Rolling Mill Thrust Support Layout for Small Work Roll Bearings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The reduction in the diameter of work rolls in rolling mills leads to insufficient capability in supporting thrust forces due to smaller bearings, resulting in a shorter bearing life and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rolling mill design that includes operation side and drive side thrust force supporting devices, which apply forces in both directions to the bearings, thereby distributing the thrust force more effectively and improving support capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the diameter of work rolls is reduced, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but the capability of supporting thrust forces deteriorates due to smaller bearings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverolling efficiencyVSAvoidthrust force support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust force support function is segmented between two independent thrust force supporting devices located on opposite sides of the work roll. Each device independently supports thrust forces, allowing the system to maintain adequate support capability even with reduced work roll diameter and smaller bearings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If work roll diameter is reduced, then equipment size and cost are decreased, but bearing life is shortened due to insufficient thrust force support capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework roll sizeVSAvoidbearing life

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The thrust force support function is divided between two independent thrust force supporting devices located on opposite sides of the work roll. Each device independently supports thrust forces, allowing the system to maintain adequate support capability even with reduced work roll diameter and smaller bearings, thereby extending bearing life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If only one shift driving unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but thrust force support capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of driving unitsVSAvoidthrust force support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thrust force supporting devices serve dual functions: they provide thrust force support during rolling operations and enable work roll shifting in the axial direction. This multi-functionality allows adequate thrust force support without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12318827B2Rolling mill, rolling mill control method, and thrust force supporting method in rolling mill

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN LTD

AI summary

Provided are: an upper work roll, radial bearings and a thrust bearing provided on a work side and a drive side of the upper work roll and supporting the upper work roll. Shift cylinders are provided on the work side of the upper work roll and apply forces in both a work side direction and a drive side direction to the thrust bearing. Shift cylinders are also provided on the drive side of the upper work roll and apply forces in both the work side direction and the drive side direction to the radial bearing 790B. The shift cylinders each apply a force in the same direction to the radial bearing and the thrust bearing when the upper work roll does not shift in an axial direction at least during rolling.