Phototube cooling mechanism and photoelectric system for tracking slabs in heating furnaces

Abstract

This invention provides a phototube cooling mechanism and photoelectric system for tracking slabs in a heating furnace. The phototube cooling mechanism includes a sleeve, a guide tube, a glass plate, a pressure cap, and a cold flow tube. The sleeve has a first end and a second end opposite each other along its own axial direction. The guide tube is fitted inside the sleeve and is flush with the first end. A spiral channel exists between the outer wall of the guide tube and the inner wall of the sleeve. The spiral channel extends through the second end. The glass plate is located at the first end of the sleeve and the end of the guide tube, and is in contact with the space of the spiral channel. The pressure cap is connected to the first end of the sleeve and presses the glass plate tightly against the sleeve and the guide tube. The cold flow tube is disposed on the outer wall of the sleeve near the first end and communicates with the spiral channel. The spiral flow of the cold flow increases the heat exchange time, thereby removing more heat. Therefore, the temperature of the cold flow can be set relatively high, thereby reducing the heat removed from the furnace by the cold flow, thus improving the utilization rate of the furnace and reducing fuel consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photoelectric cooling device technology, and in particular to a photoelectric tube cooling mechanism and photoelectric system for tracking slabs in a heating furnace. Background Art

[0002] In a compact strip production line (CSP), the real-time position of the slab within the heating furnace needs to be tracked and monitored; therefore, a photoelectric system is installed in the heating furnace. The window of the photoelectric tube in the system is directly inserted into the furnace chamber and aligned with the slab. The position of the slab is determined based on the different photoelectric signals. Due to the high temperature inside the furnace, the photoelectric tube needs to be cooled.

[0003] In related technologies, the cooling medium is compressed air with a temperature below 40°C. The compressed air is directly blown into the casing to achieve cooling. However, this cooling method has low energy efficiency and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a photoelectric tube cooling mechanism and photoelectric system for tracking slabs in a heating furnace, so as to solve the technical problems of low energy efficiency and high cost of compressed air cooling.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a phototube cooling mechanism, comprising:

[0006] The sleeve has a first end and a second end that are opposite each other along its own axial direction.

[0007] A guide tube is fitted inside the sleeve and flush with the first end. A spiral channel exists between the outer wall of the guide tube and the inner wall of the sleeve. The spiral channel is open at the end closest to the second end.

[0008] A glass plate is located at the first end of the sleeve and the end of the guide tube, and is in contact with the space of the spiral channel.

[0009] The cap is connected to the first end of the sleeve, and the glass plate is pressed tightly against the sleeve and the guide tube.

[0010] The cold flow tube is located on the outer wall of the sleeve near the first end and is connected to the spiral channel.

[0011] According to an embodiment of this application, the outer wall of the guide tube is provided with a spiral protrusion, which forms a spiral channel in the space between the outer wall of the guide tube and the sleeve.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this application, the third end of the guide tube includes a flattened portion that protrudes radially along the guide tube. The flattened portion abuts against the inner wall of the sleeve. The flattened portion has an airflow hole that penetrates and connects to the spiral channel. The third end is located near the first end of the sleeve.

[0013] The glass sheet is attached to the first surface of the flattened part, which is the surface of the flattened part away from the second end.

[0014] According to an embodiment of this application, the first surface has an airflow groove that extends along the first surface. The airflow groove communicates with a spiral channel through an airflow hole.

[0015] According to an embodiment of this application, the airflow groove is a spiral groove, and the spiral grooves are uniformly distributed on the first surface. The two ends of the spiral groove are located at the outer edge and the inner edge of the first surface, respectively.

[0016] According to an embodiment of this application, the airflow hole is closer to the outer edge of the first surface than the inner edge of the first surface.

[0017] According to an embodiment of this application, the first end of the gland and the sleeve are connected by threads, and the gland is provided with an opening for the signal of the optoelectronic component to pass through. The optoelectronic device is a laser emitting component or a laser receiving component.

[0018] According to an embodiment of this application, the cooling pipe is inclined relative to the sleeve, with an inclination angle of 15 to 45°.

[0019] A second aspect of the present invention provides a photoelectric system, including a laser emitting tube, a laser receiving tube, and a cold current source. The laser receiving tube includes a laser emitting component and a first phototube cooling mechanism. The first phototube cooling mechanism is the phototube cooling mechanism described above.

[0020] The laser receiving tube includes a laser receiving component and a second phototube cooling mechanism. The second phototube cooling mechanism is the same as the one described above.

[0021] The cold flow source is connected to the cold flow tube of the first phototube cooling mechanism and the cold flow tube of the second phototube cooling mechanism, respectively.

[0022] According to the embodiments of this application, the gas in the cold flow source is one or more of compressed air, water vapor, and inert gas, and the temperature of the gas in the cold flow source is 100°C to 300°C.

[0023] In the aforementioned phototube cooling mechanism for tracking slabs in a heating furnace, cold air is introduced through a cold flow pipe and enters a spiral channel, where it splits into two paths. The first path of cold air flows along the spiral channel towards the first end, reaching the glass plate. The second path of cold air flows along the spiral channel towards the second end and then exits. The spiral flow of the first and second paths increases the heat exchange time, thereby removing more heat. Furthermore, the first path of cold air directly cools the glass plate upon reaching it. Due to the superior cooling effect of both paths, the temperature of the cold air can be set relatively high, thus reducing the heat removed from the furnace by the cold air, thereby improving the utilization rate of the furnace and reducing fuel consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of a phototube cooling mechanism for tracking slabs in a heating furnace according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve structure according to one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the guide tube according to one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the axial cross-sectional structure of the guide tube;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover according to one embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the optoelectronic system according to one embodiment of this application.

[0033] The realization of the objective, functional characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0036] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature.

[0037] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0038] This application provides a phototube cooling mechanism, see [link]. Figure 1 The system includes a sleeve 100, a guide tube 200, a glass plate 300, a cap 400, and a cold flow tube 500. The sleeve 100 has a first end 100a and a second end 100b that are opposite each other along its own axial direction. The guide tube 200 is fitted inside the sleeve 100 and is flush with the first end 100a. A spiral channel 110 is formed between the outer wall of the guide tube 200 and the inner wall of the sleeve 100. The end of the spiral channel 110 near the second end 100b is in a through state.

[0039] See Figure 3 The outer wall of the guide tube 200 and the inner wall of the sleeve 100 have a certain gap space, within which there is a spiral channel 110. The spiral channel 110 extends spirally along the axial direction of the sleeve 100. For example, the spiral channel 110 extends spirally from the first end 100a to the second end 100b. The guide tube 200 is a hollow structure.

[0040] For example, the outer wall of the guide tube 200 is provided with a spiral protrusion 210 spirally arranged along the axial direction of the tube wall. The spiral protrusion 210 abuts against the inner wall of the sleeve 100, thereby dividing the space and forming a spiral channel 110. The spiral protrusion 210 is provided on the outer wall of the guide tube 200, which facilitates processing.

[0041] As another example, the inner wall of the sleeve 100 is provided with a spiral protrusion 210 spirally arranged along the axial direction of the tube wall. The spiral protrusion 210 abuts against the outer wall of the guide tube 200, thereby dividing the space and forming a spiral channel 110.

[0042] One end of the guide tube 200 (such as the third end 200a) is flush with the first end 100a of the sleeve 100, which facilitates a tight fit between the glass plate 300 and the guide tube 200 and the sleeve 100. Whether the other end of the guide tube 200 (such as the fourth end 200b) is flush with the second end 100b of the sleeve 100 is not required.

[0043] For example, the fourth end 200b of the guide tube 200 is flush with the second end 100b of the sleeve 100. In this way, the two ends of the guide tube 200 and the sleeve 100 are flush, and the structure formed by the two is relatively regular, which is more convenient in transportation and use.

[0044] For example, the fourth end 200b of the guide tube 200 is not flush with the second end 100b of the sleeve 100. For instance, the axial length of the guide tube 200 is less than the axial length of the sleeve 100, and the fourth end 200b of the guide tube 200 is located inside the sleeve 100, with a certain distance between the fourth end 200b and the second end 100b of the sleeve 100. This results in a larger opening on the second end 100b side of both the guide tube 200 and the sleeve 100, facilitating the dispersion and outflow of cold flow.

[0045] The glass plate 300 is located at the first end 100a of the sleeve 100 and the end of the guide tube 200, and is in contact with the space of the spiral channel 110.

[0046] Because one end of the guide tube 200 (such as the third end 200a) is flush with the first end 100a of the sleeve 100, the glass plate 300 can fit tightly against the guide tube 200 and the sleeve 100. The spiral channel 110 leads to the glass plate 300, allowing the cold flow to contact the glass plate 300 and effectively cool it. The glass plate 300 is made of heat-resistant glass.

[0047] See Figure 7 The cap 400 is connected to the first end 100a of the sleeve 100, which can be a detachable connection, such as by screwing or snapping. The cap 400 can press the glass plate 300 tightly against the sleeve 100 and the guide tube 200.

[0048] The pressure cap 400 also needs to be connected to an optoelectronic device, which abuts against or is aligned with the glass plate 300. The optoelectronic device is a laser emitting component 11 or a laser receiving component 21. Therefore, in some embodiments, the pressure cap 400 is provided with an opening 410 for the signal of the optoelectronic component to pass through. The aperture of the opening 410 matches the laser emitting component 11 or the laser receiving component 21.

[0049] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cold flow pipe 500 is located on the outer wall of the sleeve 100 near the first end 100a and is connected to the spiral channel 110. The position of the cold flow pipe 500 on the sleeve 100 is closer to the first end 100a than the second end 100b, which reduces the distance that the cold flow needs to reach the glass plate 300, allowing the glass plate 300 to cool down quickly.

[0050] Since the cold flow pipe 500 is located between the first end 100a and the second end 100b of the sleeve 100, the cold flow, after entering the spiral channel 110 through the cold flow pipe 500, will naturally split into two paths. The first path of cold flow flows along the spiral channel 110 towards the first end 100a, reaching the glass plate 300 and cooling it. The second path of cold flow flows along the spiral channel 110 towards the second end 100b and then flows out, cooling the sleeve 100 and the guide pipe 200, reducing the temperature of the sleeve 100 and the surrounding area.

[0051] The two cold streams flow in a spiral pattern, extending their flow path and thus increasing the heat exchange time, thereby removing more heat. In other words, the cooling efficiency of the cold streams is improved. Specifically, the glass plate 300 is indirectly cooled. Because the inner temperature of the guide tube 200 is low, the radiant heat passing through this section is strongly attenuated, resulting in less heat reaching the external transmitting and receiving components.

[0052] In the relevant technology, the cooling medium is compressed air, which is directly blown into the sleeve 100. Compressed air has a short flow path, short heat exchange time, and carries away little heat, resulting in low energy efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to use compressed air at a lower temperature, such as compressed air below 40°C.

[0053] However, the temperature of the cooling fluid is not necessarily better the lower it is. A large amount of low-temperature compressed air entering the furnace cavity will carry away the heat in the furnace, reduce the utilization rate of the combustion furnace, and increase fuel consumption.

[0054] In this embodiment, because the cooling efficiency of the cold flow is improved, the temperature of the cooling fluid can be maintained at a relatively high temperature, such as below 200°C, specifically a cooling fluid between 100 and 200°C. An excessively low-temperature cooling fluid is not required. Therefore, the cooling medium is not limited to compressed air, but can also be one or more of compressed air, water vapor, and inert gases.

[0055] In this embodiment, the cooling medium (which can be between 100 and 300°C) continuously flows through the sleeve 100 in an environment of 1100°C. The low-temperature medium carries away some conductive and radiant heat, so that the temperature of the sleeve 100 and the surrounding temperature are less than 800°C, which is the highest temperature that the heat-resistant glass can withstand.

[0056] Furthermore, the pressure and flow rate of the cold flow can be adjusted to control the temperature of the pipe and its surroundings between 200 and 300°C, thereby increasing the service life of the glass plate 300. At the same time, the temperature around the sleeve 100 is reduced, which reduces the thermal deformation of the phototube's fixing bracket, making the phototube work more stably, saving production costs, improving equipment stability, and reducing production accidents caused by tracking.

[0057] In the aforementioned phototube cooling mechanism for tracking slabs in a heating furnace, cold air is introduced through a cold air pipe 500. The cold air enters the spiral channel 110 and splits into two paths. The first path of cold air flows along the spiral channel 110 towards the first end 100a, reaching the glass plate 300. The second path of cold air flows along the spiral channel 110 towards the second end 100b and then exits. The spiral flow of the first and second paths increases the heat exchange time, thereby removing more heat. Furthermore, the first path of cold air directly cools the glass plate 300 upon reaching it. Due to the superior cooling effect of the first and second paths, the temperature of the cold air can be set relatively high, thereby reducing the heat removed from the furnace by the cold air, thus improving the utilization rate of the furnace and reducing fuel consumption.

[0058] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer wall of the guide tube 200 is provided with a spiral protrusion 210, which forms a spiral channel 110 in the space between the outer wall of the guide tube 200 and the sleeve 100. In this way, the spiral protrusion 210 is set on the outer wall of the guide tube 200, which is convenient for machining.

[0059] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 4The third end 200a of the guide tube 200 includes a flattened portion 220, which protrudes radially along the guide tube 200. The flattened portion 220 abuts against the inner wall of the sleeve 100. The flattened portion 220 has an annular cross-section, and its outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the sleeve 100. Cold flow cannot reach the glass plate 300 through the edge of the flattened portion 220 and the sleeve 100. The flattened portion 220 has an airflow hole 230 that penetrates and connects to the spiral channel 110. The glass plate 300 is attached to the first surface of the flattened portion 220, which is the surface of the flattened portion 220 away from the second end 100b. In this way, cold flow can reach the first surface through the airflow hole 230 and contact the glass plate 300, thereby cooling the glass plate 300. The first surface has an annular structure, with the edge of the outer ring being the outer edge and the edge of the inner ring being the inner edge.

[0060] In some embodiments, the number of airflow holes 230 can be one or more.

[0061] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first surface has an airflow groove 240 that extends along the first surface. The airflow groove 240 is connected to the spiral channel 110 through an airflow hole 230.

[0062] The airflow channel 240 covers as large an area of ​​the first surface as possible. This arrangement increases the contact area between the cold air and the glass plate 300, which can better cool the glass plate 300 and also blow away the dust accumulated on the glass plate 300, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the glass plate 300 for a long time and reducing manual maintenance costs and labor intensity.

[0063] The airflow slot 240 can be a single groove structure, see [reference]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 For example, in some embodiments, the airflow channel 240 is a spiral channel 241, which is uniformly distributed on the first surface. The two ends of the spiral channel 241 are located at the inner edge and the outer edge of the first surface, respectively. In this way, the cold airflow forms a vortex on the first surface, which can better blow away the dust accumulated on the heat-resistant glass.

[0064] The airflow groove 240 can also be a structure in which multiple groove structures are interlaced and combined. Exemplarily, in some embodiments, some grooves are radially distributed, with the extension lines of one end of each groove converging at the center of the first surface, and the other end extending to the outer edge of the first surface. Then, an annular groove communicates with the radially distributed grooves. There is one airflow hole 230, which communicates with any groove (such as any radially distributed groove or annular groove). There are multiple airflow holes 230, which communicate with some or all of the multiple grooves.

[0065] Furthermore, by way of example, in some embodiments, multiple grooves are arranged in a crisscross pattern, such as in a mesh distribution. There is one airflow hole 230, which communicates with any one of the grooves. There are also multiple airflow holes 230, which communicate with some or all of the multiple grooves.

[0066] In some embodiments, the airflow hole 230 is closer to the outer edge of the first surface than to the inner edge of the first surface. The airflow hole 230 is located between the inner edge and the outer edge of the first surface, so that accumulated dust can be blown towards the inner edge and the outer edge of the first surface, respectively.

[0067] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The cooling pipe is inclined relative to the casing by 100°, with an inclination angle of 15° to 45°.

[0068] A second aspect of the present invention provides an optoelectronic system, see below. Figure 1 and Figure 8 The system includes a laser emitting tube 10, a laser receiving tube 20, and a cold current source. The laser receiving tube 20 includes a laser emitting component 11 and a first phototube cooling mechanism 12. The first phototube cooling mechanism 12 is the phototube cooling mechanism described above. The laser receiving tube 20 includes a laser receiving component 21 and a second phototube cooling mechanism 22. The second phototube cooling mechanism 22 is the phototube cooling mechanism described above. The cold current source is connected to the cold current pipe 500 of the first phototube cooling mechanism 12 and the cold current pipe 500 of the second phototube cooling mechanism 22, respectively.

[0069] See Figure 8 The laser emitting tube 10 and the laser receiving tube 20 form a complete transmission and reception system. For example, one of the laser emitting tube 10 and the laser receiving tube 20 is located above the steel billet on the water-cooled furnace wall, and the other is located below the steel billet on the drive side furnace wall. The axes of the two parts coincide and the steel billet "passes through" the middle.

[0070] In the laser emitting tube 10, the laser emitted by the laser emitting component 11 passes through the glass plate 300 of the first phototube cooling mechanism 12 and is emitted through the guide tube 200. When there is a steel billet at this location, the laser signal is blocked, and the laser receiving component 21 of the laser receiving tube 20 does not receive the laser signal, thus it is assumed that there is a steel billet at this location.

[0071] If there is no steel billet at this location, the laser signal is transmitted to the laser receiving assembly 21 via the guide tube 200 of the second phototube cooling mechanism 22 and the glass plate 300. That is, when the laser receiving tube 20 receives the laser signal, it is considered that there is no steel billet at this location.

[0072] Both the lenses of the laser emitting assembly 11 and the laser receiving assembly 21 are made of plexiglass, which is susceptible to high temperatures. The cooling system formed by the first phototube cooling mechanism 12 and the second phototube cooling mechanism 22 reduces the source temperature of heat radiation by locally cooling the surrounding temperature, thereby protecting the lens from overheating and deformation, which would affect the receiving effect.

[0073] In some embodiments, the gas in the cold flow source is compressed air and / or water vapor, and the temperature of the gas in the cold flow source is 100–300°C. That is, the gas can be compressed air, water vapor, or a mixture of compressed air and water vapor.

[0074] The above technical solutions of the present invention are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made under the technical concept of the present invention using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phototube cooling mechanism for tracking slabs in a heating furnace, characterized in that, include: The sleeve has a first end and a second end that are opposite each other along its own axial direction; A guide tube is fitted inside the sleeve and flush with the first end; a spiral channel exists between the outer wall of the guide tube and the inner wall of the sleeve; the spiral channel is open at one end near the second end; a spiral protrusion is provided on the outer wall of the guide tube, forming the spiral channel within the space between the outer wall of the guide tube and the sleeve; the third end of the guide tube includes a flattened portion that protrudes radially along the guide tube; the flattened portion abuts against the inner wall of the sleeve, and an airflow hole is provided in the flattened portion that penetrates and communicates with the spiral channel; the third end is close to the first end of the sleeve. A glass sheet is located at the first end of the sleeve and the end of the guide tube, and is in contact with the space of the spiral channel; the glass sheet is attached to the first surface of the flattening part, the first surface being the surface of the flattening part away from the second end; A pressure cap is connected to the first end of the sleeve, and the glass plate is pressed tightly against the sleeve and the guide tube; A cold flow tube is disposed on the outer wall of the sleeve near the first end and communicates with the spiral channel.

2. The phototube cooling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first surface has an airflow groove that extends along the first surface; the airflow groove communicates with the spiral channel through the airflow hole.

3. The phototube cooling mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The airflow groove is a spiral groove, which is evenly distributed on the first surface. The two ends of the spiral groove are located at the outer edge and the inner edge of the first surface, respectively.

4. The phototube cooling mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The airflow hole is closer to the outer edge of the first surface than to the inner edge of the first surface.

5. The phototube cooling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure cap is connected to the first end of the sleeve by a thread. The pressure cap has an opening for the signal of the optoelectronic component to pass through. The optoelectronic component is a laser emitting component or a laser receiving component.

6. The phototube cooling mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold flow tube is inclined relative to the sleeve, with an inclination angle of 15 to 45°.

7. A photoelectric system, characterized in that, It includes a laser emitting tube, a laser receiving tube, and a cold flow source. The laser emitting tube includes a laser emitting assembly and a first phototube cooling mechanism. The first phototube cooling mechanism is the phototube cooling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The laser receiving tube includes a laser receiving component and a second phototube cooling mechanism; the second phototube cooling mechanism is the phototube cooling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The cold flow source is connected to the cold flow tube of the first phototube cooling mechanism and the cold flow tube of the second phototube cooling mechanism, respectively; the temperature of the gas in the cold flow source is 100℃~300℃.

8. The photoelectric system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gas in the cold flow source is one or more of compressed air, water vapor, and inert gas.

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