EP1454685B1 - Method for forming a workpiece - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for forming a workpiece.

For forming workpieces from a starting shape into a desired intermediate shape (semifinished product, preforming) or final shape (finished product, finished forms), there are, among many other processes, also rolling processes which are counted among the pressure forming processes. During rolling, the workpiece (rolling stock) is placed between two rotating rolls and changed in shape by exerting a forming pressure by the rotating rolls. When profile rolling process tool profiles are arranged on the circumference of the rollers, which allow the production of corresponding profiles in the workpiece. In flat rolling, the cylindrical or tapered outer surfaces of the rollers act directly on the workpiece.

With regard to the relative movement of the tools or rollers on the one hand and the workpiece on the other hand, one divides rolling processes in longitudinal rolls, transverse rolls and oblique rolls. During longitudinal rolling, the workpiece is moved perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rollers in a translatory movement and usually without rotation through the gap between the rollers (nip). During transverse rolling, the workpiece does not translate with respect to the rollers or their axes of rotation, but rotates only about its own axis, which is usually a main axis of inertia, in particular the axis of symmetry in a rotationally symmetrical workpiece. When combining both types of movement during longitudinal rolling and cross rolling, one speaks of inclined rolls. The rollers are usually at an angle to each other and to the workpiece, which is translationally and rotationally moved.

Profile transverse rolling machines, in which two rollers with wedge-shaped profile tools arranged on the outer circumference rotate in the same direction about axes of rotation parallel to one another, are sometimes referred to as transverse wedge rolling. The tools have a wedge-shaped or triangular in cross-section geometry and can increase along the circumference in its axial dimension in one direction and / or extend obliquely to the axis of rotation of the rollers.

These cross wedge or cross-profile rollers allow a variety of forming workpieces in high precision or dimensional accuracy. As a result of the compressive force exerted by the wedge-shaped tools on the workpiece while the material distribution in the workpiece during the rotation of the rollers is changed by a flow in the workpiece. The wedge-shaped tools can create circumferential grooves and other tapers in the rotating workpiece. By the axial offset in the circumferential direction or the oblique arrangement of the tool wedges relative to the axis of rotation, for example, axially changing structures and tapers can be produced in the workpiece to the rotation axis. By the increase or decrease of the outer diameter of the tool wedges when passing around the axis of rotation can be generated in combination with the oblique arrangement axially extending slopes and continuous transitions between two tapers of different diameters in the workpiece. The wedge shape of the tools allows the production of fine structures through the wedge outer edges or outer surfaces. Particularly suitable are cross wedge rollers for producing elongate, rotationally symmetrical workpieces with constrictions or elevations such as cams or ribs.

The forming pressure and the forming temperature depend on the material of which the workpiece is made, as well as the dimensional accuracy and surface quality requirements after forming. In particular, in iron or steel materials, the forming is usually carried out at elevated temperatures during rolling in order to achieve the formability or flowability of the material required for forming. These temperatures, in particular occurring during forging, can be in the range of room temperature in the case of so-called cold forming, or between 550 ° C. and 750 ° C. in the case of warm forging, and above 900 ° C. in the case of so-called hot forming.

Cross wedge rolling machines are known, in which the workpieces at the beginning of the rolling process by means of a positioning device comprising two positioning supports (so-called guide rulers), in an initial position between the two rollers, which usually corresponds to the geometric center or the center of the nip , positioned. The position of the rollers and their distance from each other are fixed in advance. Now, the positioning carriers of the positioning pulled back so that the workpiece rotates freely between the rollers and is kneaded between the tools in the desired shape. After this rolling or kneading process and the corresponding completion of the workpiece, the workpiece is detected and ejected via a recess in the rotating rolling tool.

Out DE 1 477 088 C is a cross wedge rolling machine for the transverse rolling of bodies of revolution or flat workpieces with two rotating in the same direction of rotation work rolls on the roll surfaces wedge tools are arranged interchangeable. The wedge tools each have a wedge-shaped or triangular, rising from the roll shell to the workpiece to be produced Höhenendlage rising, roughened or otherwise roughened reduction strips and extending at the same distance from the roll shell, wedge-shaped smooth form surfaces with calibration effect. The wedge tools are formed as deformation segments and extend only over a partial circumference of the associated roll surface. On the workpiece, the mutually facing surfaces and tools of the two work rolls move in opposite directions or in opposite directions to each other.

The EP 1 256 399 A1 discloses a cross rolling machine with two parallel operated modules of two rollers rotating in the same direction of rotation, the half-shell-shaped tools having radially projecting tool wedges on its peripheral surface, wherein the deformation of a workpiece requires only the rotation of half the circumference of a pair of rollers. All four rollers are driven by only one drive motor via an interposed gear unit and drive shaft.

The RU 2106223 C1 and the associated Derwent Abstract disclose a rolling machine in which the distance between two drive shafts of the rollers is regulated to a predetermined value.

The US 3,358,485 discloses a control of the distance between an upper roll and a lower roll of a rolling machine during the rolling process.

From the US 4,044,580 is a metal sheet or paper or rubber rolling machine known in which a fixed end stop or fixed distance between the rollers is set by measuring contacts.

Out WO 90/15679 A1 For example, a rolling machine is known in which, during a rolling operation, the rolling distance is adjusted according to a predetermined program to produce tapers in the workpiece. After a number of workpieces, a calibration measurement is made at which the rollers are brought into contact, whereby the roller spacing becomes zero, and the output of a transducer distance measuring transducer is recalibrated to match the zero roller gap.

The JP 03151133 A and the related Patent Abstract of Japan disclose a rolling system for rolling leaf springs in which, depending on a measured longitudinal position, the distance between the rolls is adjusted according to a predetermined control program. The roll distance is not measured and thus not regulated.

The US 4,020,664 discloses a cross wedge rolling machine in which an angular distance between the two rolls is adjusted by means of a gear transmission. The distance between the roll surfaces can be adjusted mechanically. A measurement of the roll spacing is not disclosed.

The US 4,186,583 discloses a cross wedge rolling machine with guide bars in the central axis to keep the workpiece centered in the nip of the two rolls. To change the diameter of the rolled workpiece, the roll spacing between the rolls is changed by means of a plug drive. A measurement or regulation of the roll spacing is not disclosed.

Out US 3,208,251 a rolling machine is known in which the distance between the axes of rotation of the two rolls is measured and controlled to keep a desired material thickness as constant as possible.

• ein Verfahren zum Warmumformen oder Heißumformen eines Werkstücks aus einem metallischen Werkstoff,
  1. a) bei dem das Werkstück während einer Umformphase zwischen den Oberflächen von wenigstens zwei um jeweils eine Drehachse rotierenden Walzen umgeformt wird und
  2. b) bei dem die relative Lage der Drehachsen der Walzen zueinander auf eine Soll-Relativlage geregelt wird,
  3. c) wobei zum Einhalten einer möglichst konstanten Materialstärke
     • c1) die relative Lage der Drehachsen der Walten zueinander während der Umformphase ermittelt wird,
     • c2) die ermittelte Lage der Drehachsen mit der Soll-Relativlage verglichen wird und festgestellt wird, ob eine außerhalb eines vorgegebenen Toleranzbereiches liegende Abweichung der ermittelten relativen Lage der Drehachsen von der Soll-Relativlage vorliegt,
     • c3) und, wenn eine solche außerhalb des Toleranzbereiches liegende Abweichung der ermittelten relativen Lage der Drehachsen von der Soll-Relativlage festgestellt wird, die relative Lage der Drehachsen der Walzen, derart verändert oder korrigiert wird, dass die Abweichung wieder innerhalb des Toleranzbereiches liegt.

The US 3,208,251 forms the closest prior art with reference to the alternative of claim 1, according to which the workpiece is deformed during a forming phase between the surfaces of at least two rolls rotating about a respective axis of rotation, and discloses:

• a method of hot forming or hot working a workpiece of a metallic material,
  1. a) in which the workpiece is formed during a forming phase between the surfaces of at least two rollers rotating about a respective axis of rotation, and
  2. b) in which the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers relative to one another is regulated to a desired relative position,
  3. c) wherein to maintain a constant material thickness as possible
     • c1) the relative position of the axes of rotation of the columns relative to one another is determined during the deformation phase,
     • c2) the determined position of the rotary axes is compared with the desired relative position and it is determined whether there is a deviation of the determined relative position of the rotary axes from the desired relative position lying outside a predetermined tolerance range,
     • c3) and, if such a deviation of the determined relative position of the axes of rotation from the desired relative position is determined outside the tolerance range, the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers is changed or corrected such that the deviation is again within the tolerance range.

Out US 3,397,566 another rolling machine is known in which a metal strip of uniform thickness and flatness is produced and the roller-zenabstand is controlled between the rollers by an actuator in dependence on the thickness measurement.

The DE 23 54 036 A1 Finally, discloses a rolling process for continuously maintaining the thickness of a rolled product to a desired level, in which based on the change of the rolling pull force resulting nip width based function curve is recorded, the rolling pressure force is continuously measured and the functional curve, the corresponding nip width is determined and when the roll gap width deviates from a distance dimension of the rolls specified for the respective rolling process, these changes are determined on the basis of the function curve and corrected accordingly.

The US 2001/0039820 A1 discloses a cross rolling machine for producing screws, driving pinions, shafts, pipes and the like means of a linear scale, the distance between the tool drive blocks is measured, which corresponds directly to the gap distance between the tools, so that the rolling distance can be determined during the rolling process and an expansion between The tools can be corrected by an actuator. The US 2001/0039820 A1 is currently considered as the closest prior art with reference to the alternative of claim 1, according to which the workpiece is formed during a forming phase between tools of at least two rollers rotating about a rotation axis, respectively.

The invention is based on the object of specifying a new method for forming workpieces.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

1. a) Umformen des Werkstücks während einer Umformphase (oder: eines Umformschrittes, eines Umformprozesses) zwischen den Oberflächen oder Werkzeugen wenigstens zweier um jeweils eine Drehachse (oder: Rotationsachse) rotierender Walzen,
2. b) Steuern, Regeln oder Korrigieren der ermittelten relativen Lage (oder: Relativlage, Relativposition) auf wenigstens eine Soll-Relativlage, insbesondere mit Hilfe wenigstens einer Kontrolleinrichtung und wenigstens eines wenigstens einer der Walzen zugeordneten und von der Kontrolleinrichtung angesteuerten Stellantriebes.

The method according to claim 1 for forming a workpiece initially comprises the following method steps:

1. a) forming the workpiece during a forming phase (or: a forming step, a forming process) between the surfaces or tools of at least two rotating about each axis of rotation (or: axis of rotation) rolling,
2. b) controlling, regulating or correcting the determined relative position (or: relative position, relative position) to at least one target relative position, in particular by means of at least one control device and at least one at least one of the rollers associated and controlled by the control device actuator.

The term "forming" is understood here as any conversion of the shape of a workpiece into another form, as also described above, including preforming and finish forming. The axes of rotation of the rollers are to be understood as geometric or mathematical axes in the (Euclidean, three-dimensional) space around which the rollers rotate. Power transmitting or mechanical axes are referred to in this application, however, as waves.

The invention is based on the consideration to make an automatic or automatic (or: automatic) adjustment of the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rolls of the rolling machine, wherein generally at least one actuator is used. It is thus carried out according to the invention, in particular a control, regulation or correction whose control, control or correction variable is the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers.

It is not the rotational position of the rollers or tools about their axes of rotation, which is relevant for the deformation of the workpiece, influenced, but the spatial position of the rollers or tools, which can be defined by the position of the axes of rotation of the rollers or a stationary or translationally invariant spatial point , The relative position of the roller rotation axes also determines the position of the rollers or the tools relative to the workpiece at predetermined rotational positions of the rollers.

The invention is also based on the recognition that during the forming process of a workpiece or a process with several successive forming processes when machining multiple workpieces expansions or contractions within the rolling machine, especially in the support means of the rollers or within the rollers and tools themselves occur. These changes in shape and volume are caused in particular by the forces acting during forming (mechanical Expansion or contraction) and by introducing the workpiece at relatively high temperatures during hot or hot working and the associated temporal and spatial temperature changes which result in thermal expansion or contraction. These changes in shape or volume in the rolling machine are thus disturbances of the process and adversely affect the optimal or preset relative positions of the rolls or tools for the forming process.

In a compensation mode, in the method according to the invention, these thermal and / or mechanical changes in shape or volume in the rolls or their tools or other areas of a rolling machine comprising the rolls, in particular bearing arrangements for the rolls and carrier devices, are now being used the storage facilities, compensated or compensated by the provided according to the invention correction or regulation of the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers to the desired relative position substantially. In other words, according to the invention, in other words, the compensation (or compensation or correction) of said thermal and mechanical shape or volume changes, in other words, determines (or: determines) the relative position of the rollers or tools in space relative to each other , and adapted in an adjustment or correction step, if impermissible or intolerable deviations from a predetermined or optimal for the forming process or relative position of the rotational axes occur. The method according to claim 1 further comprises the step of determining the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rolls during the forming phase, namely at a predetermined angular position of at least one of the rolls and / or a predetermined force load of the roll (s) or forming force. In particular, a rotation angle sensor device for determining the roll rotation angle and / or a force sensor device for determining the deformation force can then be provided.

Furthermore, in the method according to claim 1, in particular during the forming phase, certain actual position of the relative position of the roll rotation axes only after or before the forming and / or after ejection of the workpiece from the space between the tools or the Rolling and / or corrected in a formertruckentlasteten condition of the rollers to a desired relative position. The desired relative position is then optionally adjusted to a desired position in the loaded state or during the forming phase. It can then be omitted during the forming phase, a change in the relative position by the at least one actuator.

In a pure control (or: open-loop control in English), the relative position is controlled according to a predetermined control course or algorithm without feedback or relative position determination, generally on the basis of preset manipulated variable values as setpoint values for the actuator.

In closed-loop control, however, feedback is provided, i. E. the relative position is measured and then, by reducing the deviation from the desired relative position, the current relative position is always kept as close as possible to the desired value. As far as reference is made in this application of setpoint values or setpoint variables, this is understood not only to include a constant but also a variable or a reference variable which can be tracked during the control, regulation or correction process or changed according to a predefined or specifiable course.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the method and the rolling machine emerge from the claims dependent on claim 1.

1. a) wenigstens zwei um jeweils eine Drehachse rotierbare oder rotierende, insbesondere mit Werkzeugen bestückbare oder bestückte, Walzen (oder: Arbeitswalzen),
2. b) wenigstens einen Rotationsantrieb zum Rotieren der Walzen während einer Umformphase zum Umformen eines zwischen den Walzen anordenbaren oder angeordneten Werkstücks,
3. c) wenigstens einen Stellantrieb zum Einstellen der Position(en) der Drehachse(n) einer der Walzen oder beider Walzen und
4. d) wenigstens eine mit jedem Stellantrieb verbundene (oder: in Wirkverbindung stehende) Kontrolleinrichtung zum Steuern, Regeln oder Korrigieren der relativen Lage der Drehachsen der Walzen auf eine (konstante oder variable) Soll-Relativlage mittels des oder der Stellantriebe(s).

The method is performed in one embodiment with a rolling machine comprising

1. a) at least two rollers (or work rolls) rotatable about one axis of rotation or rotating, in particular can be fitted or fitted with tools,
2. b) at least one rotary drive for rotating the rolls during a forming phase for forming a workpiece which can be arranged or arranged between the rolls,
3. c) at least one actuator for adjusting the position (s) of the axis of rotation (s) of one of the rolls or both rolls and
4. d) at least one connected to each actuator (or: operatively connected) control device for controlling, regulating or correcting the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers to a (constant or variable) desired relative position by means of the one or more actuators (s).

1. a) Umformen des Werkstücks während einer Umformphase zwischen den Oberflächen oder Werkzeugen wenigstens zweier um jeweils eine Drehachse rotierender Walzen,
2. b) Ermitteln (oder: Erfassen, Bestimmen), insbesondere Messen, der relativen Lage der Drehachsen der Walzen zueinander,
3. c) Vergleich der ermittelten relativen Lage (oder: Ist-Relativposition, Istwert der relativen Lage) mit wenigstens einer vorgegebenen konstanten oder variablen Soll-Relativlage (oder: Sollwert(e) der relativen Lage),
4. d) Kompensation oder Ausgleich einer außerhalb eines Toleranzbereiches liegenden (oder: unzulässigen) Abweichung (oder: Differenz) der ermittelten relativen Lage von der Soll-Relativlage durch Stellen (oder: Korrigieren, Steuern) der relativen (Ist-)Lage der Drehachsen.

In the embodiment of a control or correction, the forming process according to the invention can also be characterized by the following process steps:

1. a) forming the workpiece during a forming phase between the surfaces or tools of at least two rollers rotating about a respective axis of rotation,
2. b) determining (or: detecting, determining), in particular measuring, the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers relative to each other,
3. c) comparison of the determined relative position (or: actual relative position, actual value of the relative position) with at least one predetermined constant or variable desired relative position (or: desired value (s) of the relative position),
4. d) compensation or compensation of an out-of-tolerance (or impermissible) deviation (or difference) of the determined relative position from the desired relative position by setting (or: correcting, controlling) the relative (actual) position of the axes of rotation.

The rolling machine preferably also contains at least one means for determining the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers relative to one another during control or correction in addition to the forming rollers, the rotary drive (s) and the at least one actuator, in particular during the forming phase, and at least a control device, which is connected to the means for determining the relative position of the axes of rotation and with each actuator or is operatively connected to correct the relative position of the axes of rotation to a desired relative position by means of the one or more actuators (s). In particular, the control device then compares the determined values or signals to the relative position of the axes of rotation with the desired relative position and changed upon detection of an impermissible deviation from the desired relative position, the relative position of the roller rotation axes via the actuator or (e) until the deviation again within a permissible tolerance range.

In a typical forming process several workpieces are successively formed in successive forming phases between the rolls or the tools of the rolls and ejected from the space between the rolls or the tools after the associated forming phases. It is now preferably in each or every n-th (with a natural number n greater than 1) forming the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers determined and after each or every n-th forming phase and / or after ejection of the respective workpiece, the correction of the relative Position of the axes of rotation of the rollers performed.

The rollers are generally rotatable or rotatably mounted in two storage facilities.

In order to correct or adjust the relative position of the rollers relative to each other in a simple embodiment, only the position of the axis of rotation of one of the rollers can be controlled or controlled to a desired position and the position of the axis of rotation of the other roller (s) unchanged or stationary relative to the environment. especially to the ground, stay. Here, in particular, the lower roller remain stationary and only the upper roller can be adjusted.

Preferably, however, the positions of the axes of rotation of both rollers for correcting or changing the relative position of their axes of rotation are adjustable or variable and can be regulated or corrected to associated desired positions. It can now be either independent of each other, ie without a coupling of their movement, with its own actuators or dependent on each other, ie be adjusted or adjusted with a control technology or mechanical coupling, the rollers. However, it is also possible for the movements and positions of the axes of rotation of the two rollers to be coupled to one another in such a way that the axes of rotation of both rollers are simultaneously movable, preferably also at the same speed, to a reference position lying between the rollers, preferably the central axis, to or away from said rollers or be moved. Such a synchronous movement can be realized in particular with independent actuators by a common control or by a mechanical coupling with gear (s).

In a further advantageous embodiment, to determine the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers a distance at one point or two distances at different locations of the axes of rotation of at least two rollers from each other or one or two distances of each axis of rotation to a central axis between the two rollers determined and this (r) determined distance / distances used to correct the relative position of the axes of rotation to the desired relative position. In particular, each determined distance can be compared for itself with an associated desired distance and corrected for a deviation from the desired distance outside a predetermined tolerance range to the desired distance. However, it is also possible to mathematically determine from the individual distances (or positions) a geometric relative position of the axes of rotation and to correct them.

The central axis (or: geometric center, central position) in the intermediate space between the rollers or tools provided for receiving the workpiece can be defined in particular by a positioning device for positioning the workpiece between the rollers, the central axis being movable relative to one another within a movement plane or on a movement axis of two Positioning parts of the positioning for holding the workpiece between the two positioning parts can be. This determination of the roll positions or of the roll spacing relative to the workpiece has the advantage that a reliable reference position is established by the positioning device that is stationary in relation to the workpiece, which position defines the position of the workpiece. The distances between the axes of rotation to the central axis are also in clear relation to the distances of the axes of rotation to each other.

The determination of the relative position of the axes of rotation to each other can thus take place in only one dimension or projection on a coordinate direction (spatial direction) or in two or even three dimensions or coordinate directions.

In order to measure the position (s) or the distance (s) between the axes of rotation of the rolls, the rolling machine generally comprises a measuring device, in particular at least one non-contact sensor, in particular an ultrasonic sensor and / or an optical sensor and / or an inductive sensor and / or a magnetic sensor, and / or a contacting sensor, for example a cable driver. In particular, the distances between the storage devices and the positioning device can be measured, whereby the sensors can be attached to their outer sides.

In order to adjust the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers relative to one another, one of the two bearing devices or both bearing devices of at least one roller is moved via at least one actuator in an advantageous embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable roller (s) or their bearing device (s) for correcting or adjusting the relative position to the desired relative position or for adjusting the position (s) of its axis of rotation (s) or the distance of the axes of rotation Rolls moved linearly (or: straight, translationally). A linear, purely translatory movement is easy to implement in terms of drive technology. The direction of movement of the linear movement or displacement of the roller (s) is preferably directed substantially perpendicularly (or orthogonally) to the axes of rotation of the rollers. Further, the movement may be particularly in a vertical direction, i. parallel to the gravitational force, done. Another type of movement for the rolls may also be advantageous, especially in the case of asymmetrical thermal or mechanical changes in shape or volume in the rolling machine, such as a rotational or tilting movement or a compound composed of translational and rotational movement or along a predetermined, non-rectilinear trajectory (or : Movement path) taking place movement of the rotary axes. The movement of the axes of rotation of the rollers can thus be done with one, two or even three degrees of freedom of movement. To allow in principle both linear movements and pivotal movements of the axis of rotation (s), an axis of rotation to be adjusted is preferably moved in two points of attack outside the roller, which can lie in particular in storage facilities of the roller.

The axes of rotation of the rollers are generally set to an at least approximately parallel position to each other and are usually also main axes of inertia of the rollers, in particular cylinder or central axes in cylindrical rolls. In an advantageous embodiment, the rollers and their axes of rotation, viewed in the direction of gravity, are arranged one above the other or vertically relative to one another. But it is also a horizontal or oblique arrangement of the rollers and their axes of rotation possible.

In a particular development of the method and the rolling machine, the desired relative position, desired position (s) or desired distances of the axes of rotation of the rollers are dependent on the material and / or shape (or: geometry) of the workpiece to be reshaped or of the desired shape or desired Dimensions of the workpiece adjusted after forming. For this purpose, in particular the shape of the current workpiece can be measured before the forming phase. However, the parameters of a workpiece can also be entered in advance by means of a pattern.

The forming process performed by the method according to the invention is a hot forming process or a hot forming process. In hot and hot forming, the correction of the roll positions according to the invention to compensate for or compensate for thermal changes is particularly advantageous.

The material of the workpiece may be ferrous, such as iron itself or a steel, or may be a non-ferrous metal material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rolling machine is designed as a profile transverse machine or cross wedge rolling machine whose basic structure has been described in the introduction. In particular, therefore, the rollers have corresponding profile or wedge tools and rotate in the same direction with each other, wherein the workpiece rotates only about its own axis and is not transported translationally by the rollers. The tools on the rollers are in particular wedge-shaped or triangular in cross-section and increase in their radial dimension in one direction along the circumference and / or extend obliquely to the axis of rotation of the associated roller.

Of course, the invention is also applicable to longitudinal rolling methods and machines, for example for stretch rolling, except in the case of cross rolling methods and machines.

At least one actuator can now be a hydraulic drive. Preferably, however, at least one or each actuator is an electric motor drive, in particular a spindle drive. The accuracy of the adjusting movement of the actuators is preferably in the range of a few tenths of mm or even a few hundredths of a mm, preferably at least 0.1 mm, and / or one-thousandth of Verstellweges or -hubs. Thus, the tolerance range for the correction or deviation of the relative position of the axes of rotation can be selected to the desired relative position in this order of magnitude.

In a further development of the rolling machine, a fixed, not mitrotierende with the rollers or not mitrotierbare support means (or: roll stand, roll stand) is provided on which the or the actuator (s) is mounted or carried or are.

In one embodiment of the rolling machine, two respective holding devices which can be connected or connected to the roller with end faces of the roller and rotatable or co-rotating with the roller are provided for each roller. The connection of the holding means with the rollers is preferably releasable to allow or facilitate a change of the tools or the rollers. For each holding device is also in each case a bearing device in which the holding device is rotatably mounted, is provided. The bearing devices with the retaining devices of at least one roller mounted in them are coupled or couplable to the actuator (s) associated with this roller and can be moved via the actuator (s) to change the position of the axis of rotation of the associated roller. In particular, each bearing device is connected to an actuator and the control device controls the actuators of both storage facilities of a roller according to the desired movement of the axis of rotation of the roller. In particular, the carrier device has guide regions for guiding the bearing devices during their movement. The leadership of the storage facilities can be supported by plain bearings or bearings.

In a preferred embodiment, the rollers with the associated rotary drives each form a unit which is adjustable together by the actuators. When moving a roller through the associated actuator or actuators, the relative arrangement or position of the rotary drive associated with the roller with respect to the roller thus remains unchanged or translationally invariant. In particular, the non-rotating or rotatable parts of the associated rotary drive for rotating this roller are attached to one of the bearing devices of each roller and the co-rotating or mitrotierbaren drive parts of the rotary drive are rotatably mounted on or in the bearing device.

The carrier device comprises in a special structural design four carrier elements, wherein between two of the four carrier elements one of the bearing means of a first of the two rollers and one of the bearing means of the second of the two rollers and between the other two of the four support elements, the other bearing means of the first roller and the arranged other bearing means of the second roller and are preferably guided movably.

The actuators for the rollers are generally arranged on opposite sides of the rollers in order to leave space between the rollers and laterally for the workpieces and other machine parts.

FIG 1

eine Walzmaschine mit zwei Walzen und einer Kontrolleinrichtung zum Überwachen und Korrigieren des Walzenabstandes in einer Prinzipskizze,

FIG 2

eine Walzmaschine mit zwei Walzen mit zugeordneten unabhängigen Rotationsantrieben zum Rotieren der Walzen und Stellantrieben zum Verstellen der Walzen in einem Längsschnitt,

FIG 3

die Walzmaschine gemäß FIG 2 in einer um 90° nach einer Seite gedrehten Seitenansicht,

FIG 4

die Walzmaschine gemäß FIG 2 in einer um 90° nach der anderen Seite gedrehten Seitenansicht und

FIG 5

die Walzmaschine gemäß FIG 2 bis 4 in einer quer zum Längsschnitt gemäß FIG 2 vorgenommenen Schnittdarstellung

jeweils schematisch dargestellt sind. Einander entsprechende Teile und Größen sind in den FIG 1 bis 5 mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen.The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Reference is made to the drawings, in which

FIG. 1

a rolling machine with two rolls and a control device for monitoring and correcting the roll spacing in a schematic diagram,

FIG. 2

a rolling machine with two rolls with associated independent rotary drives for rotating the rolls and Actuators for adjusting the rolls in a longitudinal section,

FIG. 3

the rolling machine according to FIG. 2 in a side view turned 90 ° to one side,

FIG. 4

the rolling machine according to FIG. 2 in a rotated by 90 ° to the other side and side view

FIG. 5

the rolling machine according to FIGS. 2 to 4 in a transverse to the longitudinal section according to FIG. 2 made sectional representation

are each shown schematically. Corresponding parts and sizes are in the 1 to 5 provided with the same reference numerals.

The illustrated rolling machine according to 1 to 5 is designed as a cross wedge roller or cross wedge rolling machine and comprises a first work roll 2, which is rotatable or rotating about a rotation axis A, and a second work roll 3, which is rotatable about a rotation axis B or rotating. The sense of rotation of both work rolls 2 and 3 is illustrated and the same with the arrows shown. The rotation axes A and B are arranged substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of gravity or gravitational force (gravitational force) indicated by the arrow so that the work rolls 2 and 3 are stacked. The work rolls have a substantially cylindrical outer surface.

The distance W between the two axes of rotation A and B of the work rolls 2 and 3 is referred to below as the roll spacing. The distance between the cylindrical outer surfaces of the two work rolls 2 and 3 is clearly linked to the distance W via the roll diameter. A center axis (or center position) running parallel to the axes of rotation A and B between the two work rolls 2 and 3 and defining the geometric center is denoted by M. In symmetrical position of the two axes of rotation A and B to the central axis M, the distance between the two axes of rotation A and B to the central axis M is equal to W / 2.

On the outer surface or lateral surface of the work rolls 2 and 3 wedge-shaped tools 20 and 21 or 30 and 31 are respectively fixed in cross-section, in particular braced or screwed. In the illustrated embodiments according to 1 to 5 the tools 20 and 21 of the first work roll 2 and the tools 30 and 31 of the second work roll 3 are each arranged obliquely and at an angle to the respective rotation axis A and B, wherein the tools 20 and 21 of the work roll 2 with respect to the central axis M axially in are arranged in substantially the same positions. In the in FIG. 2 shown position of the work rolls 2 and 3 are the tools 20 and 21 or 30 and 31 closer to each other on the inside facing each other than on the opposite outer side. Preferably, the tools 20 and 21 and 30 and 31 also increase in cross-section as viewed in the circumferential direction, with the increase in cross-section in the tools 20 and 21 being in the same direction of rotation or orientation and opposite in the tools 30 and 31 of the second working roller 3 or in the opposite direction to that of the tools 20 and 21 of the first work roll 2.

Each of the two work rolls 2 and 3 is now rotatably supported at its two front ends via a respective shaft extension in two storage devices 16 and 17 or 18 and 19 about the respective axis of rotation A and B.

Distance sensors are arranged on the bearing devices, specifically a first distance sensor 51 for measuring the distance w1 substantially between the bearing device 16 and the center axis M (or else one arranged in the region of the center axis M) FIG. 1 not shown positioning means for positioning the workpiece), a second distance sensor 52 for measuring the distance w2 substantially between the bearing means 17 and the central axis M, a third distance sensor 53 for measuring the distance w3 substantially between the bearing means 18 and the central axis M and a Fourth distance sensor 54 for measuring the distance w4 substantially between the bearing means 19 and the center axis M. The distance sensors 51 to 54 may be in particular ultrasonic sensors, optical, magnetic or inductive sensors or other known distance sensors.

The storage facilities 16 to 19 are also each adjustable in position or position and that the storage device 16 of an associated Actuator 22, the bearing device 17 of an associated actuator 23, the bearing means 18 of an associated actuator 32 and the bearing means 19 of an associated actuator 33. By adjusting the position (s) of the storage device (s) 16 and / or 17 or 18 and / or 19 is now the axis of rotation A or B of the work roll 2 and 3 adjusted in position. For example, when adjusting the two storage facilities 16 and 17 of the work roll 2 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of this work roll 2 by the same displacement in the same direction, the axis of rotation A is moved parallel. The distances w1 and w2 thus both increase by the same amount. With simultaneous adjustment of the storage facilities 18 and 19 of the other work roll 3 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rotation axis B of this work roll 3 by the same adjustment in the same direction to each other but opposite to the direction of adjustment of the storage facilities 16 and 17, the rotation axis B are moved in parallel, the Spaces w1 to w4 all increased by the same amount and the distance W between the axes of rotation A and B increased. When adjusting only the bearing device 16 of the work roll 2, for example, upward w1 are increased and the distance w2 kept substantially the same and thus the axis of rotation A of this work roll 2 is rotated or pivoted.

There is now a control device 55 is provided, which is connected via, preferably electrical, control lines to the actuators 22, 23, 32 and 33 and via, generally electrical, measuring lines for transmitting the measurement signals or measured values with the distance sensors 51, 52, 53 and 54 is connected. The control device 55 now holds the axes of rotation A and B of the work rolls 2 and 3 in a predetermined relative position to each other, in particular the parallel position at the predetermined distance W, by the measured distances w1 to w4 with predetermined target intervals, preferably all equal to a common Desired distance are, compares and regulates to the desired distances or corrected by driving the actuators 22, 23, 32 and / or 34. The control device 55 preferably includes at least one digital microprocessor or signal processor and at least one memory with a stored control or regulating algorithm for the Processor as well as stored or re-storable setpoints or command values for the control or regulation.

The FIGS. 2 to 5 show an embodiment of a rolling machine 1 in various representations. The FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section along a cutting plane containing the longitudinal direction of the rolling machine and the direction of gravity. The FIG. 3 and 4 show side views of the rolling machine on the two front or narrow sides. The cut of the FIG. 5 is in FIG. 2 . 3 and 4 marked with the arrows VV.

Each work roll 2 and 3 is detachably held between two holding devices 12A and 12B and 13A and 13B arranged axially to the respective rotation axis A and B, respectively, and can be taken out of the holding devices 12A and 12B or 13A and 13B in their unlocked state for exchanging the tools 20 and 21 or 30 and 31 or the entire work rolls 2 and 3 with the tools 20 and 21 or 30 and 31. There are in each case unspecified pivot bearing, in particular rolling bearings, the holding device 12A in the storage device sixteenth and the holding means 12B are rotatably supported in the bearing means 17 about the rotation axis A of the first work roll 2, respectively, and the holding means 13A in the bearing means 18 and the holding means 13B are rotatably supported in the bearing means 19 about the rotation axis B of the second work roll 3, respectively.

For rotating the work rolls 2 and 3 about their respective axes of rotation A and B, a first rotary drive 42 for the first work roll 2 and a second, independent of the first rotary drive 42 rotary drive 43 for the second work roll 3 are provided. Each rotary drive 42 and 43 includes an associated rotary drive motor 44 and 45 and a - not shown - rotary drive gear 46 and 47, for example, one, in particular three-stage, gear transmission, for transmitting the torque of the rotary drive motor 44 and 45 to the associated work roll 2 and 3. The rotation axis C of the output shaft of the rotation drive motor 44 of the first rotation drive 42 and the rotation axis D of the output shaft of the rotation drive motor 45 of the second rotation drive 43 are orthogonal to the rotation axes A and B of the respective work rolls 2 and 3.

In the FIG. 1 left arranged holding means 12A for the upper work roll 2 and 13A for the lower work roll 3 are each as solid waves (or hollow shafts) axially to the axes of rotation A and B through the associated storage facilities 16 and 18 continued and are with the - not closer shown - rotary drive gears 46 and 47 of the associated rotary drives 42 and 43 coupled or engaged. An operation of the rotary drive motors 44 and 45 thus leads to the transmission of a rotational movement via the rotary drive gear 46 and 47 on the holding device 12A and 13A and thus on the work roll 2 and 3 and the co-rotating second holding means 12B and 13B.

The rotary drive motors 44 and 45 are preferably permanent magnet motors, in particular so-called torque motors. The high dynamics or rotational acceleration and the high torque of the torque motor allows a very dynamic control or regulation of the rotational speed of the rotating work rolls 2 and 3 in adaptation to the rolling process. Each of the permanent magnet motors 44 and 45 is controlled electronically, in particular via a converter.

The rolling machine 1 further comprises a support means (or a rolling stand or frame) 6. The support means 6 comprises four columnar support members 6A to 6D arranged in a rectangular arrangement and on a common floor panel 6E supported on the floor 50 , mounted or attached. The support members 6A to 6D extend vertically or vertically in a longitudinal direction, i. parallel to the gravitational force G.

In each of the support members 6A to 6D, an associated tie rod 7A to 7B is vertically arranged in the longitudinal direction of the respective support member which is fixed to the bottom of the support plate 6E and is biased at the top by means of an associated locknut, not specified, preferably a hydraulically operated locknut , In this case, a split Unterlagsringsegment is preferably placed under the hydraulic nut when the hydraulic nut is in the pressurized state, and then pressed by relaxing the hydraulic pressure, the nut on the Unterlagsringsegment. Thereby, the support members 6A to 6D can be under a certain Tension is set and stiffened. This leads to a stiffening of the roll stand of the rolling machine. 1

The bearing device 16 is height-adjustable via a drive spindle (or adjusting spindle) 26 from a first actuator 22 disposed above along a vertical, i. The axis E is parallel to the direction of gravity G and the bearing device 17 is height-adjustable via a drive spindle 27 from a second actuator 23 arranged above a vertical axis F. The bearing device 18 is vertically adjustable via a drive spindle 36 from a third actuator 32 disposed below Axis E and the bearing device 19 is height-adjustable via a drive spindle 37 from a below arranged fourth actuator 33 along the vertical axis F.

Each actuator 22, 23, 32, 33 includes a drive motor 24, 25, 34, 35, via a drive shaft 28, 29, 38, 39 and an unspecified check gear with high reduction the drive spindle 26, 27, 36, 37 and so that the bearing device 16, 17, 18, 19 drives. The maximum adjustment or Verstellhübe the actuators 22, 23, 32, 33 are typically 50 mm to 150 mm, the adjustment accuracy or Verstellschritte are typically in adaptation to the thermal expansion in the rolling machine some 1/100 mm. The drive motors 24, 25, 34, 35 may be geared motors and / or three-phase asynchronous motors or synchronous motors and / or permanent magnet motors (e.g., servomotors) with an electronic drive and are applied only with current pulses in the millisecond range for the high adjustment accuracy when adjusting.

The two storage devices 16 and 18 are guided vertically for their adjustment via guides 8B of the support member 6B and 8C of the support member 6C in or on the two support members 6B and 6C. The two further bearing devices 17 and 19 are guided vertically for their adjustment via guides 8A of the support member 6A and 8D of the support member 6D in or on the two support members 6A and 6D.

There are thus working units each consisting of a work roll 2 or 3, two holding devices 12A and 12B or 13A and 13B, two storage devices 16 and 17 or 18 and 19 and a rotary drive 42 and 43 formed on each of two on the support means 6 fastened actuators 22 and 23 or 32 and 33 are suspended in height adjustable and are movable towards one another or away from each other and in or on the support means 6.

By adjusting the bearing means 16 and 17 - and thus the entire working unit including the associated work roll 2 - by means of the actuators 22 and 23 in the same direction and by the same amount, ie simultaneously by the same stroke up or simultaneously by the same stroke down, the axis of rotation A of the first work roll 2 is moved parallel up or down. Likewise, by adjusting the bearing means 18 and 19 and associated work unit with work roll 3 via the actuators 32 and 33 in the same direction and by the same amount, the axis of rotation B of the second work roll 3 is moved parallel up or down.

Thus, by means of the actuators 22 and 23 and / or the actuators 32 and 33, the roll spacing W between the axes of rotation A and B of the two work rolls 2 and 3 or the tool spacing w can be varied.

In the operation of the rolling machine, a distinction is made between at least three process steps or process phases. The three process phases form a work cycle. In a series production for producing a plurality of converted workpieces, a plurality of such work cycles are usually carried out in succession.

In a first process phase, the workpiece 10 is positioned between the rollers 2 and 3. The workpiece 10 is according to FIG. 4 by means of two guide rulers or positioning parts 61 and 62 one only in FIG. 4 Positioning device 60 shown brought into a position on the central axis M between the work rolls 2 and 3. The two positioning parts 61 and 62 are movable along a positioning axis P perpendicular to the central axis M, as indicated by the double arrows, in particular by means of rollers. The positioning parts 61 and 62 can be moved back in a long guide so that the work roll 2 and / or 3 can be changed without the positioning parts 61 and 62 must be dismantled.

In a second process phase, the forming phase, the workpiece 10 is detected by the tools of the work rolls 2 and 3 and formed between the rotating tools of the rolls. In this forming phase, the distances w1, w2, w3 and w4 are measured as a measure of the distances between the axes of rotation A and B and the center axis M.

In a third process phase, the formed workpiece is removed from the space between the rollers or ejected. The distances w1 and w2 as well as w3 and w4 are now compared in particular with a common setpoint distance, so that a parallel position of the rotation axes A and B is therefore desired. If too great a deviation of one of the distances w1 to w4 from the nominal distance, the axes of rotation A and B are changed in their position as described until the deviation is eliminated or within a tolerance range.

Alternatively or additionally, the distances w1, w2, w3 and w4 can also be varied during the forming phase in a targeted manner according to a predetermined or temporal progression depending on the angular position of the roll (n) in order to influence the deformation of the workpiece.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

rolling machine

2.3

Stripper

6A to 6D

support element

6E

baseplate

7A to 7D

tie rods

8A to 8D

guide

10

workpiece

12A, 12B

holder

13A, 13B

holder

16,17,18,19

Storage facility

20, 21

Tool

22, 23

actuator

24, 25

gearmotor

26, 27

adjusting spindle

28, 29

drive shaft

30, 31

Tool

32, 33

actuator

34, 35

gearmotor

36, 37

adjusting spindle

38, 39

drive shaft

42, 43

rotary drive

44, 45

Rotary drive motor

46, 47

Rotary drive gear

50

ground

51, 52

distance sensor

53, 54

distance sensor

55

control device

60

positioning

61, 62

positioning parts

A, B

axis of rotation

C, D

drive axle

E, F

axis

G

gravitational force

M

central axis

V

adjustment axis

P

positioning

w

tool clearance

w1, w2

distance

w3, w4, W

distance

Claims (23)

1. Method for warm or hot forming a workpiece (10) of a metallic material,

   a) in which, during a forming phase, the workpiece (10) is formed between surfaces or tools (20, 21, 30, 31) of at least two rollers (2, 3) rotating about an axis of rotation in each case, and

   b) in which the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) in relation to one another is controlled or corrected to a desired relative position, in particular by means of at least one control device (55) and at least one actuator (22, 23, 32, 33) which is assigned to at least one of the rollers and is activated by the control device,

   c) thermal and/or mechanical changes in shape or volume, occurring in particular during the forming phase, in the rollers (2, 3) or their tools (20, 21, 30, 31) or other regions of a rolling machine (1) comprising the rollers, in particular bearing devices for the rollers and carrier devices for the bearing devices (16, 17, 18, 19), being substantially compensated by a correction of the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3),
   in that

   c1) the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) in relation to one another is determined during the forming phase at a predetermined rotary angle position of at least one of the rollers and/or under a predetermined loading with force of the roller(s),

   c2) the determined relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) is compared with the desired relative position and it is established whether there is a deviation of the determined relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) from the desired relative position that lies outside a predetermined tolerance range,

   c3) and, if such a deviation of the determined relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) from the desired relative position that lies outside the tolerance range is established, the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) is changed, in particular by means of the at least one actuator (22, 23, 32, 33), before or after the forming phase or after ejection of the workpiece from the intermediate space between the tools (20, 21, 30, 31) or the rollers (2, 3) or in a state of the rollers in which they are relieved of forming forces, in such a way that the deviation lies within the tolerance range again.
2. Method according to Claim 1, in which

   a) for controlling or correcting the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3),

   b) at least one position of at least one of the axes of rotation of the rollers

   b1) is controlled or corrected to in each case an associated constant or variable desired position
   and/or

   b2) is determined and compared with in each case an associated constant or variable desired position and, if there is a deviation from the desired position outside a predetermined tolerance range, is corrected to the desired position,

   c) the position(s) of the axis (axes) of rotation (A, B) of the other roller(s) possibly remaining unchanged or fixed in relation to the surroundings or being assumed.
3. Method according to Claim 1, in which

   a) for controlling or correcting the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers

   b) at least one distance (W) of the axes of rotation (A, B) of at least two rollers (2, 3) from one another or of the axis of rotation of at least one roller from a predetermined central axis in the intermediate space between the rollers or tools that is provided for receiving the workpiece

   b1) is controlled or corrected to in each case an associated constant or variable desired distance
   and/or

   b2) is determined and compared with in each case an associated constant or variable desired distance and, if there is a deviation from the desired distance outside a predetermined tolerance range, is corrected to the desired distance.
4. Method according to Claim 3, in which, for controlling or correcting the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3), in each case at least two distances of the axes of rotation of two rollers from one another or the axis of rotation (A, B) of at least one roller from the central axis (M) on the one hand and associated desired distances on the other hand are used, these distances preferably being provided or determined on opposite sides of the rollers (2, 3), as seen in the direction of the respective axis of rotation (A, B).
5. Method according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, in which the central axis (M) lies within a plane of movement or on an axis of movement of two parts of a positioning device which are movable in relation to one another for positioning the workpiece (10) or defines the axis on which the workpiece (10) is positioned.
6. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which

   a) a number of workpieces are formed one after the other in successive forming phases between the surfaces or tools (20, 21, 30, 31) of the rollers (2, 3) and, after the associated forming phase, each workpiece (10) is ejected from the intermediate space between the rollers (2, 3) or the tools (20, 21, 30, 31) and

   b) in each forming phase or in each forming phase following a predetermined number of forming phases, the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) is determined,

   c) after each forming phase or a predetermined number of forming phases or after ejection of the respective workpiece, the control or correction of the determined relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers (2, 3) to the desired relative position is carried out.
7. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the rollers (2, 3) are each mounted rotatably or rotating in two bearing devices (16, 17, 18, 19) and, for setting the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers in relation to one another, one of the two bearing devices or both bearing devices of at least one roller is/are moved by way of at least one actuator (22, 23, 32, 33).
8. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which, for controlling or correcting the relative position to the desired relative position, the axis (axes) of rotation (A, B) of the roller(s) (2, 3) or the bearing device(s) (16, 17, 18, 19) of the roller(s) is or are linearly moved at least partially in a predetermined direction of movement, the direction of movement of the linear movement preferably being directed substantially perpendicularly in relation to the axes of rotation of the rollers (2, 3) and/or substantially parallel to the gravitational force (6), and/or being at least partially rotated or tilted.
9. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the workpiece (10) consists of a ferrous or nonferrous metallic material.
10. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the desired relative position or the desired position(s) or the desired distance/desired distances of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) is or are set or chosen depending on the material and/or the shape of the workpiece (10) to be formed or on the desired shape or the desired dimensions of the workpiece formed, the shape of the workpiece (10) preferably being measured before the forming phase and the desired relative position, desired position(s) or the desired distance/desired distances being set correspondingly.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, which is carried out with a rolling machine (10), which comprises

    a) at least two rollers (2, 3) which are rotatable or rotate about an axis of rotation in each case and in particular can be fitted or are fitted with tools (20, 21, 30, 31) and

    b) at least one rotational drive (42, 43) for rotating the rollers (2, 3) about their axes of rotation at least during a forming phase for forming a workpiece which can be arranged or is arranged between the rollers (2, 3),

    c) at least one actuator (22, 23, 32, 33) for setting the position(s) of the axis (axes) of rotation (A, B) of one of the rollers or of both rollers and

    d) a control device (55), in operative connection with each actuator, for controlling or correcting the relative position of the axes of rotation of the rollers to a constant or variable desired relative position by means of the actuator or actuators.
12. Method according to Claim 11, in which the rolling machine (1) has a positioning device (60) with two positioning parts (61, 62) which are movable in relation to one another for positioning the workpiece (10) in the region of a predetermined central axis (M) between the two rollers (2, 3).
13. Method according to Claim 11 or Claim 12, in which each roller (2, 3) of the rolling machine (1) is assigned at least one associated actuator (22, 23, 32, 33) for independently setting the positions of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers, the actuators preferably being arranged on sides of the rollers that are facing away from one another.
14. Method according to Claim 11 or Claim 12, in which the rollers (2, 3) of the rolling machine are assigned a common actuator, which can be coupled or is coupled to each of the rollers by means of a gear mechanism in each case, the gear mechanisms preferably being formed such that the axes of rotation (A, B) of both rollers (2, 3) can be moved by the common actuator at the same time, preferably also at the same speed, towards or away from a reference position lying between the rollers, preferably the central axis (M).
15. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 14, in which the rolling machine comprises

    a) for each roller (2, 3) two holding devices (12A, 12B, 13A, 13B), which can be connected or are connected, preferably releasably, to the roller at end faces of the roller and can rotate or do rotate along with the roller, and

    b) for each holding device a bearing device (16, 17, 18, 19), in which the holding device is rotatably mounted,

    c) the bearing devices with the holding devices mounted in them of at least one roller being coupled or able to be coupled to the actuator(s) assigned to this roller and being movable or moved by way of the actuator or actuators for changing the position of the axis of rotation (A, B) of the associated roller (2, 3), each bearing device preferably being connected to an associated actuator (22, 23, 32, 33).
16. Method according to one or more of Claims 11 to 15, in which, in the desired relative position, the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) are directed substantially parallel to one another and/or are arranged substantially one above the other, as seen in the direction of gravitational force, and/or are arranged substantially perpendicularly in relation to the direction of gravitational force.
17. Method according to one or more of Claims 11 to 15, in which at least one actuator of the rolling machine (1) comprises at least one electrical actuator motor and a force transmission device, which can be coupled or is coupled to the actuator motor (24, 25, 34, 35) on the one hand and the associated roller on the other hand and in particular comprises at least one drive spindle and/or a worm gear mechanism, for transmitting the driving force or the driving torque of the actuator motor for moving the rollers.
18. Method according to one or more of Claims 11 to 17, in which the rolling machine (1) comprises a carrier device, which does not rotate or cannot rotate along with the rollers (2, 3) and on which or by which the actuator or actuators is or are carried or mounted, the carrier device preferably having guiding regions for guiding the rollers or the bearing devices during their movement.
19. Method according to Claim 18, in which the carrier device comprises four, in particular columnar, carrier elements (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D), one of the bearing devices (16, 17, 18, 19) of a first of the two rollers and one of the bearing devices of the second of the two rollers (2, 3) being arranged, and preferably movably guided, between two of the four carrier elements and the other bearing device of the first roller and the other bearing device of the second roller being arranged, and preferably movably guided, between the other two of the four carrier elements, the carrier elements in particular being prestressed by means of tie bolts (7A, 7B, 7C, 7D) and nuts, preferably hydraulic nuts.
20. Method according to one or more of Claims 11 to 19, in which the rolling machine (1)

    a) has a device for determining the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) in relation to one another during the forming phase,

    b) the control device (55) being in operative connection with the device for determining the relative position of the axes of rotation and

    b1) comparing the relative position of the axes of rotation that is determined by this device with the desired relative position,

    b2) establishing whether there is a deviation of the determined relative position of the axes of rotation from the desired relative position that lies outside a predetermined tolerance range,

    b3) and, if there is such a deviation of the determined relative position of the axes of rotation from the desired relative position that lies outside the tolerance range, changing the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3), in particular by means of the at least one actuator (22, 23, 32, 33), in such a way that the deviation lies within the tolerance range again.
21. Method according to Claim 20, in which the device for determining the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) in relation to one another comprises at least two distance sensors (51, 52, 53, 54) for measuring the distances of the axes of rotation of the rollers from one another or in each case from the central axis (M) or the distances of the bearing devices (16, 17, 18, 19) from the central axis (M) or from the positioning device as a measure of the position(s) or the distance between the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers.
22. Method according to Claim 20 or Claim 21, in which the device for determining the relative position of the axes of rotation (A, B) of the rollers (2, 3) in relation to one another comprises at least one contactless sensor and/or an ultrasonic sensor and/or an optical sensor and/or an inductive sensor and/or a magnetic sensor.
23. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 22, in which the rolling machine (1) is formed as a profile cross-rolling machine or a cross-wedge rolling machine or in which the tools (20, 21, 30, 31) on the rollers (2, 3) of the rolling machine have in cross section wedge-shaped or triangular profiles or shapes and, along the circumference, increase in their radial dimension in one direction and/or run obliquely in relation to the axis of rotation of the associated roller.

Images