A small square billet crystallizer plate spring gap quick cleaning device and method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of steelmaking, and discloses a small square billet crystallizer leaf spring gap quick cleaning device, which comprises a metal pipe, the bottom end of the metal pipe is fixedly connected with a conical pipe, one end of the conical pipe is rotationally connected with a movable pipe, the outer periphery of the movable pipe is fixedly connected with an air bag, one side of the air bag close to the conical pipe is provided with an air nozzle, the outer side of the air bag is fixedly connected with a plurality of uniformly distributed brushes, the outer side of the movable pipe is fixedly connected with a plurality of uniformly distributed nozzles, and the bottom of the conical pipe is fixedly connected with fixed frames on the two sides. Through cooperation of the movable pipe, the air bag, the brushes, the nozzles, the fixed frames, a spiral rotating shaft, a connecting frame, a motor, a belt pulley one, a belt pulley two and a belt, the device can conveniently and efficiently clean sundries in the gap, quickly discharge the sundries after cleaning and conveying from the gap, avoid accumulation of the sundries in the gap, and improve the cleaning efficiency of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steelmaking technology, specifically to a quick cleaning device and method for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer. Background Technology

[0002] The electric non-sinusoidal crystallizer vibration device is a commonly used vibration method in domestic small billet continuous casting machines. It is one of the core pieces of equipment for achieving efficient and defect-free billet production. Among them, the leaf spring of the vibration device is a key component for achieving its functional indicators. Each flow's vibration device has leaf springs on both sides connected to the vibration table (the gap between the leaf spring and the vibration table is approximately 20mm). The crystallizer is then connected to the vibration table via bolts, thus ensuring that the crystallizer vibrates according to the specified vibration curve during the pouring process. In actual production, despite measures such as covering the leaf springs with steel structure protective covers and ceramic fiber blankets, slag and cold steel blocks can still become embedded in the gap between the leaf spring and the vibration table due to factors such as splashing of molten steel at the start of pouring, changing the submersible sprue, and overflow during the first flow. If these slag and steel blocks are not thoroughly cleaned, they can seriously cause the vibration parameters to deviate from the set curve, resulting in transverse cracks on the billet surface or even steel leakage from the crystallizer.

[0003] Currently, the main methods for cleaning the gaps between leaf springs are: 1. Cleaning with water while the crystallizer is in operation; 2. Cleaning with water and pry bars after the crystallizer is lifted out. Production practice has shown that with the first method, due to the flow spacing limitation, the lateral spacing between leaf springs in adjacent flows is only about 50mm, and the gap between the leaf spring and the vibrating table is only about 20mm. This limited physical space often leads to incomplete cleaning of slag and steel blocks in the leaf spring gaps, and it is also inconvenient to observe and confirm the cleaning effect. The second method can ensure that the leaf spring gaps are cleaned thoroughly, but it will prolong the preparation time for switching casting cycles (the more flows the casting machine has, the longer the preparation time). Therefore, this invention proposes a quick cleaning device and method for the leaf spring gaps of small billet crystallizers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a quick cleaning device and method for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer. This solves the problem that in existing technologies, the limited physical space of the leaf spring vibration table often leads to incomplete cleaning of slag and steel blocks in the gap between the leaf springs, and it is also inconvenient to observe and confirm the cleaning effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a quick cleaning device for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer, comprising a metal tube, a tapered tube fixedly connected to the bottom end of the metal tube, a movable tube rotatably connected to one end of the tapered tube, an airbag fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the movable tube, an air nozzle installed on the side of the airbag near the tapered tube, a plurality of evenly distributed brushes fixedly connected to the outer side of the airbag, a plurality of evenly distributed nozzles fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable tube, fixed frames fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the tapered tube, a discharge assembly installed in the middle of the fixed frame, a transmission assembly installed between the discharge assembly and the movable tube, and mounting frames fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the metal tube, with a camera fixedly connected to the end of the mounting frame away from the metal tube.

[0006] Preferably, the inner side of the nozzle is connected to the inside of the movable tube, and the outer periphery of the nozzle penetrates the airbag.

[0007] Preferably, the discharge assembly includes two spiral shafts and a motor. One end of the spiral shaft is rotatably connected inside the fixed frame, and the end of the spiral shaft away from the fixed frame is rotatably connected to a connecting frame. The top of the connecting frame is rotatably connected to the end of the movable tube away from the tapered tube. The motor is fixedly connected to one of the fixed frames on the side away from the spiral shafts, and the end of one of the spiral shafts away from the connecting frame passes through the fixed frame and is fixedly connected to the motor output end.

[0008] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes two pulleys, pulley one and pulley two. The middle part of pulley one is fixedly connected to the outer circumference of the spiral shaft, and the middle part of pulley two is fixedly connected to the outer circumference of the movable tube. A belt is sleeved between the outer circumferences of pulley one and pulley two.

[0009] A quick cleaning system for the gaps between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer includes:

[0010] The acquisition module is used to acquire real-time images of the gap between the leaf springs and to detect debris in the gap.

[0011] The image processing module is used to process the real-time acquired images to facilitate the identification of debris within the gaps;

[0012] The computer vision module is used to identify and compare the processed images to determine whether there are any foreign objects remaining in the gaps.

[0013] The display module is used to display various data acquired in real time within the gap, providing a visual image of the gap's interior.

[0014] Preferably, the acquisition module includes:

[0015] A temperature sensor unit is used to monitor temperature changes, indicating the presence of foreign matter;

[0016] A sound sensor unit is used to detect the location of debris by reflecting sound waves;

[0017] A camera unit is used to capture images inside the gap;

[0018] LED lighting units are used to provide sufficient light source to illuminate the interior of the gap.

[0019] Preferably, the image processing module includes:

[0020] An image enhancement unit is used to enhance the captured image to improve the visibility of clutter;

[0021] The image filtering unit is used to reduce noise in the acquired image and improve image quality.

[0022] Image segmentation unit, used to divide an image into objects and background, to make it easier to detect clutter;

[0023] The feature extraction unit is used to extract key features from the image to help locate and detect targets;

[0024] The data receiving unit is used to receive data transmitted from the acquisition module.

[0025] Preferably, the computer vision module includes:

[0026] The object detection unit is used to detect the location of clutter using an object detection algorithm;

[0027] The image registration unit is used to register and align images at different points in time.

[0028] The contrast unit is used to compare differences between images and determine whether debris has been removed.

[0029] The data transmission unit is used to transmit the compared data.

[0030] Preferably, the display module includes:

[0031] The visualization unit provides an interface for operators to view images and detection results inside the gap;

[0032] The data processing unit is used to process the transmitted data and improve its quality.

[0033] Standardized data units are used to standardize the format of data, making it easier to visualize the data.

[0034] A quick method for cleaning the gaps between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0035] Step 1: Adjust the size of the airbag according to the size of the leaf spring gap. Then, the worker holds the metal tube and puts the device into the leaf spring gap. After that, external water is pumped into the metal tube. The water flows through the metal tube, the conical tube, the movable tube and the nozzle to flush the gap. At the same time, the motor is started to drive the spiral shaft to rotate, and the movable tube is driven to rotate synchronously through the transmission component.

[0036] Step 2: The rotating tube drives the airbag and brush to rotate, allowing the brush to clean the debris inside the gap. The rotating water flow also washes the inside of the gap. The debris is then continuously transported out of the gap through the spiral shafts on both sides, expelling the debris from the gap.

[0037] Step 3: Simultaneously, the temperature sensor unit detects residual heat in the gap, and together with the sound sensor unit, it detects the gap and determines the distribution of debris. At the same time, the camera unit captures an image of the gap, and the image processing module processes the image to separate the debris from the background of the leaf spring gap, making it easier to observe the location of the debris. Then, the object detection unit further distinguishes the location of the debris inside the gap. As cleaning progresses, the image registration unit and comparison unit determine whether there is still debris remaining inside the gap, and the visualization unit helps workers to further clean up any remaining debris.

[0038] This invention provides a quick cleaning device and method for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0039] 1. This invention, through the combination of a metal tube, a tapered tube, a movable tube, an airbag, a brush, and a nozzle, enables the quick cleaning device for the gap between the leaf springs of a small billet crystallizer to adjust its size according to the size of the gap, thereby adapting to cleaning gaps of different sizes and improving the adaptability of the device.

[0040] 2. This invention, through the cooperation of a movable tube, airbag, brush, nozzle, fixed frame, spiral shaft, connecting frame, motor, pulley one, pulley two and belt, enables the quick cleaning device for the gap between the leaf springs of the small billet crystallizer to conveniently and efficiently clean the debris in the gap. At the same time, it quickly discharges some cold steel blocks and other debris after cleaning and loosening, avoiding the accumulation of debris in the gap and improving the cleaning efficiency of the device.

[0041] 3. By combining the acquisition module, image processing module, computer vision module and display module, the present invention enables the device to clearly see the image inside the gap when cleaning debris inside the gap, and to quickly detect the location of debris inside the gap. Furthermore, it identifies residual or missed debris during cleaning, thus preventing debris from remaining inside the gap. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral shaft structure of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle structure of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the active tube structure of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a system architecture diagram of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the acquisition module structure of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the image processing module structure of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the computer vision module structure of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure of the present invention.

[0051] Among them, 1-metal tube; 2-conical tube; 3-movable tube; 4-airbag; 5-brush; 6-nozzle; 7-fixed frame; 8-spiral shaft; 9-connecting frame; 10-motor; 11-pulley one; 12-pulley two; 13-belt; 14-mounting frame; 15-camera; 16-air nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions in 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0053] Example:

[0054] Please see the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 9This invention provides a quick cleaning device for the gaps between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer. The device includes a metal tube 1, the top of which is connected to an external water source via a water pipe and supplied with water by an external water pump, facilitating the cleaning of debris inside the leaf spring gaps. A tapered tube 2 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the metal tube 1, and a movable tube 3 is rotatably connected to one end of the tapered tube 2. The tapered tube 2 and the movable tube 3 are connected by a rotary seal to ensure water flow into the movable tube 3. An air bladder 4 is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the movable tube 3. An air nozzle 16 is installed on the side of the air bladder 4 near the tapered tube 2. By connecting the inflation device and the air nozzle 16, the size of the air bladder 4 can be adjusted according to the size of the leaf spring gap, allowing the device to adapt to cleaning gaps of different sizes. Multiple evenly distributed brushes 5 are fixedly connected to the outside of the air bladder 4. The brushes 5 clean the debris adhering to the gaps, loosening the stuck debris. Multiple evenly distributed nozzles 6 are fixedly connected to the outside of the movable pipe 3. Water flows out through the nozzles 6, thus rinsing the inside of the gap. Fixed brackets 7 are fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the tapered pipe 2. A discharge assembly is installed in the middle of the fixed bracket 7, which discharges the cleaned and rinsed debris from the gap, facilitating subsequent collection of the cleaned debris. A transmission assembly is installed between the discharge assembly and the movable pipe 3, synchronously driving the discharge assembly and the movable pipe 3 to clean the inside of the gap. Mounting brackets 14 are fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the metal pipe 1. A camera 15 is fixedly connected to the end of the mounting bracket 14 away from the metal pipe 1. The camera 15 is also equipped with various sensors and a light source, allowing workers to monitor the cleaning progress inside the gap while using the device.

[0055] The inside of nozzle 6 is connected to the inside of movable tube 3, so that water flowing into movable tube 3 will be discharged through nozzle 6, thereby rinsing the inner wall of the gap. The outer periphery of nozzle 6 is penetrated by air bag 4, so that the operation between air bag 4 and nozzle 6 will not interfere with each other, thus cleaning and rinsing the debris at the same time, improving the cleaning effect of the device.

[0056] The discharge assembly includes two spiral shafts 8 and a motor 10. One end of each spiral shaft 8 is rotatably connected inside a fixed frame 7, and the spiral structure of the spiral shaft 8 allows for the conveying and discharge of cleaned debris. A connecting frame 9 is rotatably connected to the end of the spiral shaft 8 away from the fixed frame 7. The top of the connecting frame 9 is rotatably connected to the end of the movable tube 3 away from the tapered tube 2. The connecting frame 9 ensures the smooth rotation of the two spiral shafts 8, and its bottom contacts the bottom wall of the leaf spring gap, supporting the device within the gap. The motor 10 is fixedly connected to the side of one of the fixed frames 7 away from the spiral shaft 8, and the end of one of the spiral shafts 8 away from the connecting frame 9 passes through the fixed frame 7 and is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 10. The motor 10 drives the spiral shaft 8 to rotate, loosening the cold steel block impurities that have entered the gap and preventing them from adhering inside. The rotated spiral shaft 8 then conveys the debris out of the gap for subsequent cleaning.

[0057] The transmission assembly includes two pulleys, 11 and 12. The middle of pulley 11 is fixedly connected to the outer circumference of the spiral shaft 8, and the middle of pulley 12 is fixedly connected to the outer circumference of the movable tube 3. A belt 13 is sleeved between the outer circumferences of pulley 11 and pulley 12. When the spiral shaft 8 rotates, pulley 11 will drive pulley 12 to rotate synchronously through belt 13, so that the movable tube 3 and airbag 4 will drive the brush 5 to rotate inside the gap. The brush 5 will then clean the debris in the gap, and with the action of water flow, the debris in the leaf spring gap will be transported, so that the discharge assembly can discharge the debris from the gap.

[0058] A quick cleaning system for the gaps between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer includes:

[0059] The acquisition module is used to acquire real-time images of the gap between the leaf springs and detect debris in the gap; the image processing module is used to process the real-time acquired images to facilitate the identification of debris in the gap; the computer vision module is used to identify and compare the processed images to determine whether there is any debris remaining in the gap; and the display module is used to display various data acquired in real-time within the gap, providing a visual image of the gap's interior.

[0060] The acquisition module includes: a temperature sensor unit for monitoring temperature changes to indicate the presence of debris. During the casting of the steel billet, the temperature of the molten steel is transferred to the debris via the leaf springs. However, when the steel billet and leaf springs are cooled by water spray, some debris within the gaps cannot be washed away by the water flow, leaving residual heat inside; a sound sensor unit for detecting the location of debris through sound wave reflection. This allows for direct detection of debris remaining within the gaps, confirming their location and facilitating accurate cleaning by workers; a camera unit for capturing images of the gaps; and an LED lighting unit for providing sufficient light to illuminate the gaps. This results in clearer images of the gaps, allowing workers to intuitively understand the situation inside.

[0061] The image processing module includes: an image enhancement unit for enhancing the captured image to improve the visibility of clutter; an image filtering unit for reducing noise in the acquired image and improving image quality; an image segmentation unit for segmenting the image into objects and background to make it easier to detect clutter; a feature extraction unit for extracting key features from the image to help locate the detection target; and a data receiving unit for receiving data transmitted from the acquisition module.

[0062] The computer vision module includes: an object detection unit, which uses the Faster R-CNN object detection algorithm to detect the location of clutter. Faster R-CNN introduces a sub-network that automatically generates candidate target regions, and then uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect target objects within these regions. Combined with historically collected clutter information, it can detect the location of clutter in the acquired image data; an image registration unit, which registers and aligns images from different time points. This allows the device to intuitively understand whether there are any unremoved clutter in the gap areas after the first round of cleaning; a comparison unit, which compares the differences between images to determine whether clutter has been removed; and a data transmission unit, which transmits the compared data.

[0063] The display module includes:

[0064] The visualization unit provides operators with a visual interface to display images and detection results inside the gaps; the data processing unit processes the transmitted data to improve its quality; and the format standardization unit standardizes the data format for easy visualization.

[0065] A quick method for cleaning the gaps between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0066] Step 1: Adjust the size of the airbag 4 according to the size of the leaf spring gap. Then, the worker holds the metal tube 1 and puts the device into the leaf spring gap. Then, external water is pumped into the metal tube 1. The water flows through the metal tube 1, the conical tube 2, the movable tube 3 and the nozzle 6 to flush the gap. At the same time, the motor 10 is started to drive the spiral shaft 8 to rotate, and the movable tube 3 is driven to rotate synchronously through the transmission component.

[0067] Step 2: The rotating of the movable tube 3 drives the airbag 4 and the brush 5 to rotate, so that the brush 5 can clean the debris inside the gap and, together with the rotating water flow, rinse the inside of the gap. Then, the debris cleaned out is continuously transported to the outside of the gap through the spiral shafts 8 on both sides, and the debris is discharged from the gap.

[0068] Step 3: Simultaneously, the temperature sensor unit detects residual heat in the gap, and together with the sound sensor unit, it detects the gap and determines the distribution of debris. At the same time, the camera unit captures an image of the gap, and the image processing module processes the image to separate the debris from the background of the leaf spring gap, making it easier to observe the location of the debris. Then, the object detection unit further distinguishes the location of the debris inside the gap. As cleaning progresses, the image registration unit and comparison unit determine whether there is still debris remaining inside the gap, and the visualization unit helps workers to further clean up any remaining debris.

[0069] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A quick cleaning device for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer, comprising a metal tube (1), characterized in that, The bottom end of the metal tube (1) is fixedly connected to a tapered tube (2), one end of the tapered tube (2) is rotatably connected to a movable tube (3), an airbag (4) is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the movable tube (3), an air nozzle (16) is installed on the side of the airbag (4) near the tapered tube (2), a plurality of evenly distributed brushes (5) are fixedly connected to the outer side of the airbag (4), a plurality of evenly distributed nozzles (6) are fixedly connected to the outer side of the movable tube (3), a fixing frame (7) is fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the tapered tube (2), a discharge assembly is installed in the middle of the fixing frame (7), a transmission assembly is installed between the discharge assembly and the movable tube (3), a mounting frame (14) is fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the metal tube (1), a camera (15) is fixedly connected to the end of the mounting frame (14) away from the metal tube (1); the inner side of the nozzle (6) is connected to the inside of the movable tube (3), and the outer periphery of the nozzle (6) penetrates the airbag (4); the discharge assembly The component includes two spiral shafts (8) and a motor (10). One end of the spiral shaft (8) is rotatably connected inside the fixed frame (7). The end of the spiral shaft (8) away from the fixed frame (7) is rotatably connected to a connecting frame (9). The top of the connecting frame (9) is rotatably connected to the end of the movable tube (3) away from the tapered tube (2). The motor (10) is fixedly connected to one side of the fixed frame (7) away from the spiral shaft (8). The end of one spiral shaft (8) away from the connecting frame (9) passes through the fixed frame (7) and is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (10). The transmission assembly includes two pulleys, one (11) and two (12). The middle part of the pulley one (11) is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the spiral shaft (8). The middle part of the pulley two (12) is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the movable tube (3). A belt (13) is sleeved between the outer peripheries of the pulley one (11) and the pulley two (12).

2. A quick cleaning system for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer, characterized in that, A quick-cleaning device for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer according to claim 1, comprising: The acquisition module is used to acquire real-time images of the gap between the leaf springs and to detect debris in the gap. The image processing module is used to process the real-time acquired images to facilitate the identification of debris within the gaps; The computer vision module is used to identify and compare the processed images to determine whether there are any foreign objects remaining in the gaps. The display module is used to display various data acquired in real time within the gap, providing a visual image of the gap's interior.

3. The quick cleaning system for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The acquisition module includes: A temperature sensor unit is used to monitor temperature changes, indicating the presence of foreign matter; A sound sensor unit is used to detect the location of debris by reflecting sound waves; A camera unit is used to capture images inside the gap; LED lighting units are used to provide sufficient light source to illuminate the interior of the gap.

4. A quick cleaning system for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image processing module includes: An image enhancement unit is used to enhance the captured image to improve the visibility of clutter; The image filtering unit is used to reduce noise in the acquired image and improve image quality. Image segmentation unit, used to divide an image into objects and background, to make it easier to detect clutter; The feature extraction unit is used to extract key features from the image to help locate and detect targets; The data receiving unit is used to receive data transmitted from the acquisition module.

5. A quick cleaning system for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The computer vision module includes: The object detection unit is used to detect the location of clutter using an object detection algorithm; The image registration unit is used to register and align images at different points in time. The contrast unit is used to compare differences between images and determine whether debris has been removed. The data transmission unit is used to transmit the compared data.

6. A quick cleaning system for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display module includes: The visualization unit provides an interface for operators to view images and detection results inside the gap; The data processing unit is used to process the transmitted data and improve its quality. Standardized data units are used to standardize the format of data, making it easier to visualize the data.

7. A method for quickly cleaning the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer, characterized in that, According to claim 1, the quick cleaning device for the gap between leaf springs in a small billet crystallizer comprises the following steps: Step 1: Adjust the size of the airbag (4) according to the size of the leaf spring gap. Then, the worker holds the metal tube (1) and puts the device into the leaf spring gap. Then, the outside water is pumped into the metal tube (1). The water flows through the metal tube (1), the conical tube (2), the movable tube (3) and the nozzle (6) to flush the gap. At the same time, the motor (10) is started to drive the spiral shaft (8) to rotate, and the movable tube (3) is driven to rotate synchronously through the transmission component. Step 2: The rotating tube (3) drives the airbag (4) and brush (5) to rotate, so that the brush (5) can clean the debris inside the gap and, together with the rotating water flow, rinse the inside of the gap. Then the debris is continuously transported out of the gap through the spiral shafts (8) on both sides, and the debris is discharged from the gap. Step 3: Simultaneously, the temperature sensor unit detects residual heat in the gap, and together with the sound sensor unit, it detects the gap and determines the distribution of debris. At the same time, the camera unit captures an image of the gap, and the image processing module processes the image to separate the debris from the background of the leaf spring gap, making it easier to observe the location of the debris. Then, the object detection unit further distinguishes the location of the debris inside the gap. As cleaning progresses, the image registration unit and comparison unit determine whether there is still debris remaining inside the gap, and the visualization unit helps workers to further clean up any remaining debris.

Images