EP3212352B1 - Strand guiding system and method for the configuration of such a strand guiding system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for configuring a strand guiding system of a continuous casting machine and to a strand guiding system having a plurality of strand guiding segments.

In the continuous casting of metals, a metallic melt is supplied to a cooled mold, brought to solidification in this at least in the edge zone and usually continuously - already supplied in the form of a strand - from the mold to the mold downstream strand guiding system of the continuous casting machine and conveyed therethrough.

Through the strand guiding system, the strand is guided, supported and further cooled. For this purpose, the strand guiding system usually has a plurality of strand guide segments arranged one behind the other along the strand conveying direction. Usually, these strand guide segments are individually disassembled or exchangeable.

The strand guide segments usually each have a plurality of strand guide rollers, between which the strand is guided. At least some of these strand guide rollers are usually - depending on the type of strand guide segment - to several or individually controlled by a control or regulating device or regulated against the strand adjustable.

In particular, for maintenance or for repair, it is customary that a strand guide segment is removed from the strand guide system and replaced for example by another strand guide segment.

In addition to a mechanical disassembly or assembly of the strand guide segment, this can in particular be configured - in the broadest sense a device, an adaptation of operating parameters - The strand guiding system, in particular a configuration of the control or regulating device of the strand guiding system, make necessary.

From the EP 1 807 230 B1 For example, a strand guiding system having a plurality of successive strand guiding segments for a continuous casting machine is known. For the configuration of the strand guidance system or for its configuration, the aforementioned document is silent.

It is an object of the invention to enable an advantageous configuration of a strand guiding system.

This object is achieved with a method for configuring a strand guiding system and a strand guiding system of the type mentioned in each case.

In the method, the strand guiding system has a plurality of strand guiding segments and control units, and each strand guiding segment is assigned a respective control unit.

Each control unit identifies its associated strand guide segment using segment-specific information that is coded by software and / or hardware.

Each control unit is essentially automatically configured, depending on the strand guide segment it identifies, by setting operating parameters and / or selecting computer readable program code.

In this case, "assigned" or "assigned" can be understood to mean any production of a direct or indirect signal or information technology connection between a strand guide segment and a control unit. Each strand guide segment can each have a control unit and each control unit be assigned a strand guide segment, so that a unique assignment is achieved.

The respective strand guide segment can be controlled by its associated control unit with a control or control signal or with control or control signals (for example, as a set of control or regulating signals).

Thus, depending on the type of construction of the respective strand guiding segment, a plurality of strand guiding rolls or a single strand guiding roll of the respective strand guiding segment can be controlled or regulated against the strand. It is advantageous if an adjusting force and / or a setting position of the strand guide roller or strand guide rollers is controlled or regulated.

The control units can in each case have a plurality of control elements, in particular a plurality of so-called axis controllers, wherein each control element can be assigned an individually engageable strand-guiding roller of the strand-guiding segment assigned to the control unit.

For the purposes of the present invention, a control unit can identify a strand guide segment if it identifies or identifies the strand guide segment-in particular its construction type-on the basis of a technical feature, a property, an information technology signal, segment-specific information, an identifier or the like.

A configuration may refer to a particular adaptation of computer-readable program codes of a computer to an existing system and / or given operational constraints, as well as the system itself in its composition and / or setup. In addition to installation and / or initial setting, the term may also include selectable presets or a selection of operating parameters.
In particular, setting, setting, loading or the like of operating parameters, a selection of operating parameters from a set of pre-set available operating parameters, a selection of computer readable program code or software, a selection of parameters of computer readable program code or software, or the like.

The strand guidance system comprises a plurality of strand guide segments for guiding a metallic strand, which strand guide segments each have a software engineering and / or a hardware coding for their identification, and a plurality of control units, each strand guide segment each one of the control units for controlling the strand guide segment with a control or regulating signal or is associated with control or regulating signals (for example, as a set of control or regulating signals), the control units are prepared for identifying their respective strand management segment using the software and / or hardware coding of the respective strand guide segment and each having a configuration by setting of operating parameters and / or selection of computer readable program code substantially automatically depending on the identified strand guide segment is assbar.

A software-technical coding can be understood to mean a unique data-or signal-based identifier of the strand-guiding segment-in particular designating at least the type of construction of the strand-guiding segment. This software-technical identifier can be read out, for example, from a data memory, which can be arranged in particular on the strand guide segment, and transmitted to the control unit.

A hardware-technical coding can be understood to mean an unambiguous identifier, which in particular identifies at least the type of construction of the strand guide segment, which is inherent in a mechanical element of the strand guiding element, in particular a property of this element. This hardware coding can, for example, by a be formed segment-specific, visually perceptible feature of the strand guide segment.

A first of the plurality of strand guide segments may be a strand guide segment having a plurality of individually engagable strand guide rollers arranged one behind the other in a strand conveying direction, wherein each of the individually engagable strand guide rollers may be separately controllable or controllable. The strand guide segment in the aforementioned form of expression may require a first made or adapted configuration of the control unit associated with it.

Another of the multiple strand guide segments may require a configuration made in a different manner to the control unit associated therewith.

A configuration may be understood to mean specifically set or set operating parameters, a loaded or executed computer readable program or software, specific set or set parameters of a computer readable program code or software, or the like.

Advantageously, the, in particular substantially identical, control units to a substantially uniform basic setting or a generic configuration, which in each case in a first and at least one other, different manner - depending on the control unit respectively associated strand guide segment - adaptable.

"Essentially automatically [...] configured / adaptable" may mean in the sense of the present invention that the configuration / adaptation takes place while avoiding manual interventions, in particular at least predominantly automatically, preferably completely automatically. For example, the configuration may be after a previous release treatment and / or Confirmation action by an operator of the strand guiding system, in particular on an operator interface of the strand guiding system, automatically - ie without further action by the operator - done.

In simple terms, the invention is based on the consideration that the strand guiding system, in particular the control units or the control or regulating device of the strand guide segments, after a maintenance or repair-related exchange of, in particular construction type different and thus to be driven differently, strand guide segments configured consuming - in the widest Senses - must be adjusted.

The invention creates by the allocation of one control unit to each strand guide segment and the modular structure achieved in this way a prerequisite for a cost-effective configuration of the strand guiding system.

By means of the control units equipped with a configuration that can be adapted in dependence on the identified strand guide segment, the invention allows, in particular, simplified maintenance and / or repair. After installation or removal or replacement of a strand guide segment, a costly and time-consuming manual replacement of the control unit associated with this strand guide segment can be avoided become.

In addition, the invention allows personnel expenses to be saved by essentially automatically configuring the string management system (s). Furthermore, such errors due to human error in the configuration of the strand guiding system can be avoided.

Preferred developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims. The further developments relate both to the method according to the invention, to the strand guiding system according to the invention and to the inventive method Strand guide segment.

The invention and the developments described can be implemented both in software and in hardware, for example using a special electrical circuit.

Furthermore, a realization of the invention or a further development described is possible by a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, which carries out the invention or the development.

The invention and / or any further development described can also be realized by a computer program product which has a storage medium on which a computer program is stored which carries out the invention and / or the development.

Information within the meaning of the present invention can then be segment-specific if the information permits unambiguous identification of at least the type of construction of a strand guide segment. The segment-specific information may be an identification number and / or a technical feature, a segment-specific property, an information technology signal or the like.

Advantageously, the segment-specific information is transmitted to the control unit via a communication channel established between the strand management segment and its associated control unit, for example a fieldbus connection, a LAN or WLAN connection or the like.

The term "software-coded" can be understood as meaning that the segment-specific information can be read or determined using a computer-readable program code, in particular on the strand guide segment, or stored. Advantageously, the software is technical Coding overwriting and / or erasable deposited, so that a particularly simple adaptation of the segment-specific information can be achieved.

By "hardware-coded" it can be understood that the segment-specific information is inherent in a mechanical element of the strand-guiding element, in particular the properties of the element. In this way, it is possible to avoid separate data storage media for storing the segment-specific information as a date and, consequently, any data errors.

According to a preferred development, the software-technical coding is formed by a datum which can be stored in a memory unit of the strand guide segment.

The memory unit is expediently a data storage unit, for example an RFID memory element (English: radio frequency identification), a RAM memory module (English: random access memory) or the like. RFID memory elements which are known per se have frequently been tried and tested in practice. By using an RFID memory element and a corresponding reading unit - which can capture the segment-specific information and transmit it via an information channel to the control unit - a non-contact identification of the strand guide segment can be achieved. RAM memory devices are available in various embodiments and specifications at low cost. In this way, the software-technically coded segment-specific information can be stored in a particularly cost-effective manner.

In the memory unit, in particular in the data storage unit, other information or data, such as in particular segment-specific data, such as geometry data, such as roll diameter, and / or data to Wegmesssystem, such as mechanical data can be stored or be. Using this information or data, the strand guide segment can be checked.

In an advantageous development, the hardware coding is formed by a segment-specific plug connection of the strand guide segment. Advantageously, the connector is a plug connection for information or signal technical connection of the strand guide segment with its associated control unit. The segment-specific connector may be a connector for connecting the strand guide segment to a bus network, a LAN network, a fiber optic network, or the like.

A plug-in connection may be segment-specific if it is associated with a specific type of strand-guiding segment and / or a specific strand-guiding segment. Advantageously, a strand guide segment in a first design having a coded in a first way connector, for example, a 4-pin connector, and have a strand guide segment in a further design coded in a further way connector, such as a 6-pin connector. Coded connectors are available in a variety of different embodiments. In this way, the hardware-technical coding can be formed particularly cost-effectively, since a plug connection for connecting the strand guide segment to the control unit assigned to it can anyway be necessary for the transmission of control or regulating signals.

Also, according to an advantageous embodiment, the control units can be designed to be logically and / or physically separate.

In an advantageous embodiment, substantially identical control units are assigned to construction-type different strand guide segments. As a result of the assignment of substantially identical control units-that is to say control units of the same construction type and / or with the same base configurations that can be adapted depending on the respectively identified strand guide segment-a high proportion of equal components can be achieved. In particular, a maintenance of the strand guiding system and a storage of Spare parts simplified and expenses saved.

It is advantageous if a main control unit assigned to the control units is configured essentially automatically as a function of the identified strand guide segments by setting operating parameters and / or by selecting a computer-readable program code. The main control unit may be one of the multiple control units or higher-level device, which is prepared for a control of the control units, for example, with a setpoint signal. It is advantageous if the segment-specific information of the identified strand guide segments are transmitted indirectly, for example, starting from the control units associated with the strand guide segments to the main control unit.

In addition, it is advantageous if an operator interface of the strand guiding system is configured essentially automatically as a function of the identified strand guiding segments.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a simulation model on which control or regulation of the strand guidance system is based is essentially automatically configured to determine control or regulation signals as a function of the identified strand guidance segments. The simulation model can be executed as computer-readable program code on a processor unit main control unit.

Advantageously, setpoint values for a control or regulation of the setting positions and / or setting forces of the engageable strand guide rollers are determined using the simulation model and transmitted to the control units. In a further step, in each case a control value for the setting position and / or setting force is determined by the control units using the respective transmitted setpoint, and. In a further step, the strand control segment assigned to the respective control unit is determined using the determined control value with a control loop. or control signal for influencing the pitch and / or contact force of the engageable strand guide roller driven.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the method for configuring the strand guiding system is used after disassembly and / or assembly of a strand guiding segment from or into the strand guiding system. In this way, set-up time can be reduced and costs saved. In particular, if Bauypverschiedene strand guide segments are exchanged against each other, which require a variety of control with control or regulating signals, the strand guiding system can be particularly advantageous because of this use of the method, as low cost, error-avoiding and time-saving.

In an advantageous embodiment, the strand guide segments each have a memory unit, in particular an RFID memory element and / or a RAM memory module, on which the software-technical coding can be stored.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the hardware-technical coding is formed by a mechanical element, in particular by a segment-specific plug connection.

In a further embodiment, the control units each have a plurality of control elements, each control element being associated with a strand guide roller of the strand control segment assigned to the respective control unit, which can be individually raised against the strand.

A control element can be realized in software and / or in hardware. The control element can be prepared to determine a manipulated variable or a control signal for influencing the controlled variable using a known control law, a desired value and an actual value of a controlled variable. The controlled variable can be a positioning position and / or be a contact force of a engageable strand guide roller.

Advantageously, in each case a control element of the control unit is in each case assigned to a strand-guiding roller of the strand guide segment assigned to the control unit, so that a particularly delicate and / or high-resolution control can be achieved. It is also conceivable and advantageous that a control element is assigned to several, for example two, strand guide rollers and is prepared for their control. In this way, the number of necessary control elements can be reduced and effort can be avoided.

A roller unit can be formed in each case from a strand guide roller that can be individually positioned on the strand, an adjusting device for adjusting this strand guide roller, for example a hydraulic cylinder. Advantageously, the roller units are prepared for disassembly from and / or assembly in the strand guide segment and to a single connection with the strand guide segment associated control unit.

Each reel unit is advantageously connected in each case via a data or signal connection with its associated control element. The individual data or signal connections of the roller units of a strand guide segment can be combined to form a sum connection. In this way, the strand guide segment can be wired inexpensively. The data or signal connection can be a fieldbus connection.

Advantageously, each reel unit has a memory unit on which a reel-unit-specific information can be stored, and / or a coded reel-unit-specific plug-in connection. In this way, a prerequisite for identifying the reel unit by the control unit can be achieved by simple means.

It is conceivable and advantageous that the control unit is prepared for identifying a reel unit of the strand guide segment assigned to it and has a configuration which is prepared for substantially automatic adaptation as a function of the identified reel unit. In this way, it is possible to reduce set-up time for assembling or disassembling a reel unit and to avoid any operator errors in the configuration of the control unit.

In a further development, the strand guiding system has a main control unit assigned to the control units, which is prepared for triggering the control units, each with a setpoint signal for forming control or regulating signals. Thus, it is possible to set-up time and reduce any operator error in the configuration of the main control unit to avoid. It is advantageous if the main control unit is connected to the control units via a network connection. In this way, a prerequisite for the connection of any peripheral devices is created in a simple manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, the main control unit for identifying the indirectly associated strand guide segments is prepared.

Advantageously, the main control unit has a configuration which is adaptable by setting operating parameters and / or by selecting a computer-readable program code substantially automatically in dependence on the identified strand guide segments.

In a preferred embodiment, the strand guiding system has an operator interface for operating the strand guiding system. In order to enable good accessibility for common maintenance and / or operation, it is advantageous if the user interface and the control units are arranged stationarily in close proximity to one another, for example in a common cabinet.

Advantageously, the operator interface has a configuration that is substantially automatically adaptable in dependence on the identified strand guide segments.

It is advantageous if the strand guiding system has a simulation model on which control or regulation of the strand guiding system is based for the purpose of determining control or regulating signals.

Advantageously, the simulation model has a configuration that is substantially automatically adaptable depending on the identified strand guide segments.

The previously given description of advantageous embodiments contains numerous features that are given in the individual subclaims partially summarized in several. However, these features may conveniently be considered individually and combined into meaningful further combinations.

In particular, these features can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the method according to the invention and / or strand guiding system and / or strand guiding segment according to the respective independent claim.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of embodiments, which will be described in connection with the drawings.

The embodiments serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combination of features specified therein, not even with respect to functional features.

However, the same features, which may, however, have slight differences, for example in an amount, in a dimension, a position and / or a function or the like, are identified by the same reference number and one or more reference letters. If the reference number alone is mentioned without a reference letter, then the corresponding components of all embodiments are addressed.

FIG 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Stranggießmaschine mit einem Strangführungssystem, aufweisend mehrere Strangführungssegmente,

FIG 2

eine schematische Illustration eines Abschnitts des Strangführungssystems aus FIG 1 mit Steuereinheiten und einer Hauptsteuereinheit

FIG 3

eine schematische Illustration eines weiteren Strangführungssystems mit Strangführungssegmenten, die verschiedenartig kodierte segmentspezifischen Informationen aufweisen,

FIG 4

eine schematische Illustration eines weiteren Strangführungssystems mit Steuereinheiten, die jeweils mehrere Regelelemente aufweisen,

FIG 5

zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Hydraulikeinrichtung zur Druckmittelversorgung eines Strangführungssegments aus FIG 4 und

FIG 6

zeigt eine detaillierte schematische Darstellung einer Hydraulikeinheit aus FIG 5.

Show it:

FIG. 1

1 is a schematic representation of a continuous casting machine with a strand guiding system, comprising a plurality of strand guiding segments,

FIG. 2

a schematic illustration of a portion of the strand guiding system FIG. 1 with control units and a main control unit

FIG. 3

a schematic illustration of another strand guide system with strand guide segments having variously coded segment-specific information,

FIG. 4

a schematic illustration of another strand guiding system with control units, each having a plurality of control elements,

FIG. 5

shows a schematic representation of a hydraulic device for pressure medium supply of a strand guide segment FIG. 4 and

FIG. 6

shows a detailed schematic representation of a hydraulic unit FIG. 5 ,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a continuous casting machine 2 for producing a metallic strand. The continuous casting machine 2 has a ladle turret 4, a mold 6 and a strand guide system 8 with a plurality of strand guide segments 10a to 101 on.

The continuous casting machine 2 is located in a hall, which is supported against a foundation via a hall frame with a plurality of steel beams 12. The continuous casting machine 2 is supported on a support structure 14.

To produce a metallic strand, the mold 6 is supplied with liquid steel via the ladle turret 4. In the mold 6, the liquid steel is solidified at least in one edge zone and fed continuously - already in a semi-solid strand form - from the mold 6 to the strand guiding system 8 of the continuous casting machine 2 and conveyed through it.

Through the strand guiding system 8, the strand is guided, supported and further cooled. For this purpose, the strand guiding system 8 comprises a plurality of strand guiding segments 10a to 101b.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a portion of the strand guiding system 8 from FIG. 1 , where in FIG. 2 only the strand guide segments 10g to 101 are shown.

The strand guide segments 10g, 10h and 10i are designed as so-called 4-axis segments, each with a plurality of strand guide rollers 16 which can be attached to the strand. The strand guide segments 10j, 10k and 10l are designed in a cassette construction with strand guide rollers 18 which can be individually set to the strand. Each of the strand guide segments 10j to 101 has in each case a plurality, more precisely seven, substantially identical roller units 20, which are arranged one after the other in cassettes in a strand longitudinal direction L.

Each of the strand guide segments 10g to 101 is each a control unit 22g to 221 for controlling the respective strand guide segment 10g to 101, each having a control or control signal 24g to 241 or control or regulating signals 24g to 241 assigned.

The control units 22 are connected via a field bus 26 with its associated strand guide segment 10g to 10l and realized substantially with identical hardware, i. identical.

The control units 22 are prepared for identifying the respectively associated strand guide segment 10 using a segment-specific coding - here in particular an identifier, which indicates the type of construction of the respective strand guide segment 10. In addition, the control units 22 each have a configuration 28 which is substantially automatically adaptable to various strand guide segments, more specifically different types of strand guide segments, for example, the control or technical specifications of 4-axis segments and / or segments in cassette construction.

Presently, the control units 22g to 22l each have a configuration 28g to 28l, which are adapted substantially automatically depending on the respectively identified strand guide segment 10g to 10l.

Among the configurations 28g to 28l, specific operating parameters of the control units 22g to 221 and specific computer-readable programs or software executed on the control units are to be understood in the present exemplary embodiment.

The configurations 28g, 28h and 28i of the control units 22g, 22h and 22i, respectively, are adapted to the type of segment, ie the type or type of control required by the type of strand guide segments 10g, 10h and 10i. On the other hand, the configurations 28j, 28k and 28l of the control units 22j, 22k and 22l, respectively, are adapted to the segment type, that is the type of construction, of the strand guide segments 10j, 10k and 10l, and are different from the configurations 28g to 28i.

As a result of the assignment of substantially identical control units 22 - ie control units of the same type of construction with configurations 28 which can be adapted as a function of the respectively identified strand guide segment 10 - in particular a high proportion of equal components within the strand guiding system 8 can be achieved.

The control units 22 are connected to a main control unit 32 via a network connection 30. The main control unit 32 is assigned to the control units 22 and prepared for their control, each with a setpoint signal 34g to 341 to form the control or regulating signals 24. In addition, the main control unit 32 has a configuration 36. The main control unit 32 is prepared to identify the strand guide segments 10 indirectly assigned to it. The configuration 36 is substantially automatically adaptable depending on the identified strand guide segments 10.

To configure the strand guide system 8, each control unit 22 identifies its associated strand guide segment 10 and each control unit 22 is essentially automatically configured depending on the strand guide segment 22 it identifies. That the respective operating parameters and software settings of the control units 22 are adapted in dependence on the respectively identified strand guide segment 10 such that the respective strand guide segment 10 can be controlled in a construction type-appropriate manner.

In the present embodiment, the identification is carried out by means of a respective segment-specific information which is transmitted via the field bus 26 from each strand guide segment 10 to the control unit 22 assigned to it in each case. This information is transmitted via the network connection 30 to the main control unit 32. The configuration 36 of the main control unit 32 becomes substantially automatic depending on this information the identified strand guide segments 10 adapted. The configuration 36 of the main control unit 32 may alternatively be adapted to the configurations 28g to 281 of the control units 22g to 221 - in this way the control units 22 may be driven and / or supplied with signals in a required manner - what an indirect adaptation the configuration 36 may correspond to the identified strand guide segments 10.

The descriptions of subsequent embodiments are generally limited to substantially the differences from the embodiments FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to which reference is made for characteristics and functions that remain the same. Substantially identical components are basically numbered with the same reference numerals, and features not mentioned are adopted in the following exemplary embodiments without being described again.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of another strand guiding system 8a with strand guide segments 10m to 10p, control units 22m to 22p and a main control unit 32a. The strand guide segments 10m to 10p are connected via a field bus 26a with their associated control units 22m to 22p information or data technology. The control units 22m to 22p are connected to the main control unit 32a via a network connection 30a.

The strand guide segments 10m to 10p each have a segment-specific information 38m to 38p for their identification by their associated control unit 22 and the main control unit 32a. The segment-specific information 38 is at least partially encoded in various ways.

The strand guide segments 10m and 10o each have a hardware coding 40, the strand guide segments 10n and 10p each have a software coding 42.

The hardware-related codings 40 are each by segment-specific connectors 44m and 44o formed. The segment-specific connectors 44m and 44o are connectors for connecting the strand guide segments 10m and 10o to the fieldbus 26a. The plug-in connections 44m and 44o are segment-specific in the sense that they are assigned to the respectively specific type of the strand guide segment 10m or 10o. In the present embodiment, the segment-specific connector 44m is a 4-pin, the connector 44o is a 6-pin connector.

The software-technical codes 42 are each formed by a date 46n or 46p in a memory unit 48n or 48p of the strand-guiding segment 10n or 10p.

The memory unit 48n is a RAM memory module 50 from which the segment-specific information 38n or the segment-specific data 46n is read-out and can be transmitted via the field bus 26a to the control unit 22n.

The memory unit 48p is an RFID memory element 52, from which the segment-specific information 38p can be read without contact using a reading unit 54 and can be transmitted via the field bus 26a to the control unit 22p.

The configuration of the strand-guiding system 8a takes place as a function of the segment-specific information 38m to 38p as follows:
The strand guide segment 10m is or is connected by means of the segment-specific connector 44m via the field bus 26a with its associated control unit 22m. The control unit 22m identifies the type of the strand guide segment 10m based on the segment-specific connector 44m used and is configured in accordance with the strand guide segment 10m or its type of construction so as to load a configuration 28m adapted to the type of the strand guide segment 10m.

In addition, the strand guiding segment 10o is or will be connected via the field bus 26a to the control unit 22o assigned to it by means of the segment-specific plug-in connection 44o-which is structurally different from the plug-in connection 44m. The control unit 22o identifies the construction type of the strand guide segment 10o-which differs from that of the strand guide segment 10m-based on the segment-specific connector 44o used and is configured in accordance with the strand guide segment 10o or its construction type such that a configuration adapted to the type of strand guide segment 10m 28o is loaded or established.

Furthermore, the segment specific datum 46n is retrieved from the storage unit 48n, i. the RAM memory module 50, the strand guide segment 10n and transmitted via the field bus 26a to the control unit 22n. The control unit 22n identifies the strand guide segment 10n or its type using the date 46n and is configured in accordance with the strand guide segment 10n or its type of construction such that a configuration 28n adapted to the type of the strand guide segment 10n is loaded.

Further, the segment specific datum 46p is retrieved from the storage unit 48p, i. the RFID memory element 52, the strand guide segment 10p read using the reading unit 54 and transmitted via the field bus 26a to the control unit 22p. The control unit 22p identifies the strand guide segment 10p or its construction type using the datum 46p and is configured in dependence on the strand guide segment 10p or its construction type such that a configuration 28p adapted to the type of the strand guide segment 10n is loaded or established.

The segment-specific information 38m to 38p is transmitted to the main control unit 32a. The main control unit 32a has an operator interface 56, which has a configuration 58 - in the form of a graphical user interface for illustrating operating data of the strand guiding system 8a and the assembled strand guiding segments 10 - prepared for adaptation to various strand guiding segments and adapted to the strand guiding segments 10m - 10p using the segment specific information 38m - 38p.

In addition, on the main control unit 32a or on a processor unit of the main control unit 32a, which is not shown for reasons of simplicity, a computer-assisted simulation model 60 underlying the control or regulation of the strand guiding system 8a, in particular for calculating set values for setting positions and / or setting forces of the strand guiding rollers 16, 20 (FIG. please refer FIG. 1 ). The simulation model has a configuration 62 - in the form of model variables and / or simulation parameters - which is prepared for adaptation to various strand guide segments and adapted to the strand guide segments 10m to 10p using the segment specific information 38m to 38p.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of another strand guiding system 8b with control units 22q and 22r, which are associated with the strand guide segments 10q and the strand guide segment 10r and each have a plurality of control elements 64.

Each of the control elements 64a to 64g is assigned in each case at least one strand guide rollers 16 or 18, which can be raised against the strand, of the strand guide segment 10q or 10r assigned to the respective control unit 22q or 22r.

The control elements 64 are implemented in software in the present embodiment - and in the present case in each case a component of the configurations 28q and 28r of the control devices 22q and 22r.

The control elements 64 are prepared to use a known control law, a target value and a Actual value of a controlled variable to determine a manipulated variable or a control signal to influence the controlled variable. The controlled variable here is in each case a setting position and / or a setting force of one or more of the engageable strand guide rollers 16 or 18 of the strand guide segments 10q and 10r.

Each of the control elements 64a to 64e of the control unit 22r is at least one of the roller units 20 (see also FIG FIG. 1 ) of the strand guide segment 10r - and thus at least one of the individually engagable strand guide rollers 18 - assigned.

More specifically, the regulating member 64a of the reel unit 20a, the regulating member 64b of the reel unit 20b, the regulating member 64c of the reel unit 20c, the regulating member 64d of the reel unit 20d, and the regulating member 64e are associated with the reel unit 20e so that each one regulating member is assigned to exactly one reeling unit. In addition, the control element 64e of the reel unit 20f and the reel unit 20g - that is, two of the reel units 20 - assigned.

The roller units 20a to 20g are each formed of a strand guide roller 18 which can be individually positioned on the strand and an adjusting device for adjusting this strand guide roller. The roller units 20a to 20g are prepared for individual disassembly from and / or assembly in the strand guide segment 10r and individual connected to the strand guide segment 10r associated control unit 22r, wherein the connection is made in the present case via a composite of several connecting cables total cable 68.

The control element 64f is associated with a roller device 66a and the control element 64g with a roller device 66b of the strand guide segment 10q. The roller devices 66a and 66b are each formed of an adjusting device and a plurality of strand guide rollers which can be arranged on the strand.

For configuring the thread management system 8b, each of the control units 22q and 22r identifies its respectively assigned strand guide segment 10q and 10r using the segment specific information 38r and 38r respectively (see FIG FIG. 2 ). The control units 22q and 22r are each configured essentially automatically such that a necessary number of the software-based control elements 64 are determined according to the type of construction of the identified strand guide segment 10q or 10r and the control elements are assigned to the construction type.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a hydraulic device 100 for pressure medium supply of the strand guide segment 10r FIG. 4 wherein the hydraulic device 100 is prepared to supply the individual roller units 20a to 20g of the strand guide segment 10r.

The hydraulic device 100 has a first supply device 102, which is assigned to the roller units 20a to 20f and indirectly connected thereto, and a second supply device 104, which is associated with the roller unit 20g and indirectly connected thereto.

In addition, the hydraulic device 100 has a first pressure medium supply line 106, which is connected to the first supply line device 102, a second pressure medium supply line 108, which is connected to the second supply line 104, and a pressure medium discharge line 110.

The first supply line 102 has - starting from the first pressure medium supply line 106 - a check valve 112a, an electromagnetically controllable 3/2-way valve 114a, a hose rupture device 116a, a pressure gauge 118a and a check valve 120a and is connected to a roller units 20a to 20f common pressure medium line 122a connected.

The second supply line 104 has - starting from the second pressure medium supply line 108 - a shut-off valve 112b, an electromagnetically controllable 3/2-way valve 114b, a hose rupture device 116b, a pressure gauge 118b and a check valve 120b and is connected to a pressure medium line 122b of the reel unit 20g.

The pressure medium lines 122a and 122b each have a pressure measuring device 124a or 124b.

The pressure medium discharge line 110 is connected to a tank discharge line 126 common to the roller units 20a to 20g and has a throttle valve 128 and a check valve 120c.

The individually engageable strand guide rollers 18a to 18g of the roller units 20a to 20g can each be adjusted by means of two double-acting hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab to 130ga and 130gb, the pressure medium supply and control of which is effected in each case via a hydraulic unit 132a to 132g.

The hydraulic units 132a to 132f are connected to the pressure medium line 122a and the hydraulic unit 132g is connected to the pressure medium line 122b, wherein all hydraulic units 132a to 132g are connected to the common tank line 126.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed schematic representation of the hydraulic unit 132a. Out FIG. 6 shows how the hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab of the individually engageable strand guide roller 18a by means of the hydraulic unit 132a, in particular in conjunction with the control unit 22r (see FIG. 4 ) are controllable.

The hydraulic unit 132a is embodied as part of the reel unit 20a and is mounted, for example, directly on or on a frame of the reel unit 20a.

The hydraulic unit 132a has a first supply unit 134 connected to the hydraulic cylinder 130aa for driving thereof, and a second supply unit 136 connected to the hydraulic cylinder 130ab for driving the same.

The supply units 132 and 134 are indirectly connected to the pressure medium line 122a for supplying pressure medium via the hydraulic device 100 (see FIG. 5 ) and connected directly to the tank line 126 for the discharge of pressure medium.

The supply line units 132 and 134 are preceded by a pressure control unit 138 in the direction of the pressure medium line 122a.

The pressure regulating unit 138 is connected directly to the pressure medium line 122a and has a pressure regulating valve 140, a 3/2-way valve 114c and a pressure measuring device 124c

The supply unit 132 has a 4/3-way valve 142a with floating position. In the supply direction, leading to the hydraulic cylinder 130aa, the supply unit 132 the 4/3-way valve 142a downstream of a shuttle valve 144a, two controllable check valves 146a and 146b, two orifice valves 148a and 148b, an adjustable pressure relief valve 150a, two pressure measuring means 124d and 124e, a pressure relief valve 152a and an orifice check valve 154a.

The supply unit 134 has a 4/3-way valve 142b with floating position. In the supply direction, leading to the hydraulic cylinder 130ab, the supply unit 134 downstream of the 4/3-way valve 142b has a shuttle valve 144b, two controllable check valves 146c and 146d, two orifice valves 148c and 148d, an adjustable pressure relief valve 150b, two pressure gauges 124f and 124g Pressure relief valve 152b and a shutter check valve 154b.

In addition, the reel unit 20a has two path measuring devices 156a and 156b each associated with one of the hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab and prepared to detect a pitch of the engageable strand guide roller 18a.

A control of a setting position of the strand guide roller 18a is carried out in particular by using the hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab associated 4/3-way valves 142a and 142b and the Wegmesseinrichtungen 156a and 156b. By a corresponding control of the 4/3-way valves 142a and 142b by the control unit 22r (see FIG. 4 ) with a control signal, the 4/3-way valves 142a and 142b are moved from a central position and a roller gap between the strand and the strand guide roller 18a is opened or closed.

More specifically, the 4/3-way valves 142a and 142b are replaced by the control member 64a associated with the reel unit 20a (see FIG FIG. 4 ), which may be a 3-point controller or a higher-order controller, is driven, and the strand guide roller 18a is controlled to a target pitching position or a target pitching force. The position control can be done independently of a contact force of the strand guide roller 18a. A minimum and / or a maximum setting force can be ensured by the hydraulic unit 132a, the hydraulic device 100 and / or by a corresponding configuration of the control unit 22r.

Furthermore, by determining a respective pressure in each of the two chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab by means of the pressure measuring devices 124d and 124e or 124f and 124g, an adjusting force of the strand guiding roller 18a can be determined.

The center position of the 4/3-way valves 142a and 142b is held by the check valves 146a to 146d. A travel speed of the strand guide roller 18a or the hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab is limited by the shutter valves 148a to 148d.

A control of a contact force of the strand guide roller 18a takes place in particular by using the 4/3-way valves 142a and 142b upstream pressure control valve 140 and the pressure measuring device 124c, wherein the controllable check valves 146a to 146d - also: holding valves - are controlled via the shuttle valves 144a and 144b , The control of the contact force can be done independently of the Anstellposition the strand guide roller 18a. Furthermore, a minimum and / or a maximum setting position of the strand guide roller 18a are secured, whereby unacceptable deviations between the hydraulic cylinders 130aa and 130ab and / or the roller units 20a to 20g of the strand guide segment 10r are avoided.

Furthermore, a regulation of the setting position of the strand guide roller 18a can be effected indirectly or implicitly by regulating the setting force of the strand guide roller 18a. In this case, the adjusting force is increased or reduced as a function of a deviation from a desired value of the setting position, which can be determined by means of the distance measuring devices 156a and 156b. This dependence and thus rigidity can be freely selectable within fixed limits, in particular by means of a corresponding configuration of the control unit 22r.

In addition, the contact force of the strand guide roller 18a can be controlled indirectly or implicitly by regulating the setting position, wherein the setting position is controlled such that an average contact force substantially corresponds to a predetermined desired value of the contact force.

Preferably, in a solidified area of the strand, so for example in the strand guide segments 10j to 101 of the strand guiding system 8 (see FIG. 1 ), The adjusting forces of individually engageable strand guide rollers 18 of the roller units 20 regulated.

Moreover, it is advantageous if in a partially solidified region of the strand, that is, for example, in the region of the strand guide segments 10a to 10i of the strand guiding system 8 (see FIG. 1 ), the setting positions of the strand guide rollers 16 or 18 of the strand guide segments or the roller units are regulated.

In the event of a signal failure, for example due to a malfunction of the control unit 22r, the pressure regulating valve 140 balances an outlet pressure and a supply pressure of a pressure medium. In the event of a malfunction of the displacement measuring devices 156a or 156b, the hydraulic cylinders 130aa or 130ab can be held in a position by controlling the 4/3-way valves 142a or 142b via the check valves 146a to 146d. In the event of a malfunction, for example the 4/3-way valves 142a and / or 142b, the strand guide roller 18a can be held in position by controlling the 3/2-way valves 114c via the check valves 146a to 146d.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

continuous casting

4

Ladle turret

6

mold

8, 8a, 8b

Strand guide system

10a - 10r

Strand guide segment

12

steel beams

14

support structure

16

Strand guide rolls

18, 18a - 18g

individually adjustable strand guide rollers

20, 20a - 20g

roller unit

22g - 22r

control unit

24g - 24l

Control signal, control signal

26, 26a

fieldbus

28g - 28p

configuration

30, 30a

Network Connection

32, 32a, 32b

Main control unit

34g - 341

Setpoint signal

36, 36b

configuration

38m - 38r

segment-specific information

40

hardware coding

42

Software coding

44m, 44o

Segment-specific plug-in connection

46n, 46p

segment-specific date

48n, 48p

storage unit

50

RAM memory module

52

RFID memory element

54

reader

56

Operator Interface

58

configuration

60

simulation model

62

configuration

64a - 64g

control element

66a, 66b

roller device

68

total cable

100

hydraulic device

102

A lead assembly

104

A lead assembly

106

Pressure fluid supply line

108

Pressure fluid supply line

110

Pressure fluid discharge

112a, 112b

shut-off valve

114a-144c

3/2-way valve

116a, 116b

Hose break safety device

118a, 118b

pressure monitor

120a - 120c

check valve

122a, 122b

Pressure medium line

124a - 124g

Pressure measuring device

126

tank line

128

throttle valve

130aa - 130gb

hydraulic cylinders

132a - 132g

hydraulic unit

134

supply unit

136

supply unit

138

Pressure control unit

140

Pressure control valve

142a, 142b

4/3-way valve

144a, 144b

shuttle valve

146a-146d

controllable non-return valve

148a - 148d

orifice valve

150a, 150b

adjustable pressure relief valve

152a, 152b

Pressure relief valve

154a, 154b

Restrictor check valve

156a, 156b

displacement measuring system

L

Strand longitudinally

Claims (12)

1. Method for configuring a strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) of a continuous casting machine (2), wherein the strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) has a plurality of strand guiding segments (10g-r) and control units (22g-r), and respectively one control unit (22g-r) is assigned to each strand guiding segment (10g-r), in which

   - each control unit (22g-r) identifies the strand guiding segment (10g-r) assigned thereto by use of a segment-specific item of information (38m-r), which is software (42) and/or hardware (40) coded, and

   - each control unit (22g-r) is configured substantially automatically in dependence on the strand guiding segment identified by it (10g-r), by setting of operating parameters and/or by selection of a computer-readable program code.
2. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the software coding (42) is constituted by a data item (46n, 46p) that can be stored in a storage unit (48n, 48p, 50, 52) of the strand guiding segment (10n, 10p).
3. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the hardware coding (40) is constituted by a segment-specific plug connection (44m, 44o) of the strand guiding segment (10m, 10o).
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the control units (22g-r) are realized so as to be logically and/or physically separate, and/or control units (22g-r) that are substantially the same are assigned to strand guiding segments (10g-i, 10m-n, 10q; 10j-l, 10o-p, 10r) of differing structural types.
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that a main control unit (36, 36a, 36b) assigned to the control units (22g-r) is configured substantially automatically in dependence on the identified strand guiding segments (10g-r) by setting of operating parameters and/or by selection of a computer-readable program code.
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, used to configure the strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) after demounting and/or mounting of a strand guiding segment (10g-r) from or into the strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b).
7. Strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b), having a plurality of strand guiding segments (10g-r) for guiding a metallic strand, which strand guiding segments (10g-r) each have a software coding (42) and/or a hardware coding (40) for identification thereof, and a plurality of control units (22g-r), wherein

   - respectively one of the control units (22r-g) is assigned to each strand guiding segment (10g-r) for the purpose of controlling the strand guiding segment (10g-r) by means of an open-loop or closed-loop control signal (24g-l),

   - the control units (22g-r) are prepared for identification of the strand guiding segment (10g-r) respectively assigned thereto by use of the software coding and/or hardware coding (40, 42) of the respective strand guiding segment (lOg-r), and

   - each have a configuration (28g-r) that can be adapted substantially automatically, in dependence on the identified strand guiding segment (lOg-r), by setting of operating parameters and/or by selection of a computer-readable program code.
8. Strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) according to Claim 7,
   characterized in that the strand guiding segments (10n, 10p) each have a storage unit (48n, 48p), on which the software coding (42) can be stored.
9. Strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) according to Claim 7 or 8,
   characterized in that the hardware coding (40) is constituted by a mechanical element.
10. Strand guiding system (8b) according to any one of Claims 7 to 9,
    characterized in that the control units (22q, 22r) each have a plurality of closed-loop control elements (64a-g), wherein each closed-loop control element (64g-f) is respectively assigned to a strand guiding roller (16, 18) of the strand guiding segment (10q, 10r) assigned to the respective control unit (22q, 22r), which strand guiding roller can be set individually against the strand.
11. Strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) according to any one of Claims 7 to 10,
    which comprises a main control unit (32, 32a, 32b), which is assigned to the control units (22g-r) and which is prepared to control the control units (22g-r) by means of a respective setpoint value signal (34g-l) for forming open-loop or closed-loop control signals (24g-l), and which is connected to the control units (22g-r) via a network connection (30).
12. Strand guiding system (8, 8a, 8b) according to Claim 11,
    characterized in that

    - the main control unit (32, 32a, 32b) is prepared to identify the strand guiding segments (lOg-r) indirectly assigned thereto, and

    - has a configuration (36, 36b, 58, 62) that can be adapted substantially automatically, in dependence on the identified strand guiding segments (lOg-r), by setting of operating parameters and/or by selection of a computer-readable program code.

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