A method and a tool for measuring the geometric center of a continuous casting round billet
By identifying the characteristic points of the flat area on the end face of the continuously cast round billet and the intersection of multiple median lines, combined with a measuring rope and a magnetic fixing device, the problem of deviation in the measurement of the geometric center of the continuously cast round billet was solved, achieving high-precision and low-cost measurement results, which is suitable for continuous casting production sites.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU LIANFENG ENERGY EQUIP
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have significant deviations when measuring the geometric center of continuously cast round billets, especially for those with ellipticity deviations or local contour distortions. They are unable to accurately reflect the overall geometric characteristics, resulting in limitations in measurement accuracy and applicability.
By identifying the characteristic points of the flat area on the end face of the continuously cast round billet, the geometric center is determined by the intersection of multiple midline lines. Measurement is then performed using a measuring rope and a fixing device with magnetic attraction function to eliminate human visual errors and achieve high-precision positioning.
It effectively averages out the errors caused by local contour deformation, ensuring the stability and accuracy of measurement results, reducing costs, and making it suitable for use in continuous casting production sites with harsh environments.
Smart Images
Figure CN122384643A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of measurement technology for the geometric center of continuously cast round billets, and particularly to a method and tool for measuring the geometric center of continuously cast round billets. Background Technology
[0002] In the production and subsequent processing of continuously cast round billets, accurately determining the geometric center of its end face is a crucial prerequisite for key processes such as length cutting, defect location, and machining datum alignment. Due to the influence of straightening rollers and its own gravity, continuously cast round billets often exhibit flattened areas on both the top and bottom sides, resulting in a non-circular cross-section. This necessitates the measurement of a series of morphological parameters, including out-of-roundness, eccentricity, and the width of the flattened areas. Among these, eccentricity, as a key indicator for assessing the degree of deviation between the solidification center and the geometric center of the billet, receives particular attention.
[0003] Currently, in actual production, besides relying on inefficient and inaccurate methods such as manual visual inspection or caliper measurement, there are also some measuring tools or methods based on the "three-point circle determination" principle. However, for continuously cast round billets with ellipticity deviations or local contour distortions, the center of the circle fitted by arbitrarily selecting three contour points often deviates significantly from the actual geometric center, making it difficult to truly reflect the overall geometric characteristics of the continuously cast round billet, thus limiting its applicability and accuracy in actual production. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method and tool for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet, so as to solve the problem that the current method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet has a large deviation.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet, comprising the following steps:
[0006] Step 1: Based on the contour of the end face of the continuously cast round billet, identify two opposite flat areas on its surface, and define them as the first flat area and the second flat area respectively.
[0007] Step 2: Identify the two endpoints on the outer arc of the first flat area, namely the first outer arc endpoint and the second outer arc endpoint, connect the first outer arc endpoint and the second outer arc endpoint to form a first line segment, and take the midpoint of the first line segment as the first reference point;
[0008] Step 3: Identify the two endpoints on the inner arc of the second flat area, namely the first inner arc endpoint and the second inner arc endpoint, connect the first inner arc endpoint and the second inner arc endpoint to form a second line segment, and take the midpoint of the second line segment as the second reference point;
[0009] Step 4: Connect the first reference point and the second reference point to form the third line segment;
[0010] Step 5: Connect the first outer arc endpoint and the first inner arc endpoint to form the fourth line segment;
[0011] Step Six: Connect the endpoint of the second outer arc with the endpoint of the second inner arc to form the fifth line segment;
[0012] Step 7: Determine the midpoint of the fourth line segment as the third reference point, and determine the midpoint of the fifth line segment as the fourth reference point;
[0013] Step 8: Connect the third reference point and the fourth reference point to form the sixth line segment. The intersection of the sixth line segment and the third line segment is the geometric center of the continuously cast round billet.
[0014] In an optional example, the first outer arc endpoint and the second outer arc endpoint are the tangent points or inflection points of the outer arc contour of the first flat area and the normal circular arc contours on both sides.
[0015] In an optional example, the first inner arc endpoint and the second inner arc endpoint are the tangent points or inflection points of the inner arc contour of the second flat area and the normal circular arc contours on both sides.
[0016] A measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet includes a measuring rope and a fixing device. The measuring rope has length graduations on its surface. The fixing device is used to fix the measuring rope and can be attracted to the end face of the continuously cast round billet. The fixing device includes: a fixing member with a cavity inside and a connecting hole communicating with the cavity on its outer wall; a locking bolt fixed to the upper end of the fixing member, with the end of the measuring rope passing through the connecting hole and wrapped around and fixed to the outer wall of the locking bolt; and a magnetic suction member fixedly disposed in the cavity to provide an attractive force between the fixing device and the continuously cast round billet. The lower end of the locking bolt abuts against the magnetic suction member and fixes the magnetic suction member.
[0017] In an optional example, the upper end of the fastener has a threaded hole communicating with the cavity, and the locking bolt is fixed in the threaded hole by means of a threaded connection.
[0018] In an optional example, the fastener includes a base and a connecting seat fixedly connected to the upper end of the base. The upper end of the base has a bottom groove for accommodating the magnetic component. The threaded hole is opened at the top of the connecting seat, and the connecting hole is opened at the side wall of the connecting seat. The bottom of the connecting seat has a connecting groove communicating with the connecting hole. The connecting groove and the bottom groove together form a cavity.
[0019] In an optional example, the bottom of the bottom groove has a through hole that extends through the base.
[0020] In an alternative example, the axis of the through hole coincides with the central axis of the magnetic chuck.
[0021] In an alternative example, the outline of the magnetic element matches the shape of the inner wall of the bottom groove.
[0022] In an alternative example, the base and connector are made of a material capable of transmitting magnetism.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are that by identifying key flat area feature points on the contour and using the method of multiple median line intersections to determine the center, the error caused by local contour deformation is effectively averaged. The obtained center point can better represent the geometric center of the entire cross section under the influence of deformation. The result is stable and accurate. Moreover, the core of this method lies in its algorithm logic, which can achieve high-precision positioning without expensive precision measuring instruments. It is low in cost and very suitable for use in harsh environments such as continuous casting production sites. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only for this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the base in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] The diagram is marked as follows: a1, first outer arc endpoint; a2, second outer arc endpoint; b1, first inner arc endpoint; b2, second inner arc endpoint; m1, first line segment; m2, second line segment; m3, third line segment; m4, fourth line segment; m5, fifth line segment; m6, sixth line segment; x1, first reference point; x2, second reference point; x3, third reference point; x4, fourth reference point; 1, fastener; 11, cavity; 12, connecting hole; 13, threaded hole; 14, base; 141, bottom groove; 142, through hole; 15, connecting seat; 151, connecting groove; 2, locking bolt; 3, magnetic suction component. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0032] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet, comprising the following steps:
[0033] Step 1: Based on the contour of the end face of the continuously cast round billet, identify two opposite flat areas on its surface, and define them as the first flat area and the second flat area respectively.
[0034] Step 2: Identify the two endpoints on the outer arc of the first flat area, namely the first outer arc endpoint a1 and the second outer arc endpoint a2, connect the first outer arc endpoint a1 and the second outer arc endpoint a2 to form the first line segment m1, and take the midpoint of the first line segment m1 as the first reference point x1.
[0035] Step 3: Identify the two endpoints on the inner arc of the second flat area, namely the first inner arc endpoint b1 and the second inner arc endpoint b2, connect the first inner arc endpoint b1 and the second inner arc endpoint b2 to form the second line segment m2, and take the midpoint of the second line segment m2 as the second reference point x2.
[0036] Step 4: Connect the first reference point x1 and the second reference point x2 to form the third line segment m3;
[0037] Step 5: Connect the first outer arc endpoint a1 and the first inner arc endpoint b1 to form the fourth line segment m4;
[0038] Step 6: Connect the endpoint a2 of the second outer arc with the endpoint b2 of the second inner arc to form the fifth line segment m5;
[0039] Step 7: Determine the midpoint of the fourth line segment m4 as the third reference point x3, and determine the midpoint of the fifth line segment m5 as the fourth reference point x4;
[0040] Step 8: Connect the third reference point x3 and the fourth reference point x4 to form the sixth line segment m6. The intersection of the sixth line segment m6 and the third line segment m3 is the geometric center of the continuously cast round billet.
[0041] Specifically, this method does not simply use three points to define a circle. Instead, it identifies key flat area feature points on the contour and uses the intersection of multiple median lines to determine the center. This effectively averages out the error caused by local contour deformation, and the obtained center point is more representative of the geometric center of the entire cross section under the influence of deformation. The results are stable and accurate. Furthermore, the core of this method lies in its algorithm logic, which can achieve high-precision positioning without expensive precision measuring instruments. It is low-cost and very suitable for use in harsh environments such as continuous casting production sites.
[0042] In an optional example, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the first outer arc endpoint a1 and the second outer arc endpoint a2 are the tangent points or inflection points of the outer arc contour of the first flat area and the normal circular arc contours on both sides. This ensures the consistency of different operators in identifying these key points, guarantees the repeatability and reliability of the final center positioning result, and makes this method stable in practical applications.
[0043] In an optional example, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the first inner arc endpoint b1 and the second inner arc endpoint b2 are the tangent points or inflection points of the inner arc contour of the second flat area and the normal circular arc contours on both sides. This ensures the consistency of different operators in identifying these key points, guarantees the repeatability and reliability of the final center positioning result, and makes this method stable in practical applications.
[0044] Please see Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet includes a measuring rope and a fixing device. The measuring rope has length graduations on its surface, and the fixing device is used to fix the measuring rope and can be attached to the end face of the continuously cast round billet.
[0045] The fixing device includes a fixing component 1, a locking bolt 2, and a magnetic component 3.
[0046] The fastener 1 has a cavity 11 inside and a connecting hole 12 communicating with the cavity 11 on its outer wall;
[0047] The locking bolt 2 is fixed to the upper end of the fixing member 1, and the end of the measuring rope passes through the connecting hole 12 and is wound and fixed to the outer wall of the locking bolt 2;
[0048] The magnetic suction component 3 is fixedly installed inside the cavity 11 to provide the attraction force between the fixing device and the continuously cast round billet. The lower end of the locking bolt 2 abuts against the magnetic suction component 3 and fixes the magnetic suction component 3. The magnetic suction component 3 may be a permanent magnet.
[0049] Specifically, this method uses a measuring rope and a magnetic fixing device to measure the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet, eliminating human visual error and ensuring the measurement accuracy of the geometric center of the continuously cast round billet. At the same time, the flexible measuring rope structure is suitable for measuring continuously cast round billets of different specifications, which improves the application range of the measuring tool. Furthermore, the fixing device has a simple structure and is suitable for use in harsh environments such as continuous casting workshops, reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the measuring tool.
[0050] In an optional example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the upper end of the fixing member 1 has a threaded hole 13 that communicates with the cavity 11, and the locking bolt 2 is fixed in the threaded hole 13 by means of threaded connection. The locking bolt 2 is screwed vertically into and fixed in the threaded hole 13 by means of threaded connection. The end of the measuring rope passes through the connecting hole 12 into the cavity 11, and then leads upward and tightly wraps around the screw part of the locking bolt 2 exposed in the cavity 11. When the locking bolt 2 is tightened, its lower end moves downward, which will press the wrapped measuring rope and fix the magnetic suction member 3 below.
[0051] Specifically, this example uses the threaded hole 13 and the locking bolt 2 to fix the test rope to the magnetic component 3, which greatly simplifies the structure and enhances the reliability and integrity of the fixing device.
[0052] In an optional example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the fixing component 1 includes a base 14 and a connecting seat 15 fixedly connected to the upper end of the base 14. The upper end of the base 14 has a bottom groove 141 for accommodating the magnetic component 3. A threaded hole 13 is opened on the top of the connecting seat 15, and a connecting hole 12 is opened on the side wall of the connecting seat 15. The bottom of the connecting seat 15 has a connecting groove 151 communicating with the connecting hole 12. The connecting groove 151 and the bottom groove 141 combine to form a cavity 11. The base 14 and the connecting seat 15 can be fixed by welding or bolt connection. The base 14 is mainly responsible for magnetic attraction and accommodating the magnet, while the connecting seat 15 is mainly responsible for fixing the rope and transmitting pressure. The base 14 and the connecting seat 15 can be machined separately. During assembly, the magnetic component 3 can be placed into the bottom groove 141 first, then the connecting seat 15 can be covered, and finally the locking bolt 2 can be screwed in. The assembly is simple.
[0053] Specifically, in this example, the fastener 1 is split into a base 14 and a connecting seat 15, which makes the installation and replacement of the magnetic fastener 3 more convenient, and also facilitates the machining of the fastener 1, effectively reducing the manufacturing and assembly cost of the fastener 1.
[0054] In an optional example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the bottom of the bottom groove 141 has a through hole 142 that penetrates the base 14.
[0055] Specifically, in this example, since there may be a large magnetic attraction between the magnetic component 3 and the inner wall of the bottom groove 141, or due to corrosion caused by long-term use, it is very difficult to remove it directly by hand or with tools. Through the through hole 142, the operator can use a rod-shaped tool to extend from the bottom, directly push against the magnetic component 3 and apply a pushing force, so as to easily and safely push the magnetic component 3 out of the bottom groove 141, which greatly facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the magnetic component 3.
[0056] In an optional example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the axis of the through hole 142 coincides with the central axis of the magnetic attractor 3.
[0057] Specifically, the design of the axis of the through hole 142 in this example coinciding with the central axis of the magnetic chuck 3 ensures that the disassembly force acts directly on the geometric center of the magnetic chuck 3, the force transmission path is narrow, the required ejection force is small, and the operation is labor-saving.
[0058] In an optional example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the outline of the magnetic suction component 3 matches the shape of the inner wall of the bottom groove 141, which facilitates the fixing of the magnetic suction component 3 and avoids the fixing device from shaking during the measurement process.
[0059] In an optional example, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the base 14 and the connecting seat 15 are made of a material that can transmit magnetism, such as alloy steel.
[0060] Specifically, in this example, the base 14 and the connecting seat 15 can efficiently transmit magnetic force to form a complete, low magnetic resistance closed magnetic circuit, which can transmit magnetic force to the surface of the continuously cast round billet to the maximum extent, ensuring that the fixing device can maintain strong stability even on the rough billet end face or with slight iron oxide scale.
[0061] In summary, this invention, consisting of a measuring rope and a fixing device with magnetic attraction, enables the measurement of the geometric center of a continuously cast billet, eliminating human visual errors and ensuring the measurement accuracy of the geometric center of the continuously cast billet. Furthermore, the fixing device has a simple structure, making it suitable for use in harsh environments such as continuous casting workshops, and reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs of measuring tools. At the same time, by splitting the fixing component 1 into a base 14 and a connecting seat 15, the installation and replacement of the magnetic attraction component 3 becomes more convenient, and the machining of the fixing component 1 is also easier, effectively reducing the manufacturing and assembly costs of the fixing component 1.
[0062] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of the invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.
[0063] This invention is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. A method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Based on the contour of the end face of the continuously cast round billet, identify two opposite flat areas on its surface, and define them as the first flat area and the second flat area respectively. Step 2: Identify the two endpoints on the outer arc of the first flat area, namely the first outer arc endpoint (a1) and the second outer arc endpoint (a2), connect the first outer arc endpoint (a1) and the second outer arc endpoint (a2) to form the first line segment (m1), and take the midpoint of the first line segment (m1) as the first reference point (x1). Step 3: Identify the two endpoints on the inner arc of the second flat area, namely the first inner arc endpoint (b1) and the second inner arc endpoint (b2), connect the first inner arc endpoint (b1) and the second inner arc endpoint (b2) to form the second line segment (m2), and take the midpoint of the second line segment (m2) as the second reference point (x2). Step 4: Connect the first reference point (x1) and the second reference point (x2) to form the third line segment (m3); Step 5: Connect the first outer arc endpoint (a1) and the first inner arc endpoint (b1) to form the fourth line segment (m4); Step 6: Connect the second outer arc endpoint (a2) and the second inner arc endpoint (b2) to form the fifth line segment (m5); Step 7: Determine the midpoint of the fourth line segment (m4) as the third reference point (x3), and determine the midpoint of the fifth line segment (m5) as the fourth reference point (x4); Step 8: Connect the third reference point (x3) and the fourth reference point (x4) to form the sixth line segment (m6). The intersection of the sixth line segment (m6) and the third line segment (m3) is the geometric center of the continuously cast round billet.
2. The method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first outer arc endpoint (a1) and the second outer arc endpoint (a2) are the tangent points or inflection points of the outer arc contour of the first flat area and the normal circular arc contours on both sides.
3. The method for measuring the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first inner arc endpoint (b1) and the second inner arc endpoint (b2) are the tangent points or inflection points of the inner arc contour of the second flat area and the normal circular arc contours on both sides.
4. A measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet, comprising a measuring rope and a fixing device, wherein the measuring rope has length graduations on its surface, and the fixing device is used to fix the measuring rope and can be adsorbed onto the end face of the continuously cast round billet, characterized in that, The fixing device includes: The fastener (1) has a cavity (11) inside and a connecting hole (12) communicating with the cavity (11) on its outer wall; A locking bolt (2) is fixed to the upper end of the fixing member (1), and the end of the measuring rope passes through the connecting hole (12) and is wound and fixed to the outer wall of the locking bolt (2); The magnetic suction element (3) is fixedly disposed in the cavity (11) to provide the attraction force between the fixing device and the continuous casting billet. The lower end of the locking bolt (2) abuts against the magnetic suction element (3) and fixes the magnetic suction element (3).
5. The measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper end of the fastener (1) is provided with a threaded hole (13) that communicates with the cavity (11), and the locking bolt (2) is fixed in the threaded hole (13) by means of threaded connection.
6. The measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing member (1) includes a base (14) and a connecting seat (15) fixedly connected to the upper end of the base (14). The upper end of the base (14) is provided with a bottom groove (141) for accommodating the magnetic suction member (3). The threaded hole (13) is opened at the top of the connecting seat (15). The connecting hole (12) is opened at the side wall of the connecting seat (15). The bottom of the connecting seat (15) is provided with a connecting groove (151) communicating with the connecting hole (12). The connecting groove (151) and the bottom groove (141) combine to form a cavity (11).
7. The measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the bottom groove (141) has a through hole (142) that passes through the base (14).
8. The measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 7, characterized in that, The axis of the through hole (142) coincides with the central axis of the magnetic suction element (3).
9. The measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outline of the magnetic attractor (3) matches the shape of the inner wall of the bottom groove (141).
10. The measuring tool for the geometric center of a continuously cast round billet according to claim 9, characterized in that, The base (14) and the connecting seat (15) are made of a material capable of transmitting magnetism.