Locking device for steam boiler

Abstract

This invention discloses a locking device for a steam boiler, relating to the boiler industry. The key technical features include a furnace shell, a furnace cover, a lifting mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The furnace shell and furnace cover are each provided with radially extending lugs, which contact and engage axially and are equipped with sealing elements. The locking mechanism includes a rotatable locking ring surrounding a first lug, a locking block on its inner wall, a wedge-shaped block and a groove on the outer edge of the furnace cover, and a second linear drive device for rotating the locking ring. When the locking ring rotates, the locking block generates an axial clamping force with the wedge-shaped block, thereby achieving effective sealing of the furnace cover. This invention, through the cooperation of the locking ring and the wedge-shaped structure, converts radial movement into axial clamping force, ensuring reliable sealing under high-temperature environments, and has the advantages of compact structure, high locking efficiency, and stable sealing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of boilers, and particularly to a locking device for a steam boiler. Background Art

[0002] High-temperature, enclosed equipment such as steam furnaces and heat treatment furnaces are widely used in industries such as powder metallurgy and automotive parts processing. In these devices, the furnace cover is typically opened and closed via a lifting mechanism to reseal the heating chamber after workpiece loading and unloading. Hydraulic lifting structures are commonly used due to their high output force and smooth operation, enabling the vertical lifting and lowering of heavier furnace covers and facilitating flange connection and sealing.

[0003] However, in practical applications, traditional hydraulic lifting structures generally suffer from insufficient furnace cover alignment accuracy. Specifically, when the furnace cover descends close to the flange, due to limited control precision of the hydraulic cylinder, deformation of the furnace body structure, and the lack of clamps or flange guiding devices, the furnace cover often fails to achieve precise concentric alignment with the furnace flange, easily resulting in misalignment, displacement, or non-parallel end faces. Such alignment deviations not only lead to uneven flange contact, affecting the sealing gasket's tightening effect and increasing the risk of leakage, but may also cause localized wear or jamming of the furnace cover and clamp components, affecting the long-term stable operation of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a locking device for a steam furnace, which can achieve efficient alignment, reliable locking, and stable sealing between the furnace cover and the furnace lining under high temperature and high pressure conditions. It features a compact structure, high degree of automation, strong sealing reliability, good high-temperature thermal deformation compensation capability, and long service life. This device is particularly suitable for industrial applications such as powder metallurgy and automotive parts manufacturing, which have stringent requirements for steam treatment sealing and safety, effectively improving the operational safety and maintenance convenience of the steam furnace system.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A locking device for a steam furnace, comprising:

[0007] The furnace liner has a first lug extending radially outward;

[0008] The furnace cover has a second lug extending radially outward; the first lug and the second lug form a surface contact fit in the axial direction, and a sealing element is provided between them;

[0009] The lifting mechanism drives the furnace cover to reciprocate axially relative to the furnace shell.

[0010] Locking mechanism, including:

[0011] A locking ring is arranged around the outer circumference of the first lug and can rotate circumferentially around its own axis.

[0012] A locking block is fixed to the inner wall of the locking ring;

[0013] The wedge-shaped blocks and slots are correspondingly disposed on the outer edge of the furnace cover in the circumferential direction;

[0014] The second linear drive device drives the locking ring to perform circumferential rotation.

[0015] The locking block has the following features:

[0016] First state: When the locking ring rotates to the unlocked position, the locking block and the wedge block are coaxially connected, so that the lifting mechanism can drive the furnace cover to rise and fall in the first state;

[0017] Second state: When the locking ring rotates to the locking position, the locking block is inserted into the groove and rotates circumferentially and abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block to generate an axial force to press the seal.

[0018] Further configuration: The inner wall of the locking ring is provided with a convex ring and rolling elements along the axial direction. The convex ring is located at one end of the locking ring along the axial direction. The rolling elements are distributed at the other end of the locking ring along the axial direction. Multiple rolling elements are provided and arranged along the circumference of the locking ring. The multiple rolling elements are arranged parallel to the convex ring.

[0019] The axial distance between the convex ring and the rolling element is adapted to the thickness of the first lug, so that the first lug forms an axial limiting fit between the convex ring and the rolling element.

[0020] Further configuration: The front end of the second linear drive device is provided with a connecting seat, which is fixedly connected to the locking ring; the rear end of the second linear drive device is provided with a base, which is installed on an external fixed foundation; the front and rear ends of the second linear drive device are respectively hinged to the connecting seat and the base.

[0021] Further configuration: The second linear drive unit integrates a torque control system, including:

[0022] Start-up control module: configured to output a torque pulse exceeding the rated torque at the instant the locking ring rotates to start, wherein the torque value of the pulse is 250%-300% of the rated torque and the duration is 0.08-0.12 seconds;

[0023] The constant speed control module is configured to maintain a constant speed after the locking ring starts rotating, with the speed range controlled between 6-10 revolutions per minute, until the locking ring rotates to 2° before the target angle.

[0024] Flexible positioning module: configured to linearly reduce the output torque from the rated torque value to 80% of the rated torque value during the last 2° of rotational stroke before the locking ring reaches the target angle.

[0025] Further configuration: The lifting mechanism includes:

[0026] The fixed base is rigidly installed on an external fixed foundation;

[0027] The first linear drive device is vertically fixed on the fixed base;

[0028] The lifting rod is coaxially connected to the output end of the first linear drive device and is driven by it to move vertically up and down.

[0029] The lifting frame is fixedly connected to the top of the lifting rod and moves synchronously with it; wherein, the lifting frame is linked with the furnace cover, converting the linear motion of the lifting rod into the axial reciprocating motion of the furnace cover.

[0030] Further configuration: It also includes a lifting slide mounted on an external fixed foundation, the lifting slide being located on the lifting path of the lifting rod, and the lifting rod passing through the lifting slide.

[0031] Further configuration: The lifting slide is provided with:

[0032] The guide bushing forms a radial floating clearance with the lifting rod;

[0033] An array of disc springs is distributed along the circumference of the inner wall of the lifting slide.

[0034] Circular array temperature sensors: distributed along the circumference of the inner wall of the lifting slide;

[0035] The floating gap control module controls the preload of the array disc spring assembly based on the signal feedback from the temperature sensor, and dynamically adjusts the compression of the array disc spring assembly to compensate for thermal deformation.

[0036] Further configuration: The sealing element is a graphite spiral wound gasket, a metal corrugated gasket, or a high-temperature flexible composite sealing ring, which is disposed on the mating surface between the first lug and the second lug.

[0037] Further configuration: The wedge-shaped block is equipped with a capillary cooling network inside, which is connected to an external circulating coolant source.

[0038] Further configuration: The surface of the wedge-shaped block is covered with a multi-layer composite wear-resistant layer, comprising, from the inside out:

[0039] Tungsten carbide layer, 0.3 mm thick, average grain size ≤ 5 μm;

[0040] Diamond layer, 10μm thick, with a friction coefficient ≤0.10;

[0041] Micron-sized graphene self-lubricating coating, 5μm thick.

[0042] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0043] First, in this invention, an innovative combination of locking block, wedge block, and slot is introduced. After the furnace cover is lowered into place, the locking ring is driven to rotate circumferentially by a second linear drive device. During this process, the locking block precisely embeds into the slot on the furnace cover and further rotates circumferentially to abut against the inclined surface of the wedge block. The circumferential rotational kinetic energy of the locking ring is directly converted into vertical axial pressure. Unlike traditional radial contraction, the circumferential rotation of the locking ring has no radial contraction, avoiding jamming caused by thermal expansion differences. The inclined surface abutment mechanism allows for micro-slip compensation, achieving adaptive compensation for thermal deformation to a certain extent.

[0044] Furthermore, this design ensures that the locking process is not merely a simple radial tightening, but also an active correction of alignment deviations between the furnace cover and the furnace liner. When the locking block abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block, the axial force generated not only tightens the seal, but more importantly, guides the furnace cover to automatically adjust its position, achieving precise concentric alignment with the furnace liner's mandrel. Simultaneously, because the locking block rotates and abuts only after being inserted into the slot, the circumferential rotation of the locking ring and the interaction between the locking block and the wedge block cleverly integrate the locking process with the alignment correction function, achieving the effect of locking and alignment simultaneously. This avoids the jamming and wear that can occur when traditional clamps apply radial force directly before complete alignment.

[0045] Furthermore, the locking ring is an integral structure that allows for more uniform circumferential force distribution. When the second linear drive unit rotates circumferentially, the locking blocks located on the inner wall of the locking ring simultaneously and evenly abut against the inclined surfaces of multiple wedge-shaped blocks on the circumference of the furnace cover. This synchronous and distributed action mechanism ensures that the axial component force generated by the circumferential rotation can be evenly transmitted to the entire circumference of the seal.

[0046] Secondly, in this invention, the inner wall of the locking ring is provided with a convex ring and rolling elements along the axial direction, forming an axial elastic constraint system. The radial floating capability of the rolling elements absorbs the thermal expansion difference of the furnace cover. The independent displacement of the rolling elements compensates for local deformation. Furthermore, the rolling elements convert sliding friction (μ=0.15-0.3) into rolling friction (μ≤0.03), reducing rotational friction and significantly reducing the rotational driving force. The array of rollers and the convex ring form a circumferential force couple balance, offsetting the eccentric torque of the locking ring and avoiding uneven wear in traditional sliding structures.

[0047] Third, the second linear drive device integrated torque control system proposed in this invention breaks through the dual problems of high initial inertial resistance and poor end-positioning accuracy of the locking ring. The system integrates a three-stage dynamic torque control module, addressing two major issues of traditional locking structures: "easy slippage or jamming" due to high static friction and high moment of inertia during initial startup, and "easy overshooting of the positioning angle" at the end. Pulse-type high-torque startup and flexible end-positioning torque reduction strategies are designed respectively. The startup control module outputs a super-rated torque pulse (250%-300% of the rated torque, lasting 0.08-0.12 seconds) at the instant the locking ring starts rotating. This short-duration high-torque pulse provides a powerful instantaneous driving force, effectively overcoming startup inertia, static friction, and any possible slight jamming. This acts like a powerful "booster" for the system, ensuring that the locking ring can quickly and reliably leave its stationary state and accurately begin its circumferential rotation, laying a solid foundation for subsequent alignment and locking operations. The constant speed control module maintains the locking ring's rotational speed within a constant range of 6-10 rpm after startup. This constant rotational speed ensures that the locking block engages with the slot and abuts against the wedge-shaped block at a stable and predictable speed, resulting in a smoother and more uniform axial clamping force formation process. The end-effector flexible positioning module automatically reduces the output torque to 80% 2° before the target angle, avoiding inertial impact and over-rotation, thereby achieving high-precision endpoint control.

[0048] Fourth, the lifting mechanism and its matching thermal compensation guide structure proposed in this invention solve the problems of guidance inaccuracy and jamming caused by thermal expansion of the lifting mechanism under high-temperature conditions, achieving high-precision lifting guidance. This invention sets a guide bushing and an array of disc springs inside the lifting slide, allowing for a controllable floating gap in the radial direction while ensuring sufficient guiding support force for the lifting rod. This floating structure not only avoids the problems of jamming and shaft seizure caused by temperature rise in traditional rigid guide structures, but also absorbs the thermal expansion deformation caused by heat conduction from the furnace cover to the lifting rod, achieving thermally adaptable guiding support.

[0049] By introducing multi-point temperature sensing and dynamic force control, adaptive adjustment of guide stiffness is achieved. A ring array of temperature sensors is installed on the inner wall of the slide block to monitor temperature changes in different circumferential areas of the lifting rod in real time, providing real-time input signals for thermal deformation. Through linkage with the floating clearance control module, the preload and compression of the array-type disc spring assembly are adjusted based on the monitored temperature signals, achieving dynamic adjustment of the lifting guide force. This solution establishes a control path between ambient temperature, guide stiffness, and lifting accuracy through a feedback closed-loop control system, exhibiting strong adaptability and engineering suitability.

[0050] The distributed control of the disc spring array provides flexible limiting and vibration damping capabilities, improving system stability and impact resistance. Compared to the traditional single-point rigid limiting method, this solution uses a disc spring array structure evenly distributed along the inner wall of the slide block. This not only forms a uniformly distributed flexible support force field, but also, due to the energy absorption and rebound characteristics of the disc springs themselves, provides buffering and fine-tuning during lifting impacts or sealing compressions, improving the overall stability of the device's operation and preventing the lifting rod from "bouncing" or "uneven wear" problems under instantaneous thermal shocks or force fluctuations. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking device of the steam furnace;

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the furnace lid structure;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking mechanism;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the locking mechanism;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a top view of the lifting mechanism;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wedge block structure.

[0059] In the diagram, 100 represents the furnace outer shell; 101 represents the first inner cavity.

[0060] 200. Furnace liner; 201. First lug; 202. Sealing element;

[0061] 300. Furnace lid; 301. Second lug; 302. Groove; 303. Wedge block; 304. Tungsten carbide layer; 305. Diamond layer; 306. Micron-scale graphene self-lubricating coating; 307. Capillary cooling network;

[0062] 400. Lifting mechanism; 401. Lifting rod; 402. Lifting frame; 403. Lifting slide; 404. Fixed base; 405. First linear drive device;

[0063] 500, Locking mechanism; 501, Locking ring; 502, Locking block; 503, Connecting seat; 504, Second linear drive device; 505, Base; 507, Rolling element; 508, Raised ring. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0066] A locking device for a steam furnace, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the furnace includes a furnace shell 100, a furnace liner 200, a furnace cover 300, a lifting mechanism 400, and a locking mechanism 500. The furnace shell 100 has a first inner cavity 101, and the furnace liner 200 is installed on the top of the furnace shell 100 and is entirely located within the first inner cavity 101.

[0067] The furnace liner 200 has a first lug 201 extending radially outward at its upper end; the furnace cover 300 has a second lug 301 extending radially outward at its lower end. The first lug 201 and the second lug 301 are in surface contact fit in the axial direction, and a sealing element 202 is provided between them to achieve a seal when the furnace cover 300 is pressed onto the furnace liner 200.

[0068] The lifting mechanism 400 is used to drive the furnace cover 300 to reciprocate relative to the furnace liner 200 in the axial direction, so as to realize the opening and closing of the furnace cover 300.

[0069] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the locking mechanism 500 includes a locking ring 501, a locking block 502, a wedge block 303 and a slot 302, and a second linear drive device 504. The locking ring 501 is arranged around the outer circumference of the first lug 201 and can rotate circumferentially around its own axis. The locking block 502 is fixed to the inner wall of the locking ring 501 and has a radially inward protruding structure. The wedge block 303 and the slot 302 are located at the outer circumferential edge of the furnace cover 300. The slot 302 is used to accommodate the locking block 502, and the outer surface of the wedge block 303 has a sloped structure to provide a force-bearing slope for locking.

[0070] The second linear drive device 504 is used to drive the locking ring 501 to rotate circumferentially, thereby driving the locking block 502 to switch positions.

[0071] In actual use, the locking block 502 can switch between the following two states:

[0072] First state: When the locking ring 501 rotates to the unlocked position, the locking block 502 and the wedge block 303 remain coaxially connected. The locking block 502 disengages from the slot 302, so that the lifting mechanism 400 can drive the furnace cover 300 to rise and fall in the axial direction to realize the opening and closing operation.

[0073] Second state: When the locking ring 501 rotates to the locking position, the locking block 502 is embedded in the slot 302 and rotates circumferentially with the locking ring 501. Its end abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block 303. Due to the existence of the inclined surface structure, an axial component force is generated during this contact process, which presses the second lug 301 against the first lug 201, thereby squeezing the seal 202 to form an effective seal.

[0074] Through the above structural design, the furnace cover 300 can automatically enter the locking state after completing the lifting action, and the axial clamping force is generated through the wedge structure during the locking process, ensuring the sealing reliability of the steam furnace under high temperature and high pressure environment.

[0075] like Figures 4-5 As shown, the inner wall of the locking ring 501 is provided with a limiting structure along its axial direction to limit the axial displacement of the lugs of the furnace liner 200. The limiting structure includes a convex ring 508 disposed at one axial end of the locking ring 501 and a plurality of rolling elements 507 distributed at the opposite end.

[0076] Specifically, the convex ring 508 is preferably an annular protrusion structure, which is fixedly formed on the inner wall of one end of the locking ring 501; the rolling elements 507 are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the locking ring 501 and are disposed on the inner wall of the axial end opposite to the convex ring 508. The multiple rolling elements 507 are arranged in parallel with the convex ring 508 to form a pair of opposing axial positioning surfaces.

[0077] With the locking ring 501 installed in place, the first lug 201 is inserted between the convex ring 508 and the rolling element 507, and the axial distance between the convex ring 508 and the rolling element 507 is adapted to the axial thickness of the first lug 201, so that the first lug 201 is clamped and limited between the convex ring 508 and the rolling element 507, forming a stable support and positioning fit in the axial direction.

[0078] During the locking or unlocking process of the locking ring 501, this structure can effectively limit the axial movement or displacement of the first lug 201, thereby improving the structural stability and operational reliability of the locking system.

[0079] The second linear drive device 504 drives the locking ring 501 to rotate circumferentially around its own axis. A connecting seat 503 is provided at its front end, which is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral sidewall of the locking ring 501, thereby achieving power transmission. A base 505 is provided at the rear end of the second linear drive device 504. This base 505 is installed on a fixed foundation outside the steam furnace to provide stable support. To accommodate angular changes during the rotation of the locking ring 501 and to avoid stress concentration caused by installation errors, the front and rear ends of the second linear drive device 504 are connected to the connecting seat 503 and the base 505 respectively via hinges, forming a flexible linkage structure and improving the stability and adaptability of the device operation.

[0080] Furthermore, to ensure that the locking ring 501 has good dynamic response and control accuracy under various working conditions such as rotary start, uniform speed operation, and precise positioning, the second linear drive device 504 integrates a torque control system, which includes the following modules:

[0081] First, the start-up control module is configured to output a short-duration torque pulse higher than the rated value at the instant the locking ring 501 starts rotating, in order to overcome the initial static friction resistance and system inertia. The output value of this torque pulse is 250% to 300% of the rated torque, and the pulse duration is controlled between 0.08 seconds and 0.12 seconds to achieve rapid start-up without overshoot.

[0082] Secondly, the constant speed control module is used to control the locking ring 501 to rotate at a constant speed after it leaves the stationary state. The preferred speed range is 6 to 10 revolutions per minute, which ensures that the locking block 502 remains stable during circumferential operation and prevents misalignment or interference caused by speed fluctuations.

[0083] Finally, the flexible positioning module is configured to linearly reduce the output torque during the last 2° rotational stroke before the locking ring 501 approaches the target locking angle, gradually reducing it from the rated torque to 80% of the rated value. This achieves a flexible transition and precise stop at the end of the locking process, thereby reducing locking impact and extending the service life of the sealing gasket.

[0084] Through the coordinated control of the integrated torque control system, the response efficiency, control accuracy and operational stability of the locking ring 501 under different working conditions can be effectively improved, ensuring that the entire locking process is safe, reliable and efficient.

[0085] like Figures 6-7 As shown, the lifting mechanism 400 is used to drive the furnace cover 300 to move up and down relative to the furnace liner 200 in the vertical direction. Its structure includes a fixed base 404, a first linear drive device 405, a lifting rod 401, a lifting frame 402 and a lifting slide 403.

[0086] The fixed base 404 is rigidly installed on the external fixed foundation of the steam furnace, serving as the load-bearing support platform for the entire lifting structure. The first linear drive device 405 is vertically mounted on the fixed base 404, and its output end is coaxially connected to the lifting rod 401. By driving the lifting rod 401 to move up and down in the vertical direction, the opening and closing action of the furnace cover 300 is realized.

[0087] The top of the lifting rod 401 is fixedly connected to the lifting frame 402. The lifting frame 402 rises and falls synchronously with the lifting rod 401 and forms a linkage structure with the furnace cover 300. That is, the linear displacement of the lifting rod 401 is converted into the axial reciprocating motion of the furnace cover 300 through mechanical connection or guide connection, thereby realizing the opening and closing cooperation between the furnace cover 300 and the furnace liner 200.

[0088] To improve the guiding accuracy and structural stability of the lifting motion, a lifting slide 403 is further provided on the external fixed base. The lifting slide 403 is located on the lifting path of the lifting rod 401, and has a guide hole inside. The lifting rod 401 passes through the guide hole, so that the lifting rod 401 can obtain good radial support and guiding constraint during the up and down movement, avoiding swaying or shaking during the lifting process, thereby improving the centering accuracy and running stability of the furnace cover 300 lifting action.

[0089] The lifting slide 403 is used to guide and support the vertical lifting movement of the lifting rod 401. It has a composite structure of thermal compensation and floating guide inside to improve the lifting accuracy and adapt to thermal expansion changes in high temperature environment.

[0090] Specifically, the inner cavity of the lifting slide 403 is provided with a guide bushing, which is sleeved on the outer circular surface of the lifting rod 401 and forms a radial floating gap between them. This allows the lifting rod 401 to float slightly in the radial direction while maintaining basic guiding accuracy, so as to buffer the dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion.

[0091] To achieve dynamic control of the floating clearance, an array of disc springs is evenly installed on the inner wall of the lifting slide 403 along the circumferential direction. The disc springs are arranged around the guide bushing and can provide adaptive elastic preload in the radial direction to compensate for the change in the fit clearance caused by temperature changes.

[0092] Furthermore, the lifting slide 403 is also equipped with multiple ring array temperature sensors on its inner wall along the circumferential direction, which are used to collect temperature change data of the lifting rod 401 and its surrounding environment in real time, and transmit the collected data to the floating gap control module.

[0093] The floating gap control module adjusts the compression state of the array disc spring assembly in real time based on the feedback signal from the temperature sensor. That is, it dynamically adjusts the floating gap between the guide bushing and the lifting rod 401 by adjusting the preload of the disc spring assembly, thereby effectively compensating for dimensional deviations caused by thermal deformation and ensuring that the lifting structure can maintain good guiding accuracy and motion stability under different temperature conditions.

[0094] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the seal 202 is disposed between the axial contact surfaces of the first lug 201 and the second lug 301, located within their contact area, to achieve a sealing function. The seal 202 can be made of various high-performance materials, preferably including graphite spiral wound gaskets, metal corrugated gaskets, or high-temperature flexible composite sealing rings. These sealing materials all possess excellent high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and elastic deformation properties, effectively preventing media leakage in the steam furnace operating environment and ensuring the airtightness and sealing reliability between the furnace cover 300 and the furnace liner 200. Through its good elasticity and compressibility, the seal 202 adapts to the minor deformations caused by temperature changes and mechanical loads between the first lug 201 and the second lug 301, further improving the overall sealing effect and service life.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, the wedge block 303 has a capillary cooling network 307 inside, which is arranged along the internal space of the wedge block 303 to form a dense and uniformly distributed cooling channel. The capillary cooling network 307 is connected to an external circulating coolant source through pipe interfaces, enabling continuous introduction of coolant for circulating cooling. This structure effectively reduces the operating temperature of the wedge block 303, prevents material thermal expansion and performance degradation caused by high temperatures, and ensures the stable operation of the locking mechanism 500 and the long-term reliability of its sealing performance.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, the outer surface of the wedge block 303 is covered with a multi-layer composite wear-resistant layer, which includes, from the inside out: a tungsten carbide layer 304, a diamond layer 305, and a micron-sized graphene self-lubricating coating 306.

[0097] First, the tungsten carbide layer 304 formed by plasma spraying has a thickness of about 0.3 mm and its average grain size is controlled below 5 micrometers to ensure that the layer has excellent hardness and wear resistance.

[0098] It is covered with a diamond layer 305 with a thickness of about 10 micrometers, which has an extremely low coefficient of friction, preferably not greater than 0.10, thereby significantly reducing the frictional resistance between the contact surfaces;

[0099] The outermost layer is a micron-scale graphene self-lubricating coating 306 with a thickness of about 5 micrometers. This coating has a good lubrication effect, which can further reduce friction and wear, and improve the durability and service life of the wedge block 303 surface.

[0100] Through the design of this multi-layer composite wear-resistant structure, the wedge block 303 achieves excellent wear resistance and self-lubricating properties at the moving contact parts in the locking mechanism 500, effectively extending the service life of the components and improving the overall reliability and stability of the locking device.

[0101] In the above embodiments, both the first linear drive device 405 and the second linear drive device 504 are hydraulic cylinders.

[0102] The above embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to these embodiments without contributing any inventive step, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention, they are protected by patent law.

Claims

1. A locking device for a steam furnace, comprising: The furnace liner (200) has a first lug (201) extending radially outward; A furnace cover (300) is provided with a second lug (301) extending radially outward; the first lug (201) and the second lug (301) form a surface contact fit in the axial direction, and a sealing element (202) is provided between them; The lifting mechanism (400) drives the furnace cover (300) to reciprocate axially relative to the furnace shell (200); Locking mechanism (500), including: A locking ring (501) is arranged around the outer circumference of the first lug (201) and can rotate circumferentially around its own axis. The inner wall of the locking ring (501) is provided with a convex ring (508) and a rolling element (507) along the axial direction. The convex ring (508) is located at one end of the locking ring (501) along the axial direction. The rolling elements (507) are distributed at the other end of the locking ring (501) along the axial direction. There are multiple rolling elements (507) arranged along the circumference of the locking ring (501). The multiple rolling elements (507) are arranged parallel to the convex ring (508). The axial distance between the convex ring (508) and the rolling elements (507) is adapted to the thickness of the first lug (201), so that the first lug (201) forms an axial limiting fit between the convex ring (508) and the rolling elements (507). The locking block (502) is fixed to the inner wall of the locking ring (501); The wedge-shaped block (303) and the slot (302) are respectively disposed on the outer edge of the furnace cover (300) in the circumferential direction; A second linear drive device (504) drives the locking ring (501) to perform circumferential rotation. The front end of the second linear drive device (504) is provided with a connecting seat (503), which is fixedly connected to the locking ring (501). The rear end of the second linear drive device (504) is provided with a base (505), which is installed on an external fixed foundation. The front and rear ends of the second linear drive device (504) are respectively hinged to the connecting seat (503) and the base (505). The locking block (502) has the following features: First state: When the locking ring (501) rotates to the unlocked position, the locking block (502) and the wedge block (303) are coaxially connected, so that the lifting mechanism (400) can drive the furnace cover (300) to rise and fall in the first state; Second state: When the locking ring (501) rotates to the locking position, the locking block (502) is inserted into the slot (302) and rotates circumferentially and abuts against the inclined surface of the wedge block (303) to generate an axial component force to press the seal (202); The second linear drive device (504) is characterized by integrating a torque control system, comprising: Start-up control module: configured to output a torque pulse exceeding the rated torque at the instant the locking ring (501) rotates to start, the torque value of the pulse being 250%-300% of the rated torque, and the duration being 0.08-0.12 seconds; Uniform speed control module: configured to maintain a constant speed after the locking ring (501) starts rotating, with the speed range controlled between 6-10 revolutions per minute, until the locking ring (501) rotates to 2° before the target angle; Flexible positioning module: configured to linearly reduce the output torque from the rated torque value to 80% of the rated torque value during the last 2° of rotational stroke before the locking ring (501) reaches the target angle.

2. The locking device for a steam furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting mechanism (400) includes: The mounting base (404) is rigidly installed on an external fixed foundation; The first linear drive device (405) is vertically fixed on the fixed base (404); The lifting rod (401) is coaxially connected to the output end of the first linear drive device (405) and is driven by it to move vertically. The lifting frame (402) is fixedly connected to the top of the lifting rod (401) and moves synchronously with it; wherein, the lifting frame (402) is linked with the furnace cover (300) to convert the linear motion of the lifting rod (401) into the axial reciprocating motion of the furnace cover (300).

3. The locking device for a steam furnace according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a lifting slide (403) installed on an external fixed foundation. The lifting slide (403) is located on the lifting path of the lifting rod (401), and the lifting rod (401) passes through the lifting slide (403).

4. The locking device for a steam furnace according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lifting slide (403) is equipped with: The guide bushing forms a radial floating clearance with the lifting rod (401); An array of disc springs is distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the lifting slide (403); Circular array temperature sensors: distributed along the circumference on the inner wall of the lifting slide (403); The floating gap control module controls the preload of the array disc spring assembly based on the signal feedback from the temperature sensor, and dynamically adjusts the compression of the array disc spring assembly to compensate for thermal deformation.

5. A locking device for a steam furnace according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The sealing element (202) is a graphite spiral wound gasket, a metal corrugated gasket, or a high-temperature flexible composite sealing ring, and is disposed on the mating surface between the first lug (201) and the second lug (301).

6. A locking device for a steam furnace according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The wedge-shaped block (303) is provided with a capillary cooling network (307) inside, which is connected to an external circulating coolant source.

7. A locking device for a steam furnace according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The surface of the wedge-shaped block (303) is covered with a multi-layer composite wear-resistant layer, which includes, from the inside to the outside: Tungsten carbide (304) layer, 0.3 mm thick, average grain size ≤ 5 μm; Diamond layer (305), 10 μm thick, friction coefficient ≤0.10; Micron-sized graphene self-lubricating coating (306) with a thickness of 5 μm.

Images