Patent ID: 9003854
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: B21B

Abstract:
1. A cluster mill housing assembly comprising: a) an upper housing, wherein said upper housing has a cavity to receive a plurality of upper rolls for a rolling operation, b) a lower housing, wherein said lower housing has a cavity to receive a plurality of lower rolls for said rolling operation, c) wherein said rolling operation reduces an entry gauge of a flat metal strip to an exit gauge, d) at least four vertical prestress rods placed substantially symmetrically with respect to a rolling force created during said rolling operation, e) wherein said upper housing moves vertically with respect to said lower housing by use of said vertical prestress rods, f) wherein said vertical prestress rods are rigidly attached to either said lower housing or said upper housing, g) a prestress hydraulic cylinder attached to each said vertical prestress rod, h) a rod wedge system for each said vertical prestress rod, i) wherein said prestress hydraulic cylinders are used to create a tensile load in said vertical prestress rods to allow engagement of said rod wedge system, j) wherein all said rod wedge systems are used to maintain said vertical prestress rods under a tension load at least large enough to create a compression stress in both said upper housing and said lower housing during said rolling operation, k) a lower roll lifter and associated lower step wedge of varying thickness used for passline control, l) at least one housing spacer plate, wherein said housing spacer plate is inserted between said upper housing and said lower housing during said rolling operation as needed for positioning said upper housing during said rolling operation, m) wherein said exit gauge is controlled by eccentric bearings, o) wherein said vertical prestress rod incorporates an opening for a rod wedge, and p) wherein said rod wedge system incorporates a machined assembly to guide said rod wedge in and out of said vertical prestress rod, and q) wherein said rod wedge either whereby said cluster mill housing assembly is useful for said rolling operation.