Hydraulic device for steel flow control

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hydraulic device for steel flow control, which belongs to the technical field of metallurgical equipment and comprises a working energy storage end, an accident energy storage end, an oil return end, a hydraulic cylinder, a water gap control valve and an accident shut-off valve. The working energy storage end drives the hydraulic cylinder through the water gap control valve under the normal working condition to adjust the opening degree of the water gap. The accident energy storage end stores energy independently and is directly communicated with a rodless cavity of the hydraulic cylinder through an accident shut-off valve. When accidental faults such as power failure and electric signal loss occur, the accident shut-off valve loses power and connects the oil inlet P and the working port A, pressure at the accident energy storage end passes through the accident shut-off valve, oil liquid enters a rodless cavity of the hydraulic cylinder and pushes the stopper rod to close the water gap of the ladle, and therefore it is avoided that molten steel of the ladle flows downwards all the time. According to the hydraulic device, the effect of automatically closing the water outlet in an emergency fault is achieved through the self-driven connection function of the accident closing valve during power failure and signal loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of metallurgical equipment technology, specifically a hydraulic device for steel flow control. Background Technology

[0002] As a core piece of equipment in the modern iron and steel metallurgical industry, the continuous casting machine's core function is to continuously cast high-temperature molten steel into billets with a predetermined cross-sectional shape. During continuous casting, molten steel flows from the tundish through an immersion nozzle into the crystallizer, and then gradually solidifies under the traction and cooling of a multi-stage roller system in a fan-shaped section. Steel flow control is a crucial factor affecting billet quality and production efficiency, and its core lies in the precise regulation of the molten steel's flow rate, volume, and stability to avoid defects such as runoff, slag entrapment, and cracks. The hydraulic system, as the core actuator for the continuous casting machine's drive and control, directly determines the dynamic response accuracy and reliability of the steel flow adjustment mechanism.

[0003] Currently, continuous casting machines commonly use hydraulic servo systems for steel flow control. These systems adjust the displacement and output force of hydraulic cylinders via proportional or servo valves, thereby driving the stopper rod or sliding gate opening to achieve closed-loop control of molten steel flow. However, the actual industrial environment is complex, and hydraulic systems may experience unexpected malfunctions such as power outages or PLC signal loss due to grid fluctuations, equipment failures, or signal interference. This can lead to unstable steel flow control and even serious accidents such as leakage and steel spillage, threatening equipment safety and production continuity.

[0004] For example, patent CN109611396A discloses an automatic switching hydraulic system for the hydraulic cylinder supply of a large-diameter sliding gate. This system has two independent main system oil sources, I and II. When the pressure in each pressure-reducing circuit is normal (indicated by the pressure switch), the two systems supply oil independently without interference. When the pressure in one circuit falls below the process setting, the switching valve automatically energizes, allowing the two pressure oil lines to communicate and continue production. However, this system lacks emergency handling capabilities if both independent oil circuits experience power outages or lose electrical signals, and therefore cannot automatically close the sliding gate. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydraulic device for steel flow control, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the prior art.

[0006] A hydraulic device for steel flow control is provided, comprising:

[0007] Working energy storage end, emergency energy storage end, return oil end, hydraulic cylinder, water inlet control valve, and emergency shut-off valve;

[0008] The working energy storage end controls the action of the hydraulic cylinder through the water inlet control valve;

[0009] The emergency energy storage end is connected to the oil inlet P of the emergency shut-off valve, the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve is connected to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder, and the oil return end is connected to the oil return port T of the water inlet control valve, the oil return port T of the emergency shut-off valve, and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0010] Furthermore, a first check valve is provided between the emergency shut-off valve and the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0011] The first check valve is used under normal operating conditions to prevent the pressure oil in the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder from flowing back into the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve through the first check valve position pipeline, and to flow directly from the return port T of the emergency shut-off valve to the return end for discharge.

[0012] Furthermore, a second check valve is provided between the return port T of the emergency shut-off valve and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0013] The second check valve is used to restrict the working oil from flowing directly to the return oil end when the rod chamber pressure of the hydraulic cylinder is being normally adjusted at the working accumulator end.

[0014] Furthermore, a flow sensor is installed between the working port A output pipe of the emergency shut-off valve and the second check valve.

[0015] When the flow sensor detects that oil is flowing through the output pipe of the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve, it determines that the entire system is in an abnormal state. The flow sensor opens the second check valve, which allows the pressure in the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder to be released from the second check valve, so that the oil is discharged from the return end and the water port is closed.

[0016] Furthermore, the inlet control valve includes a slow control valve and a fast control valve, wherein the slow control valve and the fast control valve are connected in parallel.

[0017] The fast control valve is used to regulate the rapid opening and closing of the water inlet, while the slow control valve regulates the slow opening and closing of the water inlet and achieves precise adjustment of the opening degree.

[0018] Furthermore, speed regulating valves are respectively provided between the water inlet control valve and the rodless chamber and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0019] The speed control valve is connected in series with the inlet and outlet oil lines of the hydraulic cylinder and the inlet control valve. By adjusting the flow rate of the slow control valve or the fast control valve through the throttle port, the piston movement speed is limited, and multi-stage speed regulation is achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, the water inlet control valve is equipped with a hydraulic lock.

[0021] The hydraulic lock is used to stabilize and lock the oil circuit of the two chambers of the hydraulic cylinder after the water outlet control valve has finished adjusting the water outlet opening.

[0022] Furthermore, the rod-side chamber and rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder are connected to the return oil end via pressure relief valves.

[0023] Since the hydraulic cylinder is locked by the hydraulic lock after being adjusted by the water inlet control valve, the two chambers of the hydraulic cylinder are pressurized. At this time, if it is necessary to inspect and disassemble the oil pipe and the joint, the pressure relief valve needs to be energized to connect the rod chamber and the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder with the oil return end, so that the hydraulic cylinder can be depressurized.

[0024] Furthermore, the emergency shut-off valve is a two-position four-way valve.

[0025] The two-position four-way valve disconnects the emergency oil circuit when energized and switches back to the emergency oil circuit when de-energized, conforming to the fail-safe principle. It automatically triggers a shutdown action upon signal loss. A single valve achieves dual oil circuit switching, offering higher reliability than multi-valve combinations.

[0026] Furthermore, a third check valve is provided at the oil return end.

[0027] The third check valve is installed at the return oil inlet to prevent external contaminants from flowing back into the tank or the oil from flowing backward.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0029] Under normal operating conditions, the working accumulator end drives the hydraulic cylinder via the sprue control valve to adjust the sprue opening. The emergency accumulator end stores energy independently and is directly connected to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder via an emergency shut-off valve. In the event of an unexpected fault such as power failure or loss of electrical signal, the emergency shut-off valve loses power and connects the oil inlet P and the working port A. Pressure from the emergency accumulator end passes through the emergency shut-off valve, and the oil enters the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the stopper rod to close the ladle sprue, thus preventing the molten steel from continuously flowing down the ladle. This hydraulic device achieves automatic closure of the sprue in emergency situations through the self-driven activation function of the emergency shut-off valve in the event of power failure or signal loss. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this drawing or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this drawing. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a hydraulic device for steel flow control.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Working energy storage end; 2. Emergency energy storage end; 3. Return oil end; 4. Hydraulic cylinder; 5. Water inlet control valve; 51. Slow speed control valve; 52. Fast speed control valve; 53. Hydraulic lock; 54. Speed ​​control valve; 6. Emergency shut-off valve; 71. First check valve; 72. Second check valve; 73. Flow sensor; 74. Third check valve; 8. Pressure relief valve. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this application, any changes to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the content of this application.

[0035] However, there may be instances where unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repetitive descriptions of essentially the same structures may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy descriptions and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this application and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, a hydraulic device for steel flow control includes a working energy storage end 1, an emergency energy storage end 2, a return oil end 3, a hydraulic cylinder 4, a sprue control valve 5, and an emergency shut-off valve 6. The working energy storage end 1 controls the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 4 through the sprue control valve 5. The emergency energy storage end 2 is connected to the oil inlet P of the emergency shut-off valve 6, the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve 6 is connected to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4, and the return oil end 3 is connected to the return oil port T of the sprue control valve 5, the return oil port T of the emergency shut-off valve 6, and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4.

[0037] Among them, the emergency shut-off valve 6 is a two-position four-way valve with an oil inlet P, an oil return port T, a working port A, and a shut-off port B.

[0038] Under normal operating conditions, the working energy storage end 1 drives the hydraulic cylinder 4 through the water inlet control valve 5 to adjust the water inlet opening. The emergency energy storage end 2 is an independent energy storage unit, directly connected to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 through the emergency shut-off valve 6. The emergency shut-off valve 6 acts as a safety channel switching valve; when power is lost, it automatically resets via a spring, directing the pressurized oil from the emergency energy storage end 2 into the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4, forcing the rod end to move forward and close the water inlet. The return oil end 3 collects all system return oil, while ensuring that the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 can be smoothly depressurized during emergency operation.

[0039] Specifically, the inlet control valve 5 includes two sets of oil circuit control systems operating under normal working conditions: a slow-speed control valve 51 and a fast-speed control valve 52. The slow-speed control valve 51 and the fast-speed control valve 52 are connected in parallel, and each oil circuit can independently or collaboratively control the piston movement of the hydraulic cylinder 4. The slow-speed control valve 51 and the fast-speed control valve 52 control the flow rate of each oil circuit through speed regulating valves 54 connected in series on each valve.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, the slow-speed control valve 51 and the fast-speed control valve 52 have the same structure, except for the difference in oil adjustment speed. Specifically, both the slow-speed control valve 51 and the fast-speed control valve 52 are three-position four-way valves, each having an oil inlet P connected to the working accumulator end 1, a return oil port T connected to the return oil end 3, a working port A connected to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4, and a working port B connected to the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4. Each water inlet control valve 5 is equipped with two speed regulating valves 54, which are respectively connected to the working port A and the working port B of the water inlet control valve 5, to adjust the oil delivery speed and return oil speed controlled by the slow-speed control valve 51 and the fast-speed control valve 52, respectively.

[0041] A first check valve 71 is installed between the emergency shut-off valve 6 and the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4. The first check valve 71 only allows oil to flow from the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve 6 to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 and prevents it from flowing in the opposite direction. This ensures that, under normal operating conditions, the pressure oil in the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 is prevented from flowing back into the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve 6 through the position pipeline of the first check valve 71, and flows directly from the return port T of the emergency shut-off valve 6 to the return end 3 for discharge.

[0042] A second check valve 72 is installed between the return port T of the emergency shut-off valve 6 and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4. Under normal operating conditions, when the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 is hydraulically pressurized, the oil cannot enter the return port 3 through the second check valve 72, ensuring that the hydraulic cylinder 4 can maintain a pressurized state, thereby maintaining the opening of the water inlet.

[0043] Furthermore, a flow sensor 73 is installed between the output pipe of the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve 6 and the second check valve 72, and the flow sensor 73 is electrically connected to the second check valve 72. The flow sensor 73 is used to sense and determine whether there is oil flow between the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve 6 and the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4. When oil is sensed, it is determined that this is an emergency handling condition and the emergency energy storage end 2 starts to work, and the second check valve 72 is opened. Since the water inlet control valve 5 loses its oil return path after power failure or signal loss, the oil in the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 is allowed to enter the oil return end 3 through the second check valve 72 to relieve pressure in the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4.

[0044] The sprue control valve 5 is equipped with a hydraulic lock 53. The hydraulic lock 53 is used to stabilize and lock the two-chamber oil circuit of the hydraulic cylinder 4 after the sprue control valve 5 has adjusted the sprue opening, and enter the pressure-holding state, thereby maintaining the sprue opening.

[0045] Furthermore, the rod-side and rodless chambers of hydraulic cylinder 4 are connected to the return oil end 3 via pressure relief valve 8. Pressure relief valve 8 is a two-position four-way valve; under normal operating conditions, it is closed, preventing oil flow. When hydraulic cylinder 4 is adjusted by the water inlet control valve 5, it is locked by hydraulic lock 53, causing pressure buildup in both chambers. If maintenance or disassembly of the oil pipes or joints is required, pressure relief valve 8 can be energized, connecting both ends and allowing the rod-side and rodless chambers of hydraulic cylinder 4 to communicate with the return oil end 3, thus releasing pressure and discharging the oil.

[0046] The return oil end 3 is equipped with a third check valve 74, which is installed at the inlet of the return oil end 3 to prevent external contaminants from flowing back or the oil in the tank from flowing backward.

[0047] The hydraulic device provided by this utility model has two switching modes: normal operating mode and emergency operating mode. The normal operating mode process is as follows: Power is provided by the working accumulator 1, and the oil circuit direction is switched by the sprue control valve 5. When the sprue is opened, pressurized oil enters the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 (piston retracts), and the oil in the rodless chamber is discharged to the return end 3 via the return port T of the sprue control valve 5. When the sprue is closed, pressurized oil enters the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 (piston extends), and the oil in the rod chamber is discharged to the return end 3 via the return port T of the sprue control valve 5. The emergency operating mode process is as follows: The sprue control valve 5 is de-energized and locked in the neutral position. The emergency shut-off valve 6 is de-energized and automatically resets, switching to the emergency oil circuit. The pressurized oil from the emergency accumulator 2 flows through the inlet P of the emergency shut-off valve 6 to the working port A and directly to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4, pushing the piston to extend at full speed to urgently close the sprue. The second check valve 72 detects the oil and opens, allowing the oil in the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder 4 to be discharged to the return end 3 via the second check valve 72.

[0048] It should be noted that this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above embodiments are merely examples, and any embodiments with the same structure and effect as the technical concept within the scope of this application are included in the technical scope of this application. Furthermore, various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, and other ways of constructing by combining some of the constituent elements of the embodiments, without departing from the spirit of this application, are also included in the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hydraulic device for steel flow control, characterized in that, include: Working energy storage end (1), emergency energy storage end (2), return oil end (3), hydraulic cylinder (4), water inlet control valve (5), and emergency shut-off valve (6); The working energy storage end (1) controls the action of the hydraulic cylinder (4) through the water outlet control valve (5); The emergency energy storage end (2) is connected to the oil inlet P of the emergency shut-off valve (6), the working port A of the emergency shut-off valve (6) is connected to the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4), and the oil return end (3) is connected to the oil return port T of the water outlet control valve (5), the oil return port T of the emergency shut-off valve (6), and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4).

2. The hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first check valve (71) is provided between the emergency shut-off valve (6) and the rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4).

3. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second check valve (72) is provided between the return port T of the emergency shut-off valve (6) and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4).

4. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 3, characterized in that, A flow sensor (73) is installed between the working port A output pipe of the emergency shut-off valve (6) and the second check valve (72).

5. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet control valve (5) includes a slow control valve (51) and a fast control valve (52), wherein the slow control valve (51) and the fast control valve (52) are connected in parallel.

6. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 5, characterized in that, Speed ​​regulating valves (54) are respectively provided between the water outlet control valve (5) and the rodless chamber and the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4).

7. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water outlet control valve (5) is equipped with a hydraulic lock (53).

8. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rod chamber and rodless chamber of the hydraulic cylinder (4) are connected to the return oil end (3) through a pressure relief valve (8).

9. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The emergency shut-off valve (6) is a two-position four-way valve.

10. A hydraulic device for steel flow control according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return oil end (3) is equipped with a third check valve (74).

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