EP1786581A1 - Dispensing device for steel casting and the like - Google Patents

Dispensing device for steel casting and the like

Info

Publication number
EP1786581A1
EP1786581A1 EP04770780A EP04770780A EP1786581A1 EP 1786581 A1 EP1786581 A1 EP 1786581A1 EP 04770780 A EP04770780 A EP 04770780A EP 04770780 A EP04770780 A EP 04770780A EP 1786581 A1 EP1786581 A1 EP 1786581A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
retaining
casting
refractory
slide
engaged
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
EP04770780A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1786581B1 (en
Inventor
Pierangelo Frera
Giuseppe Cavallari
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.)
Comeca Costruzioni Meccaniche Carpenteria SpA
Original Assignee
Comeca Costruzioni Meccaniche Carpenteria SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Comeca Costruzioni Meccaniche Carpenteria SpA filed Critical Comeca Costruzioni Meccaniche Carpenteria SpA
Publication of EP1786581A1 publication Critical patent/EP1786581A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1786581B1 publication Critical patent/EP1786581B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/14—Closures
    • B22D41/22—Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings
    • B22D41/24—Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings characterised by a rectilinearly movable plate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/14—Closures
    • B22D41/22—Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings
    • B22D41/28—Plates therefor
    • B22D41/34—Supporting, fixing or centering means therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/14—Closures
    • B22D41/22—Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings
    • B22D41/38—Means for operating the sliding gate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/14—Closures
    • B22D41/22—Closures sliding-gate type, i.e. having a fixed plate and a movable plate in sliding contact with each other for selective registry of their openings
    • B22D41/40—Means for pressing the plates together

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dispensing device for steel casting and the like.
  • the present invention find an advantageous application in cast steel containers, such as for instance casting ladles or funnels . Still more particularly, the present invention is applied to dispensing nozzles of the steel casting, which are generally placed at the base of the above mentioned casting ladles for permitting the gravity exit of the melt .
  • the dispensing devices are comprised by an upper plate made of a refractory material, wherein an opening, placed in correspondence of the nozzle of a casting ladle containing the melt (steel casting) is obtained.
  • the upper plate is abutted, in correspondence of a respective basic surface, on a lower plate, made of a refractory material as well, and having a respective opening.
  • the lower plate is movable by sliding on the upper plate between a position wherein the respective openings of the two plates are coincidental and define a casting passage gap, and a position wherein the lower plate obstructs the hole of the upper plate. In this way, when the steel casting has to be dispensed, the lower plate arranges itself in the respective position wherein the passage gap allows the runoff by falling of the steel casting outside the respective ladle.
  • the lower plate is associated with respective movement means, such as sliding guides, to permit a movement along a respective direction, according to a back-and-forth reciprocating motion.
  • respective movement means such as sliding guides
  • the plates made of a refractory material are contained inside a drawer capable of isolating the plates themselves from the surroundings and containing the heat due to the high temperature of the casting inside the drawer.
  • the plates may be not coplanar one with the other, by causing the wear only of some parts of the contact surfaces. In this situation, the plates are impaired very easily and the same must be replaced after short work cycles.
  • a further drawback consists in that the "smoothing" of some portions of the contact surfaces hinders the movement of the lower plate by causing the blocking of the lower plate itself upon the other plate. Consequently, the non-movement of the lower plate is proven to be particularly harmful, especially if the same remains blocked in an opening condition while continuing to dispense the steel casting.
  • the object of the present invention is to solve the problems found in the known art, by proposing a dispensing device for steel casting capable of preserving the fast wear of the refractory materials.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device for steel casting wherein the plates always remain abutted and not coplanar one with the other, in order to avoid the formation of portions more worn than others.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device which is easy to construct and of reduced costs .
  • - fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing device for steel casting according to the present invention
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device in figure 1 in a respective non-operating condition
  • FIG. 3 shows a top side and in partial section view of the device of figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the device of figure 1;
  • FIG. 5 shows the device shown in figure 3 associated with a respective casting ladle.
  • the dispensing device for steel casting and the like according to the invention is generally shown with numeral 1. As illustrated in figure 5, the device 1 is advantageously applicable to a casting ladle 2 containing cast steel. However, it should be specified that the present invention may be applied to any container arranged for containing each kind of material, melted at a high temperature.
  • the device 1 is associated in correspondence with a runoff nozzle 3 of the casting ladle 2 arranged in correspondence of a bottom wall of the casting ladle 2 itself.
  • the nozzle 3 has a respective opening 3a from which the steel casting exits by gravity.
  • the dispensing device 1 which is the subject of the present invention has a first refractory element 4 wherein a through opening 4a, placed in correspondence with the nozzle 3, is obtained.
  • the first element 4 is associated with the nozzle 3 so as to arrange the respective opening 4a in correspondence with the opening 3a of the nozzle 3.
  • the first element 4 has a substantially plate-shaped conformation and an elliptical perimetrical development, wherein a contacting plane surface 5 is defined and placed opposite with respect of the nozzle 3 of the casting ladle 2.
  • the first refractory element 4 is housed in correspondence with a first retaining portion 6, which is restrained at the base of the respective casting ladle 2.
  • the first retaining portion 6 is formed by a plate having a housing through opening 6a shaped opposite to the respective first refractory element 4.
  • the first refractory element 4 is arranged in the mentioned housing opening 6a so that to slightly protruding with the respective contact surface 5 outside the first portion 6.
  • the device 1 further shows a second refractory element 7 having a respective through opening 7a as well, and movable, as it will be better explained below, between a first position, wherein the respective openings 4a, 7a of the first and the second elements 4, 7 are coincidental and define a passage air gap of the cast, and a second position, wherein the respective openings 4a, 7a are moved apart among them, in order to avoid the casting passage.
  • the second refractory element 7 shows a substantially plate-shaped conformation having a substantially elliptical perimetrical development.
  • the second element 7 further shows a respective planar contact surface 8, which is abutted at the contact surface 5 of the first element 4, and an outer surface 9 opposite to the mentioned contact surface 8.
  • the first element 7 further shows a runoff duct 10 extending from the outer surface 9 and coaxial with the mentioned opening 7a of the second element 7 itself.
  • the duct 10 has a substantially frustoconical conformation within which the mentioned opening 7a is longitudinally developed.
  • the second element 7 is advantageously supported by a proper support element 11, which is associated with movement means 12 suitable for moving the second element 7 itself along a respective moving direction A between the first and the second position in order to glide the respective contact surfaces 5, 8 with each other.
  • the support element 11 has a retaining body 13 irremovably engaged to the outer surface 9 of the second element 7 and a movable slide 14 associated with the retaining body 13.
  • the retaining body 13 is formed by a plate (see in particular figure 4) having a through opening 13a for containing the second element 7. It should be noted that, in this situation, the second element 7 associated with the retaining body 13 is protruding in correspondence of the contact" surface 8 outside the retaining body 13 towards the first element 4; while the duct 10, passing through the mentioned opening 13a is extending below the retaining body 13. Moreover, the retaining body 13 is hinged to the slide 14 along a respective rotation axis parallel to the A moving direction of the second element 7. In particular, the slide 14 has a box conformation defining a first surface 15a faced to the retaining body 13 and a second surface 15b opposite to the first one 15a.
  • the slide 14 also has a through opening 15, arranged for housing the duct 10 of the first element 7.
  • the retaining body 13 also has a pair of rotation pins 16 coaxial one with regard to each other and placed from opposite parts of the retaining body 13 along the movement direction A.
  • Each pin 16 is rotatably associated with a side portion of the slide 14, so as to rotate the retaining body 13 supporting the second element 7 with respect to the slide 14 itself.
  • the device 1 further has sliding means 17 associated between the second surface 15b of the slide 14 and a pushing means 18 acting on the second refractory element 7 for keeping the second element 7 itself abutted against the first element 4, as it will be better explained below.
  • the sliding means 17 allow the movement of the slide 14 along the A direction and are formed by at least a pair of skids 17a, of a known type and then not further described, sliding one upon the other.
  • the mentioned skids 17 are associated on the second surface 15b of the slide 14 and on a first surface 19a of a support base 19, respectively, (see figure 3) forming part of the mentioned pushing means 18.
  • the support base 19 has a substantially parallelepiped conformation with a rectangular peripheral development and has the above mentioned first surface 19a on which sliding means 17 are placed, and a second surface 19b opposite to the first one 19a. Further, likewise to the slide 14, also the base 19 has a through opening 19c in a central position and arranged for receiving the duct 10 of the second element 7.
  • the pushing means 18 also has at least a spring member 20 engaged at the second surface 19b of the base 19, so that to push the base 19 itself against the support element 11 in a pushing way transversal to the A movement direction.
  • the spring member 20 is formed by at least a spring 21 having a first end 21a associated with a second retaining portion 22 which can be engaged to the first retaining portion 6, and a second end 21b associated with the second surface 19b of the base 19.
  • the spring member 20 has a plurality of cup springs 21, of a known type and therefore not further described, which are diagrammaticalIy illustrated in figures 3 and 4.
  • the springs " 21 ma be inserted in proper housing spaces obtained in the second surface 19b of the base 19.
  • the first end 21a of the springs 21 is protruding outside of the mentioned space in order to be abutted at the second retaining portion 22.
  • the springs 21 are arranged in two parallel rows at the A movement direction, placed opposite with respect of the through opening 19c of the base 19 and relative to the duct 10.
  • the second retaining portion 22 has a substantially box- shaped conformation having a peripheral edge 22a arranged for being engaged at the first retaining portion 6 in order to define a retaining drawer 23 in which the first and the second refractory element 4, 7, the pushing means 18 and the support element 11 are housed. Also the second portion 22 has a respective through opening 22b, arranged for receiving the duct 10, which develops outside the retaining drawer 23. In other words, the duct 10 develops from the outer surface 9 of the second refractory element 7 through the openings obtained in the retaining body 13, in the slide 14, in the support base 19 and in the second retaining portion 22 (see figure 3) . In this way, the duct 10 within which the opening 7a is developed provide for flowing down the cast outside the retaining drawer 23.
  • the device 1 further has a protection plate 24 associated with the second retaining portion 22 through proper connecting screws 24a of a known type.
  • the protection plate 24 has a hole 24b for receiving the duct portion 10 exiting from the drawer 23. In this case, the plate 24 is detached from the drawer 23 so that to protect the drawer 23 from possible portions of the steel casting.
  • the movement of the second refractory element 7 is caused by the moving means 12, diagrammatically shown in figure 1.
  • Such moving means 12 are preferably arranged outside the retaining drawer 23 and have a linear actuator 12a of a known type and therefore not further described in detail.
  • the actuator 12a which by way of example may be comprised by a pneumatic ram, is aligned at the drawer 23 and has a connecting arm 12b engaged to the slide 14 and passing through a connecting hole 22c made on the peripheral edge 22a of the second retaining portion 22. In this way, the actuator 12a is directly connected to the slide 14 through the arm 12b, which develops longitudinally along the A movement direction, for moving the slide itself and consequently also the second refractory element 7 between the respective first and second position.
  • the device 1 also includes a hooking means 25 associated with the first and the second retaining portions 6, 22 for switching the portion themselves between a first constraint position, wherein the portions are stiffly engaged for defining the retaining drawer (figure 1) , and a release position, wherein the portions are moved apart one from the other (figure 2) .
  • the hooking means is formed by two pairs of bored portions 26, protruding outside the drawer 23 and associated with the peripheral edge 22a of the second portion 22.
  • the bored portions 26 are coaxial one with regard to the other and spaced so as to receive the respective pliers element 27.
  • a cam plug 28 (see figure 1) may be inserted and a pliers element 27, which is engaged at the first retaining portion 6 in a substantially peripheral position, can be associated with the above cam plug 28.
  • Each pliers element 27 has two protruding and spaced portions 27a for defining a housing space of the plug 28.
  • each pliers element is arranged between a corresponding pair of bored portions 26 so as to arrange the protruding portions 27a between the respective plug 28.
  • the plug 28 can be switched between a free position, wherein the protruding portions can pass through the plug 28 itself, and a blocking position, wherein the protruding portions cannot pass through such plug. In this way, when the pliers element 27 is arranged between the respective bored portions 26, the plug 28 is switched in the respective blocking position by restraining the element 27 at the plug 28 itself.
  • a hinge 29 is developed, of a know type and therefore not further described in detail, for allowing the relative rotation between the first portion 6 and the second portion 22 in the above mentioned release condition, wherein the portions themselves are moved apart one with respect to the other (see figure 2) .
  • the same are neared and rotated by means of the hinge 29, until to arrange the contact surfaces 5 and 8 abutted one to the other.
  • the pliers elements 27 are inserted in the respective pairs of bored portions 26 and the plugs 28 are inserted in the respective spaces made by the pliers element and the pairs of bored portions 26, in order to carry out the above mentioned restraint condition of the retaining portions.
  • the second refractory element 7 in the restraint condition of the two retaining portions 6, 22, the second refractory element 7 is abutted on the first element 4 and pushed towards the pushing means 18.
  • the thrust of the second element is transferred to the support element 11, which pushes on the base 19.
  • This pushing operation is hindered by the springs 21, , which compress themselves by pushing in turn the base 19 towards the support element.
  • the second refractory element 7 is constantly kept abutted on the first refractory element 4.
  • the contact surface 8 of the second element 7 remains evenly abutted on the contact surface 5 of the first element 4.
  • the pushing action of the springs 21 arranged in the two parallel rows is uniformly transferred from the base 19 and to the support element 11.
  • the contact surfaces 5 and 8 always remain evenly abutted.
  • the movement means 12 are energized by shifting the arm 12b along the mentioned A movement direction.
  • the slide 14, engaged with the arm 12b runs on the respective sliding means 17 by moving the retaining body 13 and consequently the second refractory element 7.
  • the skids 17a run one on the other by allowing the movement of the slide 14 and maintaining the base 19 operably engaged to the slide 14 for keeping the pushing action of the springs 21.
  • the second refractory element 7 is moved until it is in the corresponding first position, wherein the respective opening 7a is arranged in correspondence with the opening 4a of the first element 4.
  • the steel casting fall down by gravity from the opening 4a of the first element 4 to the opening 7a of the second element 7 for flowing down along the duct 10.
  • the steel casting is dispensed by the duct 10 outside the drawer 23 until the movement means 12 provide for arranging again the second refractory element 7 in the respective second position, in which it obstructs the opening 4a of the first element 4.
  • the invention attains important advantages and achieves the proposed objects.
  • the contact surface 8 of the second refractory element 7 always remains in contact and coplanar with the contact surface 5 of the first refractory element 4. This is due to the action of the springs 21 which push evenly the second element 7 towards the first element 4.
  • the positioning of the second element 7 relative to the first one 4 is adaptable by virtue of the rotation possibility of the second element 7 itself on the pins 16.
  • the second element 7 as well is adapted to such a displacement as it is rotatably mounted on the retaining body 13. Consequently, the contact surfaces 5, 8 always remain coplanar and their wear is limited.
  • the refractory elements 4, 7 may execute multiple work cycles and can be replaced less frequently, with a consequent economical saving.
  • a further advantage due to the possibility of maintaining the contact surfaces coplanar is to ensure the proper sliding of the refractory elements. In fact, by keeping the surfaces coplanar, portions wearer than others are not carried out and consequently the second element 7 does not block during its movement. Finally, a further advantage is given by the device structure, which is very simple, easy to carry out and of limited costs .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Steel In Its Molten State (AREA)

Abstract

Dispensing device for steel casting and the like, showing a first refractory element (4) having a through opening (4a) placed in correspondence of a runoff nozzle (3) of the steel casting and a second refractory element (7) associated with the first refractory element (4) and showing a respective through opening (7a). The second element (7) is movable between a first position, wherein the respective openings (4a, 7a) of the first and the second element (4, 7) are coincident and define a passage gap of said casting, and a second position, wherein the respective openings (4a, 7a) are moved apart one from the other in order not to allow the passage of the casting. It is also foreseen a pushing means (18) acting on said second refractory element (7) for keeping the second element itself (7) abutted against the first element (4).

Description

— ~\ —
DISPENSING DEVICE FOR STEEL CASTING AND THE LIKE
* * * * *
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a dispensing device for steel casting and the like.
Particularly, the present invention find an advantageous application in cast steel containers, such as for instance casting ladles or funnels . Still more particularly, the present invention is applied to dispensing nozzles of the steel casting, which are generally placed at the base of the above mentioned casting ladles for permitting the gravity exit of the melt .
As it is known, the dispensing devices are comprised by an upper plate made of a refractory material, wherein an opening, placed in correspondence of the nozzle of a casting ladle containing the melt (steel casting) is obtained.
The upper plate is abutted, in correspondence of a respective basic surface, on a lower plate, made of a refractory material as well, and having a respective opening.
The lower plate is movable by sliding on the upper plate between a position wherein the respective openings of the two plates are coincidental and define a casting passage gap, and a position wherein the lower plate obstructs the hole of the upper plate. In this way, when the steel casting has to be dispensed, the lower plate arranges itself in the respective position wherein the passage gap allows the runoff by falling of the steel casting outside the respective ladle.
Generally, the lower plate is associated with respective movement means, such as sliding guides, to permit a movement along a respective direction, according to a back-and-forth reciprocating motion.
In addition, the plates made of a refractory material are contained inside a drawer capable of isolating the plates themselves from the surroundings and containing the heat due to the high temperature of the casting inside the drawer.
The dispensing devices above described show however important drawbacks .
Such drawbacks are bound to the movement of the lower plate upon the upper plate, which movement produces in the long run considerable damages.
In fact, the continuous sliding of the lower plate causes a gradual wear of the surfaces contacting the respective plates.
Such damage involves the unavoidable replacement of the plates with the consequent disadvantage in terms of cost, just due to the production cost of each plate made of high-temperature proof material.
It should also be considered that the wear of the contact surfaces does not occur in an homogenous manner because of possible phase displacement between a plate and the other.
In fact, further to slight displacements, the plates may be not coplanar one with the other, by causing the wear only of some parts of the contact surfaces. In this situation, the plates are impaired very easily and the same must be replaced after short work cycles. Moreover, a further drawback consists in that the "smoothing" of some portions of the contact surfaces hinders the movement of the lower plate by causing the blocking of the lower plate itself upon the other plate. Consequently, the non-movement of the lower plate is proven to be particularly harmful, especially if the same remains blocked in an opening condition while continuing to dispense the steel casting.
The object of the present invention is to solve the problems found in the known art, by proposing a dispensing device for steel casting capable of preserving the fast wear of the refractory materials. In detail, the object of the invention is to provide a dispensing device for steel casting wherein the plates always remain abutted and not coplanar one with the other, in order to avoid the formation of portions more worn than others.
Moreover, a further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device which is easy to construct and of reduced costs .
These and other objects, which will result more evident during the following description, are substantially attained by a dispensing device for steel casting and the like, comprising the features stated in the claim 1. Further features and advantages will more result from the detailed description of a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of a dispensing device for steel casting, according to the present invention. Such description will be show hereinafter with reference to the enclosed figures, which are given by way of example only but not limitation, wherein:
- fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispensing device for steel casting according to the present invention;
- fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the device in figure 1 in a respective non-operating condition;
- fig. 3 shows a top side and in partial section view of the device of figure 1;
- fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the device of figure 1;
- fig. 5 shows the device shown in figure 3 associated with a respective casting ladle.
With reference to the mentioned figures, the dispensing device for steel casting and the like according to the invention is generally shown with numeral 1. As illustrated in figure 5, the device 1 is advantageously applicable to a casting ladle 2 containing cast steel. However, it should be specified that the present invention may be applied to any container arranged for containing each kind of material, melted at a high temperature.
In particular, the device 1 is associated in correspondence with a runoff nozzle 3 of the casting ladle 2 arranged in correspondence of a bottom wall of the casting ladle 2 itself. The nozzle 3 has a respective opening 3a from which the steel casting exits by gravity.
The dispensing device 1 which is the subject of the present invention has a first refractory element 4 wherein a through opening 4a, placed in correspondence with the nozzle 3, is obtained. Preferably, the first element 4 is associated with the nozzle 3 so as to arrange the respective opening 4a in correspondence with the opening 3a of the nozzle 3.
As it is better shown in figures 2 and 4, the first element 4 has a substantially plate-shaped conformation and an elliptical perimetrical development, wherein a contacting plane surface 5 is defined and placed opposite with respect of the nozzle 3 of the casting ladle 2.
Advantageously, the first refractory element 4 is housed in correspondence with a first retaining portion 6, which is restrained at the base of the respective casting ladle 2. In particular, the first retaining portion 6 is formed by a plate having a housing through opening 6a shaped opposite to the respective first refractory element 4. In this case, the first refractory element 4 is arranged in the mentioned housing opening 6a so that to slightly protruding with the respective contact surface 5 outside the first portion 6. The device 1 further shows a second refractory element 7 having a respective through opening 7a as well, and movable, as it will be better explained below, between a first position, wherein the respective openings 4a, 7a of the first and the second elements 4, 7 are coincidental and define a passage air gap of the cast, and a second position, wherein the respective openings 4a, 7a are moved apart among them, in order to avoid the casting passage.
In detail, the second refractory element 7 shows a substantially plate-shaped conformation having a substantially elliptical perimetrical development. The second element 7 further shows a respective planar contact surface 8, which is abutted at the contact surface 5 of the first element 4, and an outer surface 9 opposite to the mentioned contact surface 8. Again, the first element 7 further shows a runoff duct 10 extending from the outer surface 9 and coaxial with the mentioned opening 7a of the second element 7 itself. In particular, the duct 10 has a substantially frustoconical conformation within which the mentioned opening 7a is longitudinally developed.
The second element 7 is advantageously supported by a proper support element 11, which is associated with movement means 12 suitable for moving the second element 7 itself along a respective moving direction A between the first and the second position in order to glide the respective contact surfaces 5, 8 with each other. In particular, the support element 11 has a retaining body 13 irremovably engaged to the outer surface 9 of the second element 7 and a movable slide 14 associated with the retaining body 13.
Still more particularly, the retaining body 13 is formed by a plate (see in particular figure 4) having a through opening 13a for containing the second element 7. It should be noted that, in this situation, the second element 7 associated with the retaining body 13 is protruding in correspondence of the contact" surface 8 outside the retaining body 13 towards the first element 4; while the duct 10, passing through the mentioned opening 13a is extending below the retaining body 13. Moreover, the retaining body 13 is hinged to the slide 14 along a respective rotation axis parallel to the A moving direction of the second element 7. In particular, the slide 14 has a box conformation defining a first surface 15a faced to the retaining body 13 and a second surface 15b opposite to the first one 15a. The slide 14 also has a through opening 15, arranged for housing the duct 10 of the first element 7. As illustrated in the exploded view of figure 4, the retaining body 13 also has a pair of rotation pins 16 coaxial one with regard to each other and placed from opposite parts of the retaining body 13 along the movement direction A. Each pin 16 is rotatably associated with a side portion of the slide 14, so as to rotate the retaining body 13 supporting the second element 7 with respect to the slide 14 itself. The device 1 further has sliding means 17 associated between the second surface 15b of the slide 14 and a pushing means 18 acting on the second refractory element 7 for keeping the second element 7 itself abutted against the first element 4, as it will be better explained below.
In particular, the sliding means 17 allow the movement of the slide 14 along the A direction and are formed by at least a pair of skids 17a, of a known type and then not further described, sliding one upon the other. Advantageously, the mentioned skids 17 are associated on the second surface 15b of the slide 14 and on a first surface 19a of a support base 19, respectively, (see figure 3) forming part of the mentioned pushing means 18.
In particular, the support base 19 has a substantially parallelepiped conformation with a rectangular peripheral development and has the above mentioned first surface 19a on which sliding means 17 are placed, and a second surface 19b opposite to the first one 19a. Further, likewise to the slide 14, also the base 19 has a through opening 19c in a central position and arranged for receiving the duct 10 of the second element 7. The pushing means 18 also has at least a spring member 20 engaged at the second surface 19b of the base 19, so that to push the base 19 itself against the support element 11 in a pushing way transversal to the A movement direction.
In particular, the spring member 20 is formed by at least a spring 21 having a first end 21a associated with a second retaining portion 22 which can be engaged to the first retaining portion 6, and a second end 21b associated with the second surface 19b of the base 19. Preferably, the spring member 20 has a plurality of cup springs 21, of a known type and therefore not further described, which are diagrammaticalIy illustrated in figures 3 and 4.
Still more preferably, as shown in the enclosed figures, the springs" 21 ma be inserted in proper housing spaces obtained in the second surface 19b of the base 19. In this situation, the first end 21a of the springs 21 is protruding outside of the mentioned space in order to be abutted at the second retaining portion 22. Moreover, as it is better shown in figure 4, the springs 21 are arranged in two parallel rows at the A movement direction, placed opposite with respect of the through opening 19c of the base 19 and relative to the duct 10. The second retaining portion 22 has a substantially box- shaped conformation having a peripheral edge 22a arranged for being engaged at the first retaining portion 6 in order to define a retaining drawer 23 in which the first and the second refractory element 4, 7, the pushing means 18 and the support element 11 are housed. Also the second portion 22 has a respective through opening 22b, arranged for receiving the duct 10, which develops outside the retaining drawer 23. In other words, the duct 10 develops from the outer surface 9 of the second refractory element 7 through the openings obtained in the retaining body 13, in the slide 14, in the support base 19 and in the second retaining portion 22 (see figure 3) . In this way, the duct 10 within which the opening 7a is developed provide for flowing down the cast outside the retaining drawer 23. The device 1 further has a protection plate 24 associated with the second retaining portion 22 through proper connecting screws 24a of a known type. The protection plate 24 has a hole 24b for receiving the duct portion 10 exiting from the drawer 23. In this case, the plate 24 is detached from the drawer 23 so that to protect the drawer 23 from possible portions of the steel casting. s above mentioned, the movement of the second refractory element 7 is caused by the moving means 12, diagrammatically shown in figure 1. Such moving means 12 are preferably arranged outside the retaining drawer 23 and have a linear actuator 12a of a known type and therefore not further described in detail. The actuator 12a, which by way of example may be comprised by a pneumatic ram, is aligned at the drawer 23 and has a connecting arm 12b engaged to the slide 14 and passing through a connecting hole 22c made on the peripheral edge 22a of the second retaining portion 22. In this way, the actuator 12a is directly connected to the slide 14 through the arm 12b, which develops longitudinally along the A movement direction, for moving the slide itself and consequently also the second refractory element 7 between the respective first and second position.
Again, as shown in figures 1 and 2, the device 1 also includes a hooking means 25 associated with the first and the second retaining portions 6, 22 for switching the portion themselves between a first constraint position, wherein the portions are stiffly engaged for defining the retaining drawer (figure 1) , and a release position, wherein the portions are moved apart one from the other (figure 2) .
In particular, the hooking means is formed by two pairs of bored portions 26, protruding outside the drawer 23 and associated with the peripheral edge 22a of the second portion 22. The bored portions 26 are coaxial one with regard to the other and spaced so as to receive the respective pliers element 27.
More particularly, in each pair of bored portions 26 a cam plug 28 (see figure 1) may be inserted and a pliers element 27, which is engaged at the first retaining portion 6 in a substantially peripheral position, can be associated with the above cam plug 28.
Each pliers element 27 has two protruding and spaced portions 27a for defining a housing space of the plug 28. In this situation, when the retaining portions 6, 22 must be associated one with regard to the other for defining the space 23, each pliers element is arranged between a corresponding pair of bored portions 26 so as to arrange the protruding portions 27a between the respective plug 28. The plug 28 can be switched between a free position, wherein the protruding portions can pass through the plug 28 itself, and a blocking position, wherein the protruding portions cannot pass through such plug. In this way, when the pliers element 27 is arranged between the respective bored portions 26, the plug 28 is switched in the respective blocking position by restraining the element 27 at the plug 28 itself.
Advantageously, from the opposite part of the hooking means 25 a hinge 29 is developed, of a know type and therefore not further described in detail, for allowing the relative rotation between the first portion 6 and the second portion 22 in the above mentioned release condition, wherein the portions themselves are moved apart one with respect to the other (see figure 2) . In this way, starting from the release condition of the retaining portions 6 and 22, the same are neared and rotated by means of the hinge 29, until to arrange the contact surfaces 5 and 8 abutted one to the other. In this situation, the pliers elements 27 are inserted in the respective pairs of bored portions 26 and the plugs 28 are inserted in the respective spaces made by the pliers element and the pairs of bored portions 26, in order to carry out the above mentioned restraint condition of the retaining portions.
Advantageously, in the restraint condition of the two retaining portions 6, 22, the second refractory element 7 is abutted on the first element 4 and pushed towards the pushing means 18. In other words, the thrust of the second element is transferred to the support element 11, which pushes on the base 19. This pushing operation is hindered by the springs 21,, which compress themselves by pushing in turn the base 19 towards the support element. In this manner, the second refractory element 7 is constantly kept abutted on the first refractory element 4. Once more, it should be noted that by virtue of the arrangement of the springs 21, the contact surface 8 of the second element 7 remains evenly abutted on the contact surface 5 of the first element 4. In fact, the pushing action of the springs 21 arranged in the two parallel rows is uniformly transferred from the base 19 and to the support element 11. In this way, also during the movement of the support element 11, the contact surfaces 5 and 8 always remain evenly abutted. Starting from the condition wherein the second refractory element 7 is placed in the respective second position, the molten steel casting remains within the casting ladle 2 and within the opening 3a of the nozzle 3 and the through opening 4a of the first element 4. In this condition, the contact surface 8 of the second element 7 obstructs the above opening 4a of the first element 4 (closure condition) in order not to dispense the steel casting.
When the casting supply is required, the movement means 12 are energized by shifting the arm 12b along the mentioned A movement direction. In this way, the slide 14, engaged with the arm 12b, runs on the respective sliding means 17 by moving the retaining body 13 and consequently the second refractory element 7. In detail, the skids 17a run one on the other by allowing the movement of the slide 14 and maintaining the base 19 operably engaged to the slide 14 for keeping the pushing action of the springs 21.
The second refractory element 7 is moved until it is in the corresponding first position, wherein the respective opening 7a is arranged in correspondence with the opening 4a of the first element 4.
In this way, the steel casting fall down by gravity from the opening 4a of the first element 4 to the opening 7a of the second element 7 for flowing down along the duct 10. Advantageously, the steel casting is dispensed by the duct 10 outside the drawer 23 until the movement means 12 provide for arranging again the second refractory element 7 in the respective second position, in which it obstructs the opening 4a of the first element 4.
The invention attains important advantages and achieves the proposed objects.
Firstly, it should be noted that the contact surface 8 of the second refractory element 7 always remains in contact and coplanar with the contact surface 5 of the first refractory element 4. This is due to the action of the springs 21 which push evenly the second element 7 towards the first element 4. Moreover, it should be noted that the positioning of the second element 7 relative to the first one 4 is adaptable by virtue of the rotation possibility of the second element 7 itself on the pins 16. Advantageously, following to slight displacements of the first element 4, the second element 7 as well is adapted to such a displacement as it is rotatably mounted on the retaining body 13. Consequently, the contact surfaces 5, 8 always remain coplanar and their wear is limited. Advantageously, the refractory elements 4, 7 may execute multiple work cycles and can be replaced less frequently, with a consequent economical saving.
A further advantage due to the possibility of maintaining the contact surfaces coplanar is to ensure the proper sliding of the refractory elements. In fact, by keeping the surfaces coplanar, portions wearer than others are not carried out and consequently the second element 7 does not block during its movement. Finally, a further advantage is given by the device structure, which is very simple, easy to carry out and of limited costs .

Claims

1. Dispensing device for steel casting and the like, characterized in that it includes: a first refractory element (4) having a through opening (4a) placed in correspondence of a runoff nozzle (3) of said steel casting:
- a second refractory element (7) associated with the first refractory element (4) and having a respective through opening (7a) ; said second element (7) being movable between a first position, wherein the respective openings (4a, 7a) of the first and the second element (4, 7) are coincident and define a passage gap of said casting, and a second position, wherein the respective openings (4a, 7a) are moved apart one from the other in order to not allowing the passage of the casting;
- movement means (12) of said second element (7) ; and
- a pushing means (18) acting on said second refractory element (7) for keeping the second element (7) abutted against the first element (4) .
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second refractory element (4, 7) have respective contact surfaces (5, 8) sliding one upon the other, said second element (7) further having a runoff duct (10) of said casting associated with an outer surface (9) of the second element itself (7) opposite to said contact surface (8) and coaxial to the respective opening (7a) for flowing down said casting.
3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further includes a support element (11) engaged to the second element (7) and operably associated with said movement means (12) for making the second element (7) slide on the first element
(4) along a respective movement direction (A) between the first and the second position.
4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that said support element (11) includes:
- a retaining body (13) irremovably engaged to the outer surface (9) of said second element (7) ; and
- a moving slide (14) having a first surface (15a) faced to the retaining body (13) and a second surface (15b) opposite to the first one (15a) ; said retaining body
(13) being hinged to said slide (14) along a respective axis of rotation parallel to the movement direction (A) of the second element (7) .
5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said retaining body (13) includes a pair of rotation pins (16) coaxial one with the other and arranged from the opposite part of the retaining body (13) along said movement direction (A) ; each pin
(16) being rotatably associated with said slide (14) .
6. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it further includes sliding means (17) associated with the second surface (15b) of the slide (14) for allowing the movement of the same along said movement direction (A) .
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said pushing means (18) includes a support base (19) having a first surface (19a) associated with said sliding means (17) and at least a spring member (20) engaged to a second surface (19b) of the support base (19) opposite to the first surface (19a) , for pushing the base (19) itself against the support element (11) in a pushing manner transversal to said movement direction (A) .
8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said sliding means (18) have at least a pair of skids (17a) sliding one on the other; said skids (17) being interposed between the first surface (19a) of the support base (19) and the second surface (15b) of the slide (14) .
9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it further includes a first retaining portion (6) engaged to said first refractory element (4) and a second retaining portion (22) engaged to said pushing means (18) ; said first and second portion (6, 22) engageable one with the other for defining a retaining drawer (23) within which the first and the second refractory element (4, 7) , the pushing means (18) and the support element (11) are housed.
10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that said spring member (20) includes at least a spring (21) having a first end (21a) associated with said second retaining portion (22) , and a second end (21b) opposite to the first one (21a) and associated with the second surface (19b) of said support base (19) .
11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a plurality of springs (21) arranged between said support base (19) and said second retaining portion (22) .
12. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said springs (21) are arranged in two parallel rows to the movement direction (A) of the second element (7) .
13. Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said spring (21) is a cup spring.
14. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said runoff duct (10) of the casting develops from said second refractory element (7) through openings (13a, 15, 19c, 22b) obtained within the retaining body (13) , in the moving slide (14) in the support base (19) and in said second retaining portion (22) , respectively, for making the casting runoff outside said retaining drawer
(23) ; said duct (10) being interposed between the two parallel rows of springs (21) .
15. Device according to any one of the claims 9 to 14, characterized in that said movement means (12) include a linear actuator (12a) placed nearby to said retaining drawer (23) and having a connecting arm (12b) showing a longitudinal development corresponding to said movement direction (A) ; said arm (12b) being engaged to the slide (14) through a connecting hole (22c) made in said second retaining portion (22) for moving the second element (7) between the respective first and second positions .
16. Device according to any one of the claims 9 to 15, characterized in that it further includes a hooking means (25) associated to said first and second retaining portions (6, 22) for switching the portions themselves between a first constraint position, wherein the portions (6, 22) are stiffly engaged for defining said retaining drawer (23) and a release position, wherein they can be moved apart one from the other.
17. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hooking means has at least a pair of bored elements (26) associated with the second retaining portion (22) and showing a plug (28), and at least a pliers element (27) associated with said first retaining portion (6) and which can be inserted between said bored elements (26) .
18. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said pliers element (27) has two protruding portions (27a) arranged from the opposite parts of the plug (28) when the pliers element (27) is between said bored elements (26) ; said plug (28) being rotatably commutable between a free position, for allowing the movement of the pliers element (27) and a blocking position, wherein the pliers element (27) is restrained to the bored elements (26) .
EP04770780A 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Dispensing device for steel casting and the like Active EP1786581B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2004/000481 WO2006027804A1 (en) 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Dispensing device for steel casting and the like

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1786581A1 true EP1786581A1 (en) 2007-05-23
EP1786581B1 EP1786581B1 (en) 2008-04-02

Family

ID=34958788

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04770780A Active EP1786581B1 (en) 2004-09-07 2004-09-07 Dispensing device for steel casting and the like

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1786581B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE390975T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004012901T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2304625T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2006027804A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101242783B1 (en) * 2006-10-26 2013-03-12 웨킨 리우 Ladle flow control system
ES2590353T3 (en) * 2006-10-26 2016-11-21 Yueqin Liu A sliding gate for a container for molten steel and its assembly procedure
KR100959071B1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2010-05-20 조선내화 주식회사 Slide gate

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1240587B (en) * 1990-03-02 1993-12-17 Nuova Sanac S.P.A. DRAIN DISCHARGE FOR LADIES AND SIMILAR, WITH SIDE PRESSURE SPRINGS
JP3247941B2 (en) * 1997-10-31 2002-01-21 日本鋼管株式会社 Plate for sliding nozzle
JP4095143B2 (en) * 1997-12-19 2008-06-04 黒崎播磨株式会社 Sliding nozzle device
JP3628168B2 (en) * 1998-02-27 2005-03-09 品川白煉瓦株式会社 Method of using slide plate and slide valve device using the slide plate

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2006027804A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE390975T1 (en) 2008-04-15
EP1786581B1 (en) 2008-04-02
ES2304625T3 (en) 2008-10-16
DE602004012901D1 (en) 2008-05-15
WO2006027804A1 (en) 2006-03-16
DE602004012901T2 (en) 2009-04-02

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