EP3623076A1 - Measuring device for determining the lateral inclination and casting width of a mould - Google Patents

Abstract

Measuring device (20) and method for measuring the interior of a mold (10) formed by mold walls, preferably for a continuous casting installation, the measuring device (20) comprising: a holder (21) which is set up to attach the measuring device (20), see above that the measuring device (20) is located at a defined position and in a defined position relative to the mold (10), and a measuring section (22) which has one or more non-contact distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d), preferably laser sensors, which are set up to measure the distance to two or more points of the mold inner walls without contact and to provide them as measurement data, the measuring device (20) also having a control device (30) or being able to be brought into communication with one which is set up, to determine the inclination of one or more mold walls and / or from the measurement data of the contactless distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d) to determine the casting width of the mold (10) and / or the center position of the measuring device (20).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a measuring device and a method for measuring the interior of a mold formed by mold walls for a continuous casting installation, in particular for determining the narrow side inclination and / or casting width of the mold.

Background of the Invention

For the casting of steel or other metallic materials in slab form or in another form, the liquid material is introduced into a mold which is an open-ended casting mold which is rectangular in cross section perpendicular to the casting direction. A volume loss occurs during the cooling of the liquid material in the mold, which is why the mold tapers conically. Otherwise, the strand would no longer be guided in the lower region of the mold and controlled heat dissipation via the usually water-cooled mold walls would not be possible. Too little or too much taper can lead to various malformations on the strand. For example, longitudinal depressions near the edge, the so-called "rain gutters", can form on the broad sides of the slab.

The taper of the mold in the casting direction is usually regulated by the inclination of the mold walls on the narrow side. For this purpose, at least the narrow sides of the mold are adjustable. After changing the mold, the mold must be recalibrated. When calibrating the mold, a taper measuring device is used to adjust the narrow side inclination.

So describes the DE 296 15 447 U1 a measuring device for determining the angle of inclination of a mold wall. The measuring device has a holding device and a ruler, which can be pivoted relative to the holding device, with an integrated inclinometer. The ruler is pivoted away from the holding device in such a way that it lies against the side wall to be measured, whereby the inclination of the side wall can be determined. Other devices for measuring the interior of a mold are from DE 26 33 379 A1 and DE 36 42 302 A1 known.

With conventional measuring devices, usually only one side can be measured. In addition, the casting width is calibrated using another tool, such as a measuring tape or ruler. It is important, but not simply to ensure that the distances between the narrow sides of the mold center are the same. The calibration values are stored manually in a process control device. The casting width and the inclination are then set via the process control device.

The calibration of the mold takes considerable time for the reasons mentioned above, which cannot be easily shortened with the conventional measuring methods. Since the calibration must also be carried out during the casting breaks, it prevents optimization of the casting performance of a continuous caster.

Presentation of the invention

An object of the invention is to improve the measurement of the interior of a mold formed by mold walls, preferably for a continuous caster, in particular to accelerate the calibration of the mold.

The object is achieved with a measuring device with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments follow from the subclaims, the following illustration of the invention and the description of preferred exemplary embodiments.

The measuring device according to the invention is used to measure the interior of a mold formed by mold walls, preferably for a continuous caster. In particular, the measuring device is set up to determine the inclination of one or more mold walls, preferably the narrow sides, and / or the pouring width and / or the center position of the measuring device.

The measuring device has a holder which is set up for attaching the measuring device so that the measuring device is in a defined position and in a defined position relative to the mold. The holder is preferably supported on one or more sections of the mold. For this purpose, the mold can have markings to ensure that the measuring device is in the correct position. Instead of or at the location of the markings, receptacles can be provided which specify the correct positioning of the holder. For example, the receptacles can be depressions, notches or tubes into which corresponding sections of the holder are to be inserted. The desired mold parameters are measured in this defined position and position, which is also referred to here as the "measuring position". For this purpose, the measuring device also has a measuring section which has one or more non-contact distance sensors which are set up to measure the distance to two or more points of the mold inner walls without contact and to provide them as measurement data. In other words, each distance sensor is set up to detect the distance between a position of the distance sensor or a defined point and at least one point of the inner mold walls without contact. "Contactless" means here that the distance sensors for distance measurement do not come into contact with the mold walls to be measured. In total, at least two distances (ie distances relative to two or more points on the mold walls) must be measured in order to be able to determine an inclination. The distance sensors are preferably laser sensors, as a result of which the measurements can be carried out precisely. To process the measurement data, the measurement device also has a control device or can be brought into communication with it. The control device is set up to determine the inclination of one or more mold walls and / or the casting width of the mold and / or the center position of the measuring device from the measurement data of the contactless distance sensors.

The measuring process is non-contact, which means that the measurements can be carried out particularly precisely and gently. In the case of contacting measurement methods, incorrect measurement values can be obtained due to handling errors, such as improper placement of the measuring foot or improper placement of the ruler. Furthermore, the calibration of the mold can be accelerated using the measuring device according to the invention, as a result of which casting breaks can be shortened and productivity increased. The measuring device is portable and flexible in use and expandable. The measuring device can be used in the workshop as well as on the casting platform. The measuring device is essentially suitable for any mold design.

The control device is preferably set up to determine or check the center position of the measuring device. In other words, even if the positioning of the measuring device is predetermined by the markings, it can happen that the sides to be measured are located at different distances from the measuring section in the non-calibrated state. This can be determined by a measurement and then corrected.

The control device is preferably set up to use the measurement data of the contactless distance sensors to determine all three mold parameters, i.e. determine the inclination of one or more mold walls and the casting width of the mold and the center position of the measuring device.

The mold walls preferably comprise at least two inclined opposite sides, which are normally the narrow sides, the measuring section in this case being set up to measure the inclination of the two sides at the same time. The calibration of the mold can be further accelerated by measuring both inclined sides in parallel. Furthermore, the determination of the casting width of the mold is simplified, since this is usually determined by the inclination of the two opposite narrow sides.

The measuring section preferably has at least four, particularly preferably exactly four, contactless distance sensors, wherein in the measuring position two distance sensors, which are vertically spaced apart, are directed towards an inclined side. The phrase "vertically spaced apart" in this context means that the distance between the two distance sensors in the direction of gravity is not zero. Preferably, two distance sensors are each directed to a narrow side of the mold. The distance sensors also preferably do not protrude too far into the mold; they are located, for example, in the upper half of the mold, since the mold walls, in particular the narrow sides, are subjected to high abrasive stress in the lower region.

The holder is preferably designed as a swivel holder, so that the measuring device aligns itself due to the action of gravity. Thus, the holder can be placed approximately in the middle, on top of the mold walls and / or inserted in corresponding receptacles, so that the measuring section projects vertically downwards into the mold. The measuring device is preferably constructed mechanically so that it is perpendicular to itself via its center of gravity aligns. In this way, a well-defined installation of the measuring device can be implemented in a mechanically simple manner, as a result of which the reliability and accuracy of the measurements can be ensured. It should be noted that the terms "top", "bottom", "vertical", "vertical" etc. are clear, since the mold is used in a clear position.

The measuring device preferably has an inclinometer for determining an angle thereof or the measuring section relative to a reference line, preferably relative to the vertical. The precision of the inclinometer can be approximately ± 3 °, for example. The inclinometer helps to check the angle of the measuring device, in particular the measuring section, and thus to ensure the correct position and position of the distance sensors relative to the mold.

The measuring device and / or control device is preferably set up in order to implement limit value monitoring for the angle in such a way that measurements can only be carried out if the angle lies within the limit value and / or a signal which indicates a misalignment of the measuring device is output if the angle is outside the limit. If the angle is outside the limit value, a measurement may not be possible and the measuring device must be repositioned and / or aligned. If the angle is within the limit, a measurement can be carried out.

If measurements can be carried out, the measurement data are preferably corrected as a function of the angle measured by the inclinometer in order to increase the accuracy of the measurements.

The control device can be part of the measuring device or provided independently of the measuring device and brought into communication with it become. The term “control device” encompasses both central and decentralized structures for controlling the measuring device and possibly further processes and / or data processing steps of the system. The control device therefore does not have to be at the "location" of the system. In addition, control tasks, data processing steps, etc. can be distributed to various computing devices, which in this case fall collectively under the name "control device". Furthermore, the data exchange between the control device and the components to be controlled or in communication can take place both physically via cable and wirelessly.

The control device preferably has a user interface and / or a user interface. The measurement data of the measuring device are preferably automatically transmitted to the control device and processed there. The measurement data can also be used, for example, for production and quality assurance and / or to determine maintenance intervals for the mold.

The measuring device preferably has an autonomous power supply, for example via an internal battery. Here, the calibration stand on the mold is preferably set up at the same time as a charging station. Furthermore, the measuring device can be equipped with further measuring applications. To enable a more precise monitoring of the condition of the mold walls, additional sensors can be placed in the measuring section. For example, the surface of the narrow sides and / or broad sides can be scanned with a line laser and / or a camera. For example, one or more of the following measurements can be carried out: determine the distance between the narrow sides and / or broad sides; Determine the inclination of the narrow sides and / or broad sides; Center position of the measuring device or mold; Determine the profile of the narrow sides and / or broad sides; Determine the roughness of the surface of the narrow sides and / or broad sides; Determine the 3D profile of the mold. Not every sensor with its own electronics, micro-controller, Data storage, energy supply, radio transmission, etc. Rather, the possible additional sensors can be connected to the control device or be in communication with it. The measuring device can be set up such that it can be expanded in a modular manner with measuring sections and / or sensors.

The method according to the invention is used to measure the interior of a mold formed by mold walls, preferably for a continuous caster, by means of a measuring device as described above. The method comprises: attaching the measuring device to the mold by means of the holder, so that the measuring device is in a defined position and in a defined position relative to the mold; Measuring distances using the one or more non-contact distance sensors to two or more points of the mold inner walls; Provision of the measured distances as measurement data; and determining the inclination of one or more mold walls and / or the casting width and / or the center position of the measuring device from the measurement data of the contactless distance sensors. Depending on the determined mold parameters, the mold can then be calibrated. In other words, the position and / or position of mold walls, in particular the inclination of the narrow sides, is adjusted. This process may be repeated until the mold has the desired interior shape.

The features, technical effects, advantages and exemplary embodiments that have been described in relation to the measuring device and the measuring system apply analogously to the method.

Although the present invention is preferably used in the technical environment of continuous slab casting plants, the invention can possibly also be implemented in other areas. Furthermore, further advantages and features of the present invention can be seen from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments. The features described there can be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the features mentioned above, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred exemplary embodiments takes place with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Brief description of the figure

The Figure 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of a measuring device for measuring the interior of a mold formed by mold walls, in particular for measuring the narrow side taper and / or mold width, and / or the center position of the mold.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the figure.

The Figure 1 shows a measuring device 20 for measuring the interior of a mold 10 formed by mold walls. The mold walls comprise two narrow sides 11, 12 and two broad sides 13, 14. At least the narrow sides 11, 12 run in the casting direction (in the view of FIG Figure 1 down) towards each other, whereby a conical shape of the mold 10 is achieved. The top 15 and the bottom 16 of the mold 10 are open.

To cast steel or other materials, such as copper or aluminum, in slab form or another form, the liquid material is introduced into the mold 10 from the top 15. The narrow sides 11, 12 and broad sides 13, 14 are walls made of a metal, for example copper, which are water-cooled from the outside or through integrated channels in order to dissipate the heat of the liquid material filled into the mold 10. Freezes in this way the material is initially on the outside and is released as a slab with a liquid core from the underside 16 of the mold 10.

The narrow side 11 is inclined by an angle α ₁₁ relative to the vertical. The narrow side 12 is inclined by an angle α ₁₂ relative to the vertical. The two angles α ₁₁ and α ₁₂ are not necessarily the same before the mold 10 is calibrated. For casting, however, the two angles α ₁₁ and α ₁₂ must be the same. The calibration is carried out for this purpose.

The length L of the mold 10 in the direction of gravity (= casting direction) is, for example, about 900 mm; the width B at the outlet end of the mold 10 (lower end in the view of FIG Figure 1 ) is, for example, about 400 to 3,400 mm; the depth T, ie the width of the narrow sides 11, 12, is, for example, approximately 50 to 500 mm, preferably 200 to 400 mm. However, these parameters are only examples and can vary depending on the application.

For the calibration of the mold 10, a measuring device 20 is used, which in the Figure 1 is shown schematically in the application state, in particular in the measurement position.

The measuring device 20 has a holder 21 and a measuring section 22. The holder 21 is designed to be supported on one or more sections of the mold 10, so that the measuring device 20 is at a specific position in a specific position relative to the mold 10. The holder 21 is preferably designed as a swivel holder which is placed in the middle, on top of the broad sides 13, 14, so that the measuring section 22 projects vertically downward into the mold 10, as in FIG Figure 1 shown. The measuring device 20 thus aligns itself vertically. More specifically, the measuring device 20 is mechanically constructed in accordance with the present exemplary embodiment in such a way that it aligns itself with the vertical via its center of gravity. To ensure that the measuring section 22 is located in the center of the mold 10, The broad sides 13, 14 can each have a marking M for supporting the holder 21. In addition to the markings M, receptacles (not shown in the figure) can be provided which specify the correct positioning of the holder 21. For example, the receptacles can be depressions, notches or tubes into which corresponding sections of the holder 21 are to be inserted.

The measuring device 20 preferably has an inclinometer (in the Figure 1 not shown), for example with a precision of ± 3 °, to check the angle of the measuring section 22 to the vertical and thus to ensure the correct position of the measuring section 22 relative to the mold 10. The measuring device 20 is preferably set up to carry out limit value monitoring for the angle. If the angle is outside the limit value, a measurement is not possible and the measuring device 20 must be repositioned and / or aligned. If the angle is within the limit, a measurement can be carried out. The measurement data are preferably corrected as a function of the angle measured by the inclinometer.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the measuring section 22 has four non-contact distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d. "Contactless" here means that the distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d for measuring the distance do not come into contact with the narrow sides 11, 12 to be measured. The distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are preferably designed as laser sensors. However, they can also be based on other physical principles.

In the measuring position of the measuring device 20, two distance sensors are each directed to a narrow side; according to the Figure 1 The distance sensors 23a and 23c are directed to the left narrow side 11, and the distance sensors 23b and 23d are directed to the right narrow side 12. For example, the distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d extend a maximum of 450 mm into the mold 10 and have a vertical distance of, for example, about 300 mm. The distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d preferably do not protrude too far into the mold 10; they are located, for example, in the upper half of the mold 10, since the narrow sides 11, 12 are subjected to high abrasive stress in the lower region.

The distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are set up to measure the distance to associated points of the narrow sides 11, 12, as indicated by dashed arrows in FIG Figure 1 is shown. In this way, since the positions and positions of the distance sensors 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d are known when the measuring device 20 is correctly aligned (in particular the vertical distance between the upper distance sensors 23a, 23b and the lower distance sensors 23c, 23d is known) Measure the inclination of both narrow sides 11, 12 at the same time.

It should be pointed out that, in principle, more or less than four distance sensors can also be provided. For example, one or more distance sensors can be set up to be adjustable and / or movable so that several points can be measured with one distance sensor.

The measuring device 20 has or is in communication with a control device 30, for example via cable or wirelessly. The control device 30 can also be part of a programmable logic controller for regulating and monitoring production processes of the mold 10 and / or continuous casting installation. The control device 30 has a user interface and preferably a user interface, which in the Figure 1 are not shown. The measurement data of the measuring device 20 are preferably automatically transmitted to the control device 30 and processed there. In addition to determining the narrow side taper, the measurement data can also be used for production and quality assurance and / or for determining maintenance intervals for the mold 10.

In addition to measuring the narrow side taper of the mold 10, the measuring device 20, if necessary in cooperation with the control device 30, enables the measurement or determination of the casting width. This can be achieved in particular by simultaneously measuring both narrow sides 11 and 12. As an alternative or in addition, the measuring device 20 may be set up in cooperation with the control device 30 in order to determine or check the center position of the measuring device 20. In other words, even if the positioning of the measuring device 20 is predetermined by the markings M, it can happen that the narrow sides 11 and 12 are located at different distances from the measuring section 22 in the non-calibrated state. This can be determined by a measurement and then corrected.

The measuring device 20 is handy and easy to use. The measuring device 20 preferably has a self-sufficient power supply, for example via an internal rechargeable battery. Here, the calibration stand is preferably set up at the same time as a charging station. Furthermore, the measuring device 20 can be equipped with further measuring applications, for example for determining the surface profile of the narrow sides 11, 12 and / or broad sides 13, 14, the state of wear of the mold 10, etc. In order to enable more precise monitoring of the state of the mold walls, further ones can be used Sensors can be placed in the measuring section 22. For example, the surface of the narrow sides 11, 12 and / or broad sides 13, 14 can be scanned with a line laser and / or a camera. In this way, one or more of the following measurements can be carried out: determine the distance between the narrow sides 11, 12 and / or broad sides 13, 14; Determine the inclination of the narrow sides 11, 12 and / or broad sides 13, 14; Determine the profile of the narrow sides 11, 12 and / or broad sides 13, 14; Determine roughness of the surface of the narrow sides 11, 12 and / or broad sides 13, 14; Determine the 3D profile of the mold 10. Here, not every sensor necessarily has its own electronics, micro-controller, data storage, energy supply, radio transmission, etc. be equipped. Rather, the possible additional sensors can be connected to the control device 30 or communicate with it.

The measuring process is non-contact, which means that the measurements can be carried out particularly precisely and gently. In the case of contacting measuring methods, incorrect measurement values can be obtained due to handling errors, such as improper placement of the measuring foot.

Through the parallel measurement of the inclinations of both narrow sides 11, 12 and possibly the casting width of the mold 10; As well as the center position of the mold, if necessary, the calibration of the mold 10 can be accelerated, as a result of which casting breaks can be shortened and productivity can be increased. The measuring device 20 can be used and expanded in a portable and flexible manner. The measuring device 20 can be used both in the workshop and on the casting platform. The measuring device 20 is essentially suitable for any mold design.

As far as applicable, all individual features that are shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged with one another without leaving the scope of the invention.

Reference list

10th

Mold

11

Narrow side

12th

Narrow side

13

Broadside

14

Broadside

15

Top

16

bottom

20th

Measuring device

21

bracket

22

Measuring section

23a

Distance sensor

23b

Distance sensor

23c

Distance sensor

23d

Distance sensor

30th

Control device

α ₁₁

Angle of the narrow side 11

α ₁₂

Angle of the narrow side 12

L

Length of the mold in the direction of gravity

B

Width of the mold at the exit end

T

Depth of the mold

M

mark

Claims (15)

Measuring device (20) for measuring the interior of a mold (10) formed by mold walls, preferably for a continuous caster, the measuring device (20) comprising: a holder (21) which is set up to attach the measuring device (20) so that the measuring device (20) is in a defined position and in a defined position relative to the mold (10), and a measuring section (22) which has one or more non-contact distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d), preferably laser sensors, which are set up to measure the distance to two or more points of the mold inner walls without contact and to provide them as measurement data, wherein the measuring device (20) further comprises a control device (30) or can be brought into communication with it, which is set up to determine the inclination of one or more mold walls and / or from the measurement data of the contactless distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d) to determine the casting width of the mold (10) and / or the center position of the measuring device (20). Measuring device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring section (22) has at least two distance sensors (23a, 23c; 23b, 23d) which are vertically spaced apart. Measuring device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mold walls comprise at least two inclined opposite sides, preferably narrow sides (11, 12), and the measuring section (22) is set up to measure the inclination of the two sides simultaneously. Measuring device (20) according to claim 3, characterized in that the measuring section (22) has at least four, preferably exactly four, contactless distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d), two distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d) each. that are vertically spaced from each other are directed to an inclined side. Measuring device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (21) is designed as a swivel holder, so that the measuring device (20) aligns itself by the action of gravity, preferably aligns itself vertically via its center of gravity . Measuring device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an inclinometer for determining an angle thereof relative to a reference line, preferably relative to the vertical. Measuring device (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that these and / or the control device (30) are set up to implement limit value monitoring for the angle in such a way that measurements can only be carried out if the angle lies within the limit value, and / or a signal indicating a misalignment of the measuring device (20) is output if the angle lies outside the limit value. Measuring device (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that these and / or the control device (30) are set up to correct measurement data of the contactless distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d) as a function of the angle measured by the inclinometer . Measuring system with a measuring device (20) according to one of the preceding claims and a control device (30) which are in communication with one another in such a way that the measurement data of the measuring device (20) can be transmitted to the control device (30) and processed there. Method for measuring the interior of a mold (10) formed by mold walls, preferably for a continuous casting installation, by means of a measuring device (20) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: Attaching the measuring device (20) by means of the holder (21) so that the measuring device (20) is in a defined position and in a defined position relative to the mold (10); Measuring distances using the one or more non-contact distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d) to two or more points of the mold inner walls; Provision of the measured distances as measurement data; and Determining the inclination of one or more mold walls and / or the casting width and / or the center position of the measuring device (20) from the measurement data of the contactless distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d). A method according to claim 10, characterized in that two or more distances are measured substantially simultaneously, preferably four distance measurements are carried out substantially simultaneously. A method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the holder (21) is designed as a swivel holder, the measuring device (20) aligning itself after the attachment by the action of gravity, preferably aligning itself vertically via its center of gravity. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the measuring device (20) has an inclinometer for determining an angle thereof relative to a reference line, preferably relative to the vertical, the angle being measured after the measuring device (20) has been attached . Method according to claim 13, characterized in that a distance measurement is only carried out if the angle lies within a limit value and / or a signal which indicates a misalignment of the measuring device (20) is output if the angle lies outside the limit value . Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that measurement data of the contactless distance sensors (23a, 23b, 23c and 23d) are corrected as a function of the angle measured by the inclinometer.

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