Reel driver, in particular hot-strip reel driver, having a drive roller holder, 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); an upper drive roller (5); and a lower drive roller (6). The lower drive roller (6) is mounted on the driver rocker arm (3) by means of a drive roller holder (12), and the drive roller holder (12) comprises in particular two drive roller receiving flanks (23) which lie opposite each other and each of which is connected (6) to a drive roller bearing (10) of the lower drive roller (6).

Description

[0001] Page 1 / 33

[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH

[0003] Our reference number: P81138DE

[0004] March 24, 2025

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

[0006] The present invention relates to a reel driver, in particular a hot strip reel driver, with a drive roller receptacle. The invention further relates to a method for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a reel 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. (See page 2 / 33)

[0009] The drive rollers (P81138DE) are generally driven and thus ensure the advancement of the strip. Due to the frictional torque, i.e., the strip tension, the surfaces of the drive rollers are constantly stressed and prone to excessive wear. Furthermore, a strip, especially 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 surface quality of the strip, as damage to the surface of the drive roller during torque application negatively impacts the surface of the hot-rolled strip. Therefore, a drive roller must be regularly repaired or replaced to prevent any impairment of the strip's 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 large number of 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, the driver arm, along with the upper drive roller, is removed first using a crane, followed by 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 a large number of bolted connections. Page 3 / 33

[0012] P81138DE loosens screw connections. Furthermore, its use is time-consuming and, in particular, inefficient due to the successive removal of the driver arm, upper drive roller, and lower drive roller. 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 is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing 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 stay 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 side 4 / 33

[0017] P81138DE Drive roller and a lower drive roller, wherein the lower drive roller is arranged on the driver arm by means of a drive roller receptacle, and wherein in particular the drive roller receptacle comprises two opposing drive roller receptacle wings, each of which is connected to a drive roller bearing of the lower drive roller.

[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 directly on the driver arm or by means of the drive roller receptacle, 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] 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 be positioned on the floor of a workshop or connected to a designated foundation. A driver stand can, for example, have a receptacle at its upper 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 have a [page 5 / 33]

[0020] P81138DE includes a substantial horizontally extending free space through which a belt can be passed.

[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 may consist of only two stub axles on opposite sides of the driver arm. A driver arm can, for example, comprise two driver arm sections 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 lugs designed for connection to a crane hook.

[0022] The driver arm can have two pivot bearings. These pivot bearings support the pivot axis, allowing it to pivot. The pivot bearings can, for example, be connected to or mounted on the driver stand, so that the driver arm is pivotally mounted relative to the driver stand. Page 6 / 33

[0023] P81138DE 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 respect, by arranging the drive roller mount on the pivot bearings, it can be ensured 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.

[0024] A drive roller can be made of steel and 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 solid or hollow. It is possible for a drive roller to have a wear layer. This wear layer can, for example, be welded on.

[0025] Generally, the drive roller is referred to as the upper drive roller, which, in its installed position, is located above the other drive roller and above the strip. The drive roller located below the other, upper drive roller and below the strip is 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 exactly aligned. For example, it is possible that the drive rollers are arranged with a horizontal offset from each other. Here, "top" and "bottom" are used. Page 7 / 33

[0026] P81138DE refers to the alignment 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, while 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 instance, having a significantly larger diameter than the lower drive roller.

[0028] 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. For example, the drive roller bearings can each be located centrally on the underside of the driver arm, in particular 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.

[0029] The lower drive roller can, for example, be attached to the drive roller housing by means of two drive roller bearings, each positioned at one end of its axis of rotation, and to the driver arm by means of the drive roller housing. For example, the drive roller bearings of the lower drive roller can be indirectly attached to the pivot bearings of the driver arm by means of the drive roller housing. The drive roller bearings can be attached to the drive roller housing, for example, by means of screws and / or a slotted hole. In particular, page 8 / 33

[0030] P81138DE Drive roller bearings may be detachably arranged on the drive roller mount or on the driver arm.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 9 / 33).

[0035] For example, the P81138DE 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.

[0036] The drive roller bearings can be located, for example, on the underside of the driver arm, perhaps approximately in the center. In this configuration, the drive roller bearings can be bolted to the driver arm. It is also possible for the drive roller bearings to be automatically detachable from the driver arm. In this case, electronic or hydraulic actuators, such as clamping cylinders, can be used to automatically secure or detach the drive roller bearings from the driver arm.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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. The pivot cylinders can, for example, have a hydraulic operating principle and perform a translational displacement or extension. The pivot cylinders can, in particular, be arranged at the end of the driver arm opposite the pivot axis, so that the driver arm can be moved around the pivot axis by displacing a pivot cylinder (page 10 / 33).

[0039] The P81138DE driver arm can be pivoted. Therefore, the swivel cylinders can be arranged to be displaceable or rotatable 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 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, also referred to as a cylinder eyelet, through which the swivel cylinder bolt is guided. A swivel cylinder bolt can, for example, be designed as a conical bolt.

[0041] 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. Page 11 / 33.

[0042] P81138DE 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.

[0043] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the connection between the pivot bearing and the driver stand, and thus the connection between the driver arm and the driver stand, can be disconnected. By designing the connecting element as a bolt or mushroom-head bolt, this connection can also be released quickly and automatically, allowing the driver arm to be quickly detached from the driver stand and removed from the reel driver. Furthermore, the integration of a hydraulic clamping cylinder allows the connecting element, such as the mushroom-head bolt, to be released automatically, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to manually loosen the connecting element to remove the driver arm from the reel driver.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The upper and lower drive rollers can be arranged on the driver arm, and the driver arm can be designed for automated release from the driver stand. In particular, the driver arm can have two pivot bearings designed for automated release from the driver stand. Page 12 / 33

[0046] P81138DE A reel driver designed in this way has 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 have to enter the danger zone to manually disconnect the link, and also because it reduces the duration of removal and replacement processes.

[0047] For example, 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 aspect here is that the driver arm can be disconnected from the driver stand. For instance, "automatically disconnected" can mean that the connection between the driver arm and the driver stand can be released by a control unit. For example, servo motors can be controlled by the control unit to release the pivot bearings. It is also possible to use pneumatic or, in particular, hydraulic components instead of or in addition to the servo motors. For example, clamping bolts with associated clamping cylinders can be arranged in the driver stand or in the pivot bearings, working in concert.For example, a clamping cylinder can have a hydraulic operating principle and automatically release or lock a clamping bolt, either via a control unit or by means of a frictional connection. Locking can be achieved through either a force-fit or a positive-fit connection. In other words, a variety of connecting devices are possible that create an automatically releasable connection between the pivot axis bearing and the driver stand, and thus also between the driver arm and the driver stand. Page 13 / 33.

[0048] P81138DE

[0049] 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 trigger automated control, such as releasing a clamping cylinder or moving a hydraulic cylinder.

[0050] 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.

[0051] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the multi-part design allows for greater flexibility in the positioning of the lower drive roller, thus improving the overall flexibility. Furthermore, a multi-part design of the drive roller mounting wings can be advantageous in downstream processes, such as maintenance.

[0052] 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.

[0053] A reel driver designed in this way has the particular advantage that the drive roller mounting is more variable due to the multi-part design, and the positioning of the lower drive roller is improved or flexible. A multi-part design of the drive roller mounting wings with a rotating element (page 14 / 33)

[0054] P81138DE steering can also be advantageous in downstream processes following the removal process, for example during 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 be pivoted around the fixing device. This can be particularly advantageous during subsequent operations, such as maintenance, for example, when removing the lower drive roller, after the driver arm has been removed.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The connecting element can, for example, be designed as a bolt or comprise a bolt which can be inserted into a receptacle of the connecting part and the receiving part. Page 15 / 33

[0059] P81138DE and thus connects the two parts. Together with the fixing agent, the connecting agent ensures that the two parts are no longer rotatable when installed.

[0060] The upper drive roller may not be located on the drive roller mount, and / or the upper drive roller may be located on a component that differs from the drive roller mount.

[0061] 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. In this context, "infeed side" 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-side 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 a page 16 / 33

[0065] P81138DE further part of the inlet-side guide table is arranged on the driver stand and remains on the driver stand when the drive roller receptacle is removed from the reel driver.

[0066] The reel driver can include an outlet-side guide table, wherein the outlet soapy guide table can be pivotably arranged on the driver stand, in particular by means of 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. In this context, "outfeed side" 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. Page 17 / 33.

[0069] P81138DE

[0070] The driver stand can at least have an insertion aid.

[0071] A reel driver designed in this way offers the particular advantage that the insertion aids help guide the driver arm, the upper drive roller, and the lower drive roller into their correct positions during reinstallation after removal. 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 pivot bearings, as well as for the upper or lower drive roller. It is also possible for insertion aids to be provided for hydraulic cylinders or swivel cylinders, for example.

[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 has 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—the lower drive roller by means of the drive roller holder—they can be removed together with the driver arm. This eliminates the need to loosen various screw connections, for example (see page 18 / 33).

[0076] P81138DE ner screw connection between the lower drive roller and the driver stand, and on the other hand, the sequential, individual removal of the driver arm, upper drive roller, and lower drive roller. Rather, the driver arm can be removed together with the upper and lower drive rollers. In particular, sequential removal lengthens the removal or replacement process, as a crane required for this must be moved several times and the crane hooks 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 receiving wing are connected to the driver arm in such a way that the drive side 19 / 33

[0083] P81138DE swing arm is rotationally secured against the drive roller mounting wing,

[0084] SOc pivoting of the outflow soapy guide table so that the lower drive roller can be removed past the outflow soapy guide table.

[0085] This type of design offers the particular advantage that the various connection points of the driver arm with the components of the reel driver can be opened automatically. The driver arm can thus be automatically removed from the reel driver. Therefore, no connection between the pivot bearings and the driver stand, or between the pivot cylinder and the driver arm, needs to be manually disconnected. Instead, 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 connection, 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. Page 20 / 33

[0088] P81138DE 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, they show:

[0091] 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, the same reference numerals denote the same components or the same features, so that a description carried out with reference to a figure with regard to a construction page (page 21 / 33)

[0099] P81138DE also applies in part to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive descriptions. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one version can also be used separately in other versions.

[0100] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reel driver 1 according to the invention. 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. The lower drive roller 6 is arranged on the driver arm 3 by means of a drive roller receptacle 12, and the drive roller receptacle 12 comprises two opposing drive roller receptacle wings 23, each of which is connected to a drive roller bearing 10 of the lower drive roller 6.

[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 attached to these connecting lugs 14 by a crane hook (not shown). Page 22 / 33

[0103] The crane shown in P81138DE is picked up and lifted out of the reel driver 1.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The lower drive roller 6 is mounted on the drive roller receptacle 12 by means of two drive roller bearings 10, each arranged at its end on its axis of rotation 9. The lower drive roller 6 is mounted on the driver arm 3 by means of the drive roller receptacle 12. Furthermore, when installed, the lower drive roller 6 is also mounted on the driver stand 3; in particular, the drive roller bearings 10 are mounted on the driver stand 3. The drive roller bearings 10 can, for example, be arranged in or inserted into a bearing receptacle of the driver stand 3. To avoid double fits, a slotted hole can, for example, be provided. The drive roller bearings 10, and thus the lower drive roller 6, are indirectly mounted on the pivot 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 side. These insertion aids 16 are designed such that they have a further side 23 / 33 on their upper side.

[0107] The P81138DE openings for receiving the driver arm 3 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.

[0108] 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 is pivoted about the pivot axis 4 by displacing the swivel cylinders 15. Therefore, the swivel 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 mount 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 detached from the driver stand 2. The pivot cylinder bolts 20 must also be detached. Advantageously, the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 of the drive roller mounting wings 23 can each be connected to the driver arm 3 by means of a fixing element 26 (page 24 / 33).

[0111] P81138DE den, so that the driver arm 3 is rotationally secured against the drive roller mounting wings 23

[0112] Figure 2B shows the lifting of the driver arm 3 from the driver stand 2, and it can be seen that when the driver arm 3 is lifted, the upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6, which is arranged on 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 support frame provided for this purpose (not shown), and the upper drive roller 5 and the lower drive roller 6 can be removed from the driver arm 3.

[0113] Fig. 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 Fig. 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.

[0114] 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 eye 21, also referred to as a 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 - page 25 / 33

[0115] The bolt 20 of P81138DE 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 drive 22. Displacement in this context means that the swivel cylinder bolt 20 can be inserted into or removed from the swivel cylinder eye 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 drive 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 displace the swivel cylinder bolt 20 and thus establish or disconnect the connection. Therefore, the connection between the swivel cylinder 15 and the driver arm 3 can be automatically established or disconnected.

[0116] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a drive roller receptacle 12. The lower drive roller 6 (not shown) is arranged on the drive arm 3 by means of the drive roller receptacle 12. The drive roller receptacle 12 comprises two opposing drive roller receptacle wings 23, each of which can be connected to a drive roller bearing 10 of the lower drive roller 6 (not shown in Fig. 5).

[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 be rotated. Page 26 / 33

[0118] P81138DE

[0119] Furthermore, the connecting part 24 and the receiving part 25 of the two drive roller mounting 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. In addition, the fixing element 26 can advantageously connect 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 be rotated 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 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] P81138DE Reference numeral 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 P81138DE Patent Claims Reel drivers ( 1 ) , in particular hot strip reel drivers, 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 lower drive roller ( 6) is arranged on the driver arm (3) by means of a drive roller receptacle ( 12 ), and wherein in particular 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).

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).

3. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: Page 29 / 33 P81138DE the reel driver ( 1 ) has at least two swivel cylinders ( 15) arranged on the driver stand (2 ), The swivel cylinders (15) are detachably and positively connected to the driver arm (3), wherein at least one swivel cylinder (15) is connected to the driver arm (3) by means of a swivel cylinder bolt (20), in particular by means of a swivel cylinder bolt (20) designed as a conical bolt, wherein in particular at least one swivel 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 a 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 in that 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 located on page 30 / 33 P81138DE are designed for automated release from the driver stand (2).

6. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, 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) so 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 connectable to the driver arm (3) by means of the fixing means (26) so that the driver arm (3) is secured against rotation to the P81138DE The drive roller mounting wing ( 23 ) is rotationally secured.

9. Reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims , 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 the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: the reel driver (1) comprises a single-lead 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 ).

13. Method for removing the upper drive roller and the lower drive roller of a reel driver ( 1 ) according to at least one page 32 / 33 P81138DE 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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