EP2825332A1

EP2825332A1 - Apparatus for straightening metal strip

Info

Publication number: EP2825332A1
Application number: EP13711601.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank-Günter BENNER; Roman Dehmel; Rolf Franz; Matthias Kipping; Peter Jollet; Jens ARTEL
Original assignee: SMS Siemag AG
Current assignee: SMS Group GmbH
Priority date: 2012-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-12
Publication date: 2015-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-12
Also published as: EP2825332B1; RU2014141509A; DE102012204074A1; KR20140125454A; JP2015509852A; US20150027185A1; WO2013135688A1; CN104379271A

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for straightening metal strips, comprising a first, upper group (1) and a second, lower group (1') of straightening rollers arranged in each case immediately in succession in a strip running direction, and a group of individually controllable actuators (2) arranged alongside one another in a transverse direction, wherein an axial bending profile of at least a first of the straightening rollers (1) is settable by the group of actuators (2), wherein at least one second group of individually controllable actuators (2) arranged alongside one another in the transverse direction is provided, wherein an axial bending profile of the least a second of the straightening rollers (1), which is in particular different from the bending profile of the first bending roller (1), is settable by the second group of actuators.

Description

Device for straightening metal strip

The invention relates to a device for straightening metal strip according to the preamble of claim 1 and claim 9 and a method for straightening metal strip with the features of claim 12.

No. 4,881,392 describes a system for straightening a metal strip, in which a straightening section of a rolling mill is arranged according to and a measuring device for flatness measurement of the metal strip is again arranged in the strip running direction below the straightening section.

It is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for straightening metal strips, in which a good optimization of the straightening process is achieved.

This object is achieved for an aforementioned device according to the preamble of claim 1 according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1.

By the at least second group of juxtaposed in the transverse direction, individually controllable actuators, by an axial bending curve of at least a second of the straightening rollers is adjustable, the effect of straightening rollers can be set particularly differentiated on the plate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least three successively arranged in the strip running direction groups of at least three actuators are provided, which form a total of a field of individually controllable actuators, by means of several in the strip running direction successively arranged straightening rollers independent in their respective bending curve can be adjusted. Such a field of actuators generally allows a particularly accurate correction of belt errors by the straightening process. In addition, if necessary, local correction can be carried out dynamically, in particular in relatively short sections of the band. Such relatively local band errors can first be detected, for example, by a measuring device arranged on the input side of the device.

Generally, it is provided that the actuators comprise a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic cylinders can be adjusted quickly and in a wide range to the respective requirements of straightening forces. In alternative or additional detail design but also threaded adjustments, Keilanstellungen or the like can be used as actuators.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably more of the groups of actuators is supported on a dimensionally stable traverse. Under dimensionally stable within the meaning of the invention is to be understood that an area moment of inertia of the traverse corresponds to at least a multiple of a moment of inertia of the leveling rolls. In a further detailed design, a tilting of the traverse about the strip running direction can be adjustable by means of at least one trussing actuator. This results in further adjustment of the device. The traverse actuators may also preferably be hydraulic actuators, alternatively or additionally, but also wedge adjustments or threaded adjustments. In a generally preferred development, it is provided that end-side storage areas of at least one of the straightening rollers can be loaded in an adjustable manner by lateral actuators, in particular in a direction opposite to the actuators. This makes it possible to realize, among other things, a simple adjustment of gaps and contact forces. Preferably, the lateral actuators may be formed as a hydraulic cylinder. In a simple and generally preferred structural realization, the actuators may act on a support arrangement for a plurality of support rollers, the support rollers transmitting a force of the actuators to one of the straightening rollers. In a preferred detailed design, the retaining arrangement comprises a chain of bearing sections connected to one another in the axial direction for the support rollers. As a result, forces occurring in the axial direction can be optimally intercepted, so that the effect of the respective actuators is locally well defined and no tilting or the like. occur in the field of actuators or support rollers.

The object of the invention is also achieved for a device according to the preamble of claim 9 by the characterizing features of claim 9. The arrangement of a measuring system already before the groups of straightening rollers can be a particularly accurate measurement, due to which the number of passes through the straightening can be minimized. In particular, it can be decided by the upstream measuring system whether straightening must take place at all. Ideally, the tape can then not pass through the straightening or without pressure of straightening rollers.

By providing in each case one measuring system in front of and behind the straightening rolls, it can be decided in the same pass whether a second pass through the straightening line is required. From the comparison of the measurements of the two measuring systems before and after the straightening can also be derived an optimization or change the settings of the actuators of the straightening to allow an optimized, subsequent run. This can be a second or generally nth pass.

In a preferred detailed design, the measuring systems comprise an optical, in particular laser-optical, measurement of the shape of the metal strip, the metal strip being predominantly at least in the area of the measuring installations is guided without tension. A predominantly tension-free guidance is given when tensile forces caused by the strip guide are kept so low that they only negligibly influence a spatial deformation of the strip.

In alternative or additional detailed designs can be provided in addition to an optical detection of a spatial deformation that the tape is scanned by mechanical scanning rollers at a defined tension to measure over the width variable tension in the band and as a criterion for setting the actuators of the guideline use.

In a generally advantageous manner, a device according to claim 9 or 10 additionally comprises one or more additional features according to any one of claims 1 to 8. It is understood that the specific embodiments of such a device can be arbitrarily combined with the concept of a device in which before and after each straightening roller measuring systems are located.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for straightening a metal strip having the features of claim 12. Particularly preferred, but not necessary, a device according to the invention is used for a method according to the invention

By measuring the shape and / or tension by a first, before a first pass through the straightening arranged measuring system and by a second, arranged on the straightening measuring system, the process of straightening can be optimized and the number of possibly necessary passes through the Minimize the guideway. It goes without saying that the optimization is computer-aided on the basis of the measurement results. In addition, data from previous runs of the same band and / or stored models, in particular with regard to the material to be straightened, the straps, etc., can be used. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the measurement result in step d. a repetition of steps b. and c. he follows. In particular, a second or nth tape pass can take place in the direction opposite to the previous pass.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below and from the dependent claims.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an inventive

Device from the front.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the device

Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the device of Fig. 1 in a second employment.

Fig. 4 shows the device of Fig. 1 in a third employment. FIGS. 5a to 5f show several modifications of bearing sections of FIG

Device of Fig. 1.

6 shows a schematic overall view of a device according to the invention with two measuring systems.

The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 for straightening a metal strip is shown only in the circumference of a present upper half, comprising a plurality of straightening rollers 1 arranged one behind the other in a strip running direction (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 1). A straightening roller 1 is in each case subjected to a force by a group of actuators 2 which are arranged next to one another in the transverse direction or axial direction over the length of the straightening roller 1. The actuators each include a force introduction unit in the form of a separately and automatically controlled hydraulic cylinder 2a, which acts on a bearing portion 3 of a chain 4 of bearing sections. A piston end of the actuator 2a can tiltably press on the bearing portion, for example in a corresponding shape (not shown). It will be understood that a bending course of the straightening rolls 1 employed by the actuators is exaggerated in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 for the sake of illustration.

At the bearing sections 3, a pair of support rollers 5 is rotatably mounted in each case, which press on the straightening rollers 1 and so adjust their bending curve during rotation.

Various alternative embodiments of the chain of bearing sections are shown in FIGS. 5a to 5f. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 5 a to 5c, the bearing sections 3 abut against one another in an impact-like manner, wherein the cooperating end faces can be formed depending on the requirements. Fig. 5a shows a simple shape with flat faces. Fig. 5b shows a two convexities, by which the friction surface is reduced. Fig. 5c shows a concave end face into which an adjacent, convex end face engages, so that the exact position of the bearing sections is adjusted relative to one another. In the examples according to FIGS. 5 d to 5 f, the adjacent bearing sections are each connected to one another, wherein the connection point provides increased mobility with respect to a homogeneous rod. In Fig. 5d this is achieved by local weakenings of a solid rod. Fig. 5e shows a connection by an elastic connector between the bearing portions, which may be made of metal or other material. Fig. 5f shows a Arrangement in which the adjacent bearing sections are connected to one another by a joint, for example a rotary joint.

The actuators 2 are supported with their hydraulic cylinders on the opposite side to the straightening roller on a rigid or dimensionally stable traverse 6. The traverse is tiltably adjustable over two existing truss actuators 7 to provide a further adjustment option for straightening and / or movability of the traverse for maintenance purposes. The truss actuators 7 are also designed as hydraulic cylinders.

The straightening rollers 7 are added to end bearings in pivot bearings 8, which in turn are each supported by lateral actuators 9 adjustable in force on the cross member 6. In particular, the lateral actuators 9 can be subjected to a force in opposite direction to the actuators 2 in order to adjust the bending curve of the straightening rollers 7.

In particular, from the schematic representation of FIG. 2 it can be seen that in the present case each of the successively arranged, in the present case five straightening rollers 1 is largely individually adjustable in its bending process. For this purpose, a group of adjacently arranged in the axial direction actuators 2 is provided for each of the straightening rollers 1. In the present example, each of the five straightening rollers 1 is adjusted by a group of five adjacently arranged adjacently in the transverse direction of actuators 2, so that a total of a field of 5X5 separately adjustable actuators 2 results.

The five straightening rollers 1 are each end received in beams 10, in which the pivot bearing 8 of the straightening rollers 1 are arranged. Each of the two bars 10 is held by one of the lateral actuators 9. The bars are expediently guided so that no tilting can occur in the direction of tape travel. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of lateral actuators 9 can also act on the same beam 10. It can also alternatively every single one Straightening rollers 1 be added end in a lateral actuator 7 or more, for example, two straightening rollers are summarized over a respective beam with respect to their pivot bearing. All of the hydraulic cylinders described herein preferably have a circular cross-section. It is a principle of the present invention to use as many standard actuators of the same design and to dispense with special constructions such as cylinders with oblong cross-section. The above-described upper half of the device may be substantially symmetrical as a lower part with a group of lower straightening rollers 1 '(see schematically in FIG. 6). As a result, an inverse bending of the straightening roller shown in FIG. 1 can be achieved as in FIG. 3, wherein the adjustment is effected by pushing forces of actuators (not shown) of the lower half.

In a position shown in FIG. 4 is a linear tilt of the straightening roller to the strip running direction. Such a tilting can take place via the actuators 2, 7 as shown or else via a tilting of the traverse 6. The schematic lateral view according to FIG. 6 shows a device as described above, which also has a first measuring system 1 1 in the strip running direction and a second one Measuring system 12 is downstream.

The measuring systems 1 1, 12 are of identical design and measure each unevenness of the largely unstressed metal strip 13 by means of optical systems, in particular laser optical systems.

In addition, FIG. 6 explains a method in which, according to the invention, the topography or flatness and / or the residual stresses of the metal strip 13 are first determined before straightening. In the first measuring system 1 1 arise for this purpose, the data via a connection 1 1 a in an electronic control unit or a installed on it model 14 are fed. The metal strip 13 may be for measuring, for example, on rollers 15 and thereby scanned. It is also conceivable that the flatness and / or residual stresses of the metal strip are detected during the run. For this purpose, a reversing operation would be possible.

Preferably, all straightening rollers 1, but at least the upper straightening rollers 1 are equipped with sensors 16 and actuators 17 and connected via the connections 18 with the model 14. The sensors may e.g. Measure forces, moments, positions, inclinations, deformations, etc. The actuators, for example the actuators 2 described above, are capable of transmitting forces and moments to approach or generate positions such as paths, slopes, deformations and so on. As a result, as many positions and deformations of the individual straightening rollers 1 and thus positions of the straightening rollers can be approached relative to each other.

By the straightening rollers downstream, further measuring system 12, the metal strip 13 would at least optionally re-measured after the straightening process. The resulting data is provided via a connection 12a the model 14.

The model 14 is depicted in one or more computers and consists of further implemented submodels. These are material models for the materials to be straightened, models for imaging the straightening process, mechanical models for imaging the machine parts and their cooperation during straightening, models for processing the sensor signals, models for processing and processing the geometry (flatness / flatness error) and residual stress of the straightening material 13, models for controlling flatness errors, model for driving the actuators of the straightening machine, etc. All data and signals are integrated in appropriate models, control loops and algorithms. The integral summary and processing takes place in a comprehensive technological model. This model could, for example, independently or operator supportively decide whether the metal strip 13 should be re-directed or whether it can be released for further processing. The local immersion depth E1 in the plane P_1 to the immersion depth En in the plane P_n can be adjusted by the model 14 according to the requirements of the end product. As a local immersion depth is not only the parallel directional gap RS to understand, but also a non-constant guide gap RS, which can arise by tilting and bending at least one of the straightening rollers 1. The straightening machine can be operated with the aid of the model 14 so that it can change the immersion depths and the straightening gaps statically or dynamically (during the straightening process). It is also conceivable that the span a is variable by moving the straightening rollers 1 and is controlled or regulated by the model 14.

The normal or first direction of passage of the metal strip 13 is from right to left as shown in FIG. 6. The plane 19 can be used as a reference plane for the measuring equipment and for the immersion depth. A possible second pass can be carried out in particular from left to right, in particular in the case of a tandem measuring system.

With the aid of the method described, it is possible to describe the actual state of a metal strip with respect to its flatness and / or its residual stresses and to make the determined data available to a model which is depicted in a computer. The model is then able to control and regulate the straightening process. The directional result can be determined by means of a second measurement in a second measuring system 1 1, 12. The data can be used to adapt the model independently and optimized. The straightening process can be fully or partially automated, optimized and logged.

Claims

claims

1 . Apparatus for straightening metal bands, comprising

a first, upper group (1) and a second, lower group (1 ') of each in a strip running direction immediately successively arranged straightening rollers, and

a group of individually controllable actuators (2) arranged side by side in a transverse direction, wherein the group of

Actuators (2) an axial bending curve of at least a first of the straightening rollers (1) is adjustable,

characterized,

in that at least one second group of individually controllable actuators (2) arranged side by side in the transverse direction is provided, wherein an axial bending profile of at least one second of the straightening rollers (1) is adjustable by the second group of actuators, in particular deviating from the bending curve of the first straightening roller (1 ).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least three in the strip running direction successively arranged groups of at least three actuators (2) are provided, which form a total of a field of individually controllable actuators (2), by means of several in the strip running direction successively arranged straightening rollers (1) can be set independently in their respective bending process.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators (2) comprise a hydraulic cylinder (2a).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, in particular more of the groups of actuators (2) are supported on a dimensionally stable traverse (6).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that a tilting of the traverse (6) about the strip running direction by means of at least one truss actuator (7) is adjustable.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that end-side storage areas (8) at least one of

Straightening rollers are adjustable loadable by lateral actuators (9), in particular in a direction opposite to the actuators (2) opposite direction.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators (2) act on a holding arrangement (4) for a plurality of support rollers (5), wherein the support rollers (5) a force of the actuators (2) on a straightening roller (1) transfer.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding arrangement comprises a chain (4) connected in the axial direction bearing portions (3) for the support rollers (5).

9 Apparatus for straightening metal bands, comprising

a first, upper group (1) and a second, lower group (1 ') of each in a strip running direction successively arranged straightening rollers, and

a group of controllable actuators (2), wherein an adjustment of at least some of the straightening rollers (1) is adjustable by the group of actuators (2),

characterized, a measuring system (11, 12) is arranged both before and after the groups of straightening rolls (1, 1 '), by means of which flatness defects and / or strains in the metal strip (13) can be measured, both measuring systems (11 , 12) are used for setting the straightening rollers (1) in the same straightening process.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the measuring systems (1 1, 12) comprise an optical, in particular laser-optical, measurement of the shape of the metal strip (13), wherein the metal strip (13) at least in the region of the measuring equipment (1 1, 12) is guided mainly tension-free.

1 1. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized by one or more additional features according to one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A method for straightening a metal strip, in particular by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps:

a. Measuring the shape and / or strains of a metal strip (13) by means of a measuring system (1 1) in front of a first

Pass through a straightening line;

b. Setting straightening rollers (1) of the straightening path as a function of the measurement of the metal strip (13), in particular by means of an electronic control unit (14);

c. Straightening the metal strip (13) by passing through the straightening section; d. Measuring the shape and / or tension of the metal strip (13) by means of a second measuring system (12) on the output side of the straightening line.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that depending on the measurement result in step d. a repetition of steps b. and c. he follows.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the metal strip (13) passes through the straightening path in successive straightening in each reverse direction.