EP4142965B1 - Slide-gate valve with inner sealing element and method for the mounting thereof - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a slide closure for a metallurgical container, in particular a casting ladle, and to a method for assembling a slide closure for a metallurgical container.

Slide valves for metallurgical containers are known per se. Such slide valves are typically attached to a metallurgical container, e.g. below a pouring ladle, and are used for the controlled pouring of liquid metals from a pouring outlet, whereby a pouring channel can be opened or closed by refractory plates that can be moved relative to one another. Such slide valves are also referred to as pouring ladle slide valves. Typically, a slide plate is arranged within a slide frame that can be moved in translation relative to the housing (closure housing) of the slide valve by means of a hydraulic cylinder. Slide valves can be designed as two-plate slide valves with a slide plate that can be moved relative to a stationary head plate, or as three-plate slide valves with a slide plate that can be moved relative to a stationary upper head plate and a stationary lower pouring plate.

A protective gas atmosphere is often created in slide valves to prevent the melt discharged from the metallurgical vessel from Metal or a metal alloy reacts with the oxygen in the environment. The protective gas or inert gas atmosphere can in particular prevent ambient air from entering or being sucked into the pouring channel during pouring via the slide valve closure, e.g. between the head and slide plate. The addition of oxygen to the molten metal can lead to uncontrolled metallurgical reactions and impair the quality of the end product, which is in particular a steel product. To prevent the protective gas from escaping uncontrollably from the inside of the slide valve closure, particularly too quickly or in unwanted places, the closure housing must be sealed from the environment.

A slide valve with a protective gas or inert gas atmosphere is made, for example, of EN 40 07 993 A1 known. A gas-tight box is built around the slide frame and is closed by a cover plate. An inert gas line leads into the box to create an inert gas environment inside the box. A circumferential seal is provided in the edge of the box side walls.

JP-S61-3653-A shows a slide closure in which a bellows is used to seal the central opening of a cover body of the closure housing on the pouring side.

EN 20 2011 111055 U1 shows a valve housing with a box-like frame with a bottom wall, on the outside of which a seal is provided around the spout.

Out of EN 20 2015 103079 U1 A slide valve closure is known in which an external sealing plate for gas sealing is pressed by means of springs onto the side of the closure housing facing away from the metallurgical container.

With an external sealing plate, which is typically located on the underside of the container, there is a risk of leakage if the contact pressure of the sealing or cover plate required for effective sealing decreases or is lost. As a result, the protective gas can escape unintentionally. The radiant heat that occurs can lead to material failure of the springs that apply the contact pressure, which Pull the sealing plate (upwards) towards the closure housing. If the slag boils over, for example, the heat load on the springs is particularly high. Springs made of high-temperature-resistant special steels also lose their strength at correspondingly high temperatures. If individual or all of the springs fail, the sealing plate may not fit evenly or at an angle and gas may escape unintentionally. To replace the springs, the slide valve must be opened. In the continuous casting process, connecting the shadow tube to the pouring sleeve can be problematic due to a sealing plate that has sunk below the closure housing. In addition, uncontrolled gas escape can lead to a deterioration in the shielding by protective gas inside the closure housing, increased reoxidation and thus to a deterioration in the quality of the steel.

The slide valves with protective gas atmosphere known from the state of the art are susceptible to leaks and operational malfunctions due to material failure of the springs. In addition, the known arrangements for gas sealing, i.e. sealing against (unwanted) gas leakage, increase the design effort and the construction volume of the slide valve.

The present invention therefore has the object of providing a slide closure which has increased operational reliability, in particular with regard to possible escape of protective gas. The slide closure should also be as simple as possible in design and have as small a construction volume as possible.

This object is achieved by a slide closure according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14.

• ein Verschlussgehäuse, das an dem metallurgischen Behälter befestigbar ist, wobei das Verschlussgehäuse eine Eintrittsöffnung und eine Austrittsöffnung für eine metallische Schmelze aufweist,
• einen Schieberrahmen, der in dem Verschlussgehäuse in einer Verschieberichtung verschieblich gelagert ist und eine Schieberplatte aufnimmt, die eine Durchflussöffnung für die metallische Schmelze aufweist,
• eine Ausgusshülse zum Ableiten der metallischen Schmelze durch die Austrittsöffnung und
• einen Dichtkörper zur Gasabdichtung der Austrittsöffnung, wobei der Dichtkörper eine Durchtrittsöffnung für die Ausgusshülse aufweist,

wobei der Dichtkörper auf einer Innenseite des Verschlussgehäuses angeordnet ist und sich über mindestens eine Druckfeder am Schieberrahmen abstützt.In particular, the object is achieved by a slide closure for a metallurgical container, in particular a casting ladle, comprising

• a closure housing which can be attached to the metallurgical container, the closure housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a metallic melt,
• a slide frame which is mounted in the closure housing so as to be displaceable in a displacement direction and which accommodates a slide plate which has a flow opening for the metallic melt,
• a pouring sleeve for draining the metallic melt through the outlet opening and
• a sealing body for gas sealing of the outlet opening, wherein the sealing body has a passage opening for the pouring sleeve,

wherein the sealing body is arranged on an inner side of the closure housing and is supported on the slide frame via at least one compression spring.

The invention is based on the idea that springs for applying a contact pressure of the sealing body are not absolutely necessary for an effective gas seal if the sealing body is arranged on an inner side of the closure housing. As a result, the risk of leakage due to material failure of the springs is also eliminated. A sealing body arranged on the inner side of the closure housing, which could also be referred to as an internal sealing body, is pressed against the inner side of the closure housing due to gravity or the weight of the sealing body in a typical arrangement of the slide closure. Adequate gas sealing can be achieved simply due to the resulting contact pressure from an internal sealing body. The (additional) use of at least one compression spring, in particular to increase the sealing effect, is provided. An additional sealing body on an outer side of the closure housing (external sealing body) is preferably not provided, but is not excluded by the invention.

Preferably, the sealing body is arranged on an inner side of the closure housing, which is opposite the metallurgical container. The closure housing can comprise a (box-shaped) slide housing and a housing cover (mounting plate or cover plate), whereby the housing cover or the slide housing can be fastened to the metallurgical container. The sealing body for gas sealing of the outlet opening can be arranged on an inner side of the slide housing or on an inner side of the Housing cover. In particular, the sealing body is arranged on an inner side of the closure housing between the slide frame and the inner side of the closure housing. When the slide closure is attached to the metallurgical container, the sealing body is located in particular on a lower inner side of the slide closure, where "bottom" refers to the direction of gravity.

The term "gas seal" does not mean a hermetic sealing of the entire closure housing against gas leakage at any point. Rather, a gas seal of the outlet opening is intended to prevent uncontrolled gas leakage from the outlet opening. In particular, the area of the passage opening of the sealing body can define or limit an area (partial area) of the outlet opening through which a (controlled or desired) gas leakage is possible, in particular a guided protective gas flow through a gap (circumferential gas guide gap) between the sealing body or the passage opening of the sealing body and an outside of the pouring sleeve. In this respect, the term "gas seal" refers in particular to a seal against gas leakage between the inside of the closure housing and a side of the sealing body facing this inside (underside).

The pouring sleeve is accommodated in particular in the slide frame, whereby the pouring sleeve is movable relative to the closure housing. In this respect, the slide closure is preferably designed as a two-plate slide. However, the pouring sleeve can also be provided in a stationary manner (relative to the closure housing), whereby the slide closure could preferably be designed as a three-plate slide. The closure housing has in particular at least one gas supply for a protective gas (inert gas). The gas supply can be provided on the mounting plate and/or on the slide housing. The sealing body is in particular made of metal, preferably steel. The sealing body can be constructed in one or more parts.

A slide closure according to the invention has the advantage that the springs required in the prior art to create the sealing effect can be omitted. This increases operational reliability, in particular against uncontrolled gas leakage due to spring failure and a resulting displacement of the sealing body. The structural design of the slide closure for gas sealing can be simplified. The construction volume of the slide valve can be reduced by an internal sealing body.

In one embodiment, the sealing body, in particular an edge region of the sealing body, is supported against an inner surface of the closure housing. In particular, the sealing body is supported at least partially in an edge region of the outlet opening. An edge region of the outlet opening can be understood as an inner region of the closure housing that surrounds the outlet opening (at least partially). The sealing body does not have to lie directly, in particular not flatly, on the inside of the closure housing. For example, a seal that is in direct contact with the inside of the closure housing can be arranged between the sealing body and the inside.

In one embodiment, the sealing body is arranged displaceably relative to the outlet opening, wherein the sealing body preferably comprises a sealing plate. The outlet opening is preferably designed as a recess in the closure housing, in particular a (lower) wall of the closure housing. The outlet opening can be formed in a wall of the closure housing opposite the metallurgical container, in particular in the bottom of a box-shaped closure housing. The outlet opening preferably extends in the direction of displacement of the slide frame in order to enable a longitudinal displacement of the pouring sleeve extending into or through the outlet opening when the slide frame moves. In particular, a longitudinal dimension of the sealing body (the sealing plate) is at least as large as a longitudinal dimension of the outlet opening in the direction of displacement plus the maximum displacement path of the slide frame. By means of a sealing body that can be moved relative to the outlet opening, the slide valve can be designed as a two-plate slide valve, in which the slide plate can be moved relative to a head plate that is fixedly mounted in the closure housing.

In one embodiment, an inner surface of the closure housing forms a sliding surface for the sealing body, wherein areas of the sliding surface in particular have a lower surface roughness than areas outside the Sliding surface. The inner surface can be machined in some areas, in particular by machining, for example ground. The inner surface of the closure housing is (in the area of the sliding surface) particularly flat and allows a relative displacement of the sealing body to the inner surface. The sealing effect can be improved by a smooth sliding surface.

In one embodiment, the sealing body has a seal, preferably a flat seal, running around the passage opening on a sealing surface that faces an inner surface of the closure housing. A groove is preferably formed in the sealing surface of the sealing body, which runs around the passage opening and into which a seal, preferably a flat seal, is inserted. The seal preferably has an (approximately) rectangular cross-section.

In one embodiment, in particular in combination with the previous embodiment, the sealing body has a seal, preferably a flat seal, which comprises a graphite mesh, which is preferably reinforced with steel mesh. Such a sealing material is stable even at high temperatures and is hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant.

In one embodiment, the sealing body is connected to the slide frame so that it can move in a pouring direction perpendicular to the displacement direction. The pouring direction runs in particular in the direction of gravity. In this way, a movement of the slide frame can be coupled to the sealing body, in particular transmitted to the sealing body, while a (small) relative displacement of the sealing body to the slide frame is possible. In this way, the sealing body (or a seal accommodated in the sealing body) can rest against the inside of the closure housing regardless of the position of the slide frame in the pouring direction, in particular in any position of the slide frame in the displacement direction. The sealing effect is thereby improved.

In one embodiment, an interchangeable ring accommodated in the slide frame for holding the pouring sleeve extends through the passage opening of the sealing body, wherein preferably an inner circumferential surface of the passage opening of the sealing body rests against an outer circumferential surface of the interchangeable ring. The pouring sleeve can be inserted into the interchangeable ring.

In particular, the interchangeable ring is not firmly connected to the sealing body in the axial direction (longitudinal axis of the interchangeable ring or the pouring sleeve). The sealing body can preferably slide in relation to the interchangeable ring in the pouring direction. In the radial direction of the interchangeable ring or the pouring sleeve, the sealing body is preferably positively coupled or connected to the interchangeable ring. This allows a sliding movement of the slide frame to be transferred to the sealing body, while the movement of the sealing body in the pouring direction is decoupled from it.

In one embodiment, a protective plate is attached to the sealing body, which extends along an outer side of the closure housing. The protective plate preferably extends (essentially) parallel to the outer surface (underside) of the closure housing. The (outer) protective plate is preferably connected to the (inner) sealing body via a protective plate connecting piece extending through the outlet opening of the closure housing. The protective plate is preferably screwed (directly) to the sealing body, with the protective plate connecting piece arranged in between. However, the protective plate could also be attached (directly), in particular screwed, to the protective plate connecting piece. The protective plate connecting piece extends in particular from an inner side of the closure housing to an outer side of the closure housing. The protective plate connecting piece can be designed as a (cylindrical or hollow cylindrical) sleeve (spacer sleeve), which is preferably connected, preferably welded, to the sealing body, in particular to an inner circumferential surface of the passage opening of the sealing body. A circumferential (annular) flat seal is preferably provided between the protective plate connecting piece and the protective plate.

In one embodiment, an interchangeable ring accommodated in the slide frame for holding the pouring sleeve has at least one radial gas feed-through channel, which preferably opens into a gas guide gap formed between the sealing body and the slide frame. The gas guide gap can be formed by a gap between the sealing body and the slide frame, in particular between an upper side of the sealing body and an underside of the slide frame. Preferably, several gas discharge channels are provided (evenly) distributed over the circumference of the interchangeable ring, for example two, three, four, six, eight or more Gas discharge channels. The gas discharge channels are preferably designed as radial through holes in the interchangeable ring. In particular, a gas discharge channel connects the gas guide gap between the sealing body and the slide frame with a circumferential gas guide gap on the outside of the pouring sleeve. Such a circumferential gas guide gap serves to guide a gas flow (protective gas flow) out of the closure housing. Radial gas feed-through channels can ensure a more uniform flow on the pouring sleeve. The displacement of the slide frame can lead to (minor) changes in the position of the slide plate, the interchangeable ring and the pouring sleeve relative to one another (in the direction of displacement). The flow paths for the protective gas, in particular the (intended) outlet gap for the protective gas along an outer circumference of the pouring sleeve, can thus become uneven. In particular, a one-sided narrowing of the gap can occur. Gas feedthrough channels enable a more even distribution or flow of the protective gas over the circumference of the pouring sleeve and thus a reduced risk of ambient air penetrating the outflowing metallic melt.

The sealing body is supported on the slide frame by at least one compression spring, preferably a helical compression spring. Compression springs can be arranged between the sealing body and the slide frame, in particular between an upper side of the sealing body and an underside of the slide frame. Several springs, preferably three, four, six or eight springs, can be arranged (evenly) distributed around the pouring sleeve. Compression springs can be used to achieve a resilient support of the sealing body against the slide frame. This can increase the pressure on the inside of the closure housing that is already generated by the weight of the sealing body. In addition, a uniform contact of the sealing body on the inside (inner surface or sliding surface) of the closure housing is promoted, in particular regardless of the position of the slide frame in the direction of displacement. The sealing effect is thereby further improved. Even in the event of material failure of the compression springs, the sealing effect is maintained (at least partially) by the internal sealing body. The operational safety and reliability of the slide closure is thereby increased.

In one embodiment, the sealing body has a receiving opening for a compression spring on a side facing the slide frame and/or the slide frame has a receiving opening for a compression spring on a side facing the sealing body. The receiving openings for the springs are provided in particular on an upper side of the sealing body or an underside of the slide frame. The receiving openings are preferably designed as bores into which the compression springs (compression coil springs) are or will be inserted. In the installed state (operating state), the compression springs are compressed. So that they exert a contact force of the sealing body on the inside (inner surface or sliding surface) of the closure housing.

In one embodiment, the sealing body is supported on the slide frame via a pressure spring arrangement, which can be pre-assembled in particular. The pressure spring arrangement, which can be pre-assembled in particular, preferably comprises a spring holder for the captive holding of at least one compression spring. The pressure spring arrangement can be attached to the slide frame or to the sealing body. In particular, when the sealing body is not assembled, the compression spring is captive connected to the slide frame or the sealing body via a spring holder. The compression spring can be held loosely by the spring holder or can be braced against the slide frame or the sealing body. The term "pre-assembled" refers in particular to a point in time before the slide frame is assembled with the sealing body in the closure housing. A pre-assembled or pre-assemblable pressure spring arrangement facilitates the assembly of a spring (pressure springs) to support the sealing body on the slide frame. The pressure spring arrangement in particular exerts an additional pressure force on the sealing body to improve the seal.

In one embodiment, the pressure spring arrangement, which can in particular be pre-assembled, has a pressure tappet which is attached to the slide frame or the sealing body in a spring-like manner, preferably via a compression spring. The compression spring is preferably supported with one spring end against the slide frame or the sealing body and with another spring end against a spring contact surface of the pressure tappet. In particular, the spring holder holds the pressure tappet in the unassembled state of the sealing body. The pressure tappet can be clamped to the slide frame or to the sealing body via the compression spring, whereby the compression spring can be pre-tensioned in the pre-assembled state of the pressure spring arrangement. A suitably selected The contact pressure on the sealing body can be set or readjusted by the length of the compression spring or its pre-tension in the contact spring arrangement. The contact pressure tappet can be accommodated (when assembled) in a tappet recess in the slide frame or the sealing body.

In one embodiment, the slide frame and the sealing body are positively connected to one another via at least one connecting element, preferably via at least one driving pin, in particular in the direction of displacement and/or in a direction of rotation about the pouring direction. A rotation of the sealing body relative to the pouring sleeve or the interchangeable ring can be prevented via such a connecting element, which is arranged in particular eccentrically to the pouring sleeve or the interchangeable ring. As a result, lateral longitudinal guides (in the direction of displacement V) of the compressor body in the closure housing can be dispensed with or they can be designed with more play. Specifically, the (internal) sealing body, preferably the (internal) sealing plate, can be made narrower. By increasing the distance to the (lateral) inner wall of the closure housing, the accumulation of dirt in these places can be reduced, thereby increasing the operational reliability of the slide closure. In addition, in this embodiment, a positive coupling or connection of the sealing body with the interchangeable ring or the pouring sleeve in the radial direction can be omitted or designed with a larger play. Instead of or in addition to the transfer of the displacement movement (displacement force) of the slide frame to the sealing body via the interchangeable ring, the displacement movement can be transferred (fully or partially) to the sealing body via the connecting elements (driving pins). Several such connecting elements can be arranged distributed around the interchangeable ring. For a complete transfer of the displacement force of the slide frame to the sealing body, several connecting elements are preferably provided. A single connecting element can be sufficient to prevent rotation. The displacement force (depending on the existing play between the components of the slide closure) can still be transferred via the interchangeable ring or (fully or partially) via the at least one connecting element. In particular with smaller dimensions of the slide closure, a single connecting element is preferably provided, while with larger embodiments several connecting elements are provided.

In one embodiment, the sealing body has a recess on a side facing the slide frame for a (positive) engagement with a connecting element (driving pin), which is preferably attached to the slide frame. Conversely, the slide frame can also have a recess on a side facing the sealing body for a (positive) engagement with a connecting element (driving pin), which is attached to the sealing body.

• Bereitstellen eines geöffneten Verschlussgehäuses, das an einer zur Befestigung an dem metallurgischen Behälter vorgesehenen Seite öffenbar und schließbar ist und eine Eintrittsöffnung für eine metallische Schmelze aufweist, wobei das Verschlussgehäuse an einer vom metallurgischen Behälter abgewandten Seite eine Austrittsöffnung für eine metallische Schmelze aufweist;
• Einsetzen eines Dichtkörpers in das geöffnete Verschlussgehäuse zur Gasabdichtung der Austrittsöffnung, wobei der Dichtkörper eine Durchtrittsöffnung für eine Ausgusshülse zum Ableiten der metallischen Schmelze durch die Austrittsöffnung aufweist;
• Einsetzen eines verschieblich gelagerten Schieberrahmens in das geöffnete Verschlussgehäuse;
• Schließen des Verschlussgehäuses.

The above object is also achieved in particular by a method for assembling a slide closure for a metallurgical container, in particular a slide closure according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

• Providing an opened closure housing which can be opened and closed on a side intended for attachment to the metallurgical container and has an inlet opening for a metallic melt, wherein the closure housing has an outlet opening for a metallic melt on a side facing away from the metallurgical container;
• Inserting a sealing body into the opened closure housing for gas sealing of the outlet opening, wherein the sealing body has a passage opening for a pouring sleeve for discharging the metallic melt through the outlet opening;
• Inserting a sliding frame into the opened bolt housing;
• Closing the bolt housing.

By inserting the sealing body into the opened closure housing, an internal sealing body is created, which is arranged on an inner side of the closure housing. The insertion of a sealing body and the insertion of the slidably mounted slide frame can be carried out together, ie in a single step, in particular as a pre-assembled assembly that includes the sealing body and the slide frame. The method has similar Advantages such as those already described in connection with the slide closure according to the invention. If the described assembly method were to completely or partially dispense with springs, which are required in the prior art to create the sealing effect, the gas seal would then be ensured (at least partially) by the weight of the sealing body (and the protective plate). The operational reliability can be increased by a slide closure assembled according to the method, in particular against uncontrolled gas leakage due to spring failure and a resulting displacement or misalignment of the sealing body. The assembly method can reduce the construction volume of the slide closure.

The assembly method or parts of the assembly method can be carried out in a vertical or horizontal position of the closure housing, in particular in a position of the closure housing hanging on a mounting stand. The assembly method can comprise further steps, such as inserting a pouring sleeve and/or a slide plate into the slide frame and/or fastening a head plate to a mounting plate of the closure housing. Typically, the closure housing is fastened to the metallurgical container by means of the mounting plate. However, a (box-shaped) slide housing can also be fastened to the metallurgical container, wherein the sealing body is arranged on an inner side of a (pivotable) housing cover, in particular a cover plate. Closing the closure housing can comprise locking a slide housing to a mounting plate (or a housing cover), wherein the mounting plate (or the slide housing) serves to fasten the slide closure to a metallurgical container. The closure housing comprises in particular the mounting plate and the slide housing, in which the slide frame is mounted in a displaceable manner.

The method comprises arranging at least one compression spring on a side of the sealing body facing away from the outlet opening after the sealing body has been inserted and before the slidingly mounted slide frame has been inserted. In particular, the arrangement of the compression springs can be provided as a step of pre-assembling an assembly which comprises the sealing body, the slide frame and the compression springs as a pre-assembled assembly which is inserted into the opened closure housing. The compression springs are particularly in the receiving openings. In addition, at least one compression spring is provided or installed. This further increases the sealing effect. Even if the springs fail, at least a partial sealing effect is maintained.

In an (alternative) embodiment, the method comprises the pre-assembly of a pressure spring arrangement on the slide frame or on the sealing body, wherein the pressure spring arrangement preferably comprises a spring holder for the captive holding of at least one compression spring. The pressure spring arrangement serves in particular (in the assembled state of the slide closure) to support the sealing body (via the pressure spring arrangement) on the slide frame. During assembly, in particular the slidably mounted slide frame is inserted into the opened closure housing together with the pressure spring arrangement pre-assembled thereon, or the sealing body is inserted into the opened closure housing together with the pressure spring arrangement pre-assembled thereon.

The stated object is also achieved in particular by the use of a sealing body for gas sealing of a closure housing of a slide closure according to the invention for a metallurgical container on an inner side of the closure housing, in particular on an inner side of the closure housing facing away from the metallurgical container. The sealing body used can comprise a sealing plate or be designed as a sealing plate. The sealing body can have a circumferential seal, preferably a seal (flat seal) running along an edge of the sealing body. The use has similar advantages to those already described in connection with the slide closure according to the invention and the assembly method.

Figur 1a

eine Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schieberverschlusses in einer geöffneten Stellung in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 1b

eine Darstellung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 1a in einer geschlossenen Stellung in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 2a

eine Darstellung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 1a in einer Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A;

Figur 2b

eine Darstellung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 1b in einer Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B;

Figur 3

eine Darstellung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 1a in einer Schnittansicht entlang der Linie C-C;

Figur 4a

eine Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schieberverschlusses in einer geöffneten Stellung in einer Schnittansicht;

Figur 4b

eine Darstellung der Ausführungsform nach Figur 4a in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 4c

eine Detaildarstellung einer Anpressfederanordnung gemäß der Ausführungsform nach Figur 4b in einer Schnittansicht;

Figur 4d

eine Detaildarstellung einer formschlüssigen Verbindung des Schieberrahmens mit dem Dichtkörper über ein Verbindungselement gemäß der Ausführungsform nach Figur 4b in einer Schnittansicht.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1a

a representation of an embodiment of a slide closure according to the invention in an open position in a plan view;

Figure 1b

a representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1a in a closed position in a plan view;

Figure 2a

a representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1a in a sectional view along the line AA;

Figure 2b

a representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1b in a sectional view along the line BB;

Figure 3

a representation of the embodiment according to Figure 1a in a sectional view along the line CC;

Figure 4a

a representation of another embodiment of a slide closure according to the invention in an open position in a sectional view;

Figure 4b

a representation of the embodiment according to Figure 4a in a side view;

Figure 4c

a detailed view of a pressure spring arrangement according to the embodiment according to Figure 4b in a sectional view;

Figure 4d

a detailed view of a positive connection of the slide frame with the sealing body via a connecting element according to the embodiment according to Figure 4b in a sectional view.

In the following description of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for identical and identically acting elements.

The Figures 1a to 3 show an embodiment of a slide closure 100 according to the invention in different positions and sectional views. In the Figures 1a , 2a and 3 The slide lock 100 is shown in the open position and in the Figures 1b and 2 B in a closed position. The Figures 4a to 4d show a further embodiment of a slide closure 100 according to the invention. The figures in connection with the Figures 1 to 3 The structural and functional features of the slide closure 100, the method of assembly and the Use of a sealing body 20 also apply to the Figures 4a to 4d embodiment shown, unless otherwise stated.

The slide valve closure 100 can be connected to a metallurgical container (not shown) and can be firmly mounted on the container, typically on its underside, e.g. as a pouring ladle valve. Such a container is suitable for keeping a metallic melt, i.e. a molten metal alloy such as liquid steel, ready for a casting process. The slide valve closure 100 serves to close or open an opening of the metallurgical container in order to allow liquid metal or a metal alloy to flow out of the container in a controlled manner. The slide valve closure 100 can be locked for the operating state via a locking mechanism 4.

In the following, the terms "bottom" and "top" refer to an orientation of the assembled slide valve 100 in the state of use, in which the slide valve 100 extends in a horizontal direction, so that the force of gravity G acts in a vertical direction away from the metallurgical container from top to bottom. In this respect, the inlet opening 13 is arranged at the top and the outlet opening 19 for the metallic melt is arranged at the bottom. The orientation of the slide valve 100 in the state of use is not limited to a horizontal orientation, however. The pouring direction A runs in the direction of the force of gravity G.

The slide valve closure 100 has a closure housing 1, which here comprises two housing parts in the form of a mounting plate 10 and the slide valve housing 11 that can be pivoted relative to one another about a pivot axis S. The mounting plate 10 serves to firmly connect the slide valve closure 100 to the container and, when assembled, forms a cover of the closure housing 1. Alternatively, the box-shaped slide valve housing 11 could also be attached to the metallurgical container, with the inlet opening 13 being provided in the slide valve housing 11 and the outlet opening 19 in a pivotable cover plate.

The slide valve 100, designed as a two-plate slide valve, has a head plate 5 which is accommodated in or attached to the mounting plate 10. The mounting plate 10 has a wear ring 12 seated in the inlet opening 13 and the head plate 5 has a passage opening 50, through which liquid metal can flow from a drain opening of the container through the inlet opening 13.

In the bolt housing 1 or in the slide housing 11, a slide frame 2 is arranged in a sliding direction V (see double arrows in the Figures 1a, 1b , 2a and 2 B ) is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the closure housing 1 or slide housing 11. The slide frame 2 is displaced essentially parallel to the mounting plate 10. The slide frame 2 can be pushed back and forth in the displacement direction V by means of a suspendable hydraulic cylinder (not shown) via the cylinder bracket 3 with the push rod 30. The spacer element 31 limits the maximum displacement path. The slide frame 2 accommodates a slide plate 6 with a flow opening 60 and a pouring sleeve 7 with a flow channel 70. The pouring sleeve 7 is accommodated in the slide frame 2 via the interchangeable ring 24. The interchangeable ring 24 is fastened to the slide frame via the screw connection 23. The pouring sleeve 7 extends with its longitudinal axis in a pouring direction A from the metallurgical container through the outlet opening 19. The slide plate 6 is accommodated in the slide frame 2 and detachably fastened. The slide plate 6 is additionally held in the slide frame 2 via magnets 28, in particular to simplify assembly.

A hydraulic cylinder that can be suspended in the cylinder bracket 3 and is supported in the cylinder bracket 3 pushes the slide frame 2 into the desired position in order to open or close the flow opening 60 through the slide plate 6. In the Figures 1b and 2 B In the closed position of the slide valve closure 100 shown, the slide plate 6 closes the flow channel 70. The slide plate 6 is displaced relative to the head plate 5. When the flow openings 50, 60 and the flow channel 70 are aligned by a corresponding displacement of the slide frame 2 in an open position, liquid metal can flow out of the container, through the head plate 5, the slide plate 6 and the pouring sleeve 7 through the outlet opening 19, as shown in the Figures 1a , 2a and 3 The pouring sleeve 7, the slide plate 6 and the head plate 5 are made of refractory material, while the closure housing 1 is made of steel.

The slide frame 2 is supported in the slide housing 11 via the slide strips 27, the pressure strips 26 and the thermodynamic spring elements 14a, 14b, which are provided on both sides of the slide frame 2. The spring elements 14a, 14b generate a pressure force of the slide plate 6 on the head plate 5 in order to prevent the metallic melt from penetrating between the slide plate 6 and the hotplate 5. The spring elements 14a, 14b are to be distinguished from the springs required in the prior art for pressing an external sealing plate to seal the outlet opening 19 and from the compression springs 25 provided in the present invention for pressing an internal sealing body 20 to seal the outlet opening 19. The pressure force of the thermodynamic spring elements 14a, 14b is significantly greater than that of the compression springs 25 described below.

The closure housing 1 has a gas supply 15, which opens into a gas supply channel 80 in the interior of the closure housing 1, in order to introduce a protective gas (inert gas), preferably argon, into the closed closure housing 1. The closure housing 1 is sealed against an uncontrolled escape of protective gas into the environment via the mounting plate seal 91, the sliding cylinder seal 92 and the sealing body 20 with the seal 90. The sealing body 20 is arranged on an inner side 17 of the closure housing 1, which is opposite the mounting plate 10. The sealing body 20 has a, for example circular, passage opening 40 for the pouring sleeve 7. The pouring sleeve 7 protrudes from the closure housing 1 through the passage opening 40 and the outlet opening 19. The change ring 24 is received in the passage opening 40 in such a form-fitting manner, or extends into the passage opening 40, that a displacement of the slide frame 2 in the displacement direction V is transferred to the sealing body 20. In the pouring direction A, however, the change ring 24 is not firmly connected to the sealing body 20, but can, if necessary, move (slightly) relative to it. The sealing body 20 is displaceable relative to the outlet opening 19 in the displacement direction V, wherein the sealing body 20 is supported indirectly, or alternatively directly, on the inner surface 17 via the seal 90. The seal 90 is inserted into a circumferential groove 42 which is provided in a sealing surface 41 formed on the underside of the sealing body 20, preferably along its edge. The sealing body 20 is supported in its edge area against the inner surface 17 of the closure housing 1 or the slide housing 11 via the seal 90. On the inner side 17 the seal 90 slides along an inner surface 16 of the closure housing 1 or the slide housing 11 when the slide frame 2 is displaced. The inner surface 16 can have a lower surface roughness than other inner surfaces of the closure housing 1, in particular it can be machined, to improve the sealing effect. The seal 90 runs around the passage opening 40 and is preferably designed as a flat seal made of a graphite mesh that is reinforced with steel mesh. Due to its own weight or the force of gravity G, the sealing body 20 presses itself from the inside against the inside 17 of the closure housing 1 and in this way creates a sealing effect against uncontrolled gas escape through the outlet opening 19.

The sealing body 20 comprises a sealing plate which is arranged on the inside of the closure housing 1, i.e. on the inside. The sealing plate extends along the inner surface 16. A protective plate 21 is fastened to the sealing body 20 via the screw connection 22, with a protective plate connection piece 29 designed as a cylindrical sleeve being fastened to the sealing body 20, preferably welded. The hollow cylindrical protective plate connection piece 29 extends through the outlet opening 19 of the closure housing 1. The protective plate 21 extends on an outer side 18 of the closure housing 21 and is therefore on the outside. The protective plate seal 93 designed as an annular flat seal seals the connection between the protective plate 21 and the protective plate connection piece 29 against gas leakage. The protective plate 21 has a circular passage opening for the pouring sleeve 7, through which the latter protrudes. The sealing plate of the sealing body 20 as well as other components, such as the protective plate connecting piece 29 and the protective plate 21, are made of steel.

Compression springs 25, here designed as helical compression springs, are arranged between an upper side of the sealing body 20 and an underside of the slide frame 2. The compression springs 25 are accommodated or inserted on both sides in receiving openings 43 designed as bores. For example, four compression springs 25 are provided around the interchangeable ring 24 or the pouring sleeve 7. The compression springs 25 can increase the sealing effect of the internal sealing body 20 by pressing the sealing body 20 against the inner side 17 of the closure housing 1 in addition to its own weight. Due to the displaceability of the interchangeable ring 24 relative to the sealing body 20 perpendicular to the displacement direction V (ie in the pouring direction A), a possible variation in the thickness of the slide plate 6 and/or the head plate 5 can be compensated. The movement that the slide frame 2 carries out when the compression springs 25 are released is also compensated. The compression springs 25 can achieve the most uniform possible pressing of the sealing body 20 against the inner surface 16, thereby increasing the sealing effect.

Between the sealing body 20 and the slide frame 2 there is a gas guide gap which extends perpendicular to the pouring direction A. The compression springs 25 extend transversely to this gas guide gap. Between the interchangeable ring 24 and the sealing body 20 or the protective plate connection piece 29 there is, for example, a circumferential gap of 3-4 mm, so that the sealing body 20 can be moved relative to the slide frame 2 and in the pouring direction A. Between the outside of the pouring sleeve 7 and the inside of the interchangeable ring 24 there is also a circumferential gap provided for the controlled guidance of the protective gas flow on the outside of the pouring sleeve 7 through the passage opening 40 and the outlet opening 19 into the environment. Due to the existing play, the circumferential gap between the interchangeable ring 24 and the sealing body 20 in particular can narrow unevenly locally when the slide frame 2 is moved. In the change ring 24, several, for example eight, gas feedthrough channels 81 are provided as bores distributed over the circumference in order to ensure that the protective gas flows around the pouring sleeve 7 as evenly as possible. A gas feedthrough channel 81 opens into the gas guide gap between the top of the sealing body 20 and the bottom of the slide frame 2 and can have a diameter of approximately 10 mm. The gas feedthrough channels 81 facilitate an even distribution of the protective gas in order to prevent contact between the poured metallic melt and the ambient air. In particular, when connecting a shadow pipe to the pouring sleeve 7, the suction of ambient oxygen can be prevented by an even and comprehensive flow of protective gas, preferably argon, around the pouring sleeve.

The Figures 4a to 4d The embodiment of the slide closure 100 shown differs from that shown in the Figures 1a to 3 illustrated embodiment in the assembly, in particular the compression springs 25, and by the presence of additional connecting elements 44, whereby these two technical aspects can also be used independently in further embodiments. from each other. In addition, the protective plate seal 93 is designed here as a sealing cord.

In this embodiment, pre-assembled pressure spring arrangements 32 are provided, via which the sealing body 20 is supported on the slide frame 2. The pressure spring arrangement 32 can be pre-assembled on the slide frame 2 before the final assembly of the slide closure 100, in order to then be assembled together with the slide frame 2 in the closure housing 1 with the sealing body 20. In the pre-assembled state, the compression springs 25 are held captive by a spring holder 33. The spring holder 33 has a pressure tappet 35 which is attached to the slide frame 2 in a spring-loaded manner via the compression spring 25, i.e. displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the compression spring 25. The compression spring 25 is arranged between the pressure tappet 35 and the slide frame 2 and can be pre-tensioned in the pre-assembled state via the screw connection 36. The slide frame 2 has a through hole 34 for a screw, which is connected to a shaft of the pressure tappet 35. The through hole 34 can be designed as a threaded hole. The compression spring 25 rests with one end on a spring contact surface 38 of the pressure tappet 35 and is supported with the other end in a receiving opening 43 in the slide frame 2. In the assembled state, the pressure tappet 35 is accommodated in a tappet recess 37 of the sealing body 20 or is guided axially therein. The pressure spring arrangement 32 exerts an additional pressure force on the sealing body 20 via the compression spring 25 in order to increase its sealing effect. Additional assembly aid can be dispensed with due to the ability to pre-assemble using the spring holder 33. Depending on the application, 4 to 8 pressure spring arrangements 32, each with a compression spring 25, are preferably provided. For example, in block casting, eight pressure spring arrangements 32 can be installed in order to be able to place them on a funnel hood made of flexible ceramic fiber material. In continuous casting, four pressure spring arrangements 32 can be sufficient.

Conversely, a corresponding pressure spring arrangement with a compression spring 25 could also be pre-assembled on the sealing body 20, whereby a spring holder 33 would be attached to the sealing body 20 and the pressure tappet 35 would be supported on the slide frame 2. For a through hole in the sealing body, an additional sealing device would preferably be During assembly, the sealing body 20 would then first be inserted into the closure housing 1 together with the pre-mounted pressure spring arrangement.

In the embodiment shown, one or more connecting elements 44 are also provided, which connect the slide frame 2 and the sealing body 20 to one another in a form-fitting manner and are designed here as cylindrical driving pins. A recess 45 is provided in the sealing body 20 and a corresponding and matching recess 48 is provided in the slide frame 2, which form a form-fitting, not necessarily play-free, connection with a connecting element 44 designed as a cylindrical driving pin. A through hole 44 for a screw connection 46 is made in the slide frame 2. The driving pin 44 is screwed into the slide frame 2. To facilitate assembly, the driving pin 44 has a chamfer on its free end.

Conversely, the connecting elements 44 can also be fastened to the sealing body 20.

While in the embodiment in the Fig. 1a to 3 the displacement force in the displacement direction V is transmitted from the slide frame 2 via the outside of the change ring 24 (and the protective plate connection piece 29) to the sealing body 20, the displacement force in the embodiment of the Figures 4a to 4d be transferred in whole or in part by the connecting elements 44 from the slide frame 2 to the sealing body 20. For this purpose, it is advantageous to arrange several sliding elements 44 distributed around the interchangeable ring 24. In addition, one (or several) connecting elements 44 ensure that the sealing body 20 is secured against rotation relative to the interchangeable ring 24. When the slide closure 100 is actuated, the sealing body 20 can become tilted if the sealing body 20 is not sufficiently guided in the direction of displacement V. While an anti-twisting feature can in principle also be ensured by the lateral inner walls of the closure housing 1 if the sealing body 20 is designed to be sufficiently wide, i.e. with a sealing plate with a width adapted to the closure housing 1, if only a narrow remaining lateral gap is left, dirt can accumulate. If the sealing body 20 is secured against rotation, the width of the sealing body can be made narrower, whereby the accumulation of dirt on the sides is avoided and greater operational reliability is achieved.

In smaller embodiments of the slide closure 100 according to the invention, the displacement force is (essentially) transmitted to the sealing body (sealing plate) 20 via the interchangeable ring 24, while the sealing body 20 is secured against rotation by means of a connecting element (driving pin) 44. In larger embodiments of the slide closure 100, several displacement elements 44 are preferably provided, the tolerances being dimensioned such that the displacement force is not transmitted via the interchangeable ring 24 but (exclusively) via the connecting elements 44. As a result, the sealing body 20 is simultaneously secured against rotation.

To assemble the slide closure 100, the closure housing 1 is first opened or an opened closure housing 1 is provided. By pivoting the mounting plate 10 relative to the slide housing 11, or vice versa, the closure housing 1 can be opened and closed on the side of the inlet opening 13. The sealing body 20 is then inserted or placed into the opened closure housing 1, in particular from above, i.e. in the direction of gravity G. In this way, the sealing body 20 is arranged on the inside 17 of the closure housing 1 or inside. The compression springs 25 provided can now be inserted into the receiving openings 43 on the top side of the sealing body 20 facing away from the outlet opening 19. The sliding frame 2 is then inserted into the opened closure housing 1 such that it is mounted so as to be displaceable in the displacement direction V, as previously described. The upper ends of the compression springs 25 are inserted into correspondingly designed receiving openings 43 on the underside of the slide frame 2. The closure housing 1 is now closed. This assembly method allows a sealing body 20 to be easily mounted on the inside in order to seal the outlet opening 19 against the escape of the protective gas. To close the slide closure 100 or the closure housing 1, the slide housing 11 is pivoted onto the mounting plate 10, or vice versa, and then pressed against it, e.g. by a hydraulic cylinder. This pre-tensions the spring elements 14a, 14b and the compression springs 25 to their working dimensions, ie compresses them. The slide closure 100 is locked via the locking mechanism 4 and is now in the operating state.

When assembling the slide closure 100, the connecting elements 44, which are preferably fastened to the slide frame 2, are inserted into corresponding recesses 45 in the sealing body 20.

According to one embodiment of the method, simplified assembly is possible by pre-assembling the pressure spring arrangements 32, with a spring holder 33 holding the compression spring 25 captive. When the lock housing 1 is opened, the slide frame 2 is then inserted together with the pre-assembled pressure spring arrangement 32 and joined to the sealing body 20. Conversely, the sealing body 20 can also have a pre-assembled pressure spring arrangement in 32. Additional assembly aid is then not necessary.

The described slide closure 100, the described assembly method and the described use of the sealing body 20 for gas sealing of the closure housing 1 of the slide closure 100 on the inner side 17 of the closure housing 1 can achieve increased operational reliability of the slide closure 100, in particular with regard to possible (uncontrolled) escape of protective gas. In addition, the slide closure 100 is simple in construction and can be easily assembled. The internal sealing body 20 also means that the slide closure has a small construction volume, in particular a lower construction height.

At this point, it should be noted that all aspects of the invention described above, viewed individually and in any combination, particularly the details shown in the drawings, are part of the invention. The same applies to the method steps explained.

Reference list:

1

Lock housing

2

Slide frame

3

Cylinder console

4

Locking mechanism

5

Headstock

6

Slide plate

7

Pouring sleeve

10

Mounting plate

11

Valve housing

12

Wear ring

13

Entrance opening

14a, 14b

Spring element

15

Gas supply

16

Inner surface

17

inside

18

Outside

19

Outlet opening

20

Sealing body

21

Protective plate

22

Screw connection

23

Screw connection

24

Interchangeable ring

25

Compression spring

26

Pressure bar

27

Slide bar

28

magnet

29

Protective plate connector

30

Push bar

31

Spacer element

32

Pressure spring arrangement

33

Spring holder

34

Through hole

35

Pressure ram

36

Screw connection

37

Tappet recess

38

Spring contact surface

40

Passage opening

41

Sealing surface

42

Groove

43

Receiving opening

44

Connecting element

45

Recess

46

Screw connection

47

Through hole

48

Recess

50

Flow opening

60

Flow opening

70

Flow channel

80

Gas supply channel

81

Gas feedthrough channel

90

poetry

91

Mounting plate seal

92

Sliding cylinder seal

93

Protective plate seal

100

Slide closure

V

Shift direction

A

Pouring direction

G

Direction of gravity

S

Swivel axis

Claims (15)

1. Slide gate closure (100) for a metallurgical container, in particular a casting ladle, comprising

   - a closure housing (1) which can be fastened to the metallurgical container, wherein the closure housing (1) has an inlet opening (13) and an outlet opening (19) for a metallic melt,

   - a slide frame (2), which is slidably mounted in the closure housing (1) in a sliding direction (V) and accommodates a slide plate (6), which has a flow opening (60) for the metallic melt,

   - a pouring sleeve (7) for discharging the metallic melt through the outlet opening (19) and

   - a sealing body (20) for sealing the outlet opening (19) against gas, wherein the sealing body (20) has a passage opening (40) for the pouring sleeve (7),

   characterized in that the sealing body (20) is arranged on an inner side (17) of the closure housing (1) and is supported on the slide frame (2) via at least one pressure spring (25).
2. Slide gate closure (100) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that the sealing body (20), in particular an edge region of the sealing body (20), is supported against an inner surface (16) of the closure housing (1).
3. Slide gate closure (100) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the sealing body (20) is arranged so as to be slidable relative to the outlet opening (19), wherein the sealing body (20) preferably comprises a sealing plate.
4. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
   characterized in that an inner surface (16) of the closure housing (1) forms a sliding surface for the sealing body (20), wherein regions of the sliding surface have in particular a lower surface roughness than regions outside the sliding surface.
5. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
   characterized in that the sealing body (20) has a seal (90), preferably a flat seal, running around the passage opening (40) on a sealing surface (41) facing an inner surface (16) of the closure housing (1).
6. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
   characterized in that the sealing body (20) is connected to the slide frame (2) so as to be slidable in a pouring direction (A) perpendicular to the sliding direction (V).
7. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
   characterized in that an alteration ring (24) accommodated in the slide frame (2) for holding the pouring sleeve (7) extends through the passage opening (40) of the sealing body (20), wherein an inner peripheral surface of the passage opening (40) of the sealing body (20) preferably bears against an outer peripheral surface of the alteration ring (24).
8. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,

   characterized in that an alteration ring (24) accommodated in the slide frame (2) for holding the pouring sleeve (7) has at least one radial gas passage channel (81), which preferably opens into a gas passage gap formed between the sealing body (20) and

   the slide frame (2).
9. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
   characterized in that the sealing body (20) has a receiving opening (43) for a pressure spring (25) on a side facing the slide frame (2) and/or the slide frame (2) has a receiving opening (43) for a pressure spring (25) on a side facing the sealing body (20).
10. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
    characterized in that the sealing body (20) is supported on the slide frame (2) via a pressure spring arrangement (32), in particular one that can be pre-assembled, wherein the pressure spring arrangement (32), in particular one that can be pre-assembled, preferably comprises a spring holder (33) for non-detachable holding of at least one pressure spring (25).
11. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
    characterized in that the pressure spring arrangement (32), in particular one that can be pre-assembled, has a contact pressure rod (35) which is resiliently fastened, preferably via a pressure spring (25), to the slide frame (2) or to the sealing body (20), wherein the pressure spring (25) is preferably supported with one spring end against the slide frame (2) or the sealing body (20) and with another spring end against a spring contact surface (38) of the contact pressure rod (35).
12. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
    characterized in that the slide frame (2) and the sealing body (20) are positively connected to one another via at least one connecting element (44), preferably via at least one driving pin, in particular in the sliding direction (V) and/or in a direction of rotation about the pouring direction (A).
13. Slide gate closure (100) according to one of the previous claims,
    characterized in that the sealing body (20) has a recess (45) on a side facing the slide frame (2) for engagement with a connecting element (44), which is preferably fastened to the slide frame (2).
14. Method of assembling a slide gate closure (100) for a metallurgical container, in particular a slide gate closure (100) according to any one of claims 1 through 13, comprising the following steps:

    - provision of an open closure housing (1) which can be opened and closed on a side provided for fastening to the metallurgical container and has an inlet opening (13) for a metallic melt,
    wherein the closure housing (1) has an outlet opening (19) for a metallic melt on a side facing away from the metallurgical container;

    - inserting a sealing body (20) into the open closure housing (1) for sealing the outlet opening (19) against gas,
    wherein the sealing body (20) has a passage opening for a pouring sleeve (7) for discharging the metallic melt through the outlet opening (19);

    - insertion of a slidably mounted slide frame (2) into the open closure housing (1);

    - arrangement of at least one pressure spring (25) on a side of the sealing body (20) facing away from the outlet opening (19) after insertion of the sealing body (20) and before insertion of the slidably mounted slide frame (2);

    - closing the closure housing (1).
15. Method according to claim 14,

    characterized by pre-assembly of a pressure spring arrangement on the slide frame (2) or on the sealing body (20),

    wherein the pressure spring arrangement preferably comprises a spring holder (33) for non-detachable holding of at least one pressure spring (25).

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