Rolling Mill Roll Position Control for Thrust-Free Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling mill technologies face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling thrust forces between rolls, leading to inaccuracies in reduction leveling and zigzagging control due to changes in rolling conditions, vibration, and varying coefficients of friction, resulting in errors in thrust force identification and reduced accuracy in zigzagging control.
Innovation Solution
A rolling mill with a load detection apparatus and a position control unit that adjusts roll chock positions based on vertical roll load differences to eliminate inter-roll thrust forces before rolling, using a reference roll and bending apparatus to maintain a stable roll gap and relative positions between rolls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thrust counterforce measurement is performed during rolling to identify thrust force, then zigzagging control can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to changes in rolling conditions and asymmetric deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the vertical load difference between drive side and work side rolls BEFORE rolling occurs. This allows the thrust force to be identified in advance when rolling conditions are stable and symmetric, avoiding the measurement errors that occur during actual rolling when asymmetric deformation and changing conditions affect accuracy. The measured load difference is then used to control zigzagging during the rolling process.
2Ease of operation
If roll skew angle is measured using distance sensor to calculate thrust force, then zigzagging control can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to roll vibration and chock position fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vertical load difference measurement as an intermediary indicator to indirectly determine thrust force, rather than directly measuring roll skew angle with distance sensors. The load difference serves as a more stable mediator that is not affected by roll vibration or chock position fluctuations, allowing accurate thrust force identification without the measurement errors associated with direct geometric measurement during rolling.
3Productivity
If thrust force is calculated based on roll skew angle without friction coefficient identification, then calculation can be performed, but accuracy deteriorates due to changing friction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the self-service principle by using the vertical load difference measurement itself to directly determine thrust force without requiring separate friction coefficient identification or complex calculations. The load difference naturally incorporates all friction and contact conditions, allowing the system to self-determine the accurate thrust force value without additional measurements or calculations, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy.
4Productivity
If reduction position zero point adjustment is performed with existing technology, then rolling can proceed, but accuracy deteriorates due to uncorrected inter-roll thrust force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the vertical load difference and identifying thrust force BEFORE reduction position zero point adjustment is performed. This allows the thrust force to be compensated for in advance, ensuring that the reduction position zero point is accurately established. Subsequent rolling operations then proceed with high accuracy without requiring re-adjustment, maintaining both productivity and manufacturing precision.
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 effectively reduces thrust forces between rolls, suppressing zigzagging and camber of the workpiece by ensuring accurate positioning and alignment of rolls, even in conditions where thrust counterforces cannot be measured.
Implementation Method 1
a load detection apparatus which, at a rolling support point position on a work side and a drive side of the backup rolls, detects a vertical roll load that acts in the vertical direction of the rolls
Implementation Method 2
a pressing apparatus which, with respect to at least roll chocks of the rolls other than the reference roll, is provided on either one of an entrance side and an exit side in a rolling direction of a workpiece, the pressing apparatus pressing the roll chocks in the rolling direction
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a rolling mill that includes a plurality of rolls, in which any one roll among respective rolls is adopted as a reference roll, including a load detection apparatus, detects a vertical roll load at a rolling support point position; a pressing apparatus pressing the roll chocks in the rolling direction; a driving apparatus moving the roll chocks in the rolling direction; and a position control unit which fixes a rolling direction position of roll chocks of the reference roll, and drives the driving apparatus to control positions in the rolling direction of the roll chocks of the rolls other than the reference roll.