Device for handling continuously vertically cast rectangular strands,

Abstract

A device for handling semi-continuously vertically cast rectangular strands, especially of aluminum and aluminum alloys. The strands are simultaneously adjacent to each other lowered by means of a downwardly movable casting table, brought into engagement with a supporting member, and by a pivoting movement of the dummy bars and of the supporting member which are operatively connected to the casting table are moved into an at least nearly horizontal positon with regard to the casting table. The above mentioned pivoting movement is coupled to the upward movement of the casting table. The strands are cast in such a way that one of their narrow sides is located opposite the supporting member. During the upward movement of the casting table, the supporting member with the strands one narrow side of which engages the supporting member are pivoted about a pivot axis which is eccentrically located with regard to the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the casting table. During their pivoting movement the strands are pulled against the supporting member. After the pivoting movement has been completed, the strands are moved off the supporting member and are conveyed to a collecting station. The strands leave the collecting station and after having been individually subjected to a turning movement so that the strands are supported on one of their broad sides, the thus supported strands are conveyed to any desired place.