit (also not shown) and the sensor unit, the necessary vertical displacement of the driveshaft mount 11, and thus of the driveshaft 7, can be automatically determined and adjusted so that, when the carriage 12 of the coupling unit 8 is displaced, the axis of rotation of the lower drive roller 3 and the driveshaft 7 can be arranged coaxially. Page 29 / 43
[0127] P81008WO The entire coupling and uncoupling process can be automated, eliminating the need for a human operator to enter the danger zone. Instead, the coupling unit 8 can be moved automatically. Furthermore, the connection systems 9 can be automatically connected or disconnected. To enable the automated control of various actuators, such as the displacement cylinder 14, the reel driver 1 can include a control device (not shown).
[0128] The connecting systems 9 serve to connect the drive rollers 2, 3, or the pivot axes 2A, 3A of the respective drive rollers 2, 3, and an associated drive shaft 7. In this respect, the drive rollers 2, 3 and the drive shafts 7 are connected to each other by means of the respective connecting system 9 in such a way that a torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft 7 to the drive rollers 2, 3. The connecting systems 9 are each designed in two parts, with a first connecting system part 9A arranged on the pivot axis 2A, 3A of the respective drive roller 2, 3 and a second connecting system part 9B arranged on the corresponding drive shaft 7. The connecting system parts 9A, 9B are positively connected, interlocking with each other.
[0129] Figures 2A and 2B each show a schematic perspective partial view of a state of the object in Figure 1. In this respect, the two figures depict a temporal progression of a decoupling process of the reel driver 1.
[0130] Figure 2A shows the start of the decoupling process, whereby the coupling unit 8 has already been moved from its first end position to its second end position via the axles 13 by means of the displacement cylinder 14 in the direction of the drive rollers 2, 3. The cardan shaft receptacles 11 are arranged on the connection systems 9 and can accommodate them, and thus the cardan shafts 7. The receptacles of the connection systems 9 are shown on page 30 / 43.
[0131] The connection of the steering shaft mounts 11 in the P81008WO is achieved, among other things, by means of a positive fit, wherein the drive shaft mounts 11 each engage in a groove 15 provided for this purpose in the connection system 9, in particular in the second connection system part 9B of the respective connection system 9. In addition, a frictional connection is also established and a locking unit not shown in Figures 2A and 2B is unlocked, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 below.
[0132] In Figure 2B, the decoupling process is complete. The coupling unit 8 has been moved back to its initial end position via the axles 13 by means of the displacement cylinder 14 in the direction of the drive roller 5. Since the cardan shaft mounts 11 each accommodate a second connection system part 9B, and thus also the corresponding cardan shaft 7, the respective second connection system parts 9B were separated from the respective first connection system parts 9A by the displacement of the coupling unit 8. The connection of the connection systems 9 was therefore dissolved. In other words, the cardan shafts 7 were "pulled off" the drive rollers 2, 3.
[0133] Figures 3A and 3B show a schematic view of an embodiment of a coupling unit 8 in a first state and a second state. The coupling unit 8 essentially corresponds to the coupling unit 8 shown in Figure 1, and therefore reference is made to the corresponding description.
[0134] The coupling unit 8 is shown in a frontal view in Figures 3A and 3B, the view following the orientation of the drive rollers 2, 3 of the reel driver 1 and the axles 13. Both figures show a first cardan shaft receptacle 11A and a second cardan shaft receptacle 11B, with the second cardan shaft receptacle 11B located above the first cardan shaft receptacle. Page 31 / 43
[0135] P81008WO 11A is arranged and is laterally inclined to represent a horizontal offset. In this respect, both cardan shaft mounts 11 are aligned such that they are coaxial with the axes of rotation 2A, 3A of the drive rollers 2, 3.
[0136] The cardan shaft mounts 11 each comprise two clamping jaws 16. The clamping jaws 16 are designed to receive the cardan shafts 7 or the respective connection system 9. Each clamping jaw 16 has a toggle lever 17 with an actuator 17A. Furthermore, each clamping jaw 16 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 18 so that it can adapt to or conform to the circumference of the connection system 9.
[0137] The first driveshaft mount 11A is also designed to be vertically displaceable and is arranged on a platform 19, which can be vertically displaced by means of a screw jack 20, in particular a self-locking screw jack 20. By means of a control unit and sensor unit (not shown), the necessary vertical displacement of the driveshaft mount 11A can be automatically determined and set so that, when the slide 12 is displaced, the axis of rotation 3A of the lower drive roller 3 and the corresponding driveshaft 7 can be arranged coaxially. In Figure 3A, the displacement of the platform 19 by means of the screw jack 20 is indicated by dashed lines.
[0138] Figure 3A shows the clamping jaws 16 in a state detached from the connecting systems 9. The clamping jaws 16 are spaced far enough apart to allow them to be slid over the connecting system 9. Figure 3B shows the clamping jaws 16 engaged. In this state, the clamping jaws 16 are connected to the connecting systems 9, creating, for example, a frictional and, additionally, a positive locking connection. (See Figure 3B, page 32 / 43)
[0139] P81008WO are the connection systems 9 and thus the drive shafts 7 are taken up by the drive shaft mounts 11.
[0140] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a connection system 9. The first connection system part 9A and the second connection system part 9B are engaged with each other, and the connection system 9 is connected in such a way that a torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft 7 to the drive roller 2, 3. In principle, this could be either the upper drive roller 2 or the lower drive roller 3. It is also possible that the connection systems 9 of the different drive rollers 2, 3 are each configured differently.
[0141] The first connection system component 9A is connected to the drive roller 2, 3. The connection between the drive roller 2, 3 and the connection system component can be, for example, force-fit using a shrink disc 21A and / or positive-fit using, for example, a tongue-and-groove combination or a screw connection. The first connection system component 9A is also designed as a flat pin 22.
[0142] The flat pin 22 is received in the second connection system part 9B, which is designed as a flat pin receptacle 24. In the illustrated inserted and connected state, the flat pin 22 thus forms a positive connection with the flat pin receptacle 24. The flat pin receptacle 24 is connected to the drive shaft 7.
[0143] Furthermore, a locking unit 25 is arranged in the connection system 9, which, in the coupled state of the connection system 9 as shown, locks the connection of the two connection system parts 9A and 9B and thus the connection of the drive roller 2, 3 with the cardan shaft 7. The flat pin 22 is shown on page 33 / 43.
[0144] P81008WO provides a recess 26 into which a pin 27 of the locking unit 25 engages. The pin 27 is spring-loaded and is pressed into the recess 26 by the restoring force of the spring 28A. As soon as the pin 27 is pressed into the recess 26, locking elements 28 secure the pin 27 in this position, so that the two connection system parts 9A and 9B are locked. An external contact force on a release element, which is also spring-loaded and here also formed by the locking element 28, displaces the locking elements 28 and releases the pin 27. If the flat pin receptacle 24 is then axially displaced, the pin 27 is pushed or pulled out of the recess 26 via a chamfer or bevel, and the two connection system parts 9A and 9B can be decoupled. The external clamping force can be applied by the clamping jaws 16 when the respective cardan shaft receptacle 11 holds the cardan shaft 7 or...the connection system 9 is included.
[0145] Figure 5 shows another schematic perspective partial view of the object from Figure 1. In this respect, reference is made to the corresponding part of the description.
[0146] The reel driver 1 shown in Figure 5 has a positioning device 30, wherein the positioning device 30 is designed for positioning, in particular for rotation, the drive rollers 2, 3. For this purpose, the positioning device 30 comprises a positioning lever 31 with two contact surfaces 33 and two positioning elements 32, wherein each positioning element 32 is arranged on a drive roller 2, 3 or on the respective axis of rotation 2A, 3A. By moving the positioning lever 31 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 34 provided for this purpose, it is pressed with its contact surfaces 33 against the positioning elements 32 and thus causes the drive rollers 2, 3 to rotate into a predetermined position. When the predetermined position is reached, the positioning lever 31 is pressed against the drive rollers 2, 3.
[0147] When the position P81008WO is reached, the positioning elements 32 lie flat against the positioning lever 31 or against the contact surfaces 33. In the predetermined position, the flat pins 22 and the flat pin receptacle 24 are aligned with each other so that they can be slid into one another. If the predetermined position has not yet been reached, the two contact surfaces 33 are at an angle to each other, so that an applied contact force causes the respective drive roller 2, 3, on which the positioning element 32 is arranged, to rotate.
[0148] In Figure 5, the positioning lever 31 is moved by means of the hydraulic cylinder 34 using dashed lines.
[0149] The positioning device 30 is arranged on the side of the drive rollers 2, 3 opposite the connection systems 9. Page 35 / 43
[0150] P81008WO Reference List
[0151] 1. Reel driver
[0152] 2. upper drive roller
[0153] 2A. Pivot axis (of the upper drive roller)
[0154] 3. lower drive roller
[0155] 3A. Pivot axis (of the lower drive roller)
[0156] 4. Drive roller frame
[0157] 5. Drive roller drive
[0158] 6. Engine
[0159] 7. Cardan shaft (telescopic cardan shaft)
[0160] 8. Coupling unit
[0161] 9. Connection system
[0162] 9A. First connection system part
[0163] 9B . second connection system part
[0164] 10. Foundation
[0165] 11. Cardan shaft mounting
[0166] IIA. first driveshaft mounting
[0167] IIB . second driveshaft mount
[0168] 12. Slide (of the coupling unit)
[0169] 13th axis (of the coupling unit)
[0170] 14. Displacement cylinder (of the coupling unit)
[0171] 15. Groove (in the connection system)
[0172] 16. Clamping jaws
[0173] 17. Knee lever
[0174] 17A. Actuator
[0175] 18. Swivel axis (of the clamping jaws)
[0176] 19. Platform
[0177] 20. Spindle lifting gear
[0178] 21. Sleeve (first part of the connection system)
[0179] 21A. Shrink disc
[0180] 22. Flat tenons (first part of the connection system)
[0181] 24. Flat pin receptacle (second connection system part) 25. Locking unit
[0182] 26. Recess (in the flat tenon) Page 36 / 43
[0183] P81008WO 27th pin (of the locking unit)
[0184] 28. Locking elements (of the locking unit)
[0185] 28A. Spring
[0186] 30. Positioning device
[0187] 31. Positioning lever
[0188] 32. Positioning elements
[0189] 33. Contact surfaces (of the positioning lever)
[0190] 34. Hydraulic cylinder (of the positioning device)
Claims
Page 37 / 43 Applicant: SMS group GmbH Our reference number: P81008WO Patent claims 1. Reel drivers ( 1 ) , in particular hot strip reel drivers, comprising: an upper drive roller ( 2 ) and a lower drive roller ( 3 ) , a drive roller frame ( 4 ) , a drive roller drive ( 5 ) , two telescopic drive shafts ( 7 ) , and a coupling unit ( 8 ) , where the upper drive roller (2) and the lower drive roller (3) are rotatably arranged on the drive roller frame (4), each drive roller (2, 3) is detachably connectable to a cardan shaft (7) by means of a connection system (9) and each cardan shaft (7) is connected to the drive roller drive (5), and wherein the coupling unit (8) is designed to couple and uncouple each cardan shaft (7) with its associated drive roller (2, 3), in particular automatically.
2. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: each connection system ( 9 ) is designed in two parts, wherein a first connection system part ( 9A ) is arranged on the axis of rotation ( 2A, 3A ) of the respective drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) and a second connection system part ( 9B ) is arranged on the corresponding drive shaft ( 7 ); The connection system components (9A, 9B) form a positive-locking connection when coupled, see page 38 / 43 P81008WO that a torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft (7) to the axis of rotation (2A, 3A); One connection system part ( 9A, 9B) is designed as a flat tenon (22 ) and the other connection system part ( 9A, 9B) is designed as a flat tenon receptacle (24 ).
3. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: a connection system part ( 9A, 9B) has a toothing, in particular a Hirth toothing, and the second connection system part ( 9a, 9b) has a toothing, in particular a Hirth toothing, wherein the toothings of the connection system parts ( 9A, 9B) are designed to jointly form a positive locking connection; At least one tooth is designed as a spiral tooth; at least one toothing is designed as a splined toothing, in particular a multi-splined toothing; at least one toothing is designed to be detachable from the connecting system part ( 9A, 9B), in particular detachable by means of screws .
4. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by the following features: the first connecting system part (9A) of at least one connecting system (9) is formed integrally with the axis of rotation (2A, 3A) of the respective drive roller (2, 3); or The first connection system part (9A) of at least one connection system (9) is connected to the axis of rotation (2A, 3A) of the respective drive roller (2, 3), in particular as a sleeve (21) fitted onto the axis of rotation (2A, 3A), wherein the connection is in particular force-fit and / or form-fit. Page 39 / 43 P81008WO 5. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized by the following feature: at least one connection system ( 9 ) has a locking unit ( 25 ) wherein the locking unit ( 25 ) in the coupled state of the connection system ( 9 ) locks the connection of the drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) with the cardan shaft ( 7 ).
6. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized by at least one of the following features: The coupling unit (8) is designed to be linearly displaceable, in particular mounted on axes (13), in particular designed to be displaceable by means of a displacement cylinder (14); the coupling unit (8) has two cardan shaft receptacles (11, 11A, 11B) designed to each receive a cardan shaft (7); Each cardan shaft receptacle (11) is connectable, in particular automatically, to the cardan shaft (7) associated with it, in particular to the connection system (9) of this cardan shaft (7).
7. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: at least one cardan shaft receptacle ( 11 ) comprises two clamping jaws ( 16 ) designed to receive a cardan shaft ( 7 ), in particular to receive the connection system ( 9 ) of this cardan shaft ( 7 ); The clamping jaws (16) are designed to unlock the locking unit (25) of the connection system (9). Page 40 / 43 P81008WO 8. Reel driver (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by at least one of the following features: the clamping jaws (16) are displaceable by means of an actuator (17A) and a toggle lever (17); the clamping jaws (16) are pivotable about a pivot axis (18); the clamping jaws ( 16 ) comprise elastic receiving elements, in particular rubber e ment e .
9. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to one of claims 6 to 8 , characterized by at least one of the following features: at least one cardan shaft receptacle ( 11 ) is designed to be vertically displaceable; A control unit and a linear sensor unit are provided and designed to control the vertical displacement.
10. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims , characterized by the following feature: the reel driver ( 1 ) comprises a positioning device ( 30 ) wherein the positioning device ( 30 ) is designed for positioning, in particular for rotation, at least one drive roller ( 2 , 3 ).
11. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the following features: The positioning device (30) comprises at least one positioning lever (31) and at least one positioning element (32), wherein each positioning element (32) is arranged on a drive roller (2, 3), and The positioning device (30) is designed such that by moving a positioning lever (31) against a positioning element (32) Page 41 / 43 P81008WO the respective drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) can be rotated into a predetermined position .
12. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to one of claims 10 to 11 , characterized by the following features: the positioning device ( 30 ) is arranged on the side of the respective drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) opposite the connection system ( 9 ).
13. Method for decoupling at least one drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) and at least one drive shaft ( 7 ) of a reel driver ( 1 ), in particular a reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: 51 Receiving at least one cardan shaft ( 7 ) coupled with a drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) by means of a cardan shaft receptacle ( 11 ) of a coupling unit ( 8 ) ; 52 Displacement, in particular horizontal displacement, of the coupling unit ( 8 ) to decouple the drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) and the cardan shaft ( 7 ).
14. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises the following step: S 1 . l Unlocking, in particular automated unlocking, of a locking unit ( 25 ) of a connection system ( 9 ).
15. Method for coupling at least one drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) and at least one drive shaft ( 7 ) of a reel driver ( 1 ), in particular a reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the method comprises the following steps: S 1 Positioning the drive roller ( 2 , 3 ), in particular by means of a positioning device ( 30 ); Page 42 / 43 P81008WO 52 Horizontal displacement of the drive shaft ( 7 ) by means of a coupling unit ( 8 ) and a drive shaft mount ( 11 ) connected to the drive shaft ( 7 ); 53 Connecting the drive roller ( 2 , 3 ) and the cardan shaft ( 7 ) by means of a connecting system ( 9 ); 54 Detaching the drive shaft mount ( 11 ) from the drive shaft ( 7 ).
16. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises at least one of the following steps: 51.1 Vertical displacement of at least one cardan shaft (7) by means of a coupling unit (8) and a cardan shaft receptacle (11) connected to the cardan shaft (7); 54.1 Locking, in particular automated locking, of a locking unit (25) of the connection system (9).
17. Rolling mill, in particular hot strip rolling mill, comprising a reel driver ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 .