Continuous casting mold and method for operating same

Abstract

The invention relates to a continuous casting mold (1), comprising a first broad-face support frame (2) and an oppositely situated second broad-face support frame (3), wherein: the two broad-face support frames (2, 3) can be set at a defined spacing (AO) relative to one another in order to set the thickness of a metal strand that is to be cast; and there is a mold divider (4) between the two broad-face support frames (2, 3) for dividing the space extending between the two broad-face support frames (2, 3) into at least two sub-spaces. In order to develop such a continuous casting mold such that in particular the starting up of the casting process is simplified, according to the invention the mold divider (4) is fastened to one of the two broad-face support frames (3) such that, when the two broad-face support frames (2, 3) are being moved away from one another, the mold divider (4) moves away from one of the two broad-face support frames (2, 3). The invention further relates to a method for operating such a continuous casting mold.

Description

[0001] Continuous casting mold and method for operating such a mold

[0002] The invention relates to a continuous casting mold comprising a first broad-sided support frame and a second broad-sided support frame opposite it, wherein the two broad-sided support frames are adjustable relative to each other to a defined distance for adjusting the thickness of a metal strand to be cast, and wherein a mold divider is arranged between the two broad-sided support frames to divide the space extending between the two broad-sided support frames into at least two partial spaces. The invention further relates to a method for operating a continuous casting mold.

[0003] EP 1 372 889 B1 discloses a continuous casting mold in which a mold divider is used. The mold divider divides the mold interior into two compartments, which can be advantageous with regard to the metal product being manufactured. A similar solution is shown in EP 3 523 069 B1.

[0004] When using a mold divider, starting the continuous casting process can be particularly problematic. This is usually done by inserting a cold strand with a cold strand head into the mold to initiate the casting process. This is especially difficult when using a mold divider.

[0005] The cold stranding line with cold strand head required for start-up is usually inserted before the mold and twin divider unit are placed, and the mold is then inserted. It is also possible to insert fixed twin divider units subsequently, as described in the aforementioned document. It is also possible to use two independent cold stranding lines.

[0006] Page 1 The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a continuous casting mold of the generic type and a method for its operation, with which, in particular, the start-up of the casting process should be simplified. In particular, the time for starting up the cold strand should be kept as short as possible and the setup time reduced.

[0007] The solution to this problem by the invention is characterized in that the mold divider is attached to one of the two broad-side support frames, so that when the two broad-side support frames move away from each other, the mold divider moves away from one of the two broad-side support frames.

[0008] Preferably, the first broadside support frame is arranged in a fixed position (fixed side) and the second broadside support frame is arranged to be displaceable in the horizontal direction (loose side), wherein the mold divider is attached to the second broadside support frame.

[0009] Preferably, moving means are arranged to displace the second broad-side support frame horizontally relative to the first broad-side support frame. A distance corresponding to the casting thickness of the metal strand to be cast can be adjusted between the two broad-side support frames. The moving means are preferably configured to move the two broad-side support frames to a distance that is at least 130%, preferably at least 150%, of the casting thickness. The moving means are preferably configured to move the two broad-side support frames to such a distance that a cold strand chain with a cold strand head can pass through the space between one broad-side support frame (especially the fixed side) and the mold divider.

[0010] The means of movement can be designed as hydraulic means of movement, as mechanical means of movement, or as electrical means of movement. They can also be designed for manual operation.

[0011] Page 2 Preferably, a strand guide loose side frame or a roller conveyor is arranged directly below the mold, which is arranged to be displaceable in the horizontal direction.

[0012] The mold divider usually divides the casting cross-section into two equally sized casting cross-sections. However, more than two casting cross-sections can also be created and provided for; these can also be of different sizes.

[0013] The method for operating a continuous casting mold of the type described above is characterized according to the invention by the following steps: a) moving the two side support frames apart so that a clear distance is created between one side support frame (in particular the fixed side) and the mold divider; b) inserting a cold strand chain with a cold strand head into the clear distance between one side support frame (in particular the fixed side) and the mold divider; c) moving the two side support frames together so that the mold divider is in contact with both side support frames; d) starting a casting process using the continuous casting mold.

[0014] It is preferably provided that the two broad-sided support frames are moved to a distance that corresponds to at least 130%, preferably at least 150%, of the casting thickness. Accordingly, it is provided that the two broad-sided support frames are moved to such a distance that the cold extrusion chain, including the cold extrusion head, occupies the space

[0015] page 3 can happen, which is located between one broadside support frame (especially the fixed side) and the mold divider.

[0016] The proposed concept therefore focuses on the fact that, in particular, the broad-sided support frame's loose side can be advanced in the casting thickness direction, with the twin divider unit arranged on it moving along with it. The twin divider mold thus becomes suitable for the rapid insertion of the cold strand.

[0017] The twin divider unit is preferably mounted or fixed on the loose or inner support frame side of the wide side of the continuous casting mold, so that the loose-side twin divider unit can be extended together towards the loose side to such an extent that the cold strand chain with all its attachments and cold strand heads can be threaded through the resulting mold opening without having to remove the twin divider unit or the mold beforehand.

[0018] The inventive proposal advantageously avoids the need to install and remove the mold or the twin-split unit to feed in the cold strand or to join two strands together. This significantly reduces setup time and associated production downtime.

[0019] The inventive proposal thus minimizes the time required to start up the cold strand. Because the mold with the attached twin divider unit can remain in the system, the setup time for starting up the continuous, single-piece cold strand with the twin casting start-up strand heads can be significantly reduced, especially when running multiple times.

[0020] This advantageously results in greater production flexibility for continuous casting plants with twin-die units. A significant reduction in setup time can be achieved.

[0021] Page 4 Shortening and simplified troubleshooting can be achieved through a sufficiently large opening stroke of the broad side support frame loose side with mold divider and the segmentless side in the upper part.

[0022] This allows for a quick restoration of the casting readiness.

[0023] The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention. It depicts:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a continuous casting mold in operational condition.

[0025] Fig. 2 in perspective view the continuous casting mold, wherein the broadside support frame of the loose side was raised to an increased distance (A1) relative to the broadside support frame of the fixed side of the mold in order to introduce a cold strand chain,

[0026] Fig. 3 shows the continuous casting mold in perspective view again in the state according to Figure 2.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows the top view of the continuous casting mold in the state according to Figure 2, where the cold strand chain to be introduced is now shown.

[0028] Fig. 5 shows in perspective the broadside support frame of the loose side with the mold divider attached to it,

[0029] Fig. 6 shows the front view of a cold strand chain,

[0030] Fig. 7a shows again schematically in side view the continuous casting mold in operational (closed) state and

[0031] Page 5 Fig. 7b schematically shows the continuous casting mold in its extended state in a side view.

[0032] Figures 1 to 5 show a continuous casting mold 1 or parts thereof (see Figure 5), which essentially comprises a broad-sided support frame in the form of a fixed side 2 and a broad-sided support frame in the form of a loose side 3. In this case, the casting chamber resulting between the two support frames 2, 3 is divided into two equally sized casting chambers, for which a mold divider 4 (twin divider) is used.

[0033] It is essential that the mold divider 4 is attached to one of the two broad-side support frames 3, namely in the exemplary embodiment on the loose side, so that when the two broad-side support frames move away from each other in the horizontal direction H, the mold divider 4 moves away from one of the two broad-side support frames 2, namely in the exemplary embodiment from the fixed side.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates the position of the two support frames 2, 3 in the ready-to-use state. Here, the two casting chambers are formed on either side of the mold divider 4. In Figure 1, the distance between the broad-sided support frames 2, 3 is marked AO, which corresponds to the casting thickness.

[0035] Figure 2 shows that the side support frame 3 has been moved horizontally in direction H, namely in the direction of travel R, resulting in a gap A1 between the two side support frames 2 and 3. Figure 2 also shows that the mold divider 4 has moved away together with the side support frame 3, resulting in the clear gap A marked in Figure 2 between the side support frame 2 (i.e., the fixed side) and the mold divider 4. This clear gap A allows a cold strand chain 5 with a cold strand head 6 (see Figure 6) to be inserted into the resulting opening without requiring any further disassembly or assembly.

[0036] Page 6 The direction of travel R, the distance A1 and the resulting clear distance A are shown again in Figure 3, which presents a different perspective of the continuous casting mold 1, making the aforementioned quantities more visible.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates how, in the opened state of the continuous casting mold 1, the cold strand with its heads 6 was inserted into the opening created by the clear distance A. It can also be seen how the mold divider 4, which is rigidly connected to the broad-side support frame 3, was moved in the horizontal direction H relative to the broad-side support frame 2 to form the distance A.

[0038] The unit, consisting of broadside support frame 3 and mold divider 4 firmly connected thereto, is shown again in isolation in Figure 5.

[0039] Figure 7 schematically depicts the continuous casting mold, once in a closed (ready for operation) state in Figure 7a and once in an opened state in Figure 7b (in which the cold strand can be inserted). The strand guide loose side frame 15 is also schematically indicated.

[0040] The figures also show various components typically used in the continuous casting mold 1, such as the mold frame 7, the copper plate 8 for the outer narrow side, the copper plate 9 for the inner narrow side, the cover 10 for the narrow side, the valve block 11, flexible water guide elements 12, the copper plate 13 of the wide side and the foot roller frame 14 for the narrow side of the mold divider 4.

[0041] The continuous casting mold according to the invention thus has a broad-sided support frame loose side to which the twin-piece unit is attached. It is possible to drive up to such an extent that a sufficiently large

[0042] Page 7 shows a continuous opening through which the entire cold strand line with start-up heads can be inserted without having to remove the mold or the twin divider unit. This is precisely what is not possible with the previously discussed prior art.

[0043] The loose-side opening stroke is sufficiently large and is extended using hydraulic cylinders or other actuators (spindle drives) or manually (handwheel and gearbox, etc.). Furthermore, the strand guide segment adjoining the mold can also be extended loose-side to a similar extent, at least at its upper end, to such an extent that the foot roller frames with spray bars of the twin divider unit do not collide with the loose-side roller guides of the segment.

[0044] Page 8 Reference citation list:

[0045] 1 continuous casting mold

[0046] 2 broad-side support frames (fixed side)

[0047] 3 broadside support frames (loose side)

[0048] 4 mold dividers (twin divider / twin divider unit)

[0049] 5 Cold strand chain

[0050] 6 Cold strand head

[0051] 7 mold frames

[0052] 8 copper plates (narrow side facing outwards)

[0053] 9 copper plate (narrow side inside)

[0054] 10 Cover narrow side

[0055] 11 Valve block

[0056] 12 flexible water conduit elements

[0057] 13 Copper plate (broad side)

[0058] 14 Foot caster frame (narrow side mold divider)

[0059] 15 strand guide loose side frames

[0060] H horizontal direction

[0061] AO distance between the broad-side support frames for casting

[0062] (Casting thickness)

[0063] A1 raised distance between the broadside support frames

[0064] A clear distance between the broadside support frame

[0065] (Fixed side) and mold divider

[0066] R direction of travel

[0067] Page 9

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Continuous casting mold (1) comprising a first broadside support frame (2) and a second broadside support frame (3) opposite it, wherein the two broadside support frames (2, 3) are adjustable relative to each other to a defined distance (AO) for the purpose of adjusting the thickness of a metal strand to be cast, wherein a mold divider (4) is arranged between the two broadside support frames (2, 3) to divide the space extending between the two broadside support frames (2, 3) into at least two partial spaces, characterized in that the mold divider (4) is attached to one of the two broadside support frames (3), so that when the two broadside support frames (2, 3) move away from each other, the mold divider (4) moves away from one of the two broadside support frames (2, 3).

2. Continuous casting mold according to claim 1, characterized in that the first broadside support frame (2) is arranged in a fixed position (fixed side) and the second broadside support frame (3) is arranged to be displaceable in the horizontal direction (H) (loose side), wherein the mold divider (4) is attached to the second broadside support frame (3).

3. Continuous casting mold according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that means of movement are arranged to move the second broadside support frame (3) relative to the first broadside support frame (2) in a horizontal direction (H). Page 10 4. Continuous casting mold according to claim 3, characterized in that a distance (AO) can be adjusted between the two broad-side support frames (2, 3) which corresponds to the casting thickness of the metal strand to be cast, wherein the means of movement are designed to move the two broad-side support frames (2, 3) to a distance (A1) which corresponds to at least 130%, preferably at least 150%, of the casting thickness.

5. Continuous casting mold according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the means of movement are designed to move the two broad-side support frames (2, 3) to such a distance (A1) that a cold strand chain (5) with cold strand head (6) can pass through the space that results between one broad-side support frame (2) and the mold divider (4).

6. Continuous casting mold according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the means of movement are hydraulic Means of transportation are trained.

7. Continuous casting mold according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the means of movement are mechanical Means of transportation are trained.

8. Continuous casting mold according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the moving means are designed as electrical moving means. Page 11 9. Continuous casting mold according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the means of movement are designed for manual operation.

10. Continuous casting mold according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a strand guide loose side frame or a roller conveyor is arranged directly below the mold, which is arranged to be displaceable in the horizontal direction (H).

11. Method for operating a continuous casting mold (1), wherein the continuous casting mold (1) comprises a first broadside support frame (2) and a second broadside support frame (3) opposite it, wherein the two broadside support frames (2, 3) are adjustable relative to each other to a defined distance (AO) for the purpose of adjusting the thickness of a metal strand to be cast, wherein a mold divider (4) is arranged between the two broadside support frames (2, 3) to divide the space extending between the two broadside support frames (2, 3) into at least two partial spaces, characterized in that the mold divider (4) is attached to one of the two broadside support frames (2, 3) so that when the two broadside support frames (2, 3) move relative to each other, the mold divider (4) moves away from one of the two broadside support frames (2, 3), wherein the method comprises the steps: Page 12 a) Moving the two side support frames (2, 3) apart so that a clear distance (A) is created between one side support frame (2) and the mold divider (4); b) Inserting a cold strand chain (5) with cold strand head (6) into the clear distance (A) between one side support frame (2) and the mold divider (4); c) Moving the two side support frames (2, 3) together so that the mold divider (4) is in contact with both side support frames (2, 3); d) Starting a casting process using the continuous casting mold (1). Page 13

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