EP3548203B1 - Caterpillar casting method of casting a product from liquid metal - Google Patents

Caterpillar casting method of casting a product from liquid metal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3548203B1
EP3548203B1 EP17811506.9A EP17811506A EP3548203B1 EP 3548203 B1 EP3548203 B1 EP 3548203B1 EP 17811506 A EP17811506 A EP 17811506A EP 3548203 B1 EP3548203 B1 EP 3548203B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
caterpillar
casting
actuator
relative
control device
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EP17811506.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3548203A1 (en
Inventor
Sebastian BÖCKING
Guido Fick
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SMS Group GmbH
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SMS Group GmbH
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    • 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
    • B22D11/16—Controlling or regulating processes or operations
    • 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
    • B22D11/168—Controlling or regulating processes or operations for adjusting the mould size or mould taper

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • horizontal ingot casting machines are known, in particular for the production of aluminum alloys, which work in the manner of a rotating caterpillar casting machine.
  • a casting machine is, for example, off EP 1 704 005 B1 or WO 95/27145 known.
  • the cooling elements of the casting machine on the straight sections or runs of casting beads arranged opposite one another form the wall of a moving casting mold.
  • the casting beads each consist of a large number of endlessly interconnected cooling blocks that are transported along the orbits of the beads.
  • the cooling blocks are mounted on support elements that are placed on chains and are thus articulated like links in a chain.
  • this ingot casting machine comprises a spindle lifting device which is in operative connection with the four corner areas of the ingot casting machine.
  • measuring cells and dial gauges are installed when the spindle lifting device is used.
  • the disadvantage here is that the servomotors or actuators of the spindle lifting device are not synchronized, that defined positions for the casting beads cannot be repeatedly approached, that no active influence on the casting gap is possible, and that long set-up times are required to open the unit formed from the casting beads to set a new operating state.
  • a Another disadvantage is that a position of the casting beads relative to one another cannot be controlled exactly, with automation by means of a control / regulating concept likewise not being given.
  • the invention is based on the object of optimizing a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal with regard to the variability of the production process.
  • the present invention provides a method of making a cast 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 in a transport direction along two oppositely arranged endless horizontal circulating tracks.
  • the inclination of a unit formed from the upper and lower bead is set relative to the horizontal, in particular during casting, in that at least one actuator, which is operatively connected to the unit formed from the upper and lower bead, is controlled .
  • the inclination of either the upper or the lower caterpillar is changed in the direction of its longitudinal axis relative to the respective other caterpillar by at least one actuator, which is connected to a frame device, on one of which is an endless one for this caterpillar Orbit forming guide rail is attached, is operatively connected, is controlled.
  • the at least one actuator is controlled by a control device.
  • the transport direction in which the support elements with the cooling blocks attached to them are moved along the respective guide rails and the thereby formed orbits is synonymous with the casting direction in which the liquid metal enters the moving casting mold between the cooling blocks is formed in the straight sections of the opposite horizontal orbits, is potted.
  • the mentioned adjustment of the unit formed from the caterpillars or at least one caterpillar relative to the other caterpillar with regard to its inclination is achieved by controlling at least one actuator which is operatively connected to a frame device on which the guide rails assigned to the caterpillars are attached.
  • the at least one actuator is force-regulated by means of the control device as a function of at least one predetermined process variable, this process variable being a contact force of the upper bead with a lateral guide device.
  • the invention is based on the essential knowledge that by controlling the at least one actuator a reproducible setting for the caterpillar casting machine is possible, namely with regard to the inclination of either the unit formed from the upper and lower caterpillars relative to the horizontal or one caterpillar relative to the other Caterpillar.
  • An adjustment or change of the inclination of the complete unit formed from the upper and lower bead in its inclination relative to the horizontal can take place in particular during casting, ie at the beginning of a casting process. This allows the flow rate of the liquid metal within the casting mold to be regulated.
  • a greater "slope" is created for the moving casting mold in or along the transport direction, because the outlet area of the casting mold is arranged higher than its Inlet area.
  • the outlet area of the To pivot the casting mold downwards so that gravity contributes to bringing the liquid cast material into the casting machine or its moving casting mold. This allows the heat transfer from the cast material to the mold, ie to the cooling blocks and thus the temperature control of the cast material or one of it generated bands are affected.
  • Such a change in the inclination of the unit formed from the upper and lower bead can also take place automatically during the casting process.
  • the inclination of only one caterpillar is variable or adjusted relative to the other caterpillar. In this way, either an exact plane parallelism of the two caterpillars can be achieved on their opposite strands, or a specifically wedge-shaped cast strip profile can be set.
  • this actuator can be actuated by an electric motor, pneumatically or hydraulically.
  • the at least one actuator can be position-regulated by means of the control device as a function of at least one predetermined process variable.
  • This predetermined process variable can be selected from the group formed in particular from the product temperature, the wear of the machine components involved, the type of metal being cast, the speed of the caterpillars, the selected casting thickness and / or the casting width of the cast material.
  • the at least one actuator can be force-regulated by means of the control device as a function of a further predetermined process variable, this process variable being formed from the cast metal type.
  • a model is stored in the control device by means of which the at least one actuator is controlled.
  • automation for the control of the at least one actuator is also possible during the casting process in order to change the inclination either of one caterpillar relative to the other caterpillar, or of the unit formed from both caterpillars.
  • an electrically synchronized setting of the caterpillar (s) can take place on the basis of a stored model, which makes it possible to position a caterpillar in any direction in a targeted manner and to move to a position defined for this purpose more easily.
  • a caterpillar casting machine 10 and their components explained, which are required for a method according to the invention for producing a cast material 11 (cf. Fig. 2 ) made of liquid metal, in particular aluminum, is used.
  • a cast material 11 cf. Fig. 2
  • the same features in the drawing are each provided with the same reference symbols. At this point, it is pointed out separately that the drawing is only shown in a simplified manner and, in particular, without a scale.
  • the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises an upper, first guide rail 12.1 and a lower, second guide rail 12.2. With these guide rails 12.1, 12.2 two oppositely arranged endless horizontal circulating tracks U for the caterpillar casting machine 10 are formed. 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 Fig. 1 only two support elements 14 with cooling blocks 16 attached to them are shown on each of the two guide rails 12.
  • Fig. 1 shows that a casting mold 18 is formed between the cooling blocks 16, which come into opposition in the straight sections of the circumferential paths U formed by the guide rails 12.
  • this casting mold 15 is a casting mold moving in the transport direction T.
  • Fig. 2 shows a simplified side view of the caterpillar casting machine 10, in which the guide rails 12.1, 12.2 of Fig. 1 can be used.
  • the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises an upper caterpillar 14.1 and a lower caterpillar 14.2 which - as already explained above - are each formed from a plurality of support elements 14 and cooling blocks 16 attached to them, which run along the orbits U formed by the guide rails 14 in the transport direction T be moved.
  • the caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 are each driven by drive wheels 13 which ensure a movement of the support elements 14 and the cooling blocks 16 attached to them around the orbits U.
  • Liquid metal for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy
  • a pouring nozzle 19 which is elongated and protrudes with its front end into the casting mold 18.
  • a casting 11 is produced which - in the right-hand area of FIG Fig. 2 indicated - downstream of the caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 emerges from the casting gap 18 and is then fed to processing (not shown).
  • Cooling of the cooling blocks 16 during the casting process is ensured by cooling devices (not shown). By means of these cooling devices, a cooling medium can be applied or sprayed onto the respective cooling blocks.
  • the Fig. 3 shows a basically simplified side view of the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 of Fig. 2 .
  • the transport direction T - seen in the plane of the drawing - is indicated from left to right, an inlet area of the moving casting mold 18 being symbolized by "E” and an outlet area of the casting mold 18 being symbolized by "A”.
  • an actuator 26 (top right in the image area) is shown in principle in a simplified manner.
  • Such an actuator 26 is used to adjust the inclination of either one caterpillar 14.1, 14.2 relative to the other caterpillar, or the inclination of a unit formed by the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 relative to the horizontal.
  • the actuator 26 comprises an actuator 27 which is connected to a frame device 22 and to that extent is in operative connection therewith.
  • guide rails 12.1, 12.2 are attached for the upper caterpillar 14.1 and lower caterpillar 14.2 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 ).
  • the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises a control device 28, which is shown in Fig. 2 is symbolized simplified by a rectangle.
  • a total of four actuators 26 can be provided, which are operatively connected to the frame device 22 on which, for example, the guide rail 12.1 for the upper caterpillar 14.1 is attached.
  • the actuators 26 can be attached to a (in Fig. 3 not shown) machine frame or the like be attached.
  • the actuator 26 which is shown in the image area at the top right by a rectangle, the other three actuators simplified only symbolized by an "X", these actuators in the same way with their actuator 27 with the frame device 22 that of the upper caterpillar 14.1 is assigned, are operatively connected.
  • the guide rail 12.2 for the lower caterpillar 14.1 can be fixedly attached to a machine frame (not shown).
  • Deviating from the representation according to Fig. 3 it is also possible to provide a number of actuators 26 that is greater than or less than four.
  • FIG. 4 Another embodiment of the track caster 10 is shown.
  • the guide rails 12.1, 12.2 for the upper and lower caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 are attached to a common frame device 22, this frame device 22 being rotatably mounted on a machine frame 24 via a swivel joint 23.
  • At least one actuator 26 is operatively connected with its actuator 27 to the frame device 22.
  • a position of the frame device 22, and thus also a unit formed from the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 can be adjusted when the actuator 26 is actuated, for example with regard to an inclination relative to the horizontal.
  • a position of the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 can be changed by activating the actuators 26 in such a way that - as shown - the outlet area A of the casting mold 18 (shown on the right in the image area) is lowered or downwards compared to the inlet area E of the casting mold 18 is pivoted.
  • FIG Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 a combination of the embodiments of FIG Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is possible.
  • the first and second caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 can be attached to a common frame device 22.
  • one of the two caterpillars for example the upper one
  • the caterpillar 14.1 with its associated guide rail 12.1 and a frame device 22 attached to it, can be individually operatively connected to further actuators 26, so that this caterpillar 14.1 can be changed in its position relative to the other caterpillar 14.2.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Gießguts aus flüssigem Metall nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1.

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 ingot casting machines are known, in particular for the production of aluminum alloys, which work in the manner of a rotating caterpillar casting machine. Such a casting machine is, for example, off EP 1 704 005 B1 or WO 95/27145 known. Here, the cooling elements of the casting machine on the straight sections or runs of casting beads arranged opposite one another form the wall of a moving casting mold. The casting beads each consist of a large number of endlessly interconnected cooling blocks that are transported along the orbits of the beads. For this purpose, the cooling blocks are mounted on support elements that are placed on chains and are thus articulated like links in a chain.

Bei einer herkömmlichen Horizontal-Blockgießmaschine kann die Neigung einer Einheit bestehend aus der oberen und unteren Gießraupe relativ zur Horizontalen eingestellt bzw. verändert werden. Hierzu umfasst diese Blockgießmaschine eine Spindelhubvorrichtung, die mit den vier Eckbereichen der Blockgießmaschine in Wirkverbindung steht. Zur Ausrichtung der aus den Gießraupen gebildeten Einheit sind beim Einsatz der Spindelhubvorrichtung Messdosen und Messuhren installiert. Nachteilig hierbei ist, dass die Stellmotoren bzw. Aktuatoren der Spindelhubvorrichtung nicht synchronisiert sind, dass definierte Positionen für die Gießraupen nicht wiederholt angefahren werden können, dass keine aktive Gießspaltbeeinflussung möglich ist, und dass lange Rüstzeiten erforderlich sind, um die aus den Gießraupen gebildete Einheit auf einen neuen Betriebszustand einzustellen. Ein weiterer Nachteil besteht darin, dass eine Lage der Gießraupen relativ zueinander nicht exakt angesteuert werden kann, wobei eine Automatisierung mittels eines Steuer-/Regelkonzepts ebenfalls nicht gegeben ist.In a conventional horizontal ingot casting machine, the inclination of a unit consisting of the upper and lower casting bead can be adjusted or changed relative to the horizontal. For this purpose, this ingot casting machine comprises a spindle lifting device which is in operative connection with the four corner areas of the ingot casting machine. To align the unit formed from the casting beads, measuring cells and dial gauges are installed when the spindle lifting device is used. The disadvantage here is that the servomotors or actuators of the spindle lifting device are not synchronized, that defined positions for the casting beads cannot be repeatedly approached, that no active influence on the casting gap is possible, and that long set-up times are required to open the unit formed from the casting beads to set a new operating state. A Another disadvantage is that a position of the casting beads relative to one another cannot be controlled exactly, with automation by means of a control / regulating concept likewise not being given.

Aus US 3 605 868 A ist eine Raupengießmaschine bekannt, bei der die Neigung einer Einheit gebildet aus zwei Raupen relativ zur Horizontalen geändert werden kann.Out U.S. 3,605,868 A a caterpillar casting machine is known in which the inclination of a unit formed from two caterpillars can be changed relative to the horizontal.

In WO 97/18049 A1 wird zum Stand der Technik eine Gießmaschine genannt, die ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Gießguts aus flüssigem Metall nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 zeigt.In WO 97/18049 A1 a casting machine is mentioned in the prior art which shows a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1.

Entsprechend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Gießguts aus flüssigem Metall hinsichtlich einer Variabilität des Herstellungsprozesses zu optimieren.Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of optimizing a method for producing a cast material from liquid metal with regard to the variability of the production process.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den in Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmalen gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in dem abhängigen Anspruch definiert.This object is achieved by a method with the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claim.

Die vorliegende Erfindung sieht 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 horizontalen Umlaufbahnen in einer Transportrichtung bewegten Tragelementen angebracht sind, gebildet ist. Gemäß einer Variante dieses Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, dass die Neigung einer Einheit gebildet aus der oberen und unteren Raupe relativ zur Horizontalen insbesondere beim Angießen eingestellt wird, indem zumindest ein Aktuator, der mit der aus der oberen und unteren Raupe gebildeten Einheit wirkverbunden ist, angesteuert wird. Nach einer alternativen Variante des Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, dass die Neigung entweder der oberen oder der unteren Raupe in Richtung ihre Längsachse relativ zu der jeweils anderen Raupe verändert wird, indem zumindest ein Aktuator, der mit einer Rahmeneinrichtung, an der eine für diese Raupe eine endlose Umlaufbahn bildende Führungsschiene angebracht ist, wirkverbunden ist, angesteuert wird. Die Ansteuerung des zumindest einen Aktuator erfolgt durch eine Steuerungseinrichtung.The present invention provides a method of making a cast from liquid metal. In this case, 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 in a transport direction along two oppositely arranged endless horizontal circulating tracks. According to a variant of this method it is provided that the inclination of a unit formed from the upper and lower bead is set relative to the horizontal, in particular during casting, in that at least one actuator, which is operatively connected to the unit formed from the upper and lower bead, is controlled . According to an alternative variant of the method, it is provided that the inclination of either the upper or the lower caterpillar is changed in the direction of its longitudinal axis relative to the respective other caterpillar by at least one actuator, which is connected to a frame device, on one of which is an endless one for this caterpillar Orbit forming guide rail is attached, is operatively connected, is controlled. The at least one actuator is controlled by a control device.

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.In the context 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 thereby formed orbits is synonymous with the casting direction in which the liquid metal enters the moving casting mold between the cooling blocks is formed in the straight sections of the opposite horizontal orbits, is potted.

Die genannte Verstellung der aus den Raupen gebildeten Einheit oder zumindest einer Raupe relativ zur jeweils anderen Raupe bezüglich ihrer Neigung wird durch die Ansteuerung zumindest eines Aktuators erreicht, der mit einer Rahmeneinrichtung, an der die den Raupen zugeordneten Führungsschienen angebracht sind, wirkverbunden ist. Der zumindest eine Aktuator wird mittels der Steuerungseinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von zumindest einer vorbestimmten Prozessgröße kraftgeregelt, wobei diese Prozessgröße eine Kontaktkraft der oberen Raupe zu einer seitlichen Führungseinrichtung ist.The mentioned adjustment of the unit formed from the caterpillars or at least one caterpillar relative to the other caterpillar with regard to its inclination is achieved by controlling at least one actuator which is operatively connected to a frame device on which the guide rails assigned to the caterpillars are attached. The at least one actuator is force-regulated by means of the control device as a function of at least one predetermined process variable, this process variable being a contact force of the upper bead with a lateral guide device.

Der Erfindung liegt die wesentliche Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass durch eine Ansteuerung des zumindest einen Aktuators eine reproduzierbare Einstellung für die Raupengießmaschine möglich ist, nämlich hinsichtlich der Neigung entweder der aus der oberen und unteren Raupe gebildeten Einheit relativ zur Horizontalen, oder einer Raupe relativ zur jeweils anderen Raupe. Eine Verstellung bzw. Veränderung der Neigung der kompletten Einheit gebildet aus der oberen und unteren Raupe in ihrer Neigung relativ zur Horizontalen kann insbesondere beim Angießen, d.h. beim Beginn eines Gießprozesses, erfolgen. Hierdurch kann die Strömungsgeschwindigkeit des flüssigen Metalls innerhalb der Gießform reguliert werden. Beispielsweise kann durch ein Anheben des hinteren Bereichs der beiden Raupen, d.h. im Auslaufbereich der Gießform, erreicht werden, dass für die sich bewegende Gießform in bzw. entlang der Transportrichtung eine größere "Steigung" entsteht, weil der Auslaufbereich der Gießform höher angeordnet ist als deren Einlaufbereich. Alternativ hierzu kann zu Beginn des Gießvorgangs vorgesehen sein, den Auslaufbereich der Gießform nach unten zu schwenken, so dass die Schwerkraft dazu beiträgt, das flüssige Gießgut in die Gießmaschine bzw. deren sich bewegende Gießform zu bringen Hierdurch kann der Wärmeübergang vom Gießgut zur Kokille, d.h. zu den Kühlblöcken und somit die Temperaturführung des Gießguts bzw. eines daraus erzeugten Bands beeinflusst werden. Eine solche Veränderung der Neigung der Einheit gebildet aus der oberen und unteren Raupe kann auch automatisiert während des Gießprozesses erfolgen.The invention is based on the essential knowledge that by controlling the at least one actuator a reproducible setting for the caterpillar casting machine is possible, namely with regard to the inclination of either the unit formed from the upper and lower caterpillars relative to the horizontal or one caterpillar relative to the other Caterpillar. An adjustment or change of the inclination of the complete unit formed from the upper and lower bead in its inclination relative to the horizontal can take place in particular during casting, ie at the beginning of a casting process. This allows the flow rate of the liquid metal within the casting mold to be regulated. For example, by lifting the rear area of the two caterpillars, ie in the outlet area of the casting mold, a greater "slope" is created for the moving casting mold in or along the transport direction, because the outlet area of the casting mold is arranged higher than its Inlet area. Alternatively, it can be provided at the beginning of the casting process, the outlet area of the To pivot the casting mold downwards so that gravity contributes to bringing the liquid cast material into the casting machine or its moving casting mold. This allows the heat transfer from the cast material to the mold, ie to the cooling blocks and thus the temperature control of the cast material or one of it generated bands are affected. Such a change in the inclination of the unit formed from the upper and lower bead can also take place automatically during the casting process.

Ergänzend und/oder alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Neigung nur einer Raupe relativ zur jeweils anderen Raupe veränderlich ist bzw. verstellt wird. Hierdurch kann entweder eine exakte Planparallelität der beiden Raupen an ihren gegenüberliegenden Trums erreicht werden, oder auch ein gezielt keilförmiges Gussbandprofil eingestellt werden.In addition and / or as an alternative, it can be provided that the inclination of only one caterpillar is variable or adjusted relative to the other caterpillar. In this way, either an exact plane parallelism of the two caterpillars can be achieved on their opposite strands, or a specifically wedge-shaped cast strip profile can be set.

Die vorstehend genannten Möglichkeiten, entweder die Neigung einer aus den beiden Raupen gebildeten Einheit relativ gegenüber der Horizontalen und/oder die Neigung einer der beiden Raupen relativ zur jeweils anderen Raupe gezielt zu verändern, verbessert die Einstellbarkeit des Gießspalts bzw. der zwischen den beiden Raupen bewegten Gießform. In Folge dessen wird das Gussprofil optimiert und eine Reproduzierbarkeit der Qualität (Profil) des Gießguts erreicht. Des Weiteren wird durch eine Automatisierung der genannten Verstell-Funktionen eine Verkürzung der Rüstzeiten erreicht und eine Handhabung der Anlage erleichtert.The aforementioned possibilities of changing either the inclination of a unit formed from the two caterpillars relative to the horizontal and / or the inclination of one of the two caterpillars relative to the other caterpillar improves the adjustability of the casting gap or that moved between the two caterpillars Casting mold. As a result, the cast profile is optimized and the quality (profile) of the cast material can be reproduced. Furthermore, by automating the mentioned adjustment functions, the set-up times are shortened and handling of the system is made easier.

Im Zusammenhang damit, dass eine Steuerungseinrichtung vorgesehen ist, mittels welcher der zumindest eine Aktuator angesteuert werden kann, kann eine Betätigung dieses Aktuators elektromotorisch, pneumatisch oder hydraulisch erfolgen.In connection with the fact that a control device is provided by means of which the at least one actuator can be controlled, this actuator can be actuated by an electric motor, pneumatically or hydraulically.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann der zumindest eine Aktuator mittels der Steuerungseinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von zumindest einer vorbestimmten Prozessgröße positionsgeregelt werden. Diese vorbestimmte Prozessgröße kann gewählt sein aus der Gruppe gebildet aus insbesondere der Produkttemperatur, dem Verschleiß beteiligter Maschinenkomponenten, der Sorte des vergossenen Metalls, einer Umlaufgeschwindigkeit der Raupen, der gewählten Gießdicke und/oder der Gießbreite des Gießguts.In an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one actuator can be position-regulated by means of the control device as a function of at least one predetermined process variable. This predetermined process variable can be selected from the group formed in particular from the product temperature, the wear of the machine components involved, the type of metal being cast, the speed of the caterpillars, the selected casting thickness and / or the casting width of the cast material.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann der zumindest eine Aktuator mittels der Steuerungseinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von einer weiteren vorbestimmten Prozessgröße kraftgeregelt sein, wobei diese Prozessgröße aus der vergossenen Metallsorte gebildet ist.In an advantageous development of the invention, the at least one actuator can be force-regulated by means of the control device as a function of a further predetermined process variable, this process variable being formed from the cast metal type.

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass in der Steuerungseinrichtung, mittels welcher der zumindest eine Aktuator angesteuert wird, ein Modell hinterlegt ist. Auf Grundlage dieses Modells ist eine Automatisierung für die Ansteuerung des zumindest einen Aktuators auch während des Gießprozesses möglich, um damit die Neigung entweder von einer Raupe relativ zur jeweils anderen Raupe, oder aber der aus beiden Raupen gebildeten Einheit zu verändern. Beispielsweise kann auf Grundlage eines hinterlegten Modells eine elektrisch synchronisierte Einstellung der Raupe(n) erfolgen, wodurch es möglich ist, eine Raupe in jedweder Richtung gezielt anzustellen und eine hierfür definierte Position einfacher anzufahren.In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that a model is stored in the control device by means of which the at least one actuator is controlled. On the basis of this model, automation for the control of the at least one actuator is also possible during the casting process in order to change the inclination either of one caterpillar relative to the other caterpillar, or of the unit formed from both caterpillars. For example, an electrically synchronized setting of the caterpillar (s) can take place on the basis of a stored model, which makes it possible to position a caterpillar in any direction in a targeted manner and to move to a position defined for this purpose more easily.

Nachstehend ist eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung anhand einer schematisch vereinfachten Zeichnung im Detail beschrieben.A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in detail below with reference to a schematically simplified drawing.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Seitenansicht von zwei Führungsschienen, mit denen zwei gegenüberliegend angeordnete endlose Umlaufbahnen für eine Raupengießmaschine gebildet werden,
Fig. 2
eine Seitenansicht einer Raupengießmaschine, deren endlose Umlaufbahnen durch die Führungsschienen von Fig. 1 gebildet sind,
Fig. 3
eine Seitenansicht einer oberen und unteren Raupe der Raupengießmaschine von Fig. 2, und
Fig. 4
eine Seitenansicht einer oberen und unteren Raupe der Raupengießmaschine von Fig. 2.
Show it:
Fig. 1
a side view of two guide rails with which two oppositely arranged endless revolving tracks for a caterpillar caster are formed,
Fig. 2
a side view of a caterpillar caster whose endless orbits through the guide rails of Fig. 1 are formed
Fig. 3
FIG. 8 is a side view of upper and lower tracks of the track caster of FIG Fig. 2 , and
Fig. 4
FIG. 8 is a side view of upper and lower tracks of the track caster of FIG Fig. 2 .

Nachstehend sind unter Bezugnahme auf die Fig. 1 bis 4 bevorzugte Ausführungsformen einer Raupengießmaschine 10 und deren Komponenten erläutert, die für ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Gießguts 11 (vgl. Fig. 2) aus flüssigem Metall, insbesondere aus Aluminium, dient. Gleiche Merkmale in der Zeichnung sind jeweils mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen. An dieser Stelle wird gesondert darauf hingewiesen, dass die Zeichnung lediglich vereinfacht und insbesondere ohne Maßstab dargestellt ist.With reference to the Figs. 1 to 4 preferred embodiments of a caterpillar casting machine 10 and their components explained, which are required for a method according to the invention for producing a cast material 11 (cf. Fig. 2 ) made of liquid metal, in particular aluminum, is used. The same features in the drawing are each provided with the same reference symbols. At this point, it is pointed out separately that the drawing is only shown in a simplified manner and, in particular, without a scale.

Ausweislich der Seitenansicht von Fig. 1 umfasst die Raupengießmaschine 10 eine obere erste Führungsschiene 12.1 und eine untere zweite Führungsschiene 12.2. Mit diesen Führungsschienen 12.1, 12.2 werden zwei gegenüberliegend angeordnete endlose horizontale Umlaufbahnen U für die Raupengießmaschine 10 gebildet. 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. 1 an den beiden Führungsschienen 12 jeweils nur zwei Tragelemente 14 mit daran angebrachten Kühlblöcken 16 gezeigt.As evidenced by the side view of Fig. 1 the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises an upper, first guide rail 12.1 and a lower, second guide rail 12.2. With these guide rails 12.1, 12.2 two oppositely arranged endless horizontal circulating tracks U for the caterpillar casting machine 10 are formed. 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 Fig. 1 only two support elements 14 with cooling blocks 16 attached to them are shown on each of the two guide rails 12.

Fig. 1 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. 1 shows that a casting mold 18 is formed between the cooling blocks 16, which come into opposition in the straight sections of the circumferential paths 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. 2 zeigt eine vereinfachte Seitenansicht der Raupengießmaschine 10, bei der die Führungsschienen 12.1, 12.2 von Fig. 1 eingesetzt werden. Die Raupengießmaschine 10 umfasst eine obere Raupe 14.1 und eine untere Raupe 14.2, 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 14.1, 14.2 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 vorderen Ende in die Gießform 18 hineinragt, wird flüssiges Metall (z.B. Aluminium, oder eine Aluminium-Legierung) aus einem Behälter 20 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. 2 angedeutet - stromabwärts der Raupen 14.1, 14.2 aus dem Gießspalt 18 austritt und dann einer (nicht gezeigten) Bearbeitung zugeführt wird. Fig. 2 shows a simplified side view of the caterpillar casting machine 10, in which the guide rails 12.1, 12.2 of Fig. 1 can be used. The caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises an upper caterpillar 14.1 and a lower caterpillar 14.2 which - as already explained above - are each formed from a plurality of support elements 14 and cooling blocks 16 attached to them, which run along the orbits U formed by the guide rails 14 in the transport direction T be moved. The caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 are each driven by drive wheels 13 which ensure a movement of the support elements 14 and the cooling blocks 16 attached to them around the orbits U. Liquid metal (for example aluminum or an aluminum alloy) is poured from a container 20 into the moving casting mold 18 by means of a pouring nozzle 19, which is elongated and protrudes with its front end into the casting mold 18. By solidifying the metal within the casting mold 18, a casting 11 is produced which - in the right-hand area of FIG Fig. 2 indicated - downstream of the caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 emerges from the casting gap 18 and is then fed to processing (not shown).

Eine Kühlung der Kühlblöcke 16 während des Gießprozesses ist durch (nicht gezeigte) Kühleinrichtungen gewährleistet. Mittels dieser Kühleinrichtungen kann ein Kühlmedium auf die jeweiligen Kühlblöcke ausgebracht bzw. gespritzt werden.Cooling of the cooling blocks 16 during the casting process is ensured by cooling devices (not shown). By means of these cooling devices, a cooling medium can be applied or sprayed onto the respective cooling blocks.

Die Fig. 3 zeigt eine prinzipiell vereinfachte Seitenansicht der beiden Raupen 14.1, 14.2 von Fig. 2. Hierin ist die Transportrichtung T - in der Zeichnungsebene gesehen - von links nach rechts angedeutet, wobei ein Einlaufbereich der sich bewegenden Gießform 18 mit "E", und ein Auslaufbereich der Gießform 18 mit "A" symbolisiert sind.The Fig. 3 shows a basically simplified side view of the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 of Fig. 2 . Here, the transport direction T - seen in the plane of the drawing - is indicated from left to right, an inlet area of the moving casting mold 18 being symbolized by "E" and an outlet area of the casting mold 18 being symbolized by "A".

In der Fig. 3 ist ein Aktuator 26 (im Bildbereich oben rechts) prinzipiell vereinfacht gezeigt. Ein solcher Aktuator 26 dient zur Verstellung der Neigung entweder einer Raupe 14.1, 14.2 relativ zur jeweils anderen Raupe, oder der Neigung einer durch die beiden Raupen 14.1, 14.2 gebildeten Einheit relativ zur Horizontalen. Der Aktuator 26 umfasst ein Stellglied 27, das mit einer Rahmeneinrichtung 22 verbunden ist und insoweit damit in Wirkverbindung steht. An der Rahmeneinrichtung 22 (in Fig. 3 nur symbolisch angedeutet) sind Führungsschienen 12.1, 12.2 für die obere Raupe 14.1 bzw. untere Raupe 14.2 angebracht (vgl. Fig. 1, Fig. 2). Zur Ansteuerung des Aktuators 26 umfasst die Raupengießmaschine 10 eine Steuerungseinrichtung 28, die in Fig. 2 vereinfacht durch ein Rechteck symbolisiert ist. Somit kann bei einer Betätigung des Aktuators 26 eine Position bzw. Lage der Rahmeneinrichtung 22, und damit auch einer daran angebrachten Führungsschiene bzw. der oberen Raupe 14.1 und/oder der unteren Raupe 14.2 verändert werden.In the Fig. 3 an actuator 26 (top right in the image area) is shown in principle in a simplified manner. Such an actuator 26 is used to adjust the inclination of either one caterpillar 14.1, 14.2 relative to the other caterpillar, or the inclination of a unit formed by the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 relative to the horizontal. The actuator 26 comprises an actuator 27 which is connected to a frame device 22 and to that extent is in operative connection therewith. At the frame device 22 (in Fig. 3 only symbolically indicated) guide rails 12.1, 12.2 are attached for the upper caterpillar 14.1 and lower caterpillar 14.2 (cf. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 ). To control the actuator 26, the caterpillar casting machine 10 comprises a control device 28, which is shown in Fig. 2 is symbolized simplified by a rectangle. Thus, when the actuator 26 is actuated, a position or location of the frame device 22 and thus also a guide rail attached to it or the upper caterpillar 14.1 and / or the lower caterpillar 14.2 can be changed.

Bei der Ausführungsform von Fig. 3 können insgesamt vier Aktuatoren 26 vorgesehen sein, die mit der Rahmeneinrichtung 22, an der z.B. die Führungsschiene 12.1 für die obere Raupe 14.1 angebracht ist, wirkverbunden sind. Hierbei können die Aktuatoren 26 an einem (in Fig. 3 nicht gezeigten) Maschinengestell oder dergleichen befestigt sein. In der Fig. 3 sind neben dem Aktuator 26, der im Bildbereich oben rechts durch ein Rechteck gezeigt ist, die übrigen drei Aktuatoren vereinfacht nur durch ein "X" symbolisiert, wobei diese Aktuatoren in gleicher Weise mit ihrem Stellglied 27 mit der Rahmeneinrichtung 22, die der oberen Raupe 14.1 zugeordnet ist, wirkverbunden sind. Die Führungsschiene 12.2 für die untere Raupe 14.1 kann feststehend an einem (nicht gezeigten) Maschinenrahmen befestigt sein.In the embodiment of Fig. 3 A total of four actuators 26 can be provided, which are operatively connected to the frame device 22 on which, for example, the guide rail 12.1 for the upper caterpillar 14.1 is attached. Here, the actuators 26 can be attached to a (in Fig. 3 not shown) machine frame or the like be attached. In the Fig. 3 are next to the actuator 26, which is shown in the image area at the top right by a rectangle, the other three actuators simplified only symbolized by an "X", these actuators in the same way with their actuator 27 with the frame device 22 that of the upper caterpillar 14.1 is assigned, are operatively connected. The guide rail 12.2 for the lower caterpillar 14.1 can be fixedly attached to a machine frame (not shown).

Unter Bezugnahme auf die Transportrichtung T (in der Fig. 3 von links nach rechts gezeigt, wie erläutert) sind von den insgesamt vier Aktuatoren 26 zwei dieser Aktuatoren im Einlaufbereich E der Gießform 18 (im Bildbereich links) angeordnet und dort mit der Rahmeneinrichtung 22 wirkverbunden, wobei die beiden anderen Aktuatoren 26 im Auslaufbereich A der Gießform 18 (im Bildbereich rechts) mit der Rahmeneinrichtung 22 wirkverbunden sind. Mittels einer Ansteuerung dieser Aktuatoren 26 durch die Steuerungseinrichtung 28 kann eine Position der oberen Raupe 14.1 relativ zur unteren Raupe 14.2 in jeder Richtung gezielt verändert bzw. eingestellt werden, z.B. zur Erzielung einer exakten Planparallelität der oberen Raupe 14.1 relativ zur unteren Raupe 14.2, oder zur Einstellung eines keilförmigen Gussbandprofils zwischen diesen beiden Raupen 14.1, 14.2.With reference to the transport direction T (in the Fig. 3 shown from left to right, as explained) of the total of four actuators 26, two of these actuators are arranged in the inlet area E of the casting mold 18 (on the left in the image area) and there operatively connected to the frame device 22, the two other actuators 26 in the outlet area A of the casting mold 18 (on the right in the image area) are operatively connected to the frame device 22. By activating these actuators 26 by the control device 28, a position of the upper caterpillar 14.1 relative to the lower caterpillar 14.2 can be specifically changed or adjusted in any direction, e.g. to achieve exact plane parallelism of the upper caterpillar 14.1 relative to the lower caterpillar 14.2, or to Setting a wedge-shaped cast strip profile between these two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2.

Abweichend von der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 3 ist es auch möglich, eine Anzahl von Aktuatoren 26 vorzusehen, die größer oder kleiner vier beträgt.Deviating from the representation according to Fig. 3 it is also possible to provide a number of actuators 26 that is greater than or less than four.

In der Fig. 4 ist eine weitere Ausführungsform der Raupengießmaschine 10 gezeigt. Hierbei sind die Führungsschienen 12.1, 12.2 für die obere und untere Raupe 14.1, 14.2 an einer gemeinsamen Rahmeneinrichtung 22 angebracht, wobei diese Rahmeneinrichtung 22 über ein Drehgelenk 23 an einem Maschinengestell 24 drehbar gelagert ist. Zumindest ein Aktuator 26 ist mit seinem Stellglied 27 mit der Rahmeneinrichtung 22 wirkverbunden. In Folge dessen kann eine Position der Rahmeneinrichtung 22, und damit auch einer Einheit gebildet aus den beiden Raupen 14.1, 14.2, bei einer Betätigung des Aktuators 26 verstellt werden, z.B. hinsichtlich einer Neigung relativ zur Horizontalen.In the Fig. 4 Another embodiment of the track caster 10 is shown. The guide rails 12.1, 12.2 for the upper and lower caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 are attached to a common frame device 22, this frame device 22 being rotatably mounted on a machine frame 24 via a swivel joint 23. At least one actuator 26 is operatively connected with its actuator 27 to the frame device 22. As a result, a position of the frame device 22, and thus also a unit formed from the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2, can be adjusted when the actuator 26 is actuated, for example with regard to an inclination relative to the horizontal.

Bezüglich der Ausführungsform von Fig. 4 darf darauf hingewiesen werden, dass zusätzlich zu dem Aktuator 26, der im Bildbereich oben rechts symbolisiert ist, noch weitere (nicht gezeigte) Aktuatoren 26 vorgesehen sein können, die mit der Rahmeneinrichtung 22 wirkverbunden sind.Regarding the embodiment of Fig. 4 It should be pointed out that in addition to the actuator 26, which is symbolized at the top right in the image area, further actuators 26 (not shown), which are operatively connected to the frame device 22, can be provided.

Bei den Ausführungsformen nach den Fig. 3 und 4 kann eine Position der beiden Raupen 14.1, 14.2 durch eine Ansteuerung der Aktuatoren 26 derart verändert werden, dass - wie dargestellt - der Auslaufbereich A der Gießform 18 (im Bildbereich jeweils rechts gezeigt) im Vergleich zum Einlaufbereich E der Gießform 18 abgesenkt bzw. nach unten geschwenkt ist. Hieraus resultiert für die Gießform 18 entlang der Transportrichtung T ein "Gefälle", so dass ein Füllen der sich bewegenden Gießform 18 mit dem flüssigen Metall durch die Gießdüse 19 dank der Schwerkraft unterstützt wird.In the embodiments according to Fig. 3 and 4th a position of the two caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 can be changed by activating the actuators 26 in such a way that - as shown - the outlet area A of the casting mold 18 (shown on the right in the image area) is lowered or downwards compared to the inlet area E of the casting mold 18 is pivoted. This results in a "gradient" for the casting mold 18 along the transport direction T, so that the pouring nozzle 19 supports the filling of the moving casting mold 18 with the liquid metal thanks to the force of gravity.

Schließlich darf darauf hingewiesen werden, dass für die Raupengießmaschine 10 auch eine Kombination der Ausführungsformen von Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 möglich ist. Dies bedeutet, dass einerseits die erste und zweite Raupe 14.1, 14.2 an einer gemeinsamen Rahmeneinrichtung 22 angebracht sein können. Hierdurch ist es dann - wie vorstehend bereits erläutert - möglich, eine aus den Raupen 14.1., 14.2 gebildete Einheit z.B. bezüglich ihrer Neigung relativ zur Horizontalen zu verstellen, wie dies z.B. in Fig. 4 veranschaulicht ist. Des Weiteren kann bei einer solcherart modifizierten Raupengießmaschine 10 eine der beiden Raupen, z.B. die obere Raupe 14.1, mit ihrer zugeordneten Führungsschiene 12.1 und einer daran angebrachten Rahmeneinrichtung 22, einzeln mit weiteren Aktuatoren 26 wirkverbunden sein, so dass diese Raupe 14.1 in ihrer Position relativ zu der anderen Raupe 14.2 verändert werden kann. Alternativ hierzu ist es auch möglich, lediglich die Neigung der unteren Raupe 14.2 relativ zur oberen Raupe 14.1 zu verstellen.Finally, it should be pointed out that a combination of the embodiments of FIG Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is possible. This means that, on the one hand, the first and second caterpillars 14.1, 14.2 can be attached to a common frame device 22. As a result, it is then possible - as already explained above - to adjust a unit formed from the caterpillars 14.1., 14.2, for example with regard to its inclination relative to the horizontal, as shown in FIG Fig. 4 is illustrated. Furthermore, in a caterpillar casting machine 10 modified in this way, one of the two caterpillars, for example the upper one The caterpillar 14.1, with its associated guide rail 12.1 and a frame device 22 attached to it, can be individually operatively connected to further actuators 26, so that this caterpillar 14.1 can be changed in its position relative to the other caterpillar 14.2. As an alternative to this, it is also possible to adjust only the inclination of the lower caterpillar 14.2 relative to the upper caterpillar 14.1.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

1010
RaupengießmaschineCaterpillar caster
1111
GießgutCast material
1212th
FührungsschienenGuide rails
12.112.1
erste (obere) Führungsschienefirst (upper) guide rail
12.212.2
zweite (untere) Führungsschienesecond (lower) guide rail
1313th
Antriebsraddrive wheel
1414th
TragelementSupport element
14.114.1
erste (obere) Raupefirst (upper) caterpillar
14.214.2
zweite (untere) Raupesecond (lower) caterpillar
1616
KühlblockCooling block
1818th
GießformCasting mold
1919th
GießdüsePouring nozzle
2020th
Behältercontainer
2222nd
RahmeneinrichtungFrame equipment
2323
DrehgelenkSwivel joint
2424
MaschinengestellMachine frame
2626th
AktuatorActuator
2727
StellgliedActuator
2828
SteuerungseinrichtungControl device
AA.
Auslaufbereich (der Gießform 18)Outlet area (of the mold 18)
EE.
Einlaufbereich (der Gießform 18)Inlet area (of the mold 18)
TT
Transportrichtung/GießrichtungTransport direction / pouring direction
UU
UmlaufbahnOrbit

Claims (2)

  1. Method of producing a cast material (11) from liquid metal, in which the liquid metal is poured into a moving casting mould (18), which is formed between cooling blocks (16) mounted at support elements (14) which are moved in a transport direction (T) along two oppositely arranged endless horizontal circulation paths (U), wherein an upper caterpillar (14.1) and a lower caterpillar (14.2) are formed by the support elements (14) moved along the circulation paths (U), wherein the inclination of the upper and/or the lower caterpillar (14.1, 14.2) in the direction of its longitudinal axis relative to the respective other caterpillar (14.2, 14.1) is changed in that at least one actuator (26) is activated by a control device (28),
    characterised in that
    the actuator (26) is operatively connected with a frame device (22), on which a guide rail (12.1, 12.2) forming the endless circulation path (U) for the caterpillar (14.1, 14.2) is mounted, and
    the inclination of a unit, which is formed from the upper and lower caterpillar (14.1, 14.2), relative to the horizontal and/or of one caterpillar (14.1, 14.2) relative to the respective other caterpillar (14.2, 14.1) is automatically set or changed by the control device (28) in dependence on a predetermined process variable during the casting process in that the at least one actuator (26) is automatically regulated in force by the control device (28) in dependence on the predetermined process variable and this process variable is a contact force with respect to a lateral guide device.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a model is filed in the control device (28) for activation the at least one actuator (26).
EP17811506.9A 2016-11-30 2017-11-24 Caterpillar casting method of casting a product from liquid metal Active EP3548203B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016223828 2016-11-30
PCT/EP2017/080396 WO2018099828A1 (en) 2016-11-30 2017-11-24 Belt casting machine and method for producing a cast product from molten metal

Publications (2)

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EP3548203B1 true EP3548203B1 (en) 2021-07-07

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Country Link
EP (1) EP3548203B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102017221093A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018099828A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3605868A (en) * 1969-02-24 1971-09-20 Massimo Giadorou Machine for the continuous casting of molten materials in iron molds or chills

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0724925B2 (en) * 1988-05-20 1995-03-22 新日本製鐵株式会社 Method and device for controlling casting width change of twin belt continuous casting machine
US5645122A (en) 1994-03-30 1997-07-08 Lauener Engineering, Ltd. Block fixation and adjustment in a continuous caster
TW331532B (en) * 1995-11-14 1998-05-11 Fataphunter Inc The continuous caster and method for continuous casting a cast product
ES2293207T3 (en) 2004-01-14 2008-03-16 Lamec Ag COLADA MACHINE.

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3605868A (en) * 1969-02-24 1971-09-20 Massimo Giadorou Machine for the continuous casting of molten materials in iron molds or chills

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