Abstract:
Rolling mill split box guide nozzle and equalization trough assemblies are retained by a remote actuated clamping mechanism that includes a central pivoting elongated clamp member having an engagement surface proximal one end that engages the clamped object, and a link pivot proximal the other end. A pivoting link has a first end pivotally coupled to the clamp member link pivot and a second end that is pivotally coupled to an actuator shaft. The actuator shaft is capable of translation to a locked position that maintains engagement between the clamp member and the clamped split box nozzle assembly or equalization trough object, wherein the link blocks clamp member motion. The actuator shaft is also capable of translation to an unlocked position that enables clamp member pivoting motion out of engagement with the clamped object. The actuator shaft may be translated by an actuator controlled by a factory automation system.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to remote actuated pivoting clamp mechanisms suitable for application in hot rolling mills and more particularly to a clamp mechanism suitable for retaining split box structures, including split guides, that may be used in cooling system water box nozzle assemblies and equalization troughs. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Steel bars and rods are produced by hot rolling steel billets in a continuous hot rolling process. During different steps of the rolling process the rolled products may require motion restraint, so that they follow a designated transport path, temperature equalization or quenching by application of cooling water. After the metal forming steps, the rolled products are conveyed along one or more lines running through sequential split box structures, also known as split guides, that are analogous to tunnels that direct them along desired paths. Water box cooling lines spray the hot rolled product surface with pressurized water. Nozzle assemblies include a plurality of annular-shaped nozzles that are retained within the split shell nozzle assembly boxes. The annular nozzles spray water on the hot metal that is transported through the nozzle annular interiors. Nozzle assemblies and their split shell boxes are sequentially arrayed along the cooling line and are of known construction. The nozzle assemblies are in communication with a pressurized water manifold, and must be held in fixed position to avoid water leaks and potential loss of cooling efficiency if insufficient flow and/or pressure are not maintained at each nozzle due to leaking water diversion. Temperature equalization troughs also transport hot metal rolled products via internal pathways within static guide split shell box structures, but do not apply a cooling fluid. Rather, equalization troughs reduce or minimize further temperature loss from the product surface, thereby allowing heat to “soak” out from the interior; i.e., “equalizing” the temperature between the interior and the exterior of the hot rolled product. 
         [0005]    Conventionally, rolling mill line split guide structure water box nozzle assemblies and equalization troughs have been held in fixed position by screw-driven manual “C clamps”, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,511, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. In order to avoid nozzle leakage and potential loss of cooling efficiency, each individual C clamp is hand tightened by mill personnel to a torque specification. The hand tightening procedure is time consuming, as a cooling line may have hundreds of nozzle assemblies within a facility, and is subject to human error if torque is not in compliance with the specification. 
         [0006]    An alternative to nozzle assembly retention by C clamps is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2010/0006188 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Publication discloses use of a remote actuated pivoting clamp support that may be coupled to a plurality of nozzle assemblies for simultaneous clamping of a series of sequential nozzle assemblies along a cooling line. One long lateral side of the clamp support is pivotally engaged with the water box frame that retains the sequence of nozzle assemblies in an array. The other lateral side of the clamp support is linked to a pivoting shaft that is driven by an actuator. When the driven shaft pivots, the other lateral side of the clamp support may be swung from an open to a closed position. Rotating torque force must be maintained on the driven shaft in order to retain the nozzle assembly in the closed or “clamped” position, requiring constant energy consumption and wear and tear on the actuator and entire linkage assembly. The pivoting shaft and linkage does not maintain constant force on each serial nozzle assembly due to deflection variations along the shaft length. Thus a higher than otherwise needed constant force is applied to the shaft assembly by the actuator in order to assure that each individual nozzle assembly meets minimum clamping force specifications. In turn, a larger actuator and pivoting shaft is required to generate and transfer the higher force needed to assure clamping of each nozzle assembly within minimum specification. Larger actuators and shaft structures necessitate greater energy consumption during operation and use of additional material for construction strength. The angular linkage also stresses the water box frame as the actuator exerts clamping force on the nozzle assembly. Therefore, water box frame rigidity needs to be increased in order to counteract the linkage stress, also increasing material consumption during manufacture. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Briefly described, embodiments of the present invention relate to the creation of a clamping mechanism that can be remotely actuated, for example without the necessity of hand tightening, and is suitable for application to rolling mills, including their temperature equalization troughs and water box nozzle assemblies. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment of the invention relates to a water box nozzle assembly clamping mechanism that remotely actuates a plurality of nozzle assemblies arrayed along a cooling line in parallel, under manual user or automated system control. 
         [0009]    An additional embodiment of the present invention relates to a temperature equalization trough split guide assembly clamping mechanism that remotely actuates a plurality of split guides arrayed in a cooling line in parallel, under manual user or automated system control. 
         [0010]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly clamping mechanism that remotely locks a nozzle assembly in a clamped position and thereafter does not require or reduces requirement for external actuator force to maintain the nozzle assembly in the clamped position. Additionally, it is desirable that the clamping mechanism remotely unlocks itself when it is desired to release the nozzle assembly unit from the water box assembly frame. 
         [0011]    Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a nozzle assembly clamping mechanism that does not stress the water box frame while applying and/or maintaining nozzle assembly clamping force. 
         [0012]    These and other embodiments are achieved in accordance with the present by a remote actuated clamping mechanism for objects to be clamped in hot rolling mills, including for rolled product motion restraint split guide, equalization trough and cooling system water box nozzle assembly retention. The clamping mechanism includes a central pivoting elongated clamp member having an engagement surface proximal one end that engages the split box nozzle assembly, equalization trough, split guide or other clamped object and a link pivot proximal the other end. The clamp member is pivotally coupled to a structural member that is independent of the water box or equalization trough frame. A pivoting link has a first end pivotally coupled to the clamp member link pivot and a second end that is pivotally coupled to an actuator shaft. The actuator shaft is capable of translation to a locked position that maintains engagement between the clamp member and the clamped object, such as for example a split box nozzle assembly, wherein the link blocks clamp member motion. Actuation force does not have to be maintained on the actuation shaft when the clamp member is in the locked position. The actuator shaft is also capable of translation to an unlocked position that enables clamp member pivoting motion out of engagement with the nozzle assembly or other clamped object. The actuator shaft may be translated by an actuator that is controlled by a factory automation system. 
         [0013]    Aspects of the present invention feature a remote actuated pivoting clamp mechanism that includes a structural member having sequentially arrayed thereon a plurality of opposed pairs of pivot points respectively sharing a collinear first pivot axis. A plurality of pairs of elongated clamp members corresponds to each pair of structural member pivot points. Each clamp member has an engagement surface proximal one end, a link pivot proximal the other end, and a central pivot intermediate the ends that is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the structural member pivot points about the first axis. The mechanism also has a plurality of pivoting links respectively corresponding to each pair of clamp members, with each link having a first end pivotally coupled to both of the clamp member pair respective link pivots about a second collinear axis parallel to the first axis, and a second end. An actuator shaft is pivotally coupled to each of the respective link second ends about a third axis parallel to the first axis at each respective pair of opposed pivot points. The shaft is capable of toggled translation of all pivoting links to a locked position wherein each respective pair of the first and third axes are proximal each other and the link blocks clamp member motion. The shaft is also translatable to an unlocked position that enables pivoting motion of each clamp member about its respective first axis. 
         [0014]    Aspects of the present invention also feature a remote actuated pivoting clamp mechanism for clamping hot rolling mill guide split boxes. The mechanism features a plurality of sequentially arrayed split boxes, each having opposed halves defining a path there through and a first engagement surface on at least one of the halves. A structural member has aligned with each respective split box a plurality of opposed pairs of pivot points respectively sharing a collinear first pivot axis. Each pivot pair corresponding to a split box is sequentially arrayed on the structural member. A plurality of pairs of elongated clamp members corresponds to each pair of structural member pivot points. Each clamp member has an engagement surface proximal one end for mating engagement with a corresponding first engagement surface, a link pivot proximal the other end, and a central pivot intermediate the ends that is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the structural member pivot points about the first axis. A plurality of pivoting links respectively corresponds to each pair of clamp members. Each link has a first end pivotally coupled to both of the clamp member pair respective link pivots about a second collinear axis parallel to the first axis, and a second end. An actuator shaft is pivotally coupled to each of the respective link second ends about a third axis parallel to the first axis at each respective pair of opposed pivot points. The shaft is capable of toggled translation of all respective pivoting links to a locked position wherein each respective pair of first and third axes are proximal each other. Each link blocks its respective clamp member motion and maintains mating engagement between each respective pair of first and clamp member engagement surfaces. The shaft is also capable of translation of all respective pivoting links to an unlocked position that enables clamp member pivoting motion about its respective first axis and disengagement of each mating pair of first and clamp member engagement surfaces. 
         [0015]    Aspects of the present invention additionally feature a method for remotely actuating a pivoting clamp mechanism for clamping hot rolling mill cooling line split boxes. The clamp mechanism used to perform the method has a plurality of sequentially arrayed split boxes, each having opposed halves defining a path there through and a first engagement surface on at least one of the halves. A structural member has aligned with each respective split box a plurality of sequentially arrayed opposed pairs of pivot points respectively sharing a collinear first pivot axis. A plurality of pairs of elongated clamp members corresponds to each pair of structural member pivot points. Each clamp member has an engagement surface proximal one end for mating engagement with a corresponding first engagement surface, a link pivot proximal the other end, and a central pivot intermediate the ends that is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the structural member pivot points about the first axis. A plurality of pivoting links respectively corresponds to each pair of clamp members. Each link has a first end pivotally coupled to both of the clamp member pair respective link pivots about a second collinear axis parallel to the first axis, and a second end. An actuator shaft is pivotally coupled to each of the respective link second ends about a third axis parallel to the first axis at each respective pair of opposed pivot points. The shaft is capable of toggled translation of all respective pivoting links to a locked position wherein each respective pair of first and third axes are proximal each other. In the locked position each link blocks its corresponding respective clamp member motion and maintains mating engagement between each respective pair of first and clamp member engagement surfaces. The shaft is also capable of translation of all respective pivoting links to an unlocked position that enables clamp member pivoting motion about its respective first axis and disengagement of each mating pair of first and clamp member engagement surfaces. An actuator for translating the actuation shaft is coupled thereto. A control system, in communication with the actuator, includes a controller having a processor and memory accessible by the processor. The memory includes therein software that when executed by the processor selectively causes the actuator to translate the actuation shaft. The control system also has an interface coupled to the controller, for issuing commands to translate the actuation shaft. The clamping method is performed by issuing an actuator shaft translation command to the control system with the interface. After receipt of the translation command the processor executes actuator translation software, causing the actuator to translate the actuation shaft to the locked or unlocked positions. 
         [0016]    The objects and features of the present invention may be applied jointly or severally in any combination or sub-combination by those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The teachings of aspects of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an elevational perspective view of a hot rolling mill with a nozzle assembly clamping mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is bottom plan perspective view of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a load transfer assembly including a spring assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an elevational view showing the clamping mechanism in a locked position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an elevational view showing the clamping mechanism in an unlocked position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an elevational view showing the clamping mechanism in an unlocked position that facilitates removal of a nozzle assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an elevational view showing the clamping mechanism in an unlocked position, with the clamp member shown in partial broken-away section, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of the remote actuation clamping mechanism actuated by an actuator that is controlled within an automated system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is an alternative embodiment clamping mechanism with an adjustable length pivoting link, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is another alternative embodiment clamping mechanism with a constant force, adjustable length pivoting link, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is another alternative embodiment clamping mechanism for a temperature equalization trough assembly guide. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    After considering the following description, those skilled in the art will clearly realize that the teachings of my invention can be readily utilized in remote actuated pivoting clamp mechanisms suitable for application in hot rolling mills and more particularly to a clamp mechanism suitable for retaining cooling system nozzle assemblies, as well as other objects to be clamped in a rolling mill, including by way of further example split guides and those used for temperature equalization troughs. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are described herein facilitate parallel remote actuation of a plurality of clamp mechanisms that are dedicated to different objects, such as split box static guides, equalization troughs or nozzle assemblies serially arrayed along a hot rolling mill cooling system. Remote actuation can be accomplished under manual or automatic control. 
         [0033]    Hot Rolling Mill Cooling System Overview 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , hot rolled material is sequentially fed through the rolling mill cooling system  20  along path P. The cooling system  20  has a cooling header  30  that provides cooling water to the nozzle assemblies  40 . As shown in the figures, a plurality of nozzle assemblies are sequentially aligned in parallel along the cooling path P. Each nozzle assembly  40  has an upper half  42  and lower half  44 , each half retaining sleeve-like annular nozzles  46 . The rolled material passes through the annular nozzle  46  sleeves interior portions  48  that are respectively aligned along the cooling path P. The nozzle assemblies  40  are of known construction. 
         [0035]    The cooling system  20  has a structural member  50 , including a pair of opposed clamping member trunnions  52  that can have a common axial alignment axis. In some embodiments, the structural member  50  can be structurally isolated and independent from the cooling header  30  and nozzle assemblies  40 . 
         [0036]    Clamping Mechanism Structure 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the clamping mechanism  58  includes clamp member  60  that has a central pivot  62  that is pivotally coupled to the clamping member trunnion  52 . Alternatively, one may choose to configure the clamping mechanism so that the trunnion is formed in the clamp member  60  and the central pivot is formed in the structural member  50 . Clamp member  60  also defines an engagement surface  64  on one end and a link pivot aperture  66  for pivotal receipt of link pivot pin  68  on the other end. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the clamping mechanism  58  has a pair of laterally aligned clamp members having a common central pivot axis through respective central pivots  62 . The pair of clamp members  60  provides for a uniform application of clamping force on both sides of the nozzle assembly  40 . 
         [0038]    Pivoting link  70  is pivotally coupled to the clamp member  60  by the link pivot pin  68  that passes through the link first end aperture  72 . The second end of the pivoting link opposite the first end  72  can define a second end aperture  74 . As shown most clearly in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pivoting link  70  has a pair of yoke arms  76 , each defining a second aperture  74 , for more generally uniform structural support to both of the clamp members  60 . 
         [0039]    The clamping mechanism  58  also has an actuator shaft  80  defining a plurality of actuator shaft apertures  82 , each pivotally coupled to the second end of a corresponding pivoting link  70  by an actuator shaft pin  84  captured within an actuator shaft aperture  82  and pivoting link second end aperture  74 . The actuator shaft  80  is captured within actuator shaft supports  54  that are coupled to the structural member  50 . As will be explained in greater detail herein when describing operation of the clamping mechanism  58 , the actuator can translate in both directions of the double arrow F A . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , load transfer assembly  90  includes a housing  91  having therein a load transfer frame  92  with a pair of opposed load transfer frame first engagement surfaces (trunnions  94 ) that engage with a clamp member engagement surface  64  on each of the clamp members  60 . As shown, the transfer frame trunnions  94  can share a common axis. The corresponding abutting and mating engagement surfaces  64  on the clamp member  60  and  94  on the load transfer assembly  90  may be of many desired profiles, and may be reversed. For example and not limitation, the engagement surface  64  may have a trunnion profile and the load transfer frame first engagement surfaces  94  may have a corresponding concave profile. 
         [0041]    The exemplary load transfer assembly  90  in  FIGS. 3-5  comprises a pair of disc or cupped springs  96  and shim stacks  98 . The biasing element springs  96  help to distribute equalized compressive force to the nozzle assembly  40  top surface upstream and downstream the trunnions  94 , for pressurized water sealing along the lateral joining surface between the upper nozzle assembly  42  and lower nozzle assembly  44  halves, as well as the lower half  44  to the cooling header  30 . The springs  96  also help equalize load transferred to each of tandem paired clamp members  60  that flank each nozzle assembly  40  to the left and right of the cooling path P. Shim stacks  98  can be varied to raise or lower the load transfer engagement surface trunnion  94  relative to the clamp member engagement surface  64 , thereby increasing or decreasing the load applied to the respective nozzle assembly. 
         [0042]    Clamping Mechanism Operation 
         [0043]      FIGS. 6-9  show general operation of the clamping mechanism  58 . In  FIG. 6 , when the actuator shaft  80  is translated in the direction of the F A  force arrow, pivoting link  70  is toggled to a locked (here vertical) position, with the actuator pin rotation axis parallel to and proximal the central pivot axis through the structural member trunnion  52 . In the locked position the pivoting link  70  applies a force on the clamping mechanism link pivot aperture  66  via the link pivot pin  68  in the direction of the force arrow F L . The elongated link pivot aperture  66  allows vertical movement of the clamp member  60  as the link  70  is toggled to the locked position, so that the clamp member engagement surface  64  is maintained in biased, abutting relationship with the load transfer assembly first engagement surface trunnion  94 . The clamp member central pivot  62  can be constructed without an elongated profile, and the profile can be non-linear to impart a camming motion. 
         [0044]    When the pivoting link  70  is toggled to the locked position it may be constructed to be self locking, so that little or no force is maintained on the actuator shaft. While the pivoting link  70  is shown in  FIG. 6  to be generally vertical and parallel to the clamp member  60  long axis, it can also be constructed to toggle over center (i.e., further counter clockwise) when in the locked position, such as by changing the center pivot  62  elongation profile. 
         [0045]    The locked clamping mechanism  58  clamping force F L  is resisted in the opposite direction by the structural member  50  actuator shaft supports  54 . The structural member  50  is structurally isolated from and does not pass the clamping force F A  to the cooling header  30  or nozzle assembly  40  structures. The clamping force F L  is transferred vertically through the load transfer assembly  90 , beneficially compressing the nozzle assembly  40  against the cooling header  30  without bending or twisting distortion. 
         [0046]    Clamp mechanism can be released to an unlocked position as shown in  FIGS. 6-9  by applying actuation force F A  to the actuator shaft in the direction shown, so that the pivoting link  70  is no longer toggled with the actuator pin  84  proximal the clamp member central pivot  62 . If desired, a clamp lock, such as the toggle clamp  69  shown in  FIG. 3 , may be provided to prevent inadvertent or unintentional displacement of the clamping mechanism  58  from its vertical unlocked position when the clamp mechanism  58  is unlocked and the opposed engagement surfaces  64 / 94  are not in contact with each other. In  FIG. 8 , the clamp member  60  is tilted counterclockwise to enable service technician access to the nozzle assembly  40 , by sliding the trunnion  52  within the central pivot elongated slot  62 . 
         [0047]    Automated Clamping Operation 
         [0048]    The clamping mechanism  58  advantageously may be employed to clamp a sequence of nozzle assemblies  40  that are arrayed along a cooling system  20  cooling path P by pivotally coupling in parallel a series of respective pivoting links  70  to a common actuation shaft  80 , as is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A single actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid driven cylinder or a gear driven motor, may translate the shaft. In this manner a plurality of clamping mechanisms  58  may be actuated simultaneously by a single actuator operation. 
         [0049]    The clamping mechanism is suited for automated clamping and unclamping operations for rolling mill cooling systems  20 , such as by the exemplary factory automation system  100  schematically shown in  FIG. 10 . The automated clamping system  100  includes a communications data bus of known architectural and communications design, such as one employing PROFIBUS® data communications protocols provided by Siemens Industry Solutions of Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.A. A controller  110 , such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) is in communication with one or more actuators  88 . The PLC  110  is of known design, such as a Siemens model S7 PLC also sold by Siemens Industry Solutions of Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.A. PLC  110  includes a processor  112  that accesses one or more computer memory devices  114 , in which are stored software instruction sets  116  that when executed by the processor causes it to operate the automation system  100 . 
         [0050]    The processor  112  executing the software instruction sets  116  cause one or more actuators  88  to exert an actuation force F A  a respectively coupled actuation shaft  80 , that in turn locks or unlocks the clamping mechanisms  58 . Two separate banks of clamping mechanisms  58  and actuators  88  are shown in  FIG. 10  respectively on the left and right sides of the sheet. The PLC  110  causes one or more of the actuators  88  to exert actuation force on its actuator shaft  80  as part of an operational programming sequence within its accessible software  116 , or in response to commands received from engineering station  120  or any other human machine interface (HMI)  130 . For example, a service technician may initiate a command to the automation system through the HMI  130  to open one or more of the clamping mechanism banks  60 . The automation system  100  may include one or more types of sensors  140  to communicate rolling mill cooling system  20  operational parameters to the PLC  110 , such as by way of non-limiting example proximity sensors indicating whether one or more clamps are in locked or unlocked position, cooling water pressure or temperature, etc. PLC  110  may also be in communication with one or more other industrial automation controllers as part of an industrial automation network, such as controller  150 . 
         [0051]    Clamping Mechanism Alternative Embodiments 
         [0052]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show alternative pivoting link embodiments, for varying spacing between the clamping member  60  engagement surface  64  and the load transfer assembly first engagement surface trunnion  94 . In  FIG. 11  the pivoting link  70 ′ defines a first end with aperture  72 ′and a second end with aperture  74 ′. Changing distance between the respective apertures  72 ′,  74 ′ by advancing or withdrawing the threaded shaft  77 ′ within the female threaded portion  77 ′ alters spacing between the engagement surfaces  64 ,  94 . In  FIG. 12 , the pivoting link  70 ″ defines a first end with aperture  72 ″ and a second end with aperture  74 ″. Helical coil spring  76 ″ is captured by threaded shaft  77 ″ and mating nut  79 ″. The coil spring  76 ″ provides for constant clamping force between the engagement surfaces  64 ,  94 . Changing distance between the respective apertures  72 ″,  74 ″ by advancing or withdrawing the threaded shaft  77 ″ alters spacing between the engagement surfaces  64 ,  94 . 
         [0053]    As previously noted, the clamping mechanism may be applied in other assemblies within a rolling mill that require remote clamping in locked positions of one or more objects under common linear actuator control. In  FIG. 13  the clamping mechanism  58  is used to apply clamping force to a thermal equalization line  20 ′ series of thermal equalization troughs  40 ′ having split box upper and lower halves  42 ′,  44 ′. 
         [0054]    Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.