Segmented Guide Blocks for Axially Shiftable Work Rolls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bending and balancing devices for axially displaceable work rolls in roll stands face limitations in achieving a larger work roll gap while maintaining maximum guidance of the work roll chocks, particularly in applications with significant rolling force fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves dividing the previous one-piece stationary guide block into an upper movable and a lower stationary or movable guide block, with a bending and balancing cylinder acting on both the upper and lower work rolls, and using displacement devices for axial displacement, allowing for increased flexibility and adjustment range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-piece stationary guide block is used, then the guidance of work roll chocks is reliable, but the work roll gap cannot be enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance reliabilityVSAvoidwork roll gap size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The one-piece stationary guide block is divided into an upper movable guide block and a lower stationary guide block. The upper guide block can move vertically to accommodate larger work roll gaps while the lower guide block remains stationary to provide stable guidance, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the stroke of bending/balancing cylinders is limited, then adequate guidance of work roll chocks is ensured, but the work roll gap cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechock guidanceVSAvoidwork roll gap
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The upper guide block is made movable rather than stationary, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position vertically. This enables the system to accommodate larger work roll gaps without requiring increased cylinder stroke, maintaining reliable chock guidance while adapting to variable gap requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple bending and balancing cylinders are used for positive and negative bending, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework roll deflection controlVSAvoidnumber of cylinders
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single bending and balancing cylinder is designed to perform both positive and negative bending functions by acting on both the upper and lower work rolls simultaneously. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of cylinders needed while maintaining precise control over work roll deflection.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2389258B2Bending and balancing device for axially shiftable work rolls of a rolling mill
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP2389258B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2389258B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2389258B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bending and balancing device for axially shiftable work rolls (10, 10') of a rolling mill, especially of a four-high rolling mill, guide blocks (2) being provided at both sides in the window of every mill housing (1) on the level of the work roll inserts (3, 3') and the force of bending and balancing cylinders (5) being transmissible onto the work roll inserts that are guided in the axial direction and so as to be shiftable in the vertical direction. The guide blocks are subdivided into respective upper and lower guide blocks (2, 2'), the upper guide blocks (2) are mounted in the mill housing window so as to be vertically shiftable, the lower guide blocks (2') are mounted in the mill housing window so as to be fixed or so as to be vertically shiftable, and a bending and balancing cylinder (5) is arranged in every of the associated upper and lower guide blocks and is guided by the same and engages with the upper and the lower work roll insert.