Centrifuge protection assembly for ductile iron pipe

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of protective equipment for nodular cast iron pipe production, in particular to a centrifuge protective assembly for nodular cast iron pipe, which comprises a centrifuge, a centrifuge base, a centrifuge track, a centrifuge walking driving device, and further comprises: a protective assembly arranged between the centrifuge and the centrifuge track, the protective assembly comprises: a fixing frame, a connecting part, a protective track, a protective trolley, and a protective plate, an included angle not greater than 5° is arranged between the protective track and the horizontal ground, the included angle enables the protective trolley to move naturally in the descending direction of the centrifuge in the state without driving, and the application utilizes the self-adapting extension of the protective trolley under the action of gravity to solve the problems of protection and interference between the pipe equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to protective equipment used in the production of ductile iron pipes, specifically relating to a protective component for a centrifuge used for ductile iron pipe production. Background Technology

[0002] Centrifugal casting is a technique and method that involves injecting molten metal into a high-speed rotating mold, causing the molten metal to fill the mold and form a casting through centrifugal motion. Centrifugal motion allows the molten metal to effectively fill the mold radially, forming a free surface on the casting; it eliminates the need for a core, resulting in cylindrical internal holes; it facilitates the removal of gases and inclusions from the molten metal; and it influences the metal's crystallization process, thereby improving the mechanical and physical properties of the casting. Centrifugal casting is commonly used in the production of ductile iron pipes.

[0003] Water-cooled centrifugal casting machines are typically used in the production of small and medium diameter ductile iron pipes. At present, the main unit of the centrifugal casting machine moves back and forth along the track, the chute goes deep into the main unit, and centrifugal casting is completed as the main unit gradually withdraws. After casting is completed, the pipe pulling device extends into the main unit from the other end to complete the pipe pulling action, and the pulled-out pipe enters the next process.

[0004] The inventors discovered that a series of impurities are generated during the casting and tube-drawing processes. These impurities are typically slag ejected during centrifugal casting, splinters from the tube-drawing process, or sand and gravel from broken cores. If these impurities remain on the transmission mechanism of the equipment driving the centrifuge for a long time, they will cause damage or instability to the transmission mechanism. Since the transmission mechanism generally extends from the bottom and connects to the casting machine, it must move with the casting machine and cannot interfere with its operating space; completely enclosing the equipment is not feasible. Through extensive observation, the inventors creatively discovered this problem, but traditional and timely methods could not solve it.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a protective device for the transmission device of a cast iron pipe centrifuge. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the impact of impurities on centrifuges in existing technologies, the inventors designed a retractable protective device in the narrow space between the centrifuge and its track, preventing impurities from affecting the transmission mechanism. The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a protective component for a ductile iron pipe centrifuge, comprising:

[0007] Centrifuge, a centrifugal casting equipment used in the production of ductile iron pipes;

[0008] Centrifuge base, fixed to the support frame or support base on the lower side of the centrifuge;

[0009] Centrifuge track, a track set on the centrifuge base, along which the centrifuge completes reciprocating motion of going up and down;

[0010] A centrifuge travel drive device is located on the lower side of the centrifuge, driving the centrifuge to move;

[0011] It also includes: a protective assembly disposed between the centrifuge and the centrifuge track, the protective assembly comprising:

[0012] The fixing frame is a plate-shaped frame with a thickness smaller than the gap between the centrifuge and the centrifuge track. It is located on the lower side of the centrifuge, near the end of the centrifuge in the downward direction.

[0013] A connecting part is located on the upper part of the fixed frame, so that the fixed frame and the centrifuge are fixedly connected;

[0014] A protective track is a straight track that is installed on the fixed frame and extends along the traveling direction of the centrifuge.

[0015] A protective trolley is mounted on the protective track, and the protective track constrains the protective trolley to reciprocate along the direction of travel of the centrifuge;

[0016] A protective plate is fixedly connected to the protective trolley in the downward direction of the centrifuge and protrudes from the body of the protective trolley.

[0017] The protective track is provided with an end limiter at the end of the centrifuge in the downward direction, and the end limiter prevents the protective trolley body from leaving the protective track.

[0018] The protective track is set at an angle of no more than 5° with the horizontal ground, which allows the protective trolley to move naturally in the downward direction of the centrifuge without being driven.

[0019] Furthermore, the centrifuge track is provided at a downward angle toward the downward direction of the centrifuge, and the protective track is parallel to the centrifuge track.

[0020] Furthermore, the angle between the protective track and the horizontal ground is 2.75°.

[0021] Furthermore, the protective track consists of two opposing C-shaped tracks, and the protective trolley is embedded inside the C-shaped track.

[0022] Furthermore, an upward limit is fixedly provided on the centrifuge track or centrifuge base. The upward limit is located on the movement trajectory of the protective trolley, which restricts the protective trolley from moving to the upper limit position of the centrifuge. The protective trolley continues to move and retracts into the fixed frame by inertia.

[0023] Furthermore, a downward limit switch is fixedly installed on the centrifuge track or centrifuge base. The downward limit switch is located on the movement trajectory of the protective trolley and cooperates with the end of the protective plate. When the downward limit switch restricts the centrifuge to the downward limit position, the protective plate continues to extend outward from the protective track by inertia and interferes with the tube pulling device.

[0024] Furthermore, the fixing frame is provided with an outwardly extending expansion plate at the downward end of the centrifuge. The expansion plate extends out of the end of the centrifuge and extends in a direction perpendicular to the centrifuge track.

[0025] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: 1. By installing a protective device between the centrifuge and the centrifuge track, the problem of limited space and encroachment on the space of other equipment is overcome; 2. The protective trolley utilizes gravity for adaptive extension, solving both the protection problem and the interference problem with the tube-removing equipment; 3. The overall design of the protective components can be set independently without considering the inclination of the centrifuge track, or it can coordinate with the inclination angle of the centrifuge track; 4. The constraint of the C-shaped track can accommodate the overturning effect of the protective plate cantilever structure, simplifying the equipment structure; 5. The upward and downward limit switches fully consider equipment interference and inertia, keeping the protective plate in a reasonable position during centrifuge operation; 6. The expanded plate provides a larger protective area, facilitating personnel to step on and access the centrifuge for maintenance, and also expanding the protective space. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view of the centrifugal casting system according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge's downward limit position according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge's upward limit position according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a front view of the protective component according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a front view of the protective track in the protective assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top view of the protective assembly including the expansion plate according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] The annotation is represented as follows:

[0033] 100 - Centrifuge; 110 - Centrifuge base; 120 - Centrifuge track;

[0034] 200-Centrifuge walking drive device;

[0035] 300 - Protective component; 310 - Fixture; 320 - Connector; 330 - Protective rail; 340 - Protective trolley; 350 - Protective plate;

[0036] 360 - End limit; 370 - Upward limit; 380 - Downward limit; 390 - Expanded plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions in the embodiments are clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0038] To overcome the impact of impurities on centrifuges in existing technologies, the inventors designed a retractable, non-powered protective device in the narrow space between the centrifuge and its tracks to block impurities from affecting the transmission mechanism. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 6 The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a protective assembly for a ductile iron pipe centrifuge, comprising:

[0039] Centrifuge 100 is a centrifugal casting equipment used for the production of ductile iron pipes.

[0040] Centrifuge base 110 is fixed to a support frame or support base on the lower side of the centrifuge 100;

[0041] Centrifuge track 120 is a track set on the centrifuge base 110, and the centrifuge 100 completes the upward and downward reciprocating motion along the centrifuge track 120;

[0042] In this technical solution, "upward" and "downward" refer to the conventional operation of the centrifuge 100 in this field. "Upward" refers to the centrifuge 100 approaching the fan-shaped iron feeding device, which is also the insertion direction in the casting process of cast pipe. "Downward" refers to the exit direction of the centrifuge 100 in the casting process of the chute moving towards the pipe pulling direction, which is also the socket direction in the casting process of cast pipe.

[0043] A centrifuge walking drive device 200 is located below the centrifuge 100 and drives the centrifuge 100 to move.

[0044] In different technical solutions, the driving method of the centrifuge walking drive device 200 is slightly different. It can be hydraulic linear reciprocating motion or other linear drive methods. Regardless of the driving method, the drive end does not want impurities that may splash into the drive system. Therefore, the purpose of this invention, which is also the primary technical problem to be solved by this invention, is to provide a protective barrier for the drive.

[0045] This technical solution also includes: a protective component 300 disposed between the centrifuge 100 and the centrifuge track 120, the protective component 300 comprising:

[0046] The fixing frame 310 is a plate-shaped frame with a thickness smaller than the gap between the centrifuge 100 and the centrifuge track 120. It is located on the lower side of the centrifuge 100, near the downward end of the centrifuge 100.

[0047] In this invention, the discovery of the problem and the installation of a protective device between the centrifuge 100 and the centrifuge track 120 is one of the inventor's creative works. In conventional technical solutions, it would not be considered to install a protective device in such a small space. When considering the overall layout of the centrifuge system, the inventor believed that this was the most appropriate setting.

[0048] The connecting part 320 is located on the upper part of the fixed frame 310, so that the fixed frame 310 and the centrifuge 100 are fixedly connected;

[0049] The protective track 330 is a straight track that is set on the fixed frame 310 and extends along the traveling direction of the centrifuge 100;

[0050] Of course, in some technical solutions, the mounting bracket 310 and the protective rail 330 can be considered as a single structure. The rail is fixedly connected to the centrifuge 100 as an integral frame.

[0051] The protective trolley 340 is mounted on the protective track 330, and the protective track 330 constrains the protective trolley 340 to reciprocate along the travel direction of the centrifuge 100;

[0052] In this invention, the above-mentioned constraints can be considered in two aspects: first, constraining the protective trolley 340 to travel in a straight line on a plane; second, constraining the protective trolley 340 to still travel in a straight line in three-dimensional space. The method to achieve the above objectives includes restricting the track form, or it can be considered as an upper-bearing track. The trolley's own weight can constrain it to travel in a straight line in three-dimensional space, and derailment will not occur.

[0053] The protective plate 350 is fixedly connected to the protective trolley 340 in the downward direction towards the centrifuge 100, and protrudes from the body of the protective trolley 340. The protective plate 350 is the direct protective component of this invention, serving to block impurities. The length of the protective plate 350 is related to the protective area and the distance from which the impurities are ejected. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the length of the protective plate 350 does not extend through the entire space between the upward and downward directions; it is only set for a certain distance. Of course, if the travel of the protective trolley 340 is sufficient, it can also be set in this way.

[0054] The protective track 330 is provided with an end limit 360 at the end of the centrifuge 100 in the downward direction, and the end limit 360 restricts the protective trolley 340 from leaving the protective track 330.

[0055] The protective track 330 is provided with an angle of no more than 5° with the horizontal ground, which allows the protective trolley 340 to move naturally in the downward direction of the centrifuge 100 without being driven.

[0056] In existing technologies, normal telescopic protection requires power drive. The fact that the protective track 330 has an angle of no more than 5° with the horizontal ground is another inventive point of this invention. The inventors utilize gravity to extend the protective plate 350 at an appropriate position. Furthermore, without considering other components, because the protective plate 350 is unconstrained in the direction of the centrifuge 100's movement trajectory, it can interact with the downstream tube-extraction mechanism's tube-extraction trolley. The tube-extraction trolley pushes the protective plate 350 back, without interfering with the tube-extraction station. Thus, a movable, enclosed protection is formed between the tube-extraction station and the centrifugation station, preventing impurities from affecting the drive end.

[0057] In some embodiments, the centrifuge track 120 is provided with a downward angle toward the centrifuge 100 in the downward direction, and the protective track 330 is parallel to the centrifuge track 120. In other embodiments, it is sufficient for the protective track 330 to have a downward slope in the horizontal direction to achieve gravity extension, without needing to consider whether it is parallel to the centrifuge track 120. However, this issue needs to be considered if the cantilever length of the protective plate 350 is too long and the angle between the protective track 330 and the centrifuge track 120 is acute.

[0058] Preferably, the angle between the protective track 330 and the horizontal ground is 2.75°.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The protective track 330 consists of two opposing C-shaped tracks, and the protective trolley 340 is embedded inside the C-shaped tracks. The above-mentioned technical features provide a solution for constraining the protective trolley 340. Of course, the C-shaped indentation on both sides of the track does not simply refer to the overall structure being C-shaped, but rather to the way it is fitted with the protective trolley 340 being C-shaped. By analogy, if the protective track 330 is an H-beam or an I-beam, it can also be considered to have a C-shaped fit.

[0060] In some embodiments, preferably, an upward limit 370 is fixedly provided on the centrifuge track 120 or centrifuge base 110. The upward limit 370 is located on the movement trajectory of the protective trolley 340, restricting the protective trolley 340 from reaching the upward limit position of the centrifuge 100. The protective trolley 340 continues to move and retracts into the fixed frame 310 by inertia. In this invention, although the movement of the protective trolley 340 and the centrifuge 100 can be relative, during the upward movement of the centrifuge 100, the end limit 360 drives the protective trolley 340 to move with the centrifuge 100. When the centrifuge 100 stops under the control of the centrifuge walking drive device 200, the protective trolley 340 will retract due to inertia. Although it will return due to gravity, in this embodiment, the upward limit 370 can be used to prevent the retraction action.

[0061] Similar to the above embodiments, in some embodiments, a downward limit 380 is fixedly provided on the centrifuge track 120 or centrifuge base 110. The downward limit 380 is located on the movement trajectory of the protective trolley 340 and cooperates with the end of the protective plate 350. When the downward limit 380 restricts the centrifuge 100 to the downward limit position, the protective plate 350 continues to extend outward from the protective track 330 by inertia and interferes with the tube-pulling device. The tube-pulling device mentioned in this embodiment refers to a tube-pulling trolley carrying tube-pulling pliers, which is generally considered in the technical field.

[0062] Preferably, in order to increase the protective area, avoid impurities thrown out during centrifugation, and provide workers with a space to step into and interact with the centrifuge 100, the fixing frame 310 is provided with an outwardly extending expansion plate 390 at the downward end of the centrifuge 100. The expansion plate 390 extends out of the end of the centrifuge 100 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the centrifuge track 120.

[0063] In practical use: Centrifuge 100 stops at its upper limit position. At this time, the protective trolley 340 is at the end of centrifuge 100 in the socket direction, and the protective plate 350 extends out. Centrifuge 100 receives molten iron and begins centrifugal casting. During the process, it gradually descends. Due to gravity, the protective trolley 340 descends with centrifuge 100. When it reaches its lower limit position, which is when it needs to interact with the tube-pulling trolley, the protective plate 350 slowly retracts under the obstruction of the lower limit 380. The lower limit 380 is the closest position between the tube-pulling trolley and centrifuge 100 when the tube-pulling trolley is pulling out the tube. Centrifuge 100 ascends, and the centrifugally cast tube is slowly pulled out. The protective plate 350 slowly extends, continuously blocking impurities. Centrifuge 100 continues to ascend a small portion after completing tube pulling. Under the upper limit 370, the protective plate 350 always protrudes outward and will not retract due to the inertia of centrifuge 100's upward movement. In the preferred technical solution, both the upper limit 370 and the upper limit 370 are fixed at a fixed position on the centrifuge track 120 or the centrifuge base 110. This position coincides with the end position of the protective trolley 340 when the centrifuge 100 is at its upper limit position and the end position of the tube-pulling trolley when pulling out the tube.

[0064] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows: A protective device is installed between the centrifuge and its track, overcoming the problems of limited space and encroachment on other equipment space; the protective trolley extends adaptively using gravity, solving both the protection problem and the interference problem with the tube-removing equipment; the overall design of the protective components can be independently set without considering the inclination of the centrifuge track, or it can coordinate with the inclination angle of the centrifuge track; the constraint of the C-shaped track can accommodate the overturning effect of the cantilevered structure of the protective plate, simplifying the equipment structure; the upward and downward limit switches fully consider equipment interference and inertia, maintaining the protective plate in a reasonable position during centrifuge operation. The expanded plate provides a larger protective area, facilitating personnel to step onto and access the centrifuge for maintenance, and also expanding the protective space.

[0065] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective assembly for a ductile iron pipe centrifuge, comprising: Centrifuge (100) is a centrifugal casting equipment used for the production of ductile iron pipes; Centrifuge base (110), fixed to the support frame or support base on the lower side of the centrifuge (100); Centrifuge track (120), which is set on the centrifuge base (110), and the centrifuge (100) completes the reciprocating motion of going up and down along the centrifuge track (120); A centrifuge walking drive device (200) is located on the lower side of the centrifuge (100) and drives the centrifuge (100) to move; The feature is that it further includes: a protective assembly (300) disposed between the centrifuge (100) and the centrifuge track (120), the protective assembly (300) comprising: The fixing frame (310) is a plate-shaped frame with a thickness smaller than the gap between the centrifuge (100) and the centrifuge track (120). It is located on the lower side of the centrifuge (100) and close to the end of the centrifuge (100) in the downward direction. A connecting part (320) is located on the upper part of the fixing frame (310) to fix the fixing frame (310) and the centrifuge (100); The protective track (330) is a straight track that is set on the fixed frame (310) and extends along the traveling direction of the centrifuge (100); A protective trolley (340) is mounted on the protective track (330), and the protective track (330) constrains the protective trolley (340) to reciprocate along the travel direction of the centrifuge (100); The protective plate (350) is fixedly connected to the protective trolley (340) in the downward direction toward the centrifuge (100) and protrudes from the body of the protective trolley (340); The protective track (330) is provided with an end limit (360) at the end of the centrifuge (100) in the downward direction, and the end limit (360) restricts the protective trolley (340) from leaving the protective track (330); The protective track (330) is provided with an angle of no more than 5° with the horizontal ground, which allows the protective trolley (340) to move naturally in the downward direction of the centrifuge (100) without driving.

2. The centrifuge protective assembly for ductile iron pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centrifuge track (120) is provided at a downward angle toward the centrifuge (100) in the downward direction, and the protective track (330) is parallel to the centrifuge track (120).

3. The centrifuge protective assembly for ductile iron pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the protective track (330) and the horizontal ground is 2.75°.

4. The centrifuge protective assembly for ductile iron pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective track (330) consists of two opposing C-shaped tracks, and the protective trolley (340) is embedded inside the C-shaped track.

5. The centrifuge protective assembly for ductile iron pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that, An upward limit switch (370) is fixedly installed on the centrifuge track (120) or centrifuge base (110). The upward limit switch (370) is located on the movement trajectory of the protective trolley (340). When the centrifuge (100) reaches the upward limit position, the protective trolley (340) continues to move and retracts into the fixed frame (310) by inertia.

6. The centrifuge protective assembly for ductile iron pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that, A downward limit switch (380) is fixedly installed on the centrifuge track (120) or centrifuge base (110). The downward limit switch (380) is located on the movement trajectory of the protective trolley (340) and cooperates with the end of the protective plate (350). When the downward limit switch (380) restricts the centrifuge (100) to the downward limit position, the protective plate (350) continues to extend outward from the protective track (330) by inertia and interferes with the tube pulling device.

7. The centrifuge protective assembly for ductile iron pipes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (310) has an outwardly extending expansion plate (390) at the end of the centrifuge (100) in the downward direction. The expansion plate (390) extends out of the end of the centrifuge (100) and extends in a direction perpendicular to the centrifuge track (120).

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