Bearing block unit and use thereof

A continuous casting roll line, formed by at least one segment of a continuous casting roll, each segment of the continuous casting roll comprising:

• a roll shaft, and
• a roll mantle formed on the roll shaft, wherein the continuous casting roll line is supported on a bearing block unit comprising:
• a one-piece bearing block forming a partial inner surface extending a first, non-zero distance circumferentially, and
• a roller bearing disposed in an inner hole of the bearing block, the bearing comprising an inner ring raceway, an independent outer ring extending a second, non-zero distance circumferentially, and at least one set of rolling bodies disposed between the inner ring raceway and an outer ring raceway, wherein
• the inner ring raceway is formed by at least one row of a complete and continuous independent inner ring, the inner ring being fitted around the roll shaft of the continuous casting roll during installation, for the purpose of supporting the continuous casting roll, and wherein
• the partial inner surface and the independent outer ring delimit the outer ring raceway, the first and second non-zero distances extending the full circumference of the outer ring raceway,
• wherein the independent outer ring accounts for 30%-70% of the circumference of the bearing.

A continuous casting machine, comprising:

• a continuous casting roll line, formed by at least one segment of a continuous casting roll, each segment of the continuous casting roll comprising:
• a roll shaft, and
• a roll mantle formed on the roll shaft, wherein the continuous casting roll line is supported on a bearing block unit comprising:
• a one-piece bearing block forming a partial inner surface extending a first, non-zero distance circumferentially, and
• a roller bearing disposed in an inner hole of the bearing block, the bearing comprising an inner ring raceway, an independent outer ring extending a second, non-zero distance circumferentially, and at least one set of rolling bodies disposed between the inner raceway and an outer ring raceway, wherein
• the inner ring raceway is formed by at least one row of a complete and continuous independent inner ring, the inner ring being fitted around the roll shaft of the continuous casting roll during installation, for the purpose of supporting the continuous casting roll, and wherein
• the partial inner surface and the independent outer ring delimit the outer ring raceway, the first and second non-zero distances extending the full circumference of the outer ring raceway,
• wherein the independent outer ring accounts for 30%-70% of the circumference of the bearing.