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EP3548205B1 - Caterpillar casting machine and method for producing a cast material from liquid metal - Google Patents

Caterpillar casting machine and method for producing a cast material from liquid metal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3548205B1
EP3548205B1 EP17816504.9A EP17816504A EP3548205B1 EP 3548205 B1 EP3548205 B1 EP 3548205B1 EP 17816504 A EP17816504 A EP 17816504A EP 3548205 B1 EP3548205 B1 EP 3548205B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cooling
casting
nozzles
caterpillar
transport direction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17816504.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3548205A1 (en
Inventor
Sebastian BÖCKING
Guido Fick
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SMS Group GmbH
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SMS Group GmbH
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Filing date
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0608—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars formed by caterpillars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0637—Accessories therefor
    • B22D11/0648—Casting surfaces
    • B22D11/0657—Caterpillars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0637—Accessories therefor
    • B22D11/068—Accessories therefor for cooling the cast product during its passage through the mould surfaces
    • B22D11/0685—Accessories therefor for cooling the cast product during its passage through the mould surfaces by cooling the casting belts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0637—Accessories therefor
    • B22D11/068—Accessories therefor for cooling the cast product during its passage through the mould surfaces
    • B22D11/0688—Accessories therefor for cooling the cast product during its passage through the mould surfaces by cooling the caterpillars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/14—Plants for continuous casting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/16—Controlling or regulating processes or operations
    • B22D11/18—Controlling or regulating processes or operations for pouring
    • B22D11/181—Controlling or regulating processes or operations for pouring responsive to molten metal level or slag level

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a caterpillar casting machine for producing a cast material from liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 8.
  • the cooling elements of the casting machine form the wall of a moving mold on the straight sections or runs of casting beads arranged opposite one another.
  • the caterpillars each consist of a large number of endlessly connected cooling blocks which are transported along the orbits of the caterpillars.
  • the cooling blocks are mounted on support elements, which are placed on chains and are thus articulated like links in a chain.
  • Cooling systems for a continuous strip caster are known, in which a plurality of nozzles are provided for the supply of coolants.
  • a disadvantage of these cooling systems according to the prior art is that no separate cooling zones are provided and one cooling rate per mold is not fixed. Rather, in order to change the cooling rate, it is necessary for a system operator to make such changes manually, which is also problematic with regard to occupational safety.
  • WO 2005/068108 A1 shows a generic caterpillar casting machine according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 8.
  • the object of the invention is to optimize a caterpillar casting machine and a corresponding method for producing a cast material from liquid metal with regard to a variability in the production process.
  • a caterpillar casting machine serves the purpose of producing a cast material from a liquid metal.
  • the caterpillar casting machine comprises two guide rails, with which two endless horizontal orbits arranged opposite one another are formed, a plurality of support elements, each of which is guided on the guide rails with cooling blocks attached to them, in such a way that a continuous chain of support elements is formed which extends in a transport direction is moved along the orbits, a moving mold for the cast material being formed between the cooling blocks, which come into alignment in straight sections of the orbits of the guide rails, and a cooling device for cooling the cooling blocks.
  • the cooling device has separate cooling zones, each with at least one cooling nozzle, the cooling zones being individually controllable along the transport direction and / or transversely to the transport direction in order to set an opening or closing of the cooling nozzles.
  • Cooling for the cooling blocks can be adapted to a predetermined casting width by controlling cooling zones with their cooling nozzles in an edge area transversely to the transport direction.
  • cooling for the cooling blocks can be adapted to at least one predetermined process parameter formed from the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, the casting speed or the casting profile by controlling cooling zones with their cooling nozzles along the transport direction.
  • the present invention also provides a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal.
  • the liquid metal is poured into a moving casting mold which is formed between cooling blocks which are attached to support elements which are moved along two oppositely arranged endless orbits in a transport direction.
  • separate cooling zones each with at least one cooling nozzle, are actuated individually in order to thereby open or close the cooling nozzles.
  • the cooling zones are controlled in an edge area transversely to the transport direction in order to adapt cooling for the cooling blocks to a predetermined casting width.
  • / or the cooling zones are controlled with their cooling nozzles along the transport direction in order to adapt cooling to a predetermined process parameter formed from the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, the casting speed or the casting profile.
  • the transport direction in which the support elements with the cooling blocks attached to them are moved along the respective guide rails and the orbits formed thereby is equivalent to the casting direction in which the liquid metal flows into the moving mold between the cooling blocks is formed in the straight sections of the opposite horizontal orbits.
  • An upper caterpillar and a lower caterpillar are formed by the plurality of cooling blocks attached to the support elements and guided along the endless horizontal orbits.
  • the moving casting mold is formed, within which a casting material is produced.
  • the invention is based on the essential finding that the cooling device has separate cooling zones, each with at least one cooling nozzle, which can be controlled individually. This makes it possible to selectively cool the cooling blocks and thus the casting material produced in the moving casting mold, for example depending on the chosen casting width and / or the cast Material type. For example, starting from an initial operating position in which all the cooling nozzles are open, cooling nozzles are selectively closed in an edge region transversely to the transport or casting direction in order to adapt the resulting cooling to a narrower casting width.
  • selected cooling zones and their cooling nozzles are closed along the transport or casting direction in order to reduce the resulting cooling effect in the casting direction and thereby adapt to a certain process parameter, in particular the metal type, a predetermined type of metal or metal alloy that is poured into the moving mold to achieve the casting width, casting speed or casting profile.
  • the cooling device with its cooling nozzles is arranged in such a way that a cooling medium applied through the cooling nozzles acts directly on the cooling blocks.
  • a cooling device can be arranged above an upper run of the upper caterpillar and / or below a lower run of the lower caterpillar, so that a cooling medium, preferably water under pressure, is applied or sprayed directly through the cooling nozzles onto a surface of the cooling blocks.
  • At least one cooling device can be arranged or accommodated in an intermediate space which is arranged or received between the runs of the upper or lower bead, in which case a cooling medium, preferably water under pressure, is sprayed through the cooling nozzles onto a rear side of the cooling blocks.
  • a cooling medium preferably water under pressure
  • the cooling device with its associated cooling zones is designed in several parts. This multi-part design of the cooling zones advantageously allows adaptation to the cooling blocks which are intended to be cooled.
  • a control device can be provided, by means of which the individual cooling nozzles in the respective cooling zones can be controlled.
  • predefined cooling model is stored or stored, the nozzles being controlled on the basis of this cooling model.
  • a precise adaptation to at least one predetermined process parameter, in particular the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, casting speed or the casting profile, can also be achieved by controlling each cooling nozzle individually in partial areas of the cooling device. This can be achieved by means of the control device mentioned above.
  • Fig. 5 shows a side view of two guide rails 12, with which two oppositely arranged endless horizontal orbits U are formed for the caterpillar 10.
  • a plurality of support elements 14 with cooling blocks 16 attached to them are guided along each guide rail 12 in such a way that a continuous chain of support elements 14 is formed which is moved or transported in a transport direction T along the guide rails 16.
  • To illustrate the operation of the present invention are in the Fig. 5 only two support elements 14 with cooling blocks 16 attached to each are shown on the two guide rails 12.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates that a casting mold 18 is formed between the cooling blocks 16, which come into opposition in the straight sections of the orbits U formed by the guide rails 12.
  • this casting mold 15 is a casting mold moving in the transport direction T.
  • Fig. 6 shows a simplified side view of the caterpillar casting machine 10 according to the invention.
  • the caterpillar casting machine 10 has an upper caterpillar 10.1 and a lower caterpillar 10.2, which - as already explained above - are each formed from a plurality of support elements 14 and cooling blocks 16 fastened thereon, which run along the through the guide rails 14 formed orbits U are moved in the transport direction T.
  • the caterpillars 10.1, 10.2 are each driven via drive wheels 13, which ensure that the support elements 14 and the cooling blocks 16 attached to them move around the orbits U.
  • Liquid metal for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy
  • Liquid metal is poured into the moving casting mold 18 by means of a casting nozzle 19 which is elongated and protrudes with its outlet into the casting mold 18.
  • a cast material 11 is produced which - in the right-hand image area of Fig. 6 indicated - downstream of the caterpillars 10.1, 10.2 emerges from the casting gap 18 and is then fed to a processing (not shown).
  • the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises at least one cooling device 20, by means of which, for example, the cooling blocks 16, which are fastened to the support elements 14 and run along the orbits U formed by the guide rails 14 adjacent to the casting mold 18 in the transport direction T, can be cooled.
  • cooling devices 20 are arranged both above the upper run of the upper caterpillar 10.1 and below the lower run of the lower caterpillar 10.2 (cf. Fig. 6 ). Through these cooling devices 20, for example, water can be sprayed directly onto the cooling blocks 16 with the associated cooling nozzles 23, which in the Fig. 6 is symbolized by corresponding arrows.
  • the cooling devices 20 are shown in FIG Fig. 6 simply symbolized by rectangles.
  • the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises a control device 26 (cf. Fig. 6 ), by means of which the cooling nozzles 23 of one or more cooling device (s) 20 can be suitably controlled in order to adjust the resulting cooling capacity.
  • the control device 26 can be connected to a pump device in terms of signal technology. This control device is in the Fig. 6 only represented symbolically in the form of a rectangle.
  • a feedback device (not shown) for the embodiment of FIG Fig. 6 ensures that the cooling medium discharged through the cooling nozzles 23, after it has bounced off the cooling blocks 16 or has dripped from it when water is used, is appropriately collected and returned to a water balance (not shown) of the caterpillar casting machine 10.
  • Cooling device 20 shown can be part of the caterpillar 10 of Fig. 6 be in the Fig. 1 the transport direction T is also symbolized by an arrow.
  • the cooling device 20 has a plurality of separate cooling zones 22.
  • Within a cooling zone 22 are three cooling nozzles 23 (simplified by circles symbolized) arranged side by side, whereby in the representation of Fig. 1 , in the image area at the top right, a cooling zone 22 is shown individually pulled out for illustration.
  • the cooling zones 22 of the cooling device 20 are arranged in the form of a matrix.
  • a total of four cooling zones 22 (each with three cooling nozzles 23 arranged next to one another) are provided.
  • the width of the mold 18, ie in a direction transverse to the transport direction T, are in the embodiment of Fig. 1 a total of eight cooling zones 22 are provided.
  • the said matrix for the cooling device 20 is also one of the representation in FIG Fig. 1 may have a different number of cooling zones 22 or cooling nozzles 23.
  • the cooling device 20 is shown in an initial operating position in which all of the cooling nozzles 23 are open. Starting from this starting operating position, it is possible to selectively close some of these cooling nozzles 23 by actuation by means of the control device 26, which leads to a correspondingly reduced cooling capacity and below with reference to FIG 2 to 4 is explained.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates that here cooling nozzles are closed in an edge region R of the casting mold 18, which is symbolized by hatching these cooling nozzles and is designated by the reference symbol “23z”.
  • the remaining cooling nozzles, which are still open and from which a cooling medium is thus discharged, are shown in the illustration of Fig. 2 not hatched and provided with the reference symbol "23a”.
  • the operating position according to Fig. 2 the cooling nozzles 23a are all open in a central region of the casting mold 18 along the transport direction T.
  • cooling nozzles 23 belonging to the casting mold 18 in the edge regions R can be selectively opened or closed, as explained, the cooling for the casting material 11 can be adapted to different casting widths, energy savings being achieved by a corresponding pump control. For example, for narrower casting widths, if, as explained, cooling nozzles 23z in the edge regions R of the casting mold 18 are closed, less water is required across the width of the casting mold 18. It is also possible to influence the casting profile by switching individual cooling zones (i.e. opening or closing associated cooling nozzles 23). In order to influence the casting profile, however, it may also be necessary to cool marginal zones of the casting mold 18 less or not at all in order to specifically avoid so-called "cold shoulders".
  • the Fig. 3 illustrates a further possible operating position for the cooling device 20.
  • the cooling nozzles in selected cooling zones 22 are closed over the entire width of the casting mold 18, ie transversely to the transport direction T, which symbolizes these cooling nozzles by hatching the associated circular symbols and by the reference symbol “23z "is indicated.
  • cooling nozzles 23z are thus closed by activation by means of the control device 26, which leads to a reduced cooling capacity in these areas of the casting mold 18. In this way, the temperature of the cast material 11 and thus also the casting speed can be influenced in a targeted manner.
  • such a "transverse shutdown” in the form of closing cooling nozzles 23z across the entire width of the casting mold 18 transversely to the transport direction T can influence the temperature profile in the cast material 11 in a targeted manner.
  • a temperature adjustment allows a better reaction to the cast material 11 or the strip formed from it, as a result of which humps or cracks for the cast material 11 can be avoided.
  • the in the Fig. 4 shown operating position corresponds to a combination of the operating positions of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .
  • cooling nozzles 23z by a suitable control by means of the control device 26 both over the width of the casting mold 18 (ie transversely to the transport direction T) and along the transport direction T closed.
  • the remaining open cooling nozzles are shown in the illustration of Fig. 4 not shown hatched and provided with the reference symbol "23a" as an example.
  • a targeted cooling capacity can be set in the assigned areas of the casting mold 18 along the transport direction T and / or transversely thereto.
  • An advantageous automation of the manufacturing process can be achieved by storing a cooling model in a memory of the control device 26.
  • the temperature control and the profile of the cast material 11 produced can be influenced on the basis of this model.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Molds, Cores, And Manufacturing Methods Thereof (AREA)
  • Rollers For Roller Conveyors For Transfer (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Metal Rolling (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Raupengießmaschine zum Herstellen eines Gießguts aus flüssigem Metall nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1, und ein entsprechendes Verfahren nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 8.The invention relates to a caterpillar casting machine for producing a cast material from liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 8.

Nach dem Stand der Technik sind insbesondere zur Herstellung von Aluminiumlegierungen Horizontal-Blockgießmaschinen bekannt, die nach Art einer umlaufenden Raupengießmaschine funktionieren. Eine solche Gießmaschine ist z.B. aus EP 1 704 005 B1 oder WO 95/27145 bekannt. Hierbei bilden die Kühlelemente der Gießmaschine auf den geraden Abschnitten bzw. Trums von gegenüberliegend zueinander angeordneten Gießraupen die Wand einer sich bewegenden Gießform. Die Gießraupen bestehen jeweils aus einer Vielzahl von endlos miteinander verbundenen Kühlblöcken, die entlang der Umlaufbahnen der Raupen transportiert werden. Zu diesem Zweck sind die Kühlblöcke auf Tragelementen montiert, welche auf Ketten aufgesetzt werden und somit wie Glieder einer Kette gelenkig miteinander verbunden sind.According to the prior art, horizontal block casting machines which function in the manner of a rotating caterpillar casting machine are known, in particular for the production of aluminum alloys. Such a casting machine is, for example, out of EP 1 704 005 B1 or WO 95/27145 known. Here, the cooling elements of the casting machine form the wall of a moving mold on the straight sections or runs of casting beads arranged opposite one another. The caterpillars each consist of a large number of endlessly connected cooling blocks which are transported along the orbits of the caterpillars. For this purpose, the cooling blocks are mounted on support elements, which are placed on chains and are thus articulated like links in a chain.

Aus EP 0 873 211 B2 und WO 97/26100 sind jeweils Kühlungssysteme für eine Bandstranggießanlage bekannt, bei denen eine Mehrzahl von Düsen für eine Zufuhr von Kühlmitteln vorgesehen sind. Nachteilig bei diesen Kühlungssystemen nach dem Stand der Technik ist, dass keine gesonderten Kühlzonen vorgesehen sind und eine Kühlrate je Kokille nicht festgelegt ist. Vielmehr ist es zur Veränderung der Kühlrate erforderlich, dass ein Anlagenbediener solche Veränderungen manuell vornimmt, was auch hinsichtlich der Arbeitssicherheit problematisch ist.Out EP 0 873 211 B2 and WO 97/26100 Cooling systems for a continuous strip caster are known, in which a plurality of nozzles are provided for the supply of coolants. A disadvantage of these cooling systems according to the prior art is that no separate cooling zones are provided and one cooling rate per mold is not fixed. Rather, in order to change the cooling rate, it is necessary for a system operator to make such changes manually, which is also problematic with regard to occupational safety.

WO 2005/068108 A1 zeigt eine gattungsgemäße Raupengießmaschine nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1, und ein entsprechendes Verfahren nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 8. WO 2005/068108 A1 shows a generic caterpillar casting machine according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 8.

Entsprechend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Raupengießmaschine und ein entsprechendes Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Gießguts aus flüssigem Metall hinsichtlich einer Variabilität des Herstellungsprozesses zu optimieren.Accordingly, the object of the invention is to optimize a caterpillar casting machine and a corresponding method for producing a cast material from liquid metal with regard to a variability in the production process.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Raupengießmaschine mit den in Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmalen, und durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 8 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen definiert.This object is achieved by a caterpillar casting machine with the features specified in claim 1 and by a method according to claim 8. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Eine Raupengießmaschine nach der vorliegenden Erfindung dient dem Zweck, aus einem flüssigen Metall ein Gießgut herzustellen. Hierzu umfasst die Raupengießmaschine zwei Führungsschienen, mit denen zwei gegenüberliegend angeordnete endlose horizontale Umlaufbahnen gebildet werden, eine Mehrzahl von Tragelementen, die jeweils an den Führungsschienen mit daran angebrachten Kühlblöcken geführt sind, derart, dass sich eine durchgehende Kette von Tragelementen bildet, die in einer Transportrichtung entlang der Umlaufbahnen bewegt wird, wobei zwischen den Kühlblöcken, die in geraden Abschnitten der Umlaufbahnen der Führungsschienen in Gegenüberstellung gelangen, eine sich bewegende Gießform für das Gießgut ausgebildet wird, und eine Kühleinrichtung zur Kühlung der Kühlblöcke. Die Kühleinrichtung weist separate Kühlzonen mit jeweils zumindest einer Kühldüse auf, wobei die Kühlzonen entlang der Transportrichtung und/oder quer zur Transportrichtung einzeln ansteuerbar sind, um ein Öffnen bzw. Schließen der Kühldüsen einzustellen. Eine Kühlung für die Kühlblöcke ist auf eine vorbestimmte Gießbreite anpassbar, indem Kühlzonen mit deren Kühldüsen in einem Randbereich quer zur Transportrichtung angesteuert werden. Ergänzend und/oder alternativ ist eine Kühlung für die Kühlblöcke auf zumindest einen vorbestimmten Prozessparameter gebildet aus dem Metalltyp, einer vorbestimmten Metalllegierung, der Gießbreite, der Gießgeschwindigkeit oder dem Gießprofil anpassbar, indem Kühlzonen mit deren Kühldüsen entlang der Transportrichtung angesteuert werden.A caterpillar casting machine according to the present invention serves the purpose of producing a cast material from a liquid metal. For this purpose, the caterpillar casting machine comprises two guide rails, with which two endless horizontal orbits arranged opposite one another are formed, a plurality of support elements, each of which is guided on the guide rails with cooling blocks attached to them, in such a way that a continuous chain of support elements is formed which extends in a transport direction is moved along the orbits, a moving mold for the cast material being formed between the cooling blocks, which come into alignment in straight sections of the orbits of the guide rails, and a cooling device for cooling the cooling blocks. The cooling device has separate cooling zones, each with at least one cooling nozzle, the cooling zones being individually controllable along the transport direction and / or transversely to the transport direction in order to set an opening or closing of the cooling nozzles. Cooling for the cooling blocks can be adapted to a predetermined casting width by controlling cooling zones with their cooling nozzles in an edge area transversely to the transport direction. In addition and / or alternatively, cooling for the cooling blocks can be adapted to at least one predetermined process parameter formed from the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, the casting speed or the casting profile by controlling cooling zones with their cooling nozzles along the transport direction.

In gleicher Weise sieht die vorliegende Erfindung auch ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Gießguts aus flüssigem Metall vor. Hierbei wird das flüssige Metall in eine sich bewegende Gießform vergossen, die zwischen Kühlblöcken, die an entlang von jeweils zwei gegenüberliegend angeordneten endlosen Umlaufbahnen in einer Transportrichtung bewegten Tragelementen angebracht sind, gebildet ist. Entlang der Transportrichtung und/oder quer zur Transportrichtung werden separate Kühlzonen mit jeweils zumindest einer Kühldüse jeweils einzeln angesteuert, um dadurch die Kühldüsen zu öffnen oder zu schließen. Im Einzelnen werden die Kühlzonen in einem Randbereich quer zur Transportrichtung angesteuert, um eine Kühlung für die Kühlblöcke auf eine vorbestimmte Gießbreite anzupassen. Und/oder werden die Kühlzonen mit deren Kühldüsen entlang der Transportrichtung angesteuert, um eine Kühlung auf einen vorbestimmten Prozessparameter gebildet aus dem Metalltyp, einer vorbestimmten Metalllegierung, der Gießbreite, der Gießgeschwindigkeit oder dem Gießprofil anzupassen.In the same way, the present invention also provides a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal. Here, the liquid metal is poured into a moving casting mold which is formed between cooling blocks which are attached to support elements which are moved along two oppositely arranged endless orbits in a transport direction. Along the transport direction and / or transversely to the transport direction, separate cooling zones, each with at least one cooling nozzle, are actuated individually in order to thereby open or close the cooling nozzles. Specifically, the cooling zones are controlled in an edge area transversely to the transport direction in order to adapt cooling for the cooling blocks to a predetermined casting width. And / or the cooling zones are controlled with their cooling nozzles along the transport direction in order to adapt cooling to a predetermined process parameter formed from the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, the casting speed or the casting profile.

Im Sinne der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Transportrichtung, in der die Tragelemente mit den daran angebrachten Kühlblöcken entlang der jeweiligen Führungsschienen und der hierdurch ausgebildeten Umlaufbahnen bewegt werden, gleichbedeutend mit der Gießrichtung, in der das flüssige Metall in die sich bewegende Gießform, die zwischen den Kühlblöcken in den geraden Abschnitten der gegenüberliegenden horizontalen Umlaufbahnen gebildet wird, vergossen wird.For the purposes of the present invention, the transport direction in which the support elements with the cooling blocks attached to them are moved along the respective guide rails and the orbits formed thereby, is equivalent to the casting direction in which the liquid metal flows into the moving mold between the cooling blocks is formed in the straight sections of the opposite horizontal orbits.

Durch die Mehrzahl von an den Tragelementen befestigten Kühlblöcken, die entlang der endlosen horizontalen Umlaufbahnen geführt sind, werden je eine oberen Raupe und eine untere Raupe gebildet. In den geraden Abschnitten der Trums dieser beiden Raupen, die einander gegenüberliegend verlaufen, wird die sich bewegende Gießform ausgebildet, innerhalb der ein Gießgut erzeugt wird.An upper caterpillar and a lower caterpillar are formed by the plurality of cooling blocks attached to the support elements and guided along the endless horizontal orbits. In the straight sections of the runs of these two caterpillars, which run opposite one another, the moving casting mold is formed, within which a casting material is produced.

Der Erfindung liegt die wesentliche Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass die Kühleinrichtung separate Kühlzonen mit jeweils zumindest einer Kühldüse aufweist, die einzeln angesteuert werden können. Hierdurch ist es möglich, eine resultierende Kühlung der Kühlblöcke und damit des in der sich bewegenden Gießform erzeugten Gießguts gezielt z.B. in Abhängigkeit von der gewählten Gießbreite und/oder des vergossenen Materialtyps einzustellen. Beispielsweise werden - ausgehend von einer Ausgangsbetriebsposition, in der alle Kühldüsen geöffnet sind - Kühldüsen in einem Randbereich quer zur Transport- bzw. Gießrichtung gezielt geschlossen, um die resultierende Kühlung auf eine schmalere Gießbreite anzupassen. Ergänzend und/oder alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, dass ausgehend von der Ausgangsbetriebsposition ausgewählte Kühlzonen und deren Kühldüsen entlang der Transport- bzw. Gießrichtung geschlossen werden, um die resultierende Kühlwirkung in Gießrichtung zu reduzieren und dadurch eine Anpassung an einen bestimmten Prozessparameter, insbesondere den Metalltyp, eine vorbestimmte Metallsorte oder Metall-Legierung, die in die sich bewegende Gießform vergossen wird, die Gießbreite, Gießgeschwindigkeit oder das Gießprofil zu erreichen.The invention is based on the essential finding that the cooling device has separate cooling zones, each with at least one cooling nozzle, which can be controlled individually. This makes it possible to selectively cool the cooling blocks and thus the casting material produced in the moving casting mold, for example depending on the chosen casting width and / or the cast Material type. For example, starting from an initial operating position in which all the cooling nozzles are open, cooling nozzles are selectively closed in an edge region transversely to the transport or casting direction in order to adapt the resulting cooling to a narrower casting width. Additionally and / or alternatively, it can be provided that, based on the starting operating position, selected cooling zones and their cooling nozzles are closed along the transport or casting direction in order to reduce the resulting cooling effect in the casting direction and thereby adapt to a certain process parameter, in particular the metal type, a predetermined type of metal or metal alloy that is poured into the moving mold to achieve the casting width, casting speed or casting profile.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Kühleinrichtung mit ihren Kühldüsen derart angeordnet ist, dass ein durch die Kühldüsen ausgebrachtes Kühlmedium unmittelbar auf die Kühlblöcke einwirkt. Dies ist sowohl für die Kühlblöcke der oberen Raupe und/oder der unteren Raupe möglich. Beispielsweise kann eine Kühleinrichtung oberhalb eines oberen Trums der oberen Raupe und/oder unterhalb eines unteren Trums der unteren Raupe angeordnet sein, so dass ein Kühlmedium, vorzugsweise Wasser unter Druck, durch die Kühldüsen unmittelbar auf eine Oberfläche der Kühlblöcke ausgebracht bzw. gespritzt wird. Ergänzend und/oder alternativ kann zumindest eine Kühleinrichtung in einem Zwischenraum, der zwischen den Trums der oberen bzw. unteren Raupe angeordnet bzw. aufgenommen sein, wobei dann ein Kühlmedium, vorzugsweise Wasser unter Druck, durch die Kühldüsen auf eine Rückseite der Kühlblöcke gespritzt wird.In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the cooling device with its cooling nozzles is arranged in such a way that a cooling medium applied through the cooling nozzles acts directly on the cooling blocks. This is possible both for the cooling blocks of the top bead and / or the bottom bead. For example, a cooling device can be arranged above an upper run of the upper caterpillar and / or below a lower run of the lower caterpillar, so that a cooling medium, preferably water under pressure, is applied or sprayed directly through the cooling nozzles onto a surface of the cooling blocks. In addition and / or alternatively, at least one cooling device can be arranged or accommodated in an intermediate space which is arranged or received between the runs of the upper or lower bead, in which case a cooling medium, preferably water under pressure, is sprayed through the cooling nozzles onto a rear side of the cooling blocks.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Kühleinrichtung mit ihren zugehörigen Kühlzonen mehrteilig ausgebildet ist. Durch diese Mehrteiligkeit der Kühlzonen ist vorteilhaft eine Anpassung an die Kühlblöcke möglich, die bestimmungsgemäß zu kühlen sind.In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the cooling device with its associated cooling zones is designed in several parts. This multi-part design of the cooling zones advantageously allows adaptation to the cooling blocks which are intended to be cooled.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann eine Steuerungseinrichtung vorgesehen sein, mittels der die einzelnen Kühldüsen in den jeweiligen Kühlzonen angesteuert werden können. In einem Speicher dieser Steuerungseinrichtung ist ein vorbestimmtes Kühlmodell hinterlegt bzw. abgespeichert, wobei auf Grundlage dieses Kühlmodells eine Ansteuerung der Düsen erfolgt. In dieser Weise wird eine Temperaturführung des Gießguts innerhalb der Gießform automatisch beeinflusst, wodurch sowohl die Produktqualität als auch die Wirtschaftlichkeit optimiert werden. Insbesondere erübrigt sich durch eine solche automatische Temperaturführung die Notwendigkeit einer manuellen Einstellung z.B. per Handrad, wie dies bei herkömmlichen Raupengießmaschinen noch erforderlich ist.In an advantageous development of the invention, a control device can be provided, by means of which the individual cooling nozzles in the respective cooling zones can be controlled. There is a in a memory of this control device predefined cooling model is stored or stored, the nozzles being controlled on the basis of this cooling model. In this way, a temperature control of the casting material within the casting mold is automatically influenced, which optimizes both the product quality and the economy. In particular, such an automatic temperature control eliminates the need for manual adjustment, for example using a handwheel, as is still required in conventional caterpillar casting machines.

Eine präzise Anpassung an zumindest einen vorbestimmten Prozessparameter, insbesondere den Metalltyp, eine vorbestimmte Metalllegierung, die Gießbreite, Gießgeschwindigkeit oder das Gießprofil lässt sich nach einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung auch dadurch erreichen, dass in Teilbereichen der Kühleinrichtung jede Kühldüse einzeln angesteuert wird. Dies kann mittels der vorstehend genannten Steuerungseinrichtung realisiert werden.According to an advantageous development of the invention, a precise adaptation to at least one predetermined process parameter, in particular the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, casting speed or the casting profile, can also be achieved by controlling each cooling nozzle individually in partial areas of the cooling device. This can be achieved by means of the control device mentioned above.

Fig. 5 zeigt eine Seitenansicht von zwei Führungsschienen 12, mit denen zwei gegenüberliegend angeordnete endlose horizontale Umlaufbahnen U für die Raupengießmaschine 10 gebildet werden. Hierbei sind entlang jeder Führungsschiene 12 jeweils eine Mehrzahl von Tragelementen 14 mit daran angebrachten Kühlblöcken 16 geführt, derart, dass sich eine durchgehende Kette von Tragelementen 14 bildet, die in einer Transportrichtung T entlang der Führungsschienen 16 bewegt bzw. transportiert wird. Zur Veranschaulichung der Funktionsweise der vorliegenden Erfindung sind in der Fig. 5 an den beiden Führungsschienen 12 jeweils nur zwei Tragelemente 14 mit daran angebrachten Kühlblöcken 16 gezeigt. Fig. 5 shows a side view of two guide rails 12, with which two oppositely arranged endless horizontal orbits U are formed for the caterpillar 10. A plurality of support elements 14 with cooling blocks 16 attached to them are guided along each guide rail 12 in such a way that a continuous chain of support elements 14 is formed which is moved or transported in a transport direction T along the guide rails 16. To illustrate the operation of the present invention are in the Fig. 5 only two support elements 14 with cooling blocks 16 attached to each are shown on the two guide rails 12.

Fig. 5 verdeutlicht, dass zwischen den Kühlblöcken 16, die in den geraden Abschnitten der durch die Führungsschienen 12 gebildeten Umlaufbahnen U in Gegenüberstellung gelangen, eine Gießform 18 ausgebildet wird. In Anbetracht der Transportrichtung T der Tragelemente 14 entlang der Führungsschienen 12 handelt es sich bei dieser Gießform 15 um eine sich in der Transportrichtung T bewegende Gießform. Fig. 5 illustrates that a casting mold 18 is formed between the cooling blocks 16, which come into opposition in the straight sections of the orbits U formed by the guide rails 12. In view of the transport direction T of the support elements 14 along the guide rails 12, this casting mold 15 is a casting mold moving in the transport direction T.

Fig. 6 zeigt eine vereinfachte Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Raupengießmaschine 10. Die Raupengießmaschine 10 weist eine obere Raupe 10.1 und eine untere Raupe 10.2 auf, die - wie vorstehend bereits erläutert - jeweils aus einer Mehrzahl von Tragelementen 14 und daran befestigten Kühlblöcken 16 gebildet sind, die entlang der durch die Führungsschienen 14 gebildeten Umlaufbahnen U in der Transportrichtung T bewegt werden. Der Antrieb der Raupen 10.1, 10.2 erfolgt jeweils über Antriebsräder 13, die eine Bewegung der Tragelemente 14 und der daran befestigten Kühlblöcke 16 um die Umlaufbahnen U sicherstellen. Mittels einer Gießdüse 19, die länglich ausgebildet ist und mit ihrem Auslauf in die Gießform 18 hineinragt, wird flüssiges Metall (z.B. Aluminium, oder eine Aluminium-Legierung) in die bewegte Gießform 18 hinein vergossen. Durch Erstarren des Metalls innerhalb der Gießform 18 wird ein Gießgut 11 erzeugt, das - im rechten Bildbereich von Fig. 6 angedeutet - stromabwärts der Raupen 10.1, 10.2 aus dem Gießspalt 18 austritt und dann einer (nicht gezeigten) Bearbeitung zugeführt wird. Fig. 6 shows a simplified side view of the caterpillar casting machine 10 according to the invention. The caterpillar casting machine 10 has an upper caterpillar 10.1 and a lower caterpillar 10.2, which - as already explained above - are each formed from a plurality of support elements 14 and cooling blocks 16 fastened thereon, which run along the through the guide rails 14 formed orbits U are moved in the transport direction T. The caterpillars 10.1, 10.2 are each driven via drive wheels 13, which ensure that the support elements 14 and the cooling blocks 16 attached to them move around the orbits U. Liquid metal (for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy) is poured into the moving casting mold 18 by means of a casting nozzle 19 which is elongated and protrudes with its outlet into the casting mold 18. By solidifying the metal within the mold 18, a cast material 11 is produced which - in the right-hand image area of Fig. 6 indicated - downstream of the caterpillars 10.1, 10.2 emerges from the casting gap 18 and is then fed to a processing (not shown).

Die Raupengießmaschine 10 umfasst zumindest eine Kühleinrichtung 20, mittels der z.B. die Kühlblöcke 16, die an den Tragelementen 14 befestigt sind und entlang der durch die Führungsschienen 14 ausgebildeten Umlaufbahnen U angrenzend zur Gießform 18 in der Transportrichtung T umlaufen, gekühlt werden können. Mittels geeigneter (nicht gezeigter) Halterungen sind Kühleinrichtungen 20 sowohl oberhalb des oberen Trums der oberen Raupe 10.1, als auch unterhalb des unteren Trums der unteren Raupe 10.2 angeordnet (vgl. Fig. 6). Durch diese Kühleinrichtungen 20 kann mit den zugehörigen Kühldüsen 23 z.B. Wasser unter Druck unmittelbar auf die Kühlblöcke 16 gespritzt werden, was in der Fig. 6 durch entsprechende Pfeile symbolisiert ist.The caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises at least one cooling device 20, by means of which, for example, the cooling blocks 16, which are fastened to the support elements 14 and run along the orbits U formed by the guide rails 14 adjacent to the casting mold 18 in the transport direction T, can be cooled. By means of suitable holders (not shown), cooling devices 20 are arranged both above the upper run of the upper caterpillar 10.1 and below the lower run of the lower caterpillar 10.2 (cf. Fig. 6 ). Through these cooling devices 20, for example, water can be sprayed directly onto the cooling blocks 16 with the associated cooling nozzles 23, which in the Fig. 6 is symbolized by corresponding arrows.

Die Kühleinrichtungen 20 sind in der Darstellung von Fig. 6 lediglich vereinfacht jeweils durch Rechtecke symbolisiert.The cooling devices 20 are shown in FIG Fig. 6 simply symbolized by rectangles.

Die Raupengießmaschine 10 umfasst eine Steuerungseinrichtung 26 (vgl. Fig. 6), mittels der die Kühldüsen 23 einer oder mehrerer Kühleinrichtung(en) 20 geeignet angesteuert werden können, um die resultierende Kühlleistung einzustellen. Zu diesem Zweck kann die Steuerungseinrichtung 26 signaltechnisch z.B. mit einer Pumpeinrichtung verbunden sein. Diese Steuerungseinrichtung ist in der Fig. 6 lediglich symbolisch in Form eines Rechtecks dargestellt.The caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises a control device 26 (cf. Fig. 6 ), by means of which the cooling nozzles 23 of one or more cooling device (s) 20 can be suitably controlled in order to adjust the resulting cooling capacity. For this purpose, the control device 26 can be connected to a pump device in terms of signal technology. This control device is in the Fig. 6 only represented symbolically in the form of a rectangle.

Über eine (nicht gezeigte) Rückführungseinrichtung ist für die Ausführungsform von Fig. 6 gewährleistet, dass das durch die Kühldüsen 23 ausgebrachte Kühlmedium, nachdem es von den Kühlblöcken 16 abgeprallt ist bzw. - bei Verwendung von Wasser - davon abgetropft ist, geeignet aufgefangen wird und in einen (nicht gezeigten) Wasserhaushalt der Raupengießmaschine 10 rückgeführt wird.A feedback device (not shown) for the embodiment of FIG Fig. 6 ensures that the cooling medium discharged through the cooling nozzles 23, after it has bounced off the cooling blocks 16 or has dripped from it when water is used, is appropriately collected and returned to a water balance (not shown) of the caterpillar casting machine 10.

Die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Kühleinrichtung 20 kann Teil der Raupengießmaschine 10 von Fig. 6 sein, wobei in der Fig. 1 die Transportrichtung T ebenfalls durch einen Pfeil symbolisiert ist. Die Kühleinrichtung 20 weist eine Mehrzahl von separaten Kühlzonen 22 auf. Innerhalb einer Kühlzone 22 sind drei Kühldüsen 23 (vereinfacht durch Kreise symbolisiert) nebeneinander angeordnet, wobei in der Darstellung von Fig. 1, im Bildbereich rechts oben, eine Kühlzone 22 zur Veranschaulichung einzeln herausgezogen gezeigt ist.In the Fig. 1 Cooling device 20 shown can be part of the caterpillar 10 of Fig. 6 be in the Fig. 1 the transport direction T is also symbolized by an arrow. The cooling device 20 has a plurality of separate cooling zones 22. Within a cooling zone 22 are three cooling nozzles 23 (simplified by circles symbolized) arranged side by side, whereby in the representation of Fig. 1 , in the image area at the top right, a cooling zone 22 is shown individually pulled out for illustration.

Die Kühlzonen 22 der Kühleinrichtung 20 sind in Form einer Matrix angeordnet. Im Einzelnen sind - in der Transportrichtung T gesehen - insgesamt vier Kühlzonen 22 (mit jeweils drei nebeneinander angeordneten Kühldüsen 23) vorgesehen. Über der Breite der Gießform 18, d.h. in einer Richtung quer zur Transportrichtung T, sind bei der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1 insgesamt acht Kühlzonen 22 vorgesehen. Diesbezüglich versteht sich, dass die besagte Matrix für die Kühleinrichtung 20 auch eine von der Darstellung in Fig. 1 abweichende Anzahl an Kühlzonen 22 bzw. Kühldüsen 23 aufweisen kann.The cooling zones 22 of the cooling device 20 are arranged in the form of a matrix. In detail - as seen in the transport direction T - a total of four cooling zones 22 (each with three cooling nozzles 23 arranged next to one another) are provided. The width of the mold 18, ie in a direction transverse to the transport direction T, are in the embodiment of Fig. 1 a total of eight cooling zones 22 are provided. In this regard, it is understood that the said matrix for the cooling device 20 is also one of the representation in FIG Fig. 1 may have a different number of cooling zones 22 or cooling nozzles 23.

Wie vorstehend an anderer Stelle bereits erläutert, kann für die Erfindung vorgesehen sein, dass aus den Kühldüsen 23 z.B. Wasser unter Druck auf die Kühlblöcke 16 gespritzt wird.As already explained elsewhere above, it can be provided for the invention that from the cooling nozzles 23 e.g. Water is sprayed onto the cooling blocks 16 under pressure.

In der Fig. 1 ist die Kühleinrichtung 20 in einer Ausgangsbetriebsposition gezeigt, in der alle der Kühldüsen 23 geöffnet sind. Ausgehend von dieser Ausgangsbetriebsposition ist es möglich, einige dieser Kühldüsen 23 durch eine Ansteuerung mittels der Steuerungseinrichtung 26 gezielt zu schließen, was zu einer entsprechend reduzierten Kühlleistung führt und nachstehend unter Bezugnahme auf die Fig. 2 bis 4 erläutert ist.In the Fig. 1 the cooling device 20 is shown in an initial operating position in which all of the cooling nozzles 23 are open. Starting from this starting operating position, it is possible to selectively close some of these cooling nozzles 23 by actuation by means of the control device 26, which leads to a correspondingly reduced cooling capacity and below with reference to FIG 2 to 4 is explained.

Die Darstellung von Fig. 2 veranschaulicht, dass hier Kühldüsen in einem Randbereich R der Gießform 18 geschlossen sind, was durch eine Schraffur dieser Kühldüsen symbolisiert und durch das Bezugszeichen "23z" bezeichnet ist. Die übrigen Kühldüsen, die weiterhin offen sind und aus denen somit ein Kühlmedium ausgebracht wird, sind in der Darstellung von Fig. 2 nicht schraffiert und mit dem Bezugszeichen "23a" versehen. Wie ersichtlich, sind bei der Betriebsposition gemäß Fig. 2 die Kühldüsen 23a in einem mittigen Bereich der Gießform 18 entlang der Transportrichtung T alle geöffnet.The representation of Fig. 2 illustrates that here cooling nozzles are closed in an edge region R of the casting mold 18, which is symbolized by hatching these cooling nozzles and is designated by the reference symbol “23z”. The remaining cooling nozzles, which are still open and from which a cooling medium is thus discharged, are shown in the illustration of Fig. 2 not hatched and provided with the reference symbol "23a". As can be seen, the operating position according to Fig. 2 the cooling nozzles 23a are all open in a central region of the casting mold 18 along the transport direction T.

Dadurch, dass in Randbereichen R der Gießform 18 zugehörige Kühldüsen 23 wie erläutert gezielt geöffnet oder geschlossen werden können, kann die Kühlung für das Gießgut 11 auf unterschiedliche Gießbreiten angepasst werden, wobei eine Energieeinsparung durch eine entsprechende Pumpenregelung erzielt wird. Beispielsweise wird für schmalere Gießbreiten, wenn wie erläutert Kühldüsen 23z in den Randbereichen R der Gießform 18 geschlossen sind, weniger Wasser über der Breite der Gießform 18 benötigt. Hierbei ist es auch möglich, eine Beeinflussung des Gießprofils durch gezieltes Schalten einzelner Kühlzonen (d.h. Öffnen oder Schließen von zugehörigen Kühldüsen 23) zu erreichen. Zur Beeinflussung des Gießprofils kann es aber auch notwendig sein, randseitige Zonen der Gießform 18 weniger oder gar nicht zu kühlen, um sogenannte "kalte Schultern" gezielt zu vermeiden.The fact that cooling nozzles 23 belonging to the casting mold 18 in the edge regions R can be selectively opened or closed, as explained, the cooling for the casting material 11 can be adapted to different casting widths, energy savings being achieved by a corresponding pump control. For example, for narrower casting widths, if, as explained, cooling nozzles 23z in the edge regions R of the casting mold 18 are closed, less water is required across the width of the casting mold 18. It is also possible to influence the casting profile by switching individual cooling zones (i.e. opening or closing associated cooling nozzles 23). In order to influence the casting profile, however, it may also be necessary to cool marginal zones of the casting mold 18 less or not at all in order to specifically avoid so-called "cold shoulders".

Die Fig. 3 veranschaulicht eine weitere mögliche Betriebsposition für die Kühleinrichtung 20. Hierbei sind die Kühldüsen in ausgewählten Kühlzonen 22 über der gesamten Breite der Gießform 18, d.h. quer zur Transportrichtung T, geschlossen, was durch eine Schraffur der zugehörigen Kreissymbole diese Kühldüsen symbolisiert und durch das Bezugszeichen "23z" angedeutet ist. In der Transportrichtung T gesehen werden somit durch eine Ansteuerung mittels der Steuerungseinrichtung 26 ausgewählte Kühldüsen 23z geschlossen, was in diesen Bereichen der Gießform 18 zu einer reduzierten Kühlleistung führt. Hierdurch kann die Temperatur des Gießgutes 11 und somit auch die Gießgeschwindigkeit gezielt beeinflusst werden. Anders ausgedrückt, kann durch eine solche "Querabschaltung" in Form eines Schließens von Kühldüsen 23z über der gesamten Breite der Gießform 18 quer zur Transportrichtung T der Temperaturverlauf in dem Gießgut 11 gezielt beeinflusst werden. Im Vergleich zu einer Änderung der Gießgeschwindigkeit kann durch eine solche Temperaturanpassung besser auf das Gießgut 11 bzw. das hieraus gebildete Band reagiert werden, wodurch z.B. Buckel oder Risse für das Gießgut 11 vermieden werden können.The Fig. 3 illustrates a further possible operating position for the cooling device 20. Here, the cooling nozzles in selected cooling zones 22 are closed over the entire width of the casting mold 18, ie transversely to the transport direction T, which symbolizes these cooling nozzles by hatching the associated circular symbols and by the reference symbol "23z "is indicated. Seen in the transport direction T, cooling nozzles 23z are thus closed by activation by means of the control device 26, which leads to a reduced cooling capacity in these areas of the casting mold 18. In this way, the temperature of the cast material 11 and thus also the casting speed can be influenced in a targeted manner. In other words, such a "transverse shutdown" in the form of closing cooling nozzles 23z across the entire width of the casting mold 18 transversely to the transport direction T can influence the temperature profile in the cast material 11 in a targeted manner. In comparison to a change in the casting speed, such a temperature adjustment allows a better reaction to the cast material 11 or the strip formed from it, as a result of which humps or cracks for the cast material 11 can be avoided.

Die in der Fig. 4 dargestellte Betriebsposition entspricht einer Kombination der Betriebspositionen von Fig. 2 und Fig. 3. Hierbei werden Kühldüsen 23z durch eine geeignete Ansteuerung mittels der Steuerungseinrichtung 26 sowohl über der Breite der Gießform 18 (d.h. quer zur Transportrichtung T) als auch entlang der Transportrichtung T geschlossen. Die verbleibenden offenen Kühldüsen sind in der Darstellung von Fig. 4 nicht schraffiert gezeigt und exemplarisch mit dem Bezugszeichen "23a" versehen.The in the Fig. 4 shown operating position corresponds to a combination of the operating positions of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 . Here, cooling nozzles 23z by a suitable control by means of the control device 26 both over the width of the casting mold 18 (ie transversely to the transport direction T) and along the transport direction T closed. The remaining open cooling nozzles are shown in the illustration of Fig. 4 not shown hatched and provided with the reference symbol "23a" as an example.

Durch die vorstehend erläuterte Ansteuerung der Kühlzonen 22, mit der ausgewählte Kühldüsen geöffnet (23a) oder geschlossen (23z) werden, kann in den zugeordneten Bereichen der Gießform 18 entlang der Transportrichtung T und/oder quer dazu eine gezielte Kühlleistung eingestellt werden.By controlling the cooling zones 22 explained above, with which selected cooling nozzles are opened (23a) or closed (23z), a targeted cooling capacity can be set in the assigned areas of the casting mold 18 along the transport direction T and / or transversely thereto.

Eine vorteilhafte Automatisierung des Herstellungsprozesses kann dadurch erreicht werden, dass in einem Speicher der Steuerungseinrichtung 26 ein Kühlmodell hinterlegt ist. Auf Grundlage dieses Modells kann die Temperaturführung und das Profil des erzeugten Gießguts 11 beeinflusst werden.An advantageous automation of the manufacturing process can be achieved by storing a cooling model in a memory of the control device 26. The temperature control and the profile of the cast material 11 produced can be influenced on the basis of this model.

BezugszeichenlisteReference list

1010th
RaupengießmaschineCaterpillar casting machine
10.110.1
obere Raupeupper caterpillar
10.210.2
untere Raupelower caterpillar
1111
GießgutCastings
1212th
FührungsschienenGuide rails
1313
Antriebsraddrive wheel
1414
TragelementSupport element
1616
KühlblockCooling block
1818th
GießformMold
1919th
GießdüsePouring nozzle
2020
KühleinrichtungCooling device
2222
KühlzoneCooling zone
2323
KühldüsenCooling nozzles
23a23a
geöffnete Kühldüsenopened cooling nozzles
23z23z
geschlossene Kühldüsenclosed cooling nozzles
2424th
ZwischenraumSpace
2525th
ZwischenraumSpace
2626
SteuerungseinrichtungControl device
RR
RandbereichEdge area
TT
Transportrichtung/GießrichtungTransport direction / casting direction
UU
UmlaufbahnOrbit

Claims (9)

  1. Caterpillar casting machine (10) for producing a cast material (11) from liquid metal, comprising
    two guide rails (12) by which two oppositely arranged endless horizontal circulation tracks (U) are formed;
    a plurality of support elements (14), which, with cooling blocks (16) mounted thereon, are each so guided on the guide rails (12) that a continuous chain of support elements (14) moved in a transport direction (T) along the circulation tracks (U) is formed, wherein a moving casting mould (18) for the cast material (11) is constructed between the cooling blocks (16) which come into juxtaposition in straight sections of the circulation tracks (U) of the guide rails (12), and
    a cooling device (20),
    characterised in that
    the cooling device (20) has separate cooling zones (22) each with at least one cooling nozzle (23), wherein the cooling zones (22) are individually activatable along the transport direction (T) and/or transversely to the transport direction (T) so as to set an opening or closing of the cooling nozzles (23), wherein cooling for the cooling blocks (16) is adaptable to a predetermined casting width in that cooling zones (22) with the cooling nozzles (23) thereof are activated in an edge region (R) transversely to the transport direction (T) and/or wherein cooling for the cooling blocks (16) is adaptable to at least one predetermined process parameter formed by the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, the casting speed or the casting profile in that cooling zones (22) with the cooling nozzles (23) thereof are activated along the transport direction (T).
  2. Caterpillar casting machine (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the cooling zones (22) of the cooling device (20) are so arranged that a cooling medium issued by the cooling nozzles (23) acts on the cooling blocks (16).
  3. Caterpillar casting machine (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that the cooling nozzles (23) of the separate cooling zones (22) are directed onto the cooling blocks (16) of an upper caterpillar (10.1).
  4. Caterpillar casting machine (10) according to claim 3, characterised in that at least one cooling device (20) is arranged above an upper run of the upper caterpillar (10.2), wherein a cooling medium can be issued by the cooling nozzles (23) from above onto the cooling blocks (16).
  5. Caterpillar casting machine (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the cooling nozzles (23) are directed onto the cooling blocks (16) of a lower caterpillar (10.2).
  6. Caterpillar casting machine (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one cooling device (20) is arranged below a lower run of the lower caterpillar (10.2), wherein a cooling medium can be issued by the cooling nozzles (23) from below onto the cooling blocks (16).
  7. Caterpillar casting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a control device (26) by means of which the individual cooling nozzles (23) in the respective cooling zones (22) are activatable, wherein the control device (26) comprises a memory in which a predetermined cooling model is stored and wherein activation of cooling nozzles (23) is carried out on the basis of this cooling model.
  8. Method of producing cast material (11) of liquid metal, in which the liquid metal is cast in a moving casting mould (18), which is formed between cooling blocks (16) which are mounted on support elements (14) moved along two respective oppositely arranged endless circulation tracks (U) in a transport direction (T),
    characterised in that
    a cooling device (20) with separate cooling zones (22) and at least one respective cooling nozzle (23) therein is provided along the transport direction (T) and/or transversely to the transport direction (T), each cooling nozzle being individually activated in order to thereby open or close at least one cooling nozzle (23), wherein the cooling zones (22) are activated in an edge region (R) transversely to the transport direction (T) so as to adapt cooling for the cooling blocks (16) to a predetermined casting width and/or wherein the cooling zones (22) with the cooling nozzles (22) thereof along the transport direction (T) are activated in order to adapt cooling to a predetermined process parameter formed by the metal type, a predetermined metal alloy, the casting width, the casting speed or the casting profile.
  9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that a control device (26) is provided, by means of which the individual cooling nozzles (23) in the respective cooling zones (22) are activated, wherein the control device (26) comprises a memory in which a predetermined cooling model is stored, and wherein activation of the cooling nozzles (23) and thus temperature management of the cast material (11) within the casting mould (18) is automatically influenced on the basis of this cooling model.
EP17816504.9A 2016-11-29 2017-11-24 Caterpillar casting machine and method for producing a cast material from liquid metal Active EP3548205B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016223717 2016-11-29
PCT/EP2017/080403 WO2018099829A1 (en) 2016-11-29 2017-11-24 Caterpillar casting machine and method for producing a cast material from liquid metal

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EP3548205A1 EP3548205A1 (en) 2019-10-09
EP3548205B1 true EP3548205B1 (en) 2020-07-22

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EP17816504.9A Active EP3548205B1 (en) 2016-11-29 2017-11-24 Caterpillar casting machine and method for producing a cast material from liquid metal

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US (2) US11040393B2 (en)
EP (2) EP3548201B1 (en)
JP (2) JP6800335B2 (en)
CN (2) CN110023007A (en)
DE (2) DE102017221090A1 (en)
WO (2) WO2018099823A1 (en)

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WO2021231124A1 (en) * 2020-05-13 2021-11-18 Corning Incorporated Glass molding apparatus including adjustable cooling nozzles and methods of using the same
CN113118404B (en) * 2021-04-19 2022-03-01 燕山大学 A horizontal continuous casting machine

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Publication number Publication date
WO2018099829A1 (en) 2018-06-07
EP3548201B1 (en) 2020-05-27
DE102017221090A1 (en) 2018-05-30
EP3548201A1 (en) 2019-10-09
US20190381560A1 (en) 2019-12-19
JP2019535530A (en) 2019-12-12
US11040393B2 (en) 2021-06-22
WO2018099823A1 (en) 2018-06-07
CN109996623A (en) 2019-07-09
US10758970B2 (en) 2020-09-01
JP2019535529A (en) 2019-12-12
US20210114087A1 (en) 2021-04-22
CN109996623B (en) 2021-07-30
DE102017221095A1 (en) 2018-05-30
JP6867488B2 (en) 2021-04-28
EP3548205A1 (en) 2019-10-09
CN110023007A (en) 2019-07-16
JP6800335B2 (en) 2020-12-16

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