CLAMPING SYSTEM FOR FASTENING A COOLING UNIT TO AN ENCIRCLING SUPPORTING ELEMENT OF A CATERPILLAR-TYPE CASTING MACHINE, AND METHOD FOR FASTENING/RELEASING A COOLING UNIT TO/FROM AN ENCIRCLING SUPPORTING ELEMENT OF A CATERPILLAR-TYPE CASTING MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping system (10) for fastening a cooling unit (12) on a circulating supporting element (13) of a caterpillar-type casting machine, and comprises at least one connecting element (20), which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by a spring (22), and clamping means (24), by which the cooling unit (12) is fastenable on the supporting element (13), wherein the connecting element (20) is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner in the direction of its longitudinal axis inside the supporting element (13). The clamping means (24) is formed by a head (28) provided on an upper end face (26) of the connecting element (20) and a recess (30), which is provided on or in the cooling unit (12) and can be brought into interaction therewith, wherein the connecting element (20) is pre-tensioned by means of the spring (22) toward the supporting element (13) and is thus transferred into a clamping position, in which the cooling unit (12), when the head (28) of the connecting element (20) is engaged with the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), is automatically clamped with the supporting element (13).

Claims

1. A clamping system (10) for fastening a cooling unit (12) on a circulating supporting element (13) of a caterpillar-type casting machine (14), comprising at least one connecting element (20), which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by a spring (22), and clamping means (24), by which the cooling unit (12) is fastenable on the supporting element (13), characterized in that the connecting element (20) is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner in the direction of its longitudinal axis inside the supporting element (13), and the clamping means (24) is formed by a head (28) provided on an upper end face (26) of the connecting element (20) and a recess (30), which is provided on or in the cooling unit (12) and can be brought into interaction therewith, wherein the connecting element (20) is pre-tensioned by means of the spring (22) toward the supporting element (13) and is thus transferred into a clamping position, in which the cooling unit (12), when the head (28) of the connecting element (20) is engaged with the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), is automatically clamped with the supporting element (13).

2. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the recess (30) has a lateral opening (32), wherein the head (28) of the connecting element (20) can be introduced through the lateral opening (32) into the recess (30).

3. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one auxiliary plate (34), in which the recess (30) is formed, is attached on the cooling unit (12) on a side opposite to the supporting element (13).

4. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the recess (30) is designed in the form of a groove (36), wherein the head (28) of the connecting element (20) is shaped complementary to the groove (36).

5. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a depression (38), which is cylindrical in particular, is formed inside the supporting element (13), and in said depression, the connecting element (20) is displaceably mounted in the direction of its longitudinal axis and is accommodated together with the spring (22).

6. The clamping system (10) in claim 5, characterized in that a release unit (40) is provided on or in the supporting element (13), by means of which the connecting element (20) is movable against its spring pre-tension into a release position, in which clearance (S) results between the head (28) of the connecting element (20) and the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), so that the cooling unit (12) is removable from the supporting element (13).

7. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the release unit (40) functions mechanically, wherein an auxiliary element can be brought into contact with a base section on a lower end face (42) of the connecting element (20) to transfer the connecting element (20) into its release position, preferably the auxiliary element is formed by a screw, which is movable toward the lower end face (42) of the connecting element (20).

8. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the release unit (40) functions fluidically, wherein a plate (44), which presses to form a seal against an inner circumferential surface (46) of the depression (38) formed inside the supporting element (13), is attached on a lower end face (42) of the connecting element (20), which is opposite to the head (28) of the connecting element (20), wherein a fluid can be introduced into the depression (38) on the side of the plate (44) which is opposite to the connecting element (20), and as a result thereof the connecting element (20) is moved against the spring pre-tension into its release position.

9. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that a central fluid duct (48) is formed in the supporting element (13) and has a fluidic connection to an end face (26, 42) of the depression (38), within which the connecting element (20) is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner.

10. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that a plurality of depressions (38) are formed in the supporting element (13), in each of which a connecting element (20) is displaceably accommodated and is pre-tensioned by means of an associated spring (22) in the direction of the supporting element (13), wherein a plurality of recesses (30), which can be brought into interaction with a head (28) of a respective connecting element (20), are provided on or in the cooling unit (12).

11. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that a fluid duct (50) leads to each of the individual depressions, wherein these fluid ducts (50) open into the central fluid duct (48).

12. The clamping system (10) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that a quick-action coupling (52) is provided for the central fluid duct (48), in particular on a lateral face of the supporting element (13), by means of which coupling the central fluid duct (48) is connectable to an external fluid supply if a removal of the cooling unit (12) from the supporting element (13) is required.

13. A method for fastening a cooling unit (12) on a circulating supporting element (13) of a caterpillar-type casting machine (14), wherein the cooling unit (12) is fastened on the supporting element (13) by at least one connecting element (20), which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by a spring (22), characterized in that a head (28) provided on an upper end face (26) of the connecting element (20) is brought into engagement with a recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), wherein the connecting element (20) within the supporting element (13) is displaceably, mounted in direction of a longitudinal axis thereof and is pre-tensioned by means of the spring (22) toward the supporting element (13) and as a result of displacement thereof in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof is transferred into a clamping position, in which the cooling unit (12), when the head (28) of the connecting element (20) is engaged with the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), is automatically clamped with the supporting element (13).

14. A method for releasing a cooling unit (12) from a circulating supporting element (13) of a caterpillar-type casting machine (14), wherein the cooling unit (12) is clamped in a starting or clamping position by at least one connecting element (20), which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by a spring (22), with the supporting element (13), by a head (28) provided on an upper end face (26) of the connecting element (20) being engaged with a recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), characterized, in that the at least one connecting element (20) within the supporting element (13) is displaceably mounted in direction of the longitudinal axis thereof, and in that a fluid under pressure is applied to a lower end face (42) of the connecting element (20), whereby the connecting element (20) is moved against the spring pre-tension in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof into a release position, in which clearance (S) results between the head (28) of the connecting element (20) and the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12) and thus the cooling unit (12) is removable from the supporting element (13) and is released accordingly.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13, which is carried out using a clamping system comprising at least one connecting element (20), which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by a spring (22), and clamping means (24), by which the cooling unit (12) is fastenable on the supporting element (13), characterized in that the connecting element (20) is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner in the direction of its longitudinal axis inside the supporting element (13), and the clamping means (24) is formed by a head (28) provided on an upper end face (26) of the connecting element (20) and a recess (30), which is provided on or in the cooling unit (12) and can be brought into interaction therewith, wherein the connecting element (20) is pre-tensioned by means of the spring (22) toward the supporting element (13) and is thus transferred into a clamping position, in which the cooling unit (12), when the head (28) of the connecting element (20) is engaged with the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), is automatically clamped with the supporting element (13).

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, which is carried out using a clamping system comprising at least one connecting element (20), which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by a spring (22), and clamping means (24), by which the cooling unit (12) is fastenable on the supporting element (13), characterized in that the connecting element (20) is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner in the direction of its longitudinal axis inside the supporting element (13), and the clamping means (24) is formed by a head (28) provided on an upper end face (26) of the connecting element (20) and a recess (30), which is provided on or in the cooling unit (12) and can be brought into interaction therewith, wherein the connecting element (20) is pre-tensioned by means of the spring (22) toward the supporting element (13) and is thus transferred into a clamping position, in which the cooling unit (12), when the head (28) of the connecting element (20) is engaged with the recess (30) provided on or in the cooling unit (12), is automatically clamped with the supporting element (13).

Description

[0022] In the figures:

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a cooling unit and a supporting element of a caterpillar-type casting machine in conjunction with a clamping system according to the invention, in a clamping position, when a cooling unit is clamped on an associated supporting element of a caterpillar-type casting machine,

[0024] FIG. 2 shows the clamping system of FIG. 1 in a release position, in which the clamping between the cooling unit and the supporting element is canceled,

[0025] FIG. 3 shows an auxiliary plate attached to a cooling unit in a sectional view,

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a view of the auxiliary plate of FIG. 4 from the operating side,

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a view of a caterpillar-type casting machine from the operating side, wherein a clamping system of FIG. 1 is used, and

[0028] FIG. 6 shows a side view of two endless circulating paths arranged diametrically opposite of the caterpillar-type casting machine of FIG. 5.

[0029] A preferred embodiment of a clamping system 10 according to the invention is explained hereafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, which is used for fastening a cooling unit 12 on a circulating supporting element 13 of a caterpillar-type casting machine 14. Identical features in the drawing are each provided with identical reference signs. It is separately noted at this point that the drawing is merely simplified and in particular is illustrated without scale. It is also provided in this clamping system 10 that the clamping of a cooling unit 12, when it is fastened on a supporting element 13, can be canceled again in a simple manner for the purpose of removal of the cooling unit 12 from the caterpillar-type casting machine 14, as also separately explained hereafter.

[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a side view of a cooling unit 12 and an associated supporting element 13 of a caterpillar-type casting machine 14, wherein a clamping system 10 according to the present invention is used. The clamping system 10 comprises a connecting element 20, which is pre-tensioned in its longitudinal direction by means of a spring 22. The connecting element 20 can be designed in the form of an oblong pin. Furthermore, the clamping system 10 comprises clamping means 24, by which the cooling unit 12 can be fastened on the supporting element 13. In detail, the clamping means 24 are formed by a head provided on an upper end face 26 of the connecting element 20 and a recess 30 which can be brought into interaction therewith, which is provided on or in the cooling unit 12. The functionality of the clamping system 10 is also explained in detail hereafter.

[0031] The regions X and Y of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are each additionally illustrated enlarged in the respective rate image region. It is apparent therefrom that an auxiliary plate 34, in which the recess 30 is formed, is attached on a lower side of the cooling unit 12, i.e., on a side opposite to the supporting element 13. The recess 30 is designed in the form of a groove 36 (for example, as a dovetail groove), wherein the head 28 of the connecting element 20 is shaped complementary thereto.

[0032] The auxiliary plate 34 is shown in a sectional illustration in FIG. 3. Said shaping of the groove 36 is apparent therefrom. FIG. 4 shows the auxiliary plate 34 in a view from the operating side, and illustrates a lateral opening 32, which is provided in the auxiliary plate 34 and leads into the recess 30.

[0033] Inside the supporting element 13, a depression 38, which is cylindrical in particular, is formed, and in said depression the connecting element 20, together with the spring 22, is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner axially, i.e., in the direction of its longitudinal axis. In this case, the pre-tension of the spring 22 acts in such a way that the connecting element 20 is moved into a clamping position, which is also explained separately hereafter, in the direction of the supporting element 13, i.e., into the depression 38.

[0034] A release unit 40 of the clamping system 10 is integrated inside the supporting element 13. Specifically, a plate 44, which presses to form a seal with its circumference against an inner circumferential surface 46 of the depression 38, is attached on a lower end face 42 (cf. FIG. 2) of the connecting element 20. A fluid duct 50, through which a fluid under pressure can be introduced into the depression 38, specifically into an end face of the depression 38 adjoining the plate 44, opens into an end face of the depression 38 opposite to the plate 44.

[0035] The views of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate that a total of three auxiliary plates 34 are attached on a lower side of a cooling unit 12. Accordingly, a total of three depressions 38 are also formed in the associated supporting element 13, each having pin elements 20 accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner therein. Notwithstanding these illustrations, it is apparent in the clamping system 10 according to the invention, more or fewer than three auxiliary plates 34 (having recesses 30) and associated pin elements 20 can also be provided over the width of a cooling unit 12 or a supporting element 13, respectively. Notwithstanding the number of the depressions 38, which are formed inside the supporting element 13, it can also be noted that the fluid ducts 50, which lead into the respective depressions 38, open into a central fluid duct 48, which can be equipped with a quick-action coupling 52 in particular on a lateral face of the supporting element 13. It is possible by means of the quick-action coupling 52 to connect the central fluid duct 48, and thus also the individual fluid ducts 50, to an external fluid supply, in order—if needed—to move the connecting element 20 against its spring pre-tension and thus lift it out of the depression 38.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a simplified view from the operating side of a caterpillar-type casting machine 14, in which the clamping system 10 according to the invention is used. The caterpillar-type casting machine 14 has an upper caterpillar truck 14.1 and a lower caterpillar track 14.2, which are each formed from a plurality of supporting elements 13 and cooling units 12 fastened thereon. FIG. 6 shows a side view of two guide rails 16, using which two endless circulating paths arranged diametrically opposite are formed for the caterpillar-type casting machine 14 of FIG. 5. In this case, a plurality of supporting elements 13 having cooling units 12 attached thereon are guided along each guide rail 16, in such a way that a continuous chain of supporting elements 13 is formed, which are conveyed or transported in the transportation direction T along the guide rails 16. To illustrate the functionality of the caterpillar-type casting machine 14, only two supporting elements 13 having cooling units 12 attached thereon are shown on each of the two guide rails 16 in FIG. 6 for simplification.

[0037] FIG. 6 furthermore illustrates that a casting mold 15 is formed between the cooling units 12, which reach opposing positions in the linear sections of the circulating path U of the guide rails 16. In consideration of the transportation direction T of the supporting elements 13 along the guide rails 16, this casting mold 15 is a moving casting mold. A cast product 11 is produced by pouring liquid metal into the moving casting mold 15 through a nozzle 17 (cf. FIG. 5).

[0038] The invention functions as follows.

[0039] During an installation of a cooling unit 12 on a supporting element 13, firstly the head 28 of the connecting element 20 is introduced into the recess 30, preferably through its lateral opening 32. During this installation, the spring pre-tension of the connecting element 20 is counteracted, preferably by introducing fluid into the depression 38 through the fluid duct 50, as is indicated by an arrow in the enlarged region Y of FIG. 2. If the pre-tension of the spring 22 is subsequently not opposed with a counterforce, the connecting element 20, as indicated by the arrow in the enlarged region X of FIG. 1, is automatically transferred downward into a clamping position, in which the head 28 of the connecting element 20 engages with the groove 36 of the recess 30 and thus clamps. In this manner, the cooling unit 12 is fastened on the supporting element 30 or clamped thereto.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates the mentioned clamping position for the pin elements 20 when—as just explained—the cooling unit 12 is clamped to the supporting element 13.

[0041] A release of the clamping system 10, and thus a removal of the cooling unit 12 from the supporting element 13, can take place in that the central fluid duct 48 is connected to an external fluid supply by means of the quick-action coupling 52, wherein fluid is then introduced under pressure into the respective depressions 38. In this case, the fluid then presses from below against the plate 44 attached to the connecting element 20. As a result thereof, the connecting element 20, in the function of a piston, is pressed upward inside the depression 38, so that a clearance results between the head 28 of the connecting element and the associated recess 30 inside the auxiliary plate 34. This clearance is identified with the arrow “S” in the enlarged region Y of FIG. 2, and subsequently enables a release of the auxiliary plate 34 from the head 28 of the pin element 20, and a corresponding removal of the cooling unit 12 from the supporting element 13.

[0042] A further advantage of the clamping system 10 according to the invention is that after a removal of a cooling unit 12 from a supporting element 13, for example, for maintenance or repair purposes, the connecting element 20, because of the pre-tension of the spring 20, is moved far enough into the depression 38 that the head 28 of the connecting element 20 is seated at the upper edge of the depression 38. This has the result that the connecting element 20 then does not protrude far out of the depression 38 and is thus protected against unintentional damage. A further installation of a cooling unit 12 on the supporting element 13 is enabled in a simple manner in that—as explained—a fluid under pressure is applied to the depression 38 and the connecting element 20 is thus moved upward out of the depression 38.

[0043] Finally, it can be noted once again at this point that in normal operation of the caterpillar-type casting machine 14, a pressure supply with fluid is not required, and accordingly an external fluid supply is also not connected to the quick-action coupling 52. Rather, the clamping of a cooling unit 12 to an associated supporting element 13 functions solely passively and in particular electrically independently, namely solely by way of the explained pre-tension of the connecting element 20 by means of the spring 22 in the direction of the supporting element 13, whereby the head 28 of the connecting element 20 is engaged and clamped with the recess 30 inside the auxiliary plate 34.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0044] 10 clamping system [0045] 11 cast product [0046] 12 cooling unit [0047] 13 supporting element [0048] 14 caterpillar-type casting machine [0049] 14.1 upper caterpillar track [0050] 14.2 lower caterpillar track [0051] 15 casting mold [0052] 16 guide rail [0053] 17 nozzle [0054] 18 drive wheel [0055] 20 connecting element [0056] 22 spring [0057] 24 clamping means [0058] 26 upper end face (of the connecting element 20) [0059] 28 head (of the connecting element 20, on its upper end face 26) [0060] 30 recess (onor in the cooling unit 12) [0061] 32 lateral opening (of the recess 30 [0062] 34 auxiliary plate [0063] 36 groove [0064] 38 (in particular cylindrical) depression inside the supporting element 13 [0065] 40 release unit [0066] 42 lower end face (of the connecting element 20) [0067] 44 plate (attached on lower end face 42 of the connecting element 20) [0068] 46 inner circumferential surface (of the depression 38) [0069] 40 central fluid duct [0070] 50 fluid ducts [0071] 52 quick-action coupling [0072] S clearance (between head 28 of the connecting element 20 and the recess 30) [0073] T transportation direction (of a supporting element 13 along the guide rail 16) [0074] U circulating path (of a guide rail 16)