Stirring roller for a continuous casting machine for producing a hot strand, and continuous casting machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a stirring roller (55, 60) for a continuous casting machine (10) for producing a hot strand (40) and to a continuous casting machine (10) with such a stirring roller (55, 60), wherein the stirring roller (55, 60) comprises a first roller ball (70) rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation (65), a second roller ball (75) rotatably mounted about the first axis of rotation (65), a connecting unit (81), a first coil arrangement (85) with at least one first electrical coil (165), a second coil arrangement (90) with at least one second electrical coil (170), and an intermediate bearing (80), wherein the connecting unit (81) and the intermediate bearing (80) are arranged axially with respect to the first axis of rotation (65) between the first roller ball (70) and the second roller ball (75), wherein the intermediate bearing (80) circumferentially surrounds the connecting unit (81) and is trainedto support a force (F) from the first roller ball (70) and from the second roller ball (75) respectively, wherein the connecting unit (81) electrically connects the first electrical coil (165) to the second electrical coil (170) in a series circuit, wherein the first coil arrangement (85) and the second coil arrangement (90) are configured to generate a magnetic field acting radially outside to the first roller ball (70) and to the second roller ball (75) respectively when current is energized to the first electrical coil (165) and the second electrical coil (170).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a stirring roller according to claim 1 and a continuous casting machine with such a stirring roller according to claim 9.

[0002] From US 2013 / 008624 A1, a split agitator roller is known, comprising two roller halves with cylindrical roller bodies. The roller bodies are designed for contact with a slab-shaped rolled material. Electrical inductors for generating electromagnetic agitation fields, which exert a stirring effect on a liquid core of the rolled material, are located inside. An intermediate bearing is arranged between the roller bodies for mechanical support of the roller. The electrical inductors are each connected at axially opposite ends to a separate electrical power source.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved stirring roller and an improved strand casting machine.

[0004] This problem is solved by means of a stirring roller according to claim 1 and by means of a continuous casting machine according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] It was recognized that an improved agitator roller for a continuous casting machine for the production of a hot strand can be provided by the agitator roller comprising a first roller assembly rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation, a second roller assembly rotatably mounted about the first axis of rotation, a connecting unit, a first coil assembly with at least one first electrical coil, a second coil assembly with at least one second electrical coil, and an intermediate bearing. Axially, with respect to the first axis of rotation, the connecting unit and the intermediate bearing are arranged between the first and second roller assemblies. The intermediate bearing circumferentially surrounds the connecting unit and is designed to support a force from both the first and second roller assemblies. The connecting unit electrically connects the first and second electrical coils in a series circuit.The first coil arrangement and the second coil arrangement are designed to generate a magnetic field acting radially outwards towards the first roller ball and the second roller ball when current is applied to the first electrical coil and the second electrical coil, respectively.

[0006] This design offers the advantage that connecting the first coil of the first coil assembly in series with the second coil of the second coil assembly via the connecting unit through the intermediate bearing simplifies the wiring of the agitator roller. Furthermore, the coils of the first and second coil assemblies can be designed with a larger cross-section, resulting in an increased service life in the high-temperature environment of a continuous casting machine's strand guide. Additionally, bearing replacement in the intermediate bearing is particularly easy. Moreover, the agitator roller can achieve exceptionally high product quality by reducing segregation in the hot strand. The agitator roller is also suitable for particularly wide hot material and / or very deep installation positions in the continuous casting machine.

[0007] This type of agitator roller is particularly suitable for so-called final stirring, for example at the end of a casting arc of the continuous casting machine. Due to its low installation position, the agitator roller is subjected to high hydrostatic pressure from the hot strand, which it can withstand.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the connecting unit has a first contact element and a second contact element corresponding to the first. The first contact element electrically contacts the second contact element. The first contact element is electrically connected to the first coil, and the second contact element is electrically connected to the second coil. The first and second contact elements in the connecting unit make assembly of the agitator roller particularly easy, since the contact elements can, for example, be plugged into one another. The plugging-in process, which occurs, for example, along the first axis of rotation, allows for quick assembly of both the contact elements and the coil assembly connected to each contact element.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the agitator roller has at least one first connection terminal and one connecting terminal. The first connection terminal is arranged on a first axial side of the first roller coil facing away from the intermediate bearing. The connecting terminal is arranged on a second axial side of the second roller coil opposite the first connection terminal. An electrical power source, in particular a frequency converter, can be connected to the first connection terminal. For example, another agitator roller can be electrically connected to the connecting terminal. The first coil arrangement, the connecting unit, and the second coil arrangement electrically connect the first connection terminal to the connecting terminal.This design has the advantage that a separate connection terminal for connecting the second coil assembly to a second electrical power source is unnecessary, resulting in a particularly simple design for the agitator roller. Furthermore, the option to connect the second agitator roller to the connection terminal allows for the use of a short, separate electrical cable for its power supply.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the first coil arrangement comprises at least a third and fourth coil, and the second coil arrangement comprises at least a fifth and sixth coil. The first, third, and fourth coils form a first coil arrangement. The second, fifth, and sixth coils form a second coil arrangement. The connecting unit electrically connects the third coil to the fifth coil and the fourth coil to the sixth coil such that the third and fifth coils are connected in series, and the fourth and sixth coils are connected in series. As a result, both the first and second coil arrangements have coils that can be operated with three-phase alternating current. In particular, this embodiment allows both the first and second coil arrangements to be operated with three-phase alternating current.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the agitator roller has a second connection terminal and a star point connection, with the second connection terminal being located on the first axial side of the first roller coil facing away from the intermediate bearing. The switching plate is located on a second axial side of the second roller coil opposite the second connection terminal. A second electrical cable can be connected to the second connection terminal. The star point connection electrically connects the second coil, the fifth coil, and the sixth coil to each other in a star configuration. This design has the advantage that a third connection terminal or a further connection terminal can be omitted, so that the agitator roller has only a second connection terminal and is therefore particularly simple in design.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the connecting unit has at least one pin extending along the first axis of rotation and a socket. The pin and / or the socket are each rod-shaped. The socket has a first receptacle into which the pin engages with a first pin section. This design has the advantage that the pin and the socket are designed to be pluggable for connecting the first coil assembly to the second coil assembly, and in particular, the first receptacle can be designed to be fluid-tight, so that the ingress of coolant, which flows around the pin and socket, for example, into the first receptacle can be prevented.

[0013] In another embodiment, the first contact element is arranged in the pin and the second contact element in the socket, with the first receptacle being sealed fluid-tight. This arrangement has the advantage that the contact elements can be mounted particularly easily.

[0014] In another embodiment, the intermediate bearing comprises a rolling bearing, an intermediate bearing housing, and a connecting flange. The rolling bearing is arranged in the intermediate bearing housing. The connecting flange is hollow and extends through the rolling bearing. The connecting flange mechanically connects the first roller assembly to the second roller assembly. The rolling bearing rotatably supports the connecting flange about the first axis of rotation. A first radial gap for guiding a coolant is arranged radially between a first inner circumferential side of the connecting flange and the connecting unit. This design has the advantage that coolant can be supplied to cool both the first and second roller assembly with the same coolant, as well as to cool the first and second coil assemblies past the connecting unit.Furthermore, the coolant can also cool the connection unit, thus preventing overheating of the connection unit, especially the contact device, when transmitting high electrical currents.

[0015] An improved continuous casting machine for producing a hot strand can be provided by comprising a strand guide, at least one first agitator, a second agitator, and an electrical power source. The first and second agitator are designed as described above. The second agitator is arranged radially spaced from the first agitator with respect to the first axis of rotation. The hot strand can be positioned between the first and second agitator. The electrical power source is electrically connected to the first agitator. The first agitator electrically connects the second agitator to the electrical power source. This design has the advantage that an additional connecting cable and a separate electrical power source for operating the second agitator are unnecessary, resulting in a particularly simple continuous casting machine.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the connection terminal of the first agitator roller is electrically connected to the second connection terminal of the second agitator roller by means of a second electrical cable, such that the first coil of the first coil assembly and the second coil of the second coil assembly of the first agitator roller, and the first coil of the first coil assembly and the second coil of the second coil assembly of the second agitator roller, are electrically connected in series. This design has the advantage that the wiring effort for connecting the respective agitator roller is kept to a minimum. In particular, this allows the frequency converter to be located at a considerable distance from the continuous casting machine.

[0017] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of figures. These figures show FIG 1 a schematic representation of a continuous casting machine for the production of a cast product; FIG 2 a schematic representation of a stirring roller of the FIG 1 shown extrusion casting machine; FIG 3 a schematic representation of a section of the in FIG 1 shown extrusion casting machine; FIG 4 a sectional view along a FIG 2 marked section plane BB through the first agitator roller; and FIG. 5 a sectional view along a FIG 4 shown section plane CC through the in FIG 4 The first stirring roller shown.

[0018] FIG 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a continuous casting machine 10 for the production of a cast product.

[0019] The continuous casting machine 10 can, for example, be part of a casting-rolling composite plant. The continuous casting machine 10 can, for example, be installed upstream of a rolling mill.

[0020] The continuous casting machine 10 comprises a ladle 15, a distributor 20, a mold 25, and at least one strand guide 30. During operation of the continuous casting machine 10, the distributor 20 is filled with a metallic melt 35, for example, molten steel, by means of the ladle 15. The metallic melt 35 can be produced, for example, by means of a converter in a Linz-Donawitz process.

[0021] In the mold 25, the molten metal 35, coming from the distributor 20, is poured into a hot strand 40. The partially solidified hot strand 40, which can be designed as a thin slab strand, is drawn out of the mold 25. The hot strand 40 is conveyed away from the mold 25 in the conveying direction. The strand guide 30 deflects the hot strand 40 in an arc into a horizontal position, supports it, and solidifies it, exiting the strand guide 30 as the casting product. It is particularly advantageous if the continuous casting machine 10 pours the hot strand 40 into a continuous strand. The hot strand 40 can, for example, be designed as a slab strand.

[0022] The strand guide 30 has at least one pair of rollers 45 and / or at least one pair of agitator rollers 50, comprising a first agitator roller 55 and a second agitator roller 60. The roller pair 45 and the agitator roller pair 50 are spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction of the hot strand 40 and guide the hot strand 40 from the vertical to the horizontal position. The roller pair 45 and the agitator roller pair 50 support the hot strand 40.

[0023] The agitator rollers 55, 60 can be arranged opposite each other on both sides of the hot strand 40. The pair of agitator rollers 50 is located in the conveying direction downstream of the mold 25, in the so-called liquid zone of the hot strand 40. The agitator rollers 55, 60 generate a stirring force in the liquid zone of the hot strand 40, perpendicular to the conveying direction of the hot strand 40. In particular, the agitator roller 55, 60 can be arranged at the end of a casting bend in the strand guide 30 to perform final stirring. In this case, the agitator roller withstands high hydrostatic forces from the hot strand 40, especially when installed deep in the strand guide 30.

[0024] FIG 2 shows a schematic representation of the stirring roller pair 50 of the in FIG 1 shown strand casting machine 10.

[0025] The following figures describe the geometric design of the first stirring roller 55.

[0026] The first agitator roller 55 has a first roller ball 70 mounted about a first axis of rotation 65, at least one second roller ball 75 mounted about the first axis of rotation 65, at least one intermediate bearing 80, a first spool arrangement 85 (in FIG 2 schematically indicated), at least a second coil arrangement 90 (in FIG 2 (schematically indicated by dashed lines) and at least two lateral support bearings 95, 100.

[0027] The first coil 70 has a first rolling surface 105 on its circumference. The second coil 75 has a second rolling surface 110 on its circumference. The first rolling surface 105 and the second rolling surface 110 are designed to abut a first side surface 115 of the hot strand 40 and to guide, support and / or shape the hot strand 40.

[0028] Axially, with respect to the first axis of rotation 65, the intermediate bearing 80 is arranged between the first roller bale 70 and the second roller bale 75. Axially opposite the intermediate bearing 80, the first roller bale 70 is laterally supported by the first support bearing 95. Axially opposite the intermediate bearing 80, the second roller bale 75 is further supported by the second support bearing 100.

[0029] It should be noted that the first agitator roller 55 can of course also have a different number of roller balls 70, 75. In particular, several intermediate bearings 80 can also be arranged between the individual roller balls 70, 75.

[0030] Both the intermediate bearing 80 and the support bearings 95, 100 are attached to a beam 120. The support bearings 95, 100 and the intermediate bearing 80 are designed to support a force F coming from the hot strand 40 from the roller bales 70, 75 on the beam 120.

[0031] In FIG 2 The second agitator roller 60 of the agitator roller pair 50 is schematically indicated. The second agitator roller 60 can be geometrically essentially identical to the first agitator roller 55. The second agitator roller 60, with its roller balls 70, 75 and the first and second roller surfaces 105, 110, rests against a second side surface 125 of the hot strand 40, which is arranged opposite the first side surface 115.

[0032] The support bearings 95, 100 and the intermediate bearing 80 are designed to support a force F from the hot strand 40, which is transmitted via the respective roller balls 70, 75 into the support bearings 95, 100 and the intermediate bearing 80, against the beam 120.

[0033] FIG 3 shows a schematic representation of a section of the in FIG 1 shown strand casting machine 10.

[0034] The first roller spool 70 and the second roller spool 75 of the first agitator 55 are each mounted together so as to rotate about the first axis of rotation 65. Due to the essentially identical construction of the second agitator 60 compared to the first agitator 55, the first roller spool 70 and the second roller spool 75 of the second agitator 60 are also rotatable, but arranged about a second axis of rotation 130, which runs parallel to the first axis of rotation 65. The hot strand 40 is guided between the first agitator 55 and the second agitator 60.

[0035] Furthermore, the first agitator roller 55 has a first connection terminal 135 and a connecting terminal 140 arranged axially opposite the first axis of rotation 65. For example, the first connection terminal 135 can be arranged at the first support bearing 95 and the connecting terminal 140 at the second support bearing 100 of the first agitator roller 55.

[0036] Furthermore, the continuous casting machine 10 has an electrical energy source 150. The electrical energy source 150 can, for example, be designed as an alternating current energy source and may include a frequency converter.

[0037] The electrical energy source provides at least one first phase L1 of an alternating current. It is particularly advantageous if the electrical energy source 150 provides at least three phases L1, L2, L3 of a three-phase current, in particular a three-phase alternating current.

[0038] The electrical power source 150 is, for example, electrically connected to the first connection terminal 135 by means of a first electrical cable 155. Furthermore, the connection terminal 140 can be electrically connected to a second electrical cable 160. Preferably, for example, the first electrical cable 155 and preferably also the second electrical cable 160 are configured as at least three-core cables with three outer conductors. Of course, it is also conceivable that the first electrical cable 155 and / or the second electrical cable 160 are configured differently.

[0039] The first coil assembly 85 of the first agitator roller 55 has at least one first electrical coil 165. The second coil assembly 90 has at least one second electrical coil 170. Additionally, the first coil assembly 85 may further have a third electrical coil 175 and a fourth electrical coil 180, and the second coil assembly 90 may have a fifth electrical coil 185 and a sixth electrical coil 190. The coil assembly 85, 90 is arranged to be rotationally fixed, so that during operation of the continuous casting machine 10, the respective roller 70, 75 rotates about the associated axis of rotation 65, 130, but the coil 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 does not rotate together with the roller coil 70, 75.

[0040] The agitator rollers 55, 60 each have a connecting unit 81. The connecting unit 81 is arranged approximately in the area of ​​the intermediate bearing 80 and is rotationally fixed relative to the first roller ball 70 and the second roller 75. The connecting unit 81 electrically connects the first coil 165 to the second coil 170 via the intermediate bearing 80. Likewise, the connecting unit 81 electrically connects the third coil 175 to the fifth coil 185 and the fourth coil 180 to the sixth coil 190 via the intermediate bearing 80. The design of the connecting unit 81 is described in Figures 4 to 6 below.

[0041] Each of the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 has at least one, preferably several, windings extending circumferentially around the first axis of rotation 65.

[0042] The first connection terminal 135 preferably has a first connection point 195, a second connection point 205, and a third connection point 215. Furthermore, the connection terminal 140 can have a first connection point 200, a second connection point 210, and a third connection point 220.

[0043] The first coil 165 is connected to the first connection point 195, and the first coil 165 and the second coil 170 are connected in series by the connecting unit 81 and are electrically isolated from the third to sixth coils 175, 180, 185, 190. The second coil 170 is connected to the first connection point 200 on the side facing away from the connecting unit 81.

[0044] The third coil 175 is connected to the second connection point 205. The third coil 175 is connected in series via the connecting unit 81 to the fifth coil 185 and to the second connection point 210. The third coil 175 and the fifth coil 185 are also electrically insulated from the first coil 165 and the second coil 170, as well as from the fourth coil 180 and the sixth coil 190.

[0045] The fourth coil 180 is connected to the third connection point 215. The fourth coil 180 is connected in series with the sixth coil 190 and to the third connection point 220 via the connecting unit 81. Likewise, the fourth coil 180 and the sixth coil 190 are electrically insulated from the first to third coils 165, 170, 175 and the fifth coil 185.

[0046] In summary, the first coil arrangement 85 of the first agitator roller 55 electrically connects the first connection terminal 135 to the connection unit 81. Furthermore, the second coil arrangement 90 electrically connects the connection unit 81 to the connection terminal 140 of the first agitator roller 55.

[0047] This design has the advantage that the electrical energy source 150 can, in particular, have only a single frequency converter to supply the two coil arrangements 85, 90 of the first agitator roller 55 with an electrical current, preferably a three-phase current. Thus, the number of frequency converters required can be reduced by the FIG 3 The solution shown can be reduced. In operation of the continuous casting machine 10, the electrical energy source 150 can energize the first to sixth coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 with phases L1, L2, L3 via the first electrical cable 155 and the first to third connection points 195, 205, 215 in order to generate an electric magnetic field between the first stirring roller 55 and the second stirring roller 60 to influence the metallic melt 35 in the partially started hot strand 40.

[0048] Because the first coil arrangement 85 and the second coil arrangement 90 with their respective electrical coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 are connected in series, the electrical coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 can each be designed with a larger conductor cross-section, and as a result, the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 are thermally more stable and therefore more durable.

[0049] The second agitator roller 60 is essentially identical in design to the first agitator roller 55. The differences between the second agitator roller 60 and the first agitator roller 55 are discussed below.

[0050] The second agitator roller 60 is arranged, for example, in a point-symmetrical manner to the first agitator roller 55, with a symmetry point 191 being arranged centrally and axially between the first agitator roller 55 and the second agitator roller 60 at the level of the intermediate bearing 80.

[0051] The second agitator roller 60 has a second connection terminal 145 instead of the first connection terminal 135. The second connection terminal 145 can, for example, be located on the first support bearing 95 of the second agitator roller 60 and is thus facing away from the intermediate bearing 80. The first connection terminal 135 is omitted on the second agitator roller 60. The second connection terminal 145 has a fourth connection point 225, a fifth connection point 230, and a sixth connection point 235.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second agitator roller 60 is additionally electrically connected to the connection terminal 140 of the first agitator roller 55 via the second connection terminal 145 and the second electrical cable 160. The first agitator roller 55 also electrically connects the second agitator roller 60 to the electrical power source 150 via the first electrical cable 155. The use of the second electrical cable 160 allows it to be kept particularly short, thus minimizing the material required for the electrical connection of the first and second coil assemblies 85, 90 of the second agitator roller 60.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first to third connection points 200, 210, 220 are each electrically connected via the second electrical cable 160 to a fourth to sixth connection point 225, 230, 235. The fourth connection point 225 corresponds to the first connection point 195, the fifth connection point 230 to the second connection point 205, and the sixth connection point 235 to the third connection point 215.

[0054] The second agitator roller 60 has a star point connection 240 instead of the connection terminal 140. The star point connection 240 is geometrically arranged, for example, on the side facing the first connection terminal 135 and on an axial side facing away from the second connection terminal 145. On the side axially opposite the second connection terminal 145, the star point connection 240 electrically connects the second coil 170, the fifth coil 185, and the sixth coil 190 of the second coil arrangement 90 in a star configuration. Thus, the phases L1, L2, and L3 are electrically connected at the star point connection 240.

[0055] Due to the essentially identical design of the second agitator roller 60 and the serial arrangement of the first to sixth coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 of the first and second coil arrangements 85, 90 on the second agitator roller 60, as well as the electrical connection of the first and second coil arrangements 85, 90 via the second connection terminal 145 and the second electrical cable 160 at the connection terminal 140, it is ensured that, for example, four coils are connected in series up to the star point connection 240. Thus, for example, the first and second coils 165, 170 of the first and second coil arrangements 85, 90 of the first agitator roller 55 are connected in series with the first and second coils 165, 170 of the first and second coil arrangements 85, 90 of the second agitator roller 60. The same applies to the third to sixth coil 175, 180, 185, 190 of the first and second coil arrangement 85, 90 of the first and second stirring roller 55, 60.

[0056] During operation of the agitator roller pair 50, the phase currents of phases L1, L2, L3 flow through the four series-connected electrical coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 of the first and second agitator rollers 55, 60 and the second electrical cable 160 up to the star point connection 240, where phases L1, L2, L3 are electrically connected to each other in a star configuration. This has the advantage that the star connection eliminates the need for an additional neutral conductor connection, and thus the first and second electrical cables 155, 160 can only have three conductors. Furthermore, the looping of the neutral conductor through rollers 70, 75 is unnecessary.

[0057] The connecting unit 81 thus eliminates the need for additional frequency converters to supply electrical current to the second, fifth and sixth coils 170, 185, 190 of the first agitator roller 55 and for additional frequency converters to supply current to the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 of the second agitator roller 60, since the connecting unit 81 electrically connects the second, fifth and sixth coils 170, 185, 190 via the first, third and fourth coils 165, 175, 180 to the first to third connection points 195, 205, 215 of the first connection terminal 135.

[0058] This design also has the advantage that a given input voltage of the electrical power source 150 is distributed across phases L1, L2, and L3 to the individual coils 165, 170, 175, 185, and 180, 190, respectively. Since the achievable stirring effect of stirring coils is proportional to their apparent power, in order to achieve an apparent power for each of the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 that corresponds to that of coils in the prior art, the coils 165, 170, 175, 175, 180, 185 are energized with a correspondingly lower voltage and a correspondingly higher current. The coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 have fewer turns, a larger conductor cross-section and are easier to manufacture compared to coils from the state of the art.

[0059] FIG 4 shows a sectional view along a FIG 2 marked cutting plane BB through the first stirring roller 55.

[0060] The first agitator roller 55 and the second agitator roller 60 are essentially identical to each other, particularly in the area of ​​the intermediate bearing 80 and the connecting unit 81, so that what is explained below for the first agitator roller 55 also explicitly applies to the second agitator roller 60.

[0061] As explained above, the intermediate bearing 80 is arranged axially between the first roller assembly 70 and the second roller assembly 75. The intermediate bearing 80 comprises an intermediate bearing housing 245, a rolling bearing 250, and a connecting flange 255. The intermediate bearing housing 245 accommodates the rolling bearing 250. The rolling bearing 250 can, for example, be designed as a needle roller bearing. To prevent uneven loading of the rolling elements of the rolling bearing 250, additional tilt compensation can be provided, for example, by means of a shell 260 arranged in the intermediate bearing housing 245. The shell 260 is, for example, arranged radially outside the rolling bearing 250.

[0062] The connecting flange 255 is arranged radially on the inside of an inner ring 265 of the rolling bearing 250. The connecting flange 255 is, for example, hollow and preferably rotationally symmetrical about the first axis of rotation 65. On one side, for example, the first roller assembly 70 is connected to the connecting flange 255 in a rotationally and axially fixed manner, for example by bolting. Axially opposite the first roller assembly 70, the connecting flange 255 is also connected to the second roller assembly 75 in a rotationally and axially fixed manner, for example by bolting. The roller assembly 70, 75 can be fluid-tightly sealed to the connecting flange 255.

[0063] The first roller coil 70 is thus mechanically connected to the second roller coil 75 by means of the connecting flange 255. The intermediate bearing housing 245 is designed to support a portion of the forces from the roller coils 70, 75 during the continuous casting of the hot strand 40 via the connecting flange 255 and the rolling bearing 250 to the intermediate bearing housing 245 and via the intermediate bearing housing 245 to the support 120.

[0064] On its radial inner side, the connecting flange 255 has a first inner circumferential side 270, which can, for example, be cylindrical around the first axis of rotation 65. A first radial gap 275 is arranged between the connecting unit 81 and the first inner circumferential side 270.

[0065] The first coil assembly 85 is arranged radially spaced from a second inner circumferential side 280 of the first roll 70. A second radial gap 285 is preferably arranged between the first coil assembly 85 and the second inner circumferential side 280. Furthermore, analogous to the design and arrangement of the first coil assembly 85, the second coil assembly 90 is also arranged radially spaced from a third inner circumferential side 290 of the second roll 75. A third radial gap 295 may be arranged between the second coil assembly 90 and the third inner circumferential side 290.

[0066] The connecting unit 81 is arranged axially between the first coil arrangement 85 and the second coil arrangement 90 and connects, as already described in FIG 3 The coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 of the first and second coil arrangements 85, 90 are electrically connected. The connecting unit 81 extends geometrically through the connecting flange 255 in the axial direction and, for example in this embodiment, projects axially beyond the connecting flange 255 on both sides at its end faces.

[0067] In this embodiment, the connecting unit 81 has a pin 300 and a sleeve 305, as well as first and second contact elements 330, 335. The pin 300 is, for example, mechanically connected to the first coil assembly 85 and can be rod-shaped. The sleeve 305 is axially mechanically connected to the second coil assembly 90 on a side opposite the first coil assembly 85 and can also be rod-shaped.

[0068] The sleeve 305 has a first receptacle 310. Furthermore, the pin 300 is tapered in a first pin section 315. The pin 300 engages in the sleeve 305 with the first pin section 315. The engagement is designed to ensure a good mechanical, and in particular rigid, connection between the pin 300 and the sleeve 305. This eliminates the need for additional radial external support of the pin 300 and the sleeve 305.

[0069] The first receptacle 310 is fluidically sealed against the first radial gap 275 by means of a sealant, for example by means of one or more O-rings, so that the ingress of coolant 325 flowing via the second radial gap 285 and the first radial gap 275 to the third radial gap 295 into the first receptacle 310 is prevented. This is particularly advantageous if the coolant 325 is, for example, a liquid, especially water.

[0070] The first contact device 330 can, for example, have one or more first contact elements 340. The first contact element 340 can, for example, be configured as a plug-in contact. The second contact device 335 can, for example, have one or more second contact elements 345, wherein the second contact element 345 is configured corresponding to the first contact element 340. The second contact element 345 can, for example, be configured as a socket contact.

[0071] In this embodiment, a first contact element 340 of the first contact device 330 is provided for each of the first, third, and fourth coils 165, 175, 180. Correspondingly, a second contact element 345 of the second contact device 335 can be provided for each of the second, fifth, and sixth coils 170, 185, 190 of the second coil arrangement 90. In each case, a first contact element 340 and a second contact element 345 engage with each other and provide an electrical connection between the first contact element 340 and the second contact element 345.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first contact element 340 is connected to one of the first, third, or fourth coils 165, 175, 180 of the first coil arrangement 85 via a first electrical connection 350. The first electrical connection 350 can be pin-shaped and / or partially plate-shaped, for example, made of an electrically conductive solid material, with the first electrical connection 350 being connected to the associated first, third, or fourth coil 165, 175, 180 on a side facing away from the first contact element 340. The first electrical connection 350 is guided in a second pin section 355 of the pin 300, which adjoins the first pin section 315, and can extend along the first axis of rotation 65.An electrical insulating medium may be provided to electrically insulate the first electrical connection 350 from the coolant 325 flowing in the first roller 70 and / or from the pin 300.

[0073] Analogous to the electrical connection of the first, third, and fourth coils 165, 175, 180 of the first coil arrangement 85, the second contact element 345 of the second contact device 335 is also electrically connected to each of the second, fifth, or sixth electrical coils 170, 185, 190 of the second coil arrangement 90 by means of a second electrical connection 360. The second electrical connection 360 is, for example, connected to the side of the second contact element 345 facing the second coil arrangement 90. The second electrical connection 360 can be pin-shaped and / or plate-shaped, at least in sections, and guided in the sleeve 305. Preferably, a second electrical connection 360 and a second contact element 345 are provided for each of the second, fifth, and sixth coils 170, 185, 190 of the second coil arrangement 90 to connect the coils in the second contact device 335 to the coils in the second contact device 335. FIG 3 The electrical connection of the second, fifth, and sixth coils 170, 185, 190 of the second coil arrangement 90 to the first, third, and fourth coils 165, 175, 180 of the first coil arrangement 85 is described. The second electrical connection 360 can also be electrically insulated, particularly from the coolant 325, and routed into the connecting flange 255 and into the second roller ball 75.

[0074] The arrangement of the first and second contact devices 330, 335 in the pin 300 and the socket 305 makes the connecting unit 81 pluggable, thus facilitating the assembly of the agitator roller 55, 60. For example, the first roller assembly 70 and the first coil assembly 85 can first be mounted between the first support bearing 95 and the intermediate bearing 80. Subsequently, the socket 305, together with the second contact device 335, can be inserted onto the pin 300 and into the first contact device 330, thus automatically connecting the first and second contact devices 330, 335.

[0075] Simultaneously, the contact devices 330, 335 are sealed fluid-tight against the coolant 325 by the seal 320. By arranging the first and second contact devices 330, 335 axially in the area of ​​the intermediate bearing 80, sufficient installation space can be provided to ensure a particularly current-carrying electrical connection 350, 360 between the first coil arrangement 85 and the second coil arrangement 90. This also ensures, in particular, that the contact devices 330, 335 are capable of handling high currents. High current is defined here as an electric current between 50 and 1000 amperes, especially between 100 and 500 amperes.

[0076] In this embodiment, the contact device 330, 335 has a first and a second contact element 340, 345 for each phase L1, L2, L3. Of course, it is also conceivable that, particularly to ensure a high current-carrying capacity of the respective contact device 330, 335, several contact elements 340, 345 could be provided for each phase L1, L2, L3 to ensure the connection of the respective coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 via the connection unit 81.

[0077] In the sleeve 305, a third receptacle 380 is arranged for every second contact element 345. The third receptacle 380 can, for example, be designed as a bore and is formed in the sleeve 305. The third receptacle 380 is arranged radially offset from the first axis of rotation 65. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a third receptacle 380 is arranged for every second contact element 345, opening axially into the first receptacle 310.

[0078] The first electrical connection 350 and the second electrical connection 360 are essentially analogous in construction and differ only geometrically in length, so that what has been explained for the second electrical connection 360 also applies analogously to the first electrical connection 350.

[0079] In this embodiment, as explained above, the second electrical connection 360 connects the second contact element 345 to the associated second, fifth, or sixth coil 170, 185, 190 of the second coil arrangement 90. The second electrical connection 360 can be designed in two parts.

[0080] FIG 5 shows a sectional view along a FIG 4 shown section plane CC through the in FIG 4 The first stirring roller shown is 55.

[0081] In this embodiment, for example, a second receptacle 365 is provided in the pin 300 for each first contact element 340. The second receptacle 365 extends along the axis of rotation 65. Since, in this embodiment, three first contact elements 340 are provided for the electrical transmission of phases L1, L2, L3, several second receptacles 365 are arranged in the pin 300, extending radially outwards with respect to the first axis of rotation 65 and offset from one another circumferentially. Furthermore, the first electrical connection 350 provided for the first contact element 340 is also guided in the second receptacle 365. Of course, it would also be possible for at least one of the second receptacles 365 to be arranged along the first axis of rotation 65.Additionally, a coding 366 may be provided to ensure that the respective assigned first contact element 340 engages with the assigned second contact element 345.

[0082] It should be noted that the geometric design of the first and second contact elements 340, 345 is exemplary. In this embodiment, for example, the first and second contact elements 340, 345 are designed as round contacts.

[0083] To the first coil arrangement 85 (shown in FIG 4 To cool the first coil assembly 85 and the first roll 70, the coolant 325 is introduced into the second radial gap 285. The coolant 325 flows along the second radial gap 285, thereby cooling the first coil assembly 85 and the first roll bale 70.

[0084] After flowing through the second radial gap 285, the coolant 325 enters the first radial gap 275. The coolant 325 then flows along the connecting unit 81.

[0085] When high currents are transmitted via the first and second contact devices 330, 335, these devices can also heat up. The first and second contact devices 330, 335 are additionally cooled by the coolant 325 flowing radially along their outer surface, thus preventing overheating of both the first and second electrical connections 350, 360.

[0086] After flowing along the connecting unit 81, the coolant 325 enters the third radial gap 295 and flows along the second coil assembly 90. The second coil assembly 90 and the second roller ball 75 are cooled by the coolant 325.

[0087] Furthermore, both the rolling bearing 250 and the connecting flange 255 are designed to be thermally conductive, so that the rolling bearing 250, and in particular the lubricant present in the rolling bearing 250, can also be cooled by the coolant 325 in order to prevent thermal overload of the rolling bearing 250.

[0088] The above-described design of the agitator roller 55, 60 and the continuous casting machine 10 has the advantage that, for example, four smaller electrical power sources 150, in particular frequency converters for each coil arrangement 85, 90, as used in the prior art, can be dispensed with, and only a single, more powerful electrical power source 150 is required. This simplifies the mechanical and electrical design of the continuous casting machine 10.Furthermore, the wiring effort for connecting the first agitator roller 55 and the second agitator roller 60 to the first agitator roller 55 is reduced, since instead of, for example, 4 x 3 high-voltage cables for connecting the three-phase operated coil assemblies 85, 90 of the first and second agitator rollers 55, 60, only the first electrical cable 155, for example in the form of a three-core cable, is required to connect the continuous casting machine 10 to the electrical power source 150. In addition, the second electrical cable 160 for connecting the second agitator roller 60 to the first agitator roller 55 is also significantly shortened.

[0089] Furthermore, from an electrical perspective, the above-described design of the continuous casting machine 10 is advantageous in that the windings of the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 can have a larger conductor cross-section, so that the electrical coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 are robust against wear and have a long service life. Moreover, the manufacturing costs, especially for winding the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, are reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, the mounting of the first and second agitator rollers 55, 60 is particularly easy thanks to the pluggable contact device 330, 335 in the area of ​​the connection unit 81, and a quick electrical connection 350, 360 of the two coil assemblies 85, 90 is thereby ensured. This significantly reduces the assembly effort for mounting the continuous casting machine 10.

[0091] Furthermore, a high current-carrying capacity in the area of ​​the connecting unit 81 is ensured by the radial flow of coolant 325 around the outside of the connecting unit 81, in particular around the contact elements 330, 335. This allows the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190 to be supplied with a high electric current in order to provide a particularly strong electromagnetic field to act on the hot wire 40. Moreover, the increased current maintains the strength of the magnetic field compared to individual current flow to the coils 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190.

[0092] Due to the rigid mechanical connection of the pin 300 and the sleeve 305, the first and second coil assemblies 85, 90 can be supported against each other via the connecting unit 81 on the side facing away from the first and / or second connection terminal 135, 145 and / or the connecting terminal 140 and / or the star point connection 240 in the area of ​​the intermediate bearing 80. It can be advantageous if the ratio of the inserted first section 315 to the outer diameter of the sleeve is 1 to 3, preferably 1, 2 to 1.5. Furthermore, the sleeve has a wall thickness in the area of ​​the first section 315 preferably 0.08 to 0.15 times its outer diameter. Furthermore, the sleeve 305 can have an outer diameter of approximately 0.2 to approximately 0.3 of the first and / or second roller ball 70, 75.

[0093] This design ensures that no further mechanical support is required for the pin 300 and the sleeve 305 in the area of ​​the intermediate bearing 81, extending radially outwards. This allows for a radially wide first radial gap 275, which can be annular in shape, thus minimizing pressure loss when guiding the coolant 325. Furthermore, the assembly of the mechanical and electrical connections is particularly simple. For example, a defined alignment can be achieved in the area of ​​the pin 300 and the sleeve 305 using a centering pin. Reference symbol list

[0094] 10 Strand casting machine 15 Pan 20 Distributor 25 Mold 30 Strand guide 35 Metallic melt 40 Hot strand 45 Pair of rollers 50 Pair of agitator rollers 55 First agitator roller 60 Second agitator roller 65 First axis of rotation 70 First roller bundle 75 Second roller bundle 80 Intermediate bearing 81 Connecting unit 85 First coil assembly 90 Second coil assembly 95 First support bearing 100 Second support bearing 105 First roller surface 110 Second roller surface 115 First side surface 120 Support 125 Second side surface 130 Second axis of rotation 135 First connection terminal 140 Connection terminal 145 Second connection terminal 150 Electrical power source 155 First electrical cable 160 Second electrical cable 165 First coil 170 second coil 175 third coil 180 fourth coil 185 fifth coil 190 sixth coil 191 symmetry point 195 first connection point 200 first connection point 205 second connection point 210 second connection point 215 third connection point 220 third connection point 225 fourth connection point 230 fifth connection point 235 sixth connection point240 Star point connection 245 Intermediate bearing housing 250 Rolling bearing 255 Connecting flange 260 Shell 265 Inner ring 270 First inner circumferential side 275 First radial gap 280 Second inner circumferential side 285 Second radial gap 290 Third inner circumferential side 295 Third radial gap 300 Pin 305 Sleeve 310 First receptacle 315 First pin section 320 Seal 325 Coolant 330 First contact device 335 Second contact device 340 First contact element 345 Second contact element 350 First electrical connection 355 Second pin section 360 Second electrical connection 365 Second receptacle 366 Coding 380 Third receptacle F Force L1 First phase L2 Second phase L3 Third phase

Claims

1. Stirrer roller (55, 60) for a continuous casting machine (10) for producing a hot strand (40), - wherein the stirrer roller (55, 60) has a first barrel (70) which is rotatably mounted about a first rotation axis (65), a second barrel (75) which is rotatably mounted about the first rotation axis (65), a connecting unit (81), a first coil arrangement (85) with at least one first electric coil (165), a second coil arrangement (90) with at least one second electric coil (170), and an intermediate bearing (80), - wherein the connecting unit (81) and the intermediate bearing (80) are arranged axially between the first barrel (70) and the second barrel (75) with respect to the first rotation axis (65), - wherein the intermediate bearing (80) engages around the circumference of the connecting unit (81) and is designed to absorb a force (F) both from the first barrel (70) and from the second barrel (75), - wherein the connecting unit (81) electrically connects the first electric coil (165) to the second electric coil (170) in a series circuit, - wherein the first coil arrangement (85) and the second coil arrangement (90) are designed to generate a magnetic field which acts radially outward relative to the first barrel (70) and, respectively, to the second barrel (75) when the first electric coil (165) and the second electric coil (170) are energized.

2. Stirrer roller (55, 60) according to Claim 1, - wherein the connecting unit (81) has a first contact device (330) and a second contact device (335) designed to correspond to the first contact device (330), - wherein the first contact device (330) electrically contacts the second contact device (335), - wherein the first contact device (330) is electrically connected to the first coil (165) and the second contact device (335) is electrically connected to the second coil (165).

3. Stirrer roller (55, 60) according to either of the preceding claims, - wherein the stirrer roller (55, 60) has a first connection terminal (135) and a connecting terminal (140), - wherein the first connection terminal (135) is arranged on a first axial side of the first barrel (70) facing away from the intermediate bearing (80), - wherein the connecting terminal (140) is arranged on a second axial side of the second barrel (70) situated opposite the first connection terminal (135), - wherein an electrical power source (150), in particular a frequency converter, can be connected to the first connection terminal (135), - wherein a further stirrer roller (60) can be electrically connected to the connecting terminal (140), - wherein the first coil arrangement (85), the connecting unit (81) and the second coil arrangement (90) electrically connect the first connection terminal (135) to the connecting terminal (140).

4. Stirrer roller (55, 60) according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the first coil arrangement (85) has at least a third and fourth coil (175, 180) and the second coil arrangement (90) has at least a fifth and sixth coil (185, 190), - wherein the connecting unit (81) electrically connects the third coil (175) to the fifth coil (185) and the fourth coil (180) to the sixth coil (190) in such a way that the third coil (175) and the fifth coil (185) are connected in series and the fourth coil (180) and the sixth coil (190) are connected in series.

5. Stirrer roller (60) according to Claim 4, - having a second connection terminal (145) and a star point connection (240), - wherein the second connection terminal (145) is arranged on a first axial side of the first barrel (70) facing away from the intermediate bearing (80), - wherein the star point connection (240) is arranged on a second axial side of the second barrel (75) situated opposite the second connection terminal (145), - wherein a second electrical cable (160) can be connected to the second connection terminal (145), - wherein the star point connection (240) electrically connects the second coil (170), the fifth coil (185) and the sixth coil (190) to each other in star.

6. Stirrer roller (55, 60) according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the connecting unit (81) has at least one pin (300), which extends along the first rotation axis (65), and a sleeve (305), - wherein the pin (300) and / or the sleeve (305) are / is in the form of a rod, - wherein the sleeve (305) has a first receptacle (310), into which the pin (300) engages by way of a first pin portion (315).

7. Stirrer roller (55, 60) according to Claim 6, - wherein the first contact device (330) is arranged in the pin (300) and the second contact device (335) is arranged in the sleeve (305), - wherein the first receptacle (310) is sealed off in a fluid-tight manner.

8. Stirrer roller (55) according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the intermediate bearing (80) has a roller bearing (250), an intermediate bearing housing (245) and a connecting flange (255), - wherein the roller bearing (250) is arranged in the intermediate bearing housing (245), - wherein the connecting flange (255) is in the form of a hollow body and passes through the roller bearing (250), - wherein the connecting flange (255) mechanically connects the first barrel (70) to the second barrel (75), - wherein the roller bearing (250) mounts the connecting flange (255) rotatably about the first rotation axis (65), - wherein a first radial gap (275) for guiding a coolant (325) is arranged radially between a first inner circumferential side (270) of the connecting flange (255) and the connecting unit (81).

9. Continuous casting machine (10) for producing a hot strand (40), - wherein the continuous casting machine (10) has a strand guide (30), at least one first stirrer roller (55), a second stirrer roller (60) and an electrical power source (150), - wherein the first stirrer roller (55) and the second stirrer roller (60) are designed according to any of the preceding claims, - wherein the second stirrer roller (60) is arranged spaced apart from the first stirrer roller (55) with respect to the first rotation axis (65), - wherein the hot strand (40) can be arranged between the first stirrer roller (55) and the second stirrer roller (60), - wherein the electrical power source (150) is electrically connected to the first stirrer roller (55), - wherein the first stirrer roller (55) electrically connects the second stirrer roller (60) to the electrical power source (150).

10. Continuous casting machine (10) according to Claim 9, - wherein the connecting terminal (140) of the first stirrer roller (55) is electrically connected to the second connection terminal (145) of the second stirrer roller (60) by means of a second electrical cable (160) in such a way that the first coil (165) of the first coil arrangement (85) and the second coil (170) of the second coil arrangement (90) of the first stirrer roller (55) and the first coil (165) of the first coil arrangement (85) and the second coil (170) of the second coil arrangement (90) of the second stirrer roller (60) are electrically connected in series.

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