Abstract:
In a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill and method, a mandrel roll can be switched from a rolling state into a free-running state, when a predetermined ring diameter is reached, even if the roll gap minimum has not yet been reached, in order to improve the size accuracy of the rolled rings.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Application No. 10 2014 005 085.8 filed Apr. 8, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill that comprises at least one main roll and two mandrel rolls, which are mounted in a mandrel roll table that rotates about a mandrel roll table axle, wherein the main roll rotates about a main roll axle, and the main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle are mounted in unchangeable manner and eccentric to one another, at least during the rolling process. Likewise, the invention relates to a method for rolling rings in a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill, in which at least two mandrel rolls mounted in a mandrel roll table rotate about a main roll, wherein a roll gap formed between the mandrel rolls and the main roll, in each instance, is reduced as a function of the angular position of the mandrel roll table that exists with reference to the main roll, down to a roll gap minimum, and subsequently increased again. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    There are ring-rolling mills in different sizes, whereby for very large rings, a main roll and a mandrel roll are generally pressed against one another, and the ring to be rolled circulates in the roll gap situated between these two rolls. Depending on the specific requirements, axial rolls and/or further special rolls are also provided in the case of very large ring-rolling mills. In this connection, the rolling process as well as the degrees of deformation can be selected relatively freely, because ultimately, the ring can be passed through the respective roll gaps as often as desired. Such ring-rolling mills have a relatively complex construction, however, and are therefore cost-intensive, whereby the method sequence can also be complex and, in particular, very time-consuming. Such ring-rolling mills are known, for example, from DE 25 04 996 A1 or from DE 10 2011 108 113 A1. 
         [0006]    Multi-roll table ring-rolling mills in which at least two, generally however at least four, mandrel rolls are mounted on a mandrel roll table that can rotate about a main roll can achieve significantly higher throughput. Such an arrangement is disclosed, for example, in DE 26 15 802 A1, in which, because of the placement of multiple mandrels on a mandrel roll table, each individual rolling process, however, can be configured individually for each of the rings, corresponding to the ring-rolling mills described above, by means of individual placement of the respective mandrel roll with reference to the main roll. Because of the mandrel roll table, the feed of rings to be rolled or ring blanks and the discharge of the rolled rings can be significantly accelerated and integrated into the rolling process. 
         [0007]    Very high production speeds are allowed by multi-roll table ring-rolling mills such as those disclosed in DE 10 98 481 B, for example, whereby the multi-roll table ring-rolling mill presented there comprises a main roll and four mandrel rolls, which are mounted in a mandrel roll table rotating about a mandrel roll table axle, and whereby the main roll rotates about a main roll axle, and the main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle are mounted in unchangeable manner and eccentric to one another, at least during the rolling process, and a roll gap formed is reduced down to a roll gap minimum, solely by means of changing the angular position of the mandrel roll table with reference to the main roll. After having passed through the roll gap minimum, the roll gap increases again, so that the rolling process is then completed. For refitting purposes, it is possible to change the location of the mandrel rolls on the mandrel roll table of DE 10 98 481 B. As DE 26 15 802 A2 also emphasizes in its discussion of DE 10 98 481 B, however, unavoidable variations in the insertion volume of the ring blanks or of the rings still to be rolled directly lead to variations in the diameter and the height, which then leads to extraordinarily complicated production systems, because generally calibration presses for the diameter, and frequently even further calibration presses for the required ring height have to be added subsequently. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to make available a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill of the stated type as well as a method of the stated type, for rolling rings in a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill, in which sufficient size accuracy of the rings produced can be guaranteed, in structurally simple manner. 
         [0009]    These and other objects are accomplished by a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill and by a method for rolling rings in a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill, having the characteristics according to the invention. Further embodiments, which can be advantageous even independent of these characteristics, are found below. 
         [0010]    Thus, in order to guarantee sufficient size accuracy of the rings produced, in structurally simple manner, a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill that comprises at least one main roll and two mandrel rolls that are mounted in a mandrel roll table that rotates about a mandrel roll table axle and in which the main roll rotates about a main roll axle, and the main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle are mounted in unchangeable manner and eccentric to one another, at least during the rolling process, can be characterized in that the multi-roll table ring-rolling mill has relief means for relieving at least one of the mandrel rolls of rolling forces. Such relief means act independent of the eccentricity of the main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle. Such relief means make it possible, in a suitable embodiment, to interrupt a rolling process independent of the angular position of the mandrel roll table with reference to the main roll, so that in this way, it is possible to act on the size accuracy of the rolled ring, in each instance, in targeted manner. 
         [0011]    In this connection, it is understood that the time point or the angular position of the mandrel roll table, at which the relief means then act with a relieving effect, can be established according to different criteria. For example, it is possible that the volume of the blank used is determined in advance, and an angular position or time point at which relief is supposed to start is established on the basis of the volume. Likewise, it is understood that other criteria, such as the ring diameter or also the thickness of a ring, for example, can be measured directly, in order to obtain a corresponding criterion in this way. 
         [0012]    In particular, in order to guarantee sufficient size accuracy of the rings produced, in structurally simple manner, a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill is accordingly advantageous, even independent of the other characteristics of the present invention, that comprises at least one main roll and two mandrel rolls that are mounted so as to rotate about a mandrel roll table axle, in which the main roll rotates about a main roll axle, and the main roll axle and the mandrel roll table axle are mounted in unchangeable manner and eccentric to one another, at least during the rolling process, and which is characterized in that the multi-roll table ring-rolling mill has measurement means for measuring a ring diameter of a ring situated and being rolled between a mandrel roll and a main roll. 
         [0013]    By means of corresponding measurement means, in particular, it is possible to respond to the respective rolling process in targeted manner, particularly also before any calibration pressing or other subsequent working, whereby of course it appears particularly practical to couple the relief means explained above with these measurement means, under some circumstances. 
         [0014]    On the other hand, other measures that influence size accuracy, as a reaction to these measurements, are also conceivable, such as, for example, adapting the eccentricity between main roll axle and mandrel roll table axle. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, it is particularly advantageous if the multi-roll table ring-rolling mill comprises not only the relief means described above but also the measurement means described above. In particular, the measurement means can be connected to act together with the relief means, in such a manner that the relief means relieve a mandrel roll when a specific ring diameter has been reached. For this purpose, it is particularly possible to predetermine the specific ring diameter, and to produce a signal by way of a reference/actual comparison of the measurement result from the measurement means with the previously input reference value for the specific ring diameter. This signal triggers a relief procedure for a specific mandrel roll. By an action connection directed at a specific ring diameter, coupling of the relief means with the measurement means can be implemented in particularly simple structural manner, for example in that a lever, button or switch is directly activated by the ring at a specific ring diameter. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the measurement means are disposed on the mandrel roll table, so that precise measurement is possible independent of the speed at which the angular position of the mandrel roll table changes. 
         [0017]    In particular, a measurement means can be provided per mandrel roll, so that individual control is made possible for each mandrel roll individually or for each individual rolled ring. It is understood that cumulatively or alternatively to this arrangement, corresponding relief means can also be provided, preferably per mandrel roll. 
         [0018]    As already indicated above, different or different types of measurement devices can be used as measurement means. For example, a scale can already serve as a measurement means, if, for example, the volume used is to be utilized as a criterion as to the angular position or time point from which relief is supposed to take place. 
         [0019]    Likewise, cameras are also possible, with which the entire mandrel roll table and all the rings situated on it can be observed, whereby then, the corresponding criteria are analyzed and evaluated by way of image analysis. Likewise, for example, optical distance measurements for determining the ring diameter are easily possible, whereby such optical distance measurement devices are preferably disposed on the mandrel roll table and rotate with the mandrel rolls. 
         [0020]    Instead of optical distance measurement devices, however, mechanical or electrical contacts can also be provided, by means of which ring diameters can be determined and an end of the rolling process can be initiated. Such mechanical or electrical contacts, such as, for example, also levers, buttons or switches, can particularly be set at predeterminable positions on the mandrel roll table, so that when a ring reaches these switches, the rolling process can then be ended accordingly. 
         [0021]    It is understood that all other measurement devices with which relevant criteria for ending the rolling process can be determined using measurement technology, can be used accordingly. For example, inductive measurements or even acoustical measurements can be used accordingly, if applicable. 
         [0022]    It is understood that if the ring diameter is used as a criterion, the outside ring diameter or the inside ring diameter, if applicable also a center diameter or other variables that can be defined as a diameter, can be used as a criterion. Ultimately, this use depends on the desired type of size accuracy and the possibilities of determining it using measurement technology. 
         [0023]    The relief means can comprise a releasable mandrel roll lock of the respective mandrel roll on the mandrel roll table, thereby making it possible to guarantee relief in structurally simple manner, because then, the mandrel roll can be released, and no rolling forces can be applied any longer when the mandrel roll lock is released. For example, it is conceivable to guide the mandrel roll in an oblong hole when the mandrel roll lock is released, whereby the mandrel roll lock can press the mandrel roll against an end of the oblong hole when the mandrel roll is locked in place by it. Accordingly, the mandrel roll lock then absorbs the rolling forces; when the mandrel roll lock is released, this absorption is no longer possible, so that the rolling process is ended. 
         [0024]    Cumulatively or alternatively to the release mandrel roll lock, the relief means can comprise displacement means for displacing a mounting of the respective mandrel roll on the mandrel roll table. A very slight displacement of a mandrel roll away from the main roll already ends a respective rolling process. Such displacements can also be implemented by a motor, for example. Likewise, such a displacement can then also take place mechanically, in that when a specific ring diameter is reached, a mechanical lever is pushed outward by the ring, which ultimately presses outward, following the eccentricity between main roll and mandrel roll table, and in this way releases the mandrel roll lock and, at the same time, exerts a force in the mandrel roll radially outward. If necessary, the energy present in the rotating mandrel roll table or from the rotating main roller can also be utilized for this movement, in that corresponding gear mechanisms go into effect when the corresponding criterion, such as reaching the specific ring diameter, has been fulfilled. 
         [0025]    Accordingly, motors or other actuators can be used as displacement means. In this regard, electric motors or electrically operated actuators specifically appear to be advantageous as displacement means. Levers or lever arrangements or other gear mechanisms that are driven by means of moments or forces of the multi-roll table ring-rolling mill and are merely turned on when the predetermined ring diameter is reached, in particular, are possible as mechanical displacement means, whereby the latter can also take place purely mechanically or, once again, by means of an actuator or motor, or also spring arrangements that are biased, for example, are possible. In this connection, the displacement means, particularly if they comprise motors or actuators directly, can comprise further gear mechanism elements, such as, for example, an eccentric mounting of the mandrel rolls on an eccentric device that in turn is seated on a motor shaft, or mounting of the mandrel rolls in a motor-driven lever or a lever driven by way of an actuator or on a linear drive possible. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the multi-roll table ring-rolling mill has return means for returning the mandrel roll from a release position in which it is relieved into a rolling position in which it can encounter rolling forces once again, whereby the return means are preferably provided in an angular position range of the mandrel roll table, in which the respective mandrel roll is not stressed with rolling forces. In this manner, the rolling forces do not also have to be overcome for a return. 
         [0027]    Of course, any displacement means, such as electrical motors or the like, can serve as return means. On the other hand, for example, merely a slant can also be provided, past which the mandrel roll is moved while the mandrel roll table rotates about the main roll, and which slant is disposed in such a manner that a mandrel roll situated in a release position is guided back into its rolling position by the slant. 
         [0028]    It is understood that the return means can also lock a mandrel roll lock again, if applicable, to the extent that this lock does not lock automatically, for example by means of a snap connection, when a mandrel roll gets into the rolling position. 
         [0029]    Sufficient size accuracy of the rings produced can also be guaranteed, in structurally simple manner, by means of a method for rolling rings in a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill, in which at least two mandrel rolls mounted in a mandrel roll table rotate about a main roll, wherein a roll gap formed between the mandrel rolls and the main roll, in each instance, is reduced as a function of the angular position of the mandrel roll table that exists with reference to the main roll, down to a roll gap minimum, and subsequently increased again, and wherein the method is characterized in that when a predetermined ring diameter is reached, a corresponding mandrel roll is switched from a rolling state into a free-running state, even if the roll gap minimum has not yet been reached. 
         [0030]    In this connection, it is understood that the angular position of the mandrel roll table must ultimately be positioned with reference to the main roll axle, in other words with reference to a coordinate system that does not rotate along with the main roll, or alternately with reference to the mandrel roll table axle. Thus, the eccentricity between main roll axle and mandrel roll axle mentioned above causes a respective roll gap between mandrel roll and main roll to change periodically, automatically, for example, and to vary between a minimum and a maximum. This change is directly proportional to the angular position and in a fixed functionality with it. In this connection, this eccentricity is interrupted when a corresponding mandrel roll is switched from a rolling state into a free-running state when a predetermined ring diameter has been reached, because then, this predetermined roll gap minimum is no longer reached for this pass. 
         [0031]    To switch the mandrel roll from a rolling state into a free-running state, the roll gap of the corresponding mandrel roll can be opened. This switch directly brings about an end of the respective rolling process. 
         [0032]    Likewise, a rolling process ends if the corresponding mandrel roll is relieved of the rolling force and the mandrel roll is switched from the rolling state into the free-running state in this manner. 
         [0033]    In order to be able to proceed continuously, a mandrel roll, after having been switched into the free-running state, is preferably switched back into the rolling state before the start of the next rolling process with this mandrel roll. Alternatively, it would be conceivable to carry out a switch into the rolling state also during the rolling process, but this switch would then have to take place counter to the rolling forces and would be correspondingly complicated. If the return to the rolling state takes place before the start of the next rolling process, no rolling forces have to be overcome yet, accordingly. 
         [0034]    To switch the mandrel roll from the rolling state into the free-running state, the respective mandrel roll can be displaced, with reference to the mandrel roll table, from a rolling position into a release position that is farther away from the main roll than the rolling position. This displacement results in very simple structural implementation for opening of the roll gap and relief of the corresponding mandrel roll. 
         [0035]    After displacement from the rolling position into the release position, this mandrel roll is preferably displaced back into the rolling position, so that it is possible to proceed further continuously. As has already been explained above, this return displacement preferably takes place before the beginning of the next rolling process with this mandrel roll, because then, return displacement does not have to take place counter to the rolling forces. 
         [0036]    It is understood that the characteristics of the solutions described above and in the claims can also be combined, if applicable, in order to be able to implement the advantages cumulatively, accordingly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]    Further advantages, goals, and properties of the present invention will be explained using the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are particularly also shown in the attached drawing. The drawing shows: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1 . is a schematic top view of a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a multi-roll table ring-rolling mill according to  FIG. 1 , with relief of a mandrel roll having taken place. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]    The multi-roll table ring-rolling mill  10  shown in the figures comprises, centrally, a main roll  20  that rotates about a main roll axle  26 , as well as four mandrel rolls  30 , which are mounted on a mandrel roll table  35 , which in turn rotates about a mandrel roll table axle  36 . 
         [0041]    In this connection, the main roll axle  26  and the mandrel roll table axle  36  are offset from one another, so that in this way, an eccentric arrangement of these two axles and of the main roll  20  and of the mandrel roll table  35  is brought about. The corresponding direction of rotation  27  of the main roll  20  about the main roll axle  26  and the direction of rotation  37  of the mandrel roll table  35  or of the mandrel rolls  30  about the mandrel roll table axle  36  are indicated with arrows, in each instance. 
         [0042]    The mandrel rolls  30  are mounted on the mandrel roll table  35  with an identical distance from the mandrel roll table axle  36 , as such, so that a roll gap  16  between the respective mandrel roll  30  and the main roll  20  periodically changes between a roll gap maximum and a roll gap minimum, as a function of the angular position of the mandrel roll table  35  with reference to the mandrel roll table axle  36  or the main roll  20 . 
         [0043]    Furthermore, relief means  40  are provided on the mandrel roll table  35  for each mandrel roll  30 , which means are configured as displacement means  45  for the mandrel rolls  30  in this exemplary embodiment, whereby for this purpose, an eccentric device  46 , which is individually motor-driven, in each instance, and on which each of the mandrel rolls  30  is mounted, in each instance, is utilized. It is understood that this eccentric device  46  can also serve as a return means  50 . 
         [0044]    In this exemplary embodiment, the mandrel roll  30  on the eccentric device  46  stands closest to the mandrel roll table axle  36  in a rolling position  62 , so that relatively little torque is introduced into the respective eccentric device  46  by rolling forces acting on the mandrel rolls  30 . In this regard, it is possible, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, that the electric motor drives of the eccentric devices  46  can counter the rolling forces. It is understood that in deviating embodiments, additional locks, such as engagement devices of the like, can also be provided. 
         [0045]    If an eccentric device  46  is rotated about its axis, relative to its rolling position, particularly rotated by 180°, then the respective mandrel roll  30  gets into its release position. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, measurement means  70  are disposed on the mandrel roll table  35  per mandrel roll  30 , which means can measure the outside diameter of rings  15  situated in the roll gap  16  in this exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the measurement means  70  are configured as optical distance measurement devices. It is understood that other measurement means can also be used in modified embodiments. 
         [0047]    If a ring  15  is now applied to a mandrel roll  30  (mandrel roll position A), it is rolled out in the narrowing roll gap as the mandrel roll table  35  rotates in the direction of rotation  37 , until the roll gap minimum (mandrel roll position B) has been reached. As the mandrel roll table  35  continues to rotate in the direction of rotation  37 , the roll gap widens, so that no further rolling takes place, whereby the finished, rolled ring  15  can then be removed from the mandrel roll once again (mandrel roll position C). 
         [0048]    As is directly evident, variations in the insertion volume of the ring  15  cause significant variations in the ring diameter with this method management shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0049]    For this reason, the respective ring diameter is monitored by way of the measurement means  70 , and the respective eccentric device  46  is switched into its release position  61  when a predetermined ring diameter has been reached. 
         [0050]    This is checked, in the present exemplary embodiment, by means of a comparison of the respective measurement values with a corresponding, predetermined value. 
         [0051]    This switch of the eccentric device  46  or of the mandrel roll  30  into the release position  61  particularly takes place before the roll gap minimum (mandrel roll position B) predetermined by the eccentricity has been reached, whereby a possible switch after the roll gap minimum is not critical, because the rolling process has already been ended here, in any case. When the ring  15  is removed (mandrel roll position C), an eccentric device  46  that is situated in its release position or a mandrel  30  that is situated in its release position  61  is switched back into the rolling position  62 . This switch happens in the unstressed state in this exemplary embodiment, whereby in accordance with the present method management, this return step can also take place before or afterward, as long as it is ensured that a rolling process is not initiated or influenced as a result. It is understood that in modified embodiments, the eccentric device  46  can be displaced in the direction of its rolling position even during the rolling process. 
         [0052]    Thus, although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.