Traction mechanism and control system

By combining planar linkage mechanism and electro-hydraulic actuator drive mode, three operating modes and multiple protection measures are designed to solve the safety hazards of manual operation and insufficient automation of existing traction mechanisms in metallurgical casting, realize the reliability and flexibility of traction process, and improve the operational stability and safety of equipment.

CN223990031UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-13INNER MONGOLIA LOW CARBON FERROALLOY TECH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-26
Publication Date
2026-03-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing traction mechanisms pose safety hazards during manual operation in metallurgical casting, and their accuracy and efficiency are difficult to guarantee. They are also difficult to adapt to the operational needs under different working conditions. In particular, automated operation is inflexible in high-risk environments, and there are problems of jamming and asynchrony.

Method used

The device employs a drive mechanism combining planar linkage and electro-hydraulic actuators, and is designed with three operating modes (manual, remote PLC control, and remote control). It is equipped with limit plates, rolling elements, and limit switches to achieve automatic opening and closing and precise control of the hook. Combined with the PLC program, it realizes signal feedback and equipment interlocking.

Benefits of technology

It improves the reliability and flexibility of the traction process, ensures operational safety, reduces frictional resistance, enhances the operational stability and automation level of the equipment, and adapts to operational needs under different working conditions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a traction mechanism and a control system, and relates to the technical field of metallurgical pouring, a hook mechanism comprises a first hook and a second hook, and the first hook and the second hook are connected with each other through a fixing pin shaft; the connecting mechanism comprises a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a first connecting pin shaft, a second connecting pin shaft, a sliding pin shaft and a connecting rod connecting block; the first end of the first connecting rod is connected with the first hook through a first connecting pin shaft, the first end of the second connecting rod is connected with the second hook through a second connecting pin shaft, and the second end of the first connecting rod and the second end of the second connecting rod are connected through a sliding pin shaft. According to the automatic hooking and pulling mechanism, automatic hooking and pulling of the pulling mechanism on the plane are achieved, the safety of the pulling process is improved, and operation is more flexible, simpler and more convenient.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of metallurgical casting technology, specifically to a traction mechanism and control system. Background Technology

[0002] Traction mechanisms, as a common type of mechanical structure, play a vital role in industrial production. Their main functions are to connect, tug, and displace objects, playing an irreplaceable role, especially in scenarios where manual labor is difficult. In the casting systems of the metallurgical industry, traction mechanisms are primarily used for the traction and positioning of ingot mold cars, and are key equipment ensuring the smooth progress of the casting process.

[0003] Existing traction mechanisms typically employ simple mechanical connections, with operation primarily relying on manual labor. This traditional operating mode has several shortcomings: First, in hazardous metallurgical production environments, manual operation can easily pose safety hazards to operators; second, the precision and efficiency of manual operation are difficult to guarantee, potentially affecting the stability of the casting process; and third, a single operating mode is insufficient to adapt to the operational needs under different working conditions, reducing production efficiency.

[0004] The existing technology CN103882851A provides an automatic towing hook device, which employs a combination of a disengagement mechanism and a connection mechanism. However, this device only solves the problem of automatic towing hooking in a plane parallel to the direction of gravity, and cannot solve the problem of automatic towing hooking in a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. During operation, the device is prone to jamming and asynchrony, resulting in insufficient operational flexibility and room for improvement in safety. Especially in high-risk environments such as metallurgical casting, how to achieve automated operation of the traction mechanism in a plane, ensuring operator safety while guaranteeing the reliability and flexibility of the traction process, has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a traction mechanism, control system, and operation method that realizes automatic hook release and traction on a plane, and ensures the safety and operational flexibility of the traction process.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a traction mechanism, comprising a hook mechanism, a connecting mechanism, and a driving mechanism, wherein the hook mechanism comprises a first hook and a second hook, and the first hook and the second hook are connected to each other by a fixed pin.

[0007] The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a first connecting pin, a second connecting pin, a sliding pin, and a connecting rod connecting block; the first end of the first connecting rod is connected to the first hook through the first connecting pin, the first end of the second connecting rod is connected to the second hook through the second connecting pin, and the second ends of the first connecting rod and the second ends of the second connecting rod are connected to each other through the sliding pin;

[0008] Limiting plates are provided on both sides of the connecting rod block. The first end of the connecting rod block is connected to a sliding pin, and the second end is connected to a drive mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, the traction mechanism also includes an upper fixed panel, a lower fixed panel, a first positioning plate, a second positioning plate, and a rear positioning plate; the upper fixed panel is disposed at the top of the plane where the traction hook is located, the lower fixed panel is disposed at the bottom of the plane where the traction hook is located, and the first positioning plate, the second positioning plate, and the rear positioning plate are disposed between the upper fixed panel and the lower fixed panel.

[0010] Furthermore: the drive mechanism includes an electro-hydraulic actuator, a first pin, and a second pin. The first end of the electro-hydraulic actuator is connected to the connecting rod block via the first pin; the second end of the electro-hydraulic actuator is connected to the rear positioning plate via the second pin.

[0011] Furthermore: the first hook and the second hook are respectively provided with rolling elements; the upper fixed panel is provided with a first limit switch and a second limit switch.

[0012] Furthermore, the first positioning plate, the second positioning plate, and the rear positioning plate are sequentially fixedly connected to the upper fixed panel and the lower fixed panel by M16 bolts, elastic washers, and flat washers.

[0013] A control system, applied to the traction mechanism described in any one of the above, includes an operation box, a centralized control console, and a remote controller. The centralized control console is connected to the traction mechanism, and the operation box is connected to the centralized control console. The operation box is provided with two control buttons, namely "hook open" and "hook closed," and the remote controller is provided with two control buttons, namely "hook open" and "hook closed." The remote controller is provided with a transmitter, and the traction mechanism is provided with a receiver.

[0014] Furthermore, the centralized control console is equipped with a mode conversion switch knob, and the control system has three control modes: manual mode, remote PLC control mode, and remote control mode, and only one mode can be activated at a time.

[0015] An operating method, applied to the control system described in any of the above, wherein in manual mode, the remote PLC control mode and the remote controller control mode are disabled, the hook is fully opened by pressing the open position control button, and the hook is fully closed by pressing the close position control button.

[0016] An operating method is applied to the control system described in any of the above. In the remote PLC control mode, the centralized control console is automatically controlled by the PLC, and the manual mode and remote control mode are disabled. The control system detects the position of the tractor vehicle through the first limit switch and the second limit switch, and sends a feedback signal after detecting that the vehicle has reached the limit switch position. After receiving the feedback signal, the control system performs the operation of opening or closing the hook according to the feedback signal.

[0017] An operating method, applied to the control system described in any of the above, wherein in remote control mode, manual mode and remote PLC control mode are disabled; the hook is fully opened by pressing the open position control button on the remote control, and the hook is fully closed by pressing the close position control button.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] I. This device employs a drive system combining a planar linkage mechanism and an electro-hydraulic actuator to achieve automatic opening and closing of the hook, ensuring the reliability of the unhooking and traction processes. The cross arrangement of the two linkages, along with the hinged connection with the linkage connecting block, makes the opening and closing actions smoother and more controllable, effectively avoiding the jamming and asynchrony problems that are prone to occur in traditional traction mechanisms.

[0020] II. This utility model is designed with three operating modes (remote PLC control, on-site manual control and remote control control) and ensures interlocking between the modes, which significantly improves the operational flexibility and safety of the equipment. Operators can choose the most suitable operating mode according to the specific working conditions, which can ensure the safety of remote operation and allow on-site intervention when necessary.

[0021] Third, this utility model incorporates multiple protective measures in its structural design. The limit plate effectively prevents the connecting rod block from swaying left and right; the application of rolling elements reduces frictional resistance during opening and closing; and the limit switch configuration enables precise control of the opening and closing position, greatly improving the operational stability and service life of the equipment.

[0022] IV. The installation structure of this utility model adopts bolt connection and is equipped with elastic washers, which not only ensures the stability of the overall structure, but also facilitates maintenance and replacement. By applying a reasonable preload to the bolts, loosening during operation is effectively prevented, ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0023] V. This utility model implements a complete signal feedback mechanism. By detecting the hook position through limit switches and providing real-time feedback, combined with PLC program control, the entire traction process is kept under control, effectively improving the level of automation and operational reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A top view schematic diagram of a traction mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic front view of a traction mechanism provided by this utility model;

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Connecting body; 2. First hook; 3. Second hook; 4. Fixed pin; 5. First connecting rod; 6. Second connecting rod; 7. Rolling element; 8. First connecting pin; 9. Second connecting pin; 10. Sliding pin; 11. Connecting rod block; 12. Limiting plate; 13. Electro-hydraulic actuator; 14. First pin; 15. Second pin; 16. Upper fixed panel; 17. Lower fixed panel; 18. First positioning plate; 19. Second positioning plate; 20. Rear positioning plate; 21. Bolt; 22. First limit switch; 23. Second limit switch. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] like Figure 1-2 As shown: A traction mechanism provided in this application includes a hook mechanism, a connecting mechanism and a driving mechanism. The hook mechanism includes a first hook 2 and a second hook 3, which are connected to each other by a fixed pin 4.

[0031] The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting rod 5, a second connecting rod 6, a first connecting pin 8, a second connecting pin 9, a sliding pin 10, and a connecting rod connecting block 11; the first end of the first connecting rod 5 is connected to the first hook 2 through the first connecting pin 8, the first end of the second connecting rod 6 is connected to the second hook 3 through the second connecting pin 9, and the second end of the first connecting rod 5 and the second end of the second connecting rod 6 are connected to each other through the sliding pin 10.

[0032] Limiting plates 12 are provided on both sides of the connecting rod connecting block 11. The limiting plates 12 are used to restrict the left and right movement of the connecting rod connecting block 11. The first end of the connecting rod connecting block 11 is connected to the sliding pin 10, and the second end is connected to the drive mechanism. By designing the combination of the cross connecting rod and the sliding pin 10, the motion trajectory of the traction mechanism is optimized, friction is reduced, and transmission stability is improved.

[0033] It should be noted that the connector 1 used to connect with the head of the mold car is not a component of this device, but only works in conjunction with this device during use to better realize the traction process of the mold car.

[0034] According to a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the traction mechanism further includes an upper fixed panel 16, a lower fixed panel 17, a first positioning plate 18, a second positioning plate 19, and a rear positioning plate 20; the upper fixed panel 16 is disposed at the top of the plane where the traction hook is located, the lower fixed panel 17 is disposed at the bottom of the plane where the traction hook is located, and the first positioning plate 18, the second positioning plate 19, and the rear positioning plate 20 are disposed between the upper fixed panel 16 and the lower fixed panel 17.

[0035] The drive mechanism includes an electro-hydraulic actuator 13, a first pin 14, and a second pin 15. The first end of the electro-hydraulic actuator 13 is connected to the connecting rod block 11 via the first pin 14; the second end of the electro-hydraulic actuator 13 is connected to the rear positioning plate 20 via the second pin 15; the first hook 2 and the second hook 3 are respectively provided with rolling elements 7, which are used to reduce rotational friction during the opening and closing of the hooks; the upper fixed panel 16 is provided with a first limit switch 22 and a second limit switch 23, which are used to detect the position of the stop bar on the fixed pin 4 and send a feedback signal; the first positioning plate 18, the second positioning plate 19, and the rear positioning plate 20 are sequentially fixedly connected to the upper fixed panel 16 and the lower fixed panel 17 via bolts 21, elastic washers, and flat washers, and the bolts 21 are preferably M16 bolts.

[0036] A hook control system for controlling the traction mechanism of any of the above includes an operation box, a central control console, and a remote controller. The central control console is connected to the traction mechanism, and the operation box is connected to the central control console. The operation box is provided with two control buttons, "hook open" and "hook closed," respectively. The remote controller is provided with two control buttons, "hook open" and "hook closed," respectively. The remote controller is provided with a transmitter, and the traction mechanism is provided with a receiver for receiving signals transmitted by the remote controller.

[0037] According to a specific embodiment of this utility model, the centralized control console is equipped with a mode conversion switch knob, and the control system has three control modes: manual mode, remote PLC control mode, and remote control mode, and only one mode can be activated at a time.

[0038] An operating method for any of the above-mentioned hook control systems, wherein in manual mode, the remote PLC control mode and the remote control mode are disabled, the hook is fully opened by pressing the open position control button, and the hook is fully closed by pressing the close position control button.

[0039] According to a specific embodiment of this utility model, in the remote PLC control mode, the centralized control console is automatically controlled by the PLC, and the manual mode and remote control mode are disabled. The control system detects the position of the tractor through the first limit switch 22 and the second limit switch 23, and sends a feedback signal after detecting that the vehicle has reached the limit switch position. After receiving the feedback signal, the control system performs the operation of opening or closing the hook according to the feedback signal.

[0040] According to a specific embodiment of this utility model, in the remote control mode, the manual mode and the remote PLC control mode are disabled; the hook is fully opened by pressing the open position control button on the remote control, and the hook is fully closed by pressing the close position control button.

[0041] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0042] Connector 1 is welded and fixed to the head of the mold car, and is used to cooperate with the traction mechanism to complete traction.

[0043] The first hook 2 and the second hook 3 are fixedly connected by a fixed pin 4. When the traction mechanism is opened and closed, the hooks rotate. In order to reduce the friction generated during rotation, rolling elements 7 are installed on the contact surfaces of the first hook 2 and the second hook 3 with the upper and lower fixed panels respectively, so that the resistance is reduced and the rotation is flexible.

[0044] The first end of the first link 5 is connected to the first hook 2 via the first connecting pin 8, the first end of the second link 6 is connected to the second hook 3 via the second connecting pin 9, the second ends of the first link 5 and the second ends of the second link 6 are connected to each other via the sliding pin 10, the first end of the link connecting block 11 is connected to the sliding pin 10, and the second end is connected to the drive mechanism, forming a planar link structure, which optimizes the motion trajectory of the traction mechanism, reduces friction and improves transmission stability.

[0045] When the connecting block 11 moves back and forth, it is limited by the limiting plates 12 on both sides, so that it can only move back and forth and avoid shaking.

[0046] The first end of the electro-hydraulic actuator 13 is connected to the connecting rod block 11 via the first pin 14, and the second end is connected to the rear positioning plate 20 via the second pin 15. By controlling the extension / retraction of the electro-hydraulic actuator 13, the opening / closing of the first hook 2 and the second hook 3 can be controlled. The upper fixed panel 16 and the lower fixed panel 17 are fixedly connected by bolts 21 via the first positioning plate 18, the second positioning plate 19 and the rear positioning plate 20. Elastic washers and flat washers are installed between the bolts 21 and the positioning plates in sequence. It should be noted that when tightening the bolts 21, a torque wrench should be used to adjust the preload of the bolts 21 appropriately to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the internal mechanism.

[0047] Fixed limit switches one and two are installed on the upper fixed panel 16. When the stop bar on the fixed pin 4 contacts limit switch one / limit switch two, the traction mechanism receives a feedback signal and performs an open / close operation. The control line of the electro-hydraulic push rod 13 and the control line of the limit switch are respectively connected to the centralized control console located inside the control room through cables. The control box is connected to the centralized control console. The control points are programmed into the PLC program. The operator can realize one-key unhooking and hooking actions through monitoring in the control room, thereby realizing the stable connection between the traction mechanism and the connecting body 1 and realizing the traction of the spindle mold car.

[0048] There are three control modes: manual mode, remote PLC control mode, and remote control mode. The centralized control console is equipped with a mode switch knob to switch between the three control modes. Simply rotate the mode switch knob to switch between the three control modes. The specific implementation process of the three control modes is as follows:

[0049] In manual mode, the operation is controlled by buttons on the on-site control box; remote and remote control functions are disabled. The control box has two control buttons: "hook open" and "hook closed." When hooking, as the hook approaches the connecting body 1, the operator presses the "open" control button to fully open the hook. Once the protrusion of the connecting body 1 welded on the mold car is fully inside the open hook, the operator releases the "open" button and then presses the "close" button to hook the connecting body 1. After the two are fully engaged, the operator releases the "open" button, completing a stable connection between the traction mechanism and the connecting body 1, facilitating the next step of traction operation for the mold car.

[0050] After traction is completed, when it is necessary to disengage, the operator presses the open position control button to fully open the hook. When the protrusion of the connecting body 1 welded on the ingot mold car is completely disengaged from the open hook, the operator releases the open position button and then presses the close position button to fully close the hook, thus completing the disengagement of the traction mechanism and the connecting body 1.

[0051] In remote PLC mode, the system is automatically controlled by the centralized control console PLC, with manual and remote control functions disabled. Using a pre-programmed PLC, when a hook is needed, a proximity switch mounted on connector 1 detects the position of the traction mechanism. When connector 1 on the mold car reaches the appropriate position, the hook on the traction mechanism automatically opens. When the protrusion of connector 1 welded onto the mold car is fully inserted into the opened hook, the proximity switch on connector 1 detects that connector 1 is in position and sends a feedback signal to the control system. At this point, the hook on the traction mechanism automatically closes, completing a stable connection between the traction mechanism and connector 1, facilitating the next step of traction operation for the mold car.

[0052] It should be noted that, for safety reasons, the remote PLC mode does not have a program set up for the traction mechanism to automatically unhook when unhooking is required.

[0053] In remote control mode, the device is controlled by handheld remote control, while manual and remote PLC control are disabled. The remote control has two control buttons: "hook open" and "hook closed." A transmitter is located at the remote control transmitter end, and a receiver is located near the hook. When hooking, the operator can operate the remote control from any convenient position. To hook, bring the connector 1 close to the hook, press the "open" control button on the remote control to fully open the hook. Once the protrusion of the connector 1 welded to the mold car is fully inside the open hook, the operator releases the "open" button and then presses the "close" button to hook the connector 1. After the two are fully engaged, release the "open" button to complete the stable connection between the traction mechanism and the connector 1, facilitating the next step of traction operation of the mold car.

[0054] After traction is completed, when it is necessary to disengage, the operator presses the open position control button on the remote control to fully open the hook. When the protrusion of the connecting body 1 welded on the ingot mold car is completely disengaged from the open hook, the operator releases the open position button and then presses the close position button to fully close the hook, thus completing the disengagement of the traction mechanism and the connecting body 1.

[0055] It should be noted that the operator uses the control system, which is precisely controlled through PLC programming and monitored in real time via a monitoring screen, to achieve remote one-button operation. The three modes can be switched flexibly, allowing for control according to actual needs, and are safe and convenient.

[0056] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent transformations or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A traction mechanism comprising a hitch mechanism, a coupling mechanism and a drive mechanism, characterized in that: The hook mechanism comprises a first hook and a second hook, which are connected to each other by a fixed pin shaft; The connecting mechanism comprises a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a first connecting pin shaft, a second connecting pin shaft, a sliding pin shaft and a connecting rod connecting block; the first end of the first connecting rod is connected to the first hook by the first connecting pin shaft, the first end of the second connecting rod is connected to the second hook by the second connecting pin shaft, and the second end of the first connecting rod and the second end of the second connecting rod are connected to each other by the sliding pin shaft; The connecting rod connecting block is provided with a limiting plate on both sides, the first end of the connecting rod connecting block is connected to the sliding pin shaft, and the second end of the connecting rod connecting block is connected to the driving mechanism.

2. A traction mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that: The traction mechanism further comprises an upper fixed panel, a lower fixed panel, a first positioning plate, a second positioning plate and a rear positioning plate; the upper fixed panel is arranged at the top end of the plane where the traction hook is located, the lower fixed panel is arranged at the bottom end of the plane where the traction hook is located, and the first positioning plate, the second positioning plate and the rear positioning plate are arranged between the upper fixed panel and the lower fixed panel.

3. A traction mechanism according to claim 2, characterised in that: The driving mechanism comprises an electro-hydraulic push rod, a first bolt and a second bolt, the first end of the electro-hydraulic push rod is connected to the connecting rod connecting block by the first bolt, and the second end of the electro-hydraulic push rod is connected to the rear positioning plate by the second bolt.

4. A traction mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The first hook and the second hook are respectively provided with rolling bodies; the upper fixed panel is provided with a first limit switch and a second limit switch.

5. A traction mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The first positioning plate, the second positioning plate and the rear positioning plate are sequentially fixedly connected to the upper fixed panel and the lower fixed panel by bolts, elastic washers and flat washers.

6. A control system characterized by: The traction mechanism applied to any one of claims 1-5 comprises an operation box, a centralized control operation table and a remote controller, the centralized control operation table is connected to the traction mechanism, the operation box is connected to the centralized control operation table, the operation box is respectively provided with two control buttons of hook opening to position and hook closing to position, the remote controller is respectively provided with two control buttons of hook opening to position and hook closing to position; the remote controller is provided with a transmitting device, and the traction mechanism is provided with a receiver.

7. The control system of claim 6, wherein: The centralized control operation table is provided with a mode conversion switch knob, the control system has three control modes of manual mode, remote PLC control mode and remote controller control mode, and only one mode can be enabled at the same time.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Automatic unhooking and hooking device

    CN103882851A