Quick connecting device for bottom electrode of direct-current electric arc furnace

Abstract

The utility model relates to a quick connecting device for a bottom electrode of a direct-current electric arc furnace and belongs to the technical field of metallurgy. The device comprises a conductive busbar, a compensator, a front pressing plate, a rear pressing plate, a pressing block, a connecting bolt, a compression nut and a locking nut, wherein the compression nut and the locking nut are matched with each other; the front pressing plate and the rear pressing plate clamp the conductive busbar and the compensator through three sets of connecting bolts, one set of bolts achieves positioning, the other two sets of connecting bolts are distributed on the upper side and the lower side of the busbar so as to reduce the number of holes, meanwhile, the U-shaped bolt holes allow the bolts to rapidly slide in or move out, and stable pressing and loosening prevention are achieved through combination of the double pressing nuts and the double locking nuts. According to the scheme, the conductive area is reserved by reducing busbar holes, and the current density and energy loss are reduced; the bolt layout and the disassembly and assembly structure are optimized, and the maintenance efficiency is remarkably improved; the design of the pressing blocks and the symmetrical pressing plates ensures balanced distribution of pressure, connection reliability is enhanced, and the structure is suitable for a high-current-load direct-current electric arc furnace bottom electrode scene and has the advantages of high efficiency, stability and economical efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of metallurgical technology and relates to a quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace. Background Technology

[0002] As a crucial component of the electric arc furnace circuit, the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace is subjected to long-term exposure to high temperatures and chemical corrosion, requiring regular maintenance or replacement. Currently, the industry standard for bottom electrode connection involves densely perforating the connecting flanges of the conductive busbar and the compensator, and directly fixing it with numerous standard parts such as bolts, nuts, and washers. However, in practical applications of large DC electric arc furnaces, due to the extremely high current load, the number of conductive busbars required for a single bottom electrode often exceeds ten sets, and each set requires a high conductive area. To meet current conduction requirements, traditional solutions require hundreds of bolt holes to be drilled on the conductive busbar and compensator flanges, along with the installation of an equal number of standard parts. This design has significant drawbacks: firstly, the large number of perforations reduces the effective contact area of ​​the conductive busbar, leading to localized increases in current density and potentially causing overheating or poor contact; secondly, installation and disassembly require the manipulation of hundreds of bolts and nuts individually, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, severely restricting equipment maintenance efficiency and increasing downtime costs; thirdly, frequent disassembly operations can easily lead to wear of bolt holes or failure of standard parts, further affecting the reliability and lifespan of the connection.

[0003] While existing technologies have attempted to address these issues by optimizing bolt layout or using high-strength materials, they have not resolved the fundamental contradictions at the structural design level. For example, some solutions still rely on densely packed direct bolts for fixation, merely increasing the number or size of bolts to improve stability, but this actually exacerbates the loss of conductive area and operational complexity. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a new type of connection device that can take into account conductivity, installation efficiency and long-term reliability, so as to break through the limitations of traditional technology and meet the urgent needs of the metallurgical industry for efficient maintenance and stable operation of equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace includes a conductive busbar, a compensator, a front pressure plate, a rear pressure plate, and a pressure block. The front and rear pressure plates connect the compensator to the conductive busbar by clamping. The pressure block is disposed between the front and rear pressure plates and contacts the compensator to evenly distribute the clamping pressure, thereby improving the conductive contact conditions.

[0007] Optionally, the front and rear pressure plates are connected to the compensator and conductive busbars via connecting bolts and corresponding clamping nuts and lock nuts. The bolts and nuts provide a stable clamping force and simplify the installation process.

[0008] Optionally, the upper part of the front and rear pressure plates is provided with U-shaped bolt holes, through which the connecting bolts are passed and secured by clamping nuts and lock nuts. The U-shaped hole design allows the bolts to be installed or removed without being completely withdrawn, significantly improving operational efficiency.

[0009] Optionally, the U-shaped bolt holes of the front and rear pressure plates are arranged symmetrically to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the connecting bolts, while ensuring uniform force on the pressure plates and avoiding eccentric load problems.

[0010] Optionally, the front and rear pressure plates are fixed by three sets of connecting bolts. One set of connecting bolts passes through the flanges of the conductive busbar and the compensator to provide a positioning function, while the other two sets of connecting bolts are respectively set above and below the conductive busbar, thereby reducing the number of holes drilled in the conductive busbar and maximizing the retained conductive contact area.

[0011] Optionally, each set of connecting bolts is equipped with four nuts, two of which are clamping nuts used to apply initial clamping force; and two are lock nuts used to prevent the clamping nuts from loosening and to ensure the long-term stability of the connection.

[0012] Optionally, the briquetting block can be made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, taking into account both high temperature resistance and lightweight requirements, while reducing maintenance costs.

[0013] Optionally, the pressure block can directly contact the flange of the compensator. Through a multi-point pressure distribution design, local stress concentration can be eliminated, further improving the reliability of the connection and the uniformity of electrical conductivity.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] This technical solution, through structural innovation and optimized design, significantly improves the installation efficiency, conductivity, and long-term operational stability of the DC electric arc furnace bottom electrode connection device, specifically in the following aspects:

[0016] 1. Improve conductivity and reduce energy loss

[0017] Traditional connection methods require numerous bolt holes on the conductive busbar and compensator flange, significantly reducing the effective conductive area. This forces current to concentrate in the remaining area, easily leading to excessively high local current density, overheating of the contact surface, and even ablation. This solution maximizes the preservation of the complete contact area of ​​the conductive busbar by reducing the number of openings (e.g., requiring only a few positioning bolts), thereby reducing the overall current density and minimizing energy loss and heat generation risk. Furthermore, the combined design of the pressure block and front and rear pressure plates ensures uniform pressure distribution between the compensator and the conductive busbar, preventing the formation of micro-gaps or oxide layers on the contact surface due to uneven stress, further improving conductivity uniformity and enhancing current transmission efficiency.

[0018] 2. Simplify installation and maintenance processes, and reduce downtime.

[0019] Existing technologies require the installation of hundreds of bolts and nuts, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, severely hindering equipment maintenance efficiency. This solution employs an optimized bolt layout design, using three sets of connecting bolts for positioning and fixing. Only one set of bolts needs to pass through the conductive busbar and compensator flange for positioning, while the other two sets are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the conductive busbar, significantly reducing the need for drilling holes in the conductive busbar. Furthermore, the U-shaped bolt holes on the front and rear pressure plates are symmetrically designed. During installation, the bolts are simply slid into the U-shaped holes and secured with the clamping and locking nuts. Disassembly simply requires loosening the nuts to remove the entire pressure plate, eliminating the need to remove all bolts individually. This design reduces installation time by more than 70%, significantly minimizing the impact of maintenance downtime on production.

[0020] 3. Enhance connection reliability and equipment lifespan

[0021] Traditional multi-bolt connections are prone to imbalances in overall contact pressure due to loosening or corrosion of individual bolts, leading to fluctuations in contact resistance or even connection failure. This solution utilizes a combination of pressure blocks and plates to transform single-point pressure into surface contact pressure, ensuring uniform distribution of clamping force between the compensator flange and the conductive busbar. Furthermore, each set of connecting bolts is equipped with double clamping nuts and double locking nuts. The clamping nuts apply initial preload, while the locking nuts prevent loosening due to vibration or thermal expansion, thus maintaining stable contact pressure over the long term. In addition, the pressure blocks are made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, combining high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties to prevent performance degradation due to material aging and extend the overall service life of the device.

[0022] 4. Reduce maintenance costs and resource waste

[0023] Traditional solutions often involve frequent disassembly and removal of numerous bolts and nuts, leading to thread wear or scrapping of standard parts and resulting in high maintenance costs. This solution significantly reduces manpower and spare parts consumption during maintenance by reducing the number of standard parts (requiring only a small number of bolts and nuts) and optimizing the disassembly and assembly process. Furthermore, the U-shaped bolt hole design avoids the risk of loss or misalignment of bolts after complete removal, reducing parts damage caused by operational errors.

[0024] 5. Highly adaptable, meeting diverse working conditions.

[0025] The structural design of this solution balances versatility and flexibility. For example, the number and layout of the pressure blocks can be adjusted according to actual needs to accommodate different specifications of compensator flanges; the symmetrical bolt hole design can adapt to different installation space constraints; and the material selection (such as aluminum alloy pressure blocks) reduces the overall weight while ensuring strength, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with high requirements for lightweight equipment.

[0026] In summary, this technical solution, through innovative structural design, has achieved multiple technological breakthroughs in improving conductivity, simplifying operation procedures, enhancing reliability, and reducing costs, providing a practical solution for the efficient and stable operation of DC electric arc furnaces in the metallurgical industry.

[0027] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of the DC furnace bottom electrode quick connection device of this technology;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a top view of the DC furnace bottom electrode quick connection device of this technology;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a front view of a conventional DC furnace bottom electrode connection device.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top view of a conventional DC furnace bottom electrode connection device.

[0033] Figure reference numerals: 1. Conductive busbar; 2. Compensator; 3. Front pressure plate; 4. Rear pressure plate; 5. Pressure block; 6. Connecting bolt; 7. Pressure nut; 8. Locking nut. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0035] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they 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. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Existing technology description

[0038] Traditional DC furnace bottom electrode connection devices use a direct connection between the conductive busbar and the compensator flange. Specifically, dense holes are drilled in both the conductive busbar and the compensator flange, and standard parts such as bolts, nuts, and washers are used to secure the busbar (see...). Figure 3 , Figure 4 Large-scale DC electric arc furnaces, due to their extremely high current, require more than 10 sets of conductive busbars for a single bottom electrode, with each busbar requiring a high conductive area. To achieve reliable connections, traditional solutions require hundreds of bolt holes on the busbars and flanges, along with the installation of an equal number of standard components. This design significantly reduces the effective conductive area, leading to localized increases in current density and a tendency for overheating or ablation at the contact surfaces. Furthermore, the installation and removal of numerous bolts is time-consuming and labor-intensive, severely impacting equipment maintenance efficiency and production capacity.

[0039] Specific implementation methods of this technology

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the quick connection device for the bottom electrode of the DC electric arc furnace of this technology includes a conductive busbar 1, a compensator 2, a front pressure plate 3, a rear pressure plate 4, a pressure block 5, a connecting bolt 6, a clamping nut 7, and a locking nut 8. The connection relationship and operation process of each component are explained step by step below:

[0041] Core structure assembly

[0042] Align the flange of compensator 2 with the conductive busbar 1 to ensure that the contact surfaces of the two are flat.

[0043] Several pressure blocks 5 are arranged between the front pressure plate 3 and the rear pressure plate 4, and the pressure blocks 5 directly contact the flange of the compensator 2. The material of the pressure blocks 5 can be stainless steel or aluminum alloy to balance the requirements of corrosion resistance and lightweight.

[0044] The compensator 2 is clamped to the conductive busbar 1 by the front pressure plate 3 and the rear pressure plate 4. The pressure blocks 5 are evenly distributed between the front pressure plate 3 and the rear pressure plate 4 to ensure that the clamping force is evenly distributed along the flange surface and to avoid local pressure concentration.

[0045] Bolted connection design

[0046] The front pressure plate 3 and the rear pressure plate 4 are fixed by three sets of connecting bolts 6. One set of connecting bolts 6 passes through the flange holes of the conductive busbar 1 and the compensator 2 (see...). Figure 2 This allows for precise positioning; the other two sets of connecting bolts 6 are respectively set above and below the conductive busbar 1 to avoid additional holes on the busbar, thereby maximizing the retained conductive contact area.

[0047] The upper parts of the front pressure plate 3 and the rear pressure plate 4 are provided with symmetrically arranged U-shaped bolt holes (see...). Figure 1 After the connecting bolt 6 passes through the U-shaped hole, the clamping nut 7 and the locking nut 8 are installed in sequence. The design of the U-shaped hole allows the connecting bolt 6 to slide out simply by loosening the nut during disassembly and assembly, without having to completely remove the bolt, greatly improving operational efficiency.

[0048] Nut configuration and tightening process

[0049] Each set of connecting bolts 6 is equipped with four nuts, including two clamping nuts 7 and two locking nuts 8. During installation, an initial preload is first applied by clamping nuts 7 to ensure that the front pressure plate 3, rear pressure plate 4 and pressure block 5 fit tightly together; then the locking nuts 8 are tightened to prevent the clamping nuts 7 from loosening due to vibration or thermal expansion, ensuring the stability of the long-term connection.

[0050] During disassembly, simply loosen the locking nut 8 and the clamping nut 7, and move the connecting bolt 6 laterally along the U-shaped hole to quickly separate the front pressure plate 3 and the rear pressure plate 4. There is no need to completely remove the bolts, which significantly shortens the maintenance time.

[0051] Pressure equalization and conductivity optimization

[0052] Multi-point contact design between pressure block 5 and compensator 2 flange (see...) Figure 2 This can convert single-point clamping force into surface pressure, effectively eliminating micro-gaps in the contact surface and improving the uniformity of electrical conductivity.

[0053] Compared with traditional solutions, this technology significantly increases the effective conductive area and reduces the current density by reducing the number of openings in the conductive busbar 1 (requiring only a small number of positioning holes), thereby reducing energy loss and the risk of overheating.

[0054] Operational advantages

[0055] During installation or maintenance, this device only requires complete removal of the positioning bolts passing through the conductive busbar 1, followed by loosening the nuts of the remaining two sets of connecting bolts 6, allowing for the complete removal of the pressure plate assembly. This reduces operation time by more than 70% compared to traditional solutions. Furthermore, the U-shaped bolt holes and symmetrical pressure plate design further simplify alignment and adjustment steps, reducing operational complexity. This embodiment, by optimizing the pressure plate structure, reducing the number of bolts, and improving the disassembly and assembly method, significantly improves maintenance efficiency while ensuring conductivity and connection reliability. It is suitable for bottom electrode connection scenarios in various large-scale DC electric arc furnaces.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace, characterized in that, It includes a conductive busbar (1), a compensator (2), a front pressure plate (3), a rear pressure plate (4), and a pressure block (5); The front pressure plate (3) and the rear pressure plate (4) press the compensator (2) tightly to the conductive busbar (1); The pressure block (5) is positioned between the front pressure plate (3) and the rear pressure plate (4) and contacts the compensator (2) to distribute the clamping pressure evenly.

2. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front pressure plate (3) and the rear pressure plate (4) are connected to the compensator (2) and the conductive busbar (1) by connecting bolts (6) and corresponding clamping nuts (7) and locking nuts (8).

3. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper part of the front pressure plate (3) and the rear pressure plate (4) are provided with U-shaped bolt holes, and the connecting bolt (6) passes through the U-shaped bolt holes and is fixed by the clamping nut (7) and the locking nut (8).

4. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 3, characterized in that, The U-shaped bolt holes of the front pressure plate (3) and the rear pressure plate (4) are symmetrically arranged to enable quick assembly and disassembly of the connecting bolts (6).

5. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front pressure plate (3) and the rear pressure plate (4) are connected by three sets of connecting bolts (6). One set of connecting bolts (6) passes through the flanges of the conductive busbar (1) and the compensator (2) to achieve positioning. The other two sets of connecting bolts (6) are respectively set above and below the conductive busbar (1).

6. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, Each set of connecting bolts (6) is equipped with four nuts, two of which are clamping nuts (7) and two are locking nuts (8).

7. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the pressure block (5) is stainless steel or aluminum alloy.

8. The quick connection device for the bottom electrode of a DC electric arc furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure block (5) contacts the flange of the compensator (2) to evenly distribute the clamping pressure.

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