Roll support device for continuous metallic strip casting and its operating method

Support device for an assembly ( 14 ) of the casting rolls ( 11, 11 ') of a continuous metallic strip casting line comprising a movable support at each axial end. Such supports ( 17, 17', 19, 19 ') are provided with a hydraulic bearing ( 13 ) to reduce friction during motion with respect to the assembly. Between the movable supports of one of the rolls ( 11 ) and the assembly is located a hydraulic actuator ( 18 ), which thrusts the first roll ( 11 ') towards the second roll ( 11 ') against a stop ( 16 ). Between the second roll ( 11 ') and the assembly there are located magnetostrictive actuators which thrust the second roll ( 11 ') against the first roll ( 11 ). The device has a joint provided with a housing ( 22 ) inside which a telescopic tube ( 21 ) for the supply of the cooling water to conduits present in the rolls may slide. The housing ( 22 ) is connected to the assembly ( 14 ) by means of a bellows ( 27 ) allowing for oscillation.