Device for continuously casting a cast strand

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for continuously casting a cast strand. The device comprises: a continuous casting mould (1) having a with a fixed broad side (5a) of the mould and a loose broad side (5b) of the mould and a separating element (6) with which cast strands can be separated from one another. A starting element is provided in order to start off the cast strand. In an open position of the continuous casting mould, the starting element can be guided between the separating element (6) and the opposing inner wall of the mould. The roller tracks (19, 20) of the zero segment can be adjusted in order to increase the empty space (18) such that there is sufficient space available for a section (17) of the separating element (6), in the form of a spray bar, and the separating element (6) can be introduced along its longitudinal extension (LA) in the continuous casting mould (1) and the downstream zero segment.

Description

[0001] CK

[0002] Device for continuous casting of a casting strand

[0003] The invention relates to a device for continuous casting of a casting strand.

[0004] Continuous casting is a continuous process for producing metal strands, for example, from steel. Continuous casting lines have become established for this process; these lines feature a hopper that receives the molten metal and directs it in a controlled manner into a continuous casting mold. The mold is usually cooled with water. Inside the mold, the molten metal begins to cool and solidify at the walls, forming a solid outer shell. The still-molten metal inside the strand is drawn out of the mold by continuous lowering, making the length of the strand unlimited as long as additional molten metal is fed into the mold.

[0005] To ensure the casting of the metal strand, suitable start-up elements are used. Such a start-up element is designed, in particular, as a so-called cold strand chain, which is inserted into the continuous casting mold and, especially at the lower end of the mold (viewed in the casting direction), partially protrudes from it. At the upper end of the cold strand chain, that is, at the end that is inserted last into the continuous casting mold when the cold strand chain is inserted in the casting direction, there is a so-called cold strand head. Packaging material is applied to this head to seal the continuous casting mold at the bottom and thus provide the possibility of spruing the casting material, which then serves as the initial section of the strand to be produced. The continuous casting mold itself is specifically designed to form the cross-sectional shape of the cast strand.A strand guide is connected to the continuous casting mold. The strand is guided through this guide to cool in a controlled manner and at a controlled thickness. The strand guide, for example, has segments arranged one after the other, each equipped with rollers between which the strand is conveyed and can be thinned as needed. For space efficiency, the strand guide may have bends in sections, provided the material being cast is suitable. Within the strand guide, the strand is further cooled by water jets to ensure complete solidification. To guarantee uniform solidification, the strand is continuously guided and, if necessary, bent within the roller-equipped segments. At the end of the process, the strand is cut into shorter lengths, called slabs, which can be further processed.

[0006] In cases where narrow strands are desired, it is common practice to divide existing continuous casting molds into two or more strands by installing one or more dividers. These dividers are also referred to as dividers in the relevant field. In many cases, a divider is equipped with cooling boxes and cooling plates. Furthermore, a divider typically has a roller frame with a splash guard at one end, which is intended for placement at the strand exit side where the strand leaves the continuous casting mold. This roller frame may extend into the first section of the strand guide.

[0007] The arrangement of the divider(s) in the continuous casting mold is carried out using suitable

[0008] Fastening devices, for example by means of screws. For example, it is common to attach dividers to the water chambers of the wider side of the mold, the so-called, via appropriately prepared connection spigots.

[0009] Mold side, to be screwed together. The divider can also be attached asymmetrically, so that, for example, two strands of different widths can be produced.

[0010] The described procedure has the disadvantage that, to insert the start-up element into the continuous casting mold, the divider must first be removed and then reinstalled after the start-up element has been inserted. The need to remove and reinstall the divider(s) in the continuous casting mold before each pour results in increased time required for mold changeover, which is accompanied by temporary plant downtime and a corresponding loss of efficiency.

[0011] Against the background of the described technical principles, the present invention is based on the objective of increasing the efficiency of a continuous casting plant designed for casting a variable number of strands.

[0012] The problem is solved by a device for continuous casting of a casting strand with the features of claim 1.

[0013] It is a device for continuous casting of a casting strand.

[0014] The device comprises the following elements, which are listed and explained below:

[0015] The device comprises a continuous casting mold with a fixed mold section and a loose mold section. The loose mold section is movably mounted relative to the fixed mold section between a closed position of the continuous casting mold and an open position. The fixed mold section, on the other hand, is preferably fixedly positioned on a holding device. Adjustability of the loose mold section between the closed and open positions is not required.

[0016] Open positioning can be achieved, for example, by means of hydraulic

[0017] The adjustment mechanism must be implemented in a professional manner.

[0018] At least one separating element is arranged on the inner wall of a mold, i.e., on the inner wall of a fixed side of the mold's fixed section or on the inner wall of a loose side of the mold's free section. This separating element serves to create at least two casting strands that are separated from each other in the closed position of the continuous casting mold. It is preferably provided that the separating element is detachably and re-arrangable on the inner wall of the mold; however, it is alternatively possible that the separating element is permanently attached to the inner wall of the mold, i.e., not detachable without damage, or is designed as a component of the inner wall of the mold.

[0019] The device further comprises a strand guide located downstream of the continuous casting mold. This strand guide includes at least one strand guide segment located directly downstream of the continuous casting mold. Typically, further strand guide segments connect to this at least one strand guide segment.

[0020] The device further comprises a starting element. The starting element serves to initiate the pouring process at the beginning of a casting operation and to enable the subsequent withdrawal of the cast strand. The starting element has at least two spaced-apart starting strands, each with a starting head. The at least two starting strands allow one starting strand to be positioned on each side of the separating element. One of the two starting strands is thus positioned on one side of the separating element, and the other starting strand is positioned on the other side of the separating element. If two or more separating elements are provided, the number of starting strands increases by one relative to the number of separating elements. After the starting strands have been arranged, the casting strand can be started.To ensure that the start-up strands are pulled out behind the outlet side of the continuous casting mold in the casting direction, the at least two start-up strands spaced apart from each other are coupled together.

[0021] The start-up element can be guided past the at least one separating element and the opposing inner wall of the continuous casting mold in the open position. This ensures that the start-up element can be inserted into the continuous casting mold along one continuous casting direction without having to remove the separating element(s). This allows for the operation of a continuous casting mold producing multiple strands with one or more separating elements located within the mold, achieving significantly higher efficiency compared to many solutions known from practical experience.

[0022] In particular, the starting element and the separating element on the one hand, and the space released in the open position of the continuous casting mold on the other hand, are dimensioned to each other in such a way that, in the open position of the continuous casting mold, the starting element can be guided between the at least one separating element and the inner wall of the mold opposite it.

[0023] The construction presented here represents the specific design of a continuous casting mold as

[0024] Continuous casting mold with at least one separating element for casting at least two strands in accordance with the

[0025] The provision of at least one suitable divider element has been further developed. The coordination of the depth of the start-up element with the degree of separation of the mold's loose section relative to the mold's solid section advantageously and in a previously unknown manner enables the insertion of a start-up element for a top-feeding process without the intermediate removal of the divider. This coordination allows cold strand heads to be provided in at least two independently supplied casting strands without requiring the intermediate disassembly and re-arrangement of the at least one divider element on the inner wall of the continuous casting mold.

[0026] To coordinate the depth of the starting element with the degree of separation between the loose and fixed parts of the mold, three parameters must be expertly adjusted: the dimensions of the separating element, the dimensions of the connecting strut and its position on the starting sections, and the degree of adjustability of the continuous casting mold, i.e., the distance that can be gained by adjusting the continuous casting mold from the closed position to the open position. It is not possible to specify absolute values ​​for these parameters here, as the entire system must be dimensioned according to requirements, and each of the three parameters mentioned above must then be adjusted in relation to the other two. Therefore, expert intervention is required, but this can be implemented without difficulty.

[0027] Notwithstanding the expert coordination required, the previously unknown approach of inserting a start-up element into a continuous casting mold in the open position, when this continuous casting mold is equipped with at least one separating element for casting multiple strands, provides a further development of previously known devices that allows the previously necessary temporary removal of at least one separating element for the insertion of a start-up element to be dispensed with.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least two spaced-apart starting strands are coupled to each other by a connecting strut. The extension of the connecting strut in a narrow side direction of the mold, on the one hand, and the spacing of the at least one separating element from the inner wall of the mold opposite it in the open position of the continuous casting mold, on the other hand, are dimensioned such that in the open position of the continuous casting mold, the connecting strut can be guided past the at least one separating element and the inner wall of the mold opposite it.The extension of the connecting strut in a mold-narrow direction is defined by the positioning of the starting element during its introduction into the continuous casting mold in a predetermined manner; the extension refers to the width of the connecting strut in the mold-narrow direction, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the mold's inner wall, plus the distance of the connecting strut from the mold's inner wall. The extension of the connecting strut is thus a measure of the space that the connecting strut must be able to occupy in order to enter the continuous casting mold without collision.The connecting strut arranged between the start-up strands in a mold narrow-side direction, and the extension of the separating element in the mold narrow-side direction, are mutually adapted to each other and to the spacing of the mold parts in the open position, such that, in the open position of the continuous casting mold, the start-up element can be guided past the separating element and the opposite inner wall of the mold, at least in its connecting strut section. This serves the purpose of ensuring that the start-up element can be inserted into the continuous casting mold along a continuous casting direction.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least two spaced-apart approach strands are arranged so that the distance between them is greater than the width of the at least one separating element. Such a design ensures that the approach strands do not obstruct the entry of the approach element into the continuous casting mold and thus avoids a collision.

[0030] It is particularly preferred that the connecting strut has a cross-section which, when arranged on the starting element, has a larger cross-sectional area in the continuous casting direction than in the narrow side direction of the mold, preferably a cross-sectional area larger by a factor of 1, 2, 1.5, or 2. In other words, the connecting strut is flattened in the narrow side direction of the mold, i.e., in a direction parallel to the opening or closing direction of the continuous casting mold, relative to the continuous casting direction. By flattening the connecting strut, the space available for the at least one separating element is made largely large-volume, thereby ensuring that the movement of the mold part required for opening the continuous casting mold remains limited in its extent.By flattening in one direction, the required mechanical force absorption capacity is maintained through the necessary dimensioning in the other direction, namely the continuous casting direction.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of the connecting strut on the start-up element in the narrow side direction of the mold is asymmetrical. This preferably means that, in the longitudinal section of the start-up strands and in the closed state of the continuous casting mold, the distance of the connecting strut from the inner mold wall on which the separating element is arranged is greater than the distance from the inner mold wall opposite this inner mold wall. This design ensures that the movement of the mold's loose part away from the mold's fixed part, required for opening, remains as limited as possible in order to avoid unnecessary design effort associated with implementing the separation.

[0032] Particularly preferred is that the casting strand comprises a number of at least one, but preferably several, strand guide segment(s) downstream of the continuous casting mold, wherein a strand guide segment immediately downstream of the continuous casting mold, hereinafter referred to as the zero segment, is adjustable for temporarily increasing the void space between strand guide elements arranged on both sides. This allows the at least one separating element at the lower end (i.e., downstream in the casting direction) to be equipped with a roller frame with a splash guard that projects into the zero segment.The adjustability of the strand guide elements of the strand guide segment allows the movement of the mold-free part to bring about the open position of the continuous casting mold, which is accompanied by a movement of the roller stand with splash guard, to be carried out without the risk of a collision of the zero segment with the splash guard.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device, each of the at least two spaced-apart start-up strands has a length between its start-up head and the connecting strut nearest to the start-up head that is greater than the longitudinal extent of the at least one separating element in the casting direction, preferably greater than the longitudinal extent of the continuous casting mold in the casting direction. This design ensures that the continuous casting mold, and if present, including the downstream zero segment, can be closed again when the start-up heads are still above the at least one separating element, or, if they are greater than the longitudinal extent of the continuous casting mold in the casting direction, still above the mold, i.e., upstream of the upper mold opening when viewed from the continuous casting direction, and are still held by the start-up chain carriage.This enables a procedure that results in a time-efficient and error-free insertion of the starting element, or ensures controlled guidance of the starting element during insertion.

[0034] Particularly preferred is that the starting element is designed as a starting chain, which provides the advantage that flexible movement of the starting chain is possible when passing the starting chain through the continuous casting mold and the downstream strand guide.

[0035] Further details, features and advantages of the subject matter of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown.

[0036] It is understood that the features mentioned above and explained below can be used not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0037] They show:

[0038] Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c: top view of a continuous casting mold from an embodiment of a device for continuous casting of a casting strand, Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b in closed position and Fig. 1c in open position;

[0039] Figs. 2a and 2b: Side view of a continuous casting mold, a separating element and a zero segment from an exemplary embodiment of a device for continuous casting of a casting strand, Fig. 2a in closed position and Fig. 2b in open position;

[0040] Fig. 3a : front top view of a starting element designed as a starting chain with two starting strands from the device of Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c ;

[0041] Fig. 3b : Section through the starting chain of Fig. 3a along the section line AA.

[0042] In Fig. 1a, a continuous casting mold 1 from an embodiment of a device for the continuous casting of a casting strand is shown in a top view from above with the casting direction pointing into the plane of the paper along arrow P. The continuous casting mold 1 has a fixed mold part 2 and a loose mold part 3. The loose mold part 3 is movable relative to the fixed mold part 2. For example, it can be provided that the loose mold part 3 is hydraulically movable relative to the fixed mold part 2. The design of a continuous casting mold 1 from two parts movable relative to each other is known in practice, wherein one of the two parts is usually referred to as the fixed mold part and the other as the loose mold part, with the fixed mold part usually being fixed in position and coupled to the fixed mold part by means of a hydraulic adjustment device.The adjustability of the two parts, mold fixed part 2 and mold loose part 3, for example by means of hydraulic adjustment of the mold loose part 3, takes place between a closed position of the continuous casting mold 1 and an open position of the continuous casting mold 1. Fig. 1a is a representation of the continuous casting mold 1 in the closed position.

[0043] A separating element 6 is arranged on an inner wall 4a, 4b of a mold, i.e., an inner wall 4a of a mold's fixed side 5a of the mold's fixed part 2 or an inner wall 4b of a mold's loose side 5b of the mold's loose part 3. This separating element serves to divide the cavity 7 between the mold's fixed side 5a and the mold's loose side 5b into a first cavity 7a and a second cavity 7b. The first cavity 7a serves to form a first casting strand, and the second cavity 7b serves to form a second casting strand. The separating element 6 can be arranged symmetrically, as shown here, or asymmetrically within the cavity.

[0044] In the illustration of Fig. 1a, a pouring funnel is arranged above the plane of the paper. This funnel receives liquid metal, in particular molten steel, and releases it in a controlled flow into the first cavity 7a and the second cavity 7b. Within the mold, i.e., within the mold's wide side 5a and / or the mold's narrow side 5b and / or the separating element 6, there are fluid guides to provide liquid-based cooling of the molten steel. The molten steel flows through the first cavity 7a and the second cavity 7b along the direction of arrow P and is then fed into a strand guide downstream of the continuous casting mold 1 to pass through it.

[0045] The separating element 6 is either fixed, i.e., not detachable without damage, or, preferably, temporarily arranged on the fixed side 5a of the mold or the non-wide side 5b of the mold. Preferably, the separating element 6 is a separate element and is temporarily attached to the non-wide side 5b of the mold for a period of time using appropriate coupling means, for example, screws. In such a preferred embodiment, the separating element 6 can be disassembled and re-arranged. Preferably, the separating element 6 has a coolant guide, the inlet and outlet of which can each be connected to corresponding coupling points on the non-wide side 5b of the mold. For this purpose, corresponding coupling nozzles are provided, for example. It is optionally possible for corresponding coupling nozzles to also be provided on the fixed side of the mold, which is not shown in the present figure.

[0046] The continuous casting mold 1 together with the arranged separating element 6, which can be considered a component of the continuous casting mold 1, causes the parallel formation of two cast strands by providing the cavities 7a and 7b provided by the mold width fixed side 5a, mold widthless side 5b, mold narrow sides 8a, 8b and the separating element 6, the cross-sectional shape of which is formed by the cross-section of the cavities 7a and 7b respectively.

[0047] The continuous casting of a metal strand is a continuous process which is maintained by continuously refilling molten metal into the cavities 7a, 7b while continuously conveying the forming strand by means of the strand guide downstream of the continuous casting mold.

[0048] To initiate such a continuous process, experts are familiar with the procedure of providing a start-up element with a start-up head. This start-up element is typically designed as a so-called cold strand feeder, which, in the so-called top-feeding process, is fed into the continuous casting mold from the top (viewed in the casting direction) and, still viewed in the casting direction, partially protrudes from the bottom. At the upper end of the cold strand feeder, that is, at the end that is fed into the continuous casting mold last, there is a so-called cold strand head. Packaging material is applied to this head to seal the mold at the bottom, thereby enabling the injection of the casting material, which then serves as the starting section of the strand to be produced.After initial solidification, the casting process, when carrying out the cold stranding process, can involve conveying the overmolded or partially overmolded cold strand head out of the continuous casting mold from below.

[0049] According to the invention, the device for continuous casting of a casting strand comprises a start-up element having two spaced-apart start-up strands, each with a start-up head. Fig. 1b corresponds to the illustration in Fig. 1a, but additionally shows a top view of the respective upper ends of the two start-up strands, each equipped with a start-up head 9a and 9b, which, in their position inserted into the continuous casting mold 1, seal the mold downwards. The two start-up strands are coupled to each other below the separating element 6, i.e., downstream of the separating element 6 when viewed from the casting direction in the start-up position, by means of, for example, at least one connecting strut.

[0050] As already mentioned, in this case, a start-up element in a top-feeding configuration is considered, i.e., the start-up element is designed such that it is inserted into the continuous casting mold along the casting direction, in contrast to the bottom-feeding approach, in which the start-up element is inserted from below, i.e., against the casting direction. Providing a start-up element suitable for top-feeding start-up has the advantage that preparation of a casting strand can begin while the continuous casting process of a previous strand is still in progress. This approach thus increases efficiency by reducing downtime.

[0051] Fig. 1c shows a representation of the device of Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b with the continuous casting mold 1 in the open position. In addition to the elements shown in Figs. 1a and 1b, Fig. 1c shows an embodiment of a start-up element 12 of a device according to the invention.

[0052] For better understanding, the illustration in Fig. 1c depicts two planes: Firstly, it shows the same plane that has already been shown in Figs. 1a and 1b; this plane is represented by solid lines. In this plane, among other things, the top view of the approach heads 9a and 9b, which are part of the approach element 12, can be seen.

[0053] Furthermore, additional components of the starting element 12 are shown in section in a second plane, located below the starting heads 9a, 9b and below the separating element 6, i.e., downstream of the starting heads 9a, 9b and the separating element 6 when viewed in the casting direction. These components are the first starting string 10a, the second starting string 10b, and, for example, the connecting strut 11, with which the first starting string 10a and the second starting string 10b can be coupled to each other.As can be seen in this illustration, the extension of the connecting strut 11 in a mold narrow side direction when the starting element is inserted into the continuous casting mold 1, i.e. the distance measured by the double arrow Ps, on the one hand, and a distance Pb of the separating element 6 from the opposite inner wall of the mold in the open position of the continuous casting mold 1, on the other hand, are dimensioned such that in the open position of the continuous casting mold 1 the connecting strut 11 can be guided past the separating element 6 and the opposite inner wall 4a of the mold for the insertion of the starting element 12 into the continuous casting mold 1 along a continuous casting direction P.The extension of the connecting strut 11 in a mold narrow-side direction is defined as the width of the connecting strut 11 in the mold narrow-side direction plus the distance of the connecting strut 11 from the inner wall 4a, which is opposite the separating element 6, when the starting element 12 is inserted in the intended manner. The extension Ps of the connecting strut 11 is therefore a measure of the space that the connecting strut 11 requires when the starting element 12 is inserted into the mold.

[0054] For example, the point of the connecting strut 11 furthest from the inner wall 4a of the continuous casting mold when the starting element 12 is inserted into the mold is a smaller distance from the inner wall 4a than the point of the separating element 6 closest to the inner wall 4a of the mold when the continuous casting mold 1 is open. For example, the extension of the connecting strut 11 in a narrow side direction of the mold along the longitudinal direction of the connecting strut 11 can be constant, as can, for example, the distance of the separating element.

[0055] 6 from the inner wall 4a opposite it, both along the longitudinal extent of the separating element 6, i.e. a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connecting strut 11, and in the casting direction P, for example, may be constant.

[0056] In the open position of the continuous casting mold 1, the space between the separating element 6 and the opposing inner mold wall 4a is configured to provide the necessary space for the starting element 12 in the narrow side direction of the mold, such that the starting element 12 can be inserted in the casting direction, as indicated by arrow P, without collision between the starting element 12 and the inner wall 4a of the continuous casting mold 1. This dimensioning is achieved by ensuring that, in the open position of the continuous casting mold 1, the distance Av of the connecting strut 11 from the inner wall of the mold's solid side is greater than the extension At of the separating element 6 extending from the inner wall 4b of the mold's wide side 5b, at every point along the longitudinal extent of the connecting strut 11.The above-mentioned conditions apply to every position of the starting element 12 during the insertion of the starting element 12 into the continuous casting mold 1 until the gating position of the starting heads is reached, after which gating begins.

[0057] The extension of the connecting strut 11 in a mold narrow-side direction, i.e., the width of the connecting strut 11 plus the distance of the connecting strut 11 from the mold inner wall 4a, i.e., the distance extending along the double arrow Ps, on the one hand, and a distance Pb of the separating element from the opposite mold inner wall in the open position of the continuous casting mold 1, on the other hand, are dimensioned in mutual adaptation to the dimension of the open position of the continuous casting mold 1 such that in the open position of the

[0058] Continuous casting mold 1, the connecting strut 11 between the

[0059] Separating element 6 and the one opposite it

[0060] The starting element 12 can be guided past the inner wall of the mold to enter the continuous casting mold 1. This is achieved, for example, in particular, if Pb > Ps for every position of the longitudinal extension of the cross member and for every position of the starting element during entry into the continuous casting mold.

[0061] The two spaced-apart approach strands 10a, 10b have a distance dA between them that is greater than the width dT of the separating element 6. This design feature ensures that, when the connecting strut 11 is allowed to pass the separating element 6, the approach strands 10a, 10b may extend in a mold-narrow side direction beyond the distance between the separating element 6 and the opposite inner wall. This allows the required opening size to be limited without compromising the longitudinal force absorption of the approach strands 10a, 10b in the casting direction.

[0062] Figures 2a and 2b show a side sectional view of a continuous casting mold 1, with a separating element 6 and a zero segment 16 from an embodiment of a device for continuous casting a casting strand, with Figure 2a in the closed position and Figure 2b in the open position. In addition to the features already shown in Figures 1a-1c, Figures 2a and 2b show that the separating element 6 has a roller segment with a splash guard in a section 17, which points into the zero segment 16 in the strand guiding direction. For this reason, the zero segment 16 is hydraulically adjustable so that the void space 18, which exists between the strand guiding elements arranged on both sides as roller tracks 19 and 20, is temporarily increased. Thus, it can be seen in Figure 2b that the void space

[0063] The height of part 18 is increased by the adjustment, thus preventing a collision with the strand guide elements 19 and 20 that would otherwise be possible as a result of the adjustment of the continuous casting mold 1 in an open position. The longitudinal extent of the separating element 6 in the casting direction is LA.

[0064] Fig. 3a shows a front view of a starting element 12 designed as a starting chain with two starting strands from the device of Figs. 1a, 1b and 1c. The starting chain has a first starting strand 10a and a second starting strand 10b. The design of the starting element 12 as a starting chain means that each of the two starting strands is designed, at least partially, as a chain of chain links, which has the advantage that guiding the starting strand by the strand guide is easily feasible.

[0065] The two spaced-apart approach strings 10a, 10b are provided with a number of connecting struts 11, 13 and 14 to be coupled together.

[0066] The two spaced-apart starting strands 10a, 10b have a distance dA between them that is greater than the width dT of the separating element, as shown in Fig. 1c. This ensures that the starting element with the starting heads 9a, 9b can be inserted into the continuous casting mold 1 without colliding with the separating element.

[0067] The starting section 10a has a length LI between the lower edge of its starting head 9a and the upper edge of the connecting strut 11 nearest to the starting head, which is greater than a longitudinal extent LA of the separating element 6 in the casting direction, preferably greater than a longitudinal extent of the continuous casting mold in the casting direction, which are equal in the example shown in Figs. 2a, 2b. The starting section 10b has a length L2 between the lower edge of its starting head 9b and the upper edge of the connecting strut 11 nearest to the starting head, which is greater than a longitudinal extent LA of the separating element in the casting direction. As in the entire text, the orientation of the mold between "top" and "bottom" is defined starting from the continuous casting direction, so that top is synonymous with "upstream as seen from the casting direction" and bottom is synonymous with "downstream as seen from the casting direction".

[0068] Figure 3b shows a section along the section line AA shown in Figure 3a. As can be seen, each connecting strut has a cross-section which, when arranged on the starting element, has a larger cross-sectional area in the continuous casting direction P than in the mold narrow side direction Ps.

[0069] Furthermore, it can be seen that the arrangement of the connecting strut on the starting element 12 is asymmetrical in the narrow side direction of the mold, that is: it is not arranged centrally on the individual chain links, but is displaced eccentrically to them, so that when the starting element 12 is inserted appropriately into the continuous casting mold, the distance to the separating element can be increased, or, with the same distance, the opening of the continuous casting mold 1 can be made smaller.

[0070] The embodiment shown in the drawing relates to a separating element 6 installed in the continuous casting mold 1 to enable the casting of two strands. Of course, two or more separating elements (not shown) can also be arranged in a continuous casting mold to enable the casting of multiple strands, whereby the functionality described above applies analogously.

Claims

CK Patent claims 1. Device for continuous casting of a casting strand, the device comprising: a continuous casting mold (1) with a mold fixed part (2) and with a mold loose part (3), wherein the mold loose part (3) is movably mounted relative to the mold fixed part (2) between a closed position of the continuous casting mold (1) and an open position of the continuous casting mold (1), at least one separating element (6) arranged or arrangable on an inner wall of the mold, i.e., an inner wall (4a) of a mold width fixed side (5a) of the mold fixed part (2) or an inner wall (4b) of a mold width loose side (5b) of the mold loose part (3) for producing at least two casting strands separated from each other in the closed position of the continuous casting mold (1) by means of the separating element (6) or by means of the separating elements, a continuous casting mold (1) downstream of the continuous casting mold (1). String guide, a starting element (12) which includes at least two spaced-apart starting strings (10a,10b) each with a starting head (9a, 9b) for arranging the starting strands (10a, 10b) positioned on both sides of the separating element (6) for starting the casting strand, wherein the at least two spaced-apart starting strands (10a, 10b) are coupled together, wherein the starting element (12) can be guided past the at least one separating element (6) and the inner wall (4a) of the mold opposite it in the open position of the continuous casting mold (1) for the starting element (12) to be inserted into the continuous casting mold (1) along a continuous casting direction (P).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two spaced-apart start-up strands (10a, 10b) are coupled to each other by a connecting strut (11, 13, 14), wherein the extension of the connecting strut (11, 13, 14) in a mold narrow-side device on the one hand and a spacing of the at least one separating element (6) from the opposite inner mold wall (4a) on the other hand is dimensioned such that the connecting strut (11, 13, 14) can be guided between the at least one separating element (6) and the opposite inner mold wall (4a) for the insertion of the start-up element (12) into the continuous casting mold (1) along a continuous casting direction (P).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two spaced-apart approach strands (10a, 10b) have a distance from each other which is greater than a width extent of the at least one separating element (6) .

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that connecting strut (11, 13, 14) has a cross-section which, when arranged on the starting element (12), has a larger cross-sectional area in the continuous casting direction (P) than in the mold narrow side direction, preferably a cross-sectional area larger by a factor of 1.2 or 1.5 or 2.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of the connecting strut (11, 13, 14) on the approach element (12) is asymmetrical in the mold narrow side direction.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casting strand has a number of strand guide segments (16) downstream of at least one of the continuous casting mold (1), wherein a strand guide segment (16) downstream of the continuous casting mold (1) is adjustable for temporarily increasing the void space (18) between strand guide elements (19, 20) arranged on both sides.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the at least two spaced-apart starting strands (10a, 10b) has a length between its starting head (9a, 9b) and the connecting strut (11) spaced closest to the starting head which is greater than a longitudinal extent of the at least one separating element (6) in the casting direction (P), preferably greater than a longitudinal extent of the continuous casting mold (1) in the casting direction.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the starting element (12) is designed as a starting chain.

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