Rolling Stand Locking Device for Seamless Tube Mill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rolling stands with three working rolls require complex and labor-intensive manual operations for maintaining and removing the roll-holding cartridges, posing safety risks due to the weight and size of mechanical parts, and inefficiencies in hydraulic capsule strokes lead to issues during tube rolling.
Innovation Solution
A rolling stand with a locking device using a single actuator and kinematic mechanism to lock the chocks in a predetermined position, allowing for easier and safer extraction and insertion of the roll-holding cartridge, and utilizing hydraulic capsules with a shorter working stroke to reduce weight and complexity, and improve tube rolling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual stops are inserted to lock the chocks during cartridge extraction, then the chocks are secured in position, but the operation becomes complex and labor-intensive requiring multiple workers
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically lock the chocks in position during cartridge extraction and insertion operations. The stopping pins are actuated by the movement itself, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the system self-servicing while maintaining reliable chock positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of inserting and removing stops is replaced by an automated mechanical locking mechanism. The stopping pins are automatically actuated through the existing mechanical movement of the cartridge, substituting complex manual operations with a simpler automated system
2Reliability
If manual stops are used to prevent chock displacement during cartridge movement, then safety is improved, but the operation time increases and requires dangerous manual handling of heavy parts
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages stopping pins to secure chocks during cartridge movement, eliminating the need for manual assembly and removal of safety stops. The system serves itself by using the extraction movement to actuate the locking mechanism, improving safety while reducing operation time
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping pins are pre-positioned and automatically actuated during the extraction process to lock the chocks before the cartridge is fully removed. This preliminary locking action ensures safety is established in advance, eliminating the need for separate manual safety operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic capsules with longer stroke are used to accommodate roll adjustment needs, then the rolls can be adjusted to any position, but the capsule weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic capsule stroke parameter is optimized to the minimum required length for normal operation. The locking device compensates for the limited stroke by mechanically securing the rolls at extreme positions, allowing full adjustment range without requiring proportionally larger hydraulic capsules
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables extended roll position adjustment. By mechanically locking the rolls at limit positions, it allows the hydraulic capsules to operate with shorter strokes while still achieving the required full range of roll position adjustment
4Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic capsules with longer stroke are used, then the rolls can be positioned for emergency extraction, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device serves as an intermediary mechanism that provides emergency extraction capability without requiring complex hydraulic systems. It mechanically enables roll positioning for emergency situations while keeping the hydraulic capsule system simple and cost-effective
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
The solution enables quicker, safer, and more cost-effective operations by reducing manual intervention, minimizing hydraulic capsule strokes, and enhancing the rolling process by preventing undesired thickening and deformation of tubes during the rolling process.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic capsule for adjusting the radial position of the working roll with respect to the rolling axis of the rolling mill
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling stand (1) with three working rolls (5, 6, 7) for rolling seamless tubes with mandrel, the rolling stand defining a rolling axis (X) and comprising a bearing structure (3), three working rolls (5, 6, 7) each having a respective median plane lying on the rolling axis (X), wherein the median planes form an angle of 120° with each other, each of said three working rolls having a respective chock (11, 12, 13), a roll-holding cartridge (2) wherein said three working rolls (5, 6, 7) and said chocks (11, 12, 13) are accommodated, a locking device (20) for locking the position of said chocks (11, 12, 13) within the roll-holding cartridge (2), in order to lock the chocks (11, 12, 13) in a respective first radial position which allows an extraction of the roll- holding cartridge (2) from the bearing structure (3) and an insertion of the roll-holding cartridge (2) in the bearing structure (3) in a direction transversal to the rolling axis (X), wherein said locking device (20) comprises three stopping pins (15, 16, 17), fastened to the roll- holding cartridge (2), and control means (14) connected to the three stopping pins (15, 16, 17) by means of a kinematic mechanism which allows a combined actuation of the three stopping pins (15, 16, 17) so that each of the three stopping pins (15, 16, 17) locks a respective chock (11, 12, 13) in said respective first position.