EP1426126B1 - Control assembly for a closing member in a continuous casting machine, and corresponding continuous casting machine - Google Patents

Control assembly for a closing member in a continuous casting machine, and corresponding continuous casting machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1426126B1
EP1426126B1 EP03356191A EP03356191A EP1426126B1 EP 1426126 B1 EP1426126 B1 EP 1426126B1 EP 03356191 A EP03356191 A EP 03356191A EP 03356191 A EP03356191 A EP 03356191A EP 1426126 B1 EP1426126 B1 EP 1426126B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control assembly
motor
assembly according
stopper
continuous casting
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EP03356191A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1426126A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Dussud
Patrick Simonnin
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D'etudes Et De Realisations Techniques Sert Ste
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D'etudes Et De Realisations Techniques Sert Ste
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    • 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
    • B22D41/16—Closures stopper-rod type, i.e. a stopper-rod being positioned downwardly through the vessel and the metal therein, for selective registry with the pouring opening
    • B22D41/20—Stopper-rod operating equipment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control assembly of a shutter belonging to a continuous casting installation, and to a continuous casting installation provided with such a control assembly.
  • a continuous casting operation consists, in a first step, of pouring molten metal into a tank, also called tundish, from a pocket.
  • a tank also called tundish
  • This tank is further provided with a shutter, also called stopper.
  • the molten metal When the molten metal has reached a given level in the tank, it is then poured into a mold, under the effect of a release movement of the shutter. This then initiates a phase of filling the mold, until reaching a given level of setpoint.
  • the stopper is operated by means of a control assembly, also called actuator, in a race ensuring a satisfactory filling phase of the mold.
  • the shutter control assembly comprises a drive shaft, free to slide in a translation movement relative to a guide assembly.
  • This drive shaft is integral with a return arm, directly supporting the shutter.
  • a rotary servo motor is provided, as well as a device for transforming the rotary movement, imparted by this motor, into a translation movement of the shaft.
  • this motion transformation device is designed as a screw jack. It should also be noted that the motor is offset laterally with respect to the drive shaft, with reference to the main direction of the latter.
  • control assembly of the shutter has a relatively large size. Moreover, it is necessary to provide as many motors as guide members, which is disadvantageous in economic terms.
  • the invention proposes to remedy the various disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.
  • the invention also relates to a continuous casting installation, as defined in claim 14.
  • the continuous casting installation illustrated on the figure 1 , comprises a tank 2, which is filled with molten metal 4, for example of steel. The latter was poured into the tank, from a pocket not shown.
  • This tank is closed, in known manner, by a shutter 6, or stopper, which defines a lower orifice for the passage of metal, also called nozzle 8.
  • This stopper can be operated along its main axis, namely vertically on the figure 1 , through a control assembly 10, or actuator, which will be described in more detail in what follows.
  • This control assembly 10 comprises in particular a drive shaft 12, which can be moved in translation along the arrow F, in this case vertically. This movement of the shaft 12 then induces a movement of the stopper 6, indicated by the vertical arrow F ', via an intermediate arm 14.
  • the walls of the nozzle 8 are also provided with a tube 16, made of a refractory material, which opens into an ingot mold 18.
  • the latter receives an unrepresented dummy, intended to be progressively removed, to ensure a known manner the extraction of a solidified metal bar, also not shown.
  • the control assembly also comprises a fixed guide assembly, of conventional type, which is designated as a whole by the reference 20.
  • This assembly 20 has a cylindrical barrel 22, on which are reported flanges 24, allowing attachment to a plate 26, integral with the tank 2.
  • This barrel 22 contains, in a manner known per se, two ball bushings 28, and a device 30, which conventionally prevents rotation of the shaft 12 about its vertical axis A.
  • the shaft 22 is screwed, at its lower end, to a base 32, which is itself extended, opposite the shaft, by an annular skirt 34.
  • the latter thus defines, with the walls facing the base 32, a housing 36, placed in communication with a central opening 38, hollowed axially in the base 32.
  • the walls of the skirt 34 carry pins 40 extending radially inwards.
  • the function of these pins 40 which are here three in number, will be explained in the following.
  • the control assembly 10 further comprises a motor 42, of conventional type, provided with a rotary shaft 44, extending vertically. This engine is partially received in a box 46, equipped with handles 48, as well as a current supply 50.
  • This box 46 is closed, at its upper part facing the shank 22, with a cover 52, in which is hollowed a central passage opening of the axis 44.
  • the latter is secured, via a key 54, of a first coupling member 56, received in a flexible housing 58, both of which will be described in greater detail in the following.
  • This housing 58 is disposed in the internal volume of a connecting piece 60, of cylindrical shape, which is fixed on the motor 42 by any appropriate means. As shown more particularly in figure 5 , the wall of this connecting piece 60 is hollowed out with different notches 62, which are provided in a number corresponding to that of the pins 40.
  • each notch 62 which generally has an L shape, opens axially at the the end of the connecting piece 60 opposite the hood.
  • This notch is extended by a radial notch 64, which defines an end cavity 66, bordered by an intermediate neck 68.
  • the control assembly 10 also comprises means making it possible to transform the rotary movement of the motor 42 into a translation movement of the shaft 12.
  • these means comprise a screw jack 70, known as such, which is housed mainly in the shaft 22 of the guide assembly 20.
  • the axis 72 of the jack 70 which passes through the base 32, is secured, via a key 74, a second coupling member 76.
  • This axis 72 which can be driven by the axis 44 of the motor 42, is adapted to cooperate, so that conventional, with a nut 78 secured to the drive shaft 12.
  • the two coupling members 56 and 76 have splines, delimiting two-by-two recesses. In use, in a conventional manner, the grooves of one of these two members penetrate into the recesses of the other, so that there is a possibility of temporary coupling, with disengagement, between these two members 56 and 76.
  • the member 56 is housed permanently in the flexible housing 58, while the member 76 is able to enter this housing temporarily.
  • an elastic element 80 in this case a spring washer, intended to bring down the coupling member 76 downwards.
  • the operator When the motor 42 is disengaged from the drive shaft 10, the operator has a part of the aforementioned motor, which is housed in its housing 46 provided with Handles 48, the coupling member 56 being accessible.
  • the coupling member 76 present at the lower end of the axis of the cylinder 70, is also accessible.
  • each pin 40 is received in a corresponding cavity 66, after having crossed an intermediate neck 68.
  • the spring washer 80 provides an axial return effect of each pin 40 at the bottom of the cavity 66, according to the arrow f 3 of this same figure 5 . This thus prevents any untimely exit of this pin 40 from its cavity 66.
  • the motor 42 can be fixed, removably, on the axis 72 of the screw jack 70.
  • this motor has two positions, namely a setting position, in which the two couplings 56 and 76 cooperate mutually, and a rest position, wherein the aforementioned couplings are spaced apart from each other.
  • the fastening means of this motor 42 on the cylinder 70 are of bayonet type. They actually involve a translational movement, combined with a rotational movement of the engine relative to this cylinder.
  • the axis 44 of the motor 42 drives the shaft 12, via the means of transformation of the movement, which comprise the two coupling members 56 and 76, and the screw jack 70.
  • the rotary axis 44 of the motor 42 extends substantially along the main axis A of the drive shaft 12.
  • the housing 46 in which the motor 42 is received, is located below the drum 22, substantially in line with the latter. This is advantageous in terms of compactness of the control assembly 10 of the stopper 6.
  • this control assembly 10 is provided with a lever, not shown, conventionally intended for the manual movement of the drive shaft 12. This is to be compared with the teaching of EP-A-0 734 801 , in which the device for manually operating the stopper is constituted by a flywheel coupled to a ball screw.
  • Such a system does not allow use in casting, because the speed of movement of the stopper is very limited. It is thus impossible to perform a manual start of a casting, with such a device, since the initial opening of the stopper, of the order of 15 to 20 mm, when starting, must be performed in less than one second.
  • the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives mentioned above.
  • control assembly according to the invention is of remarkable compactness, in use. This is to be compared with the prior art, in which the motor is offset laterally with respect to the guide assembly.
  • the means for removably fixing the motor on the screw jack allow rapid disassembly of the latter.
  • the emergency closure of the stopper is performed by gravity, simply by switching off the engine.
  • the weight of the mobile system, including the shaft, the arm and the stopper, is thus sufficient to lower the stopper, so as to allow such an emergency closure.
  • EP-A-0 734 801 in which an electrical resource is used by accumulation, which implements the entire motor chain, namely the electronic control device, the cables, the motor and the ball screw.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Control Of Non-Electrical Variables (AREA)
  • Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Abstract

An assembly (10) for operating a stopper comprises a guide assembly (20), a shaft (12) for driving the stopper, a motor (42) with a rotary axle (44) and a mechanism (56, 70, 76) for transforming the rotary movement of the motor into a translation movement of the drive shaft. It is also provided with a bayonet system allowing the removable fixation of the motor on the mechanism for translating movement such that the motor is able to have a working position and a rest position, the rotary axle of the motor extending essentially according to a principal direction of the drive shaft in the working position. An Independent claim is also included for a continuous casting installation using this stopper operating assembly.

Description

La présente invention concerne un ensemble de commande d'un obturateur appartenant à une installation de coulée continue, ainsi qu'une installation de coulée continue munie d'un tel ensemble de commande.The present invention relates to a control assembly of a shutter belonging to a continuous casting installation, and to a continuous casting installation provided with such a control assembly.

De façon classique, une opération de coulée continue consiste, dans un premier temps, à déverser du métal fondu dans une cuve, encore dénommée répartiteur, à partir d'une poche. Cette cuve se trouve en outre pourvue d'un obturateur, encore appelé quenouille.In a conventional manner, a continuous casting operation consists, in a first step, of pouring molten metal into a tank, also called tundish, from a pocket. This tank is further provided with a shutter, also called stopper.

Lorsque le métal fondu a atteint un niveau donné dans la cuve, il s'agit alors de le déverser dans une lingotière, sous l'effet d'un mouvement de libération de l'obturateur. Ceci initie alors une phase de remplissage de la lingotière, jusqu'à atteindre un niveau donné de consigne.When the molten metal has reached a given level in the tank, it is then poured into a mold, under the effect of a release movement of the shutter. This then initiates a phase of filling the mold, until reaching a given level of setpoint.

Selon une première variante, il est tout d'abord connu de mettre en oeuvre, de façon manuelle, le démarrage de cette coulée continue. Cependant, outre son relatif manque de répétitivité, cette solution nécessite l'intervention d'au moins un opérateur.According to a first variant, it is first of all known to implement, manually, the start of this continuous casting. However, in addition to its relative lack of repeatability, this solution requires the intervention of at least one operator.

Afin de remédier à ces inconvénients, il a été proposé de réaliser le démarrage précité, de manière automatique. Dans cet esprit, on manoeuvre la quenouille au moyen d'un ensemble de commande, encore dénommé actionneur, selon une course garantissant une phase de remplissage satisfaisante de la lingotière.In order to remedy these drawbacks, it has been proposed to carry out the aforementioned start, automatically. In this spirit, the stopper is operated by means of a control assembly, also called actuator, in a race ensuring a satisfactory filling phase of the mold.

Un tel agencement est notamment connu de EP-A-0 734 801 . L'ensemble de commande de l'obturateur, décrit dans ce document, comprend un arbre d'entraînement, libre de coulisser selon un mouvement de translation par rapport à un ensemble de guidage.Such an arrangement is notably known from EP-A-0 734 801 . The shutter control assembly, described in this document, comprises a drive shaft, free to slide in a translation movement relative to a guide assembly.

Cet arbre d'entraînement est solidaire d'un bras de renvoi, supportant de façon directe l'obturateur. Il est par ailleurs prévu un servo-moteur rotatif, ainsi qu'un dispositif permettant de transformer le mouvement rotatif, imparti par ce moteur, en un mouvement de translation de l'arbre.This drive shaft is integral with a return arm, directly supporting the shutter. In addition, a rotary servo motor is provided, as well as a device for transforming the rotary movement, imparted by this motor, into a translation movement of the shaft.

De façon plus précise, ce dispositif de transformation de mouvement est réalisé sous la forme d'un vérin à vis. Il est par ailleurs à noter que le moteur se trouve décalé latéralement par rapport à l'arbre d'entraînement, en faisant référence à la direction principale de ce dernierMore specifically, this motion transformation device is designed as a screw jack. It should also be noted that the motor is offset laterally with respect to the drive shaft, with reference to the main direction of the latter.

Cette solution connue présente cependant certains inconvénients.This known solution, however, has certain disadvantages.

Ainsi, l'ensemble de commande de l'obturateur présente un encombrement relativement élevé. Par ailleurs, il est nécessaire de prévoir autant de moteurs que d'organes de guidage, ce qui est désavantageux en termes économiques.Thus, the control assembly of the shutter has a relatively large size. Moreover, it is necessary to provide as many motors as guide members, which is disadvantageous in economic terms.

L'invention se propose de remédier aux différents inconvénients de l'art antérieur évoqués ci-dessus.The invention proposes to remedy the various disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

A cet effet, elle a pour objet un ensemble de commande d'un obturateur pour une installation de coulée continue, tel que défini à la revendication 1.For this purpose, it relates to a control assembly of a shutter for a continuous casting installation, as defined in claim 1.

D'autres caractéristiques de l'invention sont spécifiées aux revendications 2 à 13.Other features of the invention are specified in claims 2 to 13.

L'invention a également pour objet une installation de coulée continue, telle que définie à la revendication 14.The invention also relates to a continuous casting installation, as defined in claim 14.

L'invention va être décrite ci-après, en référence aux dessins annexés, donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue générale, illustrant une installation de coulée continue conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de face, illustrant un ensemble de commande appartenant à l'installation de coulée continue de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de côté, illustrant l'ensemble de commande de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue à plus grande échelle, illustrant une partie de cet ensemble de commande ; et
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale, illustrant une pièce de liaison appartenant à l'ensemble de commande des figures 2 à 4.
The invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting example, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a general view, illustrating a continuous casting installation according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a front view, illustrating a control assembly belonging to the continuous casting plant of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a side sectional view, illustrating the control assembly of the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 4 is a view on a larger scale, illustrating part of this control unit; and
  • the figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a connecting piece belonging to the control unit of the Figures 2 to 4 .

L'installation de coulée continue, illustrée sur la figure 1, comprend une cuve 2, qui se trouve remplie de métal fondu 4, par exemple d'acier. Ce dernier a été déversé dans la cuve, depuis une poche non représentée.The continuous casting installation, illustrated on the figure 1 , comprises a tank 2, which is filled with molten metal 4, for example of steel. The latter was poured into the tank, from a pocket not shown.

Le fond de cette cuve se trouve fermé, de façon connue, par un obturateur 6, ou quenouille, qui définit un orifice inférieur de passage du métal, encore dénommé busette 8. Cette quenouille peut être manoeuvrée selon son axe principal, à savoir verticalement sur la figure 1, par l'intermédiaire d'un ensemble de commande 10, ou actionneur, qui sera décrit de façon plus précise dans ce qui suit.The bottom of this tank is closed, in known manner, by a shutter 6, or stopper, which defines a lower orifice for the passage of metal, also called nozzle 8. This stopper can be operated along its main axis, namely vertically on the figure 1 , through a control assembly 10, or actuator, which will be described in more detail in what follows.

Cet ensemble de commande 10 comprend notamment un arbre d'entraînement 12, pouvant être déplacé en translation selon la flèche F, en l'occurrence verticalement. Ce mouvement de l'arbre 12 induit alors un déplacement de la quenouille 6, matérialisé par la flèche verticale F', via un bras intermédiaire 14.This control assembly 10 comprises in particular a drive shaft 12, which can be moved in translation along the arrow F, in this case vertically. This movement of the shaft 12 then induces a movement of the stopper 6, indicated by the vertical arrow F ', via an intermediate arm 14.

Les parois de la busette 8 sont par ailleurs pourvues d'un tube 16, réalisé en un matériau réfractaire, qui débouche dans une lingotière 18. Cette dernière reçoit un mannequin non représenté, destiné à être progressivement retiré, afin d'assurer de façon connue l'extraction d'une barre de métal solidifiée, également non représentée.The walls of the nozzle 8 are also provided with a tube 16, made of a refractory material, which opens into an ingot mold 18. The latter receives an unrepresented dummy, intended to be progressively removed, to ensure a known manner the extraction of a solidified metal bar, also not shown.

Les figures 2 à 5 illustrent, de façon plus précise, l'ensemble de commande 10.The Figures 2 to 5 illustrate, more precisely, the control assembly 10.

On y retrouve l'arbre 12, dont l'axe principal, en l'occurrence vertical, est affecté de la référence A, ainsi que le bras de renvoi 14, illustré de façon partielle. L'ensemble de commande comprend également un ensemble de guidage fixe, de type classique, qui est désigné dans son ensemble par la référence 20.There is the shaft 12, the main axis, in this case vertical, is assigned the reference A, and the return arm 14, partially illustrated. The control assembly also comprises a fixed guide assembly, of conventional type, which is designated as a whole by the reference 20.

Cet ensemble 20 possède un fût cylindrique 22, sur lequel sont rapportées des brides 24, permettant la fixation sur une plaque 26, solidaire de la cuve 2. Ce fût 22 renferme, de manière connue en tant que telle, deux douilles à billes 28, ainsi qu'un dispositif 30, permettant de façon classique d'empêcher la rotation de l'arbre 12 autour de son axe vertical A.This assembly 20 has a cylindrical barrel 22, on which are reported flanges 24, allowing attachment to a plate 26, integral with the tank 2. This barrel 22 contains, in a manner known per se, two ball bushings 28, and a device 30, which conventionally prevents rotation of the shaft 12 about its vertical axis A.

Le fût 22 se trouve vissé, à son extrémité inférieure, sur une embase 32, qui est elle-même prolongée, à l'opposé du fût, par une jupe annulaire 34. Cette dernière définit ainsi, avec les parois en regard de l'embase 32, un logement 36, mis en communication avec une ouverture centrale 38, creusée axialement dans l'embase 32.The shaft 22 is screwed, at its lower end, to a base 32, which is itself extended, opposite the shaft, by an annular skirt 34. The latter thus defines, with the walls facing the base 32, a housing 36, placed in communication with a central opening 38, hollowed axially in the base 32.

Par ailleurs, les parois de la jupe 34 portent des pions 40 s'étendant radialement vers l'intérieur. La fonction de ces pions 40, qui sont prévus en l'occurrence au nombre de trois, sera explicitée dans ce qui suit.Moreover, the walls of the skirt 34 carry pins 40 extending radially inwards. The function of these pins 40, which are here three in number, will be explained in the following.

L'ensemble de commande 10 comprend en outre un moteur 42, de type classique, pourvu d'un axe rotatif 44, s'étendant verticalement. Ce moteur est reçu partiellement dans un caisson 46, équipé de poignées 48, ainsi que d'une arrivée de courant 50.The control assembly 10 further comprises a motor 42, of conventional type, provided with a rotary shaft 44, extending vertically. This engine is partially received in a box 46, equipped with handles 48, as well as a current supply 50.

Ce caisson 46 est fermé, à sa partie supérieure tournée vers le fût 22, d'un capot 52, dans lequel est creusé un orifice central de passage de l'axe 44. Ce dernier se trouve solidaire, par l'intermédiaire d'une clavette 54, d'un premier organe d'accouplement 56, reçu dans un boîtier souple 58, qui seront tous deux décrits plus en détail dans ce qui suit.This box 46 is closed, at its upper part facing the shank 22, with a cover 52, in which is hollowed a central passage opening of the axis 44. The latter is secured, via a key 54, of a first coupling member 56, received in a flexible housing 58, both of which will be described in greater detail in the following.

Ce boîtier 58 est disposé dans le volume intérieur d'une pièce de liaison 60, de forme cylindrique, qui est fixée sur le moteur 42 par tout moyen approprié. Comme le montre plus particulièrement la figure 5, la paroi de cette pièce de liaison 60 est creusée de différentes encoches 62, qui sont prévues en un nombre correspondant à celui des pions 40.This housing 58 is disposed in the internal volume of a connecting piece 60, of cylindrical shape, which is fixed on the motor 42 by any appropriate means. As shown more particularly in figure 5 , the wall of this connecting piece 60 is hollowed out with different notches 62, which are provided in a number corresponding to that of the pins 40.

De façon plus précise, chaque encoche 62, qui présente globalement une forme de L, débouche axialement au niveau de l'extrémité de la pièce de liaison 60 opposée au capot. Cette encoche se prolonge par une échancrure radiale 64, qui définit une cavité d'extrémité 66, bordée par un col intermédiaire 68.More specifically, each notch 62, which generally has an L shape, opens axially at the the end of the connecting piece 60 opposite the hood. This notch is extended by a radial notch 64, which defines an end cavity 66, bordered by an intermediate neck 68.

L'ensemble de commande 10 comprend également des moyens permettant de transformer le mouvement rotatif du moteur 42 en un mouvement de translation de l'arbre 12.The control assembly 10 also comprises means making it possible to transform the rotary movement of the motor 42 into a translation movement of the shaft 12.

De façon plus précise, ces moyens comprennent un vérin à vis 70, connu en tant que tel, qui se trouve logé principalement dans le fût 22 de l'ensemble de guidage 20. L'axe 72 de ce vérin 70, qui traverse l'embase 32, est solidaire, par l'intermédiaire d'une clavette 74, d'un second organe d'accouplement 76. Cet axe 72, qui peut être entraîné par l'axe 44 du moteur 42, est apte à coopérer, de façon classique, avec un écrou 78 solidaire de l'arbre d'entraînement 12.More specifically, these means comprise a screw jack 70, known as such, which is housed mainly in the shaft 22 of the guide assembly 20. The axis 72 of the jack 70, which passes through the base 32, is secured, via a key 74, a second coupling member 76. This axis 72, which can be driven by the axis 44 of the motor 42, is adapted to cooperate, so that conventional, with a nut 78 secured to the drive shaft 12.

Les deux organes d'accouplement 56 et 76 possèdent des cannelures, délimitant deux à deux des renfoncements. En service, de manière classique, les cannelures de l'un de ces deux organes pénètrent dans les renfoncements de l'autre, de sorte qu'il existe une possibilité d'accouplement temporaire, avec débrayage, entre ces deux organes 56 et 76.The two coupling members 56 and 76 have splines, delimiting two-by-two recesses. In use, in a conventional manner, the grooves of one of these two members penetrate into the recesses of the other, so that there is a possibility of temporary coupling, with disengagement, between these two members 56 and 76.

Il est à noter que l'organe 56 se trouve logé à demeure dans le boîtier souple 58, alors que l'organe 76 est apte à pénétrer dans ce boîtier de façon temporaire. Enfin, il est prévu un élément élastique 80, en l'occurrence une rondelle ressort, destiné à ramener vers le bas l'organe d'accouplement 76.It should be noted that the member 56 is housed permanently in the flexible housing 58, while the member 76 is able to enter this housing temporarily. Finally, there is provided an elastic element 80, in this case a spring washer, intended to bring down the coupling member 76 downwards.

Le fonctionnement de l'ensemble de commande 10 décrit ci-dessus va maintenant être explicité.The operation of the control assembly 10 described above will now be explained.

Lorsque le moteur 42 est désolidarisé de l'arbre d'entraînement 10, l'opérateur dispose d'une part du moteur précité, qui est logé dans son caisson 46 pourvu des poignées de manutention 48, l'organe d'accouplement 56 se trouvant accessible. D'autre part, l'organe d'accouplement 76, présent à l'extrémité inférieure de l'axe du vérin 70, se trouve également accessible.When the motor 42 is disengaged from the drive shaft 10, the operator has a part of the aforementioned motor, which is housed in its housing 46 provided with Handles 48, the coupling member 56 being accessible. On the other hand, the coupling member 76, present at the lower end of the axis of the cylinder 70, is also accessible.

Il s'agit alors de manipuler le caisson 46, grâce aux poignées 48, selon un mouvement de translation, globalement dirigé vers le haut, de manière à tout d'abord engager la pièce de liaison 60 dans le logement 36.It is then a question of manipulating the casing 46, thanks to the handles 48, in a translation movement, generally directed upwards, so as to first engage the connecting piece 60 in the housing 36.

A un moment donné de cette translation, on opère si nécessaire une faible rotation, voisine de quelques degrés, de manière à assurer la coopération des deux organes d'accouplement cannelés 56 et 76. De la sorte, l'organe 76 est alors reçu dans le volume intérieur du boîtier souple 58, lui-même solidaire du premier organe d'accouplement 56.At a given moment of this translation, if necessary, a small rotation, close to a few degrees, is operated so as to ensure the cooperation of the two splined coupling members 56 and 76. In this way, the member 76 is then received in the internal volume of the flexible housing 58, itself secured to the first coupling member 56.

Puis, en continuant la translation du caisson 46, vers le haut, les pions 40 se trouvent reçus au voisinage du débouché des différentes encoches 62, ménagées dans cette pièce de liaison 60. Ces pions 40 progressent alors axialement par rapport à ces encoches, selon la flèche f 1 représentée sur la figure 5.Then, continuing the translation of the box 46, upwards, the pins 40 are received near the outlet of the different notches 62, formed in this connecting piece 60. These pins 40 then progress axially relative to these notches, according to the arrow f 1 represented on the figure 5 .

Lorsque les pions viennent en butée axiale contre les parois des encoches 62, il s'agit alors de faire pivoter le caisson 46. Ceci induit ainsi une progression des pions 40 le long des échancrures 64, selon la flèche f2 représentée sur la figure 5.When the pins come into axial abutment against the walls of the notches 62, it is then necessary to rotate the casing 46. This thus induces a progression of the pins 40 along the notches 64, according to the arrow f 2 shown in FIG. figure 5 .

Au terme de ce mouvement de pivotement, chaque pion 40 est reçu dans une cavité correspondante 66, après avoir franchi un col intermédiaire 68. Il est à noter que la rondelle ressort 80 assure un effet de rappel axial de chaque pion 40 au fond de la cavité 66, selon la flèche f 3 de cette même figure 5. Ceci empêche ainsi toute sortie intempestive de ce pion 40, hors de sa cavité 66.At the end of this pivoting movement, each pin 40 is received in a corresponding cavity 66, after having crossed an intermediate neck 68. It should be noted that the spring washer 80 provides an axial return effect of each pin 40 at the bottom of the cavity 66, according to the arrow f 3 of this same figure 5 . This thus prevents any untimely exit of this pin 40 from its cavity 66.

Ainsi, le moteur 42 peut être fixé, de façon amovible, sur l'axe 72 du vérin à vis 70. De la sorte, ce moteur possède deux positions, à savoir une position de prise, dans laquelle les deux accouplements 56 et 76 coopèrent mutuellement, ainsi qu'une position de repos, dans laquelle les accouplements précités sont distants l'un de l'autre.Thus, the motor 42 can be fixed, removably, on the axis 72 of the screw jack 70. In this way, this motor has two positions, namely a setting position, in which the two couplings 56 and 76 cooperate mutually, and a rest position, wherein the aforementioned couplings are spaced apart from each other.

Par ailleurs, dans l'exemple décrit et représenté, les moyens de fixation de ce moteur 42 sur ce vérin 70 sont de type à baïonnette. Ils font en effet intervenir un mouvement de translation, combiné à un mouvement de rotation du moteur par rapport à ce vérin.Furthermore, in the example described and shown, the fastening means of this motor 42 on the cylinder 70 are of bayonet type. They actually involve a translational movement, combined with a rotational movement of the engine relative to this cylinder.

En service, dans la positon de prise évoquée ci-dessus, l'axe 44 du moteur 42 entraîne l'arbre 12, par l'intermédiaire des moyens de transformation du mouvement, qui comprennent les deux organes d'accouplement 56 et 76, ainsi que le vérin à vis 70. Dans cette position de prise, l'axe rotatif 44 du moteur 42 s'étend sensiblement selon l'axe principal A de l'arbre d'entraînement 12.In use, in the engagement position mentioned above, the axis 44 of the motor 42 drives the shaft 12, via the means of transformation of the movement, which comprise the two coupling members 56 and 76, and the screw jack 70. In this setting position, the rotary axis 44 of the motor 42 extends substantially along the main axis A of the drive shaft 12.

Par ailleurs, le caisson 46, dans lequel est reçu le moteur 42, se trouve au-dessous du fût 22, sensiblement dans le prolongement de ce dernier. Ceci est avantageux, en termes de compacité de l'ensemble de commande 10 de la quenouille 6.Furthermore, the housing 46, in which the motor 42 is received, is located below the drum 22, substantially in line with the latter. This is advantageous in terms of compactness of the control assembly 10 of the stopper 6.

Il est enfin à noter que cet ensemble de commande 10 est pourvu d'un levier, non représenté, destiné de façon classique à la mise en mouvement manuelle de l'arbre d'entraînement 12. Ceci est à comparer avec l'enseignement de EP-A-0 734 801 , dans lequel le dispositif permettant de manoeuvrer manuellement la quenouille est constitué d'un volant couplé à une vis à bille.Finally, it should be noted that this control assembly 10 is provided with a lever, not shown, conventionally intended for the manual movement of the drive shaft 12. This is to be compared with the teaching of EP-A-0 734 801 , in which the device for manually operating the stopper is constituted by a flywheel coupled to a ball screw.

Un tel système ne permet par une utilisation en coulée, car la vitesse de déplacement de la quenouille s'en trouve très limitée. Il est ainsi impossible de réaliser un démarrage manuel d'une coulée, avec un tel dispositif, étant donné que l'ouverture initiale de la quenouille, de l'ordre de 15 à 20 mm, lors d'un démarrage, doit être réalisée en moins d'une seconde.Such a system does not allow use in casting, because the speed of movement of the stopper is very limited. It is thus impossible to perform a manual start of a casting, with such a device, since the initial opening of the stopper, of the order of 15 to 20 mm, when starting, must be performed in less than one second.

L'invention permet de réaliser les objectifs précédemment mentionnés.The invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives mentioned above.

En effet, comme on l'a vu ci-dessus, l'ensemble de commande conforme à l'invention est d'une compacité remarquable, en service. Ceci est à comparer avec l'art antérieur, dans lequel le moteur se trouve décalé latéralement par rapport à l'ensemble de guidage.Indeed, as seen above, the control assembly according to the invention is of remarkable compactness, in use. This is to be compared with the prior art, in which the motor is offset laterally with respect to the guide assembly.

Par ailleurs, les moyens de fixation amovible du moteur sur le vérin à vis autorisent un démontage rapide de ce dernier.Moreover, the means for removably fixing the motor on the screw jack allow rapid disassembly of the latter.

De la sorte, il n'est pas nécessaire de disposer d'autant de moteurs que d'ensembles de guidage, le moteur étant uniquement réservé à l'étape de coulée. En d'autres termes, les ensemble de guidage qui sont situés à d'autres postes de la coulée continue, tels que le montage, le démontage, le préchauffage ou le refroidissement, n'ont pas besoin d'être munis d'un moteur correspondant.In this way, it is not necessary to have as many motors as guide assemblies, the engine being only reserved for the casting step. In other words, the guide assemblies which are located at other stations of the continuous casting, such as assembly, disassembly, preheating or cooling, do not need to be provided with an engine corresponding.

Cette dernière mesure apparaît ainsi particulièrement avantageuse, en termes économiques.This last measure thus appears particularly advantageous, in economic terms.

Enfin, dans l'agencement de l'invention, la fermeture d'urgence de la quenouille est réalisée par gravité, sur simple désactivation du moteur. Le poids du système mobile, comprenant l'arbre, le bras et la quenouille, suffit ainsi pour faire descendre la quenouille, de manière à permettre une telle fermeture d'urgence.Finally, in the arrangement of the invention, the emergency closure of the stopper is performed by gravity, simply by switching off the engine. The weight of the mobile system, including the shaft, the arm and the stopper, is thus sufficient to lower the stopper, so as to allow such an emergency closure.

Ceci est à comparer avec EP-A-0 734 801 , dans lequel il est fait appel à une ressource électrique par accumulation, qui met en oeuvre toute la chaîne de motorisation, à savoir le dispositif électronique de commande, les câbles, le moteur et la vis à billes.This is to compare with EP-A-0 734 801 , in which an electrical resource is used by accumulation, which implements the entire motor chain, namely the electronic control device, the cables, the motor and the ball screw.

Une panne d'un de ces organes, telle que l'arrachage d'un câble ou une panne moteur, rend ainsi impossible toute fermeture d'urgence.Failure of one of these organs, such as the pulling of a cable or engine failure, thus makes impossible any emergency closure.

Claims (14)

  1. Assembly (10) for controlling a stopper (6) for a continuous casting installation, comprising a guiding assembly (20), a shaft (12) for driving the stopper (6), adapted to move in translation with respect to the guiding assembly, a motor (42), presenting a rotary pin (44), as well as means (56, 70, 76) adapted to convert the rotational movement of the motor into a movement of translation of the drive shaft (12), wherein means (40, 62) are provided, allowing the removable fixation of the motor (42) on the movement converting means (56, 70, 76), with the result that the motor is adapted to present a position of engagement and a position of rest, and wherein, in the position of engagement, the rotary pin (44) of the motor (42) extends substantially in a principal direction (A) of the drive shaft (12),
    characterized in that the removable fixation means (40, 62) are of the bayonet type and comprise at least one stud (40), mounted on the guiding assembly (20), adapted to cooperate with at least one notch (62) made in a linking piece (60), fast in translation with the motor (42).
  2. Control assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the position of engagement, the or each stud (40) is received in a corresponding cavity (66) of the notch (62), which cavity is bordered by an intermediate neck (68).
  3. Control assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that return means (80) are provided, particularly elastic ones, adapted to return each stud (40) axially towards the bottom of a corresponding cavity (66) so as to prevent any untimely disconnection between the motor (42) and the movement converting means (56, 70, 76).
  4. Control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motor (42) is received at least partly in a caisson (46), particularly provided with handles (48) for handling.
  5. Control assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the position of engagement, the caisson (46) lies approximately in line with the guiding assembly (20).
  6. Control assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the position of engagement, the caisson (46) is arranged below the guiding assembly (20).
  7. Control assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, taken in combination with any one of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the linking piece (60) is mounted on said caisson (46).
  8. Control assembly according to my one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said linking piece (60) is cylindrical and in that it is adapted to penetrate at least partially in a housing (36) of the guiding assembly (20).
  9. Control assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotary pin (44) of the motor (42) extends at least partially in the interior volume of said linking piece (60).
  10. Control assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement converting means comprise a jack, particularly a screw jack (70), presenting a pin (72) adapted to be driven in rotation by the rotary pin (44) of the motor (42), and in that means (56, 76) for temporarily coupling these two pins (44, 72) are provided.
  11. Control assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the temporary coupling means comprise two coupling members (56, 76) adapted to mesh mutually, temporarily, each coupling member (56, 76) being mounted on a corresponding pin (44, 72).
  12. Control assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the coupling members (56, 76) are splined.
  13. Control assembly according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that one (56) of the coupling members (56, 76) is fast with a supple housing (58) adapted to receive the other coupling member (76), in the position of mutual mesh of these two members.
  14. Continuous casting installation comprising a stack (2), which is adapted to receive molten metal and which is provided with an orifice (8) ensuring flow of this molten metal, a mould (18) disposed downstream of this orifice (8), so as to be able to collect this molten metal, a stopper (6) intended to selectively obturate this orifice (8), as well as an assembly (10) for controlling this stopper, characterized in that said control assembly (10) is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
EP03356191A 2002-12-04 2003-12-03 Control assembly for a closing member in a continuous casting machine, and corresponding continuous casting machine Expired - Lifetime EP1426126B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0215290A FR2848131B1 (en) 2002-12-04 2002-12-04 CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR A SHUTTER BELONGING TO A CONTINUOUS CASTING PLANT, AND CORRESPONDING CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATION
FR0215290 2002-12-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1426126A1 EP1426126A1 (en) 2004-06-09
EP1426126B1 true EP1426126B1 (en) 2011-03-23

Family

ID=32309995

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03356191A Expired - Lifetime EP1426126B1 (en) 2002-12-04 2003-12-03 Control assembly for a closing member in a continuous casting machine, and corresponding continuous casting machine

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US6960317B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1426126B1 (en)
KR (1) KR101081950B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1286599C (en)
AT (1) ATE502708T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60336447D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2848131B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2574414A1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-04-03 Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH Electromechanical stopper drive
DE102013218345A1 (en) 2013-09-12 2015-03-12 Sms Siemag Ag Device for closing a discharge opening in a metallurgical vessel

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8210402B2 (en) 2009-02-09 2012-07-03 Ajf, Inc. Slag control shape device with L-shape loading bracket
US8580186B2 (en) * 2010-04-19 2013-11-12 Novelis Inc. Flow control apparatus for molten metal
EP3782748A1 (en) * 2019-08-20 2021-02-24 Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG Drive device for a stopper in a metallurgical vessel

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1139241B (en) * 1960-08-23 1962-11-08 Juenkerather Maschbau Gmbh Actuating device for the plug of a pouring ladle
DE1180096B (en) * 1962-03-31 1964-10-22 Juenkerather Maschbau Gmbh Actuating device for the plug of a pouring ladle
US4953761A (en) * 1988-09-27 1990-09-04 Inductotherm Corp. Stopper rod spatial control mechanism
JPH04270049A (en) * 1991-02-25 1992-09-25 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd Stopper device for continuous caster and controller for molten metal surface level
CH689728A5 (en) * 1995-03-28 1999-09-30 Concast Standard Ag Device for regulating an inflow of metal melt by means of a plug.
CA2367546C (en) * 1999-04-09 2008-12-23 Metaullics Systems Co., L.P. Coupling for a molten metal processing system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2574414A1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-04-03 Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH Electromechanical stopper drive
WO2013045520A1 (en) 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Siemens Vai Metals Technologies Gmbh Electromechanical stopper drive
DE102013218345A1 (en) 2013-09-12 2015-03-12 Sms Siemag Ag Device for closing a discharge opening in a metallurgical vessel
DE102013218345B4 (en) * 2013-09-12 2021-02-04 Sms Group Gmbh Device for closing a drain opening in a metallurgical vessel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2848131A1 (en) 2004-06-11
US6960317B2 (en) 2005-11-01
US20040108636A1 (en) 2004-06-10
DE60336447D1 (en) 2011-05-05
KR101081950B1 (en) 2011-11-09
CN1286599C (en) 2006-11-29
CN1504286A (en) 2004-06-16
ATE502708T1 (en) 2011-04-15
EP1426126A1 (en) 2004-06-09
KR20040048843A (en) 2004-06-10
FR2848131B1 (en) 2006-01-06

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