Abstract: A roll stand includes a generally stationary frame, a roll centered on an axis, and a radial-thrust bearing having an outer race fixed in the frame, an inner race fixed on the roll, and a plurality of rollers radially engaging the races and supporting the roll in the frame for rotation about the axis. The rollers are axially shiftable along one of the races. An axial-thrust bearing has outer and inner faces one of which is axially fixed to the roll and the other of which is axially movable in the frame and rollers between the respective outer and inner races. An actuator is braced axially between the roll and the frame for axially shifting the roll in the frame and thereby axially shifting the other of the radial-bearing races relative to the respective rollers and the one radial-bearing race.

Abstract: The apparatus transmits a high shifting force reliably and has a simple and rapid assembly. The axial shifting occurs by a clamping device which is in releasable working connection with the roll stub shaft of a rolling-mill roll or the rotating shaft. The disengageable clamping junction is formed between the clamping device and roll stub shaft shaped to fit together. Especially the clamping device is formed as a compact unit comprising a clamping head with at least one axially precompressed compressible spring which acts on a plurality of clamping disks working as a clamping body. The clamping disks force a radially elastic clamping sleeve to grip the roll stub shaft. The clamping disks are releasable from a clamped position by a hydraulic pressurized medium against the action of the compressible spring. The clamping disks are supported axially on the one side on a portion of a housing of the clamping head and on the other side by an axially slidable hollow cylinder acted on by the compressible spring.