Rolling Mill Lateral Guides for Precise Stock Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for guiding and centering metal rolling stock in a rolling mill face challenges in precisely aligning the stock transversely to the rolling line, leading to potential wear and damage, and struggle with maintaining the stock in the center of the rolling mill during shaping operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing lateral guide means that apply forces at different locations along the rolling line, combining funnel-shaped and point-shaped guiding to center the inflow and align the stock transversely, using adjustable guide means with hydraulic cylinders and sensors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical lateral guides (ruler guides) are used to center the rolling stock ahead of the rolling mill, then the centering of the slab is improved, but the alignment of the slab transversely to the rolling line cannot be achieved and the guides must be run at a spacing from the rolling stock to avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding system is divided into two distinct functional segments: first lateral guide means for centering the inflow of rolling stock ahead of the first assembly, and second lateral guide means for aligning the rolling stock downstream parallel to the rolling line. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between centering precision and alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of multiple lateral guide means positioned at different locations along the rolling line. These intermediaries work together to transfer and refine the positioning of the rolling stock from initial centering to final alignment, enabling both centering precision and transverse alignment without direct contact damage.
2Reliability
If lateral guide means are positioned close to the rolling stock for effective guiding, then guiding effectiveness is improved, but wear and damage to both guides and rolling stock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first lateral guide means performs preliminary centering action ahead of the first assembly, preparing the rolling stock for subsequent processing. By performing this centering action in advance at a controlled distance, the system achieves effective guiding while preventing excessive wear and damage that would occur with closer positioning throughout the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple lateral guide means at different positions that can be dynamically activated or adjusted based on the specific requirements at each stage of the rolling process. This dynamic approach allows the guides to maintain optimal distance from the rolling stock - close enough for effectiveness when needed, but spaced away to prevent wear and damage during other phases.
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
This approach ensures gentle engagement with the rolling stock edges, reducing wear and damage while securely guiding and aligning the stock in the center of the rolling mill, enhancing the shaping process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using adjustable guide means with hydraulic cylinders and sensors for precise control
Implementation Method 2
using adjustable guide means with hydraulic cylinders and sensors for precise control
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for guiding and centering a metallic rolling stock in a rolling mill having at least one assembly that is arranged in a rolling line and at least one rolling mill stand for shaping the rolling stock are disclosed. The method includes the use of lateral guide means, which exert a lateral force onto the moving rolling stock at different locations of the rolling line, wherein the method further includes the process of centering the inflow of the rolling stock ahead of a first assembly and/or ahead of a first rolling mill stand of the rolling mill using first lateral guide means and the process of aligning rolling stock downstream transversely to the rolling line using second lateral guide means, wherein the process of centering the inflow includes a funnel-shaped, flat guiding of the rolling stock and a point-shaped guiding of the rolling stock.