Rolling Mill Roll Change Handling for Fast Accurate Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent wear and deterioration of work rolls in rolling mills due to reduced diameter and high reduction rolling lead to inefficient roll changes, resulting in decreased operation rates and production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A roll changing device that includes a work roll holding unit, a roll holding device capable of moving in the roll axis direction, and a work roll transfer device that can move intersectingly to efficiently change top and bottom work rolls and back up rolls in rolling equipment, allowing for simultaneous and efficient roll replacement without stopping the rolling operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rolls are changed by stopping the rolling operation, then the roll changing can be performed safely and accurately, but the operation rate and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares replacement rolls in advance on the roll changing device, and performs preliminary positioning and alignment operations before the actual roll change. The holding units are pre-configured to grip the rolls, and the transfer mechanism is prepared to receive and install the rolls immediately when the rolling mill stops, enabling rapid roll change without compromising accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The roll changing device acts as an intermediary system between the rolling mill and the roll storage/transport system. It includes holding units that temporarily secure rolls, transfer mechanisms that move rolls between positions, and positioning systems that ensure accurate installation. This intermediary device enables roll changes to be performed efficiently while maintaining the required precision for proper roll installation in the rolling mill
2Manufacturing precision
If work rolls are changed frequently due to wear, then the surface quality of rolled strips can be maintained, but the production efficiency and operation rate decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Replacement work rolls are prepared in advance on the roll changing device, with holding units pre-positioned to grip them. When roll change is needed, the pre-prepared rolls can be immediately transferred and installed, eliminating the need for lengthy preparation time and enabling frequent roll changes without significant loss in production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The roll changing device incorporates dynamic components including movable holding units that can adjust their position, transfer mechanisms that can move rolls between different positions, and positioning systems that adapt to ensure accurate installation. This dynamic capability allows the system to handle frequent roll changes efficiently while maintaining the precision required for proper roll installation and surface quality
3Device complexity
If a simple roll changing method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the roll changing efficiency and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The roll changing device is divided into functional segments: holding units for securing rolls, transfer mechanisms for moving rolls between positions, and positioning systems for accurate installation. Each segment performs a specific function and can operate relatively independently, allowing the system to achieve high roll changing efficiency through coordinated operation of these segmented components without excessive overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Changing rolls in rolling equipment is performed more efficiently. For this purpose, a roll changing device (12) for changing a pair of top and bottom work rolls (21) provided in a rolling mill (11) for rolling a strip to be passed therethrough includes: a work roll holding unit (51) holding the pair of top and bottom work rolls (21) in an attachable/detachable manner and capable of moving the work rolls (21) in a threading direction; a roll holding device (31) including the work roll holding unit (51) and capable of moving in a roll axis direction relative to the rolling mill (11) in a state of holding the work rolls (21) by using the work roll holding unit (51); and a work roll transfer device (32) capable of moving in a direction intersecting with a moving path of the roll holding device (31) and capable of mounting the work rolls (21).