Abstract: Driving apparatus for a rolling mill includes upper and lower work rolls for rolling a workpiece having a longitudinal axis lying in a horizontal plane, upper and lower driving shafts for driving the upper and lower work rolls, respectively, an upper universal joint operatively coupling the upper work roll to the upper driving shaft, and a lower universal joint operatively coupling the lower work roll to the lower driving shaft. The upper and lower work rolls have axes lying in planes parallel to the horizontal plane of the workpiece longitudinal axis and are slanted in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. The upper and lower driving shafts are disposed symmetrically with respect to the horizontal plane of the workpiece longitudinal axis and a vertical plane passing through the workpiece longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A support assembly for coupling of a large-sized universal joint of the cardan type as incorporated in a drive assembly for rolling mills. The assembly supports the coupling on a drive spindle portion to prevent the coupling from hanging. A locking rod fixed to the center of the coupling extends through a hole of large diameter formed in the center of the spider of the universal joint, with a sufficient radial clearance provided between the rod and the inner periphery of the spider. The piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder disposed within an inner bore of the drive spindle portion operates to slidingly move a rod receiving member within the bore, thereby bringing a recess portion of the rod receiving member into engagement with or disengagement from the free end of the locking rod. The coupling is securely supported on the drive spindle portion by the engagement of the rod receiving member with the locking rod.