Installation and method for producing a material strip and use of a heat treatment apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation (1) for producing a material strip (2) conveyed along a conveying section (4) in a conveying direction (6), in particular a material strip (2) made of aluminum material or other non-ferrous materials, such as an Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu or Pb material, or alloys thereof, comprising a continuously operating strip-casting apparatus (8) for primary shaping of the material strip (2), a hot-rolling apparatus (18) for hot rolling the material strip (2), and a cutting apparatus (12) for cutting the material strip (2), the cutting apparatus (12) being located between the strip-casting apparatus (8) and the hot-rolling apparatus (18) on the conveying section (4) and the material strip (2) being feedable to the hot-rolling apparatus (18) without undergoing a cutting operation.

Description

[0001] Page 1 of 47

[0002] Applicant: SMS group GmbH

[0003] Our reference number: P80910DE

[0004] September 16, 2024

[0005] Plant and method for producing a material strip and use of a heat treatment device

[0006] The invention relates to a system for producing a material belt conveyed along a conveyor line in the conveying direction.

[0007] The invention further relates to a method for operating a plant for producing a material strip conveyed along a conveyor line in the conveying direction, in which the material strip is continuously cast and subsequently hot-rolled.

[0008] The invention further relates to the use of a heat treatment device with discontinuous material belt conveying.

[0009] Types of plants for producing cast and subsequently rolled material strips in a "line" or on a conveyor line are known from the prior art, in particular for producing material strips from an aluminum material or from material alloys thereof, or also other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material or material alloys thereof.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improvement or an alternative to the prior art. Page 2 of 47

[0011] P80910DE In particular, the invention is based on the objective of further developing a casting rolling process for aluminium for an extremely wide range of aluminium alloys, especially for aluminium alloys that require special manufacturing conditions.

[0012] The object of the invention is solved by a system for producing a material strip conveyed along a conveyor line in the conveying direction, in particular a material strip made of aluminum material or other non-ferrous materials, such as Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof, comprising a continuously operating strip casting device for primary forming of the material strip, a hot rolling device for hot rolling the material strip, and a cutting device for cutting the material strip, wherein the cutting device is arranged on the conveyor line between the strip casting device and the hot rolling device, and wherein the material strip can be fed to the hot rolling device without having to perform a cutting process at the heat treatment device.

[0013] It is therefore proposed that, according to the invention, one and the same plant can be operated in at least two different operating modes, which allows the plant to be used and utilized in a much more versatile and thus more effectively.

[0014] In particular, the range of different materials or material alloys that can be reliably processed with the present system is significantly expanded.

[0015] One of the first operating modes that can be set and implemented using the system is, for example, a discontinuous operating mode in which the material strip cast continuously and endlessly by the strip casting device is cut by the cutting device and thereby (page 3 / 47)

[0016] The P80910DE is assembled into pre-strip elements. This has the advantage that the material strip can be fed to the hot rolling mill at a speed different from the casting speed, or alternatively or additionally, it can be fed to further processing steps without affecting the operation of the strip casting device.

[0017] This operating mode can also be referred to as "hot-batch mode".

[0018] The individual pre-strip elements can be designed differently, for example as essentially flat plate elements or as material strip elements wound into a bundle, the latter being unwound from the bundle again for feeding to the hot rolling device.

[0019] The length of the material strip cut by the cutting device can correspond to a single strip length of a fully wound bundle or to a multiple of a fully wound bundle.

[0020] In other words, in this first operating mode, the cast material strip is not conveyed as a continuous "mass flow" or "endless mass flow" between the strip casting device and the hot rolling device along the conveyor line, but is prepared into individual pre-strip elements and conveyed discontinuously.

[0021] These pre-strip elements can be "temporarily stored" in a heat treatment device due to the discontinuous conveying method.

[0022] Therefore, by means of discontinuous belt conveying, the conveying speed of the belt in the conveying direction along the conveying path can be reduced to 0 m / min. Page 4 / 47

[0023] P80910DE is reduced and maintained over the aforementioned period. It is understood that with discontinuous material belt feeding, it is also possible to divert material belt or pre-belt material from the conveyor line.

[0024] A second operating mode that can be set and implemented using the system is, for example, a continuous operating mode in which the material strip cast endlessly by the strip casting device is conveyed as a continuous "mass flow" along the conveyor line to the hot rolling device. This operating mode can be referred to as "hot continuous mode".

[0025] In this second operating mode, the cast material strip can be fed downstream of the strip casting device and upstream of the hot rolling device to the hot rolling device itself, bypassing a cutting process, more precisely bypassing a transverse cutting or length preparation of the material strip.

[0026] In other words, this means that in this second operating mode, the cast material strip is conveyed as a continuous “mass flow” or “endless mass flow” between the strip casting device and the hot rolling device along the conveying path.

[0027] This operating mode can also be referred to as "Hot-Continue Mode".

[0028] The proposed system allows the advantages of both operating modes to be combined in a single system.

[0029] A "heat treatment device" can be set up to heat and / or cool a strip of material. Page 5 / 47

[0030] P80910DE

[0031] It should be noted that, within the context of the present patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two...", etc., are generally to be understood as minimum specifications, i.e., as "at least one...", "at least two...", etc., unless it is clear from the context or the specific text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two...", etc., is meant there.

[0032] It should also be noted here that, within the context of the present patent application, the expression "in particular" is always to be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The expression is not to be understood as "namely" or "namely".

[0033] In order to operate the plant advantageously, it is useful if the plant is characterized by a control and / or regulation device for operating the plant in at least two different operating modes, at least comprising a hot-batch mode and a hot-continuous mode.

[0034] For example, a factory-installed hot-batch mode plant can optionally also be operated in a hot-continuous mode if the plant is set up so that the material strip cast at the strip casting device can be fed immediately as a continuous mass flow to or into the hot rolling device, without the material strip being subjected to heat treatment with discontinuous material strip conveying.

[0035] Alternatively, a factory-installed hot-continuous mode system can be additionally equipped or retrofitted with a cutting device for cutting the previously cast material strip and with a heat treatment device for discontinuous heat treatment, whereby the cutting device and the page 6 / 47

[0036] P80910DE

[0037] The heat treatment device for discontinuous heat treatment is located directly downstream of the strip casting device and upstream of the hot rolling device. This allows the factory-installed hot-continuous mode system to alternatively be operated in a hot-batch mode.

[0038] Advantageously, the operating modes can be selected based on different parameters.

[0039] If the operating modes are adjustable, for example depending on the alloy and / or the thickness of the material strip, a very large number of different products can be manufactured to a high quality on one and the same system.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the plant has a heat treatment device with discontinuous material belt conveying during the heat treatment, wherein the material belt of the hot rolling device can be fed to the heat treatment device without bypassing discontinuous material belt conveying.

[0041] The heat treatment device proposed here allows for different operating modes.

[0042] On the one hand, individual pre-strip elements can be withdrawn from the continuous conveying process, thus enabling, for example, annealing, homogenization, or similar processes of the pre-strip elements using the heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying proposed here. Following this heat treatment, the individual pre-strip elements can then be conveyed further along the conveying line and fed to the hot rolling mill. Page 7 / 47

[0043] P80910DE

[0044] In other words, the cast material strip or the pre-strip elements produced from it can be heat-treated by means of a discontinuous material strip conveyor or a discontinuous conveyor of the pre-strip elements, in particular by means of a discontinuous material strip conveyor or a discontinuous conveyor of the pre-strip elements produced from it. Optionally, the pre-strip elements can be conveyed along the conveyor line and / or transversely to the conveyor line, in particular by means of the heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveyor.

[0045] For the purposes of this invention, a heat treatment of the material strip with discontinuous material strip conveying is also referred to as "discontinuous heat treatment" for short, since the conveying of the material strip is discontinuous during the heat treatment.

[0046] These pre-strip elements can also be "temporarily stored" in the heat treatment device due to the discontinuous conveying method.

[0047] For example, the duration of the heat treatment or intermediate storage with the heat treatment device with discontinuous material belt conveying can be approximately 5 min, 25 min or 45 min or more, or alternatively 2 h, 4 h or more, or even 1 day or more, depending on the material from which the material belt is cast or which material properties are to be achieved by means of the heat treatment.

[0048] Therefore, by means of discontinuous belt conveying, the conveying speed of the material belt in the conveying direction along the conveying path can be reduced to 0 m / min and maintained for the aforementioned period. It is understood that with discontinuous (page 8 / 47)

[0049] P80910DE

[0050] Material belt guidance also enables the removal of material belt or dressing material from the heat treatment device.

[0051] On the other hand, the cast strip material can be fed to the hot rolling mill bypassing heat treatment with discontinuous strip conveying, either entirely without heat treatment or optionally with heat treatment using continuous strip conveying along the conveying path in the conveying direction. It should also be considered that the heat treatment device with discontinuous strip conveying can have an operating mode for continuous strip conveying in addition to the operating mode with discontinuous strip conveying, so that it can be used for heat treatment with continuous strip conveying along the conveying path.

[0052] Thus, a casting and rolling plant has been created, by means of which a cast material strip can be hot-rolled in both "first heat" and "second heat".

[0053] The term "first heat" describes, within the meaning of the invention, that the cast material strip is hot-rolled exclusively using the heat energy from the casting process at the strip casting device. More precisely, the material strip is not reheated after casting, but is hot-rolled directly downstream of the strip casting device.

[0054] Accordingly, the term "second heat" describes an additional heat treatment of the strip material after the casting process and before hot rolling. Page 9 / 47

[0055] P80910DE

[0056] The present plant can be used and operated more advantageously if the heat treatment device for discontinuous heat treatment of the material strip is configured so that the material strip can be continuously guided through the heat treatment device along the conveying path, wherein the material strip can optionally be actively heated during this continuous passage through this heat treatment device.

[0057] Heat treatment with discontinuous material belt conveying can be advantageously implemented in the system if the heat treatment device has a stacking device for holding split plate elements made of prefabricated material belt transverse to the conveying direction and / or a winding device for producing and / or holding at least one bundle of prefabricated and wound material belt.

[0058] A preferred embodiment provides that the heat treatment device includes a heat treatment unit for annealing and / or homogenizing strip material, thereby enabling the strip material to be prepared more specifically for treatment with the hot rolling device.

[0059] It is also advantageous if the heat treatment device can be actively moved out of and into the conveying line.

[0060] This allows for different switching methods between heat treatment with continuous and discontinuous material strip feeding. For example, the material strip can be heated by means of a heating device additionally arranged upstream of the hot rolling mill, while the material strip is continuously fed to the hot rolling mill. Page 10 / 47

[0061] P80910DE

[0062] Not only in this context is it advantageous if the plant has a heating device with continuous material conveying during the heat treatment of the material strip, in particular an induction heating device, in particular the heating device can be arranged upstream of the hot rolling device, preferably between the heat treatment device and the hot rolling device.

[0063] For example, the continuously operating heating device can be fed with discontinuously heat-treated pre-strips or pre-strip elements, in particular by means of plate elements made of pre-fabricated material strip and / or by means of pre-fabricated endless pre-strip elements, which are unwound from a bundle.

[0064] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the system is characterized by a coupling or decoupling area for decoupling the strip casting device and the hot rolling device.

[0065] Preferably, the heat treatment device includes at least part of this coupling or decoupling area, and a continuously operating heating device is arranged downstream of this coupling or decoupling area.

[0066] This coupling and decoupling area allows the strip casting device and hot rolling device to be operated more independently of each other, which makes the proposed system even more flexible to operate.

[0067] Advantageously, the coupling or decoupling area can also include the separating device.

[0068] Optionally, at least one drive roller unit is arranged in the coupling or decoupling area. Page 11 / 47

[0069] P80910DE

[0070] By means of a drive roller unit, in particular a temporary manipulation of the belt speed of the material belt and / or the pre-belt elements made from it can be achieved even in a small installation space, especially if the drive roller unit is characterized by a roller-shaped feed device, in particular in the form of working rollers.

[0071] It is understood that the drive roller unit can, for example, consist of a single drive roller, whereby the material belt or the pre-belt element made from it can be guided between this single drive roller of the drive roller unit and a roller conveyor roller of a roller conveyor along the conveying path of the plant.

[0072] In the context of the invention, the term "drive roller" describes a cylindrical roller element that can rotate about its longitudinal axis. The drive roller can be actively controlled and / or regulated depending on the torque or speed. More precisely, the drive roller can be actively accelerated, either positively or negatively, independently of the movement of the material strip.

[0073] In Hot-Conti operating mode, the drive roller unit can enable decoupling of the continuously operating strip casting device and the hot rolling device, so that the hot rolling device can be operated with a different material flow than the strip casting device.

[0074] In hot-batch operating mode, a pre-strip element prepared from the material strip can be accelerated and / or decelerated using the drive roller unit.

[0075] Furthermore, the functionality of the system can be additionally and appropriately expanded if the system is modified by page 12 / 47

[0076] P80910DE is characterized by an inlet device for the additional inlet of material strip, in particular of pre-assembled material strip, from a further casting line of a further strip casting device into the conveying line.

[0077] This makes it possible, among other things, to advantageously adapt the processing capacity of the hot rolling machine to the production capacity of one or more strip casting machines, thereby achieving better overall plant utilization, even at the component level.

[0078] It is understood that the strip casting device can have different structural designs. The material strip can be cast particularly close to the final dimensions and with high precision if the strip casting device comprises at least one strip casting machine with at least one crawler track, preferably with two crawler tracks.

[0079] The present system can be operated very well both as a conventional hot-continuous system and as a conventional hot-batch system if material strips with the subsequent strip casting thicknesses or pre-strip thicknesses can be cast using the strip casting device.

[0080] On the one hand, the plant can be advantageously operated in hot-batch mode if the strip casting device is configured to continuously cast a material strip with a pre-strip thickness of greater than or equal to 15 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 20 mm and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 30 mm, and / or to continuously cast a material strip with a pre-strip thickness of less than or equal to 60 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 55 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0081] On the other hand, the same system can be advantageously operated in a hot-continuous mode if the strip casting device is suitable for this purpose (page 13 / 47).

[0082] P80910DE is set up to continuously cast a material strip with a pre-strip thickness of greater than or equal to 5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 10 mm and particularly preferably greater than or equal to 15 mm, and / or to continuously cast a material strip with a pre-strip thickness of less than or equal to 25 mm, preferably less than or equal to 20 mm and particularly preferably less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0083] Particularly with regard to a hot-conti mode, in which the cast material strip is conveyed as a continuous mass flow along the conveying path and through the hot rolling device, it is advantageous if the plant is characterized by a further separating device for separating the material strip, which is arranged downstream of the hot rolling device.

[0084] According to a particularly preferred embodiment with which the production speed of the plant can be improved and / or a more homogeneous material strip can be produced, the separating device and / or a further separating device is provided for separating the moving material strip.

[0085] Preferably, moving material tape can be cut with flying scissors.

[0086] By means of this additional separating device, it is possible to provide a material belt conveyed along the conveyor line in a segmented form at the outlet of the system in the sense of an endless mass flow.

[0087] If the finished rolled material strip is to be provided at the end of the conveyor line as a wound bundle as an alternative to sheet elements, it is advantageous if the system is characterized by at least one winding device for providing material strip wound into a bundle in the output area of ​​the conveyor line, in particular page 14 / 47

[0088] P80910DE an output winding device, in particular an output winding device arranged in the output area of ​​the conveyor line.

[0089] If the plant has an active and / or passive cooling device for cooling the hot-rolled material strip, with the cooling device being arranged downstream of the hot-rolling device, the finished rolled material strip can be thermally treated at the outlet of the plant.

[0090] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the present system can be operated in addition to the already described hot-batch mode and hot-continuous mode with further operating modes, which shall hereinafter also be referred to as "full-batch mode", "full-continuous mode", "semi-continuous mode 1" and "semi-continuous mode 2".

[0091] In order to be able to realize such further advantageous operating modes, it is advantageous if the present plant has a cold rolling device for cold rolling material strip that has previously been hot-rolled further upstream, wherein in particular a further heat treatment device and / or a further active and / or passive cooling device are arranged between the hot rolling device and the cold rolling device.

[0092] Preferably, the further heat treatment device is set up for annealing and / or homogenizing the material strip, in particular pre-cut material strip wound into a bundle, in order to be able to expediently implement further operating modes.

[0093] For example, a full-continuous mode can easily be implemented on the present system if the additional heat treatment device is arranged upstream of the additional active and / or passive cooling device. Page 15 / 47

[0094] P80910DE

[0095] Furthermore, additional operating modes can also be easily implemented on the same system if the additional active and / or passive cooling device is arranged upstream of the additional heat treatment device.

[0096] Depending on the further operating mode to be implemented, the additional active and / or passive cooling device can, for example, be arranged downstream of the further heat treatment device and upstream immediately before the cold rolling device.

[0097] Alternatively, the additional active and / or passive cooling device can be arranged downstream of the hot rolling device and upstream of the additional heat treatment device in order to be able to perform a semi-continuous mode or a full-batch mode on the proposed system.

[0098] Depending on which of the further operating modes is to be carried out with the present system, the further active and / or passive cooling device may include an application device for actively applying coolant to the material belt, or alternatively a cooling bed device or the like.

[0099] Selecting or setting the operating modes on the proposed system can be done easily if an additional coupling or decoupling area is arranged between the cold rolling device and the hot rolling device, wherein the additional coupling or decoupling area can be activated or deactivated.

[0100] To enable additional heat treatment of the material strip after hot rolling and before cold rolling, for example as a wound coil, it is advantageous if the further coupling or decoupling area includes an activatable or deactivatable winding device. Page 16 / 47

[0101] P80910DE

[0102] For example, the strip material can be conveyed from the hot rolling mill to the cold rolling mill, bypassing the winding device, if the winding device on the conveying line is deactivated. However, if the winding device is activated, the strip material can be temporarily wound into a coil downstream of the hot rolling mill. To feed the strip material to the cold rolling mill, it is then unwound again.

[0103] By means of this additional coupling or decoupling area, the hot rolling device and the cold rolling device can also be effectively decoupled from each other in terms of work processes.

[0104] If the material strip passes through the hot rolling device as an endless material flow in one of the operating modes, it is advantageous if the further coupling or decoupling area includes a further separating device.

[0105] In order to allow the material strip to be further treated at the exit of the conveyor line of the plant to achieve desired material strip qualities, it is advantageous if a CASH line is arranged downstream of the cold rolling device and upstream of an output winding device.

[0106] The term "CASH line" describes, within the meaning of the invention, a section of the system or of the conveying section thereof, where further treatment devices for treating the finished rolled material strip can be arranged. A CASH line (continuous annealing solution heat treatment line) can be understood as a system designed to impart different material properties to the material strip through heat treatment, in particular through continuous heat treatment, and especially at least improved material properties. In particular, a CASH line is... Page 17 / 47

[0107] P80910DE

[0108] A line is set up for the continuous annealing of the material strip. A CASH line can preferably be set up for coil-wise processing of the material strip. Preferably, a CASH line can be arranged downstream of a cold rolling mill in the conveying direction.

[0109] The CASH line may include, in particular, a cleaning device, such as a brushing device, an additional temperature control device for further heating or cooling of the finished rolled material strip, or the like. The CASH line may also include a separating device by which the material strip can be prepared before final winding with the outgoing winding device.

[0110] The object of the invention is also solved by a method for operating a plant for producing a material strip conveyed along a conveyor line in the conveying direction, in which the material strip is continuously cast on the conveyor line and subsequently hot-rolled, the plant comprising:

[0111] - a separating device for separating the material strip, wherein the separating device is arranged on the conveying line between the strip casting device and a hot rolling device; the method comprising two or more different operating modes for producing the material strip, namely

[0112] - a first operating mode in which the material strip is separated by means of the separating device before hot rolling and is conveyed to the hot rolling device in the case of discontinuous material strip conveying, and page 18 / 47

[0113] P80910DE

[0114] - another operating mode in which the material strip is hot-rolled after casting, bypassing a separation process.

[0115] This allows the casting of the material strip to be advantageously decoupled from the hot rolling of the material strip, particularly with regard to the material flow in the plant.

[0116] The system preferably features:

[0117] - a heat treatment device with discontinuous conveying of the material strip during heat treatment; the method comprising two or more different operating modes for producing the material strip, namely

[0118] - a first operating mode, in particular the first operating mode in which the material strip is heat-treated before hot rolling by means of the heat treatment device during discontinuous material strip conveying, and

[0119] - another operating mode, in particular the further operating mode in which the material strip is hot-rolled after casting, bypassing heat treatment with discontinuous material strip conveying.

[0120] Advantageously, the process allows for the production of significantly more different material strips or products made from them on a single casting and rolling machine.

[0121] The proposed method also allows the existing plant to be operated advantageously. Page 19 / 47

[0122] P80910DE

[0123] Preferably, the heat treatment takes place during the further operating mode at casting speed or rolling speed.

[0124] The material strip to be rolled can be heat-treated in various ways before hot rolling, if the material strip is heat-treated by means of a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying and / or by means of a heating device with continuous material strip conveying, before the material strip is subsequently hot-rolled further downstream of this heat treatment device and / or this heating device.

[0125] For example, in at least one operating mode, the material strip can be heat-treated exclusively with the heat treatment device using discontinuous conveying of the material strip.

[0126] In another operating mode, the material strip can alternatively be heat-treated using either this heat treatment device or the other heating device.

[0127] The type of heat treatment can be chosen depending on the material to be rolled and / or the desired properties of the material strip.

[0128] While in the first operating mode the material strip is heat-treated in the heat treatment device with discontinuous conveying, by the material strip being conveyed discontinuously there, and in particular also resting there, it is advantageous for the execution of at least the further operating mode if the material strip is conveyed continuously through the deactivated heat treatment device in the further operating mode. Page 20 / 47

[0129] P80910DE

[0130] Should heat treatment of the material strip be necessary before hot rolling in this process, the material strip can be heat treated using the heating device while the material strip is continuously conveyed through this heating device.

[0131] As an alternative to continuously conveying the material belt through the heat treatment device using discontinuous conveying, it is advantageous if the material belt is guided past the heat treatment device in the further operating mode.

[0132] For this purpose, the material belt can, for example, be guided out of the conveyor line and around the heat treatment device using discontinuous conveying.

[0133] Alternatively, the heat treatment device can be temporarily moved out of the conveying line in the further operating mode.

[0134] This also allows the heat treatment with the heat treatment device to be avoided.

[0135] To implement another operating mode, it is advantageous if the material strip is additionally cold-rolled after hot rolling on the conveyor line.

[0136] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the conveying of the material strip along the conveying path in the conveying direction is decoupled between the casting of the material strip and the hot rolling of the material strip and / or between the hot rolling of the material strip and the cold rolling of the material strip, wherein the respective decoupling is carried out by means of a separating device, in particular by means of a heat treatment device, especially by means of page 21 / 47

[0137] P80910DE of the heat treatment device with discontinuous material belt conveying.

[0138] It goes without saying that decoupling the work processes of individual processing devices on the conveyor line can also be achieved alternatively or cumulatively in other ways, such as by means of a temporarily lowerable conveyor line section or the like.

[0139] Decoupling can be particularly pronounced if the respective decoupling is carried out by means of a heat treatment device, in particular by means of the heat treatment device with discontinuous material belt conveying.

[0140] By means of such a heat treatment device, the conveying of the material belt along the conveying path in the conveying direction can be suspended for a significantly longer period of time than is possible, for example, by means of a conveying path section that can only be lowered temporarily.

[0141] This allows, for example, different processing speeds of processing machines working one after the other on the conveyor line to be effectively decoupled, be it between the strip casting device and the hot rolling device, or between the hot rolling device and the cold rolling device, or similar.

[0142] It is understood that a temporary suspension of the conveying of the material belt in the conveying direction can be implemented particularly well if the material belt is cut and prepared before or in at least one decoupling area.

[0143] Furthermore, such a decoupling area also offers the structurally simple possibility of integrating a cold rolling mill downstream of the hot rolling mill into the conveying section of the plant (page 22 / 47).

[0144] P80910DE can be "coupled" as needed if this is advantageous or necessary to implement one of the operating modes.

[0145] Decoupling of processing devices arranged one after the other on the conveyor line can be particularly effective if the material strip or pre-assembled material strip segments are heat-treated for 5 minutes or longer using the heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying, preferably 60 minutes or longer and particularly preferably 120 minutes or longer.

[0146] Advantageously, the material strip or prefabricated material strip segments can be heat-treated for 1 minute or longer using the heat treatment device with a discontinuous material strip conveying system, preferably 2 minutes or longer and particularly preferably 3 minutes or longer.

[0147] The material properties of the cast material strip can be directly influenced or "adjusted" over a particularly wide range if the material strip or pre-fabricated material strip segments thereof are heat-treated for 2 days or less using a discontinuous material strip conveying system, preferably 24 hours or less and particularly preferably 180 minutes or less. Advantageously, the material strip or pre-fabricated material strip segments thereof can be heat-treated for 120 minutes or less using a discontinuous material strip conveying system, preferably 60 minutes or less and particularly preferably 5 minutes or less.

[0148] The invention further solves the problem of using a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying for the continuous heat treatment of a continuously cast material strip prior to hot rolling of this material strip. Page 23 / 47

[0149] P80910DE

[0150] If such a heat treatment device, which has so far only been used for heat treatment with discontinuous material belt conveying, is also used for heat treatment of the material belt with continuous material belt conveying, the design effort of the system according to the invention can be significantly reduced in order to be able to realize the operating modes proposed here by way of example with a single system.

[0151] Furthermore, it should be expressly pointed out at this point that the proposed plant, with its many different operating modes, can not only be implemented in a structurally advantageous way. Rather, this plant also enables extremely energy-efficient production, since less energy is required to manufacture material belts.

[0152] In particular, the fact that a cold rolling process can optionally be carried out directly after the hot rolling process on a common conveying line eliminates the need for otherwise required intermediate or reheating processes, or significantly reduces such heating processes. This is especially advantageous for the production of strips of aluminum or non-ferrous metals, and products manufactured from them.

[0153] It is also advantageous for the user that a significantly wider selection of different material strips can now be produced with just a single machine. This also provides the user with a much broader product range. In this respect, the market potential for the user can be expanded advantageously without having to purchase an additional machine for producing material strips.

[0154] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will also become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below. Page 24 / 47

[0155] P80910DE

[0156] Components which are at least essentially identical in their function in the individual figures may be marked with the same reference symbols, whereby the components do not have to be referenced and explained in all figures.

[0157] The drawing shows:

[0158] Figure 1: schematically a view of a first embodiment variant of a plant for producing a material strip, at least with a continuously operating strip casting device and with a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying;

[0159] Figure 2: schematically a view of a second embodiment of a plant for producing a material strip, at least with a continuously operating strip casting device and with a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying;

[0160] Figure 3: schematically a view of a third embodiment of a plant for producing a material strip, at least with a continuously operating strip casting device and with a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying, and additionally with a cold rolling device;

[0161] Figure 4: schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a plant for producing a strip of material, comprising at least one continuously operating strip casting device and one heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying, as well as an additional cold rolling device; page 25 / 47

[0162] P80910DE

[0163] Figure 5: schematically a view of a fifth embodiment of a plant for producing a strip of material, comprising at least a continuously operating strip casting device and a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying, as well as an additional cold rolling device; and

[0164] Figure 6: schematically a view of a sixth embodiment of a plant for producing a material strip, at least with a continuously operating strip casting device and with a heat treatment device with discontinuous material strip conveying, and additionally with a cold rolling device.

[0165] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment 100 of a plant 1 for producing a material strip 2 from an aluminium material or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof.

[0166] The system 1 includes a control and / or regulating device 3 for operating the system 1 in different operating modes, as is also illustrated and explained by way of example with reference to the further embodiments 200 to 600 according to the further figures 2 to 6.

[0167] The plant 1 has a main conveying line 4, along which the material belt 2 is conveyed in conveying direction 6 for production.

[0168] The system 1 has a continuously operating strip casting device 8 for the initial forming of the material strip 2, which is arranged in the entrance area 10 of the conveying line 4.

[0169] The continuously operating strip casting device 8 is in this first embodiment 100 a strip casting machine 8A with page 26 / 47

[0170] P80910DE an upper caterpillar 8B and a lower caterpillar 8C, between which the material strip 2 is formed from a material melt (not shown).

[0171] The strip casting device 8 can cast a material strip 2 with a material strip thickness (pre-strip thickness) of approximately 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0172] The system 1 has a cutting device 12 downstream of the strip casting device 8 for cutting the material strip 2. By means of this cutting device 12, the freshly cast material strip 2 can be cut to almost any desired length as required.

[0173] According to the configuration of the first embodiment 100 of Annex 1, the separating device 12 is not actively involved in the manufacturing process, so that the material belt 2 is present as a continuous mass flow (not again referred to) along the main conveying line 4.

[0174] The system 1 further downstream of the separating device 12 has a heat treatment device 14 with discontinuous material belt conveying during the heat treatment of the material belt 2 .

[0175] The heat treatment device 14 with discontinuous material belt conveying is, according to the configuration of the first embodiment of the plant 1, laterally disengaged from the main conveying path 4 in the transverse direction 14A, so that the material belt 2 can be guided past this heat treatment device 14.

[0176] Plant 1 additionally features a continuously operating heating device 16, through which the material strip 2 is continuously fed for heat treatment. Page 27 / 47

[0177] P80910DE

[0178] While the heat treatment device 14 may, for example, be designed as a stack furnace device 14B or the like, the heating device 16 may preferably comprise an induction heating device (not again referred to).

[0179] The additional heating device 16 can be provided as an option.

[0180] The plant 1 further downstream of the heating device 16 on the main conveying line 4 has a hot rolling device 18, wherein the hot rolling device 18 may, for example, comprise two hot rolling stands 18A and 18B.

[0181] Further downstream of the hot rolling device 18, a cooling device 20 is optionally provided on the conveying section 4, by means of which the finished rolled material strip 2 can optionally be cooled either actively or passively before it is optionally wound into a coil 26 at an output area 22 of the main conveying section 4 by means of an output winding device 24. Alternatively, the material strip 2 can also be provided as an essentially flat plate element in a cooling bed (not shown).

[0182] In this first configuration, the material strip 2 is only cut and prepared at or in the output area 22 by means of an output cutting device 23, so that a winding process with the output winding device 24 can be carried out without any problems.

[0183] The material strip 2 produced in this way is therefore made available for further processing at the output area 22 of the plant 1, namely as a wound bundle 26 .

[0184] With the system 1 according to the first embodiment 100, a method can be carried out in a first operating mode, page 28 / 47

[0185] P80910DE, referred to here as "Hot-Continue Mode", is characterized in particular by the fact that the material strip 2 is cast into a pre-strip (not further specified) and then directly hot-rolled. Only after hot-rolling is the now fully rolled material strip 2 processed and provided as an essentially flat sheet element (not shown) or wound coil 26.

[0186] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment 200 of Annex 1 for producing a material strip 2 from an aluminium material or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof.

[0187] The configuration of the second embodiment 200 is essentially based on the design of the system shown in Figure 1. Therefore, only the essential differences between the second embodiment 200 and the first embodiment 100 are described below. Otherwise, please refer to the preceding description.

[0188] In the further system 1, the strip casting device 8 has, in addition to the strip casting machine 8A, a second identical strip casting machine 8D in order to be able to establish another casting line at the system 1.

[0189] In general, in the second configuration, the cast material strip 2 (pre-strip) can be cut directly behind the strip casting device 8 by means of the cutting device 12 and thus be assembled into individual material strip segments (not referred to again).

[0190] Here, the prefabricated material strip segments of the material strip 2 cast by the strip casting machine 8A can be heat-treated in the heat treatment device 14 or in the stacking furnace device 14B. Page 29 / 47

[0191] P80910DE

[0192] The further processed material strip segments of the material strip 2 cast by the second strip casting machine 8D can be heat-treated in a further heat treatment device 28 with discontinuous material strip conveying, wherein the further heat treatment device 28 can comprise at least one or a plurality of winding furnace devices 28A. It is understood that a further cutting device (not shown) is also arranged downstream of the second strip casting machine 8D in order to be able to process the produced material strip 2.

[0193] Discontinuous material conveyor conveying during heat treatment can also be reliably ensured using the winding furnace devices 28A.

[0194] These further prefabricated strip segments can then be fed from the casting line of the second strip casting machine 8D and introduced into the main conveying section 4 of the system 1 by means of an infeed device 30 in the area of ​​the optional heating device 16 and / or at least before the hot rolling device 18. If the system 1 has a heating device 16, this can be used to heat the injected strip.

[0195] Therefore, all material strip segments can be hot-rolled further downstream by means of the hot-rolling device 18 and finished-rolled at the exit area 22, as already described above (see Annex 1 from Figure 1).

[0196] Advantageously, a decoupling zone 31 can be achieved on the main conveying section 4 with the aid of the separating device 12 and the heat treatment devices 14 and 28 with discontinuous material belt conveying. The decoupling zone 31 is located between the strip casting device 8 and page 30 / 47.

[0197] P80910DE

[0198] Hot rolling device 18. In this respect, a significantly higher rolling speed can be achieved on the system 1 according to the second configuration, since the rolling is “decoupled” from the potentially slower casting, especially in contrast to the first configuration of the first embodiment 100. For most alloys, this can make stress-relief annealing before a subsequent cold rolling process unnecessary.

[0199] The strip casting device 8, in the configuration according to Figure 2, can cast a material strip 2 with a material strip thickness of approximately 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0200] With the system 1 according to the second embodiment 200, a process can be carried out in a second operating mode, which is also referred to as "hot-batch mode", wherein this first operating mode is characterized in particular by the fact that the material strip 2 is cast into a pre-strip (not again specified) and then prepared before hot rolling. After hot rolling, the now finished rolled material strip 2 is provided as a substantially flat sheet element (not shown) or wound coil 26.

[0201] In such a hot-batch mode, the cast material strip 2 is cut for finishing immediately after leaving the strip casting device 8 (material strip segments). These material strip segments can then be kept warm in the form of so-called "endless pre-strip elements", "cut plate elements" and / or "cut bundle elements" (cf. stacking furnace device 14B, winding furnace device 28A, or the like) and thus thermally treated. The finishing cut can always be carried out before hot rolling.

[0202] Figure 3 shows a third embodiment 300 of Annex 1 for producing a material strip 2 from an aluminum material. Page 31 / 47

[0203] P80910DE or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof.

[0204] In its third configuration, the system 1 also includes a control and / or regulating device 3 for controlling or regulating the system 1, in particular its operating modes.

[0205] The third embodiment 300 also features a continuously operating belt casting device 8 for the initial forming of the material belt 2 on its main conveying section 4, which is arranged in the entrance area 10 of the main conveying section 4.

[0206] The continuously operating strip casting device 8 again comprises a strip casting machine 8A with an upper crawler track 8B and a lower crawler track 8C, between which the material strip 2 is formed from a material melt (not shown).

[0207] The strip casting device 8 can cast a material strip 2 with a material strip thickness of approximately 20 mm to 50 mm.

[0208] The third embodiment 300 again has a cutting device 12 downstream of the strip casting device 8 for cutting the material strip 2 .

[0209] According to the configuration of this third embodiment of Plant 1, the cutting device 12 is not actively integrated into the manufacturing process, so that in this third configuration the material belt 2 is again present as a continuous mass flow (not to be specified again) along the main conveying section 4, extending into the output area 22 of Plant 1. Only there is the material belt 2 cut by means of the output cutting device 23. Alternatively, the material belt 2 can be pre-cut at the cutting device 12, page 32 / 47

[0210] P80910DE so that a separation of the material strip 2 at the separating device 23 can be avoided.

[0211] According to the third embodiment 300, the system 1 has a heat treatment device 14 further downstream of the separation device 12 with discontinuous material belt conveying during the heat treatment of the material belt 2.

[0212] In this third embodiment 300, the heat treatment device 14 with discontinuous material belt conveying is used for the heat treatment of the material belt 2 in such a way that the material belt 2 is continuously conveyed through the heat treatment device 14 at casting speed or hot rolling speed and is thereby heated.

[0213] This makes it possible to use the heat treatment device 14 differently than previously customary, and it eliminates the need for an additional continuously operating heating device 16 as described in the invention, which is optionally shown in the two previously described systems 1. The material strip 2, as a pre-strip element, can be kept warm or preheated as required by means of the heat treatment device 14.

[0214] An additional heating device 16 may optionally be provided.

[0215] The plant 1 has the hot rolling device 18 on the main conveying line 4, wherein the hot rolling device 18 can, for example, comprise two hot rolling stands 18A and 18B.

[0216] Further downstream of this hot rolling device 18, another heating device 32 is arranged, with which the material strip 2 just hot-rolled is, for example, additionally annealed and / or (page 33 / 47).

[0217] P80910DE can also be heated while it continues to be conveyed in conveying direction 6 through the other heating device 32.

[0218] Following the other heating device 32, the cooling device 20 for active or passive cooling of the material belt 2 is located further downstream.

[0219] The system 1 according to the third embodiment 300 also has a cold rolling device 34 further downstream with a first and second cold rolling stand 34A and 34B, by means of which the previously hot-rolled material strip 2 can be cold-rolled at the main conveying line 4.

[0220] The rolled material strip 2 then passes through a CASH line 36 before it can be prepared using the output separating device 23 and / or wound into a bundle 26 using the output winding device 24 at the output area 22.

[0221] The CASH line 36 serves to “finish” the finished rolled material strip 2 before it is wound.

[0222] The CASH line 36 can include a cleaning device 38 for the final cleaning of the material strip 2 and a tempering device 40 for further tempering of the finished rolled material strip 2.

[0223] Between the hot rolling device 18 and the cold rolling device 34, a further decoupling area 42 may be provided, which may include an intermediate winding device 44 with at least two winding devices 44A and 44B.

[0224] The further decoupling area 42 can be deactivated, so that in this third example 300 the material strip 2 flows as a continuous mass flow from page 34 / 47

[0225] P80910DE

[0226] The band casting device 8 can extend into the exit area 22 and the material strip 2 can only be prepared there by means of the exit separating device 23 in order to subsequently wind manageable bundles 26 with the exit winding device 24.

[0227] Accordingly, in this third configuration the intermediate winding device 44 is also taken out of service.

[0228] With the system 1 according to the third embodiment 300, a process can be carried out in a further operating mode, which is also referred to as "full-continuous mode", wherein this further operating mode is characterized in particular by the fact that the material strip 2 is cast into a pre-strip (not again specified) with a strip thickness of 10 mm to 20 mm, then heat-treated essentially at the casting speed and subsequently hot-rolled essentially at the casting speed. After hot-rolling, a cold-rolling step is directly coupled into the common main conveying section 4. Only after cold-rolling is the now finished material strip 2 processed and provided as an essentially flat sheet element (not shown) or wound coil 26 at the output area 22 of the system 1.

[0229] Although the overall length of plant 1 is increased, particularly by the integration of a cold rolling device 34, which may seem disadvantageous at first glance, the advantages outweigh this overall in terms of increased capacity, increased product variety, and more energy-efficient thermal treatment options.

[0230] Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment 400 of Annex 1 for producing a material strip 2 from an aluminum material or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof. Page 35 / 47

[0231] P80910DE

[0232] The configuration of the fourth embodiment 400 is essentially based on the design of Annex 1 according to the third embodiment 300 from Figure 3. Therefore, only the essential differences between the fourth embodiment 400 and the third embodiment 300 from Figure 3 are described below. Otherwise, reference is made to the preceding descriptions in Annex 1.

[0233] According to the fourth configuration of the plant 1 from figure 4, another separating device 46 is configured downstream of the hot rolling device 18 and upstream of the further decoupling area 42.

[0234] By means of the other separating device 46, the hot-rolled material strip 2 can be prepared for temporary winding on the intermediate winding device 46.

[0235] The further decoupling area 42 also includes an additional heat treatment device 48 with discontinuous material belt conveying, wherein the additional heat treatment device 48 is characterized by additional winding furnace devices 48A (shown only by way of example). With this, the material strip 2 can be additionally annealed or homogenized before it is subsequently cold-rolled and wound at the exit area.

[0236] With the system 1 according to the fourth embodiment 400, a method can be carried out in a further operating mode, which is also referred to as the “semi-continuous mode”.

[0237] This additional operating mode is characterized in particular by the fact that cold rolling can be decoupled from hot rolling. Page 36 / 47

[0238] P80910DE

[0239] Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the system 1 for producing a material strip 2 from an aluminium material or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof.

[0240] The configuration of the fifth embodiment 500 is essentially based on the design of Annex 1 according to the third embodiment 300 from Figure 3. Therefore, only the essential differences between the fifth embodiment 500 and the third embodiment 300 from Figure 3 are described below. Otherwise, reference is made to the preceding descriptions in Annex 1.

[0241] Regarding the fifth configuration of plant 1, it should be noted that the cast material strip 2 is cut immediately behind the strip casting device 8 and is prepared in such a way that the material strip 2 can be heat-treated with the heat treatment device 14 with discontinuous material strip conveying before hot rolling. This allows, on the one hand, the material strip 2 (pre-strip) to be kept warm or, on the other hand, annealed or homogenized before hot rolling.

[0242] With the system 1 according to the fifth embodiment 500, a method can be carried out in a further operating mode, which is also referred to as the “Semi-Conti-2 mode”.

[0243] This additional operating mode is characterized in particular by the fact that strip casting is decoupled from hot rolling, while hot rolling and cold rolling are coupled together.

[0244] In the two semi-continuous modes, two possible partial couplings are achievable. First, a partial coupling between the strip casting device 8 and the hot rolling (semi-continuous 1), or a partial coupling of the hot rolling with the cold rolling (semi-continuous 2). This page 37 / 47

[0245] P80910DE The two different operating modes can be selected primarily depending on whether the focus of the operating process of the plant 1 is to be placed on an additional heat treatment of the bundle 26 to be stored (fourth embodiment) or on an additional heat treatment of the pre-strip before hot rolling (fifth embodiment).

[0246] Figure 6 shows a sixth embodiment 600 of one of the plant 1 for producing a material strip 2 from an aluminium material or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof.

[0247] Regarding this sixth configuration of Annex 1, it should only be said that this sixth configuration is a combination of the fourth and fifth examples.

[0248] Therefore, in this sixth configuration, both casting and hot rolling are decoupled from cold rolling at the common main conveying line 4.

[0249] With the system 1 according to the sixth example 600, a process can be carried out in a further operating mode, which is also referred to as "full-batch mode".

[0250] It is understood that the six exemplary configurations described above are merely initial possibilities. Therefore, these exemplary configurations should not be considered limiting to the present invention. Rather, further configurations can be provided. Page 38 / 47

[0251] P80910DE

[0252] Reference symbol list

[0253] 1 Annex

[0254] 2 Material tape

[0255] 3 Control and / or regulating device

[0256] 4 Conveyor section or main conveyor section

[0257] 6 Direction of conveyance

[0258] 8 continuously operating strip casting devices

[0259] 8A Strip casting machine

[0260] 8B upper caterpillar train

[0261] 8C lower caterpillar track

[0262] 8D second strip casting machine

[0263] 10 Entrance area or entrance

[0264] 12 Separating device

[0265] 14 Heat treatment device with discontinuous material belt conveying during heat treatment

[0266] 14A Transverse direction

[0267] 14B Stacking furnace device

[0268] 16 Heating device with continuous material belt conveying during heat treatment

[0269] 18 Hot rolling device

[0270] 18A first hot rolling mill stand

[0271] 18B second hot rolling mill stand

[0272] 20 Cooling device

[0273] 22 Exit area

[0274] 23 Output separating device, in particular cold shear

[0275] 24 Output winding device

[0276] 26 wound bundles

[0277] 28 additional heat treatment devices

[0278] 28A Winding furnace devices

[0279] 30 Inlet device

[0280] 31 Decoupling area

[0281] 32 other heating devices

[0282] 34 Cold rolling device

[0283] 36 CASH-Line Page 39 / 47

[0284] P80910DE

[0285] 38 Cleaning device

[0286] 40 Temperature control device

[0287] 42 further decoupling area

[0288] 44 Intermediate winding device 44A First winding device

[0289] 44B second changing unit

[0290] 46 other cutting device, in particular hot shear

[0291] 48 other heat treatment device 100 first example

[0292] 200 second example

[0293] 300 third example

[0294] 400 fourth example

[0295] 500 fifth example 600 sixth example

Claims

Page 40 / 47 P80910DE Patent claims 1. System (1) for producing a material strip (2) conveyed along a conveying path (4) in the conveying direction (6), in particular a material strip (2) made of aluminium material or other non-ferrous materials, such as a Mg, Zn, Sn, Cu, Pb material, or alloys thereof, comprising: • a continuously operating strip casting device (8) for the initial forming of the material strip (2) , • a hot rolling device (18) for hot rolling the material strip (2) and • a separating device (12) for separating the material strip, wherein the separating device (12) is arranged on the conveying section (4) between the strip casting device (8) and the hot rolling device (18) and wherein the material strip (2) can be fed to the hot rolling device (18) without a separating process.

2. Plant (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a control and / or regulating device (3) for operating the plant (1) in at least two different operating modes, at least comprising a hot-batch mode and a hot-continuous mode.

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating modes are adjustable depending on the alloy and / or the strip thickness of the material strip (2).

4. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plant (1) has a heat treatment device (14, 28, 48) with discontinuous material belt conveying during the heat treatment, wherein the material belt (2) of the Page 41 / 47 P80910DE The hot rolling device (18) can be supplied to the heat treatment device (14) without bypassing a discontinuous material belt conveying system.

5. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heat treatment device (14) for discontinuous heat treatment of the material strip (2) is configured so that the material strip (2) can be continuously guided through the heat treatment device (14) along the conveying path (4), wherein the material strip (2) can optionally be actively heated during this continuous passage through this heat treatment device (14).

6. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the heat treatment device (14) has a stacking device (14B) for splitting and holding plate elements made of prefabricated material strip (2) transversely to the conveying direction and / or a winding device (28; 44) for producing and / or holding at least one bundle (26) made of prefabricated and wound material strip (2).

7. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the heat treatment device (14) comprises a heat treatment unit (14; 28; 48) for annealing and / or homogenizing strip material (2).

8. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the heat treatment device (14) can be actively moved out of the conveying section (4) and actively moved into the conveying section (4).

9. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a heating device (16; 32) with continuous material strip conveying during the heat treatment of the material strip (2), in particular an induction heating device, in particular the heating device (16) can be located upstream of the hot rolling device (18) Page 42 / 47 P80910DE shall be arranged, preferably between the heat treatment device (14, 28, 48) and the hot rolling device (18) .

10. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a coupling or decoupling area (31) for decoupling the strip casting device (8) and the hot rolling device (18) .

11. Plant (1) according to claim 10 characterized in that the heat treatment device (14) at least partially comprises the coupling or decoupling area (31) and a continuously operating heating device (16; 32) is arranged downstream of this coupling or decoupling area (31).

12. System (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11 characterized in that at least one drive roller unit is arranged in the coupling or decoupling area (31).

13. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by an infeed device (30) for additionally infeeding material strip (2), in particular pre-assembled material strip (2), from a further casting line of a further strip casting device (8D) into the conveying line (4).

14. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the strip casting device (8) comprises at least one strip casting machine (8A; 8D) with at least one crawler track (8B, 8C) , preferably with two crawler tracks (8B, 8C) .

15. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by a further separating device (23; 46) for separating the material strip (2) which is arranged downstream of the hot rolling device (18). Page 43 / 47 P80910DE 16. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the separating device (12) and / or a further separating device (23; 46) is provided for separating the moving material belt (2).

17. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by at least one output winding device (24) for providing ready-to-use material strip (2) wound into a bundle (26) in the output area (22) of the conveyor line (4).

18. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by an active and / or passive cooling device (20) for cooling the hot-rolled material strip (2) , wherein the cooling device (20) is arranged downstream of the hot-rolling device (18).

19. Plant (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by a cold rolling device (34) for cold rolling of previously hot-rolled material strip (2) further upstream, wherein in particular a further heat treatment device (32; 48) and / or a further active and / or passive cooling device (20) are arranged between the hot rolling device (18) and the cold rolling device (34).

20. Plant (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the further heat treatment device (32) is arranged upstream of the further active and / or passive cooling device (20).

21. Plant (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the further active and / or passive cooling device (20) is arranged upstream of the further heat treatment device (48).

22. Plant (1) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that a further coupling or disconnection device is provided between the cold rolling device (34) and the hot rolling device (18). Page 44 / 47 P80910DE coupling area (42) is arranged, wherein the further coupling or decoupling area (42) can be activated or deactivated.

23. System (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that the further coupling or decoupling area (42) comprises an activatable or deactivatable winding device (44).

24. System (1) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the further coupling or decoupling area (42) comprises a further separating device (46).

25. Plant (1) according to one of claims 19 to 24, characterized in that a CASH line (36) is arranged downstream of the cold rolling device (34) and upstream of an output winding device (24).

26. Method for operating a plant (1) for producing a material strip (2) conveyed along a conveying line (4) in the conveying direction (6), in particular for operating a plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the material strip (2) is continuously cast on the conveying line (4) and subsequently hot-rolled, the plant (1) comprising: - a separating device (12) for separating the material strip (2), wherein the separating device (12) is arranged on the conveying section (4) between the strip casting device (8) and a hot rolling device (18); the method comprising two or more different operating modes for producing the material strip (2), namely - a first operating mode in which the material strip (2) is separated before hot rolling by means of the separating device (12) and is conveyed to the hot rolling device (18) in the case of discontinuous material strip conveying, and Page 45 / 47 P80910DE - another operating mode in which the material strip (2) is hot-rolled after casting, bypassing a separation process.

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the system (1) comprises a heat treatment device (14; 28; 48) with discontinuous conveying of the material strip (2) during the heat treatment, characterized in that - the material strip (2) is heat-treated in the first operating mode before hot rolling by means of the heat treatment device (14; 28; 48) during discontinuous material strip conveying, and - the material strip (2) is hot-rolled in the further operating mode by bypassing heat treatment with discontinuous material strip conveying after casting.

28. Method according to claim 27, characterized in that the material strip (2) is heat-treated by means of the heat treatment device (14; 28) with discontinuous material strip conveying and / or by means of a heating device (16) with continuous material strip conveying of the material strip (2), before the material strip (2) is subsequently hot-rolled further downstream of this heat treatment device (14; 28) and / or this heating device (16).

29. Method according to one of claims 27 or 28, characterized in that the material strip (2) is continuously conveyed through the deactivated heat treatment device (14) in the further operating mode.

30. Method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the material strip (2) is guided past the heat treatment device (14) in the further operating mode. Page 46 / 47 P80910DE 31. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the heat treatment device (14) is temporarily moved out of the conveying section (4) in the further operating mode.

32. Method according to one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that the material strip (2) is additionally cold-rolled after hot rolling on the conveying section (4).

33. Method according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that the material strip conveying along the conveying path (4) in the conveying direction (6) is decoupled between the casting of the material strip (2) and the hot rolling of the material strip (2) and / or between the hot rolling of the material strip (2) and cold rolling of the material strip (2), wherein the respective decoupling is carried out by means of a separating device (12), in particular by means of a heat treatment device (14; 28; 48), in particular by means of the heat treatment device (14; 28; 48) with discontinuous material strip conveying.

34. Method according to one of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that the material strip (2) or prefabricated material strip segments thereof are heat-treated for 5 min or longer by means of the heat treatment device (14; 28; 48) with a discontinuous material strip conveying, preferably 60 min or longer and particularly preferably 120 min or longer, and / or 2 days or shorter, preferably 24 h or shorter and particularly preferably 180 min or shorter.

35. Use of a heat treatment device (14) with discontinuous material strip conveying for the continuous heat treatment of a continuously cast material strip (2) prior to hot rolling of this material strip (2).

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