US 20090 139685A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0139685 A1
Hayashi et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 4, 2009
(54) CONTINUOUS CASTINGAPPARATUS AND (30) Foreign Application Priority Data
CONTINUOUS CASTING METHOD
Nov. 21, 2007 (JP) ................................. 2007-301,189
(75) Inventors: Kanji Hayashi, Hiroshima (JP); Publication Classification
Kiyoshi Kagehira, Hiroshima (JP); (51) Int. Cl.
Tatsunori Sugimoto, Hiroshima B22D II/06 (2006.01)
(JP); Hideaki Takatani, Hiroshima B22D 46/00 (2006.01)
(JP); Hideaki Furumoto, B22D 2/00 (2006.01)
Hiroshima (JP) (52) U.S. Cl. ...................... 164/480; 164/428; 164/150.1;
164/154.1; 164/151.2
Correspondence Address: (57) ABSTRACT
BRCH STEWARTKOLASCH & BRCH A continuous casting apparatus having a pair of drums rotat
PO BOX 747 ing in opposite directions, and bearing housings for rotatably
FALLS CHURCH, VA 22040-0747 (US) Supporting drum shafts protruding from opposite end Sur
faces of the drums,
(73) Assignee: Mitsubishi-Hitachi Metals
the continuous castingapparatus comprising, on a side of at
least one of the drums:
Machinery Inc., Tokyo (JP) a base portion;
an arm having an end portion on which the bearing housing
(21) Appl. No.: 12/260,525 is installed fixedly, and having an opposite end portion
pivotably supported by the base portion; and
an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the pair of
(22) Filed: Oct. 29, 2008 drums toward or away from each other.

121 102a
101
131

130
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 1 of 18 US 2009/0139685 A1

Fig. 1
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Fig.2
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 3 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig. 3

152
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 4 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig.4
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 5 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig.5

152 106 130

Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 6 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 7 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

101 a 102a 194 101

131

130
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 8 of 18 US 2009/0139685 A1

Fig.8
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 9 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 10 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

f
S
Y
s

3
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 11 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig.11

Detect pushing force (Step 1)

Compare with set value (Step 2)

ls difference between
Set value and pushing force within (Step 3)
predetermined range?

Change value of operating

command S to be within (Step 4)
predetermined range
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 12 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

O
ar
C
H.
so 5

&
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 13 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig. 13

Detect distance (Step 11)

Compare with set value (Step 12)

ls difference between
Set Value and detected distance within (Step 13)
predetermined range?

Change value of Operating

commands to be within (Step 14)
predetermined range
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 14 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig.14
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 15 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig.15
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 16 of 18 US 2009/0139685 A1

Fig.16
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 17 of 18 US 2009/0139685 A1

Fig. 17

22b 2a 4 32b

------- 12
----, w -10
/
Z 11

23
El V
20

21 31 32a
33
Patent Application Publication Jun. 4, 2009 Sheet 18 of 18 US 2009/O139685 A1

Fig.18
US 2009/O 139685 A1
CONTINUOUS CASTINGAPPARATUS AND
CONTINUOUS CASTING METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
0001 1. Field of the Invention
0002 This invention relates to a continuous casting appa
ratus and a continuous casting method, which are designed to
lessen the influence of hysteresis due to frictional resistance
when drums are moved toward or away from each other.
0003 2. Description of the Related Art
0004. A continuous casting apparatus of a twin drum type
(or twin drum type continuous casting apparatus) accumu
lates a molten metal between a pair of drums, and produces a
sheet (cast piece) continuously while rotating the drums.
0005. The basic configuration of the twin drum type con
tinuous casting apparatus will be described by reference to
FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, a pair of drums 1a and 1b are
disposed in proximity, with their axes of rotation being par
allel to each other, and are Supported to be rotatable in oppo
site directions. The opposite ends in the axial direction of both
drums 1a and 1b are stopped by side checks 2a and 2b. A
molten metal 4 is poured into a pouring basin 3 Surrounded by
the drums 1a, 1b and the side checks 2a, 2b and formed
thereby.
0006 When the drums 1a and 1b are rotated in the oppo
site directions (when they are rotated so as to pull in the
molten metal 4 downward), the molten metal 4 is cooled upon
contact with the drums 1a, 1b. As a result, a solidified shell is
formed. The solidified shells on both drums grow as the
drums are rotated. These shells are pressure-bonded and inte
grated in a minimum gap area 5 of the drums 1a, 1b, and
withdrawn as a cast piece 6.
0007. In the above-described twin drum type continuous
casting apparatus, an adjusting device for moving the drums
1a and 1b toward and away from each other may be provided
for adjusting the clearance and pressure bonding load
between the drums 1a and 1b.
0008. The twin drum type continuous casting apparatus,
equipped with the adjusting device for moving the drums 1 a
and 1b toward and away from each other, will be described by
reference to FIG.16 as a plan view, and FIG. 17 as a sectional
view taken on line X-X in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, the apparatus
is illustrated, with an upper frame 12 being detached.
0009. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a molten metal 4 is
poured into a pouring basin 3 Surrounded by drums 1a, 1b and
side checks 2a, 2b and formed thereby. When the drums 1 a
and 1b are rotated in the opposite directions, a cast piece 6 is
taken out of a minimum gap area 5.
0010 Frames 10, 10 are disposed in proximity to opposite
end surfaces in the axial direction of the drums 1a and 1b
placed adjacently. Bach frame 10 is composed of a lower
frame 11 and an upper frame 12 to be a frame-shaped struc
ture. When the drum 1a or 1b is to be replaced, the upper
frame 12 can be detached from the lower frame 11.
0011. A drum shaft 20 protrudes from each of the opposite
end surfaces of the drum1a. Each drum shaft 20 is rotatably
Supported by a main bearing housing 21. Thus, the drum 1 a
can be rotated about its axis.
0012. The main bearing housing 21 is located between the
lower frame 11 and the upper frame 12. Moreover, a linear
bearing 22a is provided between a lower part of the main
bearing housing 21 and the lower frame 11, while a linear
bearing 22b is provided between an upper part of the main
bearing housing 21 and the upper frame 12.
Jun. 4, 2009
0013 Thus, the drum1a and the main bearing housing 21
rotatably Supporting the drum 1a can slide along the linear
bearings 22a, 22b. As a result, the drum1a can approach and
separate from the drum 1b.
0014. A screw-down cylinder 23 as an adjusting device is
interposed between the lower frame 11 and the main bearing
housing 21. Upon expansion or contraction of the screw
down cylinder 23 (its expansion or contraction in the direc
tion of a double-headed arrow A in FIG.16), the main bearing
housing 21 moves slidingly.
0015. A drum shaft 30 protrudes from each of the opposite
end surfaces of the drum 1b. Each drum shaft 30 is rotatably
Supported by a main bearing housing 31. Thus, the drum 1b
can be rotated about its axis.
0016. The main bearing housing 31 is located between the
lower frame 11 and the upper frame 12. Moreover, a linear
bearing 32a is provided between a lower part of the main
bearing housing 31 and the lower frame 11, while a linear
bearing 32b is provided between an upper part of the main
bearing housing 31 and the upper frame 12.
0017 Thus, the drum 1b and the main bearing housing 31
rotatably Supporting the drum 1b can slide along the linear
bearings 32a, 32b.
(0018. A load detector 33 is interposed between the lower
frame 11 and the main bearing housing 31. The load detector
33 detects the load (screw-down force) between the drums 1 a
and 1b.
0019. The amount of expansion or contraction of the
screw-down cylinder 23 is adjusted such that the load
detected by the load detector 33 becomes a preset target load.
(0020. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, more
over, a preload mechanism is provided for preventing the
adverse influence of backlash in the main bearing housing 21
or 31.
0021. That is, a preload bearing housing 40 is mounted on
the drum shaft 20 of the drum1a. The preload bearing hous
ing 40 is pulled by a pull-back cylinder 41 in a direction in
which it is separated from the drum 1b (i.e., an O.-direction in
FIG. 16). In this manner, the drum shaft 20 is pulled by the
pull-back cylinder 41 in the C-direction, whereby rolling
elements within the main bearing housing 21 are pressed in
one direction against apart of the inner Surface of the bearing
housing, with the result that run-outs of the shaft center
ascribed to a radial clearance are decreased. Thus, the adverse
influence of backlash in the main bearing housing 21 can be
prevented.
0022. Similarly, a preload bearing housing 42 is mounted
on the drum shaft 30 of the drum 1b. The preload bearing
housing 42 is pulled by a pull-back cylinder 43 in a direction
in which it is separated from the drum1a (i.e., a B-direction in
FIG. 16). In this manner, the drum shaft 30 is pulled by the
pull-back cylinder 43 in the B-direction, whereby rolling ele
ments within the main bearing housing 31 are pressed in one
direction against a part of the inner Surface of the bearing
housing, with the result that run-outs of the shaft center
ascribed to a radial clearance are decreased. Thus, the adverse
influence of backlash in the main bearing housing 31 can be
prevented.
(0023. In the example shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the fric
tional resistances of the linear bearings 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b are
lower than the frictional resistance of a slide guide which is
lubricated with a lubricating oil or the like. This lessens
hysteresis due to the frictional resistance generated when the
US 2009/O 139685 A1
main bearing housings 21, 31 are moved (slid) along the
linear bearings 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b.
0024. Since the hysteresis due to the frictional resistance is
lessened, the position control of the main bearing housing 21
can be exercised relatively easily according to pushing force
or pulling force generated by the screw-down cylinder 23.
Consequently, control over the screw-down force can be per
formed easily and accurately in comparison with the use of a
slide guide lubricated with a lubricating oil or the like.
0025 FIG. 18 schematically shows the relationship
among forces generated when the main bearing housing 21 is
slid in the example illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.
0026. Let the force generated by the screw-down cylinder
23 for moving the main bearing housing 21 in opposition to
friction be F, the coefficient of friction caused to the linear
bearing 22a during the slide of the main bearing housing 21
be u, the frictional force caused to the linear bearing 22a
during the slide of the main bearing housing 21 bef, and the
weight of the drum 1a be W. Then, the following equations
(1) and (2) hold:
f=12' W. (1)
F., f=+12' W. (2)
0027. In the earlier technology shown in FIGS. 16 and 17,
the linear bearings 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b with low frictional
resistance are used. Thus, the decrease in the hysteresis due to
the frictional resistance has been achieved successfully.
0028 Because of the great frictional force f, represented
by the above formula (1), however, the force F represented
by the equation (2) also changes. In this case, it becomes
difficult to exercise control of the screw-down force. That is,
if the frictional force f, occurs, the force that the screw-down
cylinder 23 has to generate in pushing the main bearing hous
ing 21 by a certain distance so that the drum1a approaches the
drum 1b differs from the force that the screw-down cylinder
23 has to generate in pulling back the main bearing housing
21 by a certain distance so that the drum1a separates from the
drum 1b. This makes control of the screw-down force diffi
cult.
0029 Concretely, the parallelism between the upper,
lower, right and left linear bearings 22a, 22a, 22b. 22b, i.e.,
the total four linear bearings, which slidingly move the main
bearing housings 21 on the drive side, may be disturbed by an
error in mounting or the like. Alternatively, the parallelism
between the upper, lower, right and left linear bearings 32a,
32a, 32b, 32b, i.e., the total four linear bearings, which slid
ingly move the main bearing housings 31 on the driven side,
may be disturbed by an error in mounting or the like. In this
case, great hysteresis occurs owing to the frictional force,
when the main bearing housing 21 or 31 is slid.
0030) If such a high hysteresis occurs, the moving distance
of the main bearing housing 21 when the screw-down cylin
der 23 generates a certain push-out force in bringing the main
bearing housings 21 and 31 (drums 1a and 1b) close to each
other differs from the moving distance of the main bearing
housing 21 when the screw-down cylinder 23 generates a
certain pull-back force in separating the main bearing hous
ings 21 and 31 (drums 1a and 1b) from each other. This
adversely affects the control of the screw-down force.
0031. Even when the linear bearings 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b
are mounted without disturbance of their parallelism, the
parallelism of the linear bearings 22a, 22b, 32a, 32b is dis
turbed, and hysteresis increases, if the frame 10 thermally
deforms.
Jun. 4, 2009
0032. The present invention has been accomplished in
light of the above-described problems with the earlier tech
nology. It is an object of the invention to provide a continuous
casting apparatus and a continuous casting method which can
decrease frictional force as a factor of hysteresis during
movement of a main bearing housing and, even if frictional
force occurs, can reduce the influence of the frictional force
associated hysteresis on an adjusting device for moving the
main bearing housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0033. A first aspect of the present invention is a continuous
casting apparatus having a pair of drums rotating in opposite
directions, and bearing housings for rotatably supporting
drum shafts protruding from opposite end Surfaces of the
drums,
0034 the continuous casting apparatus comprising, on a
side of at least one of the drums:
0035 a base portion:
0036 an arm having an end portion on which the bearing
housing is installed fixedly, and having an opposite end por
tion pivotably supported by the base portion; and
0037 an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the
pair of drums toward or away from each other.
0038 A second aspect of the present invention is the above
continuous casting apparatus further comprising a ring
shaped rolling bearing disposed in a part of the base portion
where the arm is pivotably supported by the base portion.
0039. A third aspect of the present invention is the above
continuous casting apparatus characterized in that the arm is
provided with ajutting portion which extends from a center of
the part of the base portion, where the arm is pivotably sup
ported by the base portion, in a direction opposite to the
bearing housing installed on the one end portion of the arm,
and the adjusting device pivots the jutting portion to move the
pair of drums toward or away from each other.
0040. In the continuous casting apparatus, the adjusting
device may be an expanding and contracting device which
pushes or pulls the arm to pivot the arm.
0041. In the continuous casting apparatus, the adjusting
device may be a device which generates a rotating force for
rotating a rotating shaft of the arm rotatably supported by the
base portion.
0042. The continuous casting apparatus may further com
prise pushing force detecting means for detecting a force
generated by the adjusting device, or may further comprise a
control section for controlling an operation of the adjusting
device Such that a pushing force detected by the pushing force
detecting means becomes a force within a predetermined
range.
0043. The continuous casting apparatus may further com
prise distance detecting means for detecting a distance
between the drums which have been moved toward or away
from each other by the adjusting device, or may further com
prise a control section for controlling an operation of the
adjusting device Such that the distance detected by the dis
tance detecting means becomes a distance within a predeter
mined range.
0044. The continuous casting apparatus may further com
prise rotating force detecting means for detecting the force
generated by the adjusting device.
0045. A fourth aspect of the present invention is a continu
ous casting method for a continuous casting apparatus having
a pair of drums rotating in opposite directions, and bearing
US 2009/O 139685 A1
housings for rotatably Supporting drum shafts protruding
from opposite end Surfaces of the drums,
0046 the continuous casting apparatus including, on a
side of at least one of the drums,
0047 a base portion,
0048 an arm having an end portion on which the bearing
housing is installed fixedly, and being pivotably supported by
the base portion,
0049 an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the
pair of drums toward or away from each other, and
0050 pushing force detecting means for detecting a force
generated by the adjusting device,
0051 the continuous casting method comprising:
0052 controlling an operation of the adjusting device such
that a pushing force detected by the pushing force detecting
means becomes a force within a predetermined range.
0053 A fifth aspect of the present invention is a continu
ous casting method for a continuous casting apparatus having
a pair of drums rotating in opposite directions, and bearing
housings for rotatably Supporting drum shafts protruding
from opposite end Surfaces of the drums,
0054 the continuous casting apparatus including, on a
side of at least one of the drums,
0055 a base portion,
0056 an arm having an end portion on which the bearing
housing is installed fixedly, and being pivotably supported by
the base portion,
0057 an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the
pair of drums toward or away from each other, and
0058 distance detecting means for detecting a distance
between the drums moved toward or away from each other by
the adjusting device,
0059 the continuous casting method comprising:
0060 controlling an operation of the adjusting device such
that a distance detected by the distance detecting means
becomes a distance within a predetermined range.
0061. As described above, the present invention adopts the
hinge structure in which the bearing housing rotatably Sup
porting the drum is fixedly installed at one end part (upper
part) of the arm, and the arm is pivotably supported by the
base portion. Thus, even if hysteresis due to frictional force
occurs in the part of the base portion where the arm is pivot
ably supported by the base portion, the influence of the fric
tional force on the adjusting device, which pivots the arm and
the bearing housing, can be reduced.
0062. This is because the length of the arm is so large that
the torque acting on the rotatably supporting portion by push
ing the drum is greater than the frictional torque generated by
the slide at the rotatably supporting portion.
0063 Another reason is that the rotatably supporting por
tion is located at the position spaced from the drum, and
minimally undergoes the thermal influence of the molten
metal, and thus resists thermal deformation.
0064. Hence, even if hysteresis due to frictional force
occurs in the part of the base portion where the arm is pivot
ably supported by the base portion, the influence of the hys
teresis is minimally exerted, and the screw-down force can be
controlled with high accuracy.
0065. Furthermore, the ring-shaped rolling bearing is pro
vided in the part of the base portion where the arm is pivotably
Supported by the base portion. By so doing, friction itself can
Jun. 4, 2009
be decreased, and a further increase in the accuracy of control
over the screw-down force can be achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
0066. The present invention will become more fully
understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow
and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of
illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present
invention, and wherein:
0067 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present inven
tion;
0068 FIG. 2 is a front view showing the continuous cast
ing apparatus according to Embodiment 1;
0069 FIG. 3 is an explanation drawing schematically
showing the relationship among forces generated when an
arm is pivoted in the continuous casting apparatus according
to Embodiment 1;
0070 FIG. 4 is a front view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present inven
tion;
0071 FIG. 5 is a front view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present inven
tion;
0072 FIG. 6 is a front view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present inven
tion;
0073 FIG. 7 is a front view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present inven
tion;
0074 FIG. 8 is a front view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present inven
tion;
0075 FIG. 9 is a front view showing a continuous casting
apparatus according to Embodiment 7 of the present inven
tion;
0076 FIG. 10 is a configurational drawing showing a con
tinuous casting apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the
present invention;
0077 FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the operating state of
the continuous castingapparatus according to Embodiment 8:
0078 FIG. 12 is a configurational drawing showing a con
tinuous casting apparatus according to Embodiment 9 of the
present invention;
007.9 FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the operating state of
the continuous castingapparatus according to Embodiment 9:
0080 FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a drum portion of a
continuous casting apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of
the present invention;
I0081 FIG. 15 is a configurational drawing showing the
basic configuration of a twin drum type continuous casting
apparatus;
I0082 FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a conventional twin
drum type continuous casting apparatus equipped with an
adjusting device;
0083 FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken online X-X in FIG.
16; and
I0084 FIG. 18 is an explanation drawing schematically
showing the relationship among forces when a main bearing
housing is slid in the conventional twin drum type continuous
casting apparatus.
US 2009/0139685 A1
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I0085. The best mode for carrying out the present invention
will be described in detail based on the following embodi
ments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
I0086) A twin drum type continuous casting apparatus
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG. 1 as a plan view and FIG. 2 as
a front view.
I0087. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of drums 101a and
101b are disposed in proximity, with their axes of rotation
being parallel to each other and horizontal, and are supported
to be rotatable in opposite directions. Details of supporting
structures for the drums will be described later. The opposite
ends in the axial direction of both drums 101a and 101b are
stopped by side checks 102a, 102b. A molten metal 104 is
poured into a pouring basin 103 surrounded by the drums
101a, 101b and the side checks 102a, 102b and formed
thereby.
I0088. When the drums 101a, 101b are rotated in the oppo
site directions (when they are rotated so as to pull in the
molten metal 104 downward), the molten metal 104 is cooled
upon contact with the drums 101a, 101b. As a result, a solidi
fied shell is formed on each of the surfaces of the drums 101a
and 101b. Both solidified shells grow as the drums are rotated.
These shells are pressure-bonded and integrated in a mini
mum gap area 105 of the drums 101a, 101b, and withdrawn as
a cast piece 106.
I0089. A drum shaft 120 protrudes from each of the oppo
site end surfaces of the drum 101a. Each drum shaft 120 is
provided with a main bearing housing 121, and the drum shaft
120 is rotatably supported by the main bearing housing 121.
0090 The main bearing housing 121 rotatably supporting
the drum shaft 120 is fixedly installed at an upper part (an end
part) of an arm 150.
0091. The arm 150 has a lower part (an opposite end part)
thereof fixed to a rotating shaft 151, and the rotating shaft 151
is rotatably supported by a base portion 152 via a ring-shaped
bearing (a rolling bearing). Since such a hinge structure is
adopted, the arm 150 (and the main bearing housing 121
attached to the arm 150, and the drum 101a) can pivot with
respect to the base portion 152, with the shaft center of the
rotating shaft 151 as the center of rotation.
0092. A screw-down cylinder 123 as an adjusting device is
connected to the main bearing housing 121 via a load detector
133. Upon expansion or contraction of the screw-down cyl
inder123, the arm 150 pivots (swings) to move the drum 101a
toward or away from the drum 101b. That is, an expansion or
contraction force generated by the screw-down cylinder 123
acts on the main bearing housing 121 to pivot (swing) the arm
150, thereby bringing the drum 101 a close to or away from
the drum 101b.
I0093. A drum shaft 130 protrudes from each of the oppo
site end surfaces of the drum 101b. Each drum shaft 130 is
rotatably supported by a main bearing housing 131. The main
bearing housing 131 is fixedly installed at a frame (not
shown). Thus, the drum 101b can be rotated about its axis, but
the position of disposition of the entire drum 101b does not
OVC.
0094. Here, the screw-down cylinder 123 is adopted as an
adjusting device, but the adjusting device can be constituted
not only by the cylinder, but also by a motor or the like which
Jun. 4, 2009
generates a rotating force and pivots the arm by this rotating
force. That is, the adjusting device is not limited to the cylin
der, as long as it can apply a Swinging force to the drum shaft
120 via the main bearing housing 121 to pivot (swing) the arm
150.
I0095. The load detector (a pushing force detecting means)
133 detects the load (screw-down force) between the drums
101a and 101b. A load cell, a pressure gauge, or a torque
meter, for example, can be used as the load detector 133.
0096. The amount of expansion or contraction of the
screw-down cylinder 123, or the amount of rotation of the
motor is adjusted such that the load detected by the load
detector 133 becomes a preset target load.
I0097. In the present embodiment, moreover, a preload
mechanism is provided for preventing the adverse influence
of backlash in the main bearing housing 121.
I0098. That is, a preload bearing housing 140 is mounted
on the drum shaft 120 of the drum 101a. The preload bearing
housing 140 is pulled by a preload applicator 141 in a direc
tion in which it is separated from the drum 101b (i.e., a
Y-direction in FIG. 1). In this manner, the drum shaft 120 is
pulled by the preload applicator 141 in the y-direction,
whereby rolling elements within the main bearing housing
121 are pressed in one direction against a part of the inner
Surface of the bearing housing, with the result that run-outs of
the shaft center ascribed to a radial clearance are decreased.
Thus, the adverse influence of backlash in the main bearing
housing 121 can be prevented.
I0099. Also, a preload applicator may be mounted on the
drum shaft 130 of the drum 101b.
I0100. As the preload applicator 141, a cylinder, a spring, a
weight or the like can be used. Moreover, a preload may be
imposed by the preload applicator such that the distance
between the drum shaft 120 and the drum shaft 130 is
increased.
10101. With the continuous casting apparatus of such a
configuration, when the screw-down cylinder 123 expands,
the arm 150 pivots (pivots clockwise in FIG. 2), with the shaft
center of the rotating shaft 151 as the center of rotation,
whereupon the drum 101a approaches the drum 101b. Thus,
the load (screw-down force) between the drums 101a and
101b increases.
0102. When the screw-down cylinder 123 contracts, on
the other hand, the arm 150 pivots (pivots counterclockwise
in FIG.2), with the shaft center of the rotating shaft 151 as the
center of rotation, whereupon the drum 101 a separates from
the drum 101b. Thus, the load (screw-down force) between
the drums 101a and 101b decreases.
(0103) The load between the drums 101a and 101b is
detected by the load detector 133, and the amount of expan
sion or contraction of the screw-down cylinder 123 is adjusted
such that the detected load becomes the target load.
I0104 FIG. 3 schematically shows the relationship among
forces when the arm 150, accordingly, the main bearing hous
ing 121 and the drum 101a, are pivoted in the continuous
casting apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
0105) Let the force generated by the screw-down cylinder
123 for pivoting the arm 150 in opposition to friction at the
bearing provided between the rotating shaft 151 and the base
portion 152 be F, the coefficient of friction caused to the
bearing when the arm 150 is pivoted beu, the frictional force
caused to the bearing when the arm 150 is pivoted be f, the
weight of the drum 101a beW, the radius of the rotating shaft
151 be r, and the distance between the shaft center of the
US 2009/O 139685 A1
rotating shaft 151 and the shaft center of the drum shaft 120
(the shaft center of the drum 101a) be R. Then, the following
equations (3), (4) and (5) hold:
f=-L W. (3)
FR fr=ill Wr (4)
F=(+1. Wr.) R. (5)
0106 The length of the arm 150 is larger than the radius r
of the rotating shaft 151. That is, the relationship R>r holds.
As seen from the equation (5), therefore, even if the force F
generated by the screw-down cylinder 123 is low, the arm 150
(and the main bearing housing 121 and the drum 101a) can be
pivoted easily.
0107. In other words, even if the force generated by the
screw-down cylinder 123 is low, great torque can be applied
to the rotating shaft 151, because the length of the arm 150 is
large. Consequently, the arm 150 (and the main bearing hous
ing 121 and the drum 101a) can be pivoted with ease.
0108 Because of an error in mounting or the like, hyster
esis may result from the frictional force produced in the
bearing provided between the rotating shaft 151 and the base
portion 152. As a result, a situation may arise in which the
force needed to pivot the arm 150 clockwise is different from
the force needed to pivot the arm 150 counterclockwise. Even
in such a situation, the influence that the hysteresis due to the
frictional force has on the screw-down cylinder 123 dimin
ishes thanks to the above-mentioned advantage.
01.09. In addition, the configuration in which the rotating
shaft 151 is disposed rotatably in the base portion 152 via the
ring-shaped bearing is less apt to cause hysteresis than a
configuration in which a plurality of linear bearings are
arranged in parallel. This is because the mechanical construc
tion accuracy of the hinge structure in which the rotating shaft
151 is rotatably provided in the base portion 152 via the
ring-shaped bearing is generally higher than the mechanical
construction accuracy of the configuration in which the plu
rality of linear bearings are precisely positioned and mounted
with ensured parallelism.
0110 Thus, even if a frictional force occurs in the bearing
provided between the rotating shaft 151 and the base portion
152 owing to the error in mounting or the like, hysteresis due
to the frictional force is almost absent when the screw-down
cylinder 123 is expanded or contracted.
0111. As a result, in the event of hysteresis due to the
frictional force, the clockwise moving distance and the coun
terclockwise moving distance of the arm 150 nearly equal
even when the push-out force which the screw-down cylinder
123 generates for pivoting the arm 150 so as to move the drum
101a toward the drum 101b is set to equal the pull-back force
which the screw-down cylinder 123 generates for pivoting the
arm 150 so as to move the drum 101a away from the drum
101b. Hence, the control of the screw-down force can be
exercised with accuracy and ease.
0112 Furthermore, the rotating shaft 151 is located at a
position spaced from the high temperature molten metal 104.
Thus, the rotating shaft 151 undergoes minimal thermal
deformation, and the occurrence of hysteresis ascribed to
thermal deformation can be suppressed.
Embodiment 2
0113. Next, a twin drum type continuous castingapparatus
according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be
Jun. 4, 2009
described by reference to FIG. 4. Portions which perform the
same functions as those in Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 will be assigned the same numerals as in Embodiment
1, and an explanation for duplicate portions will be simplified.
0114. In Embodiment 2, in connection with the surround
ings of a drum 101a, an arm 150 (and a main bearing housing
121 attached to the arm 150, and the drum 101a) can pivot
with respect to a base portion 152, with the shaft center of a
rotating shaft 151 as the center of rotation, as in Embodiment
1. A load detector 133 is installed on the side of a drum 101b.
0115 The structure surrounding the drum 101b cannot
move in the horizontal direction in Embodiment 1, but can
move slidingly in the horizontal direction in Embodiment 2.
0116. The structure surrounding the drum 101b will be
described here.
0117. A drum shaft 130 protrudes from each of the oppo
site end surfaces of the drum 101b. Each drum shaft 130 is
rotatably supported by a main bearing housing 131. Thus, the
drum 101b can be rotated about its axis.
0118. The main bearing housing 131 is located between a
lower frame 111 and an upper frame 112 of a frame 110.
Moreover, a linear bearing 132a is provided between a lower
part of the main bearing housing 131 and the lower frame 111,
while a linear bearing 132b is provided between an upper part
of the main bearing housing 131 and the upper frame 112.
0119 Thus, the drum 101b and the main bearing housing
131 rotatably supporting the drum 101b can slide along the
linear bearings 132a, 132b.
0120) The load detector 133 is interposed between the
lower frame 111 and the main bearing housing 131. The load
detector 133 detects the load (screw-down force) between the
drums 101a and 101b.
I0121 The amount of expansion or contraction of a screw
down cylinder 123 is adjusted such that the load detected by
the load detector 133 becomes a preset target load.
0.122 Embodiment 2 also adopts a hinge structure in
which the arm 150 (and the main bearing housing 121
attached to the arm 150, and the drum 101a) can pivot with
respect to the base portion 152, with the shaft center of the
rotating shaft 151 as the center of rotation. Thus, even if
hysteresis occurs owing to a frictional force generated in the
bearing provided between the rotating shaft 151 and the base
portion 152 because of an error in mounting or the like, the
influence of the hysteresis is almost absent when the screw
down cylinder 123 is expanded or contracted.
(0123 Hence, the control of the screw-down force can be
exercised with accuracy and ease.
Embodiment 3
0.124. Next, a twin drum type continuous casting apparatus
according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG. 5.
0.125. In Embodiment 3, the diameter of a drum 101b is
great as compared with the diameter of a drum 101a. That is,
the apparatus illustrated here is a continuous casting appara
tus involving the drums of different diameters.
0.126 The features and actions of other portions are the
same as those in Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 4
0127 Next, a twin drum type continuous casting apparatus
according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG. 6.
US 2009/O 139685 A1
0128. In Embodiment 4, an arm 150 is lengthened, and a
rotating shaft 151 is fixed to a nearly central position of the
arm 150. The rotating shaft 151 is rotatably supported by a
base portion 152 via a ring-shaped bearing.
0129. A main bearing housing 121 is fixedly installed at an
upper part (an end part) of the arm 150. A screw-down cylin
der 123 is connected to a lower part of the arm 150 ("a jutting
portion' extending on a side opposite to the main bearing
housing 121 across the rotating shaft 151). In this example, a
load detector 133 is interposed between the screw-down cyl
inder 123 and the lower part of the arm 150.
0130. In Embodiment 1, the screw-down cylinder 123 is
disposed adjacently to the drum 101a. In Embodiment 4, on
the other hand, the screw-down cylinder 123 can be disposed
at a position spaced from the drum 101a (i.e., a position
adjacent to the lower part of the arm 150). That is, the screw
down cylinder 123 can be disposed on a side opposite to the
drum 101a across the rotating shaft 151.
0131. As seen above, the screw-down cylinder 123 can be
disposed at the position spaced from the drum 101a. Thus, a
space can be provided adjacently to the drum 101a, and the
degree of freedom can be obtained for a design Surrounding
the drum.
0132) If the distance L1 is lengthened as compared with
the distance L2 in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, an acting
force generated at the main bearing housing 121 becomes
high in comparison with an acting force generated by the
screw-down cylinder 123. Thus, the screw-down cylinder 123
as an adjusting device can be decreased in size. That is, the
acting force of the screw-down cylinder 123 as the adjusting
device can be increased.
0133) If the distance L1 is shortened as compared with the
distance L2 in the configuration shown in FIG. 6, on the other
hand, the operating distance at the main bearing housing 121
becomes long compared with the operating distance at the
screw-down cylinder 123. That is, the operating speed at the
main bearing housing 121 can be increased in comparison
with the operating speed of the screw-down cylinder 123 as
the adjusting device.
0134. The distance L2 is the distance from the center
(shaft center) of the rotating shaft 151, which is the portion for
supporting the arm 150 to be rotatable with respect to the base
portion 152, to the main bearing housing 121 installed at the
one end part of the arm 150.
0135 The distance L1 is the distance from the center
(shaft center) of the rotating shaft 151, which is the portion for
supporting the arm 150 rotatably on the base portion 152, to
the point of action on which the force of the screw-down
cylinder 123 as the adjusting device acts.
Embodiment 5
0136. Next, a twin drum type continuous castingapparatus
according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG. 7. Embodiment 5 is a modifi
cation of Embodiment 1.
0.137 In Embodiment 5, the leading end of a sub-arm 153
is fixed to a rotating shaft 151, and a screw-down cylinder 123
is connected to the proximal end of the sub-arm 153.
0.138. Thus, upon expansion or contraction of the screw
down cylinder 123, the sub-arm 153 pivots to turn the rotating
shaft 151. The turning of the rotating shaft 151 pivots
(swings) an arm 150, whereby a drum 101 a moves toward or
away from a drum 101b.
Jun. 4, 2009
0.139. The features and actions of other portions are the
same as those in Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 6
0140 Next, a twin drum type continuous casting apparatus
according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG.8. Portions which perform the
same functions as those in Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 will be assigned the same numerals as in Embodiment
1, and an explanation for duplicate portions will be simplified.
0.141. In Embodiment 6, not only a main bearing housing
121 beside a drum 101a, but also a main bearing housing 131
beside a drum 101b can pivot (swing).
0142. That is, in connection with the surroundings of the
drum 101a, an arm 150 (and the main bearing housing 121
attached to the arm 150, and the drum 101a) can pivot with
respect to a base portion 152, with the shaft center of a
rotating shaft 151 as the center of rotation, as in Embodiment
1. A load detector 133 is installed on the side of the drum
101a.
0143. The structure surrounding the drum 101b is of the
same configuration as that of the structure Surrounding the
drum 101a.
0144. That is, the main bearing housing 131 rotatably
supporting a drum shaft 130 of the drum 101b is fixedly
installed at an upper part of an arm 150A.
(0145 The arm 150A has a lower part thereof fixed to a
rotating shaft 151A, and the rotating shaft 151A is rotatably
Supported by a base portion 152A via a ring-shaped bearing.
Since such a hinge structure is adopted, the arm 150A (and the
main bearing housing 131 attached to the arm 150A, and the
drum 101b) can pivot with respect to the base portion 152A,
with the shaft center of the rotating shaft 151A as the center of
rotation.
0146 A screw-down cylinder 123A as an adjusting device
is connected to the main bearing housing 131. Upon expan
sion or contraction of the screw-down cylinder 123A, the arm
150A pivots (swings) to move the drum 101b toward or away
from the drum 101a.
0147 That is, in Embodiment 6, the expansion and con
traction of the screw-down cylinder 123 and the screw-down
cylinder 123A adjust the screw-down force between the
drums 101a and 101b.
Embodiment 7
0.148 Next, a twin drum type continuous casting apparatus
according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG.9. Portions which perform the
same functions as those in Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 will be assigned the same numerals as in Embodiment
1, and an explanation for duplicate portions will be simplified.
0149. In Embodiment 7, a servomotor 200 for generating
a rotating force is adopted as an adjusting device, and a torque
meter 201 for detecting a rotating force is adopted as a load
detecting means which detects a pressure bonding load.
0150. When the servomotor 200 turns, its turning force is
transmitted to a rotating shaft 151 via the torque meter 201 to
turn the rotating shaft 151. In accordance with the turning of
the rotating shaft 151, an arm 150 pivots (swings), whereupon
a drum 101a approaches or separates from a drum 101b.
0151. The pressure bonding load (screw-down force)
between the drums 101a and 101b is detected by the torque
US 2009/O 139685 A1
meter 201, and the amount of turning of the servomotor 200 is
adjusted such that the load detected by the torque meter 201
becomes a target load.
0152. An encoder 200a is installed in the servomotor 200
to detect a rotational angle. Using the rotational angle
detected by the encoder 200a and the distance from the rotat
ing shaft 151 to a drum shaft 120, the distance between the
drums is calculated by a well-known method.
Embodiment 8
0153. Next, a twin drum type continuous casting apparatus
according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG. 10 as a configurational draw
ing and FIG. 11 as a motion flow chart. Portions which per
form the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 will be assigned the same numerals as in
Embodiment 1, and an explanation for duplicate portions will
be simplified.
0154 As shown in FIG. 10, a control section 300 is pro
vided in Embodiment 8. A pushing force (load) faetected by
a load detector (pushing force detecting means) 133 is sent to
the control section 300.
0155 The control section 300 sets a new position operat
ing command S for a screw-down cylinder 123, which is
conformed to the difference between a target pushing force
and the detected pushing forcef. So that the detected pushing
force f will become a force within a preset range.
0156 The set operating command S is sent to a servo valve
or the like (not shown) to control the position of the screw
down cylinder 123. As a result, a force generated by the
screw-down cylinder 123 is adjusted.
0157. The operating state for control in Embodiment 8
will be described based on FIG. 11.
0158 First of all, the pushing force fis detected by the load
detector 133 (Step 1).
0159. The control section 300 compares a set value, which
has bee preset, with the detected pushing force f to find the
difference between the set value and the pushing force f(Step
2).
(0160. The control section 300 determines whether the dif
ference between the set value and the pushing force f is within
a predetermined range (Step 3).
0161 If the difference between the set value and the push
ing force f is not within the predetermined range, the control
section 300 changes the value of the operating command S to
control the difference between the set value and the pushing
force f to within the predetermined range (Step 4).
(0162. When the difference between the set value and the
pushing force fis within the predetermined range, the control
section 300 maintains the current value of the operating com
mand S.
0163. In Embodiment 8, the pushing force comes to a
force within the predetermined range. Thus, a solidified shell
formed on the surface of the drum 101a, and a solidified shell
formed on the surface of the drum 101b are pressure-bonded
and integrated, under optimal load, in a minimum gap area.
Hence, a satisfactory cast piece 106 can be produced.
Embodiment 9
0164. Next, a twin drum type continuous castingapparatus
according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be
described by reference to FIG. 12 as a configurational draw
ing and FIG. 13 as a motion flow chart. Portions which per
Jun. 4, 2009
form the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 will be assigned the same numerals as in
Embodiment 1, and an explanation for duplicate portions will
be omitted.
0.165. As shown in FIG. 12, a control section 350 is pro
vided in Embodiment 9. A screw-down cylinder 123 is pro
vided with a distance detector 351. The distance detector 351
directly detects the amount of expansion or contraction of the
screw-down cylinder 123, and this amount of expansion or
contraction is proportional to the distance between drums
101a and 101b. Thus, the distance detector 351 detects the
amount of expansion or contraction of the screw-down cyl
inder 123 to output a detected distance k representing the
distance between the drums 101a and 101b.
0166 The detected distance k detected by the distance
detector 351 is sent to the control Section 350.
0167. The control section 350 sets a new position operat
ing command S for the screw-down cylinder 123, which is
conformed to the difference between a target distance and the
detected distance k, so that the detected distance k will
become the preset target distance.
0.168. The set operating command S is sent to a servo valve
or the like (not shown) to control the position of the screw
down cylinder 123. As a result, the distance between the
drums 101a and 101b is adjusted.
0169. The operating state for control in Embodiment 9
will be described based on FIG. 13.
(0170 First of all, the detected distance k is detected by the
distance detector 351 (Step 11).
0171 The control section 350 compares a set value, which
has bee preset, with the detected distance k to find the differ
ence between the set value and the detected distance k (Step
12).
0172. The control section 350 determines whether the dif
ference between the set value and the detected distance k is
within a predetermined range (Step 13).
(0173 If the difference between the set value and the
detected distance k is not within the predetermined range, the
control section 350 changes the value of the operating com
mand S to control the difference between the set value and the
detected distance k to within the predetermined range (Step
14).
0.174. When the difference between the set value and the
detected distance k is within the predetermined range, the
control section 350 maintains the current value of the oper
ating command S.
0.175. In Embodiment 9, the distance between the drums
101a and 101b comes to a distance within the predetermined
range. Thus, the thickness of a cast piece 106 can be optimally
controlled to a set thickness.
Embodiment 10
(0176). In each of the above Embodiments, the drum of a
cylindrical shape is used. However, the present invention can
be applied to a continuous casting apparatus using a pair of
drums 301 and 302 of a so-called concave type as shown in
FIG 14.
0177. With a continuous casting apparatus of the type
shown in FIG. 14, when the pair of concave drums 301 and
302 are rotated in opposite directions, a molten steel 303
contacts the surfaces of the drums 301 and 302. As a result,
the molten steel 303 is cooled to form solidified shells 304,
305. Opposite end portions of the solidified shell 304 and the
solidified shell 305 are pressure-bonded and integrated in a
US 2009/O 139685 A1
minimum gap area between the drums 301 and 302. Thus, the
solidified shells 304 and 305 are joined together to form a cast
piece, with the molten steel 303 remaining in a central part of
these shells.
0.178 The cast piece withdrawn from the drums 301 and
302 has the unsolidified molten steel 303 left in its center, but
this molten steel303 is cooled and solidified during transport.
0179. With the continuous casting apparatus of the type
shown in FIG. 14, only the opposite end portions of the
solidified shell 304 and the solidified shell 305 are pressure
bonded and integrated. Thus, it is necessary to control the
pressure bonding load with high accuracy.
0180. If the present invention is adopted for the continuous
casting apparatus in which the opposite end portions of the
solidified shell 304 and the solidified shell 305 are pressure
bonded, with the molten steel303 left in the central part of the
solidified shells 304,305, as shown in FIG. 14, the accuracy
of the pressure bonding load can be improved, even in the
presence of hysteresis due to frictional resistance. Thus, the
opposite endportions of the solidified shell304 and the solidi
fied shell 305 can be pressure-bonded reliably and accurately.
0181. It goes without saying that the present invention can
be applied even to a continuous casting apparatus in which
one of the drums is a concave drum and the other drum is a
cylindrical drum.
0182. The shape of the concave drum is not limited to the
one shown in FIG. 14. This drum is available in various
shapes in which the diameters of both ends of the drum are
larger than the diameter of the central part of the drum.
0183. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to
a continuous casting apparatus of a type horizontal type) in
which one of the drums is disposed on an upper side, while the
other drum is disposed on a lower side, and the resulting cast
piece is withdrawn in the horizontal direction.
0184 The invention thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not
to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
invention, and all Such modifications as would be obvious to
one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the
Scope of the following claims.
1. A continuous casting apparatus having a pair of drums
rotating in opposite directions, and bearing housings for rotat
ably supporting drum shafts protruding from opposite end
Surfaces of the drums,
the continuous casting apparatus comprising, on a side of at
least one of the drums:
a base portion;
an arm having an end portion on which the bearing housing
is installed fixedly, and having an opposite end portion
pivotably supported by the base portion; and
an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the pair of
drums toward or away from each other.
2. A continuous casting apparatus having a pair of drums
rotating in opposite directions, and bearing housings for rotat
ably supporting drum shafts protruding from opposite end
Surfaces of the drums,
the continuous casting apparatus comprising, on a side of at
least one of the drums:
a base portion;
an arm having an end portion on which the bearing housing
is installed fixedly, and having an opposite end portion
pivotably supported by the base portion;
an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the pair of
drums toward or away from each other; and
Jun. 4, 2009
a ring-shaped rolling bearing disposed in a part of the base
portion where the arm is pivotably supported by the base
portion.
3. A continuous casting apparatus having a pair of drums
rotating in opposite directions, and bearing housings for rotat
ably supporting drum shafts protruding from opposite end
Surfaces of the drums,
the continuous castingapparatus comprising, on a side of at
least one of the drums:
a base portion;
an arm having an end portion on which the bearing housing
is installed fixedly, and having an opposite end portion
pivotably supported by the base portion;
an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the pair of
drums toward or away from each other, and
a ring-shaped rolling bearing disposed in a part of the base
portion where the arm is pivotably supported by the base
portion,
wherein the arm is provided with a jutting portion which
extends from a center of the part of the base portion,
where the arm is pivotably supported by the base por
tion, in a direction opposite to the bearing housing
installed on the one end portion of the arm, and
the adjusting device pivots the jutting portion to move the
pair of drums toward or away from each other.
4. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the adjusting device is an expanding and contracting
device which pushes or pulls the arm to pivot the arm.
5. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 4.
further comprising pushing force detecting means for detect
ing a force generated by the adjusting device.
6. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 5.
further comprising a control section for controlling an opera
tion of the adjusting device Such that a pushing force detected
by the pushing force detecting means becomes a force within
a predetermined range.
7. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 4.
further comprising distance detecting means for detecting a
distance between the drums which have been moved toward
or away from each other by the adjusting device.
8. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 7.
further comprising a control section for controlling an opera
tion of the adjusting device such that the distance detected by
the distance detecting means becomes a distance within a
predetermined range.
9. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the adjusting device is a device which generates a
rotating force for rotating a rotating shaft of the arm rotatably
Supported by the base portion.
10. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 9.
further comprising rotating force detecting means for detect
ing the force generated by the adjusting device.
11. A continuous casting method for a continuous casting
apparatus having a pair of drums rotating in opposite direc
tions, and bearing housings for rotatably Supporting drum
shafts protruding from opposite end Surfaces of the drums,
the continuous casting apparatus including, on a side of at
least one of the drums,
a base portion,
an arm having an end portion, on which the bearing hous
ing is installed fixedly, and being pivotably Supported by
the base portion,
an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the pair of
drums toward or away from each other, and
US 2009/O 139685 A1
pushing force detecting means for detecting a force gener
ated by the adjusting device,
the continuous casting method comprising:
controlling an operation of the adjusting device Such that a
pushing force detected by the pushing force detecting
means becomes a force within a predetermined range.
12. A continuous casting method for a continuous casting
apparatus having a pair of drums rotating in opposite direc
tions, and bearing housings for rotatably Supporting drum
shafts protruding from opposite end Surfaces of the drums,
the continuous casting apparatus including, on a side of at
least one of the drums,
a base portion,
an arm having an end portion, on which the bearing hous
ing is installed fixedly, and being pivotably Supported by
the base portion,
an adjusting device for pivoting the arm to move the pair of
drums toward or away from each other, and
distance detecting means for detecting a distance between
the drums moved toward or away from each other by the
adjusting device,
the continuous casting method comprising:
controlling an operation of the adjusting device Such that a
distance detected by the distance detecting means
becomes a distance within a predetermined range.
13. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the adjusting device is an expanding and contracting
device which pushes or pulls the arm to pivot the arm.
14. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim3,
wherein the adjusting device is an expanding and contracting
device which pushes or pulls the arm to pivot the arm.
15. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
13, further comprising pushing force detecting means for
detecting a force generated by the adjusting device.
16. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
14, further comprising pushing force detecting means for
detecting a force generated by the adjusting device.
17. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
15, further comprising a control section for controlling an
operation of the adjusting device such that a pushing force
Jun. 4, 2009
detected by the pushing force detecting means becomes a
force within a predetermined range.
18. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
16, further comprising a control section for controlling an
operation of the adjusting device Such that a pushing force
detected by the pushing force detecting means becomes a
force within a predetermined range.
19. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
13, further comprising distance detecting means for detecting
a distance between the drums which have been moved toward
or away from each other by the adjusting device.
20. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
14, further comprising distance detecting means for detecting
a distance between the drums which have been moved toward
or away from each other by the adjusting device.
21. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
19, further comprising a control section for controlling an
operation of the adjusting device Such that the distance
detected by the distance detecting means becomes a distance
within a predetermined range.
22. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
20, further comprising a control section for controlling an
operation of the adjusting device Such that the distance
detected by the distance detecting means becomes a distance
within a predetermined range.
23. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the adjusting device is a device which generates a
rotating force for rotating a rotating shaft of the arm rotatably
Supported by the base portion.
24. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim3,
wherein the adjusting device is a device which generates a
rotating force for rotating a rotating shaft of the arm rotatably
Supported by the base portion.
25. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
23, further comprising rotating force detecting means for
detecting the force generated by the adjusting device.
26. The continuous casting apparatus according to claim
24, further comprising rotating force detecting means for
detecting the force generated by the adjusting device.
c c c c c