Measuring device and measuring method

Abstract

To provide a measurement apparatus by which arrangement dimensions of a casting mold and members including a roll can be measured relatively.SOLUTION: A measurement apparatus measures arrangement dimensions of a casting mold that is a member of a continuous casting facility and rolls that guide a slab pulled out of the casing mold while sandwiching the slab. The measurement apparatus includes: a lifting part disposed movably along an axial direction of the casting mold; an alignment part that carries out alignment between the lifting part and a reference position of the casting mold; and a distance measurement part that is disposed in the lifting part and measures a distance from the reference position to the member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device and a measuring method for measuring the layout dimensions of members constituting continuous casting equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] The continuous casting equipment is provided with a mold and rolls below the mold.

[0003] Because the mold comes into contact with molten steel, it is subject to heat and load. In addition, because the roll comes into contact with the billet that has passed through the mold, it is subject to heat and load. The layout dimensions of the molds and rolls in continuous casting equipment affect the dimensions of the product. For this reason, it has been customary to measure the layout dimensions of the molds, rolls, and other components of continuous casting equipment.

[0004] The layout dimensions of components in continuous casting equipment are measured, for example, using a micrometer. Also, the layout dimensions of a mold are sometimes measured using a measuring instrument that measures the width of the mold. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of such a measuring instrument, a mold width measuring device equipped with a mold width detector that extends in the width direction of the mold to detect the width of the mold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-86853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When measuring the layout dimensions of a mold using a micrometer, the user measures the distance between opposing walls. When measuring the width of a mold using the mold width measuring device described in Patent Document 1, the mold width detector is placed in contact with the wall surface of the mold to measure.

[0007] However, with such conventional measurement of the layout dimensions, even if distortion occurs in the mold or roll, it is difficult to detect the distortion as long as the widthwise length is within a specified value. In particular, when a misalignment, which is a deviation in the layout relationship between the mold and the roll, occurs, it is difficult to detect the misalignment if the widthwise length is within a specified value.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a measuring device capable of relatively measuring the layout dimensions of members including a mold and a roll. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.

[0010] [1] A measuring device for measuring the layout dimensions of a mold, which is a component of continuous casting equipment, and rolls that sandwich and guide a cast strip drawn from the mold, an elevator unit that is movable along the axial direction of the mold; an alignment unit that aligns the lifting unit with a reference position of the mold; a distance measuring unit provided on the lifting unit to measure the distance from the reference position to the member. [2] a frame formed to extend along the axial direction of the mold; The measuring device according to [1], wherein the lifting section is provided on the frame. [3] The measuring device according to [2], wherein the frame is formed so as to be freely expandable and contractible along the axial direction of the mold. [4] The measuring device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the distance measuring unit is a laser range finder. [5] a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information measured by the distance measurement unit; a reference data acquisition unit that acquires reference data that serves as a reference for the distance from the reference position to the member; a placement data generating unit that generates placement data relating to the placement mode of the component based on the reference data and the distance information; The measurement device according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising: a notification unit that performs notification based on the arrangement data generated by the arrangement data generation unit. [6] A measurement method for measuring the layout dimensions of a mold, which is a component of continuous casting equipment, and rolls that sandwich and guide a cast strip drawn from the mold, comprising: a distance measuring step of measuring a distance from a reference position to the member; a distance information acquiring step of acquiring distance information measured in the distance measuring step; a reference data acquisition step of acquiring reference data that serves as a reference for the distance from the reference position to the member; a placement data generating step of generating placement data relating to a placement mode of the component based on the reference data and the distance information; a notification step of issuing a notification based on the arrangement data generated in the arrangement data generation step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The measuring device of the present invention includes an alignment unit that aligns the lifting unit with a reference position of the mold, and a distance measurement unit that measures the distance from the reference position to the member. This makes it possible to measure the layout dimensions of the members of the continuous casting equipment from the reference position. This allows for relative measurement of the layout dimensions of the members, including the mold and rolls. Specifically, the measuring device of the present invention can detect so-called misalignment by measuring the layout dimensions of the mold and rolls from the reference position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a measurement device. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a state when the frame of FIG. 1 is contracted. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional blocks of the distance measurement device. [Figure 5] 1 is a process flow of a distance measurement method using a distance measurement device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a display unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a manner of distance measurement by a distance measurement device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Fig. 1 shows the configuration of the measurement device. As shown in Fig. 1, the mold 10 of the continuous casting equipment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The continuous casting equipment has the mold 10 and a roll 13 provided below the mold 10 as components.

[0014] The mold 10 includes a pair of long sides facing each other and a pair of short sides sandwiched between the long sides and facing each other. The mold 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the pair of long sides and the pair of short sides. The mold 10 has an opening 11.

[0015] The rolls 13 are cylindrical members. The rolls 13 are provided facing each other following the mold 10 in the continuous casting equipment. A plurality of rolls 13 are provided in a row from the upstream side to the downstream side. The rolls 13 sandwich the slab pulled out of the mold and guide the slab to the downstream side of the continuous casting equipment.

[0016] The measuring device 100 is a device that measures the arrangement dimensions of components including the mold 10 and the rolls 13. In the following description, the mold 10 and the rolls 13 are taken as examples of components of the continuous casting equipment whose arrangement dimensions are to be measured, but the user can arbitrarily set the components whose arrangement dimensions are to be measured.

[0017] The measuring device 100 has a frame 20. The frame 20 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. In this embodiment, the frame 20 is formed to extend along the axial direction AX of the opening 11. The frame 20 has a first frame 21 arranged on one end side and a second frame 22 connected to the first frame 21.

[0018] An attachment part 30 for attaching the measuring device 100 to the opening 11 is provided on one end side (upper side) of the first frame 21. The attachment part 30 is formed in a frame shape extending in the width direction of the opening 11. The shape of the attachment part 30 is not particularly limited, and may be any shape that can support the frame 20 in the opening 11, and may be formed in a rod shape, for example.

[0019] The mounting portion 30 is provided with an alignment portion 31 formed in a protruding shape at the center of the width direction of the frame 20. The shape of the alignment portion 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can be visually confirmed by the user, and for example, a sticker with a mark written on it may be affixed to the mounting portion 30.

[0020] A display unit 40 is provided at one end of the first frame 21. The display unit 40 displays the measurement results of the arrangement dimensions of the mold 10 and the roll 13 measured by the measuring device 100. The display unit 40 can be, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0021] An elevator unit 50 is provided on the other end (lower side) of the second frame 22 so as to be movable along the direction of the axis AX of the opening 11. In this embodiment, the elevator unit 50 is located on the tip surface of the second frame 22. The position at which the elevator unit 50 is provided is not particularly limited, and for example, the elevator unit 50 may be provided so as to be slidable within the frame 20 in its longitudinal direction (direction of the axis AX).

[0022] The lifting unit 50 is provided with a distance measurement unit 60. The distance measurement unit 60 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a laser rangefinder that measures distance by measuring light reflected from an object. By using a laser rangefinder, the distance measurement mechanism can be made smaller and lighter. This increases portability and makes it easier to move the lifting unit 50 to the roll 13 located below the mold 10, thereby expanding the measurement range. Furthermore, the laser rangefinder can quickly measure distances, allowing for rapid measurement work.

[0023] In this embodiment, the laser rangefinders 61 and 62 are arranged so as to be aligned in the width direction of the frame 20. The laser rangefinders 61 and 62 are arranged so as to be able to emit light in directions opposite to each other in the width direction of the frame 20. Specifically, the laser rangefinders 61 and 62 are arranged so as to be able to emit light in opposite directions (directions moving away from each other) in directions facing each other.

[0024] The lifting unit 50 is connected to one end of the first frame 21 by a connecting means 70. The connecting means 70 has a connecting member 73 that connects a handle 71 provided at one end of the first frame 21 and a fixing part 72 provided at the other end of the second frame 22.

[0025] The connecting member 73 is not particularly limited, but may be a chain, a belt, or the like. In this embodiment, a chain is used for the connecting member 73. The connecting member 73 is connected to and stretched over a restricting member 74 that restricts upward movement of the chain, and a gear 75.

[0026] The restricting member 74 is provided on the other end side of the first frame 21. The restricting member 74 is formed in a rod shape that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the area surrounded by the frame of the first frame 21.

[0027] The gear 75 is attached to a plate 76 that is movable by sliding in the longitudinal direction within the first frame 21. The gear 75 is attached to the side surface of the plate 76 so as to be rotatable about an axis.

[0028] 2 shows the state when the frame 20 is contracted. The first frame 21 has a groove (not shown) formed along its longitudinal direction. The second frame 22 has a protrusion (not shown) that engages with the groove of the first frame 21. The protrusion of the second frame 22 is provided so as to be slidable in the groove of the first frame 21.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the second frame 22 can be housed within the frame of the first frame 21 by operating the handle 71 to wind up the connecting member 73. Furthermore, the second frame 22 can be extended from within the frame of the first frame 21 by operating the handle 71 to release the connecting member 73. In this way, the frame 20 is formed to be extendable and retractable along the axial direction AX of the opening 11. Forming the frame 20 in this way improves the portability of the measuring device 100. Furthermore, forming the frame 20 in this way allows the lifting unit 50 to move stably. As a result, the measurement accuracy of the measuring device 100 can be improved.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows the top surface of the measuring device. As shown in Fig. 3, opening 11 is provided with a marker 14 indicating the middle position of opening 11 in the width direction. Mark 14 only needs to be provided at a location indicated as a reference position, and may be provided at a location other than the middle position of opening 11 in the width direction.

[0031] The mark 14 need only be visible to the user, and its shape is not particularly limited; for example, it may be formed in a protrusion shape similar to the alignment portion 31, or a sticker with a mark written on it may be attached to the opening 11.

[0032] Therefore, the user can install the measuring device 100 at the reference position by inserting the alignment unit 31 into the opening 11 so that it is aligned with the position of the marker 14. In other words, by installing the measuring device 100 in this manner, it is possible to align the lifting unit 50 with the reference position of the opening 11. The display unit 40 displays the distance from the reference position measured by the distance measurement unit 60.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows functional blocks of the measurement device 100. As shown in Fig. 4, the display unit 40, the distance measurement unit 60, and the control unit 80 are connected via a bus 90 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0034] The control unit 80 controls the overall operation of the measuring device 100. The control unit 80 is configured by a computer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The ROM stores a control program that executes a distance measurement method according to an embodiment of the present invention, as well as processing programs and processing data that control the overall operation of the measuring device 100. The CPU controls the overall operation of the measuring device 100 in accordance with the control program and processing programs stored in the ROM. The RAM temporarily stores processing programs and processing data related to the processes executed by the CPU, and functions as a working area for the CPU.

[0035] The control unit 80 has a distance information acquisition unit 81 that acquires distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 60. The control unit 80 has a reference data acquisition unit 82 that acquires reference data that serves as a reference for the distance from a reference position to the inner wall of the mold 10 or the roll 13. The control unit 80 has a placement data generation unit 83 that generates placement data regarding the placement of the mold 10 or the roll 13 based on the reference data and the distance information. The control unit 80 causes the placement data generated by the placement data generation unit 83 to be displayed on the display unit 40.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the processing flow of a distance measurement method using measuring device 100. A user measures distance as follows: The user inserts measuring device 100 through opening 11 and fixes mounting part 30 to the edge of opening 11. The user presses a measurement start button (not shown) displayed on display part 40 to start distance measurement by distance measurement part 60. The user operates handle 71 to move lift part 50 to any position where the user wants to measure. The user presses a measurement end button (not shown) displayed on display part 40 to end distance measurement by distance measurement part 60.

[0037] 5, the distance measurement unit 60 sequentially stores the distances measured by the laser rangefinders 61 and 62 in ROM (step S01). In the distance measurement process of step S01, the distance measurement unit 60 acquires a first distance from a reference position to the laser rangefinder 61 and a second distance from the reference position to the laser rangefinder 62, both of which are stored in advance in the ROM. The distance measurement unit 60 adds the distance measured by the laser rangefinder 61 to the first distance to calculate a third distance from the reference position to the mold 10 and the roll 13 in one direction.

[0038] Similarly, the distance measurement unit 60 adds the distance measured by the laser distance meter 62 to the second distance to calculate a fourth distance from the reference position to the mold 10 or roll 13 in the other direction. The distance measurement unit 60 stores the third distance and the fourth distance in ROM as distance information.

[0039] The distance information acquisition unit 81 reads the third distance and the fourth distance from the ROM to acquire the distance information (step S02).

[0040] The reference data acquisition unit 82 reads and acquires, from the ROM, a third reference distance that is a distance serving as a reference for the third distance and a fourth reference distance that is a distance serving as a reference for the fourth distance, as reference data (step S03).

[0041] The third and fourth reference distances may be stored in advance as reference data in a ROM. The distance information acquisition process in step S02 and the reference data acquisition process in step S03 may be performed in any order, or may be performed simultaneously.

[0042] The placement data generation unit 83 compares the third distance with the third reference distance and generates the comparison result as placement data (step S04). Similarly, the placement data generation unit 83 compares the fourth distance with the fourth reference distance and generates the comparison result as placement data. The placement data generated by the placement data generation unit 83 is stored in ROM.

[0043] The control unit 80 notifies the user by displaying the placement data generated in the placement data generating step of step S04 on the display unit 40 (step S05). In the notifying step of step S05, the control unit 80 reads the placement data from the ROM and displays it on the display unit 40. In this way, the display unit 40 functions as a notifying unit that notifies the user based on the placement data generated by the placement data generating unit 83.

[0044] 6 shows an example of the display on the display unit 40. The display unit 40 sequentially displays the distances measured by the distance measurement unit 60. For example, when the handle 71 is operated at a constant speed, the lifting unit 50 moves up and down in accordance with the operating speed. The display unit 40 sequentially displays the distances measured by the distance measurement unit 60.

[0045] 6, the display unit 40 shows a distance according to the position of the lifting unit 50. When the distance measurement unit 60 sequentially measures the distance near the roll 13, the measured distance gradually becomes shorter as it approaches the axis (not shown) of the roll 13 from the upper end of the roll 13. Also, the measured distance gradually becomes longer as it approaches the axis of the roll 13 from the lower end of the roll 13.

[0046] In the display example shown in Fig. 6, the area where the distance changes gradually like this is displayed separately from the other area. In the display example shown in Fig. 6, the area surrounded by diagonal lines sloping upward to the right is displayed as the area where the distance changes little, and the area surrounded by diagonal lines sloping downward to the right is displayed as the area where the distance changes frequently.

[0047] In addition, the display example shown in Figure 6 shows the position where the distance is shortest in the area surrounded by diagonal lines slanting downward to the right, that is, the distance between rolls 13 at the position of the axis of roll 13 (XX mm: X is a numerical value).

[0048] Furthermore, the determination result as to whether the distance is within the normal range is displayed as placement data in the display area at the bottom right of the display unit 40. By being notified of the placement data in this manner, the user can quickly recognize abnormalities in the placement dimensions and the degree of the abnormality in the placement dimensions.

[0049] Fig. 7 shows an aspect of distance measurement by the measuring device 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the measuring device 100 can acquire third distances D31, D32, and D33 from the reference position BP to the mold 10 or the roll 13 in one direction. The measuring device 100 can acquire third distances D41, D42, and D43 from the reference position BP to the mold 10 or the roll 13 in the other direction.

[0050] In the conventional technology, the sum of the third distance D31 and the fourth distance D41 is compared with the sum of the third distance D33 and the fourth distance D43. Therefore, in the conventional technology, even if the roll 13 is misaligned at the measurement positions of the third distance D33 and the fourth distance D43, it is difficult to detect the misalignment if both are equal to or smaller than the threshold.

[0051] The measuring device 100 can measure the distance from the reference position BP on each side. This allows the third distance D31 and the third distance D33 to be compared with the fourth distance D41 and the fourth distance D43. Therefore, even if the sum of the third distance D31 and the fourth distance D41 is the same as the sum of the third distance D33 and the fourth distance D43, the misalignment can be detected. Thus, the measuring device 100 can measure the misalignment between the mold 10 and the roll 13 and the misalignment of the roll 13. Furthermore, the measuring device 100 allows for simple measurements, allowing the user to perform measurements in approximately half the time required for measurements using a micrometer.

[0052] As described above, it is difficult to measure misalignment between the mold and rolls using conventional measuring devices. When such misalignment occurs, bulging or shell intrusion can occur when the shell of the slab is thin, which can lead to problems such as so-called breakouts. The measuring device 100 of the present invention can relatively measure the arrangement dimensions of components including the mold 10 and rolls 13, making it possible to detect such misalignment between the mold 10 and rolls 13. This can therefore prevent problems such as breakouts from occurring.

[0053] Conventional measurement equipment requires a large distance measurement mechanism, which requires time and effort for advance preparation and measurement. However, the measuring device 100 of the present invention uses laser distance meters 61 and 62 to measure distance, thereby enabling the distance measurement mechanism to be made smaller and lighter. This allows users to easily carry the measuring device 100. Therefore, even in a continuous casting machine with a high operating rate, measurements can be easily performed, increasing the measurement frequency and enabling early detection of abnormalities and prevention of problems.

[0054] Furthermore, by moving the lifting unit 50, the measuring device 100 of the present application can measure the distance from a reference position on a vertical roll band located directly below the mold 10 to a component, for example. This allows for a wider measurement range than conventional measurement methods.

[0055] In the above embodiment, an example of the measuring device 100 provided with the frame 20 has been described. However, as long as the lifting unit 50 can be moved in the direction of the axis AX of the opening 11, the frame 20 can be provided arbitrarily depending on the embodiment of the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100 Measuring Device 10 Mold 11 Aperture 13 rolls 14 signs 20 frames 40 Display section 50 Lifting section 60 Distance measurement unit 70 Connection Methods

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the layout dimensions of a mold, which is a component of continuous casting equipment, and rolls that sandwich and guide a cast strip drawn from the mold, an elevator unit that is movable along the axial direction of the mold; an alignment unit that is provided at a middle portion of the pair of rolls of the mold in the opposing direction and that aligns the lifting unit with a reference position provided at an opening of the mold; a distance measuring unit provided on the lifting unit and measuring a distance from the reference position to the member; a distance information acquisition unit that acquires distance information measured by the distance measurement unit; a reference data acquisition unit that acquires reference data that serves as a reference for the distance from the reference position to the member; a placement data generating unit that generates placement data relating to the placement mode of the component based on the reference data and the distance information; a notification unit that performs notification based on the placement data generated by the placement data generation unit, A measuring device in which the distance measuring units are provided as a pair in the opposing direction of the pair of rolls, and each distance measuring unit measures the distance between the members provided in directions away from each other.

2. a frame formed to extend along the axial direction of the mold; The measuring device according to claim 1 , wherein the lifting section is provided on the frame.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2 , wherein the frame is formed so as to be extendable and contractible along the axial direction of the mold.

4. 4. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring unit is a laser range finder.

5. A measurement method for measuring a roll arrangement dimension using the measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: an alignment step of arranging the alignment unit at a position corresponding to the reference position of the mold and aligning it with the lifting unit; a distance measuring step of measuring a distance from a reference position to the member; a distance information acquiring step of acquiring distance information measured in the distance measuring step; a reference data acquisition step of acquiring reference data that serves as a reference for the distance from the reference position to the member; a placement data generating step of generating placement data relating to a placement mode of the component based on the reference data and the distance information; a notification step of issuing a notification based on the arrangement data generated in the arrangement data generation step.

6. A measurement method for measuring roll placement dimensions using the measurement device according to claim 4, comprising: an alignment step of arranging the alignment unit at a position corresponding to the reference position of the mold and aligning it with the lifting unit; a distance measuring step of measuring a distance from a reference position to the member; a distance information acquiring step of acquiring distance information measured in the distance measuring step; a reference data acquisition step of acquiring reference data that serves as a reference for the distance from the reference position to the member; a placement data generating step of generating placement data relating to a placement mode of the component based on the reference data and the distance information; a notification step of issuing a notification based on the arrangement data generated in the arrangement data generation step.

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