Sliding gate valve including bracket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sliding gate valve for a metallurgical vessel, the sliding gate valve comprising a bracket. The bracket comprises a plate frame for supporting a first refractory plate, and the plate frame is slidably mounted on a bracket support structure so as to slide along a first axis. The bracket comprises a selection device for selecting between a first stroke ΔX1 and a second stroke ΔX2 by moving a blocking member between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, if the plate frame attempts to slide beyond a nominal end position, a first bumper portion of the plate frame strikes the blocking member. When the blocking member is in the non-blocking position, if the plate frame attempts to slide beyond the nominal end position, the first bumper portion does not strike the blocking member, thereby allowing the plate frame to slide beyond the nominal end position to a maintenance end position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sliding gate valve for controlling the flow of liquid metal out of a metallurgical vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sliding gate valve comprising a bracket including a bracket support structure and a plate frame for supporting a refractory plate, wherein the plate frame is slidably mounted relative to the bracket support structure. Background Art

[0002] In liquid metal casting plants, a metallurgical container is typically used to deliver the liquid metal to a distributor, which is intended to distribute the liquid metal in the casting mold. Such a metallurgical container has an outlet in the base plate through which the liquid metal can be poured into the distributor or into any other type of container.

[0003] In order to control the flow of liquid metal through the outlet of the metallurgical vessel, a regulating valve arranged at the bottom plate of the metallurgical vessel is typically used.

[0004] One type of regulating valve is the so-called sliding gate valve, which is typically constructed from multiple refractory plates (e.g., two or three refractory plates). In one embodiment, for example, two stacked refractory plates are provided, with the first being a sliding refractory plate and the second being a fixed refractory plate. Each refractory plate is supported by a suitable support structure. The fixed refractory plate is supported by a fixed chassis that is coupled to the bottom plate of the metallurgical vessel, while the sliding refractory plate is positioned in a bracket, with the plate frame supporting the sliding refractory plate.

[0005] The bracket includes a sliding mechanism configured to slide the panel frame along an axis relative to a bracket support structure coupled to a fixed chassis. Typically, the coupling between the bracket and the fixed chassis is by a hinge so that the bracket can be separated from the fixed chassis as a pivoting door, thereby facilitating maintenance activities.

[0006] The sliding refractory plate is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position (also referred to as the casting position), the orifice of the fixed refractory plate faces the orifice of the sliding refractory plate, allowing liquid metal to pass through both orifices, thereby supplying liquid metal from the container to the distributor. On the other hand, when the plate frame supporting the sliding refractory plate is moved to the closed position, the orifices of the fixed refractory plate and the sliding refractory plate are separated by a given distance, which is defined so as to stop the flow of liquid metal.

[0007] In order to start the movement of the plate frame from the open position to the closed position, a drive device is used, such as a hydraulic actuator comprising a hydraulic cylinder and an actuator rod, as described for example in US 9341271 B2. Such a drive device is typically attached to the end side of the plate frame.

[0008] In order to prevent liquid metal from entering the gaps between the refractory plates, it is common practice to firmly press the refractory plates against each other. Therefore, a resilient pressing element, typically comprising a plurality of springs, is provided to apply a thrust to the lower surface of the sliding refractory plate, thereby maintaining firm contact between the sliding and fixed refractory plates as they move between the open and closed positions.

[0009] As is well known, fire-resistant panels wear out very quickly and therefore these panels must be replaced regularly. For this reason, the bracket needs to be separated from the fixed chassis in order to remove the fire-resistant panels. As mentioned above, due to the hinged connection, the bracket can be rotated as a door. However, since the pushing device applies force to keep the fire-resistant panels together, the pressure between the panels needs to be reduced before the pivoting door can be opened for maintenance purposes. The reduction in pressure can be established by moving the sliding fire-resistant panels over a longer travel distance so that the sliding fire-resistant panels are further separated from the fixed fire-resistant panels. Therefore, the bracket is typically configured to allow the plate frame to enter an overtravel zone, in which the pressure between the fire-resistant panels is sufficiently reduced to allow the door to be opened. The overtravel zone is reached by moving the plate frame beyond the nominal travel distance. An example of the configuration of such a bracket is disclosed in document US 5836485.

[0010] However, one of the issues is that during nominal operation of the sliding gate valve, i.e. during casting (where the sliding frame may be moved from the open position to the closed position as discussed above), the carriage should not accidentally enter the overtravel region, as this may lead to a dangerous situation since, when in the overtravel region, the sealing force between the refractory plates is eliminated and liquid steel may leak out.

[0011] A known solution to this problem is to restrict the drive mechanism so that it cannot reach the overtravel zone and thus drive the lower slide chamber. This is typically achieved by placing a pin in the drive mechanism, that is, minimizing the travel of the drive rod. However, a problem with this solution is that the operator must manually insert and remove the pin, which is not only cumbersome but also carries the risk of the operator forgetting to insert the pin after maintenance activities. Another risk is that the hydraulic cylinder is incorrectly installed or installed with an incorrect travel, which can cause the plate frame to accidentally enter the overtravel zone. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a sliding gate valve that offers an alternative solution for controlling the positioning of a carriage in the overtravel zone, where the pressure between the refractory plates is released. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to improve the safe operation of the carriage and the associated sliding gate valve.

[0013] The invention is defined in the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sliding gate valve for controlling the flow of liquid metal out of a metallurgical vessel. The sliding gate valve comprises

[0014] a bracket for a sliding gate valve of a metallurgical vessel, the bracket comprising a bracket support structure and a plate frame for supporting a first refractory plate, and wherein the plate frame is slidably mounted on the bracket support structure so as to slide along a first axis (X),

[0015] • a fixed chassis configured to support the second refractory panel in a fixed position relative to the fixed chassis, and comprising fixing elements for fixing the fixed chassis to the floor of the metallurgical vessel.

[0016] The bracket is connected to the fixed base, wherein the bracket and the fixed base are configured so that when the first refractory plate and the second refractory plate are supported in the corresponding plate frames and the fixed base, the sliding surface of the first refractory plate including the first orifice can slide against the sliding surface of the second refractory plate including the second orifice within a first stroke ΔX1, thereby allowing the first orifice and the second orifice to be aligned and dealigned by sliding the plate frame to the initial position of the plate frame corresponding to the valve open position and the nominal end position of the plate frame corresponding to the valve closed position.

[0017] The carriage according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the carriage support structure includes a selection device for selecting between a first stroke ΔX1 and a second stroke ΔX2 of the plate frame, wherein ΔX2>ΔX1, and wherein the selection device includes a blocking member that is reversibly movable between a blocking position for selecting the first stroke ΔX1 and a non-blocking position for selecting the second stroke ΔX2. The first stroke ΔX1 and the second stroke ΔX2 are defined as the maximum plate frame sliding distance measured between an initial position X0 and a nominal end position X1 and a maintenance end position X2, respectively.

[0018] The plate frame and the selection device are configured so that when the blocking member is positioned at the blocking position, if the plate frame attempts to slide beyond the nominal end position, the first bumper portion of the plate frame strikes the blocking member, thereby limiting the plate frame from sliding within the first stroke ΔX1. When the blocking member is positioned at the non-blocking position, when the plate frame slides beyond the nominal end position X1, the first bumper portion does not strike the blocking member, thereby allowing the plate frame to slide beyond the nominal end position X1 within the second stroke ΔX2 to reach the maintenance end position X2.

[0019] The bracket includes an elastic pressing element configured so that when the first refractory board and the second refractory board are supported in the corresponding board frame and the fixed base frame, then:

[0020] When the plate frame is within the first stroke ΔX1, the sliding surface of the first refractory plate is pressed against the sliding surface of the second refractory plate by applying pressure through the elastic pressing element, and

[0021] When the plate frame is located at the maintenance end position X2, the elastic pressing element applies no pressure or reduced pressure to the sliding surface.

[0022] The selection device of the carrier support structure includes a movement mechanism for moving the blocking member relative to the carrier support structure between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. The movement mechanism of the selection device is configured such that, when the panel frame moves from the maintenance end position X2 toward the initial position X0, the blocking member automatically moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position when the panel frame is sliding beyond the first end position X1. Advantageously, since no intervention, such as by an operator, is required to engage the blocking device, the operator does not forget to position the blocking member in the blocking position after completing the maintenance operation.

[0023] Advantageously, during normal operation of the carriage, ie during casting, the blocking member positioned in the blocking position limits the plate frame to sliding within the first travel ΔX1 and thereby prevents the plate frame from sliding to the end position for maintenance.

[0024] Advantageously, the selection means is a mechanical device incorporated into the carriage support structure and cannot be missed by the operator. This is in contrast to prior art systems where pins in the drive system are manually installed and removed by the operator to limit travel.

[0025] Advantageously, with the carriage according to the invention, the plate frame is prevented from sliding beyond the nominal end position by mechanically limiting the travel independently of the operation of the drive mechanism of the plate frame.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to translate the blocking member between the blocking position and the non-blocking position along a second axis, which is transverse to the first axis, preferably perpendicular to the first axis.

[0027] In an embodiment, the movement mechanism includes one or more compression springs, each having a central compression axis substantially parallel to the second axis, and each compression spring coupled at a first end to the first frame member of the selection device and at a second end to the blocking member. In this manner, compression and decompression of the one or more compression springs causes translation of the blocking member along the second axis.

[0028] Preferably, the moving mechanism includes an unlocking tool configured to apply a force against the biasing force of the one or more compression springs to translate the blocking member along the second axis from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

[0029] In an embodiment, the unlocking tool includes a cam member located between the second frame member of the selection device and the blocking member. The cam member is rotatable about a cam rotation axis perpendicular to both the first axis and the second axis and is configured such that a separation distance between the second frame member and the blocking member increases when the cam member is rotated from a first cam position to a second cam position. In this way, by rotating the cam member to the second position, the one or more compression springs are compressed, causing the blocking member to translate from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. Preferably, when rotated from the first cam position to the second cam position, the cam member rotates through an angle between 80° and 120°.

[0030] In an embodiment, the cam member is coupled to an end of a shaft extension that extends coaxially with the cam rotation axis. The end of the shaft extension can then be manually rotated by an operator or automatically rotated using a motor. Alternatively, a robot can be used to rotate the end of the shaft extension.

[0031] In an embodiment, the plate frame includes a second bumper portion configured to strike the cam member when the blocking member is in the non-blocking position and the second bumper portion slides from the nominal end position to the service end position, causing the cam member to rotate from the second cam position to the first cam position. The first bumper portion is configured to prevent the blocking member from translating to the blocking position by resting on a surface of the first bumper portion when the plate frame slides past the nominal end position towards the service end position.

[0032] In an embodiment, the length LB1 of the first bumper portion is measured along an axis parallel to the first axis, and where LB1 = ΔX2 - ΔX1.

[0033] Preferably, the length LB2 of the second bumper portion is measured along an axis parallel to the first axis, and where LB2 < LB1, preferably LB2 < 0.8x LB1, more preferably LB2 < 0.6x LB1.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the moving mechanism is configured to rotate the blocking member between the blocking position and the non-blocking position, preferably with a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

[0035] In an embodiment, a carriage according to the present disclosure includes a drive device coupled to the plate frame and configured to drive the plate frame along the first axis within a first stroke ΔX1 and a second stroke ΔX2.

[0036] Typically, the bracket and the fixed base are configured so that when the first refractory panel and the second refractory panel are supported in the respective panel frames and the fixed base, and when the panel frames are slid within a first stroke ΔX1, the sliding surface of the first refractory panel including the first aperture slides against the sliding surface of the second refractory panel including the second aperture, thereby allowing the first aperture and the second aperture to be aligned and de-aligned by sliding the panel frames to an initial position and a nominal end position, respectively.

[0037] Advantageously, when in the final position for maintenance, the refractory panels can be safely removed and replaced.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided comprising the sliding gate valve as described above and a robot configured to operate a moving mechanism of a carriage support structure from a blocking position to a non-blocking position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] These and further aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 a to Figure 1 c schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a bracket according to the present disclosure, wherein the plate frame is positioned in three different positions X0, X1 and X2 along a first axis X,

[0041] Figure 2 a and Figure 2 b schematically illustrates a bracket comprising a selection device according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the blocking member is positioned in a blocking position and a non-blocking position, respectively,

[0042] Figure 3 a to Figure 3 d schematically shows a plate frame which slides from an initial position to an end position for maintenance and back towards the initial position,

[0043] Figures 4a to 4c shows a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a bracket according to the present disclosure, wherein the blocking member is in a blocking position,

[0044] Figures 5a to 5c shows a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a bracket according to the present disclosure, wherein the blocking member is in a non-blocking position,

[0045] Figure 6Schematically illustrating a sliding gate valve including a bracket according to the present disclosure, wherein the sliding gate valve is coupled to a bottom plate of a metallurgical vessel,

[0046] Figure 7 a and Figure 7 b schematically illustrates a bracket comprising a selection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the blocking member is positioned in a blocking position and a non-blocking position, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The present disclosure will be described with reference to specific embodiments, which are illustrative of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and / or described, and that alternative or modified embodiments may be developed based on the overall teachings of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings described are merely illustrative and non-limiting.

[0048] Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements other than those stated. Use of the article "a", "an" or "said" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0049] Additionally, the terms first, second, etc., in the specification and in the claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequence in time, space, level, or in any other manner. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments of the disclosure described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0050] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may do so. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[0051] Figures 4a to 5c FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a bracket for a sliding gate valve according to the present disclosure. The bracket 1 includes a bracket support structure 30 and a plate frame 20 for supporting a first fire-resistant plate 11. Figure 1 a to Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. c , the plate frame 20 is slidably mounted on a carriage support structure 30 so as to slide along a first axis X. The first axis X is associated with the carriage support structure 30 .

[0052] The bracket support structure 30 according to the present disclosure includes a selection device 40 to select between a first stroke ΔX1 and a second stroke ΔX2, wherein ΔX2>ΔX1. Figure 1 a and Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the first stroke ΔX1 and the second stroke ΔX2 are defined as the maximum sliding distances of the plate frame measured between the initial position X0 of the plate frame and the nominal end position X1 and the maintenance end position X2 of the plate frame, respectively. In other words, the selection device 40 allows selection of either operating the carriage in the nominal mode so that the plate frame slides within the first stroke ΔX1, or operating the carriage in the maintenance mode so that the plate frame slides within the second stroke ΔX2, which is greater than the first stroke ΔX1.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In a, the plate frame is positioned at the initial position X0, and by sliding the plate frame along the axis X, the plate frame can be positioned at a distance further away from the initial position. Figure 1 As shown in b, after sliding the plate frame through a distance ΔX1, the nominal end position X1 is reached. Figure 1 In c, the plate frame has slid relative to the initial position X0 through a distance ΔX2 > ΔX1 and has reached the maintenance end position X2.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. a, when the plate frame 20 is supporting the first refractory plate 11 and is in the initial position, the abscissa of the center of the first opening 11a of the first refractory plate 11 on the first axis X is equal to X0. Figure 1 When the first axis X shown in a moves in the axial direction, the abscissa of the center of the first opening increases, and when the nominal end position and the maintenance end position are reached, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 b and Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 3 , the abscissa of the center of the first opening 11a is equal to X1 and X2, respectively. In this manner, the position of the plate frame relative to the support structure can be defined by the abscissa of the center of the first opening 11a. In other embodiments, the position of the plate frame relative to the support structure 30 can be defined in any other suitable manner.

[0055] As discussed above, the bracket according to the present disclosure is part of a sliding gate valve used to control the flow of liquid metal out of a metallurgical vessel. Generally, a first stroke ΔX1 is defined as corresponding to the nominal stroke required to move the first refractory plate 11 between an open position for pouring liquid metal and a closed position where the flow of liquid metal is stopped. A second stroke ΔX2 > ΔX1 is used during maintenance operations, such as for replacing a refractory plate, and the stroke difference, ΔX2 - ΔX1, corresponds to the overtravel region described above.

[0056] like Figure 1 a and Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 a , the selection device 40 comprises a blocking member 41 reversibly movable between a blocking position for selecting a first stroke ΔX1 and a non-blocking position for selecting a second stroke ΔX2 .

[0057] Examples of the blocking position and the non-blocking position of the blocking member are respectively Figure 2 a and Figure 2 b. As illustrated in these figures, the plate frame 20 and the selection device 40 are configured so that when the blocking member 41 is positioned in the blocking position, if the plate frame 20 attempts to slide beyond the nominal end position X1, the first bumper portion 21 of the plate frame 20 strikes the blocking member 41. In other words, when the blocking member is in the blocking position, it blocks the trajectory of the sliding plate frame and thus prohibits the plate frame from sliding beyond the nominal end position. In this way, the plate frame 20 is mechanically restricted to sliding within the first travel ΔX1.

[0058] On the other hand, when the blocking member 41 is positioned in the non-blocking position, the first bumper portion 21 does not strike the blocking member 41 when the plate frame 20 slides beyond the nominal end position X1. In other words, when the blocking member is in the non-blocking position, the trajectory of the plate frame 20 is not blocked. In this way, the plate frame 20 is allowed to slide beyond the nominal end position X1 to the maintenance end position X2.

[0059] In an embodiment, the blocking member 41 is, for example, a steel piece having at least one front surface transverse to the first axis X and configured such that, when the blocking member is in the blocking position, the front surface acts as a blocking surface for the first bumper portion 21 of the plate frame 20 when the plate frame slides beyond the nominal end position.

[0060] In order to move the blocking member 41 between the blocking position and the non-blocking position, the selection device 40 includes a moving mechanism. Different types of moving mechanisms can be envisaged to move the blocking member 41 between the blocking position and the non-blocking position, and the moving mechanism can move the blocking member, for example, by translational movement, rotational movement or a combination of both.

[0061] In an embodiment, Figure 2 a and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 b , the movement mechanism is configured to translate the blocking member 41 between a blocking position and a non-blocking position along a second axis Y transverse to the first axis X, preferably perpendicular thereto.

[0062] In an embodiment where the moving mechanism moves the blocking member 41 by translational motion, the moving mechanism comprises, for example, one or more compression springs 48 having a central compression axis substantially parallel to the second axis Y, such as Figure 2 By coupling a first end of the spring to the blocking member 41, for example, to the first side 41a of the blocking member 41, and coupling a second end of the spring to the first frame member 42 of the selection device 40, the blocking member 41 can be translated along the second axis Y by compressing and decompressing the one or more compression springs. In an embodiment, the one or more compression springs are, for example, coil springs.

[0063] exist Figures 4a to 5c The first frame member 42 of the selection device 40 shown in FIG should be interpreted as a rigid element of the main frame of the carrier support structure 30. Depending on the detailed design of the carrier support structure 30, the first frame member 42 can be a separate element that is bolted or welded to the main frame structure of the carrier support structure 30, or can be an integral part of the main frame structure of the carrier support structure.

[0064] exist Figures 4a to 5c In the embodiment shown in , the moving mechanism includes two compression springs, and two blind holes formed in the blocking member receive a portion of the springs, for example 50% of the free length of the springs. In these embodiments, the first end of the spring is attached to the bottom portion of the blind hole formed in the blocking member, and the second end of the coil spring is attached to the first frame member 42 of the selection device as described above. Figure 4c and Figure 5c A cross-sectional view of the selection device is shown, illustrating the positions of the springs when in the blocking and non-blocking positions, respectively. To facilitate and guide the translational movement of the blocking member 41 between the blocking and non-blocking positions, a fixed rod 44 can be placed inside each spring, and the rod can be coupled at one end to the first frame member 42, and the second end of the rod can be coupled to the second frame member 43.

[0065] exist Figure 2 a. Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b and Figure 4cIn the embodiment shown in , when the blocking member 41 is engaged so as to block the plate frame 20 from sliding beyond the nominal end position X1, the one or more compression springs are decompressed. The decompressed state of the spring corresponds to the compression spring having its spring free length, that is, the spring length when no force is applied to it. Since the nominal stroke ΔX1 is the stroke over which the sliding gate valve operates most of the time, the compression spring will be in the decompressed state most of the time, thereby increasing the service life of the spring. On the other hand, if the blocking member 41 is disengaged and does not block the plate frame 20 from sliding beyond the nominal end position X1, the one or more compression springs are compressed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 b. Figure 5a 、 Figure 5b and Figure 5c The blocking member 41 is only disengaged during maintenance operations, for example when the refractory panel needs to be replaced, so that the compression spring is compressed only during a limited time frame.

[0066] In order to engage and disengage the blocking member 41, i.e., to bring the blocking member 41 into the blocking position and the non-blocking position, respectively, the bracket 1 comprises an unblocking tool. The unblocking tool is configured to apply a force against the biasing force of the one or more compression springs so as to translate the blocking member 41 along the second axis Y from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

[0067] In an embodiment, Figure 2 a and Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. b, the unblocking tool includes a cam member 45, which is located between the second frame member 43 of the selection device 40 and the blocking member 41. More specifically, in an embodiment, the cam member 45 is located between the second frame member 43 and the second side 41b of the blocking member 41, which second side is opposite to the first side 41a of the blocking member. The cam member 45 is rotatable around a cam rotation axis 45a that is perpendicular to both the first X-axis and the second Y-axis. The cam member 45 advantageously includes a first end located on the cam rotation axis 45a and a second end for driving the blocking member 41. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 2 , when the cam member 45 is rotated from the first cam position to the second cam position, the separation distance D between the second frame member 43 and the second side 41 b of the blocking member increases, thereby compressing the one or more compression springs to move the blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position. When the compression springs are compressed by rotating the cam member from the first cam position to the second cam position, the length of the compression springs (measured along the central compression axis) decreases by an amount equal to the increase in the separation distance D defined above. In some embodiments, as Figure 7 a and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 2 b , the second end portion of the cam member 45 includes a cam roller 45 b configured to be in rolling contact with the second side 41 b of the blocking member 41 .

[0068] In an embodiment, the cam member 45 typically rotates through an angle between 80° and 120° when rotating from the first cam position to the second cam position. In other words, the cam rotates from a generally horizontal position parallel to the X axis to a generally vertical position parallel to the Y axis.

[0069] In such Figure 4a 、 Figure 5a and Figure 5c In the embodiment shown in FIG, the cam member 45 is coupled to a shaft extension 49 extending coaxially with the cam rotation axis 45a. The cam member 45 can be moved from a first cam position to a second cam position by rotating the shaft extension 49 by an operator, a motor, or a robot.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 3 a to Figure 3 As schematically illustrated in FIG. d, the movement mechanism is configured to automatically move the blocking member 41 from the non-blocking position to the blocking position when the plate frame 20 moves from the maintenance end position X2 back toward the initial position X0. More specifically, when the plate frame moves from the maintenance end position X2 toward the initial position X0, the blocking member 41 moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position after the plate frame has passed the first end position X1. The automatic engagement of the blocking member when the plate frame moves out of the overtravel zone provides a fail-safe carriage configuration. This effectively avoids the dangerous situation of the plate frame accidentally sliding beyond the nominal end position during nominal operation, i.e., during casting.

[0071] In order to establish the automatic movement of the blocking member from the non-blocking position to the blocking position, the plate frame 20 includes a second bumper portion 25 configured so that when the blocking member 41 is in the non-blocking position, the second bumper portion hits the cam member 45 when sliding from the nominal end position X1 to the maintenance end position X2, thereby causing the cam member 45 to rotate from the second cam position to the first cam position. Figure 3 b and Figure 3 As schematically shown in c, during such rotation of the cam due to the impact of the second bumper part, the blocking member 41 is prevented from translating back to the blocking position by resting on the surface of the first bumper part 21 (in this example the upper surface of the first bumper part).

[0072] In an embodiment, the first bumper portion is a separate portion, such as a steel body, that is attached to a portion of the main frame of the panel frame. If the first bumper portion is a separate portion, it can be bolted or welded to the main frame of the panel frame 20. In an alternative embodiment, the first bumper portion can be an integral part of the main frame of the panel frame.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. b , the length LB1 of the first bumper portion 21 is measured along an axis parallel to the first axis X. In an embodiment, this length LB1 of the first bumper portion is equal to the difference between the second stroke and the first stroke, ie LB1 = ΔX2 − ΔX1 .

[0074] In an embodiment, the second bumper portion 25 is a portion such as a steel body that is bolted or welded to the main frame of the panel frame.

[0075] The length LB2 of the second bumper portion 25 is measured along an axis parallel to the first axis X, and this second length LB2 is generally less than the length LB1 of the first bumper portion. In this way, when the panel frame is moved beyond the nominal end position X1 toward the maintenance end position X2, the second bumper portion hits the cam member 45 only after it has slid a given distance beyond the end position X1, thereby allowing the first bumper portion to begin sliding under the blocking member before the cam member begins to rotate. Figure 3 b and Figure 3 As schematically shown in FIG. 3 , when the plate frame 20 continues to slide and the cam member 45 begins to rotate from the second cam position to the first cam position, this allows the blocking member 41 to rest on the upper surface of the first bumper portion 21, as discussed above. Preferably, LB2<0.8×LB1, more preferably, LB2<0.6×LB1.

[0076] In an embodiment, in order to enable the plate frame 20 to slide relative to the carriage support structure 30 , the carriage support structure comprises rollers configured to cooperate with the plate frame to cause the plate frame to slide along the first axis X.

[0077] Typically, the sliding of the plate frame is automatic. In an embodiment, as Figure 1 a to Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 3 , the carriage comprises a drive device 60 coupled to the plate frame 20 and configured to drive the plate frame 20 along the first axis X within a first stroke ΔX1 and a second stroke ΔX2. The drive device is, for example, a hydraulic actuator comprising a hydraulic cylinder and an actuator rod, as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 9,341,271 B2. Such a drive device is typically attached to the end side of the plate frame.

[0078] The embodiments discussed so far have a movement mechanism configured to translate the blocking member along an axis transverse to the first axis X. In an alternative embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to rotate the blocking member 41 between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. Such a rotational movement mechanism, for example, has an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis X for rotating the blocking member.

[0079] As mentioned above, the bracket is part of the slide gate valve 100 used to control the flow of liquid metal out of the metallurgical vessel 200 . Figure 6 Schematically illustrates an example of a sliding gate valve including a bracket according to the present disclosure. The sliding gate valve 100 includes a bracket having a support structure 30 and a plate frame 20 supporting a first fire-resistant plate 11. Figure 6 As schematically shown in FIG, the bracket is coupled to a fixed base 120. The fixed base 120 of the sliding gate valve 100 is configured to support the second refractory plate 12 in a fixed position relative to the fixed base. The fixed base 120 includes fixing elements to secure the fixed base to the bottom plate of the metallurgical vessel 200.

[0080] exist Figure 6 In the example, the plate frame 20 of the sliding gate valve 100 is positioned in a nominal end position X1, where the first bumper portion 21 is adjacent to the blocking member 41. This nominal end position corresponds to the valve closed position, where the orifices 11a, 12a of the first and second refractory plates 11, 12 are separated by a given distance, defined to stop the flow of liquid metal. In the valve closed configuration, the orifices 11a, 12a are out of alignment. In this example, the given separation distance between the valve open and valve closed configurations corresponds to the first stroke ΔX1.

[0081] By Figure 6 By driving the plate frame in a direction opposite to the direction of the axis X shown in FIG, the plate frame can be moved to an initial position X0 corresponding to a valve open position (also referred to as a casting position). In this valve open position, the orifices 11a, 12a of the first refractory plate 11 and the second refractory plate 12 face each other, allowing liquid metal to pass through the two orifices for supplying the liquid metal from the container to the distributor. In this valve open configuration, the orifices 11a, 12a are aligned.

[0082] As is known in the prior art, the bracket 1 includes an elastic pressing element configured to apply pressure to press the sliding surface of the first refractory plate 11 against the sliding surface of the second refractory plate 12 when the first and second refractory plates are supported in the corresponding plate frame 20 and the fixed base 120, when the plate frame 20 is located within the first stroke ΔX1, that is, during the nominal operation of the sliding gate valve. On the other hand, when the plate frame 20 is located in the maintenance end position X2, that is, when maintenance activities are performed on the sliding gate valve, no pressure or a reduced pressure is applied to the sliding surfaces.

[0083] To facilitate maintenance activities, the connection between the bracket and the fixed chassis is typically by a hinge ( Figure 6 ) is realized so that the bracket 1 can be safely separated from the fixed chassis as a pivoting door after the panel frame has been positioned in the end position X2 for maintenance.

[0084] Figure 6 The embodiment of the sliding gate valve shown in FIG is an example including two fire-resistant plates, a fixed plate and a slidable plate. However, the present invention is not limited to the number of fire-resistant plates included in the sliding gate valve, and an embodiment including three fire-resistant plates in the sliding gate valve is also envisioned.

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

Claims

1. A sliding gate valve (100) for controlling the flow of liquid metal out of a metallurgical container (200), comprising A bracket (1) for a sliding gate valve of a metallurgical vessel, the bracket comprising a bracket support structure (30) and a plate frame (20) for supporting a first refractory plate (11), and wherein the plate frame (20) is slidably mounted on the bracket support structure so as to slide along a first axis (X), a fixed base (120) configured to support the second refractory plate (12) in a fixed position relative to the fixed base, and the fixed base (120) includes fixing elements for fixing the fixed base to the bottom plate of the metallurgical vessel (200), wherein the bracket (1) is coupled to the fixed base (120), wherein the bracket (1) and the fixed base (120) are configured such that when a first refractory plate (11) and a second refractory plate (12) are supported in the respective plate frames (20) and the fixed base (120), a sliding surface of the first refractory plate including the first orifice (11a) can slide against a sliding surface of the second refractory plate including the second orifice (12a) within a first stroke ΔX1, thereby allowing the first orifice and the second orifice to be aligned and dealigned by sliding the plate frame (20) to an initial position (X0) of the plate frame (20) corresponding to a valve open position and a nominal end position (X1) of the plate frame (20) corresponding to a valve closed position, respectively, It is characterized in that The carriage support structure (30) includes a selection device (40) for selecting between the first stroke ΔX1 and the second stroke ΔX2 of the plate frame (20), wherein ΔX2>ΔX1, and wherein the first stroke ΔX1 and the second stroke ΔX2 are defined as the maximum plate frame sliding distance measured between the initial position (X0) and the nominal end position (X1) and the maintenance end position (X2), respectively, and wherein the selection device (40) includes a blocking member (41) that is reversibly movable between a blocking position for selecting the first stroke ΔX1 and a non-blocking position for selecting the second stroke ΔX2, The invention is characterized in that the plate frame (20) and the selection device (40) are configured so that when the blocking member (41) is positioned in the blocking position, if the plate frame (20) is to slide beyond the nominal end position (X1), the first bumper portion (21) of the plate frame (20) hits the blocking member (41), thereby limiting the plate frame (20) to sliding within the first stroke ΔX1, and when the blocking member (41) is positioned in the non-blocking position, the plate frame (20) is free to slide within the second stroke ΔX2 and thus slides beyond the nominal end position (X1) to the maintenance end position (X2), It is characterized in that the selection device (40) of the bracket support structure (30) includes a moving mechanism for moving the blocking member (41) between the blocking position and the non-blocking position relative to the bracket support structure (30), wherein the moving mechanism of the selection device (40) is configured so that when the plate frame (20) moves from the maintenance end position (X2) toward the initial position (X0), the blocking member (41) automatically moves from the non-blocking position to the blocking position when the plate frame (20) slides beyond the nominal end position (X1).

2. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket (1) includes an elastic pressing element, and the elastic pressing element is configured so that when the first fire-resistant board and the second fire-resistant board are supported in the corresponding board frame (20) and the fixed base frame (120), then: When the plate frame (20) is located within the first stroke ΔX1, the sliding surface of the first refractory plate (11) is pressed against the sliding surface of the second refractory plate (12) by applying pressure through the elastic pressing element, and When the plate frame (20) is located at the maintenance end position (X2), no pressure or reduced pressure is applied to the sliding surface by the elastic pressing element.

3. The sliding gate valve (100) of claim 2, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to translate the blocking member (41) between the blocking position and the non-blocking position along a second axis (Y), the second axis (Y) being transverse to the first axis (X).

4. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 3, wherein the second axis (Y) is perpendicular to the first axis (X).

5. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the movement mechanism comprises one or more compression springs (48), each of the compression springs having a central compression axis substantially parallel to the second axis (Y), and wherein, Each of the compression springs has a first end coupled to the first frame member (42) of the selection device (40) and a second end coupled to the blocking member (41) so as to translate the blocking member (41) along the second axis (Y) by compressing and decompressing the one or more compression springs (48).

6. A sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 5, wherein the moving mechanism includes an unblocking tool, which is configured to apply a force against the biasing force of the one or more compression springs so as to translate the blocking member (41) along the second axis (Y) from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

7. A sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 6, wherein the unblocking tool includes a cam member (45), the cam member being located between the second frame member (43) of the selection device (40) and the blocking member (41), and wherein the cam member (45) is rotatable about a cam rotation axis (45a) perpendicular to both the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y), and is configured such that when the cam member (45) is rotated from the first cam position to the second cam position, the separation distance (D) between the second frame member (43) and the blocking member (41) increases, thereby compressing the one or more compression springs (48), the cam member (45) rotating through an angle between 80° and 120° when rotating from the first cam position to the second cam position.

8. The sliding gate valve (100) of claim 7, wherein the cam member (45) is coupled to a shaft extension (49) extending coaxially with the cam rotation axis (45a), and rotation of the shaft extension driven by an operator, a motor, or a robot rotates the cam member (45) from the first cam position to the second cam position.

9. The sliding gate valve (100) of claim 7, wherein the cam member (45) includes a first end and a second end located on the cam rotation axis (45a) so as to drive the blocking member (41) when moving from the first cam position to the second cam position, the second end including a cam roller (45b) configured to be in rolling contact with the blocking member (41).

10. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the plate frame (20) includes a second bumper portion (25), the second bumper portion being configured to, when the blocking member (41) is in the non-blocking position, impact the cam member (45) when sliding from the nominal end position (X1) to the maintenance end position (X2), thereby causing the cam member (45) to rotate from the second cam position to the first cam position, the blocking member (41) being prevented from translating to the blocking position by resting on a surface of the first bumper portion (21).

11. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 1, wherein a length LB1 of the first bumper portion (21) is measured along an axis parallel to the first axis (X), and wherein LB1 = ΔX2 - ΔX1.

12. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first bumper portion (21) and the second bumper portion (25) have a length LB1 and a length LB2, respectively, the length LB1 and the length LB2 being measured along an axis parallel to the first axis (X), and wherein, LB2 < LB1.

13. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 12, wherein: LB2 < 0.8 x LB1.

14. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 13, wherein: LB2 < 0.6 x LB1.

15. The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 1, comprising a drive device (60) coupled to the plate frame (20) and configured to drive the plate frame (20) along the first axis (X) within the first stroke ΔX1 and within the second stroke ΔX2.

16. A system comprising a sliding gate valve, comprising: The sliding gate valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and A robot is configured to operate the movement mechanism of the carriage support structure (30) from the blocking position to the non-blocking position.

17. A system comprising a sliding gate valve, comprising: The sliding gate valve (100) according to claim 8, and A robot, wherein the robot is configured to operate the moving mechanism of the carriage support structure (30) from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, and is configured to rotate the cam member (45) from the first cam position to the second cam position.

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