Methods of Shifting and Bending Rolls in a Rolling Mill

Abstract

An improved roll bending system is described for the work rolls and intermediate rolls in a six high mill. New bending blocks apply improved roll bending forces to the roll chocks, and additionally, are designed to move vertically and rotate, which provide important benefits to maintenance and enhance the rolling operation. Additionally, important related details to the mill operation and bending blocks provide operational improvements during roll changing.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A roll chock latching mechanism for a rolling mill stand comprising:
 a) a mill housing with a rolling passline for a flat rolled metal product,   b) a pair of work rolls and associated roll chocks located on one end of said work rolls,   c) wherein said work rolls are shiftable relative to said mill housing in a substantially horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to said rolling passline,   d) wherein each one of said work rolls is mechanically latched into said mill housing by use of a pair of rotating latch frames connected on a movable frame, and   e) wherein said rotating latch frames utilize a groove in said work roll chocks.   
     
     
         2 . A roll chock latching mechanism for a rolling mill stand according to  claim 1  additionally comprising:
 a) a hydraulic cylinder connected to said movable frame, 
 b) wherein said hydraulic cylinder is designed to shift said movable frame, and 
 c) wherein said hydraulic cylinder is designed to shift said movable frame to cause said rotating latches to release said work roll chock by use of mechanical stops. 
 
     
     
         3 . A roll chock latching mechanism for a rolling mill stand comprising:
 a) a mill housing with a rolling passline for a flat rolled metal product,   b) a pair of supporting rolls and associated supporting roll chocks,   c) wherein said supporting rolls are shiftable relative to said mill housing in a substantially horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to said rolling passline,   d) wherein each one of said support rolls is mechanically latched into said mill housing by use of a pair of rotating latch frames connected on a movable frame, and   e) wherein said rotating latch frames utilize a groove in said support roll chock.   
     
     
         4 . A roll chock latching mechanism for a rolling mill stand according to  claim 3  additionally comprising:
 a) a hydraulic cylinder connected to said movable frame, 
 b) wherein said hydraulic cylinder is designed to shift said movable frame, and 
 c) wherein said hydraulic cylinder is designed to shift said movable frame and cause said rotating latches to release said support roll chock by use of mechanical stops.