Rolling mill with cooling or lubricating device

Abstract

Disclosed is a rolling mill including: a stand; two working rolls, two support rolls, and two intermediate rolls; lateral support rolls, able to support the working rolls laterally, each lateral support roll being borne by a support arm, mounted with the ability to pivot; load spreading beams and a mechanism for applying a preload on each support arm, including at least one preload actuating cylinder; one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid, and wherein at least one of the nozzles, is carried on one of the support arms and in which the fluid supply circuit for the at least one nozzle comprises a device for connection/disconnection with the support arm with actuator. The actuator is an actuator distinct from the actuating cylinder of the mechanism for applying a preload.

Claims

1. Rolling mill (1) comprising: a stand (30) comprising two pairs of uprights (31) separated between them at the two ends of the stand, at least two uprights of the same pair defining an access window, two working rolls (2), able to surround a strip to be rolled, two support rolls (4), and two intermediate rolls (3), the support rolls (4) and the intermediate rolls (3) being rotatably mounted at the ends thereof on chocks, lateral support rolls (5), able to support the working rolls (2) laterally, each lateral support roll being borne by a support arm (6), mounted with the ability to pivot on an axis (7), load spreading beams (8) extending between the corresponding uprights of each pair, and means (9) for applying a preload on each support arm (6), intended for engaging with one of the support arms at a support surface (10), and comprising at least one preload actuating cylinder (11) integral with one of the load spreading beams (8), one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid, and wherein at least one of the nozzles (12), is carried on one of the support arms (6) and in which the fluid supply circuit for the said at least one nozzle (12) comprises a device (13) for connection/disconnection comprising: a duct (14) of the support arm (6), intended for channelling the fluid, having a supply opening (15) opening onto the outer surface of the support arm located on the side of the means (9) for applying a preload, a hollow connector (16), movable with respect to the stand (30), which can be displaced under the action of an actuator (17) able to create a sealed connection with the supply opening (15) on the outer surface (10) in a first connection position (P1), or on the contrary retract into a second disconnection position, at a distance from the outer surface (10), wherein said actuator (17) is an actuator distinct from the actuating cylinder (11) of said means (9) for applying a preload.

2. The rolling mill according to claim 1 wherein the connection end of the hollow connector (16) and the seat around the supply opening (15) intended for receiving as support said connection end include complementary reliefs, mutually engaged, prohibiting any relative sliding between the connection end of the hollow connector (16) and the seat, in said first connection position (P1).

3. The rolling mill according to claim 2, wherein the hollow connector (16) is provided as floating in relation to the frame of the stand, able to accompany the movements of the support arm (6) during rolling operations in the first connection position (P1), said hollow connector (16) being configured to be articulated with respect to the stand of the rolling mill in order to allow the connection end of the hollow connector (16) to follow the movements of the support arm (6).

4. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein the hollow connector (16) is a rigid body that forms a duct that has a free longitudinal end intended for being connected to or disconnected from the supply opening (15) of the support arm (6), the other longitudinal end being integral with the actuator (17).

5. The rolling mill according to claim 4, wherein said actuator (17) is an actuating cylinder of which the body of the actuating cylinder is fixed to a fixed stand portion, and the rod of the actuating cylinder is integral with said other end of the hollow portion (16), via an articulation (19).

6. The rolling mill according to claim 4, wherein the hollow connector (16) includes at the connection end a ball joint system, including a first tubular part (20) and a second tubular part (21) having hemispherical contact surfaces, the first part (20) rigidly integral with the body forming a hollow connector (16), the second part (21), free to be oriented with respect to the body of the hollow connector (16).

7. The rolling mill according to claim 1, comprising means for adjusting the horizontal position of each load spreading beam (8), suitable for bringing closer together or separating the load spreading beam (8) from a support arm (6) facing, said spreading beam being in an adjustable position with respect to a fixed beam (18) integral via its ends with two of the uprights at the two ends of the stand, and wherein said actuator (17) is fixed to the fixed beam (18), connecting the fixed beam (18) and the hollow connector (16).

8. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein each support arm (6) of a lateral support roll (5) is mounted with the ability to pivot on said axis (7), constituted by a shaft integral with the chocks of one of the intermediate rolls (3), each intermediate roll (3), chocks of the intermediate roll, lateral support rolls (5) and corresponding support arms (6) forming a self-supporting unit, called insert, said rolling mill comprising a lower insert (Iinf) and an upper insert (Isup), said inserts able to be removed or introduced by sliding through the access window during maintenance in an open position (Po) of the stand for which the upper and lower inserts (Isup, Iinf) are separated from the rolling plane, the upper and lower inserts (Isup, Iinf) able to switch to a working position in a closed stand position (Pc) and wherein the device for connection is configured in such way that the passage from the second disconnection position to the first connection position (P1), is obtained under the action of the deployment of the actuator (17) in the open position (Po) of the stand, in the separated position of the lower and upper inserts, and wherein said hollow connector (16), even said actuator (17) of the device for connection are articulated and configured in such a way that said hollow connector (16), even said actuator (17) accompany the movement of the support arm (6) to which said hollow connector (16) is connected, from the open position (Po) of the stand to the closed position (Pc) of the stand, said hollow connector (16) then switching from a separated position (Pe) of the load spreading beam (8) to a position brought closer (Pr) of the load spreading beam (8).

9. The rolling mill according to claim 8, wherein said actuator (17) is a first actuator configured to deploy or retract said hollow connector (16) so as to provide the switching from the second disconnection position to the first connection position (P1), or inversely, in the open position (Po) of the stand and wherein a second actuator (23), independent of the first actuator (17) or a spring means cooperates with said hollow connector (16) and is configured to force said hollow connector (16) into the first separated position (Pe) of the load spreading beam when said hollow connector (16) is in said second disconnection position.

10. The rolling mill according to claim 9, wherein said second actuator (23) is fixed on a support integral with the load spreading beam (8).

11. The rolling mill according to claim 1, wherein each lateral support roll (5) is supported by backing rollers, the backing rollers being mounted on axes (50, 51) of the support arms (6) by bearings, and wherein the support arm (6) comprises a lubricant supply circuit for the bearings, distinct from the supply circuit of said at least one nozzle (12).

12. The rolling mill according to claim 11, wherein the lubricant supply circuit for the bearings comprises the shaft whereon is pivotably mounted the support arm (6), said shaft being hollow.

13. The rolling mill according to claim 2, wherein the hollow connector (16) is a rigid body that forms a duct that has a free longitudinal end intended for being connected to or disconnected from the supply opening (15) of the support arm (6), the other longitudinal end being integral with the actuator (17).

14. The rolling mill according to claim 3, wherein the hollow connector (16) is a rigid body that forms a duct that has a free longitudinal end intended for being connected to or disconnected from the supply opening (15) of the support arm (6), the other longitudinal end being integral with the actuator (17).

15. The rolling mill according to claim 5, wherein the hollow connector (16) includes at the connection end a ball joint system, including a first tubular part (20) and a second tubular part (21) having hemispherical contact surfaces, the first part (20) rigidly integral with the body forming a hollow connector (16), the second part (21), free to be oriented with respect to the body of the hollow connector (16).

16. The rolling mill of claim 7, wherein the means for adjusting the horizontal position of each load spreading beam (8) is a screw/nut actuator.

17. The rolling mill according to claim 2, comprising means for adjusting the horizontal position of each load spreading beam (8), suitable for bringing closer together or separating the load spreading beam (8) from a support arm (6) facing, said spreading beam being in an adjustable position with respect to a fixed beam (18) integral via its ends with two of the uprights at the two ends of the stand, and wherein said actuator (17) is fixed to the fixed beam (18), connecting the fixed beam (18) and the hollow connector (16).

18. The rolling mill according to claim 3, comprising means for adjusting the horizontal position of each load spreading beam (8), suitable for bringing closer together or separating the load spreading beam (8) from a support arm (6) facing, said spreading beam being in an adjustable position with respect to a fixed beam (18) integral via its ends with two of the uprights at the two ends of the stand, and wherein said actuator (17) is fixed to the fixed beam (18), connecting the fixed beam (18) and the hollow connector (16).

19. The rolling mill according to claim 4, comprising means for adjusting the horizontal position of each load spreading beam (8), suitable for bringing closer together or separating the load spreading beam (8) from a support arm (6) facing, said spreading beam being in an adjustable position with respect to a fixed beam (18) integral via its ends with two of the uprights at the two ends of the stand, and wherein said actuator (17) is fixed to the fixed beam (18), connecting the fixed beam (18) and the hollow connector (16).

20. A method for obtaining a rolling mill, comprising: providing a stand comprising two pairs of uprights separated between them at the two ends of the stand, at least two uprights of the same pair defining an access window, providing two working rolls, able to surround a strip to be rolled, two support rolls, and two intermediate rolls, the support rolls and the intermediate rolls being rotatably mounted at the ends thereof on chocks, providing lateral support rolls, able to support the working rolls laterally, each lateral support roll being borne by a support arm, mounted with the ability to pivot on an axis, providing load spreading beams extending between the corresponding uprights of each pair, and means for applying a preload on each support arm, intended for engaging with one of the support arms at a support surface, and comprising at least one preload actuating cylinder integral with one of the load spreading beams, providing one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid, and wherein at least one of the nozzles, is carried on one of the support arms and in which the fluid supply circuit for the said at least one nozzle comprises a device for connection/disconnection comprising: providing a duct of the support arm, intended for channelling the fluid, having a supply opening opening onto the outer surface of the support arm located on the side of the means for applying a preload, and providing a hollow connector, movable with respect to the stand, which can be displaced under the action of an actuator able to create a sealed connection with the supply opening on the outer surface in a first connection position, or on the contrary retract into a second disconnection position, at a distance from the outer surface, wherein said actuator is an actuator distinct from the actuating cylinder of said means for applying a preload.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention shall be better understood when reading the following description, accompanied by annexed figures, among which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view, of a section of a rolling mill in accordance with the invention along a plane perpendicular to the direction of the rolls, showing the rolling mill in the open position of the stand for which the upper and lower inserts are separated from the rolling plane, and in the first connection position of the hollow connector,

(3) FIG. 2 is a detailed view of FIG. 1, showing the rolling mill in the open position of the stand for which the upper and lower inserts are separated from the rolling plane, and in the first connection position of the hollow connector, the hollow connector being tilted in a position separated from the load spreading beam,

(4) FIG. 3 is a view according to FIG. 2, after closing of the stand of the rolling mill for which the upper and lower inserts are brought closer to one another, the hollow connector connected to the supply opening of the arm accompanying the displacement of the arm, the hollow connector then being in a position brought closer to the load spreading beam,

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rolling mill stand, seen from above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(6) Thus the invention relates first of all to a rolling mill 1 comprising: a stand 30 comprising two pairs of uprights 31 separated between them at the two ends of the stand, at least two uprights of the same pair defining an access window, two working rolls 2, able to surround a strip to be rolled, two support rolls 4, and two intermediate rolls 3, the support rolls 4 and the intermediate rolls 3, being rotatably mounted at the ends thereof on chocks, lateral support rolls 5, able to support the working rolls 2 laterally, each lateral support roll being borne by a support arm 6, mounted with the ability to pivot on an axis 7, load spreading beams 8 extending between the corresponding uprights of each pair, and means 9 for applying a preload on each support arm 6, intended for engaging with one of the support arms at a support surface 10, and comprising at least one preload actuating cylinder 11 integral with one of the load spreading beams 8, one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid.

(7) The working rolls 2, the intermediate rolls 3 and the support rolls 4 are substantially with parallel axes, the axes of the rolls 2, 3, 4 being contained in a surrounding plane substantially perpendicular to the strip to be rolled B. The two working rolls 2 are located on either side of the strip to be rolled, their separation defining the passage gap in operation. Each intermediate roll 3 is inserted between the working roll 2 and the corresponding support roll 4. The working roll driven in rotation, indirectly by the rotating of the intermediate roll 3.

(8) The lateral support rolls 5 are preferably in the number of two per working roll 2 and make it possible to maintain the working roll 2, laterally on the two sides of the surrounding plane. This is thus preferably a reversing mill. Each lateral support roll 5 is mounted on a support arm 6 mounted with the ability to pivot on an axis 7.

(9) According to a preferred embodiment, each support arm 6 can be mounted with the ability to pivot on a shaft integral with its ends of the chocks of the intermediate rolls, such as taught by document U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,394 or document U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,636. In this rolling mill design, each intermediate roll 3, chocks of the intermediate roll, lateral support rolls 5 and corresponding support arms 6 form a self-supporting unit, commonly referred to as “insert” or “cassette”, which can be removed or inserted by sliding through the access window during maintenance, at least in an open position Po of the stand for which the upper insert Isup and the lower insert Iinf are separated from one another, typically using balancing actuating cylinders of the rolling mill.

(10) The load spreading beams 8 extend between the corresponding uprights of each pair, respectively facing each support arm 6, at least during operation. The means 9 for applying a preload on each support arm 6 are intended for engaging with one of the support arms at a support surface 10 and include at least one preload actuating cylinder 11 integral with one of the load spreading beams 8. The position of the load spreading beam 8 can be adjusted horizontally in relation to the uprights 31. To this effect, the rolling mill comprises means for adjusting the horizontal position of each load spreading beam, such as an actuator 81 in particular screw/nut, suitable for bringing closer together or separating the load spreading beam 8 of a support arm 6 facing. This spreading beam 8 is of an adjustable position typically in relation to a fixed beam 18, itself integral by its ends with two of the uprights 31 at the two ends of the stand. The actuator 81 is inserted between the load spreading beam 8 and this fixed beam 18. The synchronised screw/nut actuators 81 can be provided to move the load spreading beam closer to the support arm 6, or on the contrary separate the load spreading beam 8 from said support arm 6.

(11) During operation, the working roll is generally forced to bear against the lateral support roll 5 upstream, along the scrolling direction of the strip B. The downstream load spreading beam 8, is positioned a few millimetres from the downstream support arm 6. The means 9 for applying a preload are then used to take up the slack and provide the contact of the downstream lateral support roll 5.

(12) The rolling mill comprises said spray nozzles or nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid, these nozzles being in particular intended for cooling/lubricating the working rolls, directly or indirectly and/or the other rolls of the rolling mill.

(13) According to the invention, at least one of the nozzles 12, is carried on one of the support arms 6, in particular to allow for the lubrication/cooling of the working rolls and/or of the intermediate rolls.

(14) Advantageously, the fluid supply circuit of said at least one nozzle 12, comprises a device 13 for connection/disconnection comprising: a duct 14 of the support arm 6, intended for channelling the fluid, having a supply opening 15 opening onto the outer surface of the support arm located on the side of the means 9 for applying a preload, a hollow connector 16, movable with respect to the stand 30, which can be displaced under the action of an actuator 17, able to create a sealed connection with the supply opening 15, on the outer surface 10, in a first connection position P1, or on the contrary retract into a second disconnection position at a distance from the outer surface 10.

(15) According to the invention, the hollow connector 16 is able to create a sealed connection with the supply opening 15 on the outer surface 10 in a first connection position P1, on the contrary, retract into a second disconnection position, at a distance from the outer surface 10.

(16) In the first connection position P1, the cooling fluid can be channelled from the source to said at least one nozzle marked 12 through said device for connection/disconnection 13. In the second disconnection position (not shown), the actuator 17 in the retracted position, said hollow connector 16 is at a distance from the support arm 6. This position makes it possible, in particular when the design of the rolling mill is of the insert (or cassette) type to be able to remove or insert the insert, without requiring additional maintenance time to disconnect/connect the source of fluid.

(17) Another advantage of such a device for connection/disconnection is that it connects directly to the support arm, not to the chocks of the intermediate roll as taught in the prior art known from document U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,636. To reach the nozzle 12, in a rolling mill of the insert type according to the invention, the fluid does not need to pass through the hollow shaft on which the support arm is mounted with the ability to pivot. It is then possible to obtain fluid flow rates that are much greater than those obtained in this prior art.

(18) In the invention, the hollow of the shaft can possibly be used, as in the prior art to channel a fluid intended for lubricating the bearings of the barrels 52 laterally supporting the lateral support roll 5. Thus and according to an embodiment, each lateral support roll 5 is supported by backing rollers 52, the backing rollers 52 being mounted on parallel axes 50, 51, of the support arm 6 by bearings. The support arm 6 comprises a lubricant supply circuit for the bearings, distinct from the supply circuit of said at least one nozzle 12. The lubricant supply circuit for the bearings can include the shaft on which the support arm 6 is pivotably mounted, said shaft being hollow, passed through at least partially by the lubricant. According to another embodiment (not shown), the supply circuit of the nozzle (comprising the device 13 for connection/disconnection) can also make it possible to convey a fluid to the bearings of the barrels 52 in order to ensure the lubrication thereof. Generally, the supply circuit comprising the device 13 for connection/disconnection can be applied to any fluid the requires transiting via the support arm 6 (and other than the cooling fluid of the rolls).

(19) According to a notable characteristic of the invention, said actuator 17 is an actuator distinct from the actuating cylinder 11 of said means 9 for applying a preload.

(20) Note that the supply opening 15 can be provided on the outer surface 10, of the arm 6 in the immediate vicinity of the axis 7 of rotation of the arm.

(21) An interest in providing the actuator of the device for connection 13 as a distinct element of the actuating cylinder is to improve the cooling of an existing rolling mill, advantageously without having to modify the load spreading beam, or the means for applying a preload of the existing rolling mill.

(22) It is further possible to substantially improve the seal between the supply opening 15 and the hollow connector 16, in the first connection position P1 with the following arrangements: the connection end of the hollow connector 16 and the seat around the supply opening 15 intended for receiving as support the connection end can advantageously include complementary reliefs, mutually engaged, prohibiting any relative sliding between the connection end of the hollow connector 16 and the seat, in said first connection position P1, and in this case, the hollow connector 16 is then preferably provided as floating in relation to the fixed frame of the stand, able to accompany the (slight) movements of the support arm 6 during rolling operations: to this effect the hollow connector 16 can be a freely articulated element in relation to the frame to the stand so as to allow the connection end of the hollow connector 16 to follow the movements of the support arm 6.

(23) The hollow connector 16 can further include, at the connection end, a ball joint system, including a first tubular part 20 and a second tubular part 21 having hemispherical contact surfaces formant a ball: the first part 20 is rigidly integral with the body forming a hollow connector 16, the second part 21, being free to be oriented with respect to the body under constraint.

(24) According to the embodiment (shown), the second part 21 can be dimensioned to be housed in a cavity forming a seat for the connection end of the hollow connector, in the first position P1 of the hollow connector.

(25) The hollow connector 16 can be a rigid body that forms a duct that has a free longitudinal end intended for being connected to or disconnected from the supply opening 15 of the support arm 6, and another longitudinal end integral with the actuator 17. The actuator 17 is an actuating cylinder of which the body of the actuating cylinder is fixed to a fixed stand portion such as the fixed beam 18. The rod of the actuating cylinder is integral with said other end of the connector 16, via an articulation 19, such as a pivot (with an axis parallel to the working rolls), allowing the free inclination of the hollow connector 16 in relation to the actuator 17.

(26) This is preferably an insert (or cassette) rolling mill design: preferably, each support arm 6 of a lateral support roll 5 is thus mounted with the ability to pivot on said axis 7, constituted by a shaft integral with the chocks of one of the intermediate rolls 3, each intermediate roll 3, chocks of the intermediate roll, lateral support rolls 5 and corresponding support arms 6 forming a self-supporting unit. The insert is called upper insert Isup when positioned above the surrounding plane, or lower insert Iinf when positioned below the surrounding plane.

(27) In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, these inserts Iinf and Isup able to be removed or introduced by sliding through the access window during maintenance in the open position Po of the stand for which the upper and lower inserts Isup, Iinf are separated from the rolling plane, typically under the action of balancing actuating cylinders.

(28) The upper and lower inserts can switch to a working position in the closed stand position Pc: the axial locking of the upper and lower inserts (Isup and Iinf) in relation to the stand of the rolling mill is then typically obtained during the closing of the stand, during the displacement of the lower and upper inserts from the separated position in the open position of the stand Po to their position brought closer together, namely in the closed position Pc of the stand of the rolling mill, and in away well known to those skilled in the art.

(29) Advantageously, the device for connection is configured in such way that the passage from the second disconnection position to the first connection position P1 is obtained under the action of the deployment of the actuator 17 in the open position Po of the stand in the separated position of the lower and upper inserts (open position shown in FIG. 1 or 2).

(30) The hollow connector 16, (even said actuator 17) of the device for connection are articulated and configured in such a way that said hollow connector 16, even said actuator 17 accompany the movement of the support arm 6 to which said hollow connector 16 is connected (according to the first connection position) from the open position Po of the stand of the rolling mill to the closed position Pc of the stand, said hollow connector 16 then switching from a separated position Pe of the load spreading beam 8 (see FIG. 2) to a position brought closer Pr of the load spreading beam 8 (see FIG. 3).

(31) The hollow connector or connectors 16 associated with the upper insert Isup, even those associated with the lower insert Iinf, can be provided with second actuators 23. These second actuators 23 are used to maintain the hollow connectors 16 in their separated position Pe, in particular when the hollow connectors 16 are in the second disconnection position (namely not linked to the insert).

(32) The actuator 17, namely the first actuator is thus configured to deploy or retract said hollow connector 16 so as to provide the switching from the second disconnection position to the first connection position P1, or inversely, in the open position Po of the stand, the hollow connectors 16 then in their separated position Pe. The second actuator 23 is an actuator independent of the first actuator 17 that cooperates with said hollow connector 16 and is configured to force said hollow connector 16 into the first separated position Pe of the load spreading beam during the connection.

(33) During stand closing, the second actuator 23 is in a state that authorises the free displacement of the hollow connector then connected to the arm of the insert, during the displacement of the insert to its working position. The second actuator 23 can be fixed on a support integral with the load spreading beam 8.

(34) As shown in FIG. 3, the (or each) second actuator 23 can be provided to accompany the movements of the hollow connector 16 associated with the upper insert Isup to force the hollow connector 16 upwards in the separated position Pe, against gravity. Note that, generally, the second actuator 23 can further be replaced with a spring means (spring blade, torsion spring, pneumatic spring, etc.) of which the return force forces the hollow connector 16 from the position brought closer to the separated position Pe. Note that the lower insert Iinf can be devoid of such a second actuator (or spring means), in that gravity naturally forces the hollow connector or connectors 16 associated with the lower insert downwards, and therefore to its separated position Pe.

(35) The supply circuit can include a hose (not shown) connected to a fluid inlet 24 of the hollow connector 16. During operation, in said first connection position P1, the fluid arrives from the source, passes through the hose to the inlet 24 then flows in the duct 21, along the hollow connector 16, until it reaches the supply opening 15. From this opening, the fluid flows in the support arm 6 through the duct 14 to said at least one nozzle 12 that can be integral with the support of the barrels 52, or said at least one nozzle 12 which can be directly integral on the body of the support arm 6.

(36) Preferably, a plurality of nozzles 12 can be arranged over the length of the support arm 6 in such a way as to be able to cool the working roll and/or the intermediate roll over the entire length thereof. Preferably, said at least one nozzle 12 can be directed in such a way that the stream is directed directly on the strip to be rolled, not directly on the working roll, and in such a way that the stream slides on the strip to be rolled in the direction of the working roll 2.

(37) Such an orientation of the nozzles 12 advantageously makes it possible to effectively cool the working roll when the working roll and the intermediate roll are of small diameters and prohibit directly spraying the working roll.

(38) This orientation of said at least one nozzle 12 makes it possible to cool the working roll, even when the stream is sprayed against the scrolling direction of the strip to be rolled, such as shown in FIG. 2. This is made possible in that said at least one nozzle 12, supported by the pivoting arm 6 is located in the vicinity of the working roll, and in that the invention allows for the obtaining of a substantial fluid flow rate. This proximity and such flow rates make it possible for the stream to slide on the strip against the scrolling direction of the strip until it reaches the working roll.

(39) Alternatively or additionally, said at least one nozzle 12 can be directed in such a way that the stream is directed on the intermediate roll 3, in the vicinity of the contact zone Z between the working roll 2 and the intermediate roll 3, and in such a way that it is driven by the intermediate roll, the fluid of the stream arrives at the working roll 2.

(40) The invention thus makes it possible to place one or more nozzles 12 on the support arms 6, in the vicinity of this zone and thus spray the intermediate roll 3, as close as possible to this zone, not only at the contact zone of the support roll 4/intermediate roll 3. When the intermediate roll 3 is driven in rotation at a substantial speed, most of the fluid of the stream reaches the working roll 2, irrespective of the action of the centrifugal force.

(41) Such nozzles 12, can be provided over all or a portion of the two support arms of the upper lateral support rolls and over all or a portion of the two support arms of the lower lateral support rolls.

(42) According to an advantageous embodiment, the nozzles 12 are provided on the four support arms, a device for connection/disconnection being provided between each support arm and the corresponding load spreading beam.

(43) According to this last embodiment, the invention makes it possible to cool/lubricate: each one of the two working rolls, upper and lower, on either side of the surrounding plane of the rolling mill, each one of the two intermediate rolls, upper and lower, and also, the contact zones of the intermediate rolls 3 and working rolls 2, in particular on either side of the surrounding plane of the rolling mill.

(44) The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a rolling mill in accordance with the invention from an existing rolling mill including: a stand 30 comprising two pairs of uprights 31 separated between them at the two ends of the stand, at least two uprights of the same pair defining an access window, two working rolls 2, able to surround a strip to be rolled, two support rolls 4, and two intermediate rolls 3, the support rolls 4 and the intermediate rolls 3 being rotatably mounted at the ends thereof on chocks, lateral support rolls 5, able to support the working rolls 2 laterally each lateral support roll being borne by a support arm 6, mounted with the ability to pivot on an axis 7, load spreading beams 8 extending between the corresponding uprights of each pair, and means 9 for applying a preload on each support arm 6, intended for engaging with one of the support arms at a support surface 10, and comprising at least one preload actuating cylinder 11 integral with one of the load spreading beams 8, one or more spray nozzles for a lubricating/cooling fluid.

(45) According to the method in accordance with the invention, the device 13 for connection/disconnection is added to the existing rolling mill by implementing the following steps: all or a portion of the existing support arms of the rolling mill are replaced with support arms 6 carrying said at least one of the nozzles 12, and including the duct 14 having a supply opening 15 opening onto the outer surface 10, the hollow connector 16 is added, movable with respect to the stand 30, as well as the actuator 17, where applicable the first actuator, for the displacement of the hollow connector, able to create a sealed connection with the supply opening 15 on the outer surface 10 in the first connection position P1, or on the contrary retract into the second disconnection position, at a distance from the outer surface 10, and where applicable the second actuator 23 is added, independent of the first actuator 17 cooperating with said hollow connector 16 and being configured to force said hollow connector 16 to the first separated position Pe of the load spreading beam. The actuator 17, in particular the first actuator can be fixed to the fixed beam 18, and the second actuator 23 to the load spreading beam 8.

(46) It is then sufficient to connect the hoses to the fluid inlets 24 of the hollow connectors 16.

(47) Naturally, other embodiments, can have been considered by those skilled in the art without however leaving the scope of the invention defined by the claims hereinafter.

NOMENCLATURE

(48) 1. Rolling mill, 2. Working roll, 3. Intermediate roll, 4. Support roll 5. Lateral support roll, 6. Support arm (Lateral support roll 5), 7. Pivot axis (Support arm 6), 8. Load spreading beam, 9. Means for applying a preload, 10. Outer surface (Support arm 6), 11. Actuating cylinder (Means for applying a preload), 12. Spray nozzles 13. Device for connection/disconnection, 14. Duct (Support arm), 15. Supply opening, 16. Hollow connector, 17. Actuator (first actuator), 18. Fixed beam, 19. Articulation connecting the actuator 17 to the hollow connector 16, 23. Second actuator, 81. Screw/nut actuator (adjustment of the horizontal position of the load spreading beam) 20, 21. First and second tubular part of the ball joint system 30. Stand, 31. Uprights, 50, 51 Axes (support of the barrels), 52. Barrels, 81. Screw/nut actuators, B. Strip to be rolled, P1. First connection position Pe. Position separated from the hollow connector in relation to the load spreading beam, Pr. Position brought closer together of the hollow connector in relation to the load spreading beam, Po. Open stand position of the rolling mill, Pc. Closed stand position of the rolling mill