WO2021219525A1

WO2021219525A1 - Slide-gate valve with inner sealing element and method for the mounting thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2021219525A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/060777
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Schmitz
Original assignee: Knöllinger FLO-TEC GmbH
Priority date: 2020-04-29
Filing date: 2021-04-26
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Also published as: EP4142965A1; DE102020111695B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a slide-gate valve (100) for a metallurgical vessel, in particular a casting ladle, to a method for mounting a slide-gate valve (100) and to the use of an inner sealing element (20) for the gastight sealing of a valve housing (1) of a slide-gate valve (100). The slide-gate valve (100) comprises a valve housing (1), which can be fastened on the metallurgical vessel, wherein the valve housing (1) has an inlet opening (13) and an outlet opening (19) for molten metal, a slide frame (2), which is displaceably mounted in a displacement direction (V) in the valve housing (1) and receives a slide-valve plate (6), which has a through-flow opening (60) for the molten metal, a pouring sleeve (7) for discharging the molten metal through the outlet opening (19) and a sealing element (20) for the gastight sealing of the outlet opening (19), wherein the sealing element (20) has a through-flow opening (40) for the pouring sleeve (7), wherein the sealing element (20) is arranged on an inner side (17) of the valve housing (1).

Description

Slide gate valve with internal sealing body and method for it

Assembly

description

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

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

A protective gas atmosphere is often created in slide valve closures in order to prevent the melt discharged from the metallurgical container from escaping 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 casting via the slide valve, for example through between the head and slide plates. 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. In order to prevent the protective gas from escaping in an uncontrolled manner, in particular too quickly or at unwanted points, from the interior of the slide valve closure, the closure housing must be sealed off from the environment.

A slide gate valve with a protective gas or inert gas atmosphere is known, for example, from DE 40 07 993 A1. A gas-tight lockable box, which is closed by a cover plate, is built around the slide frame. An inert gas line opens into the box in order to create an inert gas environment within the box. A circumferential seal is provided in the edge of the box side walls.

From DE 20 2015 103079 U1 a slide valve closure is known in which an external sealing plate for gas sealing is pressed against the side of the closure housing facing away from the metallurgical container by means of springs.

In the case of an external sealing plate, which is typically arranged 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 which apply the contact force and which pull the sealing plate (upwards) against the closure housing. If the slag boils over, the flash load on the springs is particularly high, for example. Springs made from high-temperature-resistant special steels also lose their strength at correspondingly high temperatures. As a result of the material failure of some or all of the springs, the sealing plate may be seated unevenly or at an angle and gas may escape unintentionally. To replace the springs, the slide lock must be opened. In the continuous casting process, the connection of the shadow tube to the The pouring sleeve can be problematic due to a sealing plate that has sunk in relation to the closure housing. In addition, an uncontrolled escape of gas 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 closures with a protective gas atmosphere known from the prior art are susceptible to leaks and 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 structural complexity and the overall volume of the slide gate valve.

The present invention therefore has the object of providing a slide gate valve which has increased operational reliability, in particular with regard to the possible escape of protective gas. The slide lock should also be constructed as simply as possible and have the smallest possible structural volume.

This object is achieved in each case by a slide valve closure according to claim 1, a method according to claim 13 and a use according to claim 15.

In particular, the object is achieved by a slide valve for a metallurgical container, in particular a pouring ladle, comprising a closure housing which can be fastened to the metallurgical container, the closure housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a metallic melt, a slide frame which is in the closure housing is mounted displaceably in a displacement direction and receives a slide plate which has a flow opening for the metallic melt, a pouring sleeve for discharging the metallic melt through the outlet opening and a sealing body for gas sealing of the outlet opening, the sealing body having a passage opening for the pouring sleeve, wherein the sealing body is arranged on an inside of the closure housing.

The invention is based on the idea that springs for applying a pressing force of the sealing body are not absolutely necessary for an effective gas seal if the sealing body is arranged on an inside of the closure housing. As a result, there is also no risk of leakage due to material failure of the springs. A sealing body arranged on the inside of the closure housing, which could also be referred to as an internal sealing body, is pressed against the inside of the closure housing due to the force of gravity or the dead weight of the sealing body in a typical arrangement of the slide valve. A sufficient gas seal can already be achieved due to the resulting contact pressure from an internal sealing body. The (additional) use of springs (compression springs) to increase the sealing effect is not excluded. An additional sealing body on an outside of the closure housing (external sealing body) is preferably not provided, but is not excluded by the invention.

The sealing body is preferably arranged on an inside 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), it being possible for the housing cover or the slide housing to be attachable to the metallurgical container. The sealing body for gas sealing of the outlet opening can be arranged on an inside of the slide valve housing or on an inside of the housing cover. In particular, the sealing body is arranged on an inside of the closure housing between the slide frame and the inside of the closure housing. In a state of the slide lock fastened to the metallurgical container, the sealing body is located, in particular, on a lower inside underside of the slide lock, with “below” denoting the direction of gravity.

The term “gas seal” is not to be understood as hermetically sealing the entire closure housing against gas leakage at any point In particular, the area of the passage opening of the sealing body defines or delimits an area (partial area) of the outlet opening through which a (controlled or intentional) gas exit is possible, in particular a guided shielding gas flow through a gap (circumferential gas guiding 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” relates in particular to a seal against a gas leakage between the inside of the closure housing and a side (underside) of the sealing body facing this inside.

The pouring sleeve is received, in particular, in the slide frame, the pouring sleeve, in particular, being displaceable relative to the closure housing. In this respect, the slide lock is preferably designed as a two-plate slide. The pouring sleeve can, however, also be provided in a stationary manner (relative to the closure housing), wherein 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 valve 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 valve closure according to the invention has the advantage that the springs required in the prior art for generating the sealing effect can be dispensed with. 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 gate valve for gas sealing can be simplified. The overall volume of the slide gate 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 at least partially supported in an edge region of the outlet opening. An edge area of the outlet opening can be understood as an inner area of the closure housing which (at least partially) surrounds the outlet opening. The sealing body does not have to be directly, in particular not flat, on the inside of the closure housing issue. 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, the sealing body preferably comprising 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 the outlet opening or through the outlet opening when the slide frame is moved. 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 displaced relative to the outlet opening, the slide lock can be designed as a two-plate slide, in which the slide plate is displaceable relative to a head plate that is fixedly mounted in the lock housing.

In one embodiment, an inner surface of the closure housing forms a sliding surface for the sealing body, with areas of the sliding surface in particular having a lower surface roughness than areas outside the sliding surface. The inner surface can be processed in certain areas, in particular by cutting, for example ground. The inner surface of the closure housing is particularly flat (in the area of the sliding surface) and enables the sealing body to be displaced relative to the inner surface. The sealing effect can be improved by a smooth sliding surface.

In one embodiment, the sealing body has, on a sealing surface facing an inner surface of the closure housing, a seal, preferably a flat seal, running around the passage opening. A groove is preferably formed in the sealing surface of the sealing body, which groove runs around the passage opening and into which one seal, preferably 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 that is preferably reinforced with steel mesh. A sealing material of this type is also durable, hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant even at high temperatures.

In one embodiment, the sealing body is connected to the slide frame such that it can be displaced 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 (slight) relative displacement of the sealing body to the slide frame is possible. In this way, the sealing body (or a seal received in the sealing body) can rest on 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 received in the slide frame for holding the pouring sleeve extends through the passage opening of the sealing body, an inner peripheral surface of the passage opening of the sealing body preferably resting against an outer peripheral 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 relative 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 coupled or connected to the interchangeable ring in a form-fitting manner. As a result, a displacement movement of the slide frame can be transmitted to the sealing body, while the movement of the sealing body in the pouring direction is decoupled therefrom.

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 (external) protective plate is preferably connected to the (internal) 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, the protective plate connecting piece being arranged in between. The protective plate could, however, also be fastened (directly) to the protective plate connection piece, in particular screwed. The protective plate connecting piece extends in particular from an inside of the lock housing to an outside of the lock housing. The protective plate connection 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 an inner circumferential surface of the passage opening of the sealing body. A circumferential (ring-shaped) flat seal is preferably provided between the protective plate connection piece and the protective plate.

In one embodiment, an interchangeable ring received in the slide frame for holding the pouring sleeve has at least one radial gas duct 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 an intermediate space 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. A plurality of gas discharge channels are preferably provided (evenly) distributed over the circumference of the change ring, for example two, three, four, six, eight or more gas discharge channels. The gas discharge channels are preferably designed as radial through bores 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 ducts can ensure a more uniform flow at 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) exit 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 ducts enable a more uniform distribution or flow of the protective gas over the circumference of the pouring sleeve and thus a reduced risk of ambient air penetrating into the outflowing metallic melt.

In one embodiment, the sealing body is supported on the slide frame via 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. A resilient support of the sealing body against the slide frame can be achieved by compression springs. As a result, the pressure on the inside of the closure housing already generated by the weight of the sealing body can be increased. 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 a material failure of the compression springs, the sealing effect is retained (at least partially) by the internal sealing body. This increases the operational safety and reliability of the slide gate valve.

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 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 pressing 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 by means of a pressure spring arrangement that can in particular be preassembled. The, in particular preassembled, pressure spring arrangement preferably comprises a spring holder for 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, in the unassembled state of the sealing body, the compression spring is captively 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 it can be braced against the slide frame or the sealing body. The term "preassembled" refers in particular to a point in time before the assembly of the slide frame with the sealing body in the closure housing. A preassembled or preassembled pressure spring arrangement facilitates the assembly of a suspension (compression springs) to support the sealing body on the slide frame on the sealing body to improve the seal.

In one embodiment, the pressure spring arrangement, which can in particular be preassembled, has a pressure ram which is resiliently fastened to the slide frame or to the sealing body, 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 ram. In particular, the spring holder holds the pressure ram in the unmounted state of the sealing body.

The pressure ram can be braced with the slide frame or with the sealing body via the compression spring, wherein the compression spring can be pretensioned in the preassembled state of the pressure spring arrangement. The contact force on the sealing body can be set or readjusted via a suitably selected length of the compression spring or its pretension in the contact spring arrangement. The pressure tappet can (in the assembled state) be received in a tappet recess of 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. Such a connecting element, which is in particular arranged eccentrically to the pouring sleeve or to the interchangeable ring, can be used to rotate the Sealing body can be prevented relative to the pouring sleeve or the interchangeable ring. As a result, lateral longitudinal guides (in the displacement direction 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. A greater distance from the (lateral) inner wall of the closure housing can reduce the accumulation of dirt at these points, which increases the operational reliability of the slide gate valve. In addition, in this embodiment, a form-fitting coupling or connection of the sealing body with the interchangeable ring or the pouring sleeve in the radial direction can be dispensed with or implemented with greater play. Instead of or in addition to transferring the sliding movement (sliding force) of the slide frame to the sealing body via the interchangeable ring, the sliding movement can be transmitted (in whole or in part) to the sealing body via the connecting elements (driving pins). A plurality of such connecting elements can be arranged distributed around the interchangeable ring. A plurality of connecting elements are preferably provided for a complete transmission of the displacement force of the slide frame to the sealing body. A single connecting element can be sufficient to prevent rotation. The displacement force (depending on the existing play between the components of the slide gate valve) can continue to be transmitted via the interchangeable ring or (in whole or in part) via the at least one connecting element. In particular in the case of smaller dimensions of the slide valve closure, a single connecting element is preferably provided, while in larger embodiments several connecting elements are provided.

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

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

- Provision of an opened closure housing which can be opened and closed on a side provided for attachment to the metallurgical container and has an inlet opening for a metallic melt, the closure housing having an outlet opening for a metallic melt on a side facing away from the metallurgical container;

Insertion of a sealing body into the opened closure housing for gas sealing of the outlet opening, the sealing body having a passage opening for a pouring sleeve for discharging the metallic melt through the outlet opening;

- Insertion of a displaceably mounted slide frame into the opened lock housing;

- Closing the lock housing.

By inserting the sealing body into the opened closure housing, an internal sealing body is structurally created, which is arranged on an inside of the closure housing. The insertion of a sealing body and the insertion of the displaceably mounted slide frame can take place together, ie in a single step, in particular as a preassembled assembly that includes the sealing body and the slide frame. The method has advantages similar to those already described in connection with the slide valve according to the invention. In the assembly process described, the springs required in the prior art for generating the sealing effect can be completely or partially dispensed with. The gas seal is then (at least partially) ensured by the weight of the sealing body (and the protective plate). The operational safety can be increased by a slide valve assembled according to the method, in particular against an uncontrolled gas leakage due to spring failure and a resulting displacement or skewing of the sealing body. The assembly process can reduce the overall volume of the slide gate valve. The assembly process or parts of the assembly process can or can be carried out in the vertical or horizontal position of the lock housing, in particular in a position of the lock housing hanging on an assembly stand. The assembly method can include further steps, such as inserting a pouring sleeve and / or a slide plate into the slide frame and / or attaching a head plate to a mounting plate of the closure housing. Typically, the closure housing is attached to the metallurgical container by means of the mounting plate. However, a (box-shaped) slide valve housing can also be attached to the metallurgical container, the sealing body being arranged on an inside of a (pivotable) housing cover, in particular a cover plate. Closing the closure housing can include locking a slide valve housing to a mounting plate (or a housing cover), the mounting plate (or the slide valve housing) serving to fasten the slide valve closure to a metallurgical container. The locking housing comprises in particular the mounting plate and the slide housing in which the slide frame is mounted so as to be displaceable.

In one embodiment, the method comprises arranging at least one compression spring on a side of the sealing body facing away from the outlet opening after inserting the sealing body and before inserting the displaceably mounted slide frame. In particular, the arrangement of the compression springs can be provided as a step of preassembling an assembly which comprises the sealing body, the slide frame and the compression springs as a preassembled assembly that is inserted into the open lock housing. The compression springs are used in particular in the receiving openings. Although the assembly method according to the invention does not require any springs to produce the sealing effect, compression springs can also be provided or installed. This further increases the sealing effect. Even if the springs fail, at least a partial sealing effect is retained.

In an (alternative) embodiment, the method comprises the pre-assembly of a pressure spring arrangement on the slide frame or on the sealing body, the pressure spring arrangement preferably comprising a spring holder for captive holding of at least one compression spring. The pressure spring arrangement is used in particular (in the assembled state of the slide lock) for Support of the sealing body (via the pressure spring arrangement) on the slide frame. During assembly, in particular the displaceably mounted slide frame together with the pressure spring arrangement preassembled thereon is inserted into the open closure housing or the sealing body together with the pressure spring arrangement preassembled thereon is inserted into the opened closure housing. 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 valve closure for a metallurgical container, in particular a slide valve closure according to the invention, on an inside of the closure housing, in particular on an inside 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 advantages similar to those already described in connection with the slide lock according to the invention and the assembly method.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Here show:

FIG. La shows an illustration of an embodiment of a slide lock according to the invention in an open position in a top view;

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

FIG. 2a shows an illustration of the embodiment according to FIG. La in a sectional view along the line A-A;

FIG. 2b shows an illustration of the embodiment according to FIG. 1b in a sectional view along the line B-B;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of the embodiment according to FIG. La in a sectional view along the line CC; FIG. 4a shows a representation of a further embodiment of a slide lock according to the invention in an open position in a sectional view;

FIG. 4b shows a representation of the embodiment according to FIG. 4a in a side view;

FIG. 4c shows a detailed illustration of a pressure spring arrangement according to the embodiment according to FIG. 4b in a sectional view;

Figure 4d shows a detailed representation of a form-fitting connection of the

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

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

Figures la to 3 show an embodiment of a slide gate valve 100 according to the invention in different positions and sectional views. In the figures la, 2a and 3 the slide lock 100 is shown in the open position and in the figures lb and 2b in a closed position. Figures 4a to 4d show a further embodiment of a slide lock 100 according to the invention. The structural and functional features of the slide lock 100, the method for assembly and the use of a sealing body 20 described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 also apply to the Embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a to 4d, unless otherwise described.

The slide gate valve 100 can be connected to a metallurgical container (not shown) and can be fixedly mounted on the container, typically on its underside, for example as a pouring ladle slide. Such a container is suitable for keeping a metallic melt, ie a molten metal alloy such as liquid steel, ready for a casting process. The slide lock 100 is used 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 lock 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 mounted slide lock 100 in the state of use in which the slide lock 100 extends in the horizontal direction, so that the gravitational force G in the vertical direction away from the metallurgical container from top to bottom works. 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. However, the orientation of the slide lock 100 in the state of use is not restricted to a horizontal orientation. The pouring direction A runs in the direction of gravity G.

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

The slide lock 100 designed as a two-plate slide has a top plate 5 which is received in the mounting plate 10 or is fastened to it. 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 an outflow opening of the container through the inlet opening 13.

In the lock housing 1 or in the slide housing 11, a slide frame 2 is arranged displaceably in a displacement direction V (see double arrows in Figures la, lb, 2a and 2b) relative to the lock housing 1 or slide housing 11. The slide frame 2 is shifted 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 hook-in hydraulic cylinder (not shown) via the cylinder bracket 3 with the push rod 30. The spacer element 31 limits the maximum displacement. The slide frame 2 receives a slide plate 6 with a flow opening 60 and a pouring sleeve 7 with a flow channel 70. The pouring sleeve 7 is received 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 received in the slide frame 2 and is releasably 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 closed position of the slide valve 100 shown in FIGS. 1 b and 2 b, 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 brought into alignment 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 FIGS. 1 a, 2 a 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 pressing 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 closed by the springs required in the prior art for pressing an external sealing plate to seal the outlet opening 19 and by the springs optionally provided in the present invention, in particular compression springs 25, for pressing an internal sealing body 20 to seal the outlet opening 19 differentiate. The pressing 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 into 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 through the passage opening 40 and the outlet opening 19 from the closure housing 1. The interchangeable ring 24 is so positively received in the passage opening 40 or extends into the passage opening 40 that a displacement of the slide frame 2 in the displacement direction V is transmitted to the sealing body 20. In the pouring direction A, on the other hand, the interchangeable ring 24 is not permanently connected to the sealing body 20, but can, if necessary, move (slightly) relative thereto. The sealing body 20 is displaceable relative to the outlet opening 19 in the displacement direction V, the sealing body 20 being 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. Via the seal 90, the sealing body 20 is supported in its edge area against the inner surface 17 of the closure housing 1 or of the slide housing 11. On the inside 17, the seal 90 slides when the slide frame 2 is displaced along an inner surface 16 of the lock housing 1 or the slide housing 11. To improve the sealing effect, the inner surface 16 can have a lower surface roughness than other inner surfaces of the lock housing 1, in particular it can be machined . 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 against the inside 17 of the closure housing 1 from the inside 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, ie 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 in the form of a cylindrical sleeve being fastened, preferably welded, to the sealing body 20. 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 to this extent 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 it protrudes. The sealing plate of the sealing body 20 and other components, such as the protective plate connection piece 29 and the protective plate 21, are made of steel.

Compression springs 25, designed here 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 received or inserted into receiving openings 43 designed as bores on both sides. 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 inner sealing body 20 by pressing the sealing body 20 against the inside 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 (i.e. in the pouring direction A), a possible variation in the thicknesses of the slide plate 6 and / or the head plate 5 can be compensated for. The movement that the slide frame 2 executes when the compression springs 25 are relaxed is also compensated. The compression springs 25 can press the sealing body 20 against the inner surface 16 as uniformly as possible, whereby the sealing effect is increased.

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 also remains 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, in particular the circumferential gap between the interchangeable ring 24 and the sealing body 20 can locally narrow unevenly when the slide frame 2 is displaced. In the interchangeable ring 24, several, for example eight, gas feed-through channels 81 are provided as bores, distributed over the circumference, in order to ensure that protective gas flows around the pouring sleeve 7 as uniformly as possible. A gas feed-through channel 81 opens into the gas feed 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 duct 81 facilitate a uniform distribution of the protective gas in order to prevent contact between the poured metallic melt and the ambient air. In particular, when a shadow tube is connected to the pouring sleeve 7, the sucking in of ambient oxygen can be prevented by a uniform and comprehensive flow around the pouring sleeve with protective gas, preferably argon.

The embodiment of the slide lock 100 shown in FIGS. 4a to 4d differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS can be provided independently of one another. In addition, the protective plate seal 93 is designed here as a sealing cord.

In this embodiment, pressure spring arrangements 32 that can be preassembled are present, by means of which the sealing body 20 is supported on the slide frame 2. The pressure spring arrangement 32 can be preassembled on the slide frame 2 before the final assembly of the slide lock 100, in order then to be assembled together with the slide frame 2 in the lock housing 1 with the sealing body 20. The compression springs 25 are held captive in the preassembled state by a spring holder 33. The spring holder 33 has a pressure plunger 35 which is attached to the slide frame 2 in a resilient manner via the compression spring 25, that is to say displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the compression spring 25. The compression spring 25 is arranged between the pressure ram 35 and the slide frame 2 and can be used in the preassembled state via the Screw connection 36 be pretensioned. The slide frame 2 has a through hole 34 for a screw, which is connected to a shaft of the pressure ram 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 ram 35 and is supported with the other end in a receiving opening 43 in the slide frame 2. In the assembled state, the pressing ram 35 is received in a ram recess 37 of the sealing body 20 or is axially guided therein. The pressing spring arrangement 32 exerts an additional pressing force on the sealing body 20 via the compression spring 25 in order to increase its sealing effect.

An additional assembly aid can be dispensed with due to the fact that it can be pre-assembled with the aid of the spring holder 33. Preferably, depending on the application, 4 to 8 pressure spring arrangements 32 are provided, each with a compression spring 25. For example, eight compression spring arrangements 32 can be installed during block casting in order to be able to place them on a funnel hood made of flexible ceramic fiber material. In the case of continuous casting, four pressure spring arrangements 32 can be sufficient.

Conversely, a corresponding pressure spring arrangement with a compression spring 25 could also be preassembled on the sealing body 20, with a spring holder 33 being attached to the sealing body 20 and the pressure ram 35 being supported on the slide frame 2. In this case, an additional sealing device would preferably be provided for a through hole in the sealing body. During assembly, the sealing body 20 would then first be inserted into the closure housing 1 together with the pressure spring arrangement preassembled thereon.

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 in the slide frame 2 screwed. For easier assembly, the driving pin 44 has a bevel at its free end.

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

While in the embodiment in FIGS or partially transferred from the slide frame 2 to the sealing body 20 through the connecting elements 44. For this, it is advantageous to arrange several displacement elements 44 distributed around the interchangeable ring 24. In addition, one (or more) connecting element (s) 44 ensures that the sealing body 20 is secured against rotation with respect to the interchangeable ring 24. While an anti-twist device with a correspondingly wide sealing body 20, i.e. with a sealing plate with a width adapted to the closure housing 1, can in principle also be ensured by the lateral inner walls of the closure housing 1, dirt can be deposited if the remaining lateral gap is only narrow. In contrast, when the sealing body 20 is secured against rotation, the width of the sealing body can be designed to be narrower, as a result of which the accumulation of dirt on the side is avoided and greater operational reliability is achieved.

In smaller embodiments of the slide gate valve 100 according to the invention, the displacement force is transmitted (essentially) via the interchangeable ring 24 to the sealing body (sealing plate) 20, while the sealing body 20 is secured against rotation by means of a connecting element (driving pin) 44. In the case of larger embodiments of the slide lock 100, a plurality of 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 secured against rotation at the same time. To assemble the slide lock 100, the lock housing 1 is first opened or an opened lock housing 1 is provided. By pivoting the mounting plate 10 with respect 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 in the opened closure housing 1, in particular from above, ie 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 on the inside. If compression springs 25 are provided, these can now be inserted into the receiving openings 43 on the upper side of the sealing body 20 facing away from the outlet opening 19. The sliding frame 2 is then inserted into the opened lock housing 1 in such a way that, as described above, it is mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of displacement V. 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 lock housing 1 is now closed. By means of this assembly method, a sealing body 20 can easily be mounted on the inside in order to seal the outlet opening 19 against the escape of the protective gas. To close the slide lock 100 or the lock housing 1, the slide housing 11 is pivoted to the mounting plate 10, or vice versa, and then pressed, for example by a hydraulic cylinder. As a result, the spring elements 14a, 14b and the compression springs 25 are pretensioned to their working dimension, ie compressed. The slide lock 100 is locked via the locking mechanism 4 and is now in the operating state.

During the assembly of the slide lock 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, a spring holder 33 holding the compression spring 25 captive. With the closure housing 1 open, the slide frame 2 is then inserted together with the preassembled pressure spring arrangement 32 and joined to the sealing body 20. Conversely, the sealing body 20 can also have a preassembled pressure spring arrangement in 32. An additional assembly aid is then not necessary. With the slide lock 100 described, the assembly method described and the described use of the sealing body 20 for gas sealing of the lock housing 1 of the slide lock 100 on the inside 17 of the lock housing 1, increased operational reliability of the slide lock 100 can be achieved, in particular with regard to possible (uncontrolled) leakage of protective gas. In addition, the slide lock 100 is simple in construction or can be easily assembled. As a result of the sealing body 20 located on the inside, the slide lock also has a small overall volume, in particular a lower overall height.

At this point, it should be pointed out that all aspects of the invention described above, seen on their own and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings, belong to the invention. The same applies to the procedural steps explained.

Reference list:

1 lock housing

2 sash frames

3 cylinder console

4 locking mechanism

5 headstock

6 gate valve

7 pouring spout

10 mounting plate

11 valve body

12 wear ring

13 inlet opening 14a, 14b spring element

15 gas supply

16 inner surface

17 inside

18 outside

19 outlet opening

20 sealing body

21 Protection plate

22 screw connection 23 screw connection

24 interchangeable ring

25 compression spring

26 pressure bar

27 Slide strip

28 magnet

29 Guard plate connector

30 push bar

31 spacer

32 Pressure spring arrangement

33 Spring Retainer

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 feed-through channel

90 seal

91 Mounting plate seal

92 sliding cylinder seal

93 Protective plate seal 100 Slide gate valve V Direction of movement

A direction of pouring G direction of gravity

S swivel axis

Claims

Slide gate valve with internal sealing body and method for its assembly

1. A slide gate valve (100) for a metallurgical container, in particular a pouring ladle, comprising

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

- A slide frame (2) which is mounted displaceably in a displacement direction (V) in the closure housing (1) and receives 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 gas sealing of the outlet opening (19), wherein the sealing body (20) has a passage opening (40) for the pouring sleeve (7), characterized in that the sealing body (20) on an inside (17) of the closure housing ( 1) is arranged.

2. Slide gate valve (100) according to claim 1, dad u rch g eken nzeich net 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 valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) is arranged displaceably relative to the outlet opening (19), the sealing body (20) preferably comprising a sealing plate.

4. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that an inner surface (16) of the closure housing (1) forms a sliding surface for the sealing body (20), areas of the sliding surface in particular having a lower surface roughness as areas outside the sliding surface.

5. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) on a sealing surface (41) which faces an inner surface (16) of the closure housing (1), one around has a seal (90), preferably a flat seal, running around the passage opening (40).

6. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 5, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) has a seal (90), preferably flat seal, which comprises a graphite braid, which is preferably with Steel mesh is reinforced.

7. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) is slidably connected to the slide frame (2) in a pouring direction (A) perpendicular to the displacement direction (V).

8. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that an interchangeable ring (24) received in the slide frame (2) for holding the pouring sleeve (7) passes through the passage opening (40) of the sealing body (20 ) extends through, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the passage opening (40) of the sealing body (20) rests against an outer circumferential surface of the interchangeable ring (24).

9. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that on the sealing body (20) a protective plate (21) is attached, which extends along an outer side (18) of the closure housing (1).

10. Slider closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that an interchangeable ring (24) received in the slide frame (2) for holding the pouring sleeve (7) has at least one radial gas duct (81), which preferably opens into a gas guide gap formed between the sealing body (20) and the slide frame (2).

11. Slide lock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) is supported on the slide frame (2) via at least one compression spring (25), preferably helical compression spring.

12. Slide gate (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) on a side facing the slide frame (2) and / or the slide frame (2) on one of the sealing body (20) facing side has a receiving opening (43) for a compression spring (25).

13. Slider closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch g eken nzeich net that the sealing body (20) is supported on the slide frame (2) via an, in particular preassembled, pressure spring arrangement (32), wherein the, in particular preassembled, Compression spring arrangement (32) preferably comprises a spring holder (33) for captive retention of at least one compression spring (25).

14. Slide gate valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims, dad u rch marked that the, in particular preassembled, pressure spring arrangement (32) has a pressure plunger (35) which is resilient, preferably via a compression spring (25) on The slide frame (2) or on the sealing body (20) is attached, the compression spring (25) preferably 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 pressure ram ( 35).

15. Slide lock (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide frame (2) and the sealing body (20) via at least one connecting element (44), preferably via at least one driving pin, in particular in the direction of displacement (V) and / or are positively connected to one another in a direction of rotation around the pouring direction (A).

16. Slide closure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing body (20) has a recess (45) for engagement with a connecting element (44) on a side facing the slide frame (2), which is preferably on the slide frame ( 2) is attached.

17. A method for assembling a slide lock for a metallurgical container, in particular a slide lock (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the following steps:

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

- Insertion of a sealing body (20) into the opened closure housing (1) for gas sealing of the outlet opening (19), the sealing body (20) having a passage opening for a pouring sleeve (7) for discharging the metallic melt through the outlet opening (19);

- Insertion of a displaceably mounted slide frame (2) into the opened lock housing (1); Close the lock housing (1).

18. The method according to claim 17, geken nzei ch net du rch arranging at least one compression spring (25) on a side of the sealing body (20) facing away from the outlet opening (19) after the insertion of the sealing body (20) and before the insertion of the slidable mounted slide frame (2).

19. The method according to claim 17, geken nzei ch net d u rch 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 captive holding of at least one compression spring (25).

20. Use of a sealing body (20) for gas sealing of a closure housing (1) of a slide lock (100) for a metallurgical container, in particular a slide lock (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, on an inside (17) of the lock housing (1) , in particular on an inside (17) of the closure housing (1) facing away from the metallurgical container.