Compression assembly for forming rolls

Abstract

A compression assembly for applying consistent pressure to the material being formed into a continuous tube. The pressure is applied to at least one of a pair of forming rolls of a tube mill during the operation thereof.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a tube mill for the production of continuous seam-welded tubes including a forming roll section having at least one pair of cooperating forming rolls comprising: 
 a rear stand;    a front stand spaced from said rear stand;    an upper forming roll;    a lower forming roll cooperating with said upper forming roll;    an upper spindle supporting said upper forming roll;    a lower spindle supporting said lower forming roll;    first bearing means for rotatingly supporting said upper spindle;    second bearing means for rotatingly supporting said lower spindle; and    means for mounting said first bearing means to said rear stand and said front stand and applying consistent pressure between said upper forming roll and said lower forming roll.    
     
     
         2 . The invention defined in  claim 1  wherein said means for mounting includes a pressure fluid actuated motor.  
     
     
         3 . The invention defined in claims  2  wherein said pressure fluid actuated motor includes a cylinder having an internally mounted piston and an associated piston rod extending therefrom.  
     
     
         4 . The invention defined in  claim 3  wherein said piston rod is coupled to said first bearing means.  
     
     
         5 . The invention defined in  claim 2  including a drive for actuating said bearing means independently of said pressure fluid actuated motor.  
     
     
         6 . The invention defined in  claim 2  wherein said pressure fluid actuated motor is a hydraulic motor.  
     
     
         7 . A forming roll assembly for a tube mill for the production of continuous seam weld tubes comprising: 
 a pair of spaced apart stands;    a pair of cooperating forming rolls for receiving strip stock therebetween to be formed into a tube;    bearings for journaling said forming rolls in said stands; and    a pressure transducer for applying consistent pressure to at least one of said forming rolls to maintain consistent pressure on the strip stock travelling between said forming rolls.    
     
     
         8 . A forming roll assembly for a tube mill for the production of continuous seam welded tubes from a continuous supply of strip stock comprising: 
 a pair of spaced apart stands;    a pair of cooperating forming rolls for receiving the strip stock therebetween to be formed into a tube;    a spindle having opposite ends for supporting each of said forming rolls;    bearings for rotatably supporting the ends of said spindles in respective ones of said stands; and    pressure transducer for applying consistent pressure to at least one of said forming rolls to maintain consistent pressure on the strip stock travelling between said forming rolls.