EP3670011B1 - Cooling of metal strip in a rolling stand - Google Patents

Description

field of technology

• wobei zunächst ein erstes flaches Walzgut aus Metall das Walzgerüst in einer Transportrichtung durchläuft und beim Durchlaufen des Walzgerüsts mittels in das Walzgerüst eingebauter Arbeitswalzen gewalzt wird, wobei die Arbeitswalzen während des Walzens des ersten flachen Walzguts um quer zur Transportrichtung verlaufende Walzenachsen rotieren,
• wobei während des Walzens des ersten flachen Walzguts eine in dem Walzgerüst angeordnete erste Kühleinrichtung in einer zurückgezogenen Stellung gehalten wird, in der die erste Kühleinrichtung in der Transportrichtung gesehen von den Arbeitswalzen beabstandet ist,
• wobei sodann die Arbeitswalzen aus dem Walzgerüst ausgebaut werden.

The present invention is based on an operating method for a roll stand,

• wherein initially a first flat rolling stock made of metal passes through the roll stand in a transport direction and is rolled as it passes through the roll stand by means of work rolls built into the roll stand, the work rolls rotating about roll axes running transversely to the transport direction during the rolling of the first flat rolled stock,
• wherein during the rolling of the first flat rolled material, a first cooling device arranged in the roll stand is held in a retracted position in which the first cooling device is spaced from the work rolls as seen in the transport direction,
• in which case the work rolls are then removed from the roll stand.

• wobei das Walzgerüst zum Walzen von flachen Walzgütern aus Metall in das Walzgerüst eingebaute Arbeitswalzen aufweist, die während des Walzens um quer zur Transportrichtung verlaufende Walzenachsen rotieren,
• wobei die Arbeitswalzen aus dem Walzgerüst ausbaubar sind,
• wobei das Walzgerüst eine erste Kühleinrichtung aufweist,
• wobei die erste Kühleinrichtung in einer zurückgezogenen Stellung in der Transportrichtung gesehen bei eingebauten Arbeitswalzen von den Arbeitswalzen beabstandet ist,
• wobei die erste Kühleinrichtung mittels eines Aktors in der Transportrichtung oder entgegen der Transportrichtung von der zurückgezogenen Stellung in eine vorverlagerte Stellung verlagerbar ist.

The present invention is also based on a roll stand

• wherein the rolling stand for rolling flat rolling stock made of metal has work rolls built into the rolling stand, which rotate about roll axes running transversely to the transport direction during rolling,
• wherein the work rolls can be removed from the roll stand,
• wherein the roll stand has a first cooling device,
• wherein the first cooling device is spaced apart from the work rolls in a retracted position, seen in the direction of transport when the work rolls are installed,
• wherein the first cooling device by means of an actuator in the transport direction or against the transport direction of the retracted position is displaceable to a forward position.

Such operating methods and the corresponding roll stands are generally known. The first prior art mill stand coolers are used for cooling the work rolls of the stand. Purely exemplary can on the DE 10 2009 040 876 A1 , which discloses a generic method and a generic device, and the EP 3 006 125 A1 to get expelled.

State of the art

From the WO 2008/145 222 A1 a cooling device is known, which consists of one or more individually activated spray nozzles, via which specific points of the flat rolling stock or a slab, seen in the width direction of the flat rolling stock, can be cooled in a targeted manner in order to achieve temperature homogenization across the width. This cooling device is not arranged in a roll stand.

From the WO 2006/076 777 A1 a cooling device arranged in a roll stand is known, by means of which the work rolls of the roll stand can be cooled. The cooling is spatially resolved as seen in the direction of the width of the flat rolling stock. By cooling the WO 2006/076 777 A1 the belt contour can be adjusted.

From the US 2001/0 007 200 A1 a similar cooling device is known. This cooling device can also be used to carry out locally resolved cooling of the work rolls, viewed in the direction of the width of the flat rolling stock.

In the DE 10 2009 040 876 A1 work rolls with different diameters can be installed in the roll stand.

The cooling device can be adjusted by means of a lever mechanism and a corresponding actuator or by means of two lever mechanisms and corresponding actuators, so that seen in the direction of transport of the rolling stock, the distance of the cooling device from the work rolls is adjustable. In the EP 3 006 125 A1 it is also possible to adjust the distance between the cooling device and the work rolls, viewed in the transport direction of the rolling stock.

Summary of the Invention

In the production of flat metal rolling stock, for example aluminum strip and in particular steel strip, a certain sequential sequence of rolling and cooling must be observed in order to correctly set desired material properties. In particular, the period of time between the last rolling pass in a multi-stand rolling train and the start of cooling of the flat rolling stock is often of crucial importance for its material properties. In particular, it is often advantageous to keep this period of time as short as possible.

Relatively thin, flat rolling stock exits the last rolling stand of the multi-stand rolling mill at a relatively high speed. In the case of thin, flat rolling stock, this roll stand is usually also the roll stand that performs the last rolling pass. The period of time from leaving the last roll stand to the start of cooling in the cooling section is therefore very short. In the case of relatively thick flat rolling stock, on the other hand, the last rolling pass is often carried out by a roll stand other than the last roll stand in the rolling mill. In this case, the flat rolling stock passes through the roll stands, which are arranged downstream of the roll stand that performs the last rolling pass, without forming.

In this case, the time span between the last rolling pass and the beginning of the cooling of the flat rolling stock in the cooling section increases simply because of the increased distance to a cooling section downstream of the rolling train. Furthermore, the relatively thick, flat rolling stock usually runs out of the rolling stand that performs the last rolling pass at a relatively low speed. As a result, the period of time between the last rolling pass and the start of cooling of the flat rolling stock in the cooling section increases even further. Due to the increased period of time, it may no longer be possible under certain circumstances to set certain desired material properties of the flat rolling stock. The product mix that can be produced using the multi-stand rolling train and the downstream cooling section is therefore limited.

This situation is particularly problematic in the case of cast-rolling, in which there is no separation of the cast metal strand between continuous casting and rolling in the multi-stand rolling train. In this case, the mass flow through the rolling train is limited by the relatively low casting speed.

Between the individual roll stands of the multi-stand rolling train, interstand cooling can be arranged. It has already been proposed to treat these interstand cooling systems, insofar as they are arranged downstream of the roll stand performing the last rolling pass, as part of the cooling section downstream of the rolling train. As a result, cooling of the flat rolling stock can be started earlier. The disadvantage of this procedure, however, is that by means of the interstand cooling, seen in the direction of transport of the flat rolling stock, no homogeneous distribution of the cooling can be realized, but only selective cooling, for example every five or six meters. The period of time that a certain section of the flat rolling stock needs from one of these interstand cooling systems to the next such interstand cooling system can be over 10 seconds for thick flat rolling stock. Furthermore, usually only relatively small amounts of coolant can be applied to the flat rolling stock by means of the interstand cooling. The cooling effected by the interstand cooling systems is therefore often insufficient in terms of scope.

In the older European patent application 17 182 794.2 ( EP 3 434 383 A1 ) it is proposed to remove the work rolls from those roll stands that are downstream of the roll stand that performs the last rolling pass and instead to install cooling devices in these roll stands via the stand windows of the stand stands on the operator side and to use these cooling devices to cool the flat rolling stock in the area of these roll stands as well. This procedure already achieves significantly improved cooling. The disadvantage, however, is that the removal of the work rolls, the installation of the cooling devices and often also the connection of the cooling devices to the coolant supply cannot be carried out automatically. the EP 3 434 383 A1 has not yet been published on the filing date of the present invention and is therefore not generally accessible prior art.

The object of the present invention is to create possibilities by means of which a flat rolling stock made of metal can be cooled in a roll stand in a simple, effective and inexpensive manner.

The object is achieved by an operating method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations of the operating method are the subject matter of dependent claims 2 to 11.

• dass nach dem Ausbauen der Arbeitswalzen die erste Kühleinrichtung in der Transportrichtung oder entgegen der Transportrichtung in eine vorverlagerte Stellung verlagert wird, so dass die erste Kühleinrichtung in der vorverlagerten Stellung in einem Bereich angeordnet ist, in dem zuvor die Arbeitswalzen angeordnet waren, und
• dass schließlich ein zweites flaches Walzgut aus Metall das Walzgerüst in der Transportrichtung umformungsfrei durchläuft und beim Durchlaufen des Walzgerüsts mittels der in der vorverlagerten Stellung befindlichen ersten Kühleinrichtung mit einem der ersten Kühleinrichtung über mindestens eine Leitung zugeführten flüssigen Kühlmittel beaufschlagt wird.

According to the invention, an operating method of the type mentioned at the outset is designed in that

• that after the removal of the work rolls, the first cooling device is shifted in the transport direction or counter to the transport direction into a position displaced forward, so that the first cooling device is arranged in the position displaced forward in a region in which the work rolls were previously arranged, and
• that finally a second flat rolling stock made of metal runs through the roll stand in the transport direction without being deformed and, as it runs through the roll stand, is acted upon by the first cooling device located in the forward position with a liquid coolant fed to the first cooling device via at least one line.

With this configuration, in those cases in which a flat rolling stock runs through the rolling stand but the flat rolling stock is no longer to be rolled in the rolling stand, the corresponding rolling stand can already be used to cool the flat rolling stock. The first cooling device required for this can be a permanent part of the roll stand. It therefore does not have to be installed and removed depending on the mode of operation of the roll stand. Rather, it need only be shifted between the retracted position and the advanced position.

The mode of operation of the roll stand, in which the second flat rolled stock runs through the roll stand without being deformed, is of course only useful if the second flat rolled stock was previously rolled in another roll stand. The roll stand is therefore part of a multi-stand rolling train, usually a finishing train. In any case, the flat rolling stock is hot-rolled. In individual cases, the flat rolling stock can be sheet metal. Usually it is a band. The metal from which the flat rolling stock is made can be aluminum or copper, for example. Usually it is steel.

As a rule, a liquid coolant is applied to the work rolls during the rolling of the first flat rolled stock. In this case, it is possible for the loading to take place by means of a second cooling device, that is to say a cooling device that is different from the first cooling device.

If both the first and the second cooling device are present, the two cooling devices are preferably combined into one structural unit, so that when the first cooling device is moved, the second cooling device is also moved in the transport direction or against the transport direction. Compared to a configuration in which the second cooling device is present, but is not relocated together with the first cooling device, this configuration is structurally simpler to implement.

Alternatively, it is possible for the work rolls to be exposed to a liquid coolant during the rolling of the first flat rolling stock, but this exposure does not take place by means of a different, second cooling device, but that the first cooling device is used for this purpose. This configuration has the advantage that only the first cooling device is required, ie not both the first cooling device and the second cooling device.

• dass die erste Kühleinrichtung bezüglich einer auf die erste Kühleinrichtung bezogenen, parallel zu den Walzenachsen verlaufenden Achse in der zurückgezogenen Stellung in einer ersten Drehstellung orientiert ist und in der vorverlagerten Stellung in einer zweiten Drehstellung orientiert ist,
• dass von der ersten Kühleinrichtung aus gesehen das flüssige Kühlmittel sich in der ersten Drehstellung der ersten Kühleinrichtung mit einer Komponente in der Transportrichtung oder entgegen der Transportrichtung auf eine der Arbeitswalzen hin ausbreitet und
• dass von der ersten Kühleinrichtung aus gesehen das flüssige Kühlmittel sich in der zweiten Drehstellung der ersten Kühleinrichtung im wesentlichen orthogonal zur Transportrichtung auf das zweite flache Walzgut zu ausbreitet.

If the liquid coolant is applied to the work rolls by means of the first cooling device, it is preferably provided that

• that the first cooling device is oriented in a first rotational position with respect to an axis related to the first cooling device and running parallel to the roll axes in the retracted position and in a second rotational position in the advanced position,
• that, viewed from the first cooling device, the liquid coolant spreads in the first rotational position of the first cooling device with a component in the direction of transport or counter to the direction of transport towards one of the work rolls and
• that seen from the first cooling device, the liquid coolant spreads out in the second rotational position of the first cooling device essentially orthogonally to the direction of transport towards the second flat rolling stock.

This makes it possible in a simple manner to apply the coolant in an optimized manner to the work roll in the retracted position and to apply the coolant in an optimized manner to the second flat rolling stock in the advanced position.

The first cooling device can be turned from the first to the second rotary position, for example by means of a hydraulic rotary drive. However, other configurations are also possible, for example corresponding guidance as part of the shifting.

To act on the work rolls, the liquid coolant is supplied to the first cooling device at a first working pressure. To act on the second flat rolling stock, the liquid coolant is fed to the first cooling device at a second working pressure. The second working pressure is preferably lower than the first working pressure. For example, the first working pressure can range between 10 bar and 13 bar, while the second working pressure can range between 2 bar and 5 bar. the The numerical values mentioned are of course only examples.

It is possible that the second working pressure is fixed. Alternatively, the second working pressure can be set variably by means of an actuator. The actuator can be a pressure reducing valve, for example.

To remove the liquid coolant applied to the surface of the second flat rolled stock by the first cooling device from the surface of the second flat rolled stock, a gaseous medium is preferably blown transversely onto the second flat rolled stock before and/or behind the first cooling device. This ensures a defined cooling effect. The gaseous medium is usually only blown on top of the flat rolled stock. Although this is also possible for the underside of the flat rolling stock, it is not usually necessary.

The at least one line is preferably flexible. As a result, the line—provided the line is of sufficient length—can readily follow the displacement of the first cooling device from the retracted position into the advanced position.

The liquid coolant is preferably routed from the at least one line to the first cooling device via a rotary connection. As a result, the liquid coolant can be supplied to the first cooling device in the same way, regardless of whether the first cooling device is in the retracted position or in the advanced position.

The first cooling device is preferably displaced by means of an actuator designed as a hydraulic cylinder unit. This keeps the reliability and operational safety of the roll stand at a high level.

The first cooling device is preferably guided in a slotted guide during the displacement. As a result, it can easily be achieved that the first cooling device is positioned exactly in the retracted position and in the forward position.

The object is achieved by a roll stand with the features of claim 12. Advantageous configurations of the roll stand are the subject matter of dependent claims 13 to 22.

• dass die erste Kühleinrichtung bei ausgebauten Arbeitswalzen in der vorverlagerten Stellung in einem Bereich angeordnet ist, in dem bei eingebauten Arbeitswalzen die Arbeitswalzen angeordnet sind, und
• dass die erste Kühleinrichtung in der vorverlagerten Stellung in der Lage ist, ein das Walzgerüst umformungsfrei durchlaufendes flaches Walzgut aus Metall beim Durchlaufen des Walzgerüsts mit einem der ersten Kühleinrichtung über mindestens eine Leitung zugeführten flüssigen Kühlmittel zu beaufschlagen.

According to the invention, a roll stand of the type mentioned at the outset is designed in that

• that when the work rolls are removed, the first cooling device is arranged in the advanced position in a region in which the work rolls are arranged when the work rolls are installed, and
• that the first cooling device in the forward position is able to apply a liquid coolant supplied to the first cooling device via at least one line to a flat rolling stock made of metal passing through the roll stand without forming as it passes through the roll stand.

The advantages that can be achieved in this way correspond to those of the operating method.

The advantageous configurations of the roll stand correspond to the advantageous configurations of the operating method. The advantages that can be achieved by the advantageous configurations of the roll stand are the same as with the advantageous configurations of the operating method.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG 1

eine mehrgerüstige Walzstraße mit nachgeordneter Kühlstrecke von der Seite während des Walzens eines ersten flachen Walzguts,

FIG 2

einen Teil eines Walzgerüsts der Walzstraße von FIG 1 von der Seite,

FIG 3

das Walzgerüst von FIG 2 von oben,

FIG 4

das Walzgerüst von FIG 2 in Transportrichtung gesehen,

FIG 5

die Walzstraße und die Kühlstrecke von FIG 1 von der Seite während des Walzens eines zweiten flachen Walzguts,

FIG 6

ein Walzgerüst der Walzstraße von FIG 5 von der Seite,

FIG 7

das Walzgerüst von FIG 6 mit ausgebauten Arbeitswalzen und einer ersten Kühleinrichtung in der zurückgezogenen Stellung,

FIG 8

vergrößert einen Teil des Walzgerüsts von FIG 6,

FIG 9

das Walzgerüst von FIG 6 mit ausgebauten Arbeitswalzen und einer ersten Kühleinrichtung in der vorverlagerten Stellung,

FIG 10

eine erste Kühleinrichtung,

FIG 11

eine Modifikation des Walzgerüsts von FIG 6,

FIG 12

ein Walzgerüst der Walzstraße von FIG 5 von der Seite und

FIG 13

das Walzgerüst von FIG 12 mit ausgebauten Arbeitswalzen und einer ersten Kühleinrichtung in der vorverlagerten Stellung.

The characteristics, features and advantages of this invention described above and the manner in which they are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understood in context with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings. This shows in a schematic representation:

FIG 1

a multi-stand rolling train with downstream cooling section seen from the side during the rolling of a first flat rolling stock,

FIG 2

part of a roll stand of the rolling train from FIG 1 of the page,

3

the rolling mill of FIG 2 from above,

FIG 4

the rolling mill of FIG 2 seen in transport direction,

5

the rolling train and the cooling line from FIG 1 from the side during rolling of a second flat rolled stock,

6

a roll stand of the rolling mill from 5 of the page,

FIG 7

the rolling mill of 6 with the work rolls removed and a first cooling device in the retracted position,

8

enlarges part of the roll stand from 6 ,

9

the rolling mill of 6 with removed work rolls and a first cooling device in the advanced position,

10

a first cooling device,

11

a modification of the roll stand from 6 ,

12

a roll stand of the rolling mill from 5 from the side and

13

the rolling mill of 12 with the work rolls removed and a first cooling device in the advanced position.

Description of the embodiments

According to FIG 1 a rolling train has several roll stands 1 . A flat rolling stock 2 runs through the roll stands 1 in a transport direction x. Each of the roll stands 1 therefore performs only a single roll pass on the flat rolling stock 2 . The flat rolling stock 2 is rolled in the roll stands 1 . The flat rolling stock 2 is usually a strip. In individual cases, however, it can also be a heavy plate. The flat rolling stock 2 consists of metal, for example steel. However, it can also consist of another metal, for example copper or aluminum.

According to the illustration in FIG 1 the rolling train has five roll stands 1 . However, the number of roll stands 1 could also be larger or smaller. In particular, configurations with four, six or seven roll stands 1 are also common. The roll stands 1 are in FIG 1 additionally supplemented with a small letter a to e in order to be able to distinguish the first rolling stand 1a of the rolling train, the second rolling stand 1b of the rolling train, etc. from one another by means of their reference numbers if necessary.

For rolling the flat rolling stock 2, each of the roll stands 1 has, as shown in FIG 2 (and also FIG 1 ) at least work rolls 3. The work rolls 3 rotate about roll axes 4 during rolling. The roll axes 4 run transversely to the transport direction x.

The roll stands 1 are often designed as so-called four-high stands. In this case, as shown in the FIG 1 and 2 in addition to the work rolls 3, back-up rolls 5 are also present. Sometimes the roll stands 1 are designed as so-called six-high stands. In this case, in addition to the work rolls 3 and the back-up rolls 5, there are intermediate rolls arranged between the work rolls 3 and the back-up rolls 5. This is not shown in the FIG.

After rolling in the rolling train, the flat rolling stock 2 runs through a cooling section 6. In the cooling section 6, the flat rolling stock 2 is cooled. As a rule, the flat rolling stock 2 is acted upon in the cooling section 6 for cooling with a liquid cooling medium, usually water. After cooling--in the case of a strip--the flat rolling stock 2 is coiled up or--in the case of a heavy plate--put down and possibly stacked.

As is common practice, the roll stands 1 as shown in the 3 and 4 a drive-side stand 7 and an operator-side stand 8. As is also common practice, the work rolls 3 (usually including the associated chocks) can be removed from the respective roll stand 1 . The removal usually takes place through the frame window 9 of the operator-side stand 8. In this case, the removal takes place transversely to the transport direction x, namely parallel to the roll axes 4. The same generally applies to the back-up rolls 5 and—if present—also the intermediate rolls. This procedure is well known and familiar to those skilled in the art and therefore does not need to be explained in detail. During the rolling of the flat rolling stock 2 according to FIG 1 However, the work rolls 3 are installed in all rolling stands 1.

The procedure explained so far is completely conventional. It is taken in particular when a final thickness d1, with which the flat rolling stock 2 is to exit the last rolling stand 1d of the rolling train, is relatively small. In this case, the flat rolling stock 2 is rolled in all roll stands 1 of the rolling train, ie its thickness is reduced and it is thus deformed.

After the flat rolling stock 2 has been rolled, another flat rolling stock 10 is to be rolled in the rolling train. The further flat rolling stock 10 can be a rolling stock separate from the flat rolling stock 2 mentioned first. Alternatively, they can be sections of one and the same metal strand. Whether one or the other situation is present is within the scope of the present invention of secondary importance. What is decisive is that the final thickness d2 of the additional rolling stock 10 is greater than the final thickness d1 of the flat rolling stock 2 .

In this case it is possible that the other flat rolling stock 10 as shown in 5 is rolled only in the front roll stands 1 of the rolling train. In this case, the further flat rolling stock 10 passes through the rear rolling stands 1 of the rolling train without being rolled there. It thus passes through the rear roll stands 1 without being deformed. The cooling section 6 is in 5 not shown. However, it is still there.

It is assumed below that the further flat rolling stock 10 is only rolled in the roll stands 1a and 1b, while it passes through the roll stands 1c, 1d and 1e without being deformed. However, it would also be possible for the further flat rolling stock 10 to be rolled, for example, in the roll stands 1a, 1b and 1c and only to pass through the roll stands 1d and 1e without being deformed. It would also be possible for the further flat rolling stock 10 to be rolled only in the roll stand 1a and to run through the roll stands 1b to 1e without being deformed. Similar configurations result with a smaller or larger number of roll stands 1 . In any case, in the case of the design according to 5 the further flat rolling stock 10 is rolled in the first roll stand 1a and not rolled in the last roll stand 1e. There is still only a single transition from rolling to non-rolling in the rolling mill.

In the prior art, in this case often only the rear roll stands 1c, 1d and 1e are raised, so that their work rolls 3 do not touch the other flat rolling stock 10. According to the invention, however, a different approach is taken. This will be explained below in connection with the roll stand 1c. However, the same configurations can also be present in the other roll stands 1 . Likewise, the same procedure can also be taken for the other roll stands 1. An exception only applies to the mode of operation of the first roll stand 1a of the rolling train. In this roll stand 1a, the flat rolling stock 2, 10 is always rolled. As far as the structural configurations of the roll stands 1 are concerned, these can also be present in the first roll stand 1a of the rolling train.

If the roll stand 1c is a flat rolling stock - for example, as before in connection with FIG 1 explains the flat rolling stock 2 - is to be rolled in accordance with the illustration in 6 the work rolls 3 are installed in the corresponding roll stand 1c. In this case, a first cooling device 11 of the roll stand 1c as shown in FIG 6 held in a position in which the first cooling device 11 is spaced from the work rolls 3 as seen in the transport direction x. The first cooling device 11 is therefore arranged in the roll stand 1c, but it is arranged in such a way that it does not impede the rolling. The position just explained is referred to below as the retracted position of the first cooling device 11 .

If the roll stand 1c is a flat rolling stock - for example, as before in connection with 5 explains the other flat rolling stock 10 - is not to roll, the work rolls 3 are first removed from the roll stand 1c. The expansion takes place, as already mentioned and in the 3 and 4 indicated by corresponding arrows, usually transversely to the direction of transport x and parallel to the roll axes 4 through the stand window 9 of the operator-side stand 8. In principle, it is possible to also remove the back-up rolls 5 and - if present - the intermediate rolls from the roll stand 1c. However, this is not necessary within the scope of the present invention. However, the back-up rolls 5 are usually raised. FIG 7 shows the corresponding state in which the work rolls 3 are removed from the roll stand 1c and the back-up rolls 5 are raised.

After removing the work rolls 3, the first cooling device 11 in the transport direction x or against the Transport direction x shifted. Relocation is in 8 indicated by corresponding arrows. During the shifting, the first cooling device 11 can be guided, for example, in a slotted guide of the roll stand 1c. In general, the following applies to the representation in 8 that the state in which the corresponding roll stand 1c is to roll a flat rolling stock 2 is shown in the left half, and the state in which the corresponding rolling stand 1c is to cool a flat rolling stock 10 is shown in the right half.

The relocation is usually carried out by means of a corresponding actuator 12. The actuator 12 can, as shown in 8 be designed as a hydraulic cylinder unit. After the displacement, the first cooling device 11 is in a position other than the retracted position. This other position is hereinafter referred to as the advanced position. In particular, the first cooling device 11 is as shown in FIG 8 arranged in the advanced position in an area in which previously - before removing the work rolls 3 - the work rolls 3 were arranged. 9 also shows the corresponding state in which the work rolls 3 are removed from the roll stand 1c and the first cooling device 11 is in its advanced position.

Whether the first cooling device 11 is displaced in the transport direction x or against the transport direction x depends on whether the first cooling device 11 is located in front of or behind the work rolls 3 in the transport direction x in its retracted position. If the first cooling device 11 is located in front of the work rolls 3, ie on the entry side of the roll stand 1c, it is shifted in the transport direction x. If the first cooling device 11 is located behind the work rolls 3, ie on the outlet side of the roll stand 1c, it is displaced counter to the transport direction x.

In the context of the present invention, the term “displacement in the transport direction x” is not intended to mean that displacement is forced to take place exactly parallel to the transport direction x. It is sufficient that an appreciable component of the displacement is directed in the transport direction x. For example, displacement can take place parallel to a scraper plate 13, by means of which a liquid coolant is scraped off one of the work rolls 3 when the work rolls 3 are installed.

In the condition of the roll stand 1c that has now been produced, the further flat rolling stock 10 runs through the roll stand 1c. In this state of the roll stand 1c, the flat rolling stock 10 passes through the roll stand 1c without being deformed. By means of the first cooling device 11, which is now in the advanced position, as shown in 8 the further flat rolling stock 10 is subjected to a liquid coolant 14 . The liquid coolant 14 is typically water or substantially water based. The liquid coolant 14 is fed to the first cooling device 11 via at least one line 15 .

The line 15 can be a rigid line, for example a telescopically extendable tube. In many cases, however, line 15 is as shown in 10 a flexible line, i.e. a kind of hose. 10 shows the first cooling device 11 in solid lines in its retracted position and in dashed lines in the advanced position and additionally in an intermediate position which the first cooling device 11 briefly assumes when transferring from the retracted position to the advanced position.

From the 8 and 10 a further advantageous embodiment can also be seen. Because it can be seen - based on a coordinate system of the first cooling device 11 - outlet nozzles 16, at which the liquid coolant 14 exits from the first cooling device 11, in the retracted Position a transition to line 15 diametrically opposite. In the advanced position, however, the outlet nozzles 16 and the transition to the line 15 form an angle. The transition from the line 15 to the first cooling device 11, the liquid coolant 14 is thus guided via a rotary joint.

As a rule, the work rolls 3 are also exposed to the liquid coolant 14 if they are installed in the roll stand 1c and consequently a flat rolling stock (for example the rolling stock 2) is rolled in the roll stand 1c. The application serves in particular for cooling, but under certain circumstances also for adjusting the contour of the work rolls 3 and thus the contour of the roll gap formed by the work rolls 3 . It is as shown in 8 It is possible for the work rolls 3 to be acted upon by means of the first cooling device 11 . The first cooling device 11 is in the retracted position.

When liquid coolant 14 is applied to flat rolling stock (e.g. flat rolling stock 10), outlet nozzles 16 are preferably positioned as shown in FIG 8 oriented in such a way that the liquid coolant 14, seen from the first cooling device 11, spreads out essentially orthogonally to the transport direction x onto the corresponding flat rolling stock 10. The outlet nozzles 16 are therefore in the advanced position of the first cooling device 11 depending on whether the liquid coolant 14 of
is applied to the corresponding flat rolling stock 10 from above or below, directed downwards or upwards. However, minor deviations from the vertical are possible. It is also possible and also quite common for the outlet nozzles 16 to discharge the liquid coolant 14 in a fan-like manner. In this case, the application orthogonal to the transport direction x refers to the mean propagation direction of the coolant 14 discharged from the respective outlet nozzle 16.

On the other hand, when the work rolls 3 are acted upon - for example during the rolling of the flat rolling stock 2 - the outlet nozzles 16 are positioned as shown in FIG 8 preferably oriented in such a way that the liquid coolant 14, viewed from the first cooling device 11, spreads with a component in or counter to the transport direction x onto one of the work rolls 3. The outlet nozzles 16 are thus oriented accordingly in the retracted position of the first cooling device 11 depending on whether the liquid coolant 14 is applied to one of the work rolls 3 on the inlet side or outlet side. Certain deviations from the transport direction x are certainly possible. In particular, a delivery can take place essentially parallel to the scraper plates 13 . As a rule, however, the component in the transport direction x or counter to the transport direction x is greater than the component orthogonal to the transport direction x. It is also possible and also quite common for the outlet nozzles 16 to discharge the liquid coolant 14 in a fan-like manner. In this case, the application with a component in the transport direction x or counter to the transport direction x relates to the mean propagation direction of the coolant 14 discharged from the respective outlet nozzle 16.

In order to bring about the corresponding change in direction when the liquid coolant 14 is discharged, the first cooling device 11 is oriented in a first rotary position in the retracted position and in the advanced position in relation to an axis 17 which is related to the first cooling device 11 and runs parallel to the roller axes 4 a second rotational position oriented. The corresponding orientations are from the 6 , 8th , 9 and 10 apparent.

The rotation of the first cooling device 11 from the first to the second rotational position can, for example, by a corresponding Configuration of the link guide are effected, which is used in the context of relocating the first cooling device 11. In this case, no further actuator is required in addition to actuator 12 for twisting. Alternatively, it is possible, for example, to rotate according to the illustration in 8 by means of a further actuator 12' of the roll stand 1c assigned to the first cooling device 11, for example a further hydraulic cylinder unit. It is also possible to rotate according to the illustration in 10 to effect that on the first cooling device 11 there is a projection which cooperates with a corresponding stop on the roll stand 1c (for example on the scraper plate 13).

In order to apply the liquid coolant 14 to the work rolls 3, the liquid coolant 14 is generally supplied to the first cooling device 11 at a relatively high working pressure p1. The working pressure p1 - hereinafter referred to as the first working pressure - is usually in the range between 10 bar and 13 bar. In order to apply the liquid coolant 14 to the flat rolling stock 10, the liquid coolant 14 is generally supplied to the first cooling device 11 at a relatively low working pressure p2. The working pressure p2 - hereinafter referred to as the second working pressure - is lower than the first working pressure p1. It is usually in the range between 2 bar and 5 bar, in particular around 3 bar to 4 bar. The first working pressure p1 is usually fixed. The second working pressure p2 can also be fixed. Alternatively, it can be variably adjusted by means of an actuator. Like other control elements such as valves, the actuator can be arranged outside of the roll stand 1c.

Only a single first cooling device 11 was explained in more detail above. As a rule, however, the roll stand 1c comprises as shown in FIGS 6 to 9 not just a single first cooling device 11, but four such cooling devices 11, namely one first cooling device each 11 on the inlet side in front of the upper work roll 3, a first cooling device 11 on the inlet side in front of the lower work roll 3, a first cooling device 11 on the outlet side in front of the upper work roll 3 and a first cooling device 11 on the outlet side in front of the lower work roll 3. The above statements therefore apply to each of the first Cooling devices 11.

If the liquid coolant 14 is applied to the flat rolled stock 10 from below, for example, the liquid coolant 14 can easily fall off the flat rolled stock 10 and drip off. However, if the liquid coolant 14 is applied to the flat rolling stock 10 from above, it can happen that the liquid coolant 14 remains on the flat rolling stock 10 . On the one hand, this is disadvantageous because it means that a defined cooling effect is no longer guaranteed. This is also disadvantageous because it means that the defined application of a further coolant by a further cooling device is no longer guaranteed. This further cooling device can be, for example, a first cooling device of a subsequent roll stand 1d. It can also be an interstand cooling system that is arranged between these two roll stands 1c, 1d.

In order to avoid such problems, the roll stand 1c can be installed as shown in FIG 8 have a transverse blow-off device 18 . When the first cooling device 11 is in the forward position, the transverse blow-off device 18 is arranged in front of or behind the first cooling device 11 as viewed in the transport direction x. A gaseous medium 19 is blown transversely onto the flat rolling stock 10 in front of or behind the first cooling device 11 by means of the transverse blow-off device 18 - depending on the point at which the transverse blow-off device 18 is arranged. As a result, the liquid coolant 14 applied to the surface of the flat rolled stock 10 by the first cooling device 11 is removed from the surface of the flat rolled stock 10 . It is also possible to provide two transverse blow-off devices 18, one of which is arranged in front of and one behind the first cooling device 11. The gaseous medium 19 can be air. Alternatively, it can be an inert gas, for example nitrogen or argon. The blowing of the gaseous medium 19 is taken as a rule only for the upper side of the flat rolling stock 10 . However, it can also be implemented for the underside of the flat rolling stock 10 .

As part of the previously in connection with the 6 to 11 In the embodiments explained, the first cooling device 11 is used both to act on the flat rolling stock 10 and (when rolling the flat rolling stock 2) to act on the work rolls 3 . However, it is alternatively possible for the first cooling device 11 to be used exclusively for impinging on the flat rolling stock 10 . In this case, the first cooling device 11 is deactivated when the flat rolling stock 2 is being rolled. In addition to the first cooling device 11, the roll stand 1c generally has a second cooling device 20 in this case for loading the work rolls 3 (that is, when the flat rolling stock 2 is being rolled). If the roll stand 1c has a plurality of first cooling devices 11, each of the first cooling devices 11 generally also has its own second cooling device 20.

The construction and operation of such a roll stand 1c is described below in connection with the 12 and 13 explained. The structure and operation are explained in more detail here for a single first cooling device 11 and the associated second cooling device 20 . However, they are also valid in the case of a plurality of first cooling devices 11 and correspondingly a plurality of second cooling devices 20 .

The structure and operation of the roll stand 1c according to 12 and 13 is from the beginning as well as before in connection with the 6 to 11 explained. Therefore, only the differences are discussed below.

As already mentioned, the roll stand 1c of 12 and 13 in addition to the first cooling device 11, the second cooling device 20. A liquid coolant 14 is applied to the work rolls 3 during the rolling of the flat rolled stock 2 by means of the second cooling device 20 . In this state, the work rolls 3 are installed specifically in the rolling stand 1c.

Due to the fact that there is a separate cooling device 20 for applying the liquid coolant 14 to the work rolls 3, it is in particular not necessary for the first cooling device 11 to assume different orientations. While this is possible, it is not required. In the 12 and 13 the retention of the orientation can be seen from the fact that the outlet nozzles 16 of the first cooling device 11 in the 12 and 13 are oriented in the same way.

In principle, only the first cooling device 11 must be able to be shifted from the retracted position to the advanced position. This is not necessary for the second cooling device 20 . The first cooling device 11 and the second cooling device 20 are often as shown in FIGS 12 and 13 but combined into one unit. In this case, when the first cooling device 11 is moved in the transport direction x or opposite to the transport direction x, the second cooling device 20 is also moved in the transport direction x or opposite to the transport direction x.

By means of the configuration according to the invention of at least the rear roll stands 1 of the rolling train - for example the roll stands 1c, 1d and 1e - it is possible to start cooling a flat rolling stock 10 immediately after the last rolling pass - which takes place in roll stand 1b, for example. The period of time between the last rolling pass and the beginning of the cooling of the flat rolling stock 10 can thereby be minimized. The product mix that can be produced in the rolling mill can be expanded. In particular, the achievable material properties can be optimized for a flat rolling stock 10 with a relatively large final thickness d2. This also applies to continuous operation of the rolling train, particularly in a combination of casting and rolling.

The present invention also has other advantages. For example, it is possible to consider and model the cooling of the flat rolling stock 10 in the rear rolling stands 1 of the rolling train and the cooling in the downstream cooling section 6 as a whole. Such procedures are known for the inclusion of interstand cooling as such. If available, the interstand cooling systems can also be included in the cooling of the flat rolling stock 10, as is also the case in the prior art. Some flat rolling stock 10 can even be completely cooled inside the rolling train.

With regard to the configuration of the first cooling devices 11, the configurations that are already known in the prior art for cooling the work rolls 3 can also be adopted. In particular, it is alternatively possible to implement an application that is location-independent in the width direction of the flat rolling stock 10 or a location-resolved application in the width direction of the flat rolling stock 10 . Such a spatially resolved loading, viewed in the width direction of the flat rolling stock 10, is for loading the work rolls 3, for example, from the one mentioned at the outset WO 2006/076 777 A1 and those also mentioned at the beginning US 2001/0 007 200 A1 known. However, in the case of a spatially resolved loading of the flat rolling stock 10 in the width direction of the flat rolling stock 10 - just as in the prior art with a locally resolved loading of the work rolls 3 in the width direction of the flat rolling stock 2 - a correspondingly larger number of lines 15 are required.

Furthermore, the already cramped installation space of the roll stands 1 can be used efficiently. Additional elements - for example, additional piping within the respective roll stand 1 - are not required.

As a precaution, it should also be mentioned that the operating modes described are reversible. Thus, starting from a state where the work rolls 3 are removed and the first cooling device 11 is in its advanced position, it is also possible to move the first cooling device 11 back to its retracted position, then to install the work rolls 3 again, and finally to roll a flat rolling stock 2 again in the corresponding roll stand 1c.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variants can be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the protective scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Reference List

1, 1a to 1e

roll stands

2, 10

flat rolled goods

3

strippers

4

roller axles

5

backup rollers

6

cooling line

7, 8

scaffold stand

9

stand window

11, 20

cooling devices

11'

Slewing Ring

12, 12'

actuators

13

scraper plates

14

liquid coolant

15

cables

16

outlet nozzles

17

Axles

18

transverse blow-off devices

19

gaseous medium

d1, d2

final thicknesses

p1, p2

working pressures

x

transport direction

Claims (22)

1. Operating method for a roll stand (1c),

   - wherein firstly a first flat rolled material (2) from metal runs in a transportation direction (x) through the roll stand (1c) and when running through the roll stand (1c) is rolled by means of working rollers (3) that are installed in the roll stand (1c),wherein the working rollers (3) during the rolling of the first flat rolled material (2) rotate about roller axes (4) that run transversely to the transportation direction (x);

   - wherein a first cooling installation (11) that is disposed in the roll stand (1c) during the rolling of the first flat rolled material (2) is held in a withdrawn position in which the first cooling installation (11), when viewed in the transportation direction (x), is spaced apart from the working rollers (3);

   - wherein thereupon the working rollers (3) are uninstalled from the roll stand (1c),

   characterized in that

   - after the uninstalling of the working rollers (3), the first cooling installation (11) in the transportation direction (x), or counter to the transportation direction (x), is repositioned to a forwardly displaced position such that the first cooling installation (11) in the forwardly displaced position is disposed in a region in which the working rollers (3) were previously disposed; and

   - finally a second flat rolled material (10) from metal runs in the transportation direction (x) through the roll stand (1c) without deformation and when running through the roll stand (1c) by means of the first cooling installation (11) that is situated in the forwardly displaced position is impinged with a liquid coolant (14) that is supplied to the first cooling installation (11) by way of at least one line (15).
2. Operating method according to Claim 1, characterized in that
   the working rollers (3) during the rolling of the first flat rolled material (2) by means of a second cooling installation (20) are impinged with a liquid coolant (14).
3. Operating method according to Claim 2, characterized in that
   the first cooling installation (11) and the second cooling installation (20) are combined so as to form a functional unit such that the second cooling installation (22) when repositioning the first cooling installation (11) is also repositioned in the transportation direction (x), or counter to the transportation direction (x).
4. Operating method according to Claim 1, characterized in that
   the working rollers (3) during the rolling of the first flat rolled material (2) are impinged with a liquid coolant (14) by means of the first cooling installation (11).
5. Operating method according to Claim 4, characterized in that

   - the first cooling installation (11), in terms of an axis (17) that relates to the first cooling installation (11) and runs so as to be parallel with the roller axes (6), in the withdrawn position is oriented in a first rotary position, and in the forwardly displaced position is oriented in a second rotary position;

   - the liquid coolant (14), when viewed from the first cooling installation (11), in the first rotary position of the first cooling installation (11) disseminates toward one of the working rollers (3) by way of a component in the transportation direction (x), or counter to the transportation direction (x); and

   - the liquid coolant (14), when viewed from the first cooling installation (11), in the second rotary position of the first cooling installation (11), disseminates toward the second flat rolled material (10) in a manner substantially orthogonal to the transportation direction (x) .
6. Operating method according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that
   the liquid coolant (14) for impinging the working rollers (3) is supplied to the first cooling installation (11) at a first operating pressure (p1), and for impinging the second flat rolled material (10) is supplied at a second operating pressure (p2), and in that the second operating pressure (p2) is lower than the first operating pressure (p1).
7. Operating method according to Claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the second operating pressure (p2) is fixedly set, or is variably set by means of a control member (18).
8. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   a gaseous medium (19) for removing from the surface of the second flat rolled material (10) the liquid coolant (14) that by means of the first cooling installation (11) has been applied to the surface of the second flat rolled material (10), is blown transversely onto the second flat rolled material (10) in front of and/or behind the first cooling installation (11).
9. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
   the at least one line (15) is flexible.
10. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    the liquid coolant (14) is guided from the at least one line (15) to the first cooling installation (11) by way of a rotary joint.
11. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    the repositioning of the first cooling installation (11) is performed by means of an actuator (12) that is configured as a hydraulic cylinder unit.
12. Roll stand,

    - wherein the roll stand for rolling flat rolled materials (2) from metal has working rollers (3) which are installed in the roll stand and during the rolling rotate about roller axes (4) that run transversely to the transportation direction (x);

    - wherein the working rollers (3) are capable of being uninstalled from the roll stand;

    - wherein the roll stand has a first cooling installation (11);

    - wherein the first cooling installation (11) in a withdrawn position in the case of installed working rollers (3), when viewed in the transportation direction (x), is spaced apart from the working rollers (3);

    - wherein the first cooling installation (11) by means of an actuator (12) in the transportation direction (x), or counter to the transportation direction (x), is repositionable from the withdrawn position to a forwardly displaced position;

    characterized in that

    - the first cooling installation (11) in the case of uninstalled working rollers (3) in the forwardly displaced position is disposed in a region in which the working rollers (3) are disposed in the case of installed working rollers (3); and

    - the first cooling installation (11) in the forwardly displaced position is capable of impinging a flat rolled material (10) from metal which runs through the roll stand without deformation, when running through the roll stand, with a liquid coolant (14) that is supplied to the first cooling installation (11) by way of at least one line (15) .
13. Roll stand according to Claim 12,
    characterized in that
    said roll stand has a second cooling installation (20) by means of which the working rollers (3) installed in the roll stand are capable of being impinged with a liquid coolant (14).
14. Roll stand according to Claim 13,
    characterized in that
    the first cooling installation (11) and the second cooling installation (20) are combined so as to form a functional unit such that the second cooling installation (20) when repositioning the first cooling installation (11) is also repositioned in the transportation direction (x), or counter to the transportation direction (x).
15. Roll stand according to Claim 12,
    characterized in that
    the working rollers (3) installed in the roll stand by means of the first cooling installation (11) are capable of being impinged with a liquid coolant (14).
16. Roll stand according to Claim 15,
    characterized in that

    - the first cooling installation (11), in terms of an axis (17) that relates to the first cooling installation (11) and runs so as to be parallel with the roller axes (4), in the withdrawn position is oriented in a first rotary position, and in the forwardly displaced position is oriented in a second rotary position;

    - the liquid coolant (14), when viewed from the first cooling installation (11), in the first rotary position of the first cooling installation (11) disseminates toward one of the installed working rollers (3) by way of a component in the transportation direction (x), or counter to the transportation direction (x); and

    - the liquid coolant (14), when viewed from the first cooling installation (11), in the second rotary position of the first cooling installation (11) disseminates toward a flat rolled material (10) that runs through the roll stand without deformation in a manner substantially orthogonal to the transportation direction (x).
17. Roll stand according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that
    the liquid coolant (14) for impinging the working rollers (3) is supplied to the first cooling installation (11) at a first operating pressure (p1), and for impinging a flat rolled material (10) that runs through the roll stand is supplied at a second operating pressure (p2), and in that the second operating pressure (p2) is lower than the first operating pressure (p1).
18. Roll stand according to Claim 17,
    characterized in that
    the second operating pressure (p2) is fixedly set, or is capable of being variably set by means of a control member.
19. Roll stand according to one of Claims 12 to 18, characterized in that
    in the case of the first cooling installation (11) being situated in the forwardly displaced position, a transverse blower installation (18) by means of which the liquid coolant (14) that by means of the first cooling installation (11) has been applied to the surface of the flat rolled material (10) running through the roll stand without deformation can be removed from the surface of the flat rolled material (10) running through the roll stand without deformation by blowing a gaseous medium (19) onto the flat rolled material (10) is disposed in front of and/or behind the first cooling installation (11).
20. Roll stand according to one of Claims 12 to 19, characterized in that
    the at least one line (15) for supplying the liquid coolant (14) is configured as a flexible line.
21. Roll stand according to one of Claims 12 to 20, characterized in that
    the liquid coolant (14) in the transition from the at least one line (15) to the first cooling installation (11) is guided by way of a rotary joint.
22. Roll stand according to one of Claims 12 to 21, characterized in that
    the actuator (12) is configured as a hydraulic cylinder unit.

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