EP0494589B1 - Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve - Google Patents

Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0494589B1
EP0494589B1 EP19910870004 EP91870004A EP0494589B1 EP 0494589 B1 EP0494589 B1 EP 0494589B1 EP 19910870004 EP19910870004 EP 19910870004 EP 91870004 A EP91870004 A EP 91870004A EP 0494589 B1 EP0494589 B1 EP 0494589B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gate
jack
engagement
fixed member
fixing
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19910870004
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0494589A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Mutsaarts
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.)
"rotary Nozzle International Sa"
Hepworth Refractories (Belgium) SA
Original Assignee
"rotary Nozzle International Sa"
Hepworth Refractories (Belgium) SA
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 "rotary Nozzle International Sa", Hepworth Refractories (Belgium) SA filed Critical "rotary Nozzle International Sa"
Priority to ES91870004T priority Critical patent/ES2062746T3/en
Priority to DE1991604023 priority patent/DE69104023T2/en
Priority to EP19910870004 priority patent/EP0494589B1/en
Publication of EP0494589A1 publication Critical patent/EP0494589A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0494589B1 publication Critical patent/EP0494589B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the object of the present invention is a method of operating and blocking a door, in particular a valve or a shutter, on a fixed member, in particular a container containing a molten material.
  • Valves or shutters of this kind can be fixed on the fixed member for example, on the one hand, by elements of the hinge type and, on the other hand, by fixing elements in the form of two tie rods articulated on the fixed member, passing through the valve and threaded to each receive a valve fixing nut.
  • fixing the valve on the fixed member by the aforementioned nuts it is necessary to tighten each nut separately and this goes against a balanced tightening if not at the cost of numerous maneuvers of short displacements of each successive nut. Even performed using a pneumatic screwdriver, these operations are tedious and do not exclude human error.
  • the invention aims inter alia to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a method which makes it possible to fix the door, in particular of the aforementioned valve or shutter, so that it occupies its fixing position after having carried out simple operations for placing door operating elements and door blocking elements.
  • These elements of operation and blocking according to the invention are easy to place for fixing the door and to inspect before use so that the intended fixing position for the door is obtained.
  • the invention also advantageously aims to provide a means of measuring for example the total force of the above internal springs in order to assess whether this force, after multiple heating of the springs, is still sufficient to ensure the above-mentioned tightness, or to check other anomalies such as wear of ball bearings etc. forming part of the valve. This control is thus possible for any element requested by the pressurization of the device according to the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a device for operating and blocking a door, in particular a valve or a shutter, on a fixed member, in particular a container containing a molten material.
  • the supply means of the device comprise a means for displaying the pressure of the fluid in the jack and / or a pressure detection means possibly capable of actuating a signal of warning to indicate a functioning or faulty state of the door and / or the fixing of the door.
  • Figure 1 is an elevational view, in section along the line I-I of Figure 2, of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an elevational view in section along the line II-II of Figure 1, with partial broken.
  • FIG. 3 schematically represents an embodiment of means for supplying fluid for the device according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 A device for operating and blocking, for example a stop valve and for adjusting the flow rate of a molten metal contained in a ladle is shown with the general reference 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • This device 1 illustrates in As an example the device of the invention and is also used below to describe the process according to the invention.
  • the valve 2 itself is well known to those skilled in the art and may for example have an upper chassis 3 and a lower chassis 4 partially shown, the upper chassis 3 usually being fixed against the lower external face of the ladle.
  • the upper 3 and lower 4 chassis (in the position of use of the ladle) can each comprise a closure plate (not shown), one being fixed and the other mobile, the two plates being pressurized one against the other to ensure, among other things, that the valve is watertight in the position for stopping the flow of molten metal.
  • a series of springs (not shown) can be arranged in a manner known per se between the lower chassis 4 and the movable plate carried by the latter. The resulting force of the springs can amount to 100,000 N.
  • the upper chassis 3 can also be constituted by the bottom of the ladle (not shown). Therefore, one can assimilate for example the lower chassis 4, carrying the movable plate, to the valve 2 itself or to a door 4 and the upper chassis 3, carrying the fixed plate, to the bottom of the pocket. casting or to the fixed member 3.
  • the operating and blocking device comprises a fixing element 5 having the form of a tie rod 5.
  • the latter is fixed for example to the upper chassis 3 by a shaft 6 passing through one end 105 of the tie rod 5, so that the tie rod can pivot around the shaft 6 to occupy at least one locking position of the lower chassis 4 (shown) and a release position of this lower chassis 4 (not shown).
  • the shaft 6 is fixed to the upper frame 3 in a known manner.
  • the jack 7, of the single-acting type in the present case, has an inlet 11 for hydraulic fluid.
  • a traction rod 12 is arranged in the hollow rod 9 of the piston 8 so as to be subjected to traction during the operation of the lower chassis 4 towards the fixing position.
  • the pull rod 12 has for this purpose at its end 112 remote from the lower frame 4 a nut 13 and a lock nut 14 to bear in a manner known per se on the end of the hollow rod 9 which leaves the end 15 of the cylinder 7, opposite the lower chassis 4.
  • the hollow rod arrangement 9 allows the traction rod 12 to exit through the end 16 of the cylinder 7 located on the side of the upper chassis 3.
  • the end 205 of the tie rod 5 and the other end 212 of the pull rod 12 comprise mutual engagement means 17 between the hollow rod 9 of the jack and the tie rod 5.
  • these engagement means 17 comprise inter alia for the tie-rod 5 a T-shaped groove 18 cut in the end of the tie-rod 205, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tie-rod 5 and of the shaft 6.
  • This groove in the shape of T 18 opens, on the one hand, preferably on the side towards which the tie rod 5 pivots to occupy the aforementioned release position and, on the other hand, through the end face 19 of the tie rod 5 most away from the shaft 6.
  • the T-shaped groove 18 can receive, at least in the locking position, the above-mentioned rod end 212 which has a T-shaped section corresponding to the T-shaped groove 18 and which is part of the engagement means 17, these therefore forming a detailed link chable in the case illustrated in figures 1 and 2.
  • the jack 7 has gripping means 20 between its cylinder 10 and the lower chassis 4.
  • These gripping means 20 may include, among other things, a jack support 21 fixed in a known manner to the cylinder 10 and having two support legs 22 which, for maneuvering, can take support by a support face 122 on a wear plate 23 secured to the lower frame 4 by means of the screws 24.
  • the support faces 122 (FIG. 1) legs 22 and a corresponding face 123 ( Figure 1) of the wear plate are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie rod 5 when the latter is in the locking position and the lower frame 4 is in the fixing position.
  • the longitudinal axis of the tie rod 5 in the locking position is advantageously substantially parallel to the determined direction of movement of the lower chassis 4 in the vicinity of the latter's fixing position.
  • blocking means 25 in the form of a wedging element 25 which, in the embodiment described, is arranged between the lower chassis 4 and a wedging surface 26 presented by the tie rod 5 and which is described below.
  • the operating and blocking device 1 also comprises supply means 50 (FIG. 3), of a hydraulic fluid under pressure. These means are known per se but will be explained below.
  • the lower chassis 4 has an opening 27 between two branches 28 and 29, allowing the tie rod 5 to pass from the release position, away from the lower chassis 4, to the locking position of this lower chassis 4.
  • the tie rod 5 advantageously has a body 305, which can be substantially cylindrical and which is arranged to pass through the opening 27 when the tie rod is in the locked position.
  • the tie rod 5 has at its end 205 a head 30 which projects substantially from the lower chassis 4, on the side of the latter located away from the upper chassis 3.
  • This head 30 may comprise, on the one hand, the T-shaped groove 18 opening onto the upper face 19 of the head and, on the other hand, the wedging surface 26 located on the side of the head 30 which is opposite the chassis lower 4.
  • This wedging surface 26 is preferably parallel to a corresponding surface 223 of the wear plate 23 when the lower chassis 4 is in the fixing position.
  • the method according to the invention consists, for example in the case of the device described, for bringing and blocking the lower chassis 4 on the upper chassis 3 in the fixing position, first adjusting the supply means 50 so that the hydraulic fluid is not brought into the cylinder 7 but so that the traction rod 12 can be moved by hand, if necessary with the hollow rod 9. Then, the lower chassis 4 can be placed in the waiting position in which the above pressure springs do not act. After that the tie rod 5 is pivoted from the release position to the blocking position in which the tie rod body 305 passes right through the lower chassis 4 so that the head 30 is located opposite said chassis 4 relative to the shaft 6, so that the wedging surface 26 is parallel to the corresponding surface 223 of the wear pad 23. The T-shaped rod end 212 is engaged in the T-shaped groove 18 from head 30 from tie 5.
  • the support legs 22 of the support 21 are oriented during this engagement so that their support faces 122 are arranged facing the face of the corresponding wafer 123.
  • the supply means are then actuated to develop sufficient pressure in the jack 7 so that the thrust of the latter overcomes the force of the above springs and the other forces resulting inter alia from friction in hinges, etc.
  • the lower frame 4 is thus brought into the fixing position shown and even somewhat beyond this position, in the direction of movement S (FIG. 2), so that the distance between the wedging surface 26 and the corresponding surface 223 is somewhat greater than the corresponding dimension H of the wedging element 25.
  • the wedging element 25 can then be inserted between these two surfaces 26 and 223.
  • the procedure is as follows. If necessary, the cylinder 7 and its support 21 are put in place as already described above in order to effect the engagement of the traction rod 12 with the tie rod 5 and the engagement of the bearing faces 122 with the plate wear 23.
  • the cylinder 7 is supplied with hydraulic fluid, at a pressure sufficient to push the lower chassis 4 in the direction S towards the upper chassis 3, against the above-mentioned springs.
  • the wedging element 25 is removed and the supply means 50 are maneuvered in order to gradually let the hydraulic fluid escape from the jack 7 so that the above-mentioned springs can elastically push the lower chassis 4 in the opposite direction to the determined direction S, until in the aforementioned waiting position, away from the upper chassis 3, beyond which the springs have no effect.
  • the tie rod 5 can be pivoted around the shaft 6 to the release position to allow possible maneuvering the lower chassis 4 to a position even further away from the upper chassis 3.
  • the supply means 50 illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3 comprise inter alia a hydraulic fluid reservoir 51, a hydraulic pump 52 drawing the fluid from the reservoir and transmitting it to a pressure adjustment valve 53 which limits the pressure at a value given by a return of fluid to the reservoir 51 and which transmits the fluid under pressure set to a valve 54 manually actuated by a lever 55.
  • This valve 54 is arranged for example so that, in a position of the lever 55, the fluid hydraulic pressure set is sent to the cylinder 7, that in a second position the hydraulic fluid is no longer supplied to the cylinder 7 but can not escape and that in a third position of the lever 55, the hydraulic fluid can freely s '' escape from the jack 7 towards the tank 51.
  • the supply means 50 may advantageously include a pressure gauge 56 arranged to display the pressure of the fluid contained in the jack 7. These supply means 50 may also include a converter 57 of hydraulic pressure into an electrical signal , which can for example activate an alarm, above a given pressure, by two electric wires 58.
  • the pressure necessary to overcome the force of these can be read on the pressure gauge 56, during a progressive pressurization of the jack 7, and compared with known values which make it possible to determine whether the overall force of the springs is sufficient or too weak to ensure the aforementioned seal.
  • the pressure value read can also make it possible to determine whether the force to be exerted to bring the lower chassis 4 into the fixing position is normal or greater than a limit value, thus highlighting respectively a possible mechanical defect etc. of one of the frames 3, 4, of the valve itself ... It is therefore possible to be warned in this way of anomalies or emerging faults which can be remedied as soon as possible.
  • the wedging element 25 advantageously has, in the case of the example described, a form of fork with two branches 125 and 225 (FIG. 1) so that it can be easily slid on either side of the body 305 of the pulling 5.
  • this wedging element 25 comprises a chain 31 for fixing it for example to the upper chassis 3 and preventing it from being mislaid or being out of reach when it is to be inserted between the two blocking surfaces 26 and corresponding 223.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Actuator (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour but un procédé de manoeuvre et de blocage d'une porte, en particulier d'une vanne ou d'un obturateur, sur un organe fixe, notamment un récipient contenant une matière en fusion.The object of the present invention is a method of operating and blocking a door, in particular a valve or a shutter, on a fixed member, in particular a container containing a molten material.

Des vannes ou obturateurs de ce genre peuvent être fixés sur l'organe fixe par exemple, d'une part, par des éléments du genre charnière et, d'autre part, par des éléments de fixation sous la forme de deux tirants articulés sur l'organe fixe, passant au travers de la vanne et filetés pour recevoir chacun un écrou de fixation de la vanne. Lors de la fixation de la vanne sur l'organe fixe par les écrous susdits, il faut serrer séparément chaque écrou et ceci va à l'encontre d'un serrage équilibré si ce n'est au prix de très nombreuses manoeuvres de courts déplacements de chaque écrou successif. Même effectuées à l'aide d'une visseuse pneumatique, ces opérations sont fastidieuses et elles n'excluent pas l'erreur humaine. En outre, lors du vissage des écrous, il n'y a pas de certitude que ceux-ci soient vissés à fond et il faut constamment vérifier cet état avec le risque que des ressorts internes de la vanne ne soient pas suffisamment comprimés et n'assurent pas une étanchéité indispensable pour cette vanne destinée à régler un flux de matière en fusion.Valves or shutters of this kind can be fixed on the fixed member for example, on the one hand, by elements of the hinge type and, on the other hand, by fixing elements in the form of two tie rods articulated on the fixed member, passing through the valve and threaded to each receive a valve fixing nut. When fixing the valve on the fixed member by the aforementioned nuts, it is necessary to tighten each nut separately and this goes against a balanced tightening if not at the cost of numerous maneuvers of short displacements of each successive nut. Even performed using a pneumatic screwdriver, these operations are tedious and do not exclude human error. In addition, when tightening the nuts, there is no certainty that they are fully tightened and this condition must be constantly checked with the risk that the internal springs of the valve are not sufficiently compressed and do not not provide an essential seal for this valve intended to regulate a flow of molten material.

De plus, il est clair que les filets des écrous et des tirants filetés peuvent s'encrasser et/ou s'abimer et qu'une bonne fixation peut ne pas être réalisée dans ce cas.In addition, it is clear that the threads of the nuts and threaded tie rods can become dirty and / or be damaged and that good fixing may not be achieved in this case.

L'invention a entre autres pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients et de procurer un procédé qui permette de réaliser une fixation de la porte, en particulier de la vanne ou obturateur précité, de façon qu'elle occupe sa position de fixation après avoir réalisé des opérations simples de placement d'éléments de manoeuvre de la porte et d'éléments de blocage de la porte. Ces éléments de manoeuvre et de blocage suivant l'invention sont faciles à placer pour la fixation de la porte et à inspecter avant utilisation pour que soit obtenue la position de fixation visée pour la porte.The invention aims inter alia to remedy these drawbacks and to provide a method which makes it possible to fix the door, in particular of the aforementioned valve or shutter, so that it occupies its fixing position after having carried out simple operations for placing door operating elements and door blocking elements. These elements of operation and blocking according to the invention are easy to place for fixing the door and to inspect before use so that the intended fixing position for the door is obtained.

L'invention a aussi avantageusement pour but de procurer un moyen de mesure par exemple de la force totale des ressorts internes susdits afin d'évaluer si cette force, après de multiples échauffements des ressorts, est encore suffisante pour assurer l'étanchéité précitée, ou afin de contrôler d'autres anomalies comme des usures de roulements à billes etc. faisant partie de la vanne. Ce contrôle est ainsi possible pour tout élément sollicité par la mise en pression du dispositif suivant l'invention.The invention also advantageously aims to provide a means of measuring for example the total force of the above internal springs in order to assess whether this force, after multiple heating of the springs, is still sufficient to ensure the above-mentioned tightness, or to check other anomalies such as wear of ball bearings etc. forming part of the valve. This control is thus possible for any element requested by the pressurization of the device according to the invention.

A cet effet, suivant l'invention, ledit procédé comporte, pour fixer la porte à partir d'une position d'attente de cette dernière :

  • un engagement d'au moins un vérin, actionné par un fluide sous pression et comportant un piston et un cylindre, sur un élément de fixation adjoint au vérin et porté par l'organe fixe ou respectivement par la porte, cet engagement ayant lieu avec le piston ou respectivement avec le cylindre, cet engagement comportant une liaison détachable entre l'élément de fixation et le piston ou respectivement le cylindre,
  • une mise en prise dudit vérin avec la porte ou respectivement l'organe fixe par l'intermédiaire du cylindre ou respectivement du piston, la mise en prise étant réalisée par un appui entre les éléments concernés,
  • une alimentation du vérin en fluide sous pression pour qu'il déplace la porte, dans un sens déterminé, vers une position de fixation sur l'organe fixe, et ensuite quelque peu au-delà de cette position,
  • un blocage de la porte par insertion d'un élément de calage entre l'élément de fixation et la porte ou respectivement l'organe fixe, de façon à retenir la porte au moins dans ladite position de fixation,
  • une suppression de l'alimentation précitée,
  • un rappel de la porte, en sens opposé au sens déterminé, dans ladite position de fixation et un retrait éventuel du vérin.
To this end, according to the invention, said method comprises, for fixing the door from a waiting position of the latter:
  • an engagement of at least one jack, actuated by a pressurized fluid and comprising a piston and a cylinder, on a fixing element attached to the jack and carried by the fixed member or respectively by the door, this engagement taking place with the piston or respectively with the cylinder, this engagement comprising a detachable connection between the fixing element and the piston or the cylinder respectively,
  • engaging said cylinder with the door or the fixed member respectively by means of the cylinder or respectively of the piston, the engagement being carried out by a support between the elements concerned,
  • supplying the cylinder with pressurized fluid so that it moves the door, in a determined direction, to a position for fixing to the fixed member, and then somewhat beyond this position,
  • a blocking of the door by insertion of a wedging element between the fixing element and the door or respectively the fixed member, so as to retain the door at least in said fixing position,
  • a deletion of the aforementioned supply,
  • a return of the door, in the opposite direction to the determined direction, in said fixing position and possible withdrawal of the jack.

Suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le procédé comporte en outre, pour libérer la porte de l'organe fixe :

  • une répétition éventuelle dudit engagement et de ladite mise en prise,
  • une nouvelle alimentation du vérin en fluide sous pression, pour déplacer la porte quelque peu au-delà de la position de fixation dans le sens déterminé,
  • la suppression du blocage de la porte par retrait de l'élément de calage,
  • la suppression de la nouvelle alimentation susdite pour permettre un écartement de la porte par rapport à l'organe fixe, dans le sens opposé au sens déterminé susdit.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises, to release the door from the fixed member:
  • a possible repetition of said engagement and of said engagement,
  • a new supply of the cylinder with pressurized fluid, to move the door somewhat beyond the fixing position in the determined direction,
  • removing the blocking of the door by removing the wedging element,
  • the removal of the aforesaid new supply to allow the door to be moved away from the fixed member, in the opposite direction to the aforementioned determined direction.

Suivant un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux de l'invention, le procédé comprend :

  • une mise sous pression progressive du fluide susdit dans le vérin,
  • un affichage de la pression du fluide,
  • une lecture de la pression affichée,
  • une comparaison entre la pression lue et une ou des valeurs de consigne indiquant un état de bon fonctionnement ou un défaut de la porte et/ou de la fixation de la porte,
  • éventuellement une émission d'un signal d'avertissement indiquant la position de la pression lue par rapport à la ou aux valeurs de consigne, et
  • le cas échéant, la correction du défaut correspondant.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method comprises:
  • progressive pressurization of the above-mentioned fluid in the jack,
  • a display of the fluid pressure,
  • a reading of the displayed pressure,
  • a comparison between the pressure read and one or more set values indicating a functioning state or a defect in the door and / or in the fixing of the door,
  • optionally issuing a warning signal indicating the position of the pressure read in relation to the setpoint or values, and
  • if necessary, the correction of the corresponding fault.

L'invention a également pour objet un dispositif de manoeuvre et de blocage d'une porte, en particulier d'une vanne ou d'un obturateur, sur un organe fixe, notamment un récipient contenant une matière en fusion.The invention also relates to a device for operating and blocking a door, in particular a valve or a shutter, on a fixed member, in particular a container containing a molten material.

Suivant l'invention, ce dispositif comporte :

  • au moins un vérin actionné par un fluide sous pression et comportant un piston et un cylindre,
  • un élément de fixation adjoint au vérin et porté par l'organe fixe ou respectivement par la porte,
  • des moyens d'engagement entre le vérin, par son piston ou respectivement par son cylindre, et l'élément de fixation,
  • des moyens de prise entre ledit vérin, par son cylindre ou respectivement par son piston, et la porte ou respectivement l'organe fixe,
  • des moyens d'alimentation en fluide sous pression du vérin, la porte pouvant être déplacée dans un sens déterminé entre une position d'attente qui est située à l'écart de l'organe fixe et dans laquelle le vérin n'est pas alimenté par les moyens d'alimentation et une position de fixation, et même un peu au-delà de cette position, dans laquelle le vérin est alimenté par lesdits moyens d'alimentation,
  • des moyens de blocage de la porte, comprenant un élément de calage à insérer entre l'élément de fixation et la porte ou respectivement l'organe fixe, lorsque la porte est au moins dans sa position de fixation,
la porte pouvant être déplacée dans un sens déterminé entre une position d'attente qui est située à l'écart de l'organe fixe et dans laquelle le vérin n'est pas alimenté par les moyens d'alimentation et une position de fixation, et même un peu au-delà de cette position, dans laquelle le vérin est alimenté par lesdits moyens d'alimentation et pouvant être rappelée dans ladite position de fixation, dans un sens opposé au sens déterminé (S).According to the invention, this device comprises:
  • at least one actuator actuated by a pressurized fluid and comprising a piston and a cylinder,
  • a fixing element attached to the jack and carried by the fixed member or respectively by the door,
  • means of engagement between the jack, by its piston or respectively by its cylinder, and the fixing element,
  • means of engagement between said jack, by its cylinder or respectively by its piston, and the door or respectively the fixed member,
  • means for supplying pressurized fluid to the jack, the door being able to be moved in a determined direction between a waiting position which is located away from the fixed member and in which the jack is not supplied by the supply means and a fixing position, and even slightly beyond this position, in which the jack is supplied by said supply means,
  • door locking means, comprising a wedging element to be inserted between the fixing element and the door or the fixed member respectively, when the door is at least in its fixing position,
the door being able to be moved in a determined direction between a waiting position which is situated away from the fixed member and in which the jack is not supplied by the supply means and a fixing position, and even a little beyond this position, in which the jack is supplied by said supply means and which can be returned to said fixing position, in a direction opposite to the determined direction (S).

Suivant une forme de réalisation avantageuse de l'invention, les moyens d'alimentation du dispositif comportent un moyen d'affichage de la pression du fluide dans le vérin et/ou un moyen de détection de pression éventuellement capable d'actionner un signal d'avertissement pour indiquer un état de bon fonctionnement ou de défaut de la porte et/ou de la fixation de la porte.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the supply means of the device comprise a means for displaying the pressure of the fluid in the jack and / or a pressure detection means possibly capable of actuating a signal of warning to indicate a functioning or faulty state of the door and / or the fixing of the door.

D'autres détails et particularités de l'invention ressortiront de la description des dessins annexés au présent mémoire et qui illustrent, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs le procédé et une forme de réalisation particulière du dispositif suivant l'invention.Other details and particularities of the invention will emerge from the description of the drawings appended to this specification and which illustrate, by way of non-limiting examples, the method and a particular embodiment of the device according to the invention.

La figure 1 est une vue en élévation, en coupe suivant la ligne I-I de la figure 2, d'une forme de réalisation du dispositif suivant l'invention.Figure 1 is an elevational view, in section along the line I-I of Figure 2, of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

La figure 2 est une vue en élévation et en coupe suivant la ligne II-II de la figure 1, avec brisures partielles.Figure 2 is an elevational view in section along the line II-II of Figure 1, with partial broken.

La figure 3 représente schématiquement une forme de réalisation de moyens d'alimentation en fluide pour le dispositif suivant l'invention.FIG. 3 schematically represents an embodiment of means for supplying fluid for the device according to the invention.

Dans les différentes figures, les mêmes notations de référence désignent des éléments identiques ou analogues.In the various figures, the same reference notations designate identical or analogous elements.

Un dispositif de manoeuvre et de blocage par exemple d'une vanne d'arrêt et de réglage de débit d'un métal fondu contenu dans une poche de coulée est représenté avec la référence générale 1 aux figures 1 et 2. Ce dispositif 1 illustre à titre d'exemple le dispositif de l'invention et est utilisé aussi ci-après pour décrire le procédé suivant l'invention.A device for operating and blocking, for example a stop valve and for adjusting the flow rate of a molten metal contained in a ladle is shown with the general reference 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2. This device 1 illustrates in As an example the device of the invention and is also used below to describe the process according to the invention.

La vanne 2 elle-même est bien connue de l'homme du métier et peut présenter par exemple un châssis supérieur 3 et un châssis inférieur 4 partiellement représentés, le châssis supérieur 3 étant usuellement fixé contre la face externe inférieure de la poche de coulée.The valve 2 itself is well known to those skilled in the art and may for example have an upper chassis 3 and a lower chassis 4 partially shown, the upper chassis 3 usually being fixed against the lower external face of the ladle.

Les châssis supérieur 3 et inférieur 4 (en position d'utilisation de la poche de coulée) peuvent comporter chacun une plaque d'obturation (non représentée), l'une étant fixe et l'autre mobile, les deux plaques étant mises en pression l'une contre l'autre pour assurer entre autres une étanchéité de la vanne en position d'arrêt de débit du métal fondu. Pour obtenir une pression d'étanchéité suffisante, une série de ressorts (non représentés) peuvent être agencés d'une manière connue en soi entre le châssis inférieur 4 et la plaque mobile portée par ce dernier. La force résultante des ressorts peut s'élever à 100.000 N. Lors d'une manoeuvre du châssis inférieur 4, il faut vaincre entre autres la force desdits ressorts pour soit fixer le châssis inférieur 4 au châssis supérieur 3 soit le libérer de ce dernier.The upper 3 and lower 4 chassis (in the position of use of the ladle) can each comprise a closure plate (not shown), one being fixed and the other mobile, the two plates being pressurized one against the other to ensure, among other things, that the valve is watertight in the position for stopping the flow of molten metal. To obtain sufficient sealing pressure, a series of springs (not shown) can be arranged in a manner known per se between the lower chassis 4 and the movable plate carried by the latter. The resulting force of the springs can amount to 100,000 N. During an operation of the lower chassis 4, it is necessary to overcome inter alia the force of said springs to either fix the lower chassis 4 to the upper chassis 3 or release it from the latter.

Il est clair que le châssis supérieur 3 peut être constitué aussi par le fond de poche de coulée (non représenté). De ce fait, on peut assimiler par exemple le châssis inférieur 4, porteur de la plaque mobile, à la vanne 2 elle-même ou à une porte 4 et le châssis supérieur 3, porteur de la plaque fixe, au fond de la poche de coulée ou à l'organe fixe 3.It is clear that the upper chassis 3 can also be constituted by the bottom of the ladle (not shown). Therefore, one can assimilate for example the lower chassis 4, carrying the movable plate, to the valve 2 itself or to a door 4 and the upper chassis 3, carrying the fixed plate, to the bottom of the pocket. casting or to the fixed member 3.

Dans le cas de la vanne 2 donnée à titre d'exemple, le dispositif de manoeuvre et de blocage comporte un élément de fixation 5 présentant la forme d'un tirant 5. Ce dernier est fixé par exemple au châssis supérieur 3 par un arbre 6 passant au travers d'une extrémité 105 du tirant 5, de façon que le tirant puisse pivoter autour de l'arbre 6 pour occuper au moins une position de blocage du châssis inférieur 4 (représentée) et une position de libération de ce châssis inférieur 4 (non représentée). L'arbre 6 est fixé au châssis supérieur 3 d'une façon connue.In the case of the valve 2 given by way of example, the operating and blocking device comprises a fixing element 5 having the form of a tie rod 5. The latter is fixed for example to the upper chassis 3 by a shaft 6 passing through one end 105 of the tie rod 5, so that the tie rod can pivot around the shaft 6 to occupy at least one locking position of the lower chassis 4 (shown) and a release position of this lower chassis 4 (not shown). The shaft 6 is fixed to the upper frame 3 in a known manner.

En outre, un vérin 7, connu en soi, qui peut être actionné par un fluide hydraulique et qui présente de préférence un piston 8 à tige creuse 9 et un cylindre 10 est utilisé pour manoeuvrer le châssis inférieur 4 entre la position de fixation représentée aux figures 1 et 2 et une position d'attente non représentée dans laquelle, par exemple, les ressorts susdits n'ont plus d'effet antagoniste à la manoeuvre. Le vérin 7, du type à simple effet dans le cas présent, comporte une entrée 11 de fluide hydraulique. Pour la manoeuvre du châssis inférieur 4, il peut être avantageux de prévoir pour chaque tirant 5 un vérin 7.In addition, a cylinder 7, known per se, which can be actuated by a hydraulic fluid and which preferably has a piston 8 with hollow rod 9 and a cylinder 10 is used to maneuver the lower chassis 4 between the fixing position shown in Figures 1 and 2 and a waiting position not shown in which, for example, the above springs no longer have an antagonistic effect to the operation. The jack 7, of the single-acting type in the present case, has an inlet 11 for hydraulic fluid. For the operation of the lower chassis 4, it may be advantageous to provide for each tie-rod 5 a jack 7.

Dans le cas de l'exemple illustré aux figures, une tige de traction 12 est disposée dans la tige creuse 9 du piston 8 de façon à être soumise à une traction lors de la manoeuvre du châssis inférieur 4 vers la position de fixation. La tige de traction 12 comporte à cet effet à son extrémité 112 éloignée du châssis inférieur 4 un écrou 13 et un contre-écrou 14 pour prendre appui d'une manière connue en soi sur l'extrémité de la tige creuse 9 qui sort de l'extrémité 15 du vérin 7, à l'opposé du châssis inférieur 4. L'agencement de tige creuse 9 permet à la tige de traction 12 de sortir par l'extrémité 16 du vérin 7 située du côté du châssis supérieur 3.In the case of the example illustrated in the figures, a traction rod 12 is arranged in the hollow rod 9 of the piston 8 so as to be subjected to traction during the operation of the lower chassis 4 towards the fixing position. The pull rod 12 has for this purpose at its end 112 remote from the lower frame 4 a nut 13 and a lock nut 14 to bear in a manner known per se on the end of the hollow rod 9 which leaves the end 15 of the cylinder 7, opposite the lower chassis 4. The hollow rod arrangement 9 allows the traction rod 12 to exit through the end 16 of the cylinder 7 located on the side of the upper chassis 3.

L'extrémité 205 du tirant 5 et l'autre extrémité 212 de la tige de traction 12 comportent des moyens d'engagement 17 mutuels entre la tige creuse 9 de verin et le tirant 5. Dans le cas de l'exemple illustré aux figures, ces moyens d'engagement 17 comportent entre autres pour le tirant 5 une rainure en forme de T 18 taillée dans l'extrémité de tirant 205, suivant une direction perpendiculaire aux axes longitudinaux du tirant 5 et de l'arbre 6. Cette rainure en forme de T 18 s'ouvre, d'une part, de préférence du côté vers lequel pivote le tirant 5 pour occuper la position de libération susdite et, d'autre part, au travers de la face d'extrémité 19 du tirant 5 la plus éloignée de l'arbre 6. Ainsi la rainure en forme de T 18 peut recevoir, au moins en position de blocage, l'extrémité de tige 212 susdite qui présente une section en forme de T correspondant à la rainure en forme de T 18 et qui fait partie des moyens d'engagement 17, ceux-ci formant donc une liaison détachable dans le cas illustré aux figures 1 et 2.The end 205 of the tie rod 5 and the other end 212 of the pull rod 12 comprise mutual engagement means 17 between the hollow rod 9 of the jack and the tie rod 5. In the case of the example illustrated in the figures, these engagement means 17 comprise inter alia for the tie-rod 5 a T-shaped groove 18 cut in the end of the tie-rod 205, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tie-rod 5 and of the shaft 6. This groove in the shape of T 18 opens, on the one hand, preferably on the side towards which the tie rod 5 pivots to occupy the aforementioned release position and, on the other hand, through the end face 19 of the tie rod 5 most away from the shaft 6. Thus the T-shaped groove 18 can receive, at least in the locking position, the above-mentioned rod end 212 which has a T-shaped section corresponding to the T-shaped groove 18 and which is part of the engagement means 17, these therefore forming a detailed link chable in the case illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

Pour manoeuvrer le châssis inférieur 4 dans la forme de réalisation décrite, le vérin 7 comporte des moyens de prise 20 entre son cylindre 10 et le châssis inférieur 4. Ces moyens de prise 20 (figure 1) peuvent comporter entre autres un support de vérin 21 fixé de façon connue au cylindre 10 et présentant deux jambes d'appui 22 qui, pour la manoeuvre, peuvent prendre appui par une face d'appui 122 sur une plaquette d'usure 23 solidaire du châssis inférieur 4 par l'intermédiaire des vis 24. Pour l'appui susdit, il est avantageux que les faces d'appui 122 (figure 1) des jambes 22 et une face correspondante 123 (figure 1) de la plaquette d'usure soient perpendiculaires à l'axe longitudinal du tirant 5 lorsque ce dernier est en position de blocage et que le châssis inférieur 4 est en position de fixation. L'axe longitudinal du tirant 5 en position de blocage est avantageusement sensiblement parallèle au sens déterminé de déplacement du châssis inférieur 4 aux environs de la position de fixation de ce dernier.To maneuver the lower chassis 4 in the embodiment described, the jack 7 has gripping means 20 between its cylinder 10 and the lower chassis 4. These gripping means 20 (FIG. 1) may include, among other things, a jack support 21 fixed in a known manner to the cylinder 10 and having two support legs 22 which, for maneuvering, can take support by a support face 122 on a wear plate 23 secured to the lower frame 4 by means of the screws 24. For the abovementioned support, it is advantageous that the support faces 122 (FIG. 1) legs 22 and a corresponding face 123 (Figure 1) of the wear plate are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tie rod 5 when the latter is in the locking position and the lower frame 4 is in the fixing position. The longitudinal axis of the tie rod 5 in the locking position is advantageously substantially parallel to the determined direction of movement of the lower chassis 4 in the vicinity of the latter's fixing position.

Pour le blocage proprement dit du châssis inférieur 4 en position de fixation, on a prévu avantageusement suivant l'invention des moyens de blocage 25 sous la forme d'un élément de calage 25 qui, dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, est disposé entre le châssis inférieur 4 et une surface de calage 26 que présente le tirant 5 et qui est décrite ci-après.For the actual blocking of the lower chassis 4 in the fixing position, there are advantageously provided according to the invention blocking means 25 in the form of a wedging element 25 which, in the embodiment described, is arranged between the lower chassis 4 and a wedging surface 26 presented by the tie rod 5 and which is described below.

Le dispositif de manoeuvre et de blocage 1 comporte aussi des moyens d'alimentation 50 (figure 3), d'un fluide hydraulique sous pression. Ces moyens sont connus en soi mais seront expliqués ci-après.The operating and blocking device 1 also comprises supply means 50 (FIG. 3), of a hydraulic fluid under pressure. These means are known per se but will be explained below.

Suivant l'exemple de réalisation décrit, le châssis inférieur 4 présente une ouverture 27 entre deux branches 28 et 29, permettant au tirant 5 de passer de la position de libération, à l'écart du châssis inférieur 4, à la position de blocage de ce châssis inférieur 4.According to the embodiment described, the lower chassis 4 has an opening 27 between two branches 28 and 29, allowing the tie rod 5 to pass from the release position, away from the lower chassis 4, to the locking position of this lower chassis 4.

Suivant les figures, le tirant 5 présente avantageusement un corps 305, qui peut être sensiblement cylindrique et qui est agencé pour passer dans l'ouverture 27 lorsque le tirant est en position de blocage. De plus, le tirant 5 présente à son extrémité 205 une tête 30 qui dépasse sensiblement du châssis inférieur 4, du côté de ce dernier situé à l'écart du châssis supérieur 3. Cette tête 30 peut comporter, d'une part, la rainure en forme de T 18 débouchant sur la face supérieure 19 de la tête et, d'autre part, la surface de calage 26 située du côté de la tête 30 qui est en regard du châssis inférieur 4. Cette surface de calage 26 est de préférence parallèle à une surface correspondante 223 de la plaquette d'usure 23 lorsque le châssis inférieur 4 est en position de fixation. Dans cette même position, la distance séparant ces deux surfaces parallèles de calage 26 et correspondante 223 est égale à la dimension H correspondante de l'élément de calage 25. De cette façon, lorsque l'élément de calage 25 est placé entre ces deux surfaces et que celles-ci sont en appui contre l'élément de calage 25, on est assuré que le châssis inférieur 4 occupe sa position de fixation, sans devoir effectuer des contrôles et/ou des réglages.According to the figures, the tie rod 5 advantageously has a body 305, which can be substantially cylindrical and which is arranged to pass through the opening 27 when the tie rod is in the locked position. In addition, the tie rod 5 has at its end 205 a head 30 which projects substantially from the lower chassis 4, on the side of the latter located away from the upper chassis 3. This head 30 may comprise, on the one hand, the T-shaped groove 18 opening onto the upper face 19 of the head and, on the other hand, the wedging surface 26 located on the side of the head 30 which is opposite the chassis lower 4. This wedging surface 26 is preferably parallel to a corresponding surface 223 of the wear plate 23 when the lower chassis 4 is in the fixing position. In this same position, the distance separating these two parallel wedging surfaces 26 and corresponding 223 is equal to the corresponding dimension H of the wedging element 25. In this way, when the wedging element 25 is placed between these two surfaces and that these are in abutment against the wedging element 25, it is ensured that the lower chassis 4 occupies its fixing position, without having to carry out checks and / or adjustments.

Le procédé suivant l'invention consiste par exemple dans le cas du dispositif décrit, pour amener et bloquer le châssis inférieur 4 sur le châssis supérieur 3 en position de fixation, à régler d'abord les moyens d'alimentation 50 pour que le fluide hydraulique ne soit pas amené dans le vérin 7 mais pour que l'on puisse déplacer à la main la tige de traction 12, le cas échéant avec la tige creuse 9. Ensuite, on peut placer le châssis inférieur 4 dans la position d'attente dans laquelle les ressorts de pression susdits n'agissent pas. Après cela on fait pivoter le tirant 5 de la position de libération jusqu'à la position de blocage dans laquelle le corps de tirant 305 passe de part en part du châssis inférieur 4 pour que la tête 30 soit située à l'opposé dudit châssis 4 par rapport à l'arbre 6, de façon que la surface de calage 26 soit parallèle à la surface correspondante 223 de la plaquette d'usure 23. L'extrémité de tige 212 en forme de T est engagée dans la rainure en forme de T 18 de la tête 30 du tirant 5.The method according to the invention consists, for example in the case of the device described, for bringing and blocking the lower chassis 4 on the upper chassis 3 in the fixing position, first adjusting the supply means 50 so that the hydraulic fluid is not brought into the cylinder 7 but so that the traction rod 12 can be moved by hand, if necessary with the hollow rod 9. Then, the lower chassis 4 can be placed in the waiting position in which the above pressure springs do not act. After that the tie rod 5 is pivoted from the release position to the blocking position in which the tie rod body 305 passes right through the lower chassis 4 so that the head 30 is located opposite said chassis 4 relative to the shaft 6, so that the wedging surface 26 is parallel to the corresponding surface 223 of the wear pad 23. The T-shaped rod end 212 is engaged in the T-shaped groove 18 from head 30 from tie 5.

Les jambes d'appui 22 du support 21 sont orientées pendant cet engagement pour que leurs faces d'appui 122 soient disposées en regard de la face de plaquette 123 correspondante.The support legs 22 of the support 21 are oriented during this engagement so that their support faces 122 are arranged facing the face of the corresponding wafer 123.

Les moyens d'alimentation sont alors actionnés pour développer une pression suffisante dans le vérin 7 de façon à ce que la poussée de ce dernier surmonte la force des ressorts précités et les autres forces résultant entre autres de frottements dans des charnières, etc. Le châssis inférieur 4 est ainsi amené dans la position de fixation représentée et même quelque peu au-delà de cette position, selon le sens de déplacement S (figure 2), de façon que la distance entre la surface de calage 26 et la surface correspondante 223 soit quelque peu supérieure à la dimension H correspondante de l'élément de calage 25.The supply means are then actuated to develop sufficient pressure in the jack 7 so that the thrust of the latter overcomes the force of the above springs and the other forces resulting inter alia from friction in hinges, etc. The lower frame 4 is thus brought into the fixing position shown and even somewhat beyond this position, in the direction of movement S (FIG. 2), so that the distance between the wedging surface 26 and the corresponding surface 223 is somewhat greater than the corresponding dimension H of the wedging element 25.

On peut insérer alors entre ces deux surfaces 26 et 223 l'élément de calage 25.The wedging element 25 can then be inserted between these two surfaces 26 and 223.

De cette façon, lorsqu'on actionne les moyens d'alimentation pour supprimer l'alimentation en fluide hydraulique et pour permettre au fluide hydraulique contenu dans le vérin 7 de s'échapper, les ressorts précités repoussent le châssis inférieur 4 dans le sens opposé au sens S jusqu'à ce que l'élément de calage 25 soit coincé entre les surfaces de calage 26 et correspondante 223. A ce moment, le châssis inférieur 4 est en position de fixation, aucun effort n'est fourni par le vérin 7 et celui-ci peut être retiré, avec son support 21, de la face d'appui 123 en retirant l'extrémité de tige 212 en forme de T de la rainure en forme de T 18.In this way, when the supply means are actuated to suppress the supply of hydraulic fluid and to allow the hydraulic fluid contained in the jack 7 to escape, the aforementioned springs push the lower chassis 4 in the opposite direction to the S direction until the wedging element 25 is wedged between the wedging surfaces 26 and corresponding 223. At this time, the lower frame 4 is in the fixing position, no effort is provided by the jack 7 and this can be removed, with its support 21, from the bearing face 123 by removing the end of the T-shaped rod 212 from the T-shaped groove 18.

Pour libérer le châssis inférieur 4 du châssis supérieur 3, on procède comme suit. Le cas échéant, on met le vérin 7 et son support 21 en place comme déjà décrit ci-dessus pour réaliser l'engagement de la tige de traction 12 avec le tirant 5 et la prise des faces d'appui 122 avec la plaquette d'usure 23. On alimente le vérin 7 en fluide hydraulique, à une pression suffisante que pour pousser le châssis inférieur 4 dans le sens S vers le châssis supérieur 3, à l'encontre des ressorts susdits. On retire l'élément de calage 25 et on manoeuvre les moyens d'alimentation 50 pour laisser échapper progressivement le fluide hydraulique du vérin 7 de façon que les ressorts susdits puissent répousser élastiquement le châssis inférieur 4 en sens inverse du sens déterminé S, jusqu'à la position d'attente précitée, à l'écart du châssis supérieur 3, au delà de laquelle les ressorts n'ont plus d'effet.To release the lower chassis 4 from the upper chassis 3, the procedure is as follows. If necessary, the cylinder 7 and its support 21 are put in place as already described above in order to effect the engagement of the traction rod 12 with the tie rod 5 and the engagement of the bearing faces 122 with the plate wear 23. The cylinder 7 is supplied with hydraulic fluid, at a pressure sufficient to push the lower chassis 4 in the direction S towards the upper chassis 3, against the above-mentioned springs. The wedging element 25 is removed and the supply means 50 are maneuvered in order to gradually let the hydraulic fluid escape from the jack 7 so that the above-mentioned springs can elastically push the lower chassis 4 in the opposite direction to the determined direction S, until in the aforementioned waiting position, away from the upper chassis 3, beyond which the springs have no effect.

Alors le vérin 7 peut être retire comme déjà expliqué plus haut. Le tirant 5 peut être pivoté autour de l'arbre 6 jusqu'à la position de libération pour permettre d'éventuellement manoeuvrer le châssis inférieur 4 jusqu'à une position encore plus écartée du châssis supérieur 3.Then the cylinder 7 can be removed as already explained above. The tie rod 5 can be pivoted around the shaft 6 to the release position to allow possible maneuvering the lower chassis 4 to a position even further away from the upper chassis 3.

Les moyens d'alimentation 50 illustrés à titre d'exemple à la figure 3 comportent entre autres un réservoir de fluide hydraulique 51, une pompe hyraulique 52 puisant le fluide du réservoir et le transmettant à une soupape de réglage de pression 53 qui limite la pression à une valeur donnée par un retour de fluide au réservoir 51 et qui transmet le fluide sous pression réglée à une vanne 54 actionnée manuellement par un levier 55. Cette vanne 54 est agencée par exemple pour que, dans une position du levier 55, le fluide hydraulique sous pression réglée soit envoyé dans le vérin 7, que dans une deuxième position le fluide hydraulique ne soit plus alimenté au vérin 7 mais ne puisse pas s'en échapper et que dans une troisième position du levier 55, le fluide hydraulique puisse librement s'échapper du vérin 7 vers le réservoir 51.The supply means 50 illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3 comprise inter alia a hydraulic fluid reservoir 51, a hydraulic pump 52 drawing the fluid from the reservoir and transmitting it to a pressure adjustment valve 53 which limits the pressure at a value given by a return of fluid to the reservoir 51 and which transmits the fluid under pressure set to a valve 54 manually actuated by a lever 55. This valve 54 is arranged for example so that, in a position of the lever 55, the fluid hydraulic pressure set is sent to the cylinder 7, that in a second position the hydraulic fluid is no longer supplied to the cylinder 7 but can not escape and that in a third position of the lever 55, the hydraulic fluid can freely s '' escape from the jack 7 towards the tank 51.

Comme le montre la figure 3, les moyens d'alimentation 50 peuvent avantageusement comporter un manomètre 56 agencé pour afficher la pression du fluide contenu dans le vérin 7. Ces moyens d'alimentation 50 peuvent aussi comporter un convertisseur 57 de pression hydraulique en signal électrique, qui peut par exemple actionner une alarme, au-delà d'une pression donnée, par deux fils électriques 58.As shown in FIG. 3, the supply means 50 may advantageously include a pressure gauge 56 arranged to display the pressure of the fluid contained in the jack 7. These supply means 50 may also include a converter 57 of hydraulic pressure into an electrical signal , which can for example activate an alarm, above a given pressure, by two electric wires 58.

Dans le cas des ressorts susdits, la pression nécessaire pour vaincre la force de ceux-ci peut être lue sur le manomètre 56, lors d'une mise sous pression progressive du vérin 7, et comparée à des valeurs connues qui permettent de déterminer si la force globale des ressorts est suffisante ou trop faible pour assurer l'étanchéité précitée.In the case of the aforementioned springs, the pressure necessary to overcome the force of these can be read on the pressure gauge 56, during a progressive pressurization of the jack 7, and compared with known values which make it possible to determine whether the overall force of the springs is sufficient or too weak to ensure the aforementioned seal.

La valeur de pression lue peut aussi permettre de déterminer si la force à exercer pour amener le châssis inférieur 4 en position de fixation est normale ou supérieure à une valeur limite, mettant ainsi en évidence respectivement un éventuel défaut mécanique etc. d'un des châssis 3, 4, de la vanne en elle-même... Il est donc possible d'être averti de cette façon d'anomalies ou de défauts naissants auxquels on peut porter remède au plus tôt.The pressure value read can also make it possible to determine whether the force to be exerted to bring the lower chassis 4 into the fixing position is normal or greater than a limit value, thus highlighting respectively a possible mechanical defect etc. of one of the frames 3, 4, of the valve itself ... It is therefore possible to be warned in this way of anomalies or emerging faults which can be remedied as soon as possible.

Il doit être entendu que l'invention n'est nullement limitée aux formes de réalisation décrites et que bien des modifications peuvent être apportées à ces dernières sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.It should be understood that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and that many modifications can be made to these without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Par exemple, l'élément de calage 25 présente avantageusement dans le cas de l'exemple décrit une forme de fourche à deux branches 125 et 225 (figure 1) de façon à pouvoir être aisément glissé de part et d'autre du corps 305 du tirant 5. De plus, cet élément de calage 25 comporte une chaînette 31 pour le fixer par exemple au châssis supérieur 3 et éviter qu'on ne l'égare ou qu'il soit hors de portée lorsqu'il doit être inséré entre les deux surfaces de blocage 26 et correspondante 223.For example, the wedging element 25 advantageously has, in the case of the example described, a form of fork with two branches 125 and 225 (FIG. 1) so that it can be easily slid on either side of the body 305 of the pulling 5. In addition, this wedging element 25 comprises a chain 31 for fixing it for example to the upper chassis 3 and preventing it from being mislaid or being out of reach when it is to be inserted between the two blocking surfaces 26 and corresponding 223.

Claims (14)

  1. A method of operating and locking a gate (4), particularly of a valve or an occluding moans, on a fixed member (3), particularly a vessel containing a molten substance, characterised in that in order to fix the gate from a waiting position thereof, it comprises:
    - an engagement of at least one jack (7) actuated by a pressurised fluid and comprising a piston (8) and a cylinder (10), on a fixing element (5) adjacent the jack (7) and carried by the fixed member (3) or respectively by the gate (4), such engagement occurring with the piston (8) or respectively with the piston (10), such engagement comprising a detachable connection between the fixing element and the piston or cylinder respectively,
    - an engagement of the said jack (7) with the gate (4) or respectively the fixed member (3) through the cylinder (10) or respectively the piston (8), said engagement being carried out by the elements in question bearing on one another,
    - a supply to the jack (7) of pressurised fluid so that it displaces the gate (4) in a specific direction (S) into a position of mounting on the fixed member (3) and then a little beyond the said position,
    - a locking of the gate (4) by insertion of a keying element (25) between the fixing element (5) and the gate (4) or respectively the fixed member (3) in order to retain the gate (4) at least in the said fixed position,
    - elimination of the aforementioned supply,
    - a return of the gate (4) in a direction opposite to that of the specific direction (S), into the fixing position and possible retraction of the jack (7).
  2. A method according to Claim 1, characterised in that it also comprises, in order to release the gate (4) or the fixed member (3):
    - a possible repetition of the said engagement and the said connection,
    - a fresh supply of specialised fluid to the jack (7) to displace the gate (4) somewhat beyond the fixing position in the specified direction,
    - removal of the locking on the gate (4) by withdrawal of the keying element (25),
    - elimination of fresh supply as mentioned above to allow the gate (4) to move away from the fixed member (3) in a direction opposite to the above-mentioned specified direction (S).
  3. A method according to one or other of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the fixing element (5) is carried by the fixed member (3) and therefore for the above engagement comprises a connection between the jack rod (9) and the fixing element (5), engagement of the cylinder (10) on the gate (4) being achieved by this latter bearing on the gate, displacement of the gate (4) in the specific direction (S) being carried out by a thrust exerted on the gate (4) by the cylinder (10).
  4. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises an elastic return of the gate (4) in the direction opposite to the specified direction (S), particularly by means of springs.
  5. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it comprises:
    - a progressive pressurising of the aforesaid fluid in the jack (7),
    - a display of the fluid pressure,
    - a reading of the display pressure,
    - a comparison between the pressure read and one or more predetermined values Indicating a state of proper functioning or a malfunction of the gate (4) and/or of the fixing of the gate,
    - possibly an emission of a warning signal indicating the position of the pressure read off in relation to the preset value or values and
    - if applicable, correction of the corresponding fault.
  6. An apparatus for operating and locking a gate (4) particularly of a valve or of an occluding means on a fixed member (3), particularly a vessel containing a molten substance, characterised in that it comprises:
    - at least one jack (7) actuated by a pressurised fluid and comprising a piston (8) and a cylinder (10),
    - a fixing element (5) adjacent to the jack (7) and carried by the fixed member (3) or respectively by the gate (4),
    - means of engagement between the jack (7) by its piston (8) or respectively by its cylinder (10) and the fixing element (5),
    - means of engagement between the said jack (7) via its piston (8) or respectively by its cylinder (10) and a fixing element (5),
    - means of engagement between the said jack (7) by its cylinder (10) or respectively by its piston (8) and the gate (4) or respectively the fixed element (3),
    - means of supplying pressurised fluid to the jack (7),
    - means of locking the gate (4), comprising a keying element (25) to be inserted between the fixing element (5) and the gate (4) or respectively the fixed member (3) when the gate (4) is at least in its fixing position, the gate (4) being capable of being displaced in a specific direction (S) between a waiting position which is situated away from the fixed member (3) and in which the jack (7) is not supplied by supply means and a fixing position and even a little beyond this position in which the jack (7) is supplied by the said supply means and is capable of being returned to its fixing position in a direction opposite to the specified direction (S).
  7. An apparatus according to Claim 6, characterised in that the fixing element (5) is rigid with the fixed member (3) and in that the engagement means are detachable connections disposed between the jack rod (9) and the fixing element (5).
  8. An apparatus according to one or other of Claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the engagement means are disposed between the jack cylinder (10) and the gate (4) and in that they are possibly constituted by a bearing face (122) rigid with the jack (7) and a corresponding face (123) on the gate (4).
  9. An apparatus according to Claim 7, characterised in that the detachable connections comprise on the one hand a T-shaped groove (18) which extends substantially at right-angles to the predetermined direction (S) and which is disposed in the fixing element (5) or in the jack rod (9) and on the other a T-shaped member (212) corresponding to the groove (18) and disposed respectively on the rod (9) or on the fixing element (5).
  10. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that
    - the gate (4) has an opening (27) traversing it from one side to the other and substantially in the specified direction (S) and
    - the fixing element (5) furthermore has on the one hand a body (305) passing through this aperture substantially in the specified direction (S) and on the other a head (30) situated on the side of the gate (4) opposite the fixed member (3) and arranged to cooperate with the engagement means and/or with the locking means.
  11. An apparatus according to Claim 10, characterised in that in order to cooperate with the locking means, the head (30) comprises a keying surface (26) which is turned towards a corresponding surface (223) of the gate (4), the keying surface (26) and corresponding surface (223) being substantially parallel and in that the keying element (25) has a dimension (H) equal to the distance between the two surfaces (26, 223) when the gate (4) is in the fixing position.
  12. An apparatus according to one or other of Claims 10 or 11, characterised in that in order to cooperate with the engaging means, the T-shaped groove (18) is made in the aforesaid head (30) of the fixing element (5) on that side of the head (30) which is opposite the aforementioned body (305).
  13. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 12, characterised in that the supply means comprise a means (56) of displaying the fluid pressure in the jack (7) and/or a means (57) for detecting pressure possibly capable of actuating a warning signal to indicate a state of proper operation or maloperation of the gate (4) and/or of the fixing of the gate (4).
  14. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 6 to 13, characterised in that since a fluid-tightness device is provided and is in fact between gate (4) and fixed member (3), the jack or jacks (7) is/are dimensioned to exert a force which is at least equal to the said specified force.
EP19910870004 1991-01-09 1991-01-09 Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve Expired - Lifetime EP0494589B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES91870004T ES2062746T3 (en) 1991-01-09 1991-01-09 PROCEDURE AND DEVICE TO MANEUVE AND LOCK A DOOR, IN PARTICULAR OF A GATE VALVE OR A SHUTTER.
DE1991604023 DE69104023T2 (en) 1991-01-09 1991-01-09 Method and device for actuating and locking a slide lock plate.
EP19910870004 EP0494589B1 (en) 1991-01-09 1991-01-09 Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19910870004 EP0494589B1 (en) 1991-01-09 1991-01-09 Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0494589A1 EP0494589A1 (en) 1992-07-15
EP0494589B1 true EP0494589B1 (en) 1994-09-14

Family

ID=8209006

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910870004 Expired - Lifetime EP0494589B1 (en) 1991-01-09 1991-01-09 Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0494589B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69104023T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2062746T3 (en)

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU502205B2 (en) * 1975-02-25 1979-07-19 Kurosaki Refractories Co. Ltd. + Nippon Steel Corp. Assembling a sliding gate
BE1000390A4 (en) * 1987-03-16 1988-11-22 Vesuvius Internat Corp Locking system for sliding closure gate - of metallurgical vessel, has abutments limiting pivot pin displacement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2062746T3 (en) 1994-12-16
DE69104023T2 (en) 1995-02-16
DE69104023D1 (en) 1994-10-20
EP0494589A1 (en) 1992-07-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2576414B1 (en) Device for gripping and adjusting the tension of an elongate element such as a cable, rope or the like
EP0344028B1 (en) Device and method for screwing and unscrewing a nut in a connecting element
EP0099819A1 (en) Self-propulsed vehicle with an articulated arm, with a container and a declutchable propulsion arrangement mounted on said vehicle
BE1006434A3 (en) Order of two arms stabilization in a drill core drilling or.
WO1991015699A1 (en) Device and process for unrolling flexible tubular conduits essentially vertically
CA2270579A1 (en) Device for holding in position the rod of a pressure cylinder
CA1327118C (en) Device for screwing and unscrewing at least one nut on linking elements
EP0368777B1 (en) Pneumatic gripper
FR2669857A1 (en) DEVICE FOR LOCKING A STEERING WHEEL SUPPORT.
EP0494589B1 (en) Process and device for operating and locking a sliding gate valve
EP0390650A1 (en) Device for steadying loads suspended from an aircraft
FR3008147A1 (en) NUT CLAMPING DEVICE
FR2754750A1 (en) TIGHTENING SPINDLE WITH ADJUSTABLE TIGHTENING TORQUE
FR2484948A1 (en) DEVICE FOR HANDLING FROM A BOAT AN IMMERSE LOAD HITCHED TO THE END OF A CABLE
FR2500391A1 (en) ANTI-SLAVE FACILITIES FOR VEHICLE BRAKES
FR2516631A1 (en) SAFETY ARRANGEMENT FOR EMERGENCY DISCONNECTION CONNECTION DEVICE FOR FLUID TRANSFER ELEMENTS CONNECTED THEREWITH
FR2559085A2 (en) Device allowing a workpiece to be machined to be held in a predetermined position with respect to a machine tool upon which this device may be fixed
FR2573375A1 (en) BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL UNIT HAVING PRE-ADJUSTMENT MEANS ACCORDING TO VEHICLE LOAD
FR2863190A1 (en) Part to be machined clamping device, has cylinder with rod movable with respect to body and clamp articulated around swiveling axis, where rod extends along translation axis which passes between guide units and support units
FR2683295A1 (en) Apparatus for automatically fitting a seal into the valve (tap) spigot of a gas bottle (cylinder)
FR2691387A1 (en) Tool for restoring cylindrical shape to plastic pipe which has been deformed - has two concave cylindrical jaws operated by screw mechanism or power cylinder
FR2549892A1 (en) MACHINE FOR APPLYING A TORQUE OR TORQUE TO RODS, ESPECIALLY DRILLING RODS
FR2469648A1 (en) Gas cylinder seal checking and renewing device - has spring loaded seal applicator moved by hydraulic or pneumatic into engagement with cylinder tap nose
FR2488865A1 (en) Safety system for three-arm, articulated, hydraulic hoist - uses pressure transducers in hydraulic cylinders and potentiometers at two arm joints to lock if any arms move beyond prescribed angles
FR3005645A1 (en) DEVICE FOR ANCHORING A LOAD, FOR LIFTING THIS LOAD

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR GB IT LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920924

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19921123

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR GB IT LU NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19940914

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69104023

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19941020

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19941025

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19941214

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2062746

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19981223

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 19990129

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20000105

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000110

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20000614

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20000627

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20000630

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20001101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010109

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010109

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010131

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: S.A. ROTARY NOZZLE INTERNATIONAL

Effective date: 20010131

Owner name: S.A. HEPWORTH REFRACTORIES (BELGIUM)

Effective date: 20010131

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20010109

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20010928

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20010910

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050109