ROLLING MILL STAND AND METHOD OF CHANGING A WORK ROLL ASSEMBLY THEREOF

Abstract

A rolling mill stand for rolling a metallic product (P) that includes, inter alia: first and second movable rails arranged to allow unimpeded movement of work roll chocks of upper and lower work rolls when in an idle position during rolling operations, and replacement of the upper and lower work rolls when in a service position. Methods are provided for moving the first and second movable rails between the idle position and the service position in order to replace the upper and lower work rolls.

Claims

1. A rolling mill stand for rolling a metallic product, comprising: first and second supports spaced apart from each other in an X dimension and each defining a window that extends in a Y dimension which is perpendicular with the X dimension, each window comprising opposing upper channel formations and opposing lower channel formations; upper fixed rails, each extending in the X dimension between a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations of the first support and a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations of the second support; lower fixed rails, each extending in the X dimension between a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations of the first support and a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations of the second support; a work roll assembly comprising an upper work roll and a lower work roll each having a longitudinal axis extending in the X dimension, the upper work roll and the lower work roll being arranged to be spaced apart so as to form a gap for receiving the metallic product for rolling in the Y dimension, two ends of the upper work roll being received by respective upper work roll chocks and two ends of the lower work roll being received by respective lower work roll chocks, each of the upper work roll chocks and the lower work roll chocks comprising bending wings which extend in the Y dimension, each of the bending wings comprising at least one transportation element, each of the bending wings of the upper work roll chock being slidingly received in a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations and each of the bending wings of the lower work roll chock being slidingly received in a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations; and work roll bending cylinders each located in one of the opposing upper channel formations or opposing lower channel formations and configured to engage a respective one of the bending wings, each of the work roll bending cylinders being arranged to be selectively extendable and retractable in a Z dimension which is perpendicular with each of the X and Y dimensions in order to raise and lower a respective one of the upper work roll and the lower work roll, wherein with respect to each said window there is provided first and second movable rails located at each of the opposing upper channel formations or at each of the opposing lower channel formations, each of the first and second movable rails being independently movable in the Y dimension between an idle position which is out of alignment with a respective one of the upper or lower fixed rails in the X dimension and a service position which is in alignment therewith in the X dimension, and wherein: when the first and second movable rails are in the idle positions movement of the bending wings in the Z dimension is unimpeded by the first and second movable rails; and when the first and second movable rails are in the service positions the first and second movable rails together with the respective fixed rail form a continuous rail for guiding respective said transportation elements of the bending wings in the X dimension in order to selectively withdraw the work roll assembly from the rolling mill stand and insert the work roll assembly in the rolling mill stand.

2. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, wherein with respect to each said window the first and second movable rails are located at each of the opposing upper channel formations.

3. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, wherein with respect to each said window the first and second movable rails are located at each of the opposing lower channel formations.

4. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second movable rails is independently movable in the Y dimension: toward the longitudinal axis of the upper work roll or the lower work roll from the idle position to the service position; and away from the longitudinal axis of the upper work roll or the lower work roll from the service position to the idle position.

5. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, further comprising hydraulic actuators arranged to move the first and second movable rails between the idle position and the service position.

6. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, further comprising a guide for guiding the first and second movable rails in the Y dimension while resisting movement of the first and second movable rails in the X dimension.

7. A rolling mill stand according to claim 6, wherein the guide comprises: one of a complementary ridge and a channel provided on a surface of each of said opposing upper channel formations or opposing lower channel formations and extending in the Y dimension; and the other of the complementary ridge and the channel provided on each of the first and second movable rails and extending in the Y dimension, the ridge being received by the channel.

8. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of extension rails each extending in the X dimension from one of the first and second supports, each of the extension rails being in alignment and in end-to-end abutment with one of said continuous rails and being configured to guide said respective said transportation elements.

9. A rolling mill stand according to claim 8, wherein the extension rails form an integral part of said one of the first and second supports.

10. A rolling mill stand according to claim 8, wherein the extension rails form parts of a carriage which is movable in the X dimension such as bring the extension rails into said alignment and end-to-end abutment with said continuous rails.

11. A rolling mill stand according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transportation element comprises a wheel.

12. A method of changing a work roll assembly of a rolling mill stand according to claim 2, the method comprising: controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to be retracted, thereby lowering the lower work roll in the Z dimension so as to separate the lower work roll from the metallic product and to bring each of the transportation elements of the lower work roll chocks into contact with a respective one of the lower fixed rails; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing upper channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the upper work roll chocks to be extended, thereby raising the upper work roll in the Z dimension so as to separate the upper work roll from the metallic product and to bring each of the transportation elements of the upper work roll to a greater height than the respective first movable rail; controlling each first movable rail to move from the idle position into the service position; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing upper channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the upper work roll chocks to be retracted, thereby lowering the upper work roll in the Z dimension to bring each of the transportation elements of the upper work roll chocks into contact with a respective one of the first movable rails; controlling each second movable rail to move from the idle position into the service position; applying a force to the work roll assembly in the X dimension in order to guide each of the transportation elements along a respective one of the continuous rails or a respective one of the lower fixed rails, thereby withdrawing the work roll assembly from the rolling mill stand; providing a replacement work roll assembly; applying a force to the replacement work roll assembly in the X dimension in order to guide each of the transportation elements along a respective one of the continuous rails or a respective one of the lower fixed rails, thereby inserting the replacement work roll assembly into the rolling mill stand; controlling each second movable rail to move from the service position into the idle position; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing upper channel formations to be extended, thereby engaging with the bending wings of the upper work roll chocks to raise the upper work roll in the Z dimension so as to lift each of the transportation elements of the upper work roll off the respective first movable rail; controlling each first movable rail to move from the service position into the idle position; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing upper channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the upper work roll chocks to be retracted, thereby lowering the upper work roll in the Z dimension to bring the upper work roll into contact with the metallic product; and controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations to be extended, thereby engaging with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to raise the lower work roll in the Z dimension so as to lift each of the transportation elements of the lower work roll off the respective one of the lower fixed rails and to bring the lower work roll into contact with the metallic product.

13. A method of changing a work roll assembly of a rolling mill stand according to claim 3, the method comprising: controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing upper channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the upper work roll chocks to be retracted, thereby to lower the upper work roll in the Z dimension so as to bring each of the transportation elements of the upper work roll chocks into contact with a respective one of the upper fixed rails; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to be retracted, thereby lowering the lower work roll in the Z dimension so as to separate the lower work roll from the metallic product and to allow the metallic product to sag so as to separate from the upper work roll; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to be retracted or extended, thereby bringing each of the transportation elements of the lower work roll chocks to a greater height than the respective first movable rail; controlling each first movable rail to move from the idle position into the service position; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to be retracted, thereby lowering the lower work roll in the Z dimension to bring each of the transportation elements of the lower work roll chocks into contact with a respective one of the first movable rails; controlling each second movable rail to move from the idle position into the service position; applying a force to the work roll assembly in the X dimension in order to guide each of the transportation elements along a respective one of the continuous rails or a respective one of the lower fixed rails, thereby withdrawing the work roll assembly from the rolling mill stand; providing a replacement work roll assembly; applying a force to the replacement work roll assembly in the X dimension in order to guide each of the transportation elements along a respective one of the continuous rails or a respective one of the upper fixed rails, thereby inserting the replacement work roll assembly into the rolling mill stand; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing upper channel formations to be extended, thereby engaging with the bending wings of the upper work roll chocks to raise the upper work roll in the Z dimension so as to lift each of the transportation elements of the upper work roll off the respective one of the upper fixed rails; controlling each second movable rail to move from the service position into the idle position; controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations to be extended, thereby engaging with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to raise the lower work roll in the Z dimension so as to lift each of the transportation elements of the lower work roll off the respective first movable rail; controlling each first movable rail to move from the service position into the idle position; and controlling the work roll bending cylinders which are located in the opposing lower channel formations and which are in engagement with the bending wings of the lower work roll chocks to be extended, thereby raising the lower work roll in the Z dimension to bring the lower work roll into contact with the metallic product (P) and to move the metallic product (P) into contact with the upper work roll.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the metallic product (P) is stationary in the Y dimension with respect to the rolling mill stand.

15. A method according to claim 12, wherein the metallic product (P) is in motion in the Y dimension with respect to the rolling mill stand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0027] FIGS. 1a-c show a conventional rolling mill stand and a work roll assembly thereof;

[0028] FIG. 1d shows a modified version of the conventional rolling mill stand; and

[0029] FIGS. 2a-6 show a rolling mill stand and a work roll assembly thereof according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1a-c, a conventional rolling mill stand 100 of a rolling mill comprises first and second vertically-extending (i.e. in the Z dimension in the sense of FIGS. 1a-d) support members 102, 104 which are laterally spaced-apart (i.e. in the X dimension) such as to be in parallel relationship with each other (i.e. in the Y dimension). The first support member 102 is at an operating side (or non-drive side) of the rolling mill stand 100 and the second support member 104 is at a drive side thereof. Each of the first and second support members 102, 104 comprises a thick, generally rectangular plate having an elongate opening or aperture or window 102a, 104a which extends along the support member 102, 104 (i.e. in the Y dimension) and through the support member 102, 104 (i.e. in the X dimension).

[0031] Referring in particular to FIG. 1b, at a mid-portion of the window 102a of the first support member 102 there is provided a plurality of support blocks (or bending/balance blocks) 102b-g that project inwardly into the window 102a (i.e. in the Y dimension) so as to define opposing upper channel formations 106a and opposing lower channel formations 106b. Similarly, at a mid-portion of the window 104a (not visible in FIG. 1b) of the second support member 104 there is provided a plurality of support blocks 104b-g that project inwardly into the window 104a (i.e. in the Y dimension) so as to define opposing upper channel formations 108a and opposing lower channel formations 108b. As can be seen in FIG. 1b, each group 102b-d, 102e-g; 104b-d, 104e-g of the support blocks 102, 104 defines an E shape which may be called an E block.

[0032] Still referring to FIG. 1b and also FIG. 1c, a first upper rail 110a extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the support blocks 102c of the first support member 102 and a respective one of the support blocks 104c of the second support member 104. Similarly, a second upper rail 110b extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between another respective one of the support blocks 102f of the first support member 102 and another respective one of the support blocks 104f of the second support member 104. Thus the first upper rail 110a and the second upper rail 110b are arranged in parallel with each other and each extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations 106a of the first support member 102 and a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations 108a of the second support member 104.

[0033] In a similar manner, a first lower rail 112a extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the support blocks 102d of the first support member 102 and a respective one of the support blocks 104d of the second support member 104. Similarly, a second lower rail 112b extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between another respective one of the support blocks 102g of the first support member 102 and another respective one of the support blocks 104g of the second support member 104. Thus the first lower rail 112a and the second lower rail 112b are arranged in parallel with each other and each extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations 106b of the first support member 102 and a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations 108b of the second support member 104.

[0034] Each of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b and the first and second lower rails 112a, 112b is fixed relative to the said support blocks and the remainder of the structure of the rolling mill stand 100. That is, each of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b and the first and second lower rails 112a, 112b is immovable in each of the X, Y and Z dimensions.

[0035] The rolling mill stand 100 further comprises four extension rails (not shown in the Figures) which project outwardly from one of the first and second support members 102, 104 (i.e. in the X dimension and in one of the X and +X directions) such that each one of the four extension rails aligns with (i.e. in the X dimension) and is in end-to-end abutment with one of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b or one of the first and second lower rails 112a, 112b. Alternatively, there is provided a separate carriage comprising four extension rails, the carriage being movable (i.e. in the X dimension) to bring each of the four extension rails into end-to-end abutment and alignment (i.e. in the X dimension and in one of the X and +X directions) with one of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b or one of the first and second lower rails 112a, 112b. In each case, the four extension rails are constructed from steel.

[0036] Referring now in particular to FIGS. 1a and 1c, the rolling mill stand 100 further comprises a work roll assembly 200 comprising an upper work roll 202 and a lower work roll 204 each having a longitudinal axis extending between the first support member 102 and the second support member 104 (i.e. in the X dimension). The upper work roll 202 and the lower work roll 204 are arranged to be spaced apart so as to form a gap for receiving a metallic product P for rolling in a direction (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1a) which is perpendicular with the longitudinal axes of the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 (i.e. in the Y direction in the sense of FIGS. 1a and 1d).

[0037] Each of the two ends of the upper work roll 202 is received and supported by a respective upper work roll chock 206. Each of the upper work roll chocks 206 comprises on opposite sides thereof a flange portion or bending wing 206a which extends perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis of the upper work roll 202 (i.e. in the Y dimension) and which is received by the opposing upper channel formations 106a. Similarly, each of the two ends of the lower work roll 204 is received and supported by a respective lower work roll chock 208. Each of the lower work roll chocks 208 comprises on opposite sides thereof a flange portion or bending wing 208a which extends perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis of the lower work roll 204 (i.e. in the Y dimension) and which is received by the opposing upper channel formations 106b.

[0038] Each of the upper work roll chocks 206 and the lower work roll chocks 208 comprises a wheel 206b, 208b which extends from the chock and which has a rotational axis that extends perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis of the upper work roll 202 or the lower work roll 204 respectively (i.e. in the Y dimension). Each of the wheels is configured to engage an upper surface of a respective one of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b and the first and second lower rails 112a, 112b.

[0039] Referring now in particular to FIGS. 1b and 1c, the rolling mill stand 100 further comprises work roll bending cylinders 210 each provided in a respective one of the support blocks 102b-g, 104b-g such as to be located at or in one of the opposing upper channel formations 106a or opposing lower channel formations 106b. Each of the work roll bending cylinders 210 is configured to engage a respective one of the bending wings 206a, 208a and to be selectively extendable and retractable in the vertical direction (i.e. in the Z dimension) in order to raise and lower a respective one of the upper work roll 202 and the lower work roll 204. It will be understood by the skilled person that the work roll bending cylinders 210 function to control the gap (or roll bite) between the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 during rolling operations.

[0040] Still referring in particular to FIGS. 1a and 1c, the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 are each supported by a respective backup roll 302, 304. The longitudinal axes of the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 and the backup rolls 302, 304 lie in a single, common plane (a vertical plane, in the sense of FIGS. 1a and 1c). Hydraulic roll load cylinders (not shown in the Figures) are arranged to apply a rolling force to the upper work roll 202 via its respective backup roll 302. The position of the lower work roll 204 and its respective backup roll 304 may be set, for example, by a pair of wedges located at the base of the rolling mill stand 100. The upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 are constructed from steel. (The conventional rolling mill stand 100 of FIGS. 1a-d is a typical hot mill arrangement. In cold mills the hydraulic roll load cylinders are often at the bottom and the wedges are at the top. Thus the skilled person will understand that the positions of the wedges and hydraulic roll load cylinders may be reversed).

[0041] The upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 will tend to become worn during rolling operations and they are therefore periodically removed from the rolling mill stand 100 for replacement. The procedure for removing the work roll assembly 200 is as follows.

[0042] The strip of metallic product P is cut or severed at each side of the work roll assembly 200 (i.e. in the Y dimension) in order to release the work roll assembly 200 from the tension of the strip of metallic product P.

[0043] The work roll bending cylinders 210 are controlled to be retracted downwardly (i.e. in the Z direction) into the respective support blocks 102b-g, 104b-g. Accordingly the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 are lowered (i.e. in the Z direction) so that each of the wheels of the upper work roll chocks 206 and the lower work roll chocks 208 comes into resting contact with the upper surface of a respective one of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b or the first and second lower rails 112a, 112b.

[0044] A pushing or pulling force is applied to the work roll assembly 200 in the axial direction (i.e. in the +X or X direction), for example manually by an operator or by automated means, in order to withdraw the work roll assembly 200 from the side of the rolling mill stand along the four extension rails. Once the work roll assembly 200 is clear of the rolling mill stand 100 (i.e. in the X dimension), it may be displaced out of the way (i.e. in the Y dimension) in order to make way for a replacement work roll assembly 200 to be inserted into the rolling mill stand 100. The procedure for the insertion of the new work roll assembly 200 may be the reverse of the removal procedure.

[0045] The rolling mill stand 100 described herein above may be a single-stand or may be one of a plurality of similar rolling mill stands in a rolling mill. The rolling mill may be for hot or cold rolling.

[0046] With regard to the kind of rolling mill stand 100 described herein above, the present inventors have found that it is beneficial over the course of time to make structural modifications, for example in respect of the upper and lower support members 102, 104, the upper and lower work roll chocks 206, 208, and/or the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204, in order to make general improvements to the design and performance of the rolling mill over its lifetime. As well as evolutionary designs for future rolling mills, this may include retrofitting existing rolling mill stands with upper and lower support members 102, 104, upper and lower work roll chocks 206, 208, and/or upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 having modified size, shape, geometry, strength, material, and so on.

[0047] Furthermore, in some rolling mill configurations the spacing between the individual rolling mill stands may be irregular, such that some of the rolling mill stands are closer together (i.e. in the Y dimension) than are others of the rolling mill stands 100. Thus the above-mentioned displacement (i.e. in the Y dimension) of the work roll 200 assembly after its removal from the rolling mill stand, in order to clear the way for the replacement work roll 200 assembly to be inserted (i.e. in the X dimension) into the rolling mill stand 100, may be problematic due to a lack of space (i.e. in the Y dimension) between two adjacent rolling mill stands 100. In such cases, one solution might be to shorten (i.e. in the Y dimension) the bending wings 206a, 208a of the upper and lower work roll chocks 206, 208 in order to provide more space. This may then necessitate redesign or relocation of some other parts of the rolling mill stand 100, for example the size or geometry of the opposing upper channel formations 106a and opposing lower channel formations 106b and the location of the work roll bending cylinders 210.

[0048] The present inventors have found that the factors described above relating to modifications to the rolling mill stand 100 can cause difficulties with regard to the parts of the rolling mill stand 100 that facilitate the removal and replacement of the work roll assembly 200, as follows.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1d, when in a new condition each of the upper work roll 202 and the lower work roll 204 has a maximum diameter or radius Rmax, whereas when in a fully worn condition each of the upper work roll 202 and the lower work roll 204 has a minimum diameter or radius Rmin. Each of the upper work roll 202 and the lower work roll 204 will wear over time, resulting in a progressive transition from the maximum diameter or radius Rmax to the maximum diameter or radius Rmin. As a result the gap between the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 tends to grow larger. Thus the respective work roll bending cylinders 210 are controlled to move the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 (i.e. in the Z dimension) so that their longitudinal axes are brought closer together in order to maintain the gap at the correct size for rolling the metallic product P.

[0050] As represented in FIG. 1d, at some stage in the transition between maximum and minimum work roll diameter it may become impossible to move the longitudinal axes of the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 any closer together because each of the wheels 206b of the upper work roll chocks 206 impacts a respective one of the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b. Thus further movement of the upper work roll 202 toward the lower work roll 204 is prevented. This potential clash between the wheels 206b and the first and second upper rails 110a, 110b may arise as a result of the kinds of rolling mill stand modifications described herein above. This difficulty must be resolved in order to realise the benefits of the modifications and to enable the work roll assembly 200 to be conveniently and efficiently replaced when the upper and lower work rolls 202, 204 have reached their design minimum diameter.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 2a-6, a rolling mill stand 400 according to the invention has some structural features which are broadly similar to those of the conventional E block rolling mill stand 100 described herein above and some other features which are different and which overcome the above-mentioned difficulties.

[0052] Thus the inventive rolling mill stand 400 comprises first and second vertically-extending (i.e. in the Z dimension in the sense of FIGS. 2a-6) support members 402, 404 which are laterally spaced-apart (i.e. in the X dimension) such as to be in parallel relationship with each other (i.e. in the Y dimension). The first support member 402 is at an operating side (or non-drive side) of the rolling mill stand 400 and the second support member 404 is at a drive side thereof. Each of the first and second support members 402, 404 comprises a thick, generally rectangular plate having an elongate opening or aperture or window 402a, 404a which extends along the support member 402, 404 (i.e. in the Y dimension) and through the support member 402, 404 (i.e. in the X dimension). In this example, each of the first and second support members 402, 404 is constructed from steel.

[0053] Referring in particular to FIG. 2b, at a mid-portion of the window 402a of the first support member 402 there is provided a plurality of support blocks 402b-g that project inwardly into the window 402a (i.e. in the Y dimension) so as to define opposing upper channel formations 406a and opposing lower channel formations 406b. Similarly, at a mid-portion of the window 404a (not visible in FIG. 2b) of the second support member 404 there is provided a plurality of support blocks 404b-g that project inwardly into the window 404a (i.e. in the Y dimension) so as to define opposing upper channel formations 408a and opposing lower channel formations 408b. As can be seen in FIG. 2b, each group 402b-d, 402e-g; 404b-d, 404e-g of the support blocks 402, 404 defines an E shape which may be called an E block.

[0054] Still referring to FIG. 2b and also FIG. 2a, a first upper fixed rail 410a extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the support blocks 402c of the first support member 402 and a respective one of the support blocks 404c of the second support member 404 (not visible in FIGS. 2a and 2b). A second upper fixed rail 410b extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between another respective one of the support blocks 402f of the first support member 402 and another respective one of the support blocks 404f of the second support member 404 (not visible in FIGS. 2a and 2b). Thus the first upper fixed rail 410a and the second upper fixed rail 410b are arranged in parallel with each other and each extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations 406a of the first support member 402 and a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations 408a of the second support member 404. Each of the first upper fixed rail 410a and the second upper fixed rail 410b extends only partially into the respective opposing upper channel formations 406a (i.e. in the X dimension) such as to extend less than the full width of the rolling mill stand 400.

[0055] In a similar manner, a first lower fixed rail 412a extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the support blocks 402d of the first support member 402 and a respective one of the support blocks 404d of the second support member 404 (not visible in FIGS. 2a and 2b). Similarly, a second lower fixed rail 412b extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between another respective one of the support blocks 402g of the first support member 402 and another respective one of the support blocks 404g of the second support member 404 (not visible in FIGS. 2a and 2b). Thus the first lower fixed rail 412a and the second lower fixed rail 412b are arranged in parallel with each other and each extends (i.e. in the X dimension) between a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations 406b of the first support member 402 and a respective one of the opposing lower channel formations 408b of the second support member 404. Each of the first lower fixed rail 412a and the second lower fixed rail 412b extends substantially the full width of the rolling mill stand 400 (i.e. in the X dimension).

[0056] Each of the first and second upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and the first and second lower fixed rails 412a, 412b is fixed relative to the said support blocks and the remainder of the structure of the rolling mill stand 400. That is, each of the first and second upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and the first and second lower fixed rails 412a, 412b is immovable in each of the X, Y and Z dimensions.

[0057] Still referring in particular to FIG. 2b and also FIG. 2a, at each window 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 there is provided first and second movable rails 414, 416 each located at a respective one of the support blocks 402c, 402f so as to be positioned within a respective one of the opposing upper channel formations 406a. Each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is elongate and extends in the X dimension. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is in an idle position such as to be offset from (i.e. in the Y dimension) and out of alignment with (i.e. in the X dimension) a respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a. In the idle position each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is parallel with a respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a. In this example, in the idle position each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is located outboard (i.e. further in the +Y or Y direction) of the respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a.

[0058] In this example, all of the first and second upper fixed rails 410a, 410b, the first and second lower fixed rails 412a, 412b, and the first and second movable rails 414, 416 are constructed from steel.

[0059] In this example, each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is connected to a respective hydraulic rod or piston 418 which extends from a respective outboard portion of the first support member 402 in the Y dimension (i.e. perpendicularly with the respective first and second movable rail 414, 416). Each hydraulic piston 418 is configured to be controllable to be extended in order to drive the respective first or second movable rail 414, 416 (i.e. in the Y dimension) from the idle position to a service position such as to be in alignment with (i.e. in the X dimension) a respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a. In the service position, respective ones of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 together with a respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a forms a continuous rail which extends substantially the full width of the rolling mill stand 400 (i.e. in the X dimension). Each hydraulic piston 418 is further configured to be controllable to be retracted in order to drive the respective first or second movable rail 414, 416 (i.e. in the Y dimension) from the service position to the idle position.

[0060] Thus each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is independently movable (i.e. in the Y dimension) between the idle position wherein the first and second movable rail 414, 416 is out of alignment (i.e. in the X dimension) and parallel with a respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a, and a service position wherein the first and second movable rail 414, 416 is in alignment (i.e. in the X dimension) with the respective one of the upper fixed rails 412a. Furthermore, in this example the first and second movable rails 414, 416 are independently movable in a reciprocating motion between the idle position and the service position according to the action of the extending and retracting hydraulic pistons. In this example, each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is immovable in each of the X and Z dimensions.

[0061] In this example, an underside of each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is provided with channels 414a which extend transversely across the first or second movable rail 414, 416 (i.e. in the Y dimension). Furthermore an upper surface of each of the respective support blocks 402c, 402f is provided with complementary ridges 416a which extend in the same direction as the channels 414a (i.e. in the Y dimension) and are (i.e. in the Y dimension) snugly received in the respective channel 414a. Thus the channels 414a and ridges 416a function as guides which allow and assist movement of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 between the idle position and the service position in the Y dimension while resisting movement thereof in the X dimension.

[0062] Still referring in particular to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the rolling mill stand 400 further comprises a work roll assembly 200 comprising an upper work roll 502 and a lower work roll 504 each having a longitudinal axis extending between the first support member 402 and the second support member 404 (i.e. in the X dimension). The upper work roll 502 and the lower work roll 504 are arranged to be spaced apart so as to form a gap for receiving a metallic product P for rolling in a direction (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2b) which is perpendicular with the longitudinal axes of the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 (i.e. in the Y direction in the sense of FIGS. 2a and 2b).

[0063] Each of the two ends of the upper work roll 502 is received and supported by a respective upper work roll chock 506. Each of the upper work roll chocks 506 comprises on opposite sides thereof a flange portion or bending wing 506a which extends perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis of the upper work roll 502 (i.e. in the Y dimension) and which is received by the opposing upper channel formations 406a. Similarly, each of the two ends of the lower work roll 504 is received and supported by a respective lower work roll chock 508. Each of the lower work roll chocks 508 comprises on opposite sides thereof a flange portion or bending wing 508a which extends perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis of the lower work roll 504 (i.e. in the Y dimension) and which is received by the opposing upper channel formations 406b.

[0064] Each of the upper work roll chocks 506 and the lower work roll chocks 508 comprises a wheel 506b, 508b which extends from the chock and which has a rotational axis that extends perpendicularly with the longitudinal axis of the upper work roll 502 or the lower work roll 504 respectively (i.e. in the Y dimension). Each of the wheels 506b of the upper work roll chocks 506 is configured to engage an upper surface of a respective one of the first and second upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and upper surfaces of a respective two of the first and second movable rails 414, 416. Each of the wheels 508b of the lower work roll chocks 508 is configured to engage an upper surface of a respective one of the first and second lower fixed rails 412a, 412b.

[0065] Still referring in particular to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the rolling mill stand 400 further comprises work roll bending cylinders 610 each provided in a respective one of the support blocks 402b-g, 404b-g such as to be located at or in one of the opposing upper channel formations 406a or opposing lower channel formations 406b. The work roll bending cylinders 610 are hydraulically operated. Each of the work roll bending cylinders 610 is configured to engage a respective one of the bending wings 506a, 508a and to be selectively extendable and retractable in the vertical direction (i.e. in the Z dimension) in order to raise and lower a respective one of the upper work roll 502 and the lower work roll 504. It will be understood by the skilled person that the work roll bending cylinders 610 function to control the gap (or roll bite) between the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 during rolling operations.

[0066] In this example, the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 are each supported by a respective backup roll (not shown in the Figures). The longitudinal axes of the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 and the backup rolls lie in a single, common plane (a vertical plane, in the sense of FIGS. 2a-6). In this example, hydraulic roll load cylinders (not shown in the Figures) are arranged to apply a rolling force to the upper work roll 502 via its respective backup roll. The position of the lower work roll 504 and its respective backup roll may be set, for example, by a pair of wedges located at the base of the rolling mill stand 400. In this example, the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 are constructed from steel.

[0067] The upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 will tend to become worn during rolling operations and they are therefore periodically removed from the rolling mill stand 400 for replacement. The procedure for removing and replacing the work roll assembly 400 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2a-6.

[0068] Referring firstly to FIGS. 2a and 2b, initially each of the first and second movable rails 414, 416 is in the idle position and each of the upper work rolls chocks 506 and the lower work roll chocks 508 is supported by the respective bending cylinders 610. Furthermore the strip of metallic product P is located in the gap between the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504 such as to be in contact with the upper and lower work rolls 502, 504. Thus the rolling mill stand 400 is initially in a condition for rolling the strip of metallic product P. In this example, the rolling mill stand 400 is for hot rolling. In other examples, the rolling mill stand 400 may be for cold rolling. In this example, the strip of metallic product P comprises steel. In other examples, the strip of metallic product P may comprise a different metal or metal alloy, for example aluminium or aluminium alloy.

[0069] The rolling operation may be brought to a halt so that the strip of metallic product P is stationary. Alternatively the rolling operation may be continued so that the metallic product P is in motion during the changing of the work roll assembly 400.

[0070] The work roll bending cylinders 610 which support the lower work roll chocks 508 are controlled to be retracted downwardly (i.e. in the Z direction) into the respective support blocks 402d, 402g. Accordingly the lower work roll 504 is lowered (i.e. in the Z direction) so that each of the wheels 508b of the lower work roll chocks 508 comes into resting contact with the upper surface of a respective one of the lower fixed rails 412a, 412b. As the lower work roll 504 is moved downwardly in this way it separates from the strip of metallic product P.

[0071] The work roll bending cylinders 610 which support the upper work roll chocks 506 are controlled to be extended upwardly (i.e. in the +Z direction) from the respective support blocks 402c, 402f. Accordingly the upper work roll 502 is raised (i.e. in the +Z direction) so that each of the wheels 506b of the upper work roll chocks 506 is raised slightly above the level of (i.e. further in the +Z direction than) the upper surface of a respective one of the upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and the upper surfaces of the respective first and second movable rails 414, 416. Furthermore each bending wing 506a of each upper work roll chock 506 is also above the level of (i.e. further in the +Z direction than) the upper surface of the respective one of the upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and the upper surfaces of the respective first and second movable rails 414, 416.

[0072] As the upper work roll 502 is moved upwardly in this way it separates from the strip of metallic product P. Preferably the upward movement (i.e. in the +Z direction) of the upper work roll 502 is simultaneous with the downward movement (i.e. in the Z direction) of the lower work roll 504. In this case the upper work roll 502 and the lower work roll 504 may be separated from the strip of metallic product P at substantially the same time. Alternatively, the downward movement of the lower work roll 504 may be prior to the upward movement of the upper work roll 502. In this case the strip of metallic product P is no longer supported by the lower work roll 504 and tends to sag downwardly such as to separate from the upper work roll 502.

[0073] Referring next to FIGS. 3a and 3b, with respect to each of the windows 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 the hydraulic piston 418 of each first movable rail 414 is controlled to be extended so as to move the first movable rail 414 from the idle position into the service position. Since the respective wheel 506b of the respective upper work roll chock 506 has already been set at a position which is slightly higher (i.e. in the Z dimension) than the first movable rail 414, the movement (i.e. in the Y dimension) of the first movable rail 414 into the service position is unimpeded by the wheel 506b. Furthermore, there exists a small vertical gap (i.e. in the Z dimension) between the upper surface of the first movable rail 414 and the wheel 506b when the first movable rail 414 is located directly below the wheel 506b in the service position.

[0074] Referring next to FIGS. 4a and 4b, with respect to each of the windows 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 the work roll bending cylinders 610 which still support the upper work roll chocks 506 are controlled to be retracted downwardly (i.e. in the Z direction) into the respective support blocks 402c, 402f. Accordingly the upper work roll 502 is lowered (i.e. in the Z direction) so that each of the wheels 506b of the upper work roll chocks 506 is lowered and comes into resting contact with the upper surface of a respective one of the first movable rails 414. The work roll bending cylinders 610 are further and fully retracted so as to be flush with (or slightly below) the surfaces of the respective support blocks 402c, 402f. Thus the upper work roll 502 is supported (only) by the first movable rails 414.

[0075] Referring next to FIGS. 5a and 5b, with respect to each of the windows 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 the hydraulic piston 418 of each second movable rail 416 is controlled to be extended so as to move the second movable rail 416 from the idle position into the service position. Since the work roll bending cylinders 610 are flush with (or slightly below) the surfaces of the respective support blocks 402c, 402f, the movement (i.e. in the Y dimension) of the second movable rail 416 into the service position is unimpeded by the work roll bending cylinders 610. Furthermore, the second movable rail 416 is located directly above the work roll bending cylinders 610 and directly below the respective bending wing 506a of the respective upper work roll chock 506 when the second movable rail 416 is in the service position. Furthermore, there exists a small vertical gap (i.e. in the Z dimension) between the upper surface of the second movable rail 416 and the lower surface of the respective bending wing 506a of the respective upper work roll chock 506 when the second movable rail 416 is in the service position.

[0076] When placed in their service positions as described herein above, the first and second movable rails 414, 416 together with their respective first or second upper fixed rail 410a, 410b form a continuous rail which extends substantially the full width of the rolling mill stand 400 (i.e. in the X dimension). Thus there exists parallel first and second continuous rails associated with the upper work roll 502 and first and second continuous rails associated with the lower work roll 504, each of the continuous rails extending substantially the full width of the rolling mill stand 400 (i.e. in the X dimension).

[0077] In this example, the rolling mill stand 400 further comprises four extension rails (not shown in the Figures) which project outwardly from one of the first and second support members 402, 404 (i.e. in the X dimension and in one of the X and +X directions) such that each one of the four extension rails aligns with (i.e. in the X dimension) and is in end-to-end abutment with one of the above-mentioned continuous rails. In an alternative example, there is provided a separate locomotive or carriage comprising four extension rails, the carriage being movable (i.e. in the X dimension) to bring each of the four extension rails into end-to-end abutment and alignment (i.e. in the X dimension to the operating side) with one of the above-mentioned continuous rails. In each case, the four extension rails are constructed from steel.

[0078] A pushing or pulling force is applied to the work roll assembly 500 in the axial direction (i.e. in the +X or X direction), for example manually by an operator or by automated means, in order to withdraw the work roll assembly 500 from the operating side of the rolling mill stand 400 along the four extension rails.

[0079] The removal procedure may be performed in reverse in order to install a replacement work roll assembly in the rolling mill stand 400, as follows.

[0080] The replacement work roll assembly is moved along the four extension rails (i.e. in the X dimension to the operating side) to insert the work roll assembly into the rolling mill stand 400 so that each of the wheels 506b of the upper work roll chocks is resting on the upper surface of a respective one of the first movable rails 414 (which are each in their service position) and each of the wheels 508b of the lower work roll chocks is resting on the upper surface of a respective one of the lower fixed rails 412a, 412b.

[0081] With respect to each of the windows 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 the hydraulic piston 418 of each second movable rail 416 is controlled to be retracted so as to move the second movable rail 416 from the service position into the idle position.

[0082] With respect to each of the windows 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 the work roll bending cylinders 610 are controlled to be extended upwardly (i.e. in the +Z direction) from the respective support blocks 402c, 402f. Accordingly the upper work roll is raised (i.e. in the +Z direction) so that each of the wheels of the upper work roll chocks is raised slightly above the level of (i.e. further in the +Z direction than) the upper surface of a respective one of the upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and the upper surfaces of the respective first and second movable rails 414, 416. Furthermore each bending wing of each upper work roll chock is also above the level of (i.e. further in the +Z direction than) the upper surface of the respective one of the upper fixed rails 410a, 410b and the upper surfaces of the respective first and second movable rails 414, 416. Thus the upper work roll is supported (only) by the work roll bending cylinders 610 which are engaged with the respective bending wing of each upper work roll chock.

[0083] With respect to each of the windows 402a, 404a of the first and second support members 402, 404 the hydraulic piston 418 of each first movable rail 414 is controlled to be retracted so as to move the first movable rail 414 from the service position into the idle position.

[0084] The work roll bending cylinders 610 which support the upper work roll chocks are controlled to be retracted downwardly (i.e. in the Z direction). Accordingly the upper work roll is lowered (i.e. in the Z direction). As the lower work roll is moved downwardly in this way it comes into contact with the strip of metallic product P.

[0085] The work roll bending cylinders 610 which relate to the lower work roll chocks are controlled to be extended upwardly (i.e. in the Z direction) from the respective support blocks 402d, 402g. Accordingly the lower work roll is raised (i.e. in the +Z direction) so that each of the wheels of the lower work roll chocks is lifted off the upper surface of a respective one of the lower fixed rails 412a, 412b. As the lower work roll is moved upwardly in this way it comes into contact with the strip of metallic product P.

[0086] Thus the strip of metallic product P is located in the gap between the upper and lower work rolls such as to be in contact with the upper and lower work rolls. Accordingly the rolling mill stand 400 is in the condition for rolling the strip of metallic product P.

[0087] The rolling mill stand 400 comprises a controller 700 for controlling the extension and retraction of the work roll bending cylinders 610, as will be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0088] The hydraulic pistons 418 which actuate the first and second movable rails 414, 416 may be connected with the same hydraulic system and controller as the work roll bending cylinders 610, or a different hydraulic system and controller.

[0089] While in the above example each of the upper work roll chocks and the lower work roll chocks comprises a wheel, in other examples the upper and lower work roll chocks comprise a different transportation element, for example a low-friction block or skid. All such transportation elements are within the scope of the claimed invention, provided that they are configured to engage with the respective rails in order to guide the work roll assembly 200 in and out of the rolling mill stand 100.

[0090] It should be understood that the invention has been described in relation to its preferred embodiments and may be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.