Slide gate with compensation device for the contact pressure

Abstract

Slide gate for a metallurgical vessel, in particular a ladle, including a slide gate housing attachable to a metallurgical vessel, a head plate accommodated in the slide gate housing and having a passage opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame mounted in the slide gate housing so as to be displaceable in a direction relative to the head plate, and a slide plate accommodated in the slide frame and having a passage opening, characterized in that a device for compensating the contact pressure of the slide plate against the head plate is arranged between the slide gate housing and the slide frame, wherein the compensating device includes at least one carrier body mounted in the slide gate housing so as to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and at least one spring element, via which the carrier body is coupled to the slide frame.

Claims

1. A slide gate for a metallurgical vessel, comprising a slide gate housing attachable to a metallurgical vessel, a head plate which is in the slide gate housing and has a passage opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be displaceable in a displacement direction relative to the head plate, a slide plate which is in the slide frame and has a passage opening, and a compensating device configured to compensate contact pressure of the slide plate against the head plate and arranged between the slide gate housing and the slide frame, wherein the compensating device comprises: at least one carrier body, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and at least one spring element, via which the carrier body is coupled to the slide frame, wherein the carrier body supports itself against the slide frame on both sides of the slide frame, the sides of the slide frame being opposite with respect to the at least one axis of rotation.

2. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the slide gate housing comprises a mounting plate for fixing the slide gate to a metallurgical vessel and a slide housing for guiding the slide frame, wherein the slide housing is connected to the mounting plate and the compensating device is between the slide housing and the slide frame.

3. The slide gate according to claim 2, wherein the slide frame rests on the carrier body, wherein the slide frame is guided by the slide housing in the displacement direction.

4. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one axis of rotation of the carrier body extends parallel to the displacement direction of the slide frame.

5. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the compensating device comprises at least one pair of carrier bodies rotatably mounted in the slide gate housing, wherein a first side of the slide frame rests on a first carrier body and a second side of the slide frame rests on a second carrier body.

6. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one carrier body comprises a first carrier body and a second carrier body that are coupled to one another via spring elements.

7. The slide gate according to claim 2, wherein a first carrier body and a second carrier body are mounted about a common axis of rotation in the slide housing.

8. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one axis of rotation of the at least one carrier body extends parallel to a central axis of the head plate.

9. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one carrier body comprises a first carrier body and a second carrier body rotatably mounted in the slide gate housing, and the first carrier body is closer, in the direction of the at least one axis of rotation to the head plate than the second carrier body and the second carrier body is outside of the first carrier body in the direction of the at least one axis of rotation.

10. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the same number and/or the same type of spring elements is on both sides of the compensating device.

11. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one carrier body comprises a first carrier body and a second carrier body rotatably mounted in the slide gate housing, and the first carrier body and the second carrier body are mounted in the slide gate housing to be rotatable about two axes of rotation extending at right angles to one another.

12. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the slide gate is a three-plate slide gate, wherein a spout plate is between the compensating device and the slide frame.

13. The slide gate according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring element couples the at least one carrier body to the slide frame to transmit contact pressure force to the slide frame.

14. A slide gate for a metallurgical vessel, comprising a slide gate housing attachable to a metallurgical vessel, a head plate which is in the slide gate housing and has a passage opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be displaceable in a displacement direction relative to the head plate, a slide plate which is in the slide frame and has a passage opening, and a compensating device configured to compensate contact pressure of the slide plate against the head plate and arranged between the slide gate housing and the slide frame, wherein the compensating device comprises: at least one carrier body, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and at least one spring element, via which the carrier body is coupled to the slide frame, wherein the at least one carrier body has a pressure bar which is mounted in an articulated manner on or in the carrier body.

15. The slide gate according to claim 14, wherein a sliding strip for supporting the slide frame is in the pressure bar.

16. The slide gate according to claim 14, wherein the at least one carrier body comprises a first carrier body and a second carrier body rotatably mounted in the slide gate housing, and spring elements are supported in a carrier web of the first carrier body or the second carrier body and the pressure bar associated with the second carrier body or the first carrier body.

17. The slide gate according to claim 14, wherein the at least one carrier body has bearing surfaces for the pressure bar.

18. A slide gate for a metallurgical vessel, comprising a slide gate housing attachable to a metallurgical vessel, a head plate which is in the slide gate housing and has a passage opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be displaceable in a displacement direction relative to the head plate, a slide plate which is in the slide frame and has a passage opening, and a compensating device configured to compensate contact pressure of the slide plate against the head plate and arranged between the slide gate housing and the slide frame, wherein the compensating device comprises: at least one carrier body, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and at least one spring element, via which the carrier body is coupled to the slide frame, wherein the at least one carrier body comprises two carrier arms and a carrier web which connects the carrier arms to one another.

19. The slide gate according to claim 18, wherein the carrier web is rotatably and/or tiltably mounted in the carrier body.

20. A slide gate for a metallurgical vessel, comprising a slide gate housing attachable to a metallurgical vessel, a head plate which is in the slide gate housing and has a passage opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be displaceable in a displacement direction relative to the head plate, a slide plate which is in the slide frame and has a passage opening, and a compensating device configured to compensate contact pressure of the slide plate against the head plate and arranged between the slide gate housing and the slide frame, wherein the compensating device comprises: at least one carrier body, which is mounted in the slide gate housing to be rotatable about at least one axis of rotation, and at least one spring element, via which the carrier body is coupled to the slide frame, wherein a sliding device is rotatably connectable to the slide frame for displacing the slide frame in the displacement direction.

Description

(1) Embodiment examples of the invention are explained in more detail below using the drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a slide gate in accordance with the invention in a perspective view with the slide gate open;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 in a front view, with the slide gate closed;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in a sectional side view along the line A-A in FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 in a sectional plan view along the line B-B in FIG. 2;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in a sectional plan view along the line C-C in FIG. 2;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a slide gate according to the invention in a sectional plan view corresponding to the view in FIG. 4;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment according to FIG. 6 in a 90° rotated sectional side view along the Line A-A;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a schematic partial representation of an embodiment of a compensating device of a slide gate according to the invention in a perspective view;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the compensating device as shown in FIG. 8 in a rear view;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of the compensating device according to FIG. 8 in a sectional side view;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of the compensating device according to FIG. 8 in a plan view;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the mechanical function of an embodiment of a slide gate according to the invention.

(14) In the following description of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for identical and similarly acting elements.

(15) FIGS. 1 to 5 show an embodiment of a slide gate according to the invention, wherein slide gate 1 in FIG. 1 is open and is shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 in the closed state.

(16) Slide gate 1 can be connected to a metallurgical vessel (not shown) and can be permanently mounted on the vessel, typically on its bottom or side, e.g. as a converter slide gate. Such a vessel is suitable for holding a metallic melt, i.e. a molten metal alloy such as liquid steel, ready for a casting process. The slide gate 1 serves to close or open an opening of the metallurgical vessel in order to allow liquid metal or a metal alloy to flow out of the vessel in a controlled manner. Slide gate 1 can be locked for the operating state via a locking mechanism 23.

(17) In the following, the terms “bottom” and “top” refer to an orientation of the assembled slide gate 1 in the state of use, in which the slide gate 1 extends in a horizontal direction, for example, so that gravity acts in a vertical direction away from the metallurgical vessel from top to bottom. In this respect, the mounting plate 11 is located at the top and the slide housing 10 at the bottom. However, the orientation of the slide gate 1 in the state of use is not limited to a horizontal orientation and can in particular also be vertical.

(18) Slide gate 1 has a slide gate housing 60, which here comprises two housing parts in the form of a mounting plate 11 and the slide housing 10, which can be pivoted against each other about the pivot axis X. The mounting plate 11 is used for the firm connection of the slide gate 1 with the vessel and, when mounted, forms an upper cover of the slide gate housing 60. A seal 26, e.g. as a sealing cord in a circumferential sealing groove, is provided for sealing. The slide gate 1 has a head plate 12 with a central axis M, which is accommodated in the mounting plate 11 or firmly connected to it. The mounting plate 11 has a wear ring 27 located in an opening and the head plate 12 has a passage opening 13 to allow liquid metal to drain from a drain hole of the tank.

(19) In the slide housing 10 a slide frame 14 is arranged so that it can be displaced in a displacement direction V (see double arrow in FIG. 3) relative to the slide housing 10. The slide frame 14 can be moved essentially parallel to the mounting plate 11. Via the lantern 22 and an intermediate piece 21, the slide frame 14 can be connected to a sliding device 24 (not shown), for example to a hydraulic cylinder or sliding hydraulic cylinder with a piston rod for, preferably rotatable, connection to the slide frame 14.

(20) The slide frame 14 comprises a slide plate 15 and a spout 16, which is accommodated in the slide frame 14 via an interchangeable ring 25. Spout 16 extends downward away from the metallurgical vessel or mounting plate 11. The spout 16 and the slide plate 15 can be made in one piece or as separate parts and form a passage opening 17. The slide plate 15 is accommodated in the slide frame 14 or firmly but detachably connected to it.

(21) The sliding device 24 pushes the slide frame 14 into the desired position to open or close the passage opening 13 through the slide plate 15. In the closed position of the slide gate 1 shown in FIG. 3, the slide plate 15 closes the passage opening 13, and when the passage openings 13 and 17 are brought into alignment by a corresponding displacement of the slide frame 14 in an open position, liquid metal can flow from the vessel, through the head plate 12, the slide plate 15 and the spout 16. The slide plate 15 is displaced relative to the head plate 12, with both plates sliding against each other under a contact force or pressure along a common contact surface 20. Ideally, the same contact pressure prevails over the entire contact surface 20.

(22) When closing the slide gate 1, the slide housing 10 is pivoted to the mounting plate 11 and then pressed on, e.g. by a small hydraulic cylinder. This compresses (pre-tensions) the spring elements 50a, 50b (explained below) to their working dimensions and thus provides the required contact pressure. Now the slide gate 1 is locked via the locking mechanism 23. Slide gate 1 is now in operating condition.

(23) In accordance with the invention, the slide gate 1 comprises a compensating device 30 for compensating the contact pressure of the slide plate 15 against the head plate 12 along the contact surface 20. The contact pressure can be compensated in the transverse direction, for example between the two sides of the slide frame 141 and 142 or the two sides of the slide plate 151 and 152, and/or in the longitudinal direction of the slide gate 1 or the slide frame 14. The compensating device 30 causes the contact pressure in different areas of the contact surface 20 to equalize, ideally compensate. In this way the head plate 12 and the slide plate 15 are loaded as evenly as possible. As a result, the tightness of the slide gate 1 is increased and the wear of the two plates is reduced.

(24) The compensating device 30 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is shown separately in FIGS. 8 to 11. The further embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 deviates from this embodiment in some aspects described below, but otherwise agrees with it. A schematic diagram of the mechanical function of an embodiment of a slide gate 1 with a compensating device 30 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 12.

(25) In the embodiments shown, the compensating device 30 comprises a pair of carrier bodies 31a, 31b, each of which comprises two laterally arranged carrier arms 32a, 32b, a carrier web 33a, 33b connecting the carrier arms 32a, 32b, and a pressure bar 34a, 34b placed on bearing surfaces 45 of the carrier arms 32a, 32b with a sliding strip 35a, 35b guided therein. The carrier bodies 31a, 31b each form a carrier frame, in particular an articulated one, but could also each be made in one piece. The carrier bodies 31a, 31b are made of one or more metallic materials. The carrier bodies 31a, 31b support the slide frame 14 insofar as the slide frame 14 is supported against the carrier bodies 31a, 31b. The first carrier body 31a and the second carrier body 31b are each independent of each other, but are rotatably mounted about a common axis of rotation D in the slide gate housing 60, here in the slide housing 10, via axles 40 in bearing blocks 41, which are firmly connected to the slide gate housing 60. The axis of rotation D extends here along the displacement direction V of the slide frame 14, i.e. in the present case in the longitudinal direction of the slide gate 1. However, it is possible to provide further axes of rotation, in particular perpendicular to the displacement direction V, for example by means of a cardanic bearing, of the slide frame 14 in the slide gate housing 60. In addition, several compensating devices 30, in particular arranged next to each other, can be provided. The two carrier bodies 31a, 31b are arranged interlocked with each other, wherein the first carrier body 31a is arranged on the inside and the second carrier body 31b on the outside. In this respect, the first carrier body 31a in the direction of the axis of rotation D can be understood as lying outside and the second carrier body 31b in the direction of the axis of rotation as lying inside. The carrier arms 32a, 32b can be formed in a straight, curved or angled manner. The first carrier body 31a and the second carrier body 31b each have the function of a rocker in that they rotate around the axis of rotation D in a state of equilibrium due to the forces acting on both sides of the carrier arms 32a and 32b. The carrier bodies 31a, 31b therefore adjust themselves in such a way that the compensating device 30 is balanced overall under the effect of the contact pressure on the slide frame 14.

(26) The two carrier bodies 31a, 31b are coupled together by spring elements 50a, 50b and together form a double rocker. In a plan view (see FIG. 11), the carrier arms 32a, 32b are arranged in a crossed or interlocking arrangement. The carrier bodies 31a, 31b are indirectly coupled to the slide frame 14 via the spring elements 50a, 50b, since a transmission of force from a carrier body 31a or 31b to the slide frame 14 is influenced or determined by the spring elements 50a, 50b. The spring elements 50a, 50b are each supported with one (lower) end in the carrier web 33a, 33b and with the other (upper) end in the pressure bar 34b, 34a of the respective other carrier body 31b or 31a. In this way, forces acting on one of the two sliding strips 35a or 35b are introduced into the carrier arms 32a or 32b via the pressure bar 34a or 34b and transmitted to the other carrier body 31b or 31a via the carrier web 31a or 33b with corresponding deformation of the spring elements 50a or 50b. As a result, the carrier bodies 31a, 31b each twist in such a way that the forces acting on the sliding strip 35a, 35b are equalized, ideally compensated completely. If the compensating device 30 is axially symmetrical about the axis of rotation D, especially with centrally mounted carrier arms 32a, 32b, i.e. lever arms of equal length and the axis of rotation D, the forces are exactly compensated. However, the axis of rotation D need not be arranged centrally, i.e. centered. Depending on length of lever arms, a compensating equilibrium of momentum around axis of rotation D or corresponding distribution of forces between lever arms will be obtained.

(27) It is also conceivable to have embodiments in which only a single rotatably mounted carrier body is provided, which is directly coupled to the slide frame 14 on both sides via one spring element each, which can act as a compression or tension spring. Embodiments with a single rotatably mounted carrier body and only one spring element are also conceivable. Already due to the contact pressure provided by a spring element and the rotatably mounted carrier body of the compensating device, an equilibrium of momentum about the axis of rotation is established, which causes at least a partial compensation or equalization of the contact pressure.

(28) According to the invention, compensation of the contact pressure is achieved in that the spring elements 50a, 50b, which are subjected to a contact pressure on a first side 141 of the slide frame 14, are not supported in the slide gate housing 60, e.g. on the mounting plate 11 or on the slide housing 10, as is usual in the prior art, but in a carrier body 31a, 31b, which is rotatably mounted in the slide gate housing 60, and in turn supports itself against slide frame 14 on a second (opposite) side 142. The spring force is thus also used on the opposite side as contact pressure on the slide plate 15 or head plate 12. If a spring element 50a, 50b fails on one side or provides a reduced spring force, the contact pressure on this side of the compensating device 30 decreases accordingly. As the same force is transmitted to the opposite side via the carrier bodies 31a, 31b, the contact pressure is also reduced accordingly. The desired effect is thus achieved that the same contact pressure or contact force is applied on both sides 141, 142 of slide frame 14 or on both sides 151, 152 of slide plate 15.

(29) The carrier webs 33a, 33b are designed here as strips for spring accommodation. In the embodiment shown, four circular cylindrical spring elements 50a and 50b are inserted in each of the two carrier bodies 31a, 31b in the carrier web 33a, 33b, respectively, in suitably formed circular cylindrical spring recesses 38a, 38b which are supported in circular cylindrical spring recesses 39b, 39a suitably formed on the underside of the pressure bar in 34b, 34a. However, a different number for each carrier body 31a or 31b as well as different types of spring elements 50a, 50b for the two or one carrier body 31a, 31b can be used. For example, four spring elements 50a could be provided for a first carrier body 31a and two spring elements 50b for a second carrier body 31b. In the described embodiment example with four spring elements 50a or 50b on each side, these four spring elements 50a, 50b on each side act directly on the slide frame 14 and further on the slide plate 15 and, by transmitting the supporting force via the carrier bodies 31a, 31b, also on the respective opposite side. For cost reasons, for example, the number of spring elements 50a, 50b can be reduced. A higher number of spring elements 50a, 50b can reduce their load and extend their durability. Spring elements 50a, 50b with different spring hardnesses can be used or combined with each other. Here the spring elements 50a, 50b are thermodynamic springs. Mechanical springs, such as coil springs or disc springs, can also be used as spring elements 50a, 50b.

(30) The pressure bars 34a, 34b rest on bearing surfaces 45 of the carrier arms 32a, 32b. By means of a recess in the cross-section, the pressure bars 34A, 34b form support surfaces 42 on both sides towards their ends, via which the pressure bars 34a, 34b are supported axially against the inner sides of the carrier arms 31a, 31b. The bearing surfaces 45 are rounded so that the pressure bars 34a, 34b can roll off when the carrier arms 32a, 32b are twisted. Such an articulated bearing ensures that the slide frame 14 rests flat on the compensating device 30, here on the sliding strips 35a, 35b, to ensure good sliding properties.

(31) The pressure bars 34a, 34b each form a rail 47, e.g. with a rectangular or dovetailed profile, into which a sliding strip 35a or 35b is inserted. Sliding strips 35a, 35b can have a sliding coating on their upper side. The sliding strip 35a, 35b is axially secured by flat pieces 36a, 36b fixed in the rail 47. Sliding elements 19 are attached to the underside of the slide frame 14. The slide frame 14 rests on the sliding strips 35a, 35b. The slide frame 14 can be moved in sliding direction V in relation to the compensating device 30. In the present embodiment, the slide frame 14 is of sliding design. However, it could also be mounted on the compensating device 30, e.g. by means of intermediate rollers on the underside of the slide frame or on the top of the pressure bars 34a, 34b. The sliding strips 35a, 35b can slide along the underside of the sliding frame 14 perpendicular to the axis of rotation D, i.e. in the transverse direction of the compensating device 30 or of the slide gate 1, e.g. when a carrier body 31a, 31b is twisted.

(32) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the carrier webs 33a, 33b are connected to the carrier arms 32a, 32b via cylindrical bolts 46 in a rotatable, but not tiltable manner.

(33) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the carrier webs 33a, 33b are suspended via lateral pins 44 in matching recesses 43 in the carrier arms 32a, 32b. The pins 44 preferably have a partially rounded profile, e.g. a semicircular profile, optionally with beveled sections. Thus the carrier web 33a, 33b is connected to the carrier arms 32a, 32b both rotatably and tiltably or mounted therein. The carrier arms 32a, 32b have a chamfer 48 on their inside in order to avoid obstructing the tilting of the carrier web 33a, 33b.

(34) A slide gate 1 according to the invention is reliable and can be operated safely. The contact pressure between the slide plate 15 and the head plate 12 is as even as possible, especially in the event of failure of individual spring elements 50a, 50b.

(35) It should be noted at this point that all the aspects of the invention described above are considered, on their own and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, to be essential to the invention. The person skilled in the art is familiar with modifications thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(36) 1 Slide gate 10 Slide housing 11 Mounting plate 12 Head plate 13 Passage opening 14 Slide frame 15 Slide plate 16 Spout 17 Passage opening 19 Sliding element 20 Contact surface 21 Intermediate piece 22 Lantern 23 Locking mechanism 24 Sliding device 25 Interchangeable ring 26 Seal 27 Wear ring 30 Compensating device 31a, 31b Carrier body 32a, 32b Carrier arm 33a, 33b Carrier web 34a, 34b Pressure bar 35a, 35b Sliding strip 36a, 36b Flat piece 38a, 38b Spring recess 39a, 39b Spring recess 40 Axle 41 Bearing block 42 Axial support surface 43 Recess 44 Pin 45 Bearing surface 46 Bolt 47 Rail 48 Chamfer 50a, 50b Spring element 60 Slide gate housing 151 First side of the slide plate 152 Second side of the slide plate 141 First side of the slide frame 142 Second side of the slide frame X Pivot axis V Displacement direction D Axis of rotation M Central axis