Patent Publication Number: US-2007119223-A1

Title: Apparatus For Holding At Least Two Rolls Of A Rolling Machine, And Rolling Machine

Description:
The invention relates to an apparatus for holding at least two rolls of a rolling machine, and to a rolling machine.  
      In order to form workpieces from an initial shape into a desired intermediate shape (semi-finished product, pre-forming) or final shape (finished product, final forming), rolling methods which belong to the pressure forming methods are also known in addition to many other methods. During rolling, the workpiece (rolling stock) is arranged between two rotating rolls and its shape is changed by exertion of a forming pressure by the rotating rolls. In the profiled rolling method, tool profiles are arranged on the circumference of the rolls, which make the generation of corresponding profiles in the workpiece possible. In flat rolling, the cylindrical or conical outer faces of the rolls act directly on the workpiece.  
      With regard to the relative movement of the tools or rolls on one side and the workpiece on the other side, rolling methods are divided into longitudinal rolling, transverse rolling and oblique rolling. In longitudinal rolling, the workpiece is moved perpendicularly with respect to the rotational axes of the rolls in a translational movement and usually without rotation through the intermediate space between the rolls (roll nip). In transverse rolling, the workpiece is not moved translationally with regard to the rolls of the rotational axes, but is rotated only about its own axis which is normally the main axis of inertia, in particular the axis of symmetry in a rotationally symmetrical workpiece. The combination of both movement types during longitudinal rolling and during transverse rolling is called oblique rolling. Here, the rolls usually stand obliquely with respect to one another and with respect to the workpiece which is moved translationally and rotationally.  
      Profiled longitudinal rolling machines for the profiled longitudinal rolling of solid bodies are usually called stretch rolling machines, and the associated operation is called stretch rolling. The emerging cross section does not remain constant here. Here, the rolls (also: stretch rolls) are configured in such a way that the profile cross section changes constantly or in steps in the circumferential direction. The method is frequently used, in order to manufacture intermediate forms with favourable mass distribution for forging in a die.  
      Profiled transverse rolling machines, in which two rolls having wedge-shaped profiled tools which are arranged on the outer circumference rotate in the same direction about rotational axes which are parallel to one another, are also called cross-wedge rolling. Here, the tools have a geometry which is wedge-shaped or of triangular cross section, and can increase along the circumference in the axial dimension in one direction and/or extend obliquely with respect to the rotational axis of the rolls.  
      These cross-wedge rolls or profiled transverse rolls permit a wide variety of forming of workpieces with high precision or dimensional accuracy. The wedge-shaped tools can produce circumferential grooves and other constrictions in the rotating workpiece. As a result of the axial offset in the circumferential direction or the oblique arrangement of the tool wedges relative to the rotational axis, structures and constrictions which change, for example, axially with respect to the rotational axis can be produced in the workpiece. As a result of the increase or decrease of the external diameter of the tool wedges during running about the rotational axis, axially extending bevels and continuous transitions between two constrictions of different diameters can be produced in the workpiece in combination with the oblique arrangement. Cross-wedge rolls are particularly suitable for manufacturing elongate, rotationally symmetrical workpieces having constrictions or elevations such as cams or ribs.  
      DE 1 477 088 C has disclosed a cross-wedge rolling machine for transversely rolling rotational bodies or flat workpieces with two working rolls which rotate in the same rotational direction and on the roll faces of which wedge tools are arranged in an exchangeable manner. The wedge tools have reduction bars which extend in each case in a wedge-shaped or triangular manner, rise from the roll cover to a final height position which is adapted to the workpiece which is to be manufactured, and are roughened by knurling or in another way, and wedge-shaped smooth forming faces with a calibrating effect which extend at the same spacing with respect to the roll cover. The wedge tools are configured as deformation segments and extend only over a partial circumference of the associated roll surface. The surfaces and tools which face one another of the two working rolls move in the opposite direction to one another on the workpiece.  
      DE 39 26 356 C2 has disclosed a rolling machine having exchangeable working rolls. Each of the working rolls is provided on one end side with a prism-shaped journal which is mounted on a split tensioning element of the drive shaft, the movable tensioning part of the tensioning element being connected to a fixed tensioning part by means of at least one screw and one nut. On its opposite end side, each working roll has a cylindrical or prism-shaped journal which is mounted on a split tensioning element of the loadbearing journal, the movable tensioning part of which is again connected to a fixed tensioning part with the aid of at least one screw and one nut. The working roll is set in rotation by a drive via the drive shaft. The torques which act here are transmitted from the drive shaft to the roll via the associated tensioning element and the journal.  
      The configuration of rolling machines having two rolls usually requires that the rolls are to be inserted one after another for mounting in the same insertion direction into a holding apparatus. This has the consequence that the first roll which is to be mounted has to be introduced past holding devices which are intended for a second roll which is to be mounted, to the holding devices which are intended for it. As a result, mounting and correspondingly also dismantling of the rolls is difficult. Furthermore, special configurations of the holding devices and rolls are necessary, in order to make it possible to guide the first roll which is to be mounted through the holding devices which are intended for the second roll which is to be mounted.  
      DE 103 17 312 A1 has disclosed, for example, a rolling machine having two rolls which are held in a holding apparatus having holding devices for the rolls. Here, the two rolls can be mounted one after another in the same insertion direction; here, the first roll which is to be mounted has to be guided through first of all between the holding devices of the roll which is to be mounted subsequently. Special positioning means which hold the rolls in the insertion direction in the respectively desired position are provided for this purpose. The positioning means are formed and arranged on the rolls and the holding devices for this purpose in such a way that the roll which is to be mounted first can be guided through between the holding devices of the roll which is to be mounted subsequently, and is positioned in the desired position only in its desired location between the associated holding devices of this roll.  
      The invention can then be based on a feature of specifying a simple apparatus for holding at least two rolls of a rolling machine, which apparatus makes simple mounting and dismantling of the rolls possible, and of specifying a rolling machine having an apparatus of this type.  
      This feature may be achieved according to the invention by an apparatus and by a rolling machine having the features defined hereinafter. Advantageous refinements and developments are also defined hereinafter.  
      The apparatus can be configured and intended for holding at least one first roll which rotates or can rotate about a rotational axis and at least one second roll of a rolling machine which rotates or can rotate about a rotational axis, and comprises two first holding devices for the first roll, which first holding devices are arranged or can be arranged on opposite end sides of the first roll as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis, and two second holding devices for the second roll, which second holding devices are arranged or can be arranged on opposite end sides of the second roll as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis.  
      Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one, preferably at least two, in particular exactly two first coupling devices for the first roll, having in each case one coupled state and having in each case one decoupled state, and at least one, preferably at least two, in particular precisely two second coupling devices for the second roll, having in each case one coupled state and having in each case one decoupled state. In the coupled state, there is a torque-transmitting connection between the respective holding device and the roll which is assigned to it. The coupled state can therefore be defined as a state which transmits force or torque. The decoupled state can correspondingly also be defined as a state without force or torque; here, there is no torque-transmitting connection between the respective holding device and the roll which is assigned to it.  
      The coupling devices then have in each case at least two corresponding coupling parts, to be precise at least one holding-device-side coupling part which is provided or arranged or formed on the holding device and at least one roll-side coupling part which is provided on the roll. The in each case corresponding coupling parts are connected in a form-fitting and/or force-transmitting manner to one another in the coupled state of the coupling devices, for the generation of a torque-transmitting connection of each holding device to the roll. As a result, the rotational movement and the torque are transmitted synchronously to the roll during rotation of at least one of the holding devices via the connecting faces of the coupling device, on which the form-fitting and/or force-transmitting connection is active. At the same time, it is prevented that the roll falls out of the position between the holding devices.  
      The respective roll can be released or removed from the holding devices in the decoupled state of the coupling devices. This makes it possible to exchange the rolls or refit the rolls with tools.  
      Furthermore, there is provision in the apparatus, at least in the decoupled state, in particular only in the decoupled state or, in particular, in the decoupled and in the coupled state, for the spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts of the first coupling devices to be smaller than the spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts of the second coupling devices, and/or for the maximum longitudinal extent of the first roll between its end sides to be smaller than the maximum longitudinal extent of the second roll between its end sides, and/or for the maximum longitudinal extent of the first roll between its end sides to be smaller than the spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts of the second coupling devices, and/or for the spacing between the first holding devices to be smaller than the spacing between the second holding devices, and/or for the maximum longitudinal extent of the first roll between its end sides to be smaller than the spacing between the second holding devices.  
      Spacing is considered here to be the minimum distance between the two respectively considered parts or components. The longitudinal extent of the roll is its extent parallel to the rotational direction. The holding-device-side coupling parts can be understood to be part of the respective holding device or to be a separate part which is arranged on the respective holding device. The roll-side coupling parts can be understood to be a part of the respective roll or to be a separate part which is arranged on the respective roll.  
      The advantages of the invention lie, in particular, in the fact that the first roll can be guided without problems past the holding devices for the second roll on account of the different dimensions. It is therefore possible in a simple manner to introduce the first roll and correspondingly also to remove the first roll past the holding devices or coupling devices which are intended for the second roll. In particular, on account of the spacing which is implemented according to the invention between the roll-side coupling parts which are intended for the second roll and the first roll while the first roll is being guided through the second holding devices, it is no longer required to guide specially configured grooves and projections or positioning elements past one another in a complicated, laborious and careful manner.  
      An advantage of the invention is therefore the capability of the rolls to be mounted and dismantled simply.  
      One development provides for at least one of the first holding devices and/or at least one of the holding-device-side coupling parts of the first coupling devices to protrude further than at least one of the second holding devices and/or at least one of the holding-device-side coupling parts of the second coupling devices.  
      The first roll and the second roll are preferably arranged next to one another in the coupled state, in particular are arranged above one another, as viewed in the direction of gravity. The first roll is therefore a lower roll and the second roll is an upper roll. In this case, the rolls are introduced into the holding apparatus from above.  
      Furthermore, one preferred development provides for the rotational axes of the first roll and the second roll to be oriented at least substantially parallel to one another.  
      The first roll and the second roll can preferably be mounted or are to be mounted one after another in the same insertion direction, and/or the first roll which is to be mounted first is to be guided or can be guided through between the second holding devices and/or the holding-device-side coupling parts of the second coupling devices of the second roll which is to be mounted subsequently. In particular, the first roll is to be guided or can be guided through an intermediate space between the second holding devices and/or the holding-device-side coupling parts of the second coupling devices.  
      In order to switch over or to change between the coupled state and the decoupled state of the coupling devices, preferably at least one adjusting device is provided for adjusting (in particular, automatically) at least one of the first holding devices and/or the second holding devices, 
          a) it being possible for the respective coupling devices to be transferred into a coupled state in a feed movement, and     b) it being possible for the respective coupling devices to be transferred into a decoupled state in a removing movement.        

      The feed movement and/or the removing movement are/is preferably a movement which is axial and/or radial with respect to the respective rotational axis.  
      In order to switch over or to change between the coupled state and the decoupled state of the coupling devices, as an alternative or in addition, at least one adjusting device is provided for adjusting (in particular, automatically) the holding-device-side coupling part of at least one of the first coupling devices and/or at least one of the second coupling devices, 
          a) it being possible for the respective coupling devices to be transferred into a coupled state in a feed movement, and     b) it being possible for the respective coupling devices to be transferred into a decoupled state in a removing movement.        

      It is also the case here that the feed movement and/or the removing movement are/is a movement which is axial and/or radial with respect to the respective rotational axis.  
      In order to mount a roll between the respective two holding devices, in a first step in the decoupled state of the coupling devices, the roll is moved into a position between the two holding devices and, in a second step, the associated coupling devices are subsequently transferred into their coupled state by feeding at least one of the two holding devices and/or at least one of the holding-device-side coupling parts to the roll. The roll is then held reliably between the holding devices. Conversely, for dismantling the roll from the holding devices, the two coupling devices are first of all transferred from their coupled state into their decoupled state by moving away at least one of the two holding devices and/or at least one of the holding-device-side coupling parts from the roll, and the roll is subsequently moved into a position outside the two holding devices.  
      Furthermore, the second roll and the first roll can preferably be dismantled or are preferably to be dismantled one after another in the same removal direction, and/or the first roll which is to be dismantled second is to be guided or can be guided through between the second holding devices for the second roll which is to be dismantled beforehand, that is to say through an intermediate space between the second holding devices.  
      One expedient development provides for stop faces to be arranged or attached on the respectively corresponding coupling parts of the coupling devices on the sides which face one another, which stop faces bear against one another in the coupled states of the coupling devices, in particular in a form-fitting and/or force-transmitting manner. The stop faces delimit the feed movement and fix the roll between the holding devices.  
      The rolls and/or the holding devices and/or the coupling devices are preferably configured in such a way that the first roll which is to be mounted first can be guided through between the second holding devices of the second roll which is to be mounted subsequently, and can be positioned between the associated first holding devices only in its desired position.  
      It is also expedient if the first roll can be installed unmistakably between the first holding devices, and the second roll can be installed unmistakably between the second holding devices, in particular as a result of corresponding configuration of the associated coupling devices.  
      The rolling machine according to the invention comprises at least two rolls (or: working rolls) which rotate or can rotate about in each case one rotational axis and, in particular, can be fitted or are fitted with tools, at least one rotational drive for rotating the rolls at least during a forming phase for forming the workpiece which is arranged or can be arranged between the rolls, and in each case one apparatus according to the invention for holding the rolls. The rolls can be rolls having a smooth circumferential surface without the attachment or formation of special shaping tools. However they can likewise be rolls which are equipped with corresponding shaping tools.  
      The term “forming” is understood as any modification of the shape of the workpiece into another shape, as has also been described in the introduction, including pre-forming and final forming. The rotational axes of the rolls are to be understood as geometrical or mathematical axes in (Euclidean, three-dimensional) space, about which the rolls rotate.  
      The rolling machine generally comprises bearing devices for each holding device, in which bearing devices the holding devices are mounted rotatably.  
      The rotational axes of the rolls which are mounted in the holding devices are generally oriented substantially parallel to one another and/or are arranged substantially over one another, as viewed in the direction of gravity, and/or are arranged substantially perpendicularly with respect to the direction of gravity.  
      In one embodiment, the rolling machine is configured as a flat rolling machine. In another embodiment, the rolling machine is configured as a profiled rolling machine, for example a profiled longitudinal rolling machine or profiled transverse rolling machine or cross-wedge rolling machine, the principle construction of which has been described in the introduction. In particular, the rolls have profiled or wedge tools and rotate in the same direction as one another, the workpiece rotating only about its own axis and not being transported translationally by the rolls, in contrast to longitudinal rolling. The tools on the rolls are, in particular, of wedge-shaped or triangular cross section and increase along the circumference in their radial dimension in one direction and/or extend obliquely with respect to the rotational axis of the associated roll. 
    
    
      The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following text with regard to further details using the description of one exemplary embodiment and with reference to the appended drawing. Here,  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 6  show the diagrammatic illustration of the same exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for holding two rolls of a rolling machine which are arranged above one another. In each case different states which follow one another during dismantling of the rolls and during mounting of the rolls are shown.  
       FIG. 1  shows a state of the apparatus, in which both rolls are mounted,  
       FIG. 2  shows a state of the apparatus which follows the state shown in  FIG. 1  and in which the second roll is dismounted,  
       FIG. 3  shows a state which follows the state shown in  FIG. 2  and in which both rolls are dismantled,  
       FIG. 4  shows a state which corresponds to  FIG. 3  and in which both rolls are dismantled, but the first roll is prepared for mounting,  
       FIG. 5  shows a state which follows the state shown in  FIG. 4  and in which the first roll is mounted, and  
       FIG. 6  shows a state which follows the state shown in  FIG. 5  and in which both rolls are mounted again. 
    
    
      The apparatus  2  which is shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 6  is provided for holding two working rolls, a first roll  10  and a second roll  20 , and is part of a rolling machine, in particular a cross-wedge roll or cross-wedge rolling machine or stretch roll or stretch rolling machine.  
      The first roll  10  can rotate or rotates about a rotational axis A and the second roll  20  can rotate or rotates about a rotational axis B. The rotational axes A and B are arranged substantially parallel to one another and perpendicularly with respect to the direction of gravity (earth attraction force) which is labelled with the arrow G, with the result that the two rolls  10  and  20  are arranged directly above one another.  
      The rolls  10  and  20  have a substantially cylindrical outer face. The outer face can have a substantially smooth surface without special forming tools, that is to say the roll acts directly on a blank which is to be machined. However, it is likewise possible that in each case tools (not shown) which have a wedge-shaped cross section and are segment-like or completely continuous are fastened to the outer face or circumferential face of the rolls  10  and  20 , in particular are clamped or screwed, which tools are arranged in each case obliquely and at an angle to the respective rotational axes A and B and are arranged substantially in the same positions axially with regard to the rotational axes A and B. As viewed in the circumferential direction, the tools preferably also increase in their cross section, the increase in the cross section being in opposite directions in the case of the tools of different rolls  10  and  20 .  
      The apparatus  2  has two first holding devices  11  and  12  which are arranged on opposite end sides of the first roll  10 , as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis A. The first holding devices  11  and  12  are intended for the first roll  10 . The holding devices  11  and  12  are mounted in associated bearing devices  15  and  16  such that they can rotate about the rotational axis A via roller bearings which are not denoted in greater detail.  
      Furthermore, the apparatus has two second holding devices  21  and  22  which are arranged on opposite end sides of the second roll  20 , as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis B. The second holding devices  21  and  22  are intended for the second roll  20 . The holding devices  21  and  22  are mounted in associated bearing devices  25  and  26  such that they can rotate about the rotational axis B via roller bearings which are not denoted in greater detail.  
      Furthermore, two first coupling devices  13  and  14  for the first roll  10  and two second coupling devices  23  and  24  for the second roll  20  can be seen in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 6 . Each coupling device  13 ,  14 ,  23 ,  24  has two coupling parts  13   a,    13   b;    14   a,    14   b;    23   a,    23   b;    24   a,    24   b  which correspond in each case with one another. Here, the coupling parts  13   a,    14   a,    23   a,    24   a  are holding-device-side coupling parts which are arranged or formed on the respective holding device  11 ,  12 ,  21 ,  22 . The coupling parts  13   b,    14   b,    23   b,    24   b  are roll-side coupling parts which are arranged or formed on the respective rolls  10  or  20 .  
      The coupling devices  13 ,  14 ,  23 ,  24  have in each case one coupled state and in each case one decoupled state. In the coupled state, in each case corresponding coupling parts  13   a  and  13   b  and  14   a  and  14   b  and  23   a  and  23   b  and  24   a  and  24   b  are connected to one another in a form-fitting and/or force-transmitting manner, for generating a torque-transmitting connection of each holding device  11 ,  12 ,  21 ,  22  to the respective roll  10  or  20 . In the decoupled state of the coupling devices  13 ,  14 ,  23 ,  24 , the respective roll  10  or  20  can be released and/or removed from the holding devices  11  and  12  or  21  and  22 , respectively.  
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show different spacings or dimensions in the apparatus  2 . The spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts  13   a  and  14   a  of the first coupling devices  13 ,  14  is denoted by a 1 , and the spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts  23   a  and  24   a  of the second coupling devices  23 ,  24  is denoted by a 2 . The maximum longitudinal extent of the first roll  10  between its end sides is denoted by b 1 , and the maximum longitudinal extent of the second roll  20  between its end sides is denoted by b 2 .  
      It can be seen that the spacing a 1  is smaller than the spacing a 2 . The maximum longitudinal extent b 1  of the first roll  10  is also smaller than the maximum longitudinal extent b 2  of the second roll  20 . Furthermore, the maximum longitudinal extent b 1  of the first roll  10  is also smaller than the spacing a 2  between the holding-device-side coupling parts  23   a  and  24   a  of the second coupling devices  23  and  24 . Accordingly, the first roll  10  can be removed without problems from the apparatus  2  between the holding-device-side coupling parts  23   a  and  24   a  of the second coupling devices  23 ,  24 .  
      The sequence  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  shows the dismantling of the rolls  10 ,  20  from the holding apparatus  2 . First of all, the two rolls  10  are mounted in  FIG. 1 , and the coupling devices  13 ,  14 ,  23 ,  24  are in the coupled state. For dismantling, first of all the second roll  20  has to be removed from the apparatus  2 . This step is shown in  FIG. 2 . At least the second coupling devices  23 ,  24  are then in a decoupled state, and the second roll  20  is removed in the removal direction A. Subsequently, the first roll  10  can also be removed, as is shown in  FIG. 3 . For this purpose, the first coupling devices  13 ,  14  also have to have been transferred into the decoupled state. As shown in  FIG. 3 , none of the rolls  10 ,  20  is in the holding apparatus  2  any longer, and the two rolls  10 ,  20  are dismantled.  
      The sequence  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6  shows the mounting of the rolls  10 ,  20  in the holding apparatus  2 . First of all,  FIG. 4  again shows the dismantled state according to  FIG. 3 , but the first roll  10  is already ready for mounting. All the coupling devices  13 ,  14 ,  23 ,  24  are in the decoupled state. The first roll  10  is then introduced into the apparatus  2  in the insertion direction E.  FIG. 5  shows the first roll  10  which has already been mounted on the first holding devices  11 ,  12  again. The first coupling devices  13 ,  14  can be transferred into the coupled state, or this has already taken place. The second roll  20  is already ready for mounting in  FIG. 5 . The second roll  20  is then also introduced into the apparatus  2  in the insertion direction E and is mounted on the second holding devices  21 ,  22 , cf.  FIG. 6 . Finally, the second coupling devices  23 ,  24  are also transferred into a coupled state for this purpose. In the final mounted state, all the coupling devices  13 ,  14 ,  23 ,  24  are in the coupled state. The rolling machine is therefore ready for operation.  
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS  
     
         
           2  Holding apparatus  
           10  First roll  
           11 ,  12  First holding devices  
           13 ,  14  First coupling devices  
           13   a,    13   b  Corresponding coupling parts ( 13   a:  holding-device-side coupling part;  13   b:  roll-side coupling part)  
           14   a,    14   b  Corresponding coupling parts ( 14   a:  holding-device-side coupling part;  14   b:  roll-side coupling part)  
           15 ,  16  Bearing devices  
           20  Second roll  
           21 ,  22  Second holding devices  
           23 ,  24  Second coupling devices  
           23   a,    23   b  Corresponding coupling parts ( 23   a:  holding-device-side coupling part;  23   b:  roll-side coupling part)  
           24   a,    24   b  Corresponding coupling parts ( 24   a:  holding-device-side coupling part;  24   b:  roll-side coupling part)  
           25 ,  26  Bearing devices  
          A, B Rotational axes  
          G Force of gravity  
          E Insertion direction  
          A Removal direction  
          a 1  Spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts  13   a  and  14   a  of the first coupling devices  13 ,  14   
          a 2  Spacing between the holding-device-side coupling parts  23   a  and  24   a  of the second coupling devices  23 ,  24   
          b 1  Maximum longitudinal extent of the first roll  10   
          b 2  Maximum longitudinal extent of the second roll  20   
       
    
      Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.  
      The entire disclosure of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding German application No. 102005056649.9, filed Nov. 25, 2005, is hereby incorporated by reference.  
      From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.