EP1218550B1 - Device for distributing bulk materials with rotary chute having a variable angle of inclination - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for distributing materials in bulk includes a suspension rotor and a chute located below the suspension rotor. The chute is provided with two lateral suspension arms which are connected to the suspension rotor. A driving mechanism produces a pivoting torque capable of pivoting the chute, while a cylindrical suspension pin is associated with each suspension arm for pivotably connecting it to the suspension rotor. A control lever is connected to the suspension rotor, the driving mechanism being connected to the control lever so as to transmit to the latter the pivoting torque. A stop on the control lever and a counterstop on a suspension arm engage with each other to transmit the pivoting torque to the suspension arm. The stop and the counterstop are disengagable by a translation movement of the two suspension arms after withdrawal of the cylindrical suspension pins for removal of the chute.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for distributing materials in bulk with rotating chute with variable tilt angle. It concerns more particularly such a device comprising a suspension rotor, a chute with two suspension arms, each of which is connected to the rotor of suspension using a suspension axis, so as to define on the rotor suspension a pivot axis for the chute, and a drive mechanism to produce a pivoting moment capable of pivoting the chute around its pivot axis.

Such devices for distributing bulk materials are for example used in tank furnace loading facilities, in particular blast furnaces, where the rotating chute with variable tilt angle ensures the load distribution inside the shaft furnace. It will be appreciated that in such a device the chute is a wear element, which must be replaced time to time. Hence the need to suspend the chute so easily removable in its suspension rotor, while ensuring reliable transmission of a large pivoting moment on the chute.

Bulk material distribution devices with rotary chute variable tilt angle are for example described in patents US 3,814,403, US 5,022,806 and patent application DE 3342572.

The chute of the device described in US Pat. No. 3,814,403 is provided with lateral suspension pins. On one side it includes two pins spaced suspension, which are received in two housings separated by a flange suspension driven in rotation by the pivoting mechanism, so that this suspension flange can transmit the pivoting moment at the chute. On the opposite side it includes a suspension pin single which can rotate in a fixed flange housing. The fixing of pins in the two flanges is done using transverse keys.

The chute of the device described in US Patent 5,022,806 is also fitted with lateral suspension pins. On one side it includes two spaced suspension pins, which are received in a flange housing suspension driven in rotation by the pivoting mechanism, so that this suspension flange can transmit the pivoting moment at the chute. On the opposite side it includes a single pin which is received in a flange housing free to rotate on a pivot.

The chute of the device described in patent application DE 3342572 has two specially shaped suspension arms. Each of these arms of suspension is received in a housing of a driven suspension flange in rotation by the pivoting mechanism. The shape of the suspension arm secures the suspension flange housing while allowing easy extraction of the chute after lifting it. Both suspension flanges transmit the pivoting moment to the chute.

The loading device described in patent application FR 882167 includes an oscillating loading tube, which is suspended via of two long horizontal arms like a pendulum in a cylindrical piece press. The ends of these suspension arms are mounted in bearings of the rotating cylindrical part. One of these ends carries a lever actuating. A bent control lever is fixed with a bearing to the cylindrical piece. A first end of this control lever is connected through a connecting rod to an oscillation mechanism. A second end of this control lever carries a slide which is guided in a closed slide of the operating lever. It is not specified how proceeds to disassemble the loading tube.

An object of the present invention is to provide a distribution device bulk materials with a simpler chute suspension and less bulky, allowing nevertheless to transmit important pivoting moments at the chute, while ensuring disassembly and easy assembly of the chute. According to the invention, this objective is reached by a device according to claim 1.

A device for distributing bulk materials according to the invention comprises a suspension rotor as well as a chute arranged below the rotor suspension. This chute is equipped with two lateral suspension arms extending upwards where they are connected to the suspension rotor, so that define a substantially horizontal pivot axis on the suspension rotor for the chute. The device further comprises a drive mechanism to produce a pivoting moment capable of pivoting the chute around its pivot axis. A cylindrical suspension axis is associated with each suspension arm to pivotally connect it to the rotor suspension. Each of these two cylindrical suspension axes is housed retractably in a housing of said suspension rotor. A lever of control is connected by means of a joint to the suspension rotor. The drive mechanism is connected to this control lever so that transmit the pivoting moment to the latter. To transmit this moment swivel to a suspension arm, the control lever is equipped a stop which is supported on a buttress arranged on the suspension arm respective. The stop and the counter-stop are also designed so that they can be released by a translational movement of the two arms of suspension, this after removing the cylindrical suspension pins to disassembly of the chute. It will be appreciated that this device is distinguished by a very simple and very compact chute suspension, which allows transmit significant pivoting moments to the chute, while ensuring easy disassembly and assembly of the chute.

The transmission of the pivoting moment to the chute could be done at through only one of the two suspension arms. Symmetrical transmission of pivoting moment at the two suspension arms of the chute is however more advantageous. To this end, a control lever is associated with each. of the two suspension arms and connected by means of a joint to the rotor of suspension. The drive mechanism is then connected to the two levers control in order to transmit the pivoting moment symmetrically to these. To transmit the pivoting moment in this device to the two suspension arms of the chute, a stop on each two levers control unit cooperates with a buttress on the suspension arm to which the respective control lever is associated.

We can of course design different drive mechanisms to transmit a pivoting moment to the control lever (s). In a preferential execution, this drive mechanism comprises a rotor rotary axis coaxial with the suspension rotor, as well as a angular transmission carried by the suspension rotor. The input tree of this angular transmission is provided with a pinion which meshes with a ring gear carried by the control rotor. Its output tree is parallel to the pivot axis of the chute and is rotated when the input shaft is rotated by the control rotor. A mechanism connecting rod-crank connects the output shaft to the control lever (s). he it will be noted that a rotation of the input pinion of the angular transmission takes place if there is a difference in angular speed between the suspension rotor and the control rotor. This rotation of the input shaft produces a rotation of the output shaft of the angular transmission, which is transformed by the mechanism connecting rod-crank in a pivoting of the control lever (s) around its (their) articulation (s) on the suspension rotor.

It is also possible to design different versions of the stop and the abutment. In a preferred embodiment, the stop is for example formed by a drive pivot carried by the control lever. The buttressed is then advantageously formed by a guide mortise arranged in said suspension arm of the chute. This mortise of guide advantageously has a mouth in the free end of the arm, so that you can introduce the drive pivot by a translation of the suspension arm perpendicular to the drive pivot.

In order to facilitate assembly / disassembly of the suspension pins, each of the two arms for hanging the chute advantageously comprises an oblong hole for the passage of its suspension axis, so as to be able to unload the two suspension axes by lifting the chute.

In order to optimize the transmission of the pivoting moment of the lever control on the suspension arm, it is advantageous to have the suspension axis of the suspension arm and the articulation of the control lever substantially coaxial.

For the same purpose it is also advantageous to form the lever control of an assembly of two symmetrical half-levers between which is then housed a free end of the suspension arm.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a carcass outside, in which the suspension rotor is suspended. This carcass is equipped with a lower screen, which. has a circular opening. The lower end of the suspension rotor carries a collar, which is adjusted in this circular opening. In this collar are arranged two lights for the passage of the two suspension arms of the chute. Two support flanges flank each of the lights for the support of the suspension axes at their two ends.

Fig.1:

une section verticale d'un dispositif de répartition de matières en vrac avec goulotte rotative à angle d'inclinaison variable;

Fig.2:

une section horizontale du dispositif de la Fig. 1;

Fig.3:

une section verticale semblable à celle de la Fig. 1, illustrant le démontage de la goulotte;

Fig.4:

une section verticale montrant des détails de la suspension de la goulotte du dispositif de la Fig. 1;

Fig.5:

une section verticale semblable à celle de la Fig. 4, illustrant le démontage de la goulotte.

Other features and characteristics of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of an advantageous embodiment, which is described below by way of illustration, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

Fig.1:

a vertical section of a device for distributing bulk materials with a rotating chute with variable angle of inclination;

Fig.2:

a horizontal section of the device of FIG. 1;

Fig.3:

a vertical section similar to that of FIG. 1, illustrating the disassembly of the chute;

Fig.4:

a vertical section showing details of the suspension of the chute of the device of FIG. 1;

Fig.5:

a vertical section similar to that of FIG. 4, illustrating the disassembly of the chute.

The bulk distribution device 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is more specifically intended to be part of a supply device a shaft furnace, such as for example a blast furnace, shown diagrammatically by its upper end 12.

This device 10 comprises an outer carcass 14, which is connected tightly at the upper end 12 of the shaft furnace. This carcass outer 14 is provided with a fixed supply sleeve 16, which is substantially coaxial with the vertical axis 18 of the shaft furnace and is leaked out of the upper end (not shown) of the outer casing 14. A rotor of suspension 20 is suspended in the outer carcass 14, for example at using a large diameter bearing ring (not shown). This rotor of suspension 20 includes a vertical suspension sleeve 24, which surrounds the fixed supply sleeve 16 and is provided with a horizontal collar 26 at its lower end. This collar 26 is adjusted in a circular opening of a lower screen 28, which separates the interior of the carcass 14 from the interior of the oven.

In Fig. 1, reference 30 marks a second rotor, also called a rotor control rotor 30. This control rotor 30 surrounds the suspension rotor 20 and is suspended in the outer carcass 14, for example using a large diameter bearing ring (not shown), so as to have its axis of rotation substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the suspension rotor 20. The two rotors 20 and 30 are rotated by a drive device (not shown in Figs.). This training device includes, so known in itself, a first pinion, which meshes with a toothed crown of the suspension rotor 20, and a second pinion, which meshes with a gear ring of the control rotor 30. Using two motors and one differential mechanism, which are installed outside the carcass 14, this drive device is capable of rotating the two rotors 20, 30, either with perfectly synchronized rotation speeds, or with different rotational speeds.

Reference 32 identifies a distribution chute for materials in bulk dumped through the feed sleeve 16. This chute 32 comprises two lateral suspension arms 34, 34 '. On both sides of the suspension sleeve 24, the collar 26 is provided with two lights 35, 35 ', through which the free ends of the two suspension arms 34, 34 ' penetrate inside the external carcass 14. Above the collar 26, the two suspension arms 34, 34 ′ are connected to the suspension rotor 20 to using two suspension pins 36, 36 '. The latter are housed in bearings 37, 37 ', which are arranged on the collar 26 on either side of the sleeve of suspension 24, so as to define an axis on the suspension rotor 20 substantially horizontal pivoting for the chute 32.

Reference 38 globally identifies an angular transmission carried by the collar 26 of the suspension rotor 20. This angular transmission 38 comprises a vertical input shaft 40, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the two rotors 20, 30 and is fitted with a pinion 42 which meshes with a crown tooth 44 of the control rotor 30. It further comprises a shaft of horizontal outlet 46, which is parallel to the pivot axis of the chute 32 and comprises two free ends, each of which is equipped with a crank 48, 48. A gear system interconnects the input shaft 40 and the outlet 46, so as to transform a rotation of the vertical input shaft 40 into a rotation of the horizontal output shaft 46.

Two connecting rods 50, 50 'connect the two cranks 48, 48' symmetrically with two control levers 52, 52 ', each of which has substantially the form of a square with two arms. For each of these two control levers 52, 52 ', the end of one of these arms is hingedly connected to its connecting rod 50, 50 ', while the end of the other arm is connected using a articulation 54, 54 'to the suspension rotor 20. These articulations 54, 54' define for each control lever 52, 52 'on the suspension rotor 20 a pivot axis substantially coaxial with the pivot axis of the chute 32.

We saw above that a rotation of the input pinion 42 of the transmission angular 38 produces a rotation of the cranks 48, 48 '. This is transformed by the connecting rods 50, 50 'in a symmetrical pivoting of the two levers control 52, 52 'around their joints 54, 54'. Now, a rotation of the input pinion 42 takes place if there is a difference in angular speed between the suspension rotor 20 and the control rotor 30. In other words, for rotate the two control levers 52, 52 'symmetrically around of their joints 54, 54 ', it suffices to drive the control rotor 30 to a different angular speed of the suspension rotor 20.

According to an important aspect of the present invention, the transmission of a pivoting moment of the control levers 52, 52 ′ on the arms of suspensions 34, 34 'uses an abutment-abutment system, in which a control lever stop 52, 52 'simply rests on a stopper of the suspension arm 34, 34 'for transmitting the pivoting moment. The stop is for example formed by a drive pivot 56, 56 ' carried by the control lever 52, 52 ', while the abutment is then formed by a guide mortise 58, 58 '. The latter is advantageously arranged in the free end of the suspension arm 34, 34 'and has a mouth therein so that the pivot can be inserted drive 56, 56 'in its mortise 58, 58' by a simple translation of the suspension arm 34, 34 'perpendicular to the drive pivot 56, 56 '.

In Fig. 4 is shown a preferred embodiment of the lever assembly 52, suspension axis and suspension arm 34. We see that the control lever 52 is formed by an assembly of two half-levers symmetrical 60 ', 60 ", between which is housed the free end of the suspension 34. The latter crosses light 35, which is arranged in the collar 26 of the suspension rotor 20 and which is flanked by two flanges of support 62 ', 62 ". Each support flange 62', 62" is fitted with a socket 64 ', 64 ". Said articulation 54 of the lever 52 on the suspension rotor 20 is then formed by mounting a journal 66 'of the half-lever 60' in the socket 64 'of the support flange 62 'and a journal 66 "of the half-lever 60" in the socket 64 "from the support flange 62". Each of the two pins 66 ', 66 "is further provided with a central bore 68 ', 68 ", in which one end of the the suspension axis 36. It will be noted that the central axis of the suspension axis 36 is substantially coaxial with the central axis of the articulation 54 of the control lever 52. Mechanical stops (not shown) ensure the axial locking of the suspension pin 36. However, after dismantling these mechanical stops, the suspension pin 36 can be easily removed from its formed housing by the two bores 68 ', 68 ".

In order to facilitate the mounting and dismounting of the suspension shafts 36, 36 ', each of the two suspension arms of the chute has a hole oblong 70, 70 'for the passage of its suspension pin 36, 36'. This hole oblong 70, 70 'is arranged in the extension of the mortise 58, 58', of so as to be able to unload the two suspension axes 36, 36 'by a lifting the chute 32. This is illustrated by a comparison of FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 4, the suspension arm 34 is supported on the suspension axis 36 with the upper edge of its oblong hole 70. In FIG. 5, the chute 32 is in a raised position, in which there is a clearance "J" between the upper edge of the oblong hole 70 and the suspension pin 36, so as to discharge the suspension axis 36. It should be noted that the reference 72 marks in the Fig. 4 a mechanical stop which prevents inadvertent lifting of the chute 32. In FIG. 5, this mechanical stop 72 is removed.

The procedure for dismantling the chute is illustrated in Fig. 3. The reference 100 identifies a device for handling the chute 32 which is suspended from a cable 102 of a lifting device. This handling device 100 is coupled to the chute 32 through a disassembly opening 104, which is arranged in the upper end 12 of the shaft furnace. In first stage the chute 32 is slightly raised, in order to bring by a translation of the two suspension arms 34, 34 ′ the two suspension axes 36, 36 'in the position shown in FIG. 5. In this position we know now easily remove the two suspension pins 36, 36 'from their respective accommodation. Then let the chute 32 go down in order to release by a translation of the two suspension arms 34, 34 'the two pivots drive 56, 56 'of their respective guide mortise 58, 58'. We know then extract the chute 32 laterally through the dismantling opening 104. A counterweight 106 of the handling device 100 maintains the chute 32 substantially parallel to itself during the entire extraction operation. The installation of the chute is carried out in reverse.

Claims (9)

1. Device for distributing materials in bulk comprising:

   a suspension rotor (20);

   a chute (32) located below said suspension rotor (20), said chute (32) being provided with two lateral suspension arms (34, 34') extending upwards where they are connected to said suspension rotor (20), so as to define on the suspension rotor (20) a pivoting axis roughly horizontal for said chute (32); and

   a driving mechanism to produce a pivoting torque capable of pivoting said chute (32);

   characterised by
   a cylindrical suspension pin (36, 36') that is associated with each suspension arm (34, 34') for pivotably connecting it to said suspension rotor (20), each of said two cylindrical suspension pins (36, 36') being arranged in a retractable manner in a bearing of said suspension rotor (20);
   a control lever (52, 52') connected by means of an articulated joint (54, 54') to said suspension rotor (20), said driving mechanism being connected to said control lever (52, 52') so as to transmit to the latter said pivoting torque; and
   a stop (56, 56') on said control lever (52, 52') and a counterstop (58, 58') on a suspension arm (34, 34'), said stop (56, 56') and said counterstop (58, 58') engaging with each other to transmit said pivoting torque to said suspension arm (34, 34'), and being designed in such a way that they can be disengaged by a translation movement of the two suspension arms (34, 34'), after withdrawal of said cylindrical suspension pins (36, 36') for removal of said chute (32).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that a control lever (52, 52') is associated with each of the two suspension arms (34, 34') and connected by means of an articulated joint to said suspension rotor (20);
   in that said driving mechanism is connected to the two control levers (52, 52') so as to transmit said pivoting torque symmetrically to said levers; and
   in that a stop (56, 56') on each of the two control levers (52, 52') cooperates with a counterstop (58, 58') on the suspension arm (34, 34') with which the respective control lever (52, 52') is associated in order to transmit said pivoting torque to the two suspension arms (34, 34') of the chute (32).
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterised in that said driving mechanism comprises:

   a control rotor (30) having a rotation axis coaxial with said suspension rotor (20), said control rotor (30) being provided with an annular gear (44);

   an angular drive (38) that is carried by said suspension rotor (20) and comprises:

   an input shaft (40), which is provided with a pinion (42) that meshes with the annular gear (44) of said control rotor (30); and

   an output shaft (46), which is parallel to the pivoting axis of the chute (32) and which is driven in rotation when said input shaft (40) is driven in rotation by the annular gear (44) of said control rotor (30);

   a crank and connecting rod mechanism (48, 50, 48', 50') connecting said output shaft (46) to the two control levers (52, 52').
4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that:

   said stop is formed by a driving pivot (56, 56') carried by said control lever (52, 52'); and

   said counterstop is formed by a guiding slot (58, 58') provided in said suspension arm (34, 34') of the chute (32).
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterised in that:

   said suspension arm (34, 34') of the chute (32) comprises a lever arm with a free end; and

   said guiding slot (58, 58') has an entrance in said free end so that said driving pivot (56, 56') can be introduced into it by a translation of the suspension arm (34, 34') in a direction perpendicular to said driving pivot (56, 56').
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that each of the two suspension arms (34, 34') of the chute (32) comprises an oblong hole (70, 70') for the passage of its suspension pin (36, 36') so that the two suspension pins (36, 36') can be freed by raising the chute (32).
7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the suspension pin (36, 36') of the suspension arms (34, 34') and the articulated joint (54, 54') of the control lever (52, 52') are substantially coaxial.
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the control lever (52, 52') is formed by an assembly of two symmetrical half-levers (60', 60") between which is housed a free end of the suspension arm (34, 34').
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised by:

   an outer casing (14) in which said suspension rotor (20) is suspended, said casing (14) comprising a lower screen (28) provided with a circular opening;

   a flange (26) carried by the lower end of said suspension rotor (20), said flange (26) being set into said circular opening;

   two elongated holes (35, 35') located in said flange (26) for the passage of the two suspension arms (34, 34') of the chute (32); and

   two supporting flanges (62', 62") flanking each of said elongated holes (35, 35') for the support of the suspension pins (36, 36') at each of their ends.

Images