EP2667983B1 - Transporting system and method for transporting stock to be rolled between at least two processing lines - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a transport system for transporting rolling stock between at least two processing lines, and to a method for transporting rolling stock between at least two processing lines.

State of the art

In the field of rolling mills for the production of metal strips, for example in the field of hot strip rolling mills, it is known to feed the respective pre-strips, in particular thin slabs originating from a preprocessing line, for example a casting machine, to a processing line in the form of a rolling train. In this case, for example, to be able to transfer the thin slabs from more than one casting line on a single rolling line, a longitudinal / transverse / longitudinal transport system in the form of ferries used by means of which originating from the respective casting lines thin slab of the rolling line quasi in one Parallel shift be supplied.

From the EP 438 066 A2 Such a plant for rolling hot strip is known. Here are derived from three upstream casting machines or casting lines thin slabs by means of two ferries alternately fed to a finishing line / rolling line.

From the DE 39 08 457 A1 discloses a method and a plant for producing rolled material from slabs, in which slabs produced in a two-strand continuous casting machine are transferred by means of two ferries in a Zwischenwärmofen.

The WO 2009/030190 A1 discloses a device for transferring continuous casting slabs from one casting line to another processing line, in which a ferry is moved transversely in stages between parallel casting drums arranged at the same distance from one another.

From the EP 593 001 A1 discloses a method and a plant for the production of hot-rolled strips or profiles of continuously cast starting material, in which from a casting line derived strand pieces are transferred via a ferry in a rolling line.

However, the transport system between the respective processing lines, in particular between the respective casting lines and the respective rolling line, is a limiting factor for the productivity of the entire system. Only when the supply of the respective rolling stock, for example, the thin slabs, go quickly, an optimal machine cycle and optimum utilization of the rolling mill can be ensured.

From the DE 100 04 117 A1 is a furnace for heating continuously cast slabs u. Like. And for their transport from a continuous casting plant to a rolling mill, with two kiln lines, each connected to a continuous casting line and one of which is connected to a common rolling line, each kiln line containing a pivoting ferry and wherein the pivoting ferries against each other in a position pivotable in which they are essentially aligned with each other.

From the DE 10 2005 011254 Al is a method and a casting-rolling plant for producing hot strip of steel materials with a final thickness between 12 mm to 1 mm and a width between 900 mm to 1800 mm from continuously produced thin-strand sections between 40 to 100 mm casting thickness, with a Casting speed between 4 m / min to at least 10 m / min known, wherein from one or more thin-strand casting devices leaking and then separated, about 40 meters long thin-strand sections from a heat balance device by pivoting or parallel displacement between a first thin-strand casting device with aligned Finishing mill and the first thin-strand casting device second, parallel to the first thin-strand casting device extending thin-strand casting device to be transported to thin-strand sections are promoted.

From the WO 2011/101231 A1 is a transport device for slabs, which is arranged between at least two casting machines and at least one rolling mill, wherein the transport device has at least two linear and stationary conveyor sections, on which a slab can be conveyed in a conveying direction.

From the DE 10 2008 020 412 A1 a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 5 are known.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a transport system which reduces the cycle times for the transport of rolling stock from one processing line to another processing line.

The object is achieved by a transport system having the features of claim 1 for transporting rolling stock between two processing lines. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

Accordingly, the transport system for transporting rolling stock between at least two processing lines comprises at least two ferries for transporting of the rolling stock. According to the invention, the ferries are designed such that the rolling stock can be transferred from a ferry to at least one further ferry in a region between two processing lines. Here, the ferries can be moved in a direction perpendicular to respective processing lines. To transfer the rolling stock from one ferry to the other, the ferries are arranged so that they can be brought into alignment with each other in order to transfer the rolling stock from one ferry to the other ferry can. The transfer from one ferry to the next takes place using special facilities provided for this purpose at the ferries for the transfer of the rolling stock. The transfer takes place by means of drivable rollers, on which the rolling stock rests on the ferry. Finally, if two ferries are arranged adjacent to one another, the transfer can be carried out by simple means by suitably driving the respective rollers. The transfer of the rolling stock from one ferry to another ferry takes place exactly in the middle between two spaced-apart processing lines such that the respective trajectories of the ferries are halved when using two ferries. For this purpose, the ferries are arranged so that they can only be moved between a processing line and a transfer position lying in the middle region between the processing lines. The ferries include transport rollers in order to easily transfer the rolling stock to the ferry and to be able to transfer it from there to the next ferry or to a processing line. The transport rollers are electrically driven.

By transferring the rolling stock from one ferry to another, a reduction of the cycle times can be achieved by the corresponding use of at least two ferries. This is partly due to the fact that the use of at least two ferries, the distance to be bridged can be divided and according to the distance traveled by each ferry route can be reduced. Furthermore, the times to overcome the distance between the processing lines by using at least two ferries can be reduced by allowing the two ferries to be moved simultaneously. As a result, quasi, downscaled on a ferry, the actual transport speed increased, for example, be doubled, so that the respective ferries within a shorter time again ready for use or receptive for new rolling stock.

Of course, depending on the geometry of the system, the use of more than two ferries, for example three ferries, can also reduce the cycle time. However, it should be noted that the transfer of the rolling stock from one ferry to another ferry requires extra time, so each transfer process means a delay. This delay has to be compared to the time saved by the shorter distances of the respective ferries and the layout has to be optimized accordingly.

In the conventional use of a single ferry to transfer the rolling stock from one processing line to the ferry and then to transfer the rolling stock from the ferry to the other processing line each time a transfer time is required. When using two ferries, another transfer period for the transfer of the rolling stock from one to the other ferry is added accordingly. However, the time advantage resulting from the shorter travel time when transporting the rolling stock from one processing line to the other processing line can be used up again by the use of too many different ferries and the transfer times that are required with them. Accordingly, the number of ferries must be optimized according to the particular geometry of the system and the known travel times of the ferries and the transfer periods.

The transport system preferably serves to transport rolling stock between at least two processing lines oriented essentially parallel to one another, for example between a casting line and a rolling line aligned parallel thereto.

The pre-strip line may in particular comprise a reversing stand, so that the rolling process leads to the desired intermediate product by repeatedly passing through the forward and reverse operation of the reversing stand.

If rolling stock is to be transferred from two preprocessing lines to a rolling line, at least three ferries are advantageously used, with one respective ferry being movable in the immediate area of the respective preprocessing line, for example the pouring line, and the third ferry being movable in the area of the rolling line.

Preferably, a ferry between the first processing line and a region between the two processing lines is movable and the second ferry between the second processing line and a central region between the two processing lines movable.

The at least two ferries are preferably arranged such that they can be moved on mutually parallel track tracks that run essentially perpendicular to the processing lines. The parallel trajectories are preferably spaced from each other so that the two ferries can pass each other.

Preferably, at least one of the ferries protrudes into one of the processing lines, in particular the processing line lying outside the travel range of the ferry.

Advantageously, the ferries are provided with a heater for heating the rolling stock to avoid cooling of the rolling stock. In this case, either a gas firing, oil firing or an electric heater, in particular an induction heater, is preferably used.

The above object is further achieved by a method for transporting rolling stock between two processing lines according to claim 5. Accordingly, two ferries are provided for transporting the rolling stock, and for transporting the rolling stock from one processing line to the other processing line, the rolling stock is transferred from a ferry to another ferry. In an area between the processing lines, the ferries are moved simultaneously and opposite to each other.

The rolling stock is transferred from a processing line to a first ferry, from the first ferry to a second ferry, and from the second ferry to the other processing line. Here, the rolling stock is transmitted via electrically driven transport rollers. The first ferry is moved between the first processing line and the middle between the two processing lines, simultaneously moving the second ferry from the second processing line towards the middle between the two processing lines. Then the two ferries are aligned in the middle between the two processing lines and the rolling stock is transferred from the first ferry to the second ferry. Thereafter, the two ferries return substantially simultaneously to a substantially aligned orientation with the two processing lines.

Figur 1

zeigt einen schematischen Aufbau einer herkömmlichen Dünnbrammen-Produktionslinie und einer Produktionslinie mit einem Reversiergerüst;

Figur 2

zeigt eine schematische Darstellung des herkömmlichen Aufbaus eines Transportsystems zwischen zwei Verarbeitungslinien;

Figur 3

zeigt den schematischen Aufbau eines Transportsystems gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und

Figur 4

zeigt einen schematischen Aufbau eines Transportsystems gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Brief description of the figures

FIG. 1

shows a schematic structure of a conventional thin slab production line and a production line with a Reversiergerüst;

FIG. 2

shows a schematic representation of the conventional construction of a transport system between two processing lines;

FIG. 3

shows the schematic structure of a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4

shows a schematic structure of a transport system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a plant for producing metal strips. For this purpose, a schematically indicated slab is processed on a first processing line 10 into a sliver 100, in particular using a reversing stand 12. The slabs are brought to rolling temperature via a stepping oven 110, which is connected upstream of the first processing line 10.

The actual processing of the rolling stock in the form of the pre-strip 100 takes place in a second processing line 20, which in the in FIG. 1 embodiment shown in the form of a rolling mill with Vorgerüstgruppe 22 is formed. The first processing line 10 and the second processing line 20 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance d. Over this distance, which corresponds to the distance d between the first processing line 10 and the second processing line 20, the rolling stock in the form of the pre-strip 100 between the two processing lines 10, 20 must be transported.

Further processing stands, such as the finishing stands 24 and a coiler 26 are provided in the second processing line 20 and shown schematically. Since these are of minor importance to the description of the present disclosure, no further reference is made to this.

The transport between the first processing line 10 and the second processing line 20 is made by means of a ferry 30, which bridges the distance d between the two processing lines 10, 20. The ferry 30 is guided on guide rails 32, which extend substantially perpendicular to the extension of the two processing lines 10, 20. The rolling stock in the form of the pre-strip 100 is transported accordingly from the first processing line 10 to the second processing line 20 on the ferry 30 operating between the two processing lines 10, 20. The ferry 30 is thereby moved transversely to the actual line direction of the processing lines 10, 20.

The actual operation of transporting the rolled stock in the form of the pre-strip 100 from the pre-processing line 10 to the main processing line 20 takes place in that the pre-strip 100 is driven onto the ferry waiting in the starting position 300, which is waiting in alignment with the first processing line 10 , After the pre-lap 100 rests completely on the ferry 30, the ferry 30 moves along the rails 32 and transversely to the processing direction of the first and second processing lines 10, 20 to overcome the distance d between the two processing lines 10, 20. When the ferry 30 has arrived at the end position 310 in an alignment aligned with the second processing line 20, the pre-strip 100 is transported down the ferry 30 and sent for further processing in the processing line 20. After the slab has left the ferry 30, the ferry 30 returns from the end position 310 to the home position 300, where it is ready to receive another leader, which is then again transported over the distance d from the first processing line 10 to the second processing line 20.

FIG. 2 clarifies this principle again. The ferry 30 moves here transversely to the main processing direction of the two processing lines 10, 20 to overcome the distance d between the two substantially parallel processing lines 10, 20. In an exemplary sequence, for example for a distance of 90 m for d, the following cycle for the transport process of the rolling stock results from the one processing line 10 to the other processing line 20:
First, the rolling stock is transported in the form of a Vorbandes on the in the starting position 300, in alignment with the processing line 10, waiting ferry. After 40 seconds, the pre-band is completely on the ferry 30, so that the ferry can start its cross travel from the first processing line 10 to the second processing line 20. For the distance d of 90 m, for example, it takes 120 seconds. Then, when the ferry 30 has arrived at the end position 310 aligned with the second processing line 20, the pre-band is output to the processing line 20. For this further transfer process from the ferry 30 to the processing line 20 again fall to 40 seconds. The ferry 30 is then, after the rolling stock has completely left the ferry 30, again moved back to the starting position 300, in alignment with the first processing line 10. For this travel distance of d of 90 m again 120 seconds are needed. Only at this time, the ferry can again record a new rolling stock. This results in a cycle time of 320 seconds.

FIG. 3 shows a transport system according to the present disclosure. Between the two substantially parallel processing lines 10, 20, which in turn are spaced apart by the distance d, two ferries 30, 34 are now arranged. It moves the first ferry 30 between the first processing line 10 aligned with the starting position 300 and a lying between the two processing lines 10, 20 transfer position 320. The second ferry 34 moves between the two processing lines 10, 20 transfer position 320 and the end position 310, in which the second ferry 34 is aligned with the second processing line 20.

In the in FIG. 3 In the embodiment shown, the transfer position 320 is on the center line between the two processing lines 10, 20. Accordingly, the ferry 30 between the starting position 300 and the transfer position 320 has to travel a distance of d / 2 and the second ferry 34 between the transfer position 320 and the final position also cover a distance of d / 2.

Of course, however, the transfer position 320 may be positioned in any other position between the two processing lines 10, 20, depending on the particular requirements of the plant. The distance to be overcome d between the two processing lines 10, 20 is still divided into two sections, but need not be the same length.

The transport of a Vorbandes now proceeds as follows, with essentially the same data as above to FIG. 2 (d = 90m, transfer time on and from the ferries: 40s):
The pre-strip is transported from the first processing line 10 to the ferry 30 waiting in the starting position 300 in alignment with the processing line 10. For this purpose, as in the above to FIG. 2 running example, again assumed a transfer time of 40 seconds. In parallel with this, the ferry 34, which is in alignment with the second processing line 20 in the end position 310, can likewise transmit a preliminary strip already present on this ferry 34 to the second processing line 20 within 40 seconds.

After the pre-band is fully received on the ferry 30, the ferry 30 begins to move to the transfer position 320 in the middle between the two processing lines 10, 20. It puts in the analogous to the in FIG. 2 Example shown formed a distance of d / 2, ie 45 m back. Taking into account the ferry's start-up and braking times, this transfer has a time of 70 seconds (and not 60 seconds, as shown by a halving of the route length in FIG. 2 would result because the start-up and braking times remain the same) required. At the same time, the empty ferry 34 from the end position 310 is also in the direction of the transfer position 320 in motion and sets a distance of d / 2, ie of 45 m also in 70 seconds back. At the transfer position 320, the preliminary band is now transferred from the first ferry 30 to the second ferry 34 arranged in alignment with the first ferry 30. This transfer takes again 40 seconds. As soon as the opening band has been completely received on the ferry 34 and the ferry 30 has completely left, the two ferries 30, 34 again set in motion, so that the ferry 30 after 70 seconds again in the starting position 300 and the ferry 34 in turn 70th Seconds in the end position 310, each aligned with the two processing lines 10, 20 is arranged. Correspondingly, the ferry 30 is then ready in the starting position 300 again to record in a new cycle another opening band and the ferry 34 is ready in the end position 310 to feed the on her submission band in a new cycle in the processing line 20. Adding up results in a cycle time of 220 seconds. Opposite to FIG. 2 calculated cycle time results in a corresponding shortening of the cycle time by approx. 100 seconds.

This shortening of the cycle time is in particular due to the parallel operation of the two ferries 30, 34 and the associated reduction of the respective travel times to overcome the respective distance d between the first processing line 10 and the second processing line 20. In other words, the ferry has 30 in the in FIG. 2 shown example in one Cycle a distance of 180m (90m outward journey, 90m return journey), whereas the two ferries 30, 34 in the in FIG. 3 shown example of the present disclosure in each case only a distance of 90m (45m outward journey, 45m return journey) cover. Together, the two ferries overcome 30, 34 in FIG. 3 a distance of 180m, however, since the two ferries 30, 34 can be moved at the same time, but the effective travel time is reduced.

In further embodiments, not shown, more than the two in the in FIG. 3 shown embodiment shown ferries 30, 34 are used. It is essential here to take into account the respective transfer times for the transfer of the rolling stock between the individual ferries.

The ferry 35 allows passage of thin slabs from the left to the right of the processing line 20, that is, in the direction of transport within the processing line 20 relative to the final position 310. While the ferry 34 is picking up the pre-strip 100 from the first processing line 10, the ferry 35 are extended laterally out of the processing line 20 to allow the ferry 34 to enter the end position 310 within the processing line 20.

Out FIG. 3 It can be seen that at least the ferry 30 completely overlaps with the second processing line 20. Accordingly, if the ferry 30 were to travel to processing line 20, it would collide with the processing line 20 and could not be aligned therewith.

Shown in the figures are ferries which extend substantially transverse to the main processing direction of the processing lines 10,20.

The ferries 30, 34 are preferably heated and include in particular a gas firing, oil firing or even more preferably an electric heater. The heater serves to keep the rolling stock at rolling temperature. The electric heating can also be designed as induction heating or radiant heating. One of the advantages of electric heating is that no combustion exhaust gases have to be removed and that the supply of the media, that is gas line versus power supply, can be carried out more easily.

By shortening the cycle time or the cycle time, the tonnage that can be passed through the transport system increases, so that the production can be increased.

The ferries 30, 34 may in particular be designed as ferry cars, which consist of a steel structure, which is lined with refractory material. A roof may be provided on the respective ferries, which can be removed for maintenance purposes in segments, for example by means of a hall crane. Doors in the ferries minimize the energy loss within the ferry, and in particular, a temperature loss of the recorded prongs or slabs.

Bottom flaps in the ferries 30, 34 may be provided which are pneumatically actuated from time to time to remove scale falling on the ferry floor.

The ferries 30, 34 may be electrically powered and move on railways. Of course, any other bearings or designs of ferry cars are conceivable, as long as they fulfill the above-mentioned functions.

Sensors are preferably provided which monitor the position and orientation of the ferries 30, 34. Furthermore, hydraulically operated locks of the ferries may be provided in the home position 300, the transfer position 320, and the end position 310 to prevent slipping or shifting of the respective ferries 30, 34 during delivery of the respective pre-belts or slabs.

The pre-bands are moved on the ferries 30, 34 with heat-resistant rollers. These rollers are preferably not water-cooled in order to keep the energy loss and in particular the temperature loss of the pre-bands or slabs in the ferries 30, 34 particularly low. By dispensing with water cooling of the rollers can be dispensed with a complex cooling water trailing cable.

The rollers provided on the ferries 30, 34 are preferably each equipped with a motor, which can be driven and synchronized by frequency converters. The travel speed for the pre-strips or slabs is preferably between 0 and 60 m per minute. Due to the lack of water cooling of the rollers, the roller bearing must be designed so that a thermal expansion of the roller bearings without affecting the actual housing of the ferries 30, 34 is possible. The rollers are preferably laterally provided with a C-hook, by means of which the rollers can be discharged for maintenance on a hall crane.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a transport system, but this time with two preprocessing lines 10, 10 'and a central processing line 20. The two preprocessing lines 10, 10' may be, for example, two casting lines, and the processing line 20 a rolling line. There are in this case three ferries 30, 30 'and 34 are provided, the two ferries 30, 30' respectively from a starting position 300, 300 ', which are respectively aligned with the processing lines 10, 10' aligned, to a transfer position 320, 320 'are movable. At the transfer position 320, 320 ', a rolling stock received on each of the ferries 30, 30' can be transferred to the ferry 34, which is then transferred to the end position 310 in alignment with the processing line 20. The ferry 34 oscillates between the transfer position 320, the end position 310 and the other transfer position 320 '.

In another embodiment, here is another (fourth) ferry 34 'provided in FIG. 4 in parentheses. Accordingly, the ferry 34 only needs to be reciprocated between the transfer position 320 and the end position 310, and the ferry 34 'only between the transfer position 320' and the end position 310. In order to prevent a collision of the ferries 34 and 34 ', these are operated out of phase, so if the one ferry 34, for example, at the transfer position 320, the other ferry 34' is in the final position 310. When the ferry 34 'at the transfer position 320 ', the ferry 34 is in the end position 310. In this way, a further shortened clock for loading the processing line 20 can be achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10, 10 '

processing line

12

roughing

100

opening act

110

step oven

20

processing line

22

rolling mill

24

post-processing framework

26

coiler

30, 30 '

ferry

32

guide rails

34, 34 '

ferry

35

ferry

300, 300 '

starting position

310, 310 '

end position

320, 320 '

Transfer position

d

Distance between the processing lines

Claims (7)

1. Transport system for transporting rolling material (100) between at least two mutually spaced-apart processing lines (10, 10'; 20), wherein the transport system comprises at least two ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') for transporting the rolling material (100), wherein the ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are so designed and can be oriented in aligned orientation with respect to one another that devices are provided by means of which the rolling material (100) is transferrable from one ferry (30, 30') to at least one further ferry (34, 34'),
   wherein the ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are movable perpendicularly to the processing lines (10, 10'; 20),
   wherein the ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are designed so that the rolling material (100) is transferrable between the two processing lines (10, 10'; 20),
   and wherein the at least two ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are movable between the two processing lines (10, 10'; 20) at the same time and oppositely to one another,
   characterised in that
   the at least two ferries (30, 30') are so arranged that they are respectively movable only between a processing line (10, 10') and a transfer position (320, 320') lying in the middle region between the processing lines (10, 10'; 20), wherein the rolling material (100) can be transferred from one ferry to another ferry in the middle between two mutually spaced apart processing lines, and
   the devices for transfer of the rolling material (100) are electrically driven transport rollers for transporting the rolling material (100) at least in the case of transfer from one ferry (30, 30') to another ferry (34, 34').
2. Transport system according to claim 1, wherein one processing line (10, 10') is a roughing line and/or a casting line and the further processing line (20) is a production line, particularly a rolling line.
3. Transport system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') comprise heating means for heating the rolling material (100) and, in particular, comprise oil or gas heating means or electrical heating means, particularly induction heating means or radiant heating means.
4. Transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are movable so that they can pass one another.
5. Method of transporting rolling material (100) between at least two processing lines (10, 10'; 20), wherein at least two ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') for transport of the rolling material (100) are provided,
   wherein the ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are moved perpendicularly to the processing lines (10, 10'; 20),
   wherein the rolling material (100) is transferred from one ferry (30, 30') to another ferry (34, 34')
   and wherein the rolling material (100) is transferred from a processing line (10, 10') on a first ferry (30, 30') to an outlet position (300, 300'),
   characterised in that
   the first ferry (30, 30') is moved into a transfer position (320, 320') present between two processing lines (10, 10'; 20),
   the rolling material (100) is transferred from the first ferry (30, 30') to a second ferry (34, 34') at the transfer position (320, 320'),
   the second ferry (34, 34') is moved into an end position (310), wherein the rolling material (100) is transferred to the second processing line (20),
   the at least two ferries (30, 30'; 34, 34') are moved between the two processing lines (10, 10'; 20) at the same time and oppositely to one another and
   the rolling material (100) is transferred from one ferry (30, 30') to a further ferry (34, 34') or to a processing line (10, 10'; 20) by way of electrically driven transport rollers.
6. Method according to claim 5, wherein at least three processing lines (10; 10'; 20) are provided and rolling material (100) is transferred from a first processing line (10) to a first ferry (30) and rolling material (100) is transferred from a second processing line (10') to a second ferry (30'), and the rolling material (100) is transferred from the first ferry (30) to a third ferry (34) and the rolling material (100) is transferred from the second ferry (30') to a fourth ferry (34') and the third ferry (34) and the fourth ferry (34') each transfer their rolling material (100) to a third processing line (20).
7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the transfer from the first ferry (30) to the third ferry (34) and the transfer from the second ferry (30') to the fourth ferry (34') are carried out with a phase displacement.

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