EP0666324A1 - Installation for coupling a movable metallurgical vessel to a flexible gas conduit - Google Patents

Installation for coupling a movable metallurgical vessel to a flexible gas conduit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0666324A1
EP0666324A1 EP95100345A EP95100345A EP0666324A1 EP 0666324 A1 EP0666324 A1 EP 0666324A1 EP 95100345 A EP95100345 A EP 95100345A EP 95100345 A EP95100345 A EP 95100345A EP 0666324 A1 EP0666324 A1 EP 0666324A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coupling
coupling half
carriage
pair
metallurgical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95100345A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0666324B1 (en
Inventor
Hubert Stomp
Albert Feitler
Bernard Gramczewski
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Paul Wurth SA
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Paul Wurth SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0666324A1 publication Critical patent/EP0666324A1/en
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Publication of EP0666324B1 publication Critical patent/EP0666324B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21C—PROCESSING OF PIG-IRON, e.g. REFINING, MANUFACTURE OF WROUGHT-IRON OR STEEL; TREATMENT IN MOLTEN STATE OF FERROUS ALLOYS
    • C21C5/00—Manufacture of carbon-steel, e.g. plain mild steel, medium carbon steel or cast steel or stainless steel
    • C21C5/28—Manufacture of steel in the converter
    • C21C5/42—Constructional features of converters
    • C21C5/46—Details or accessories
    • C21C5/4606—Lances or injectors
    • C21C5/462—Means for handling, e.g. adjusting, changing, coupling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D1/00—Treatment of fused masses in the ladle or the supply runners before casting
    • B22D1/002—Treatment with gases
    • B22D1/005—Injection assemblies therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to a flexible pipe.
  • the gas pipes integral with the metallurgical carriage are themselves connected to a stationary gas supply circuit by means of a flexible pipe of considerable length.
  • the metallurgical carriage therefore draws its flexible supply line behind it.
  • the flexible pipe constitutes a sort of umbilical cord which links the movable metallurgical carriage to fixed installations.
  • the present invention provides a device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to at least one flexible pipe which does not require for the operation of coupling and uncoupling the metallurgical carriage to this flexible pipe no human intervention in the immediate vicinity of the metallurgical cart.
  • a device which includes a first coupling half mounted on the metallurgical carriage, a second coupling half connected to one end of at least one flexible pipe and designed so that it can be received on the first coupling half, and which is characterized in that a coupling station is located near a predefined coupling position for the metallurgical carriage, this coupling station comprising a support block designed to receive and support said second coupling half, means for moving the support block from a garage position towards the first coupling half and vice versa, when the carriage metallurgical is in its predefined coupling position, and a control device, and in that the second coupling half is provided with a locking device which can be actuated by said control device and which defines a first locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of the first coupling half so as to locking the second coupling half in the coupled position on the first coupling half, and a second locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of said support so as to lock the second coupling half on its support on the
  • the latter is stopped in a predefined coupling position on its raceway. Near this coupling position is the coupling station. Its support block is in its garage position and supports the second coupling half. The locking device of the second coupling half is in its second locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of said support block so as to lock the second coupling half on the support block. The latter is then moved with the second coupling half from its parking position towards the first coupling half, and the second coupling half is axially received on the first coupling half.
  • the coupling station control device is actuated to impose on the locking device of the second coupling half its first locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of the first coupling half so as to lock the second half coupling in position coupled on the first coupling half. It remains to move the empty support block to its garage position to complete the operation of connecting the metallurgical carriage to the flexible pipe.
  • the metallurgical carriage can now continue to run by driving the flexible pipe.
  • the latter is again stopped in a predefined coupling position on its raceway. Near this coupling position is the coupling station with its empty support block in its garage position. The support block is then moved from its garage position towards the second coupling half. Then the coupling station control device is actuated to impose on the locking device of the second coupling half its second locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of the support block so as to lock the second half - coupling on the support block of the coupling station. It remains to move the support block with the second coupling half in its garage position to complete the operation of disconnecting the flexible pipe. The metallurgical carriage can now continue to run without having to drive the flexible pipe.
  • the proposed device is particularly simple and does not require auxiliary energy on the metallurgical carriage to achieve coupling.
  • the metallurgical carriage was provided with a fixing and guiding structure for the flexible pipe.
  • it is the second coupling half which forms a unit with a fixing and guiding structure for the flexible pipe. So guidance optimal flexible pipe is guaranteed in a simple but clever way, both on the metallurgical trolley and on the coupling station.
  • the latter advantageously comprises a first pair of pins which can be engaged parallel to the coupling axis in a first pair of bores in the second coupling half.
  • the latter advantageously comprises a second pair of pins which can be engaged parallel to the coupling axis in a second pair of bores in the second coupling half.
  • the locking device then advantageously comprises a locking plate which is movable between a first position and a second position, so that in the first position it engages in notches in the first pair of pins to lock the second coupling half on the support block of the coupling station, and that in the second position it engages in notches in the second pair of pins to lock the second coupling half on the first coupling half.
  • the control device then comprises two control cylinders symmetrical with respect to the actuation lever.
  • this is a simple and reliable device for controlling the locking of the second coupling half, either on the first coupling half or on the support block of the coupling device.
  • the auxiliary energy necessary to actuate the control device must only be available on the coupling station.
  • the first coupling half is advantageously mounted on the metallurgical carriage so as to have a degree of freedom in a first direction perpendicular to the coupling axis
  • the support block is mounted on the coupling station so as to have a degree of freedom in a second direction which is perpendicular to the coupling axis and perpendicular to said first direction.
  • the degree of freedom of the support block is advantageously a horizontal degree of freedom defined symmetrically around a central position by elastic elements.
  • the degree of freedom of the first coupling half is advantageously a vertical degree of freedom defined against elastic elements producing an upward elastic force. In this way the first coupling half and the support block can self-align along the coupling axis, while retaining the rigidity and robustness necessary in this environment.
  • One of the two coupling half advantageously comprises a male coupling half which cooperates with a female coupling half of the other coupling half.
  • the male half-coupling is then advantageously sliding axially against the action of a spring so as to create, during the coupling of the two half-couplings, a contact pressure between the two half-couplings. This is an execution which guarantees sufficient contact pressure between the two half-fittings without risking their destruction by an excessive axial coupling force.
  • the flexible pipe usually includes at least one flexible gas pipe.
  • Figure 1 shows in a plan view a metallurgical carriage 10 which is movable along a raceway 12 from a position A on the right of the drawing to a position C on the left of the drawing. It is a carriage of the type used in steel mills to transport a metallurgical ladle 14, for example to the continuous casting installation.
  • the carriage 10 In position A, which is most often located outside the building containing the steel plant itself, the carriage 10 receives an empty metallurgical pocket 14. The carriage 10 then transports the metallurgical ladle 14 into position B, where it is filled with steel. In position C the pocket 14 is removed from the carriage 10 to pour the steel, for example into the "tundish" (not shown) of a continuous casting installation.
  • the steel in the pocket 14 is subjected to "bubbling" by injection of a gas through the bottom of the bag 14.
  • the bag 14 is connected, when it is placed in the carriage 10, to a distribution circuit 16 for one or more treatment gases.
  • This distribution circuit 16 is integral with the metallurgical carriage 10.
  • the gas distribution circuit 16 was permanently connected to a flexible supply line which the carriage 10 drove behind it, from position A to position C and vice versa.
  • the coupling device according to the present invention which will be described below, however makes it possible to reduce this minimum length of the flexible pipe to BC / 2, where BC represents the distance from B to C.
  • the flexible pipe 20 can be automatically connected to, respectively disconnected from the distribution circuit 16 of the carriage 10, in at least one defined coupling position in the immediate vicinity of position B.
  • position B is a danger zone, it is important to underline that the device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out the coupling, respectively the uncoupling of the flexible pipe 20 without human intervention in this danger zone.
  • the first coupling half 22 mounted on the carriage 10 will be described using Figures 3 and 4.
  • Figure 4 we see that it is a half coupling supporting a female part (or half fitting female) 28 which forms with a corresponding male part (or male half-connector) 30 of the second coupling half 24 (cf. FIG. 5) a gas connection.
  • a gas connection In the execution of Figure 3 it is more particularly a connection for two different gases. However, it could also be a connection for a single gas, respectively for more than two gases.
  • the reference 32 indicates in Figure 3 a fixed connection of the female part 28 to a pipe 16 'forming part of the circuit 16 on the carriage 10.
  • the female part 28 defines a kind of bowl in which the male part 30 can be centered automatically during its penetration.
  • the female part 28 is integral with a chassis 34, which is itself mounted on a support plate 36 fixed laterally on the carriage 10. It will be appreciated that the half-connector 28 which is part of the first half-coupling 22 does not includes no protruding part which could be damaged on the carriage 10. In Figure 2 we see in more detail the location of the first coupling half 22 on the carriage 10. It will be noted that the central axis of the female part 28 defines a coupling pin 38 which is preferably horizontal and perpendicular to the raceway 12.
  • the mounting of the chassis 34 on the support plate 36 is preferably carried out using four rods 40 in which the chassis 34 can slide perpendicular to the axis 38. Compression springs 42 then push the frame 34 against the support plate 36.
  • the first semi-coupling has the freedom to lift, in the axis of the rods 40, from its support plate 36 against the action of the springs 42.
  • the chassis 34 is still provided with a pair of pins 44 'and 44'' whose axes are parallel to the coupling axis 38.
  • these two pins 44 'and 44'' are preferably symmetrical with respect to the coupling axis 38.
  • the references 46' and 46 '' indicate a pair of bores receiving a second pair of pins described later.
  • the second coupling half 24, which is connected to the free end of the flexible pipe 20, will be described with the aid of Figures 5 and 6.
  • the male part 30, which forms the gas connection in cooperation with the female part 28, is mounted in a chassis 50. This mounting is preferably carried out so that the male part 30, which projects relative to the chassis 50 is axially displaceable in the chassis 50 against the action of a spring 52. This the latter surrounds the male part 30 and bears axially on one side on the male part 30 and on the other side on the chassis 50.
  • a rear shoulder 54 and a front shoulder 56 which are both integral with the male part 30 cooperate with support surfaces integral with the chassis 50 to limit the axial stroke of the male part 30 in two opposite directions.
  • the chassis 50 of the second coupling half further comprises a first pair of bores 58 'and 58''and a second pair of bores 60' and 60 ''.
  • the first pair of bores 58 'and 58'' is arranged so as to receive the pair of pins 44' and 44 '' of the first coupling half 22.
  • the second pair of bores 60 'and 60'' is arranged to receive a pair of pins 62' and 62 '', which is symmetrical to the pair of pins 44 'and 44'', but which is supported by the coupling station 26.
  • pins 44 ', 44'',62' and 62 '' are cylindrical parts with pointed ends which easily engage in the corresponding bores 58 'and 58'',60' and 60 '', but which also provide fairly precise guidance of the second coupling half along the coupling axis.
  • Each pin 44 ', 44'',62' and 62 '' further comprises a notch 64 whose function will be described below in relation to the locking of the second coupling half on the first coupling half 22, respectively on the coupling station 26.
  • the support frame 50 of the second coupling half is therefore axially lockable on the two pins 62 'and 62''integral with the coupling station 26.
  • the second coupling half is lockable on the other hand on the two pins 44' and 44 '' which are integral with the first half coupling.
  • the lever 68 makes it possible to pivot the locking plate 66 from said first to said second position and vice versa.
  • the second half-coupling 24 is integral with a guide and fixing structure 70 of the flexible pipe 20.
  • This structure 70 comprises a support plate 72 and two guide surfaces 74 and 76 which are perpendicular to the support plate 72.
  • the guide surface 74 defines a minimum bending radius of the flexible pipe 20 in a first direction of movement of the carriage 10; the guide surface 76 defines a minimum bending radius in the opposite direction.
  • the end of the flexible pipe 20 is mechanically fixed by means of a flange 78 to the support plate 72.
  • the third unit of the device that is to say the coupling station 26, is described with the aid of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. It comprises a coupling carriage 80 movable by means of rollers 81 on guide rails 82 (see Figure 8). These guide rails 82 are supported by a support structure (not shown) so that the carriage 80 can be moved along these guide rails 82 from a garage position, located laterally next to the raceway 12, in direction of the first coupling half 22 parallel to the coupling axis 38 of the latter, if the metallurgical carriage 10 is in its predefined coupling position.
  • the drive means of this coupling carriage 80 is for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 84 which produces a displacement movement C of the coupling carriage 80 (cf. FIG. 9). Of course we could also use any other drive device capable of producing a rectilinear back and forth movement of race C.
  • the carriage 80 itself supports at its front end a support block 86 which is designed to receive and support in the coupling axis 38 the second coupling half 24.
  • a support block 86 which is designed to receive and support in the coupling axis 38 the second coupling half 24.
  • it comprises the pair of pins 62 'and 62 '' which was described above.
  • the support block 86 is not rigidly fixed on the coupling carriage 80, but that it is supported so that it can slide perpendicular to the axis 38, for example in a pair of rods 88 mounted at the front end of the carriage 80.
  • These rods 88 are advantageously oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction defined by the rods 40 of the first coupling half.
  • the rods 40 are for example vertical, while the rods 88 are horizontal.
  • Springs 90 then elastically define a central position of the support block 86 on the pair of rods 88.
  • the coupling carriage 80 also supports a control device 92 for the lever 68 of the locking plate 66 of the second coupling half 24.
  • This control device 92 comprises for example two control jacks 94 and 96 which are arranged on arms 98 'and 98''of the coupling carriage 80 so that they are in the pivot plane of the locking plate 66, on either side of the lever 68, when the pins 62' and 62 '' are fully engaged in the bores 60 'and 60''of the second coupling half.
  • pins 62 'and 62'' are each provided with a shoulder 100 which cooperates with bearing surfaces on the second coupling half so as to define an axial arrangement of the second coupling half on pins 62 'and 62''for which the locking plate 66 can penetrate into the notches 64.
  • the jack 84 is actuated to move the coupling carriage 80 parallel to the coupling axis 38 in the direction of the first coupling half on the metallurgical carriage 10.
  • the pins 44 'and 44''of the first coupling half penetrate through the bores 58 'and 58''of the second coupling half and the male part 30 enters the female part 28 to make the connection of the gas pipes 20 and 16. If there is a horizontal misalignment between the two half couplings 22 and 24, the second coupling half slides in its rods 88. If there is a vertical misalignment between the two coupling couplings 22 and 24, the first coupling half slides in its rods 40.
  • the first coupling half is generally lower than the second coupling half, because the relative position of the two coupling half is adjusted for the carriage 10 without the pocket 14.
  • the movement of the jack 84 is stopped by a limit switch 102 mounted on the second coupling half.
  • This limit switch is for example actuated by the male part 30 during its axial recoil or by one of the two pins 44 'and 44''.
  • the second coupling 24 is now engaged on pins 44 'and 44''of the first coupling half so that the locking plate 66 can penetrate into the notches 64 thereof. In this position, the male part 30 is pressed into the female part 28 with sufficient contact pressure by the spring 52.
  • the metallurgical carriage 10 When the metallurgical carriage 10, which is still connected to the flexible pipe 20, returns from position C to position B, it stops in its predefined coupling position.
  • the coupling carriage 80 is advanced from its garage position in the direction of the carriage 10 to penetrate with its pins 62 'and 62''into the bores 60' and 60 '' of the second coupling half 24 coupled to the first coupling half .
  • the control device 92 is actuated to move the locking plate 66 from its first position to its second position.
  • the second coupling half 24 is unlocked with respect to the first coupling half 22 and is locked with respect to the coupling carriage 80.
  • the coupling carriage 80 is removed to its garage position.
  • the metallurgical carriage 10 can now continue its travel from position B to position A, without having to drive the flexible pipe 20.
  • the flexible pipe 20 essentially comprises flexible pipes for process gases. It is however obvious that this flexible pipe 20 could also include pipes for compressed air and for liquids, as well as cables for the transfer of electrical energy or signals; provided that the first coupling half and the second coupling half are fitted with suitable half-fittings.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)
  • Waste-Gas Treatment And Other Accessory Devices For Furnaces (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Steel In Its Molten State (AREA)
  • Vertical, Hearth, Or Arc Furnaces (AREA)
  • Refinement Of Pig-Iron, Manufacture Of Cast Iron, And Steel Manufacture Other Than In Revolving Furnaces (AREA)

Abstract

A device is claimed for coupling a metallurgical carriage (10) with a flexible shaft (20), comprising a first half coupling (22) mounted on the metallurgical carriage (10) and a second half coupling (24) connected to one end of the flexible shaft (20). A coupling station (26) is located close to the predefined coupling position of the metallurgical carriage (10). This coupling station (26) incorporates a support block designed to receive and support the second half coupling (24), a drive mechanism for displacing the support block from a parking position in the direction of the first half-coupling (22) and vice versa. The second half-coupling (24) is fitted with a locking device that is activated by a control device on the coupling station (26). This locking device facilitates the locking, in a first position, of the second half-coupling (24) to the first half-coupling (22) and, in a second position, the second half-coupling (24) on to its support on the coupling station (26).

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif pour l'accouplement d'un chariot métallurgique à une conduite flexible.The present invention relates to a device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to a flexible pipe.

Il est connu de traiter l'acier contenu dans une poche métallurgique par injection de gaz, lorsque cette poche est transportée sur un chariot métallurgique, par exemple vers une installation de coulée continue. A cette fin la poche métallurgique est munie de briques poreuses, qui sont intégrées dans son fond et raccordées de façon permanente à des conduites de gaz installées sur la poche. Ces conduites de gaz solidaires de la poche sont raccordées de façon déconnectable à des conduites de distribution de gaz installées sur le chariot métallurgique.It is known to treat the steel contained in a metallurgical ladle by gas injection, when this ladle is transported on a metallurgical trolley, for example to a continuous casting installation. To this end the metallurgical ladle is provided with porous bricks, which are integrated into its bottom and permanently connected to gas pipes installed on the ladle. These gas pipes secured to the ladle are disconnected from gas distribution pipes installed on the metallurgical carriage.

Du brevet US-A-4,883,259 on connait un dispositif qui permet de raccorder de façon automatique les conduites de gaz solidaires de la poche métallurgique aux conduites de gaz solidaires du chariot métallurgique, lorsque la poche métallurgique est posée sur le chariot métallurgique. Ce dispositif a l'avantage de rendre superflue toute intervention humaine sur le chariot métallurgique pour raccorder la poche métallurgique aux conduites de gaz solidaires du chariot métallurgique.From US-A-4,883,259 there is known a device which makes it possible to automatically connect the gas pipes secured to the metallurgical ladle to the gas pipes secured to the metallurgical carriage, when the metallurgical ladle is placed on the metallurgical carriage. This device has the advantage of making any human intervention superfluous on the metallurgical carriage to connect the metallurgical ladle to the gas pipes integral with the metallurgical carriage.

Les conduites de gaz solidaires du chariot métallurgique sont elles-mêmes raccordées à un circuit stationnaire d'alimentation de gaz par l'intermédiaire d'une conduite flexible de longueur importante. Lors du déplacement le long de son chemin de roulement, le chariot métallurgique tire en conséquence sa conduite flexible d'alimentation derrière lui. En d'autres termes, la conduite flexible constitue une sorte de cordon ombilical qui lie le chariot métallurgique déplaçable à des installations fixes.The gas pipes integral with the metallurgical carriage are themselves connected to a stationary gas supply circuit by means of a flexible pipe of considerable length. When moving along its raceway, the metallurgical carriage therefore draws its flexible supply line behind it. In other words, the flexible pipe constitutes a sort of umbilical cord which links the movable metallurgical carriage to fixed installations.

Pour éviter de devoir raccorder la conduite flexible au chariot métallurgique lorsque la poche est remplie d'acier, ce qui exposerait un ouvrier à des risques majeurs, on a aujourd'hui tendance à laisser raccordée cette conduite flexible d'alimentation en permanence au chariot métallurgique.To avoid having to connect the flexible pipe to the metallurgical trolley when the pocket is filled with steel, which would expose a worker to major risks, there is a tendency today to leave this flexible supply line connected permanently to the metallurgical carriage.

Cette façon de procéder implique cependant que le chariot métallurgique doit entraîner sa conduite d'alimentation flexible même lorsqu'une alimentation en gaz de la poche n'est pas requise. Il en résulte notamment les désavantages que la conduite flexible est inutilement exposée à l'usure et à un risque de rupture accidentelle, et que sa longueur doit être de loin supérieure à la longueur réellement requise pour approvisionner le chariot métallurgique en gaz sur un tronçon partiel dudit chemin de roulement.This procedure, however, implies that the metallurgical carriage must drive its flexible supply line even when a gas supply to the ladle is not required. This results in particular in the disadvantages that the flexible pipe is unnecessarily exposed to wear and to a risk of accidental rupture, and that its length must be far greater than the length actually required to supply the metallurgical carriage with gas over a partial section. of said raceway.

Il sera dès lors apprécié que la présente invention propose un dispositif pour l'accouplement d'un chariot métallurgique à au moins une conduite flexible qui ne nécessite pour l'opération d'accouplement et de désaccouplement du chariot métallurgique à cette conduite flexible pas d'intervention humaine à proximité immédiate du chariot métallurgique.It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention provides a device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to at least one flexible pipe which does not require for the operation of coupling and uncoupling the metallurgical carriage to this flexible pipe no human intervention in the immediate vicinity of the metallurgical cart.

Cet objectif est atteint par un dispositif qui comprend
   un premier demi-accouplement monté sur le chariot métallurgique,
   un deuxième demi-accouplement connecté à une extrémité d'au moins une conduite flexible et conçu de façon à pouvoir être reçu sur le premier demi-accouplement,
   et qui est caractérisé
   en ce que une station d'accouplement est localisée près d'une position d'accouplement prédéfinie pour le chariot métallurgique, cette station d'accouplement comprenant
   un bloc de support conçu pour recevoir et supporter ledit deuxième demi-accouplement,
   des moyens pour déplacer le bloc de support d'une position de garage en direction du premier demi-accouplement et vice versa, lorsque le chariot métallurgique se trouve dans sa position d'accouplement prédéfinie, et
   un dispositif de commande, et
   en ce que le deuxième demi-accouplement est muni d'un dispositif de verrouillage qui est actionnable par ledit dispositif de commande et qui définit une première position de verrouillage, dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément du premier demi-accouplement de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement en position accouplée sur le premier demi-accouplement, et une deuxième position de verrouillage, dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément dudit support de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement sur son support sur la station d'accouplement.This objective is achieved by a device which includes
a first coupling half mounted on the metallurgical carriage,
a second coupling half connected to one end of at least one flexible pipe and designed so that it can be received on the first coupling half,
and which is characterized
in that a coupling station is located near a predefined coupling position for the metallurgical carriage, this coupling station comprising
a support block designed to receive and support said second coupling half,
means for moving the support block from a garage position towards the first coupling half and vice versa, when the carriage metallurgical is in its predefined coupling position, and
a control device, and
in that the second coupling half is provided with a locking device which can be actuated by said control device and which defines a first locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of the first coupling half so as to locking the second coupling half in the coupled position on the first coupling half, and a second locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of said support so as to lock the second coupling half on its support on the station 'coupling.

Pour connecter la conduite flexible au chariot métallurgique mobile, ce dernier est arrêté dans une position d'accouplement prédéfinie sur son chemin de roulement. A proximité de cette position d'accouplement se trouve la station d'accouplement. Son bloc de support se trouve dans sa position de garage et supporte le deuxième demi-accouplement. Le dispositif de verrouillage du deuxième demi-accouplement est dans sa deuxième position de verrouillage, dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément dudit bloc de support de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement sur le bloc de support. Ce dernier est alors déplacé avec le deuxième demi-accouplement de sa position de garage en direction du premier demi-accouplement, et le deuxième demi-accouplement est axialement reçu sur le premier demi-accouplement. Ensuite le dispositif de commande de la station d'accouplement est actionné pour imposer au dispositif de verrouillage du deuxième demi-accouplement sa première position de verrouillage, dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément du premier demi-accouplement de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement en position accouplée sur le premier demi-accouplement. Reste à déplacer le bloc de support vide dans sa position de garage pour terminer l'opération de connexion du chariot métallurgique à la conduite flexible. Le chariot métallurgique peut maintenant continuer sa course en entraînant la conduite flexible.To connect the flexible pipe to the mobile metallurgical carriage, the latter is stopped in a predefined coupling position on its raceway. Near this coupling position is the coupling station. Its support block is in its garage position and supports the second coupling half. The locking device of the second coupling half is in its second locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of said support block so as to lock the second coupling half on the support block. The latter is then moved with the second coupling half from its parking position towards the first coupling half, and the second coupling half is axially received on the first coupling half. Then the coupling station control device is actuated to impose on the locking device of the second coupling half its first locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of the first coupling half so as to lock the second half coupling in position coupled on the first coupling half. It remains to move the empty support block to its garage position to complete the operation of connecting the metallurgical carriage to the flexible pipe. The metallurgical carriage can now continue to run by driving the flexible pipe.

Pour déconnecter la conduite flexible du chariot métallurgique mobile, ce dernier est de nouveau arrêté dans une position d'accouplement prédéfinie sur son chemin de roulement. A proximité de cette position d'accouplement se trouve la station d'accouplement avec son bloc de support vide dans sa position de garage. Le bloc de support est alors déplacé de sa position de garage en direction du deuxième demi-accouplement. Ensuite le dispositif de commande de la station d'accouplement est actionné pour imposer au dispositif de verrouillage du deuxième demi-accouplement sa deuxième position de verrouillage, dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément du bloc de support de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement sur le bloc de support de la station d'accouplement. Reste à déplacer le bloc de support avec le deuxième demi-accouplement dans sa position de garage pour terminer l'opération de déconnexion de la conduite flexible. Le chariot métallurgique peut maintenant continuer sa course sans devoir entraîner la conduite flexible.To disconnect the flexible pipe from the mobile metallurgical carriage, the latter is again stopped in a predefined coupling position on its raceway. Near this coupling position is the coupling station with its empty support block in its garage position. The support block is then moved from its garage position towards the second coupling half. Then the coupling station control device is actuated to impose on the locking device of the second coupling half its second locking position, in which it cooperates with at least one element of the support block so as to lock the second half - coupling on the support block of the coupling station. It remains to move the support block with the second coupling half in its garage position to complete the operation of disconnecting the flexible pipe. The metallurgical carriage can now continue to run without having to drive the flexible pipe.

Il sera apprécié que le dispositif proposé est particulièrement simple et ne nécessite pas d'énergie auxiliaire sur le chariot métallurgique pour réaliser l'accouplement.It will be appreciated that the proposed device is particularly simple and does not require auxiliary energy on the metallurgical carriage to achieve coupling.

Selon l'état de la technique le chariot métallurgique était muni d'une structure de fixation et de guidage pour la conduite flexible. Dans une exécution préférée de la présente invention, c'est le deuxième demi-accouplement qui forme une unité avec une structure de fixation et de guidage pour la conduite flexible. Ainsi, un guidage optimal de la conduite flexible est garanti d'une manière simple mais astucieuse, aussi bien sur le chariot métallurgique que sur la station d'accouplement.According to the state of the art the metallurgical carriage was provided with a fixing and guiding structure for the flexible pipe. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is the second coupling half which forms a unit with a fixing and guiding structure for the flexible pipe. So guidance optimal flexible pipe is guaranteed in a simple but clever way, both on the metallurgical trolley and on the coupling station.

Pour accoupler le deuxième demi-accouplement au bloc de support, ce dernier comprend avantageusement une première paire de broches engageables parallèlement à l'axe d'accouplement dans une première paire d'alésages du deuxième demi-accouplement. Pour accoupler le deuxième demi-accouplement au premier demi-accouplement, ce dernier comprend avantageusement une deuxième paire de broches engageables parallèlement à l'axe d'accouplement dans une deuxième paire d'alésages du deuxième demi-accouplement. Ce mode d'exécution est une solution simple et robuste qui permet un centrage efficace du deuxième demi-accouplement sur le bloc de support et sur le premier demi-accouplement. Afin d'augmenter l'efficacité du centrage, les broches d'une paire sont avantageusement symétriques par rapport à l'axe d'accouplement.To couple the second coupling half to the support block, the latter advantageously comprises a first pair of pins which can be engaged parallel to the coupling axis in a first pair of bores in the second coupling half. To couple the second coupling half to the first coupling half, the latter advantageously comprises a second pair of pins which can be engaged parallel to the coupling axis in a second pair of bores in the second coupling half. This embodiment is a simple and robust solution which allows effective centering of the second coupling half on the support block and on the first coupling half. In order to increase the centering efficiency, the pins of a pair are advantageously symmetrical with respect to the coupling axis.

Le dispositif de verrouillage comprend alors avantageusement une plaque de verrouillage qui est déplaçable entre une première position et une deuxième position, de façon que dans la première position elle s'engage dans des encoches de la première paire de broches pour verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement sur le bloc de support de la station d'accouplement, et que dans la deuxième position elle s'engage dans des encoches de la deuxième paire de broches pour verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement sur le premier demi-accouplement.The locking device then advantageously comprises a locking plate which is movable between a first position and a second position, so that in the first position it engages in notches in the first pair of pins to lock the second coupling half on the support block of the coupling station, and that in the second position it engages in notches in the second pair of pins to lock the second coupling half on the first coupling half.

Pour actionner cette plaque de verrouillage, celle-ci est avantageusement munie d'un levier d'actionnement. Le dispositif de commande comprend alors deux vérins de commande symétriques par rapport au levier d'actionnement. Il s'agit, dans un environnement rude, d'un dispositif simple et fiable pour commander le verrouillage du deuxième demi-accouplement, soit sur le premier demi-accouplement, soit sur le bloc de support du dispositif d'accouplement. Il sera encore apprécié que l'énergie auxiliaire nécessaire pour actionner le dispositif de commande doit seulement être disponible sur la station d'accouplement.To actuate this locking plate, it is advantageously provided with an actuating lever. The control device then comprises two control cylinders symmetrical with respect to the actuation lever. In a harsh environment, this is a simple and reliable device for controlling the locking of the second coupling half, either on the first coupling half or on the support block of the coupling device. It will also be appreciated that the auxiliary energy necessary to actuate the control device must only be available on the coupling station.

Le premier demi-accouplement est avantageusement monté sur le chariot métallurgique de façon à avoir un degré de liberté selon une première direction perpendiculaire à l'axe d'accouplement, et le bloc de support est monté sur la station d'accouplement de façon à avoir un degré de liberté selon une deuxième direction qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe d'accouplement et perpendiculaire à ladite première direction. Le degré de liberté du bloc de support est avantageusement un degré de liberté horizontal défini symétriquement autour d'une position centrale par des éléments élastiques. Le degré de liberté du premier demi-accouplement est avantageusement un degré de liberté vertical défini contre des éléments élastiques produisant une force élastique vers le haut. De cette façon le premier demi-accouplement et le bloc de support peuvent s'auto-aligner suivant l'axe d'accouplement, tout en conservant la rigidité et robustesse nécessaires dans cet environnement.The first coupling half is advantageously mounted on the metallurgical carriage so as to have a degree of freedom in a first direction perpendicular to the coupling axis, and the support block is mounted on the coupling station so as to have a degree of freedom in a second direction which is perpendicular to the coupling axis and perpendicular to said first direction. The degree of freedom of the support block is advantageously a horizontal degree of freedom defined symmetrically around a central position by elastic elements. The degree of freedom of the first coupling half is advantageously a vertical degree of freedom defined against elastic elements producing an upward elastic force. In this way the first coupling half and the support block can self-align along the coupling axis, while retaining the rigidity and robustness necessary in this environment.

Un des deux demi-accouplements comprend avantageusement un demi-raccord mâle qui coopère avec un demi-raccord femelle de l'autre demi-accouplement. Le demi-raccord mâle est alors avantageusement coulissable axialement contre l'action d'un ressort de façon à créer, lors de l'accouplement des deux demi-accouplements, une pression de contact entre les deux demi-raccords. Il s'agit d'une exécution qui garantit une pression de contact suffisante entre les deux demi-raccords sans risquer leur destruction par une force axiale d'accouplement trop élevée.One of the two coupling half advantageously comprises a male coupling half which cooperates with a female coupling half of the other coupling half. The male half-coupling is then advantageously sliding axially against the action of a spring so as to create, during the coupling of the two half-couplings, a contact pressure between the two half-couplings. This is an execution which guarantees sufficient contact pressure between the two half-fittings without risking their destruction by an excessive axial coupling force.

La conduite flexible comprend d'habitude au moins un tuyau de gaz flexible.The flexible pipe usually includes at least one flexible gas pipe.

D'autres avantages et particularités ressortiront de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, sur base des figures ci-annexées, dans lesquelles:

  • la Figure 1 représente, dans une vue en plan, un chariot métallurgique dans différentes positions;
  • la Figure 2 représente une élévation du chariot métallurgique de la Figure 1;
  • la Figure 3 représente une coupe à travers un demi-accouplement monté sur le chariot de la Figure 1;
  • la Figure 4 montre une vue de face du demi-accouplement de la Figure 3;
  • la Figure 5 montre une coupe à travers un deuxième demi-accouplement qui peut être accouplé sur le premier demi-accouplement de la Figure 3;
  • la Figure 6 montre une vue de face du deuxième demi-accouplement de la Figure 5;
  • la Figure 7 montre une station d'accouplement recevant le demi-accouplement de la Figure 5;
  • la Figure 8 montre une vue en plan de la station d'accouplement de la Figure 7;
  • la Figure 9 montre une deuxième position de la station d'accouplement de la Figure 7.
Other advantages and particularities will emerge from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, on the basis of the attached figures, in which:
  • Figure 1 shows, in a plan view, a metallurgical carriage in different positions;
  • Figure 2 shows an elevation of the metallurgical carriage of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a section through a half coupling mounted on the carriage of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 shows a front view of the coupling half of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 shows a section through a second coupling half which can be coupled to the first coupling half of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 shows a front view of the second coupling half of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 shows a coupling station receiving the coupling half of Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 shows a plan view of the coupling station of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 shows a second position of the coupling station of Figure 7.

La Figure 1 montre dans une vue en plan un chariot métallurgique 10 qui est déplaçable le long d'un chemin de roulement 12 d'une position A à droite du dessin vers une position C à gauche du dessin. Il s'agit d'un chariot du type utilisé dans les aciéries pour transporter une poche métallurgique 14, par exemple vers l'installation de coulée continue.Figure 1 shows in a plan view a metallurgical carriage 10 which is movable along a raceway 12 from a position A on the right of the drawing to a position C on the left of the drawing. It is a carriage of the type used in steel mills to transport a metallurgical ladle 14, for example to the continuous casting installation.

Dans la position A, qui est le plus souvent située en-dehors du bâtiment renfermant l'aciérie proprement dite, le chariot 10 reçoit une poche métallurgique 14 vide. Le chariot 10 transporte alors la poche métallurgique 14 dans la position B, où elle celle-ci est remplie avec l'acier. Dans la position C la poche 14 est enlevée du chariot 10 pour déverser l'acier par exemple dans le "tundish" (non montré) d'une installation de coulée continue.In position A, which is most often located outside the building containing the steel plant itself, the carriage 10 receives an empty metallurgical pocket 14. The carriage 10 then transports the metallurgical ladle 14 into position B, where it is filled with steel. In position C the pocket 14 is removed from the carriage 10 to pour the steel, for example into the "tundish" (not shown) of a continuous casting installation.

Entre la position B et la position C l'acier dans la poche 14 est soumis à un "bullage" ("bubbling") par injection d'un gaz à travers le fond de la poche 14. A cette fin la poche 14 est raccordée, lorsqu'elle est posée dans le chariot 10, à un circuit de distribution 16 pour un ou de plusieurs gaz de traitement. Ce circuit de distribution 16 est solidaire du chariot métallurgique 10. On a vu que le raccordement de la poche 14 au circuit 16 peut par exemple être effectué automatiquement à l'aide d'un dispositif 18 du genre décrit dans le brevet US-A-4,883,259.Between position B and position C, the steel in the pocket 14 is subjected to "bubbling" by injection of a gas through the bottom of the bag 14. To this end, the bag 14 is connected, when it is placed in the carriage 10, to a distribution circuit 16 for one or more treatment gases. This distribution circuit 16 is integral with the metallurgical carriage 10. We have seen that the connection of the bag 14 to the circuit 16 can for example be carried out automatically using a device 18 of the kind described in US-A patent- 4,883,259.

Dans l'état antérieur de la technique, le circuit de distribution de gaz 16 était en permanence raccordé à une conduite flexible d'alimentation que le chariot 10 entraînait derrière lui, de la position A vers la position C et vice versa. Cette conduite flexible d'alimentation devait donc avoir une longueur minimale L MIN = AC/2

Figure imgb0001
où AC représente la distance de A à C. Le dispositif d'accouplement selon la présente invention, qu'on va décrire ci-dessous, permet cependant de réduire cette longueur minimale de la conduite flexible à BC/2, où BC représente la distance de B à C. En effet, grâce au dispositif selon l'invention, la conduite flexible 20 peut être automatiquement raccordée au, respectivement déconnectée du circuit de distribution 16 du chariot 10, dans au moins une position d'accouplement définie à proximité immédiate de la position B. Comme la position B est une zone de danger, il importe de souligner que le dispositif selon l'invention permet de réaliser l'accouplement, respectivement le désaccouplement de la conduite flexible 20 sans intervention humaine dans cette zone de danger.In the prior art, the gas distribution circuit 16 was permanently connected to a flexible supply line which the carriage 10 drove behind it, from position A to position C and vice versa. This flexible supply line must therefore have a minimum length L MIN = AC / 2
Figure imgb0001
 where AC represents the distance from A to C. The coupling device according to the present invention, which will be described below, however makes it possible to reduce this minimum length of the flexible pipe to BC / 2, where BC represents the distance from B to C. Indeed, thanks to the device according to the invention, the flexible pipe 20 can be automatically connected to, respectively disconnected from the distribution circuit 16 of the carriage 10, in at least one defined coupling position in the immediate vicinity of position B. As position B is a danger zone, it is important to underline that the device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out the coupling, respectively the uncoupling of the flexible pipe 20 without human intervention in this danger zone.

Un dispositif pour l'accouplement selon l'invention comprend au moins trois unités distinctes (cf. Figure 1):

  • a) un premier demi-accouplement 22 monté sur le chariot 10 et raccordé au circuit 16 du chariot 10;
  • b) un deuxième demi-accouplement 24 connecté à une extrémité libre d'au moins une conduite flexible 20;
  • c) une station d'accouplement 26 localisée à côté de la position d'accouplement prédéfinie, dans la position B, pour le chariot métallurgique 10 sur son chemin de roulement 12.
A device for coupling according to the invention comprises at least three separate units (see Figure 1):
  • a) a first coupling half 22 mounted on the carriage 10 and connected to the circuit 16 of the carriage 10;
  • b) a second coupling half 24 connected to a free end of at least one flexible pipe 20;
  • c) a coupling station 26 located next to the predefined coupling position, in position B, for the metallurgical carriage 10 on its raceway 12.

Le premier demi-accouplement 22 monté sur le chariot 10 sera décrit à l'aide des Figures 3 et 4. Sur la Figure 4 on voit qu'il s'agit d'un demi-accouplement supportant une pièce femelle (ou demi-raccord femelle) 28 qui forme avec une pièce mâle (ou demi-raccord mâle) correspondante 30 du deuxième demi-accouplement 24 (cf. Figure 5) un raccord pour gaz. Dans l'exécution de la Figure 3 il s'agit plus particulièrement d'un raccord pour deux gaz différents. Il pourrait cependant aussi s'agir d'un raccord pour un seul gaz, respectivement pour plus de deux gaz. La référence 32 indique sur la Figure 3 un raccord fixe de la pièce femelle 28 à une conduite 16' faisant partie du circuit 16 sur le chariot 10. Il sera encore noté que la pièce femelle 28 définit une sorte de cuvette dans laquelle la pièce mâle 30 peut se centrer automatiquement lors de sa pénétration.The first coupling half 22 mounted on the carriage 10 will be described using Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 4 we see that it is a half coupling supporting a female part (or half fitting female) 28 which forms with a corresponding male part (or male half-connector) 30 of the second coupling half 24 (cf. FIG. 5) a gas connection. In the execution of Figure 3 it is more particularly a connection for two different gases. However, it could also be a connection for a single gas, respectively for more than two gases. The reference 32 indicates in Figure 3 a fixed connection of the female part 28 to a pipe 16 'forming part of the circuit 16 on the carriage 10. It will also be noted that the female part 28 defines a kind of bowl in which the male part 30 can be centered automatically during its penetration.

La pièce femelle 28 est solidaire d'un châssis 34, qui est lui-même monté sur une plaque de support 36 fixée latéralement sur le chariot 10. Il sera apprécié que le demi-raccord 28 qui fait partie du premier demi-accouplement 22 ne comprend aucune partie saillante qui pourrait être endommagée sur le chariot 10. Sur la Figure 2 on voit plus en détail l'emplacement du premier demi-accouplement 22 sur le chariot 10. Il sera noté que l'axe central de la pièce femelle 28 définit un axe d'accouplement 38 qui est de préférence horizontal et perpendiculaire au chemin de roulement 12. Le montage du châssis 34 sur la plaque de support 36 s'effectue de préférence à l'aide de quatre tiges 40 dans lesquelles le châssis 34 peut coulisser perpendiculairement à l'axe 38. Des ressorts de compression 42 poussent alors le châssis 34 contre la plaque de support 36. De cette façon le premier demi-accouplement a la liberté de se soulever, dans l'axe des tiges 40, de sa plaque de support 36 contre l'action des ressorts 42. Le châssis 34 est encore muni d'une paire de broches 44' et 44'' dont les axes sont parallèles à l'axe d'accouplement 38. De plus, ces deux broches 44' et 44'' sont de préférence symétriques par rapport à l'axe d'accouplement 38. Les références 46' et 46'' indiquent une paire d'alésages recevant une seconde paire de broches décrite ultérieurement.The female part 28 is integral with a chassis 34, which is itself mounted on a support plate 36 fixed laterally on the carriage 10. It will be appreciated that the half-connector 28 which is part of the first half-coupling 22 does not includes no protruding part which could be damaged on the carriage 10. In Figure 2 we see in more detail the location of the first coupling half 22 on the carriage 10. It will be noted that the central axis of the female part 28 defines a coupling pin 38 which is preferably horizontal and perpendicular to the raceway 12. The mounting of the chassis 34 on the support plate 36 is preferably carried out using four rods 40 in which the chassis 34 can slide perpendicular to the axis 38. Compression springs 42 then push the frame 34 against the support plate 36. In this way the first semi-coupling has the freedom to lift, in the axis of the rods 40, from its support plate 36 against the action of the springs 42. The chassis 34 is still provided with a pair of pins 44 'and 44'' whose axes are parallel to the coupling axis 38. In addition, these two pins 44 'and 44''are preferably symmetrical with respect to the coupling axis 38. The references 46' and 46 '' indicate a pair of bores receiving a second pair of pins described later.

Le deuxième demi-accouplement 24, qui est connectée à l'extrémité libre de la conduite flexible 20, sera décrit à l'aide des Figures 5 et 6. La pièce mâle 30, qui forme le raccord de gaz en coopération avec la pièce femelle 28, est montée dans un châssis 50. Ce montage s'effectue de préférence de façon que la pièce mâle 30, qui en saillie par rapport au châssis 50 soit axialement déplaçable dans le châssis 50 contre l'action d'un ressort 52. Ce dernier entoure la pièce mâle 30 et prend axialement appui d'un côté sur la pièce mâle 30 et de l'autre côté sur le châssis 50. Un épaulement arrière 54 et un épaulement avant 56 qui sont tous les deux solidaires de la pièce mâle 30 coopèrent avec des surfaces d'appui solidaires du châssis 50 pour limiter la course axiale de la pièce mâle 30 dans deux directions opposées. Il sera noté que lors de l'accouplement du deuxième demi-accouplement au premier demi-accouplement, c'est le ressort 52 qui établit la pression de contact entre la pièce mâle 30 et la pièce femelle 28. Dans ce contexte il sera aussi apprécié que lorsque le deuxième demi-accouplement est accouplé au premier demi-accouplement les deux châssis 34 et 50 protègent efficacement les deux demi-raccords 28 et 30.The second coupling half 24, which is connected to the free end of the flexible pipe 20, will be described with the aid of Figures 5 and 6. The male part 30, which forms the gas connection in cooperation with the female part 28, is mounted in a chassis 50. This mounting is preferably carried out so that the male part 30, which projects relative to the chassis 50 is axially displaceable in the chassis 50 against the action of a spring 52. This the latter surrounds the male part 30 and bears axially on one side on the male part 30 and on the other side on the chassis 50. A rear shoulder 54 and a front shoulder 56 which are both integral with the male part 30 cooperate with support surfaces integral with the chassis 50 to limit the axial stroke of the male part 30 in two opposite directions. It will be noted that during the coupling of the second coupling half to the first coupling half, it is the spring 52 which establishes the contact pressure between the male part 30 and the female part 28. In this context it will also be appreciated that when the second coupling half is coupled to the first coupling half the two frames 34 and 50 effectively protect the two half-connections 28 and 30.

Le châssis 50 du deuxième demi-accouplement comprend encore une première paire d'alésage 58' et 58'' et une deuxième paire d'alésage 60' et 60''. La première paire d'alésage 58' et 58'' est agencée de façon à recevoir la paire de broches 44' et 44'' du premier demi-accouplement 22. La deuxième paire d'alésage 60' et 60'' est agencée de façon à recevoir une paire de broches 62' et 62'', qui est symétrique à la paire de broches 44' et 44'', mais qui est supportée par la station d'accouplement 26. Toutes ces broches 44', 44'', 62' et 62'' sont des pièces cylindriques à extrémité pointue qui s'engagent facilement dans les alésages correspondant 58' et 58'', 60' et 60'', mais qui assurent aussi un guidage assez précis du deuxième demi-accouplement selon l'axe d'accouplement. Chaque broche 44', 44'', 62' et 62'' comprend de plus une encoche 64 dont la fonction sera décrite ci-dessous en rapport avec le verrouillage du deuxième demi-accouplement sur le premier demi-accouplement 22, respectivement sur la station d'accouplement 26.The chassis 50 of the second coupling half further comprises a first pair of bores 58 'and 58''and a second pair of bores 60' and 60 ''. The first pair of bores 58 'and 58''is arranged so as to receive the pair of pins 44' and 44 '' of the first coupling half 22. The second pair of bores 60 'and 60''is arranged to receive a pair of pins 62' and 62 '', which is symmetrical to the pair of pins 44 'and 44'', but which is supported by the coupling station 26. All these pins 44 ', 44'',62' and 62 '' are cylindrical parts with pointed ends which easily engage in the corresponding bores 58 'and 58'',60' and 60 '', but which also provide fairly precise guidance of the second coupling half along the coupling axis. Each pin 44 ', 44'',62' and 62 '' further comprises a notch 64 whose function will be described below in relation to the locking of the second coupling half on the first coupling half 22, respectively on the coupling station 26.

Dans le châssis 50 du deuxième demi-accouplement (Figures 5 et 6) est intégrée une plaque de verrouillage 66. Cette dernière est par exemple une plaque annulaire qui est logée dans le châssis 50 de façon à pouvoir tourner autour de la pièce mâle 30. Un levier 68 la prolonge en-dehors du châssis 50 et permet de l'actionner. Sur la Figure 6 on voit que la forme de la plaque 66 est conçue de façon:

  • 1) que dans une première position elle pénètre avec son bord périphérique dans les encoches 64 des deux broches 62' et 62'' introduites à travers les alésages 60' et 60'', tout en laissant entièrement libre le passage à travers la paire d'alésage 58' et 58'' recevant les broches 44' et 44'';
  • 2) que dans une deuxième position elle pénètre avec son bord périphérique dans les encoches 64 des deux broches 44' et 44'' introduites à travers les alésages 58 et 58'' tout en laissant entièrement libre le passage à travers la paire d'alésages 60' et 60''.
In the chassis 50 of the second coupling half (Figures 5 and 6) is integrated a locking plate 66. The latter is for example an annular plate which is housed in the chassis 50 so as to be able to rotate around the male part 30. A lever 68 extends it outside the chassis 50 and allows it to be actuated. In Figure 6 we see that the shape of the plate 66 is designed so:
  • 1) that in a first position it penetrates with its peripheral edge into the notches 64 of the two pins 62 'and 62''introduced through the bores 60' and 60 '', while leaving entirely free the passage through the pair of 'bore 58' and 58 '' receiving pins 44 'and 44'';
  • 2) that in a second position it penetrates with its peripheral edge into the notches 64 of the two pins 44 'and 44''introduced through the bores 58 and 58''while leaving entirely free the passage through the pair of bores 60 'and 60''.

Dans la première position de la plaque de verrouillage le châssis de support 50 du deuxième demi-accouplement est par conséquent verrouillable axialement sur les deux broches 62' et 62'' solidaires de la station d'accouplement 26. Dans la deuxième position de la plaque de verrouillage 66 le deuxième demi-accouplement est par contre verrouillable axialement sur les deux broches 44' et 44'' qui sont solidaires du premier demi-accouplement. Le levier 68 permet de pivoter la plaque de verrouillage 66 de ladite première dans ladite deuxième position et vice versa.In the first position of the locking plate the support frame 50 of the second coupling half is therefore axially lockable on the two pins 62 'and 62''integral with the coupling station 26. In the second position of the locking plate 66 the second coupling half is lockable on the other hand on the two pins 44' and 44 '' which are integral with the first half coupling. The lever 68 makes it possible to pivot the locking plate 66 from said first to said second position and vice versa.

Sur les Figures 5 et 6 on voit encore que le deuxième demi-accouplement 24 est solidaire d'une structure de guidage et de fixation 70 de la conduite flexible 20. Cette structure 70 comprend une plaque de support 72 et deux surfaces de guidage 74 et 76 qui sont perpendiculaires à la plaque de support 72. La surface de guidage 74 définit un rayon de flexion minimum de la conduite flexible 20 dans une première direction de déplacement du chariot 10; la surface de guidage 76 définit un rayon de flexion minimum dans la direction opposée. L'extrémité de la conduite flexible 20 est fixée mécaniquement à l'aide d'une bride 78 à la plaque de support 72.In FIGS. 5 and 6 it can also be seen that the second half-coupling 24 is integral with a guide and fixing structure 70 of the flexible pipe 20. This structure 70 comprises a support plate 72 and two guide surfaces 74 and 76 which are perpendicular to the support plate 72. The guide surface 74 defines a minimum bending radius of the flexible pipe 20 in a first direction of movement of the carriage 10; the guide surface 76 defines a minimum bending radius in the opposite direction. The end of the flexible pipe 20 is mechanically fixed by means of a flange 78 to the support plate 72.

La troisième unité du dispositif, c'est-à-dire la station d'accouplement 26, est décrite à l'aide des Figures 7, 8 et 9. Elle comprend un chariot d'accouplement 80 déplaçable à l'aide de galets 81 sur des rails de guidage 82 (cf. Figure 8). Ces rails de guidage 82 sont supportés par une structure de support (non montrée) de façon que le chariot 80 soit déplaçable le long de ces rails de guidage 82 d'une position de garage, située latéralement à côté du chemin de roulement 12, en direction du premier demi-accouplement 22 parallèlement à l'axe d'accouplement 38 de ce dernier, si le chariot métallurgique 10 se trouve dans sa position d'accouplement prédéfinie. Le moyen d'entraînement de ce chariot d'accouplement 80 est par exemple un vérin hydraulique ou pneumatique 84 qui produit un déplacement de course C du chariot d'accouplement 80 (cf. Figure 9). Bien entendu on pourrait aussi utiliser tout autre dispositif d'entraînement capable de produire un mouvement rectiligne d'aller retour de course C.The third unit of the device, that is to say the coupling station 26, is described with the aid of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. It comprises a coupling carriage 80 movable by means of rollers 81 on guide rails 82 (see Figure 8). These guide rails 82 are supported by a support structure (not shown) so that the carriage 80 can be moved along these guide rails 82 from a garage position, located laterally next to the raceway 12, in direction of the first coupling half 22 parallel to the coupling axis 38 of the latter, if the metallurgical carriage 10 is in its predefined coupling position. The drive means of this coupling carriage 80 is for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 84 which produces a displacement movement C of the coupling carriage 80 (cf. FIG. 9). Of course we could also use any other drive device capable of producing a rectilinear back and forth movement of race C.

Le chariot 80 supporte lui-même à son extrémité avant un bloc de support 86 qui est conçu pour recevoir et supporter dans l'axe d'accouplement 38 le deuxième demi-accouplement 24. A cette fin il comprend la paire de broches 62' et 62'' qui a été décrite plus haut. Il sera noté que le bloc de support 86 n'est pas fixé rigidement sur le chariot d'accouplement 80, mais qu'il est supporté de façon à pouvoir coulisser perpendiculairement à l'axe 38, par exemple dans une paire de tiges 88 montées à l'extrémité avant du chariot 80. Ces tiges 88 sont avantageusement orientées dans une direction perpendiculaire à la direction définie par les tiges 40 du premier demi-accouplement. Sur les figures les tiges 40 sont par exemple verticales, alors que les tiges 88 sont horizontales. Des ressorts 90 définissent alors élastiquement une position centrale du bloc de support 86 sur la paire de tiges 88.The carriage 80 itself supports at its front end a support block 86 which is designed to receive and support in the coupling axis 38 the second coupling half 24. For this purpose it comprises the pair of pins 62 'and 62 '' which was described above. It will be noted that the support block 86 is not rigidly fixed on the coupling carriage 80, but that it is supported so that it can slide perpendicular to the axis 38, for example in a pair of rods 88 mounted at the front end of the carriage 80. These rods 88 are advantageously oriented in a direction perpendicular to the direction defined by the rods 40 of the first coupling half. In the figures, the rods 40 are for example vertical, while the rods 88 are horizontal. Springs 90 then elastically define a central position of the support block 86 on the pair of rods 88.

Le chariot d'accouplement 80 supporte encore un dispositif de commande 92 du levier 68 de la plaque de verrouillage 66 du deuxième demi-accouplement 24. Ce dispositif de commande 92 comprend par exemple deux vérins de commande 94 et 96 qui sont agencés sur des bras 98' et 98'' du chariot d'accouplement 80 de façon qu'ils se trouvent dans le plan de pivotement de la plaque de verrouillage 66, de part et d'autre du levier 68, lorsque les broches 62' et 62'' sont complètement engagées dans les alésages 60' et 60'' du deuxième demi-accouplement. Dans ce contexte il sera noté que les broches 62' et 62'' sont munies chacune d'un épaulement 100 qui coopère avec des surfaces d'appui sur le deuxième demi-accouplement de façon à définir un agencement axial du deuxième demi-accouplement sur les broches 62' et 62'' pour lequel la plaque de verrouillage 66 puisse pénétrer dans les encoches 64.The coupling carriage 80 also supports a control device 92 for the lever 68 of the locking plate 66 of the second coupling half 24. This control device 92 comprises for example two control jacks 94 and 96 which are arranged on arms 98 'and 98''of the coupling carriage 80 so that they are in the pivot plane of the locking plate 66, on either side of the lever 68, when the pins 62' and 62 '' are fully engaged in the bores 60 'and 60''of the second coupling half. In this context, it will be noted that the pins 62 'and 62''are each provided with a shoulder 100 which cooperates with bearing surfaces on the second coupling half so as to define an axial arrangement of the second coupling half on pins 62 'and 62''for which the locking plate 66 can penetrate into the notches 64.

Pour expliquer le fonctionnement du dispositif décrit ci-dessus, on se réfère à la Figure 1 en consultant simultanément toutes les autres figures en ce qui concerne les détails.To explain the operation of the device described above, reference is made to FIG. 1 while simultaneously consulting all the other figures with regard to the details.

De la position A à la position B le chariot 10, supportant la poche vide 14, n'est pas raccordé à la conduite flexible 20. Dans la position B le chariot 10 est arrêté sur son chemin de roulement 12 dans une position d'accouplement prédéfinie. Le deuxième demi-accouplement 24 est supporté et verrouillé sur le bloc de support 86 de la station d'accouplement 26. A cette fin la plaque de verrouillage 66 pénètre dans les encoches 64 des broches 62' et 62'' du chariot d'accouplement 80. Ce dernier se trouve dans sa position de garage.From position A to position B the carriage 10, supporting the empty bag 14, is not connected to the flexible pipe 20. In position B the carriage 10 is stopped on its raceway 12 in a coupling position predefined. The second coupling half 24 is supported and locked on the support block 86 of the coupling station 26. For this purpose the locking plate 66 penetrates into the notches 64 of the pins 62 'and 62' 'of the coupling carriage 80. The latter is in its garage position.

Maintenant le vérin 84 est actionné pour déplacer le chariot d'accouplement 80 parallèlement à l'axe d'accouplement 38 en direction du premier demi-accouplement sur le chariot métallurgique 10. Les broches 44' et 44'' du premier demi-accouplement pénètrent à travers les alésages 58' et 58'' du deuxième demi-accouplement et la pièce mâle 30 pénètre dans la pièce femelle 28 pour réaliser le raccord des conduites de gaz 20 et 16. S'il y a un désalignement horizontal entre les deux demi-accouplements 22 et 24, le deuxième demi-accouplement coulisse dans ses tiges 88. S'il y a un désalignement vertical entre les deux demi-accouplements 22 et 24, le premier demi-accouplement coulisse dans ses tiges 40. Dans ce contexte il sera noté que le premier demi-accouplement est généralement plus bas que le deuxième demi-accouplement, car la position relative des deux demi-accouplements est ajustée pour le chariot 10 sans la poche 14. Le mouvement du vérin 84 est arrêté par un contacteur de fin de course 102 monté sur le deuxième demi-accouplement. Ce contacteur de fin de course est par exemple actionné par la pièce mâle 30 lors de son recul axial ou par une des deux broches 44' et 44''. Le deuxième accouplement 24 se trouve maintenant engagé sur les broches 44' et 44'' du premier demi-accouplement de façon que la plaque de verrouillage 66 puisse pénétrer dans les encoches 64 de celles-ci. Dans cette position la pièce mâle 30 est pressée dans la pièce femelle 28 avec une pression de contact suffisante par le ressort 52.Now the jack 84 is actuated to move the coupling carriage 80 parallel to the coupling axis 38 in the direction of the first coupling half on the metallurgical carriage 10. The pins 44 'and 44''of the first coupling half penetrate through the bores 58 'and 58''of the second coupling half and the male part 30 enters the female part 28 to make the connection of the gas pipes 20 and 16. If there is a horizontal misalignment between the two half couplings 22 and 24, the second coupling half slides in its rods 88. If there is a vertical misalignment between the two coupling couplings 22 and 24, the first coupling half slides in its rods 40. In this context it it will be noted that the first coupling half is generally lower than the second coupling half, because the relative position of the two coupling half is adjusted for the carriage 10 without the pocket 14. The movement of the jack 84 is stopped by a limit switch 102 mounted on the second coupling half. This limit switch is for example actuated by the male part 30 during its axial recoil or by one of the two pins 44 'and 44''. The second coupling 24 is now engaged on pins 44 'and 44''of the first coupling half so that the locking plate 66 can penetrate into the notches 64 thereof. In this position, the male part 30 is pressed into the female part 28 with sufficient contact pressure by the spring 52.

Ensuite le dispositif de commande 92 est actionné pour pousser la plaque de verrouillage 66 de sa deuxième position dans sa première position. Les broches 62' et 62'' sont ainsi libérées et le deuxième demi-accouplement 24 est verrouillé sur le premier demi-accouplement 22. L'opération de raccordement de la conduite flexible 20 au chariot métallurgique 10 est terminée et le chariot d'accouplement 80 est retiré dans sa position de garage. Le chariot métallurgique 10, qui supporte maintenant le deuxième demi-accouplement 24 raccordé à la conduite flexible 20, peut avancer de la position B dans la position C. Il sera noté que lors de cette course la conduite flexible 20 est de préférence enroulée/déroulée automatiquement par un dévidoir 110 placé entre la position B et la position C, plus exactement à distances égales de la position B et de la position C.Then the control device 92 is actuated to push the locking plate 66 from its second position to its first position. Pins 62 'and 62' 'are thus freed and the second coupling half 24 is locked on the first coupling half 22. The operation of connecting the flexible pipe 20 to the metallurgical carriage 10 is completed and the coupling carriage 80 is removed to its garage position. The metallurgical carriage 10, which now supports the second coupling half 24 connected to the flexible pipe 20, can advance from position B to position C. It will be noted that during this race the flexible pipe 20 is preferably wound / unrolled automatically by a reel 110 placed between position B and position C, more exactly at equal distances from position B and from position C.

Lorsque le chariot métallurgique 10, qui est toujours raccordé à la conduite flexible 20, retourne de la position C vers la position B, il s'arrête dans sa position d'accouplement prédéfinie. Le chariot d'accouplement 80 est avancé de sa position de garage en direction du chariot 10 pour pénétrer avec ses broches 62' et 62'' dans les alésages 60' et 60'' du deuxième demi-accouplement 24 accouplé au premier demi-accouplement. Puis le dispositif de commande 92 est actionné pour déplacer la plaque de verrouillage 66 de sa première position dans sa deuxième position. En d'autres termes, le deuxième demi-accouplement 24 est déverrouillé par rapport au premier demi-accouplement 22 et est verrouillé par rapport au chariot d'accouplement 80. Ensuite le chariot d'accouplement 80 est retiré dans sa position de garage. Le chariot métallurgique 10 peut maintenant poursuivre sa course de la position B dans la position A, sans devoir entraîner la conduite flexible 20.When the metallurgical carriage 10, which is still connected to the flexible pipe 20, returns from position C to position B, it stops in its predefined coupling position. The coupling carriage 80 is advanced from its garage position in the direction of the carriage 10 to penetrate with its pins 62 'and 62''into the bores 60' and 60 '' of the second coupling half 24 coupled to the first coupling half . Then the control device 92 is actuated to move the locking plate 66 from its first position to its second position. In other words, the second coupling half 24 is unlocked with respect to the first coupling half 22 and is locked with respect to the coupling carriage 80. Then the coupling carriage 80 is removed to its garage position. The metallurgical carriage 10 can now continue its travel from position B to position A, without having to drive the flexible pipe 20.

Il sera apprécié que ni l'opération d'accouplement, ni l'opération de désaccouplement du chariot métallurgique 10 à la conduite flexible 20 ne nécessitent une intervention humaine sur le chariot 10.It will be appreciated that neither the coupling operation, nor the uncoupling operation of the metallurgical carriage 10 from the flexible pipe 20 requires human intervention on the carriage 10.

Dans l'exécution décrite ci-dessus la conduite flexible 20 comprend essentiellement des tuyaux flexibles pour des gaz de traitement. Il est cependant évident que cette conduite flexible 20 pourrait aussi comprendre des tuyaux pour de l'air comprimé et pour des liquides, ainsi que des câbles pour le transfert d'énergie électrique ou de signaux; à condition d'équiper le premier demi-accouplement et le deuxième demi-accouplement avec des demi-raccords adéquats.In the embodiment described above, the flexible pipe 20 essentially comprises flexible pipes for process gases. It is however obvious that this flexible pipe 20 could also include pipes for compressed air and for liquids, as well as cables for the transfer of electrical energy or signals; provided that the first coupling half and the second coupling half are fitted with suitable half-fittings.

Claims (12)

Dispositif pour l'accouplement d'un chariot métallurgique (10) à une conduite flexible (20), comprenant
   un premier demi-accouplement (22) monté sur le chariot métallurgique (10),
   un deuxième demi-accouplement (24) connecté à une extrémité de la conduite flexible (20) et conçu de façon à pouvoir être reçu sur le premier demi-accouplement (22),
   caractérisé
   en ce que une station d'accouplement (26) est localisée près d'une position d'accouplement prédéfinie pour le chariot métallurgique (10), cette station d'accouplement (26) comprenant
   un bloc de support (86) conçu pour recevoir et supporter ledit deuxième demi-accouplement (24),
   des moyens d'entraînement pour déplacer le bloc de support (86) d'une position de garage en direction du premier demi-accouplement (22) et vice versa, lorsque le chariot métallurgique (10) se trouve dans sa position d'accouplement prédéfinie, et
   un dispositif de commande (92), et
   en ce que le deuxième demi-accouplement (24) est muni d'un dispositif de verrouillage qui est actionnable par ledit dispositif de commande et qui définit
   une première position de verrouillage dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément du premier demi-accouplement (22) de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement (24) en position accouplée sur le premier demi-accouplement (22), et
   une deuxième position de verrouillage dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un élément dudit support de façon à verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement (24) sur son support sur la station d'accouplement (26).Device for coupling a metallurgical carriage (10) to a flexible pipe (20), comprising
a first coupling half (22) mounted on the metallurgical carriage (10),
a second coupling half (24) connected to one end of the flexible pipe (20) and designed so that it can be received on the first coupling half (22),
characterized
in that a coupling station (26) is located near a predefined coupling position for the metallurgical carriage (10), this coupling station (26) comprising
a support block (86) designed to receive and support said second coupling half (24),
drive means for moving the support block (86) from a garage position towards the first coupling half (22) and vice versa, when the metallurgical carriage (10) is in its predefined coupling position , and
a control device (92), and
in that the second coupling half (24) is provided with a locking device which is actuable by said control device and which defines
a first locking position in which it cooperates with at least one element of the first coupling half (22) so as to lock the second coupling half (24) in the coupled position on the first coupling half (22), and
a second locking position in which it cooperates with at least one element of said support so as to lock the second coupling half (24) on its support on the coupling station (26). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le deuxième demi-accouplement (24) forme une unité avec une structure de guidage et de fixation (70) pour la conduite flexible (20).Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second coupling half (24) forms a unit with a guide and fixing structure (70) for the flexible pipe (20). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé
   en ce le bloc de support (86) comprend une première paire de broches (62', 62'') engageables dans une première paire d'alésages (60', 60'') du deuxième demi-accouplement (24), et
   en ce le premier demi-accouplement (22) comprend une seconde paire de broches (44', 44'') engageables dans une seconde paire d'alésages (58', 58'') du deuxième demi-accouplement (24).Device according to claim 1, characterized
in that the support block (86) comprises a first pair of pins (62 ', 62'') which can be engaged in a first pair of bores (60', 60 '') of the second coupling half (24), and
in that the first coupling half (22) comprises a second pair of pins (44 ', 44'') which can be engaged in a second pair of bores (58', 58 '') of the second coupling half (24). Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les broches d'une paire sont symétriques par rapport à l'axe d'accouplement (38).Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pins of a pair are symmetrical with respect to the coupling axis (38). Dispositif selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de verrouillage comprend une plaque de verrouillage (66) qui est déplaçable entre une première position et une deuxième position de façon que dans la première position elle s'engage dans des encoches (64) de la première paire de broches (62', 62'') pour verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement (24) sur le bloc de support (86) de la station d'accouplement (26), et que dans la deuxième position elle s'engage dans des encoches (64) de la deuxième paire de broches (44', 44'') pour verrouiller le deuxième demi-accouplement (24) sur le premier demi-accouplement (22).Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the locking device comprises a locking plate (66) which is movable between a first position and a second position so that in the first position it engages in notches ( 64) of the first pair of pins (62 ', 62' ') to lock the second coupling half (24) on the support block (86) of the coupling station (26), and only in the second position it engages in notches (64) of the second pair of pins (44 ', 44' ') to lock the second coupling half (24) on the first coupling half (22). Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la plaque de verrouillage (66) comprend un levier d'actionnement (68), et en ce que le dispositif de commande (92) comprend deux vérins de commande (94, 96) symétriques par rapport au levier d'actionnement (68).Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking plate (66) comprises an actuating lever (68), and in that the control device (92) comprises two control cylinders (94, 96) symmetrical by relative to the actuation lever (68). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendication 1 à 6, caractérisé
   en ce que le premier demi-accouplement (22) est monté sur le chariot métallurgique (10) de façon à avoir un degré de liberté selon une première direction perpendiculaire à l'axe d'accouplement (38), et
   en ce que le bloc de support (86) est monté sur la station d'accouplement (26) de façon à avoir un degré de liberté selon une deuxième direction qui est perpendiculaire à l'axe d'accouplement (38) et perpendiculaire à ladite première direction.Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized
in that the first coupling half (22) is mounted on the metallurgical carriage (10) so as to have a degree freedom in a first direction perpendicular to the coupling axis (38), and
in that the support block (86) is mounted on the coupling station (26) so as to have a degree of freedom in a second direction which is perpendicular to the coupling axis (38) and perpendicular to said first direction. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le degré de liberté du bloc de support (86) est défini selon une direction horizontale par des éléments élastiques (88, 90) symétriquement autour d'une position centrale.Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the degree of freedom of the support block (86) is defined in a horizontal direction by elastic elements (88, 90) symmetrically around a central position. Dispositif selon la revendication 7 ou 8, caractérisé en ce que le degré de liberté du premier demi-accouplement (22) est un degré de liberté vertical défini contre des éléments élastiques (42) produisant une force élastique vers le haut.Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the degree of freedom of the first coupling half (22) is a vertical degree of freedom defined against elastic elements (42) producing an upward elastic force. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce qu'un des deux demi-accouplements (24) comprend un demi-raccord mâle (30) qui coopère avec un demi-raccord femelle (28) de l'autre demi-accouplement (22).Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one of the two half-couplings (24) comprises a male half-connector (30) which cooperates with a female half-connector (28) on the other half coupling (22). Dispositif selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le demi-raccord mâle (30) est coulissable axialement contre l'action d'un ressort (52).Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the male half-connector (30) is axially slidable against the action of a spring (52). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que la conduite flexible (20) comprend au moins un tuyau flexible de gaz.Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flexible pipe (20) comprises at least one flexible gas pipe.
EP95100345A 1994-02-02 1995-01-12 Installation for coupling a movable metallurgical vessel to a flexible gas conduit Expired - Lifetime EP0666324B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
LU88457A LU88457A1 (en) 1994-02-02 1994-02-02 Device for coupling a metallurgical carriage to a flexible pipe
LU88457 1994-02-02

Publications (2)

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EP0666324A1 true EP0666324A1 (en) 1995-08-09
EP0666324B1 EP0666324B1 (en) 2000-04-19

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US (1) US5520374A (en)
EP (1) EP0666324B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE191935T1 (en)
AU (1) AU691222B2 (en)
BR (1) BR9500530A (en)
CA (1) CA2140219A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69516321T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2145167T3 (en)
LU (1) LU88457A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA95470B (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0320841A2 (en) * 1987-12-18 1989-06-21 Paul Wurth S.A. Device for coupling a metallurgical ladle to the gas supply
US5065986A (en) * 1990-07-30 1991-11-19 Insul Company, Inc. Automatic gas hookup to a ladle
LU87868A1 (en) * 1990-12-21 1992-08-25 Wurth Paul Sa QUICK DOUBLE FLOW CONNECTION FOR AUTOMATIC AND SIMULTANEOUS COUPLING OF A METALLURGICAL POCKET TO TWO DIFFERENT GAS NETWORKS
EP0537536A1 (en) * 1991-10-09 1993-04-21 Paul Wurth S.A. Device for automatic coupling a metallurgical ladle to conduits

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0320841A2 (en) * 1987-12-18 1989-06-21 Paul Wurth S.A. Device for coupling a metallurgical ladle to the gas supply
US4883259A (en) * 1987-12-18 1989-11-28 Paul Wurth S.A. Apparatus for coupling a metallurgical ladle to a gas supply
US5065986A (en) * 1990-07-30 1991-11-19 Insul Company, Inc. Automatic gas hookup to a ladle
LU87868A1 (en) * 1990-12-21 1992-08-25 Wurth Paul Sa QUICK DOUBLE FLOW CONNECTION FOR AUTOMATIC AND SIMULTANEOUS COUPLING OF A METALLURGICAL POCKET TO TWO DIFFERENT GAS NETWORKS
EP0537536A1 (en) * 1991-10-09 1993-04-21 Paul Wurth S.A. Device for automatic coupling a metallurgical ladle to conduits

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Neuentwicklungen für die Pfannenmetallurgie", STAHL UND EISEN, vol. 111, no. 6, 14 June 1991 (1991-06-14), DUSSELDORF DE, pages 81 - 82, XP000209374 *
STAHL UND EISEN, vol. 107, no. 25/26, 14 December 1987 (1987-12-14), DUSSELDORF DE, pages 1213 *

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Publication number Publication date
ZA95470B (en) 1995-09-28
LU88457A1 (en) 1995-09-01
US5520374A (en) 1996-05-28
BR9500530A (en) 1995-10-24
AU1151695A (en) 1995-08-10
AU691222B2 (en) 1998-05-14
DE69516321T2 (en) 2000-09-07
EP0666324B1 (en) 2000-04-19
ES2145167T3 (en) 2000-07-01
ATE191935T1 (en) 2000-05-15
DE69516321D1 (en) 2000-05-25
CA2140219A1 (en) 1995-08-03

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