Roll Stand Media Coupling With Rotary Axial Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media couplings in roll stands with axially displaceable work rolls require significant installation space, leading to potential overlap with other assemblies, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage media supply line coupling and uncoupling in constrained spaces.

Innovation Solution

A media coupling system with a rotary drive that adjusts the coupling receptacle to follow axial work roll displacement, utilizing a holding plate slidably mounted on linear guides, allowing for active displacement and minimizing installation space, and incorporating a gear-based transmission for efficient linear movement conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional media coupling is used on the drive side of the rolling stand, then the media supply function is provided, but the installation space required is large, leading to potential overlap with other components such as spindle mount

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia supply functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling receptacle is made dynamically adjustable in the axial direction through a rotary drive mechanism. This allows the coupling receptacle to actively follow the axial displacement of work rolls during operation, maintaining proper engagement while significantly reducing the required installation space compared to fixed couplings that require large static clearance zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the traditional linear adjustment mechanism into a rotary drive system that operates in a rotational dimension. The coupling receptacle is adjusted axially through rotational movement of the coupling device, effectively using rotational motion to achieve linear displacement adjustment, thereby compacting the spatial requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the coupling receptacle is made axially adjustable to follow work roll displacement, then the installation space is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device serves multiple functions: it provides media supply connection, enables axial adjustment of the coupling receptacle, and acts as a positioning mechanism for work rolls. By integrating these functions into a single rotary-driven mechanism, the patent avoids adding separate adjustment devices that would increase complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical adjustment systems with a streamlined rotary drive mechanism. The rotary motion directly translates to axial displacement of the coupling receptacle through a simplified transmission path, eliminating the need for multiple linkages, screws, or actuators that would increase device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless media supply line coupling and uncoupling in the smallest possible installation space, ensuring synchronization with work roll displacement and reducing the need for extensive space allocation, particularly between the bending system and spindle holder.

Implementation Method 1

at least one rotary drive is provided for adjusting the coupling receptacle, which causes a translational movement of the coupling receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4137241B1Roll stand with a supply of media
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP4137241B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4137241B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4137241B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a media supply to a rolling mill (1) with axially displaceable work rolls (2), comprising a media coupling (9) that can be moved along with a work roll displacement, wherein the media coupling (9) comprises at least one first coupling element (8) for at least one supply line, which is designed to be complementary to a second coupling element (7) on a work roll mounting element (3) and can be engaged and disengaged with it, wherein the media coupling (9) has at least one coupling receptacle at least for the first coupling element (8) and the coupling receptacle is axially adjustable according to the displacement path of the work rolls (2), wherein at least one rotary drive (14) is provided for adjusting the coupling receptacle, which causes a translational movement of the coupling receptacle.