JP4276330B2 - Metal strip continuous casting equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a metal strip continuous casting apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a twin-roll casting machine, molten metal is introduced between a pair of horizontal casting rolls that are cooled and rotated in the mutual direction, solidify the metal shells on the surface of the moving casting rolls, and form the metal shells in the roll gap. Combined and fed as a solidified strip product downward from the roll gap. In this specification, the term “roll gap” refers to the entire region where casting rolls are closest to each other. Molten metal is poured from the ladle into one or a series of small containers and then flows to a metal supply nozzle located above the roll gap and into the roll gap, resulting in a cast roll immediately above the roll gap. A cast pool of molten metal supported on the surface and extending in the roll gap length direction can be formed. The end of the casting pool can be composed of side weirs or side plates that are held in sliding engagement with the end face of the casting roll to prevent overflow from both ends of the casting pool. Means have also been proposed.
[0003]
The casting roll is generally cooled by passing cooling water through a longitudinal cooling water passage formed in the periphery of the casting roll adjacent to the casting surface. The supply and discharge of cooling water to and from these cooling water passages is generally performed in a radial passage in the roll end wall and a water supply and return duct formed in the roll shaft and connected to the water supply and return line via a rotary coupling. And is done through.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The installation and adjustment of the casting roll to the twin roll casting machine is a serious problem. The casting rolls must be accurately set to properly limit the appropriate width of the roll gap to generally only a few millimeters, and at least one of the casting rolls should be fitted to absorb variations in strip thickness especially at the start of rolling. There must also be some means of being able to move outward against the biasing force. The casting roll may need to be changed so that the thickness of the strip to be cast can be changed, and if the casting surface is damaged or deteriorated for some reason during casting, the casting roll must be replaced. If the casting roll has to be replaced in-situ, significant castable time is lost waiting for the casting components and surrounding areas to cool. Once a new set of casting rolls is set in place, it must be calibrated before casting so that the roll gap width can be preset. When casting ferrous metals, it is necessary to heat the refractory components of the metal supply means and the casting pool defining means to a very high temperature before the start of casting. For these reasons, the twin roll casting machine can be configured with removable components to quickly assemble the cast roll and preheated refractory components into an operational assembly and cast before the preheated components cool down significantly. Has been proposed to be able to start. An example of a casting apparatus having moveable casting rolls and refractory components is Applicant's Australian Patent Nos. 631728 and 633548 and corresponding US Pat. Nos. 5,184,668 and 5,277,24. Is disclosed.
[0005]
It has also been proposed to construct a twin roll casting apparatus with a modular structure. In this case, the casting roll is installed in a movable module that can be easily inserted and removed from the casting apparatus, and the casting roll can be accurately installed in the module, so that the roll gap is preset and the casting apparatus is installed at the time of module installation. Correctly positioned within. For this reason, a casting roll set can be set in the replacement module in advance, and the casting roll can be rapidly replaced between casting operations. Such a proposal is disclosed in Applicant's Australian Patent Application No. PO9253.
[0006]
One of the problems that occurs particularly when the casting roll is replaced is that it is necessary to disconnect and reconnect the water supply line and the return line for supplying and discharging cooling water to and from the casting roll. In general, it is necessary to leave the rotatable water coupling intact and provide a separate removable coupling that is connected to the outer housing of the rotating coupling and can be connected to a flexible water supply line and return line. It was. This not only causes a delay in removing and moving the casting roll set, but also increases the bulk and inertia of the parts that must be moved laterally with the casting roll during operation. This is because the casting roll must be moved laterally during casting to control the clearance in response to the feedback control system. The increased inertia of the coupling and “floating” flexible hose can be a great resistance to control movement and can disrupt the operation of the control system. Also, providing a separate water coupling for each set of casting rolls is a significant expense. The present invention provides an improved water coupling structure in which the water connection is cut at the rotary coupling when the casting roll is removed.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, a pair of casting rolls having a roll gap formed between them and a water flow passage provided therein, and a molten metal is supplied to the roll gap between the casting rolls, on the surface of the casting roll above the roll gap. A metal supply means for forming a molten metal casting pool supported by the metal, a roll defining means for confining the metal in the casting pool so as not to overflow at the roll gap end, and the casting roll are driven to rotate in the mutual direction. The metal strip continuous casting apparatus is composed of roll driving means for producing a solidified metal strip fed downward from the roll gap, and cooling water supply means for supplying cooling water to the water flow passage in the casting roll. The shaft end of the central shaft means attached with the gold has an internal water duct that feeds and discharges water into and out of the water passage in the casting roll and connects to the water supply and return line by means of a rotating water coupling. In the strip continuous casting device, attached to removably shaft end rotation water coupling, and configured to be able to cut off the water flow connection by pulling out the shaft end in the axial direction,
Each rotating water flow coupling has a non-rotatable outer housing with internal water ports connected to the inlet and outlet lines, and is rotatably mounted on the outer housing and receives the shaft end and is attached to the shaft end together. There is provided a metal strip continuous casting apparatus characterized by comprising a tubular inner sleeve rotating in a straight line, and a radial water flow port interconnecting the inner water port of the outer housing and the outer port of the shaft end (32A). The
[0009]
Further, the outer end of the inner sleeve can be connected to the rotary drive coupling of the casting roll through the shaft plug with a key groove and the socket member.
[0010]
Further, by pulling out the casting roll in the axial direction, the shaft stopper with the key groove and the socket member are separated in the axial direction, so that the roll shaft is separated from the rotary drive coupling, and at the same time, the shaft end is connected to the water flow coupling. Can be pulled out from the inner sleeve.
[0011]
Furthermore, when pulling out the roll shaft from the water coupling, the socket member can support the water coupling and keep it in place.
[0012]
In this way, the water flow connection is cut off by pulling out the end of the roll shaft, so there is no delay in removing and moving the casting roll, and the volume of parts that must be moved laterally with the casting roll during operation. In addition, it is possible to prevent an increase in inertia and to suppress expenses such as providing a separate water flow coupling for each set of casting rolls.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In order to more fully describe the present invention, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
FIGS. 1-5 shows an example of embodiment of this invention, The strip casting apparatus shown in figure is comprised by a pair of casting roll 1 which forms the roll gap | interval 2 between each other. In the casting operation, molten metal is supplied from the ladle 3 through the tundish 4 and the supply nozzle 5 to the roll gap 2 between the casting rolls 1 to produce a molten metal casting pool 6 above the roll gap 2. Here, the ladle 3, the tundish 4, and the supply nozzle 5 are metal supply means. The ends of the casting sump 6 are defined by a pair of refractory defining plates 10 which are defining means and engage the notched ends of the casting roll 1 as shown below. By moving the stopper rod 7 provided in the ladle 3, the molten metal can be caused to flow down from the ladle 3 to the tundish 4 through the outlet nozzle 8 and the fireproof shroud 9.
[0015]
The casting roll 1 is provided with an inner water cooling passage to which cooling water is supplied from the end of the casting roll 1 in the manner described in detail below, and the casting roll 1 is continuously rotated by rotating the casting roll 1 in the mutual direction. A solidified metal strip 11 is produced and fed downward from the roll gap 2 between the casting rolls 1.
[0016]
To the extent described so far, the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is described in further detail in US Pat. Nos. 5,184,668 and 5,277,243, and Australian Patent Nos. 631728 and 633548. Reference may be made to these patents for details on the construction and operation of the apparatus.
[0017]
The two casting rolls 1 have the same configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the entire casting roll 1 along the line AA). Forms longitudinal water flow passages 26 and feeds and discharges water to and from these longitudinal water flow passages 26 from radial water flow passages 35 and 36 in one end of the casting roll 1.
[0018]
Describing in more detail the casting rolls 1 with longitudinal water flow passages 26 and radial water flow passages 35, 36, each casting roll 1 has two roll end pieces 21, 22 in a central stainless steel tubular roll. Constructed in connection with the body 23, a thick cylindrical copper alloy sleeve 24 is crimped around the roll body 23 to provide an outer casing surface 25 and form a longitudinal water flow passage 26. By forming the cylindrical roll wall in this manner, a roll structure having good mechanical strength and good heat exchange between the casting reservoir 6 and the longitudinal water flow passage 26 can be obtained.
[0019]
Thick flanges 27 and 28 formed on the roll end pieces 21 and 22 form roll end walls and roll shafts 31 and 32, and the casting roll 1 is rotatably mounted and driven by these roll shafts 31 and 32. . The roll shaft 32 of the roll end piece 22 is much longer than the roll shaft 31 of the other roll end piece 21, and water is supplied and discharged from the casting roll 1 to the outer shaft end 32 </ b> A of the roll shaft 32. Two sets of water flow ports 33 and 34 are provided for connection with the water flow coupling 40 of the rotatable cooling water supply means. Radial water flow passages 35 and 36, which are passages through which cooling water is supplied to and discharged from the longitudinal water flow passage 26, extend through the end portions of the roll end pieces 21 and 22 and the roll main body 23 to the annular galleries 41 and 42. Connected, the annular galleries 41 and 42 are formed on the outer periphery of the roll body 23 to provide communication with the longitudinal water flow passage 26 around the circumference of the casting roll. Center end tubes 37, 38 are fitted into the roll end pieces 21, 22 to define separate internal water flow ducts 39, 39 A for inflow and outflow of water in the casting roll 1. In this way, the water flow port 33 communicates with the radial water flow passage 36 via the annular duct 39 arranged outside the tube 38 of the central spacer, while the radial water flow passage 35 communicates with the hollow interior of the casting roll 1. It communicates with the water flow port 34 via a duct 39 </ b> A formed by the inside of the tube 38.
[0020]
4 and 5 show the structure of each water flow coupling 40 of the cooling water supply means, and the water flow coupling 40 engages with the outer shaft end 32A of the roll shaft 32 so that the duct 39, Fig. 4 shows how to provide a water coupling 40 with 39A. A tubular inner sleeve 44 is rotatably mounted by an end bearing 45 inside a tubular outer housing 43 constituting the water flow coupling 40. The outer housing 43 includes a water inlet connector 46 and a return connector 47 which are internal water ports for connection with an inlet line 63 which is an appropriate water supply line and an outlet line 64 which is a return line. The water inlet connector 46 and the return connector 47 are respectively connected to annular water flow galleries 48 and 49 formed between the central waterproof seal 51 and the two outer waterproof seals 52. The further sealing member 53 is clamped between the outer housing 43 of the housing body and the end member 56 containing the end bearing 45.
[0021]
The water gallery 48, 49 extends around each set of radial water outlets 61, 62 formed in the inner sleeve 44.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 5, the roll shaft 32 is formed so as to be fitted in the end-supporting roller bearing 65 and the inner sleeve 44 of the rotatable water flow coupling 40 by moving in the axial direction. The end of the roll shaft 32 is fitted into the inner sleeve 44, the water flow ports 33, 34 of the roll shaft 32 are aligned with the water flow ports 61, 62 of the inner sleeve 44, and the water flow connection between the water flow inlet connector 46 and the water flow port 33 is established. Provide a water flow connection between the return connector 47 and the water flow port 34, respectively. The roll shaft 32 is rotatably supported in an end-supported roller bearing 65, the water coupling 40 is self-supported on the roll shaft 32, the inner sleeve 44 rotates together with the roll shaft 32, and the outer housing 43 is held so as not to rotate. ing. The end of the inner sleeve 44 is screwed to a socket member 66 with a key groove on the inside, and the socket member 66 is the end of the roll shaft 32 and receives a shaft plug 67 with a key groove on the outside to receive a rotary drive cup. The roll shaft 32 is connected to the roll driving means via the ring 70.
[0023]
When the casting roll 1 is removed for replacement, the casting roll 1 is simply moved in the axial direction, whereby the shaft plug 67 with a key groove is pulled out from the socket member 66 and the shaft end is pulled out from the water flow coupling 40. The socket member 66 supports the water flow coupling 40 when the casting roll 1 is removed. With this arrangement, there is no need to remove a separate coupling. In operation, the water coupling 40 is sufficiently supported by the roll shaft 32 in the vicinity of the support bearing, so that the inertia of the water coupling 40 does not interfere with the control system of the roll gap 2.
[0024]
In this way, the water flow connection of the water flow coupling 40 is disconnected by pulling out the shaft end 32A of the roll shaft 32 from the water flow coupling 40, so that there is no delay in removing and moving the casting roll 1 and the operation. Increases in the bulk and inertia of parts that must sometimes be moved laterally with the casting roll 1 can be prevented, and expenses such as providing separate water flow couplings for each casting roll set can be reduced.
[0025]
In addition, the metal strip continuous casting apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be applied to other than the metal strip casting, and various other modifications within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, can be added.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the water flow connection is disconnected by pulling out the shaft end of the roll shaft, so that there is no delay in removing and moving the casting roll, and it is possible to move along with the casting roll during operation. It is possible to prevent the increase in the bulk and inertia of the parts that must be moved in the direction, and to suppress the expense of providing a separate water coupling for each casting roll set.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a strip casting apparatus constructed according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a left side portion of a casting roll of a casting apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a right portion of a casting roll of a casting apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rotatable water coupling of the casting roll.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rotatable water coupling mounted on a roll shaft.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Casting roll 2 Roll gap 3 Ladle (metal supply means)
4 Tundish (metal supply means)
5 Supply nozzle (metal supply means)
6 Casting reservoir 10 Refractory painting plate (defining means)
11 Solidified metal strip 12 Roll drive means 26 Water flow passage 27 Flange 28 Flange 31 Roll axis (center axis means)
32 Roll axis (center axis means)
33 Water outlet 34 Water outlet 32A Shaft end 39 Duct 39A Duct 40 Water coupling (cooling water supply means)
43 Outer housing 44 Inner sleeve 46 Water inlet connector (inner water port)
47 Return connector (internal water outlet)
61 Water outlet 62 Water outlet 63 Inlet line (water supply line)
64 Exit line (return line)
65 Roller bearing 66 Socket member 67 Shaft plug 70 Rotation drive coupling

Claims (4)

A pair of cast rolls (1) having a roll gap (2) between them and having a water flow passage (26) therein, and molten metal is supplied to the roll gap (2) between the cast rolls (1). A metal supply means (3, 4, 5) for forming a molten metal casting pool (6) supported on the casting roll surface above the roll gap, and a casting pool (3) so as not to overflow at the end of the roll gap (2). 6) Reservoir defining means (10) at the end of the roll for confining metal in 6), and roll for creating a solidified metal strip (11) fed downward from the roll gap (2) by rotationally driving the casting roll in the mutual direction. A driving means (12) and a cooling water supply means (40) for supplying cooling water to the water flow passage in the casting roll constitute a metal strip continuous casting apparatus, and a central shaft means (1) to which the casting roll (1) is attached ( 31 and 32) shaft ends are located in the casting roll. Rotating water coupling in a metal strip continuous casting apparatus having an internal water duct (39, 39A) that feeds and discharges water to and from the flow passage (26) and connects to the water supply and return line by a rotating water coupling (40) (40) is detachably attached to the shaft end (32A), and the water flow connection can be disconnected by pulling the shaft end (32A) in the axial direction.
Each rotating water flow coupling (40) rotates into a non-rotatable outer housing (43) with internal water ports (46, 47) connected to the inlet and outlet lines (63, 64) and to the outer housing (43) A tubular inner sleeve (44) which is attached to the shaft end (32A) and rotates together with the shaft end (32A), the inner water ports (46, 47) and the shaft end of the outer housing (43). A metal strip continuous casting apparatus comprising a radial water flow port (61, 62) interconnecting the outer port (61, 62) of (32A) . 2. Metal strip continuous according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer end of the inner sleeve (44) is connected to the roll drive coupling (70) via a keyway shaft plug (60) and a socket member (63). Casting equipment. By pulling the casting roll (1) in the axial direction, the shaft plug with keyway (60) and the socket member (63) are separated in the axial direction, and the roll shaft (32) is removed from the rotary drive coupling (70). 3. Metal strip continuous casting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it separates and at the same time withdraws the shaft end (32A) from the sleeve (44) of the water flow coupling (40). Metal according to claim 3, characterized in that when pulling the roll shaft (32) out of the water coupling (40), the socket member (63) supports the water coupling (40) and keeps it in place. Strip continuous casting equipment.

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