Device and method for turning a metal slab

Abstract

Device (1) and method for turning a slab (2), preferably a metal slab in a continuous casting plant, the device (1) comprising: at least one first turning lever (10) which is pivotably mounted about a first lever-side axis (11); at least one second turning lever (20) which is pivotably mounted about a second lever-side axis (21); a first compensating element (12) comprising a lever-side end section (12a) on which the first turning lever (10) is pivotably mounted via the first lever-side axis (11), and a holder-side end section (12b) which is pivotably mounted about a first holder-side axis (14) on a first stationary holder (13);and / or a second compensating element (22), comprising a lever-side end portion (22a) on which the second reversing lever (20) is pivotally mounted via the second lever-side axis (21), and a holder-side end portion (22b) which is pivotally mounted on a second stationary holder (23) about a second holder-side axis (24);

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for turning a slab, preferably a metal slab in a continuous casting plant. Background of the invention

[0002] When producing slabs as starting material for sheet metal or metal strip, it is common practice to turn the slabs on both sides for inspection or treatment. Slab turners are used for this purpose. The slab resting on an array of first turning arms is pivoted and picked up by an array of second turning arms. The array of first turning arms lifts the slab on one inlet side and straightens it. The slab is then picked up by the array of second turning arms, tilted further, and placed horizontally.

[0003] Such a slab turner is described, for example, in DE 2 353 215 A and DE 10 2007 054 034 A1.

[0004] Conventional slab turners are typically designed for the largest slab thickness to be turned. With smaller slab thicknesses, impacts can occur, leading to loud operating noise. Adjustment of the slab turner to the slab thickness is either not possible, inadequate, or requires additional technical or procedural effort. Description of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method for turning a slab, in particular to reduce shocks and noise during the turning process of slabs of different formats.

[0006] The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 6. Advantageous further developments follow from the subclaims, the following presentation of the invention and the description of preferred embodiments.

[0007] The device according to the invention serves to turn a slab, for example, to enable inspection or treatment, such as descaling, on both sides. The device is preferably installed in a continuous casting plant. The slab is made, in particular, of a metallic material, preferably steel or aluminum.

[0008] The device comprises at least one first turning lever, which is pivotably mounted about a first lever-side axis, and at least one second turning lever, which is pivotably mounted about a second lever-side axis. The turning levers are configured to receive the slab and turn it by a pivoting movement, during which the slab is transferred from the first turning lever to the second turning lever.

[0009] The device according to the invention further comprises: a first compensating element, comprising a lever-side end portion on which the first reversing lever is pivotably mounted via the first lever-side axis, and a holder-side end portion that is pivotably mounted on a first stationary holder about a first holder-side axis; and / or a second compensating element, comprising a lever-side end portion on which the second reversing lever is pivotably mounted via the second lever-side axis, and a holder-side end portion that is pivotably mounted on a second stationary holder about a second holder-side axis.

[0010] Using such a first and / or second compensating element, the slab turning process is particularly smooth and quiet, regardless of the slab thickness. Adjusting the gap between the two turning levers during the transfer of the slab from the first turning lever to the second turning lever requires no additional control and / or regulation equipment. The device is adapted to different slab formats purely mechanically and automatically, with the turning movement causing a more or less pronounced compensating pivoting movement of the compensating elements depending on the slab dimensions.

[0011] It should be noted that the terms “first” and “second” in this context do not specify any order or prioritization, but merely serve to distinguish between the two reversing levers and their associated components.

[0012] For the sake of simplicity, this usually refers to only one first turning lever and one second turning lever. However, several first and several second turning levers are usually installed along the longitudinal extension of the slab to ensure secure support of the slab along its length.

[0013] Preferably, the first turning lever has a first support surface and a first contact surface for the slab, provided perpendicular thereto. Similarly, the second turning lever can have a second support surface and a second contact surface for the slab, provided perpendicular thereto. In this way, the slab can form an at least partial positive connection with the turning levers, so that the slab is securely held during turning, in particular during the transfer from the first turning lever to the second turning lever.

[0014] Preferably, the first reversing lever is connected to a first pivot drive configured to pivot the first reversing lever about the first lever-side axis. Similarly, the second reversing lever can be connected to a second pivot drive configured to pivot the second reversing lever about the second lever-side axis. The two pivot drives can each be implemented, for example, by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drive.

[0015] The device preferably comprises a first stabilizing element and / or a second stabilizing element, each of which is configured to stabilize the corresponding compensating elements in a rest position. In the rest position, in which the reversing levers are in a horizontal position, the compensating elements preferably rest on the corresponding stabilizing element and thus stabilize the compensating elements in a desired position or orientation.

[0016] Preferably, the device is constructed substantially mirror-symmetrically, whereby it allows turning of the slab in both directions, ie both from “right” to “left” and vice versa.

[0017] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a method for turning a slab, preferably a metal slab, in a continuous casting plant. The method is carried out using a device according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0018] The method according to the invention comprises: positioning the slab on the first turning lever in a horizontal position; pivoting the first and second turning levers into an upright position until the slab comes into contact with the second turning lever; transferring the slab from the first turning lever to the second turning lever by further pivoting the two turning levers with the slab held therebetween, wherein the dimension of the slab in the thickness direction causes the first compensating element and / or second compensating element to pivot about the corresponding holder-side axis, whereby the gap between the two turning levers is adjusted to the slab thickness and remains adjusted during the transfer of the slab.

[0019] The features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described with regard to the device apply analogously to the method.

[0020] Preferably, the first and / or second compensating element detaches from the corresponding stabilizing element during the transfer of the slab from the first turning lever to the second turning lever. This allows the respective compensating element to perform a vertical and horizontal compensating movement, whereby the gap between the two turning levers is automatically adjusted to the slab thickness.

[0021] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described therein can be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the features set forth above, provided the features do not contradict each other. The following description of preferred embodiments is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. Short description of the characters

[0022] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures: Fig. 1 schematically shows a device for turning a slab with a first turning lever and a second turning lever; Fig. 2 schematically shows a turning process of a thick slab in different process stages; and Fig. 3 schematically shows a turning process of a thin slab in different process stages. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0023] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals in the figures, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0024] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a device 1 for turning a slab 2. The device 1 can be installed in a continuous casting plant. The slab 2 is made, in particular, of a metallic material, preferably steel or aluminum. Fig. 1 shows the cross-section of the slab 2, ie the longitudinal direction of the slab 2 extends into the plane of the drawing.

[0025] The device 1 has a first reversing lever 10, which is pivotably mounted about a first lever-side axis 11 on a lever-side end portion 12a of a first compensating element 12. The first compensating element 12 functions as a connection to a first stationary holder 13, wherein the lever-side end portion 12a of the first compensating element 12 is pivotally connected to the first reversing lever 10 about the first lever-side axis 11, and the other, opposite, holder-side end portion 12b of the first compensating element 12 is pivotally mounted on the first stationary holder 13 about a first holder-side axis 14.

[0026] The device 1 further comprises a second reversing lever 20 which, together with its pivoting connection, is designed at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to the first reversing lever 10 and its pivoting connection.

[0027] The second reversing lever 20 is thus mounted in an analogous manner to a lever-side end portion 22a of a second compensating element 22 so as to be pivotable about a second lever-side axis 21. The second compensating element 22 functions as a connection to a second stationary mount 23, wherein the lever-side end portion 22a of the second compensating element 22 is connected to the second reversing lever 20 so as to be pivotable about the second lever-side axis 21, and the other, opposite, mount-side end portion 22b of the second compensating element 22 is mounted to the second stationary mount 23 so as to be pivotable about a second mount-side axis 24.

[0028] The two turning levers 10, 20 are each configured to receive a slab 2 and tilt it by an angle, preferably greater than 90°. For this purpose, the two turning levers 10, 20 each have a suitable geometric shape, including, for example, a support surface 10a, 20a and a contact surface 10b, 20b provided perpendicular thereto, so that the slab 2 can form an at least partial positive connection with the turning levers 10, 20.

[0029] The first turning lever 10 is connected to a first swivel drive 15, which is designed to swivel the first turning lever 10 about the first lever-side axis 11, so that the slab 2, starting from a position in the Fig. 1. Similarly, the second reversing lever 20 is connected to a second swivel drive 25. The two swivel drives 15, 25 can each be implemented by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drive, or in another suitable manner.

[0030] In a rest position, in which the reversing levers 10, 20 are in a horizontal position, the compensating elements 12, 22 each rest on a first stabilizing element 16 and a second stabilizing element 26. The stabilizing elements 16, 26 stabilize the compensating elements 12, 22 in a desired position or orientation in the rest position.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in this context do not specify any order or priority, but merely serve to distinguish between the two turning levers 10, 20 and their associated components. The mirror-symmetrical design of the device 1 allows the slab 2 to be turned both from right to left and from left to right.

[0032] The Fig. For the sake of simplicity, Fig. 1 shows only one first and one second turning lever 10, 20. However, usually several first and several second turning levers 10, 20 are provided in the longitudinal direction of the slab 2 in order to ensure secure support of the slab 2 along its extension.

[0033] Due to the compensating elements 12, 22, the turning levers 10, 20 can not only be pivoted but also moved horizontally, which makes it possible to compensate for different slab thicknesses.

[0034] The Fig. 2 shows a turning process of a thick slab 2 in different process stages (a) to (k).

[0035] In step (a), the slab 2 is positioned on the first turning lever 10, and both turning levers 10, 20 are aligned horizontally. Starting from this, in step (b), the second turning lever 20 is raised to a position (beyond the vertical) in which the slab 2 can later be transferred. Subsequently, the first turning lever 10 is raised in steps (c) and (d) until the slab 2 comes into contact with the support surface 20b of the second turning lever 20.

[0036] The “transfer” herein comprises those process stages (d) to (h) in which the slab 2 is in contact with both turning levers 10, 20 and is transferred, so to speak, from the first turning lever 10 to the second turning lever 20 in an angular range in which the slab 2 is essentially upright.

[0037] The contact of the slab 2 with the second turning lever 20 and the dimension of the slab 2 in the thickness direction now cause, upon further erection of the first turning lever 10 in step (e), the second compensating element 22 to pivot about the second holder-side axis 24, to detach from the second stabilizing element 26 and thus to perform a vertical and horizontal compensating movement, whereby the gap between the two turning levers 10, 20 automatically adapts to the slab thickness.

[0038] In the further course of the turning process, steps (f) to (h), the first compensating element 12 also pivots accordingly about the first holder-side axis 14, detaches from the first stabilizing element 16 and thus performs a vertical and horizontal compensating movement, whereby the gap between the two turning levers 10, 20 remains adjusted to the slab thickness during the entire transfer of the slab 2.

[0039] In steps (i) to (k), the slab 2 is brought into the horizontal position by the second turning lever 20, the slab 2 is now turned, and the first lever 10 is moved back to the horizontal starting position.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an analogous turning process of a thin slab 2 in different process stages (a) to (k). In contrast to the turning process of the Fig. 2, during the transfer of the slab 2 from the first turning lever 10 to the second turning lever 20 in steps (e) to (h), no or only a very slight pivoting movement of the compensating elements 12, 22 takes place, whereby the gap between the two turning levers 10, 20 is kept at the comparatively small slab thickness.

[0041] In this way, the turning process of slab 2 is particularly smooth and quiet, regardless of the slab thickness. Adjusting the gap between the two turning levers 10, 20 during the transfer of slab 2 from the first turning lever 10 to the second turning lever 20 requires no additional control and / or regulation equipment. The device is adapted to different slab formats purely mechanically and automatically, with the turning movement causing a more or less pronounced compensating movement of the compensating elements 12, 22 depending on the slab dimensions.

[0042] Where applicable, all individual features presented in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols 1 device for turning a slab 2 slabs 10 First reversing lever 10a First support surface 10b First contact surface 11 First lever-side axis 12 First compensation element 12a Lever-side end section of the first compensating element 12b Bracket-side end section of the first compensating element 13 First stationary bracket 14 First bracket-side axis 15 First rotary actuator 16 First stabilizing element 20 Second reversing lever 20a Second support surface 20b Second contact surface 21 Second lever-side axis 22 Second compensating element 22a Lever-side end section of the second compensating element 22b Bracket-side end section of the second compensating element 23 Second stationary bracket 24 Second bracket-side axis 25 Second rotary actuator 26 Second stabilizing element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 2 353 215 A

[0003] DE 10 2007 054 034 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for turning a slab (2), preferably a metal slab in a continuous casting plant, the device (1) comprising: at least one first reversing lever (10) which is pivotally mounted about a first lever-side axis (11); at least one second reversing lever (20) which is pivotally mounted about a second lever-side axis (21); a first compensating element (12), comprising a lever-side end portion (12a) on which the first reversing lever (10) is pivotably mounted via the first lever-side axis (11), and a holder-side end portion (12b) which is pivotably mounted on a first stationary holder (13) about a first holder-side axis (14); and / or a second compensating element (22) comprising a lever-side end portion (22a) on which the second reversing lever (20) is pivotally mounted via the second lever-side axis (21), and a holder-side end portion (22b) which is pivotally mounted on a second stationary holder (23) about a second holder-side axis (24). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first turning lever (10) has a first support surface (10a) and a first contact surface (10b) provided perpendicular thereto and / or the second turning lever (20) has a second support surface (20a) and a second contact surface (20b) provided perpendicular thereto for the slab (2). [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byin that the first reversing lever (10) is connected to a first pivot drive (15) which is designed to pivot the first reversing lever (10) about the first lever-side axis (11), and the second reversing lever (20) is connected to a second pivot drive (25) which is designed to pivot the second reversing lever (20) about the second lever-side axis (21), wherein the two pivot drives (15, 25) are preferably implemented by a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive. [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) has a first stabilizing element (16) and / or a second stabilizing element (26) which are designed to stabilize the corresponding compensating elements (12, 22) in a rest position. [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) is constructed essentially mirror-symmetrically. [6] Method for turning a slab (2), preferably a metal slab in a continuous casting plant, by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Positioning the slab (2) on the first turning lever (10) in a horizontal position; Pivoting the first and second turning levers (10, 20) into an upright position until the slab (2) comes into contact with the second turning lever (20); Transferring the slab (2) from the first turning lever (10) to the second turning lever (20) by further pivoting the two turning levers (10, 20) with the slab (2) held between them, wherein the dimension of the slab (2) in the thickness direction causes the first compensating element (12) and / or second compensating element (22) to pivot about the corresponding holder-side axis (14, 24), whereby the gap between the two turning levers (10, 20) is adjusted to the slab thickness and remains adjusted during the transfer of the slab (2). [7] Method according to claim 6, carried out with a device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the first and / or second compensating element (12, 22) detaches from the corresponding stabilizing element (16, 26) during the transfer of the slab (2) from the first turning lever (10) to the second turning lever (20).

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