Vacuum casting trolley system

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of metallurgical casting production equipment, and relates to a vacuum casting trolley system, including a casting ladle, a trolley body, a locking device, a movable support frame, and a lifting device. Its operation is interference-free; upon reaching the casting position, it automatically locks, and a hydraulic cylinder drives the pouring port of the sliding gate at the bottom of the ladle to descend into the receiving port of the tundish for casting. After casting, the hydraulic cylinder lifts the ladle back to its original position, and the trolley returns to its initial position. This utility model has a simple and reliable structure, effectively solving the problems of frequent malfunctions, high risk of molten steel leakage, poor casting stability, high operational difficulty, and a dirty environment associated with traditional crane-lifted ladle casting equipment. It significantly improves production efficiency, casting quality, and safety, reduces labor and equipment costs, and improves the production environment and worker occupational health conditions. It has broad application prospects and significant practical value in the iron and steel metallurgy field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of metallurgical casting production equipment, and relates to a vacuum casting trolley system. Background Technology

[0002] Most current vacuum casting methods in steel mills worldwide involve using cranes to lift ladles and pour molten steel into receiving ladles located above the tundish. This method has many drawbacks, which are analyzed below from multiple perspectives, including safety, efficiency, quality, cost, and environmental protection.

[0003] 1. Safety issues

[0004] 1) Equipment failure risk

[0005] Crane mechanical failures: Cranes operate in high-temperature, high-dust environments, making mechanical parts prone to wear and tear. Critical components such as hooks, wire ropes, and brakes may malfunction. A failure during lifting could lead to uncontrolled molten steel ladle operation and serious safety accidents. Electrical system failures: Cranes have complex electrical systems that are susceptible to the effects of high temperatures and dust. For example, corrosion of contacts in the control circuit can cause the drive motor to lose power, preventing the brake from automatically engaging and potentially causing the ladle to tip over. High-temperature environment effects: The radiant heat from molten steel can damage the crane's metal structure and electrical equipment, shortening its lifespan.

[0006] 2) Operational risks

[0007] Operational errors: Crane handling of ladles requires manual operation, and the operator's skill level and attention are crucial for safety. Operational errors can lead to ladle collisions, tipping over, or molten steel leakage. Limited visibility: In the complex environment of a steelmaking workshop, the operator's visibility may be limited, making it difficult to accurately judge the ladle's position and condition, increasing the difficulty and risk of operation.

[0008] 3) Risk of molten steel leakage

[0009] Steel ladle sealing issues: During hoisting, poor sealing may lead to molten steel leakage, especially in high-temperature environments, where the refractory material of the steel ladle may be damaged by thermal stress; Steel ladle slide plate failure: The steel ladle slide plate is a key component for controlling molten steel pouring. If the slide plate is pierced or cannot be blown open, it may lead to molten steel leakage or failure to pour normally.

[0010] 2. Efficiency issues

[0011] 1) Long hoisting time

[0012] Time-consuming round trip hoisting: The crane needs to hoist the ladle back and forth between different equipment and pouring positions, which takes a long time and affects production efficiency and crane operation rate; Long waiting time: During the pouring process, the crane needs to wait for the molten steel temperature, vacuum degree and other conditions to reach the required level, which leads to increased equipment idle time.

[0013] 2) Complex multi-pouring process

[0014] Increased operational complexity: For multi-ladle casting, the crane needs to lift the ladles multiple times, increasing operational complexity and time costs; Greater coordination difficulty: The crane needs to coordinate with other equipment (such as vacuum chambers, casting platforms, etc.) when lifting ladles, increasing process complexity and operational difficulty.

[0015] 3. Difficulty in quality control

[0016] 1) Fluctuations in molten steel temperature

[0017] Rapid heat dissipation: The ladle dissipates heat rapidly during hoisting, causing the molten steel temperature to drop. Reheating is required before pouring, increasing energy consumption and the difficulty of temperature control. Uneven temperature: Due to the uneven temperature drop of the ladle during hoisting, the molten steel temperature may be inconsistent during pouring, affecting the quality of the casting.

[0018] 2) Problems with slag and inclusions

[0019] Slag entrapment risk: During hoisting and pouring, vortices can easily form in the ladle, causing slag and inclusions to mix into the molten steel, affecting the purity of the casting. Difficulty in removing inclusions: Inclusions diffuse rapidly within the ladle, making them difficult to remove effectively, thus reducing the quality of the casting.

[0020] 3) Poor casting stability

[0021] Ladle shaking: Shaking during the lifting of the ladle by the crane may cause instability in the pouring of molten steel, affecting the forming quality of the casting.

[0022] 4. Cost issues

[0023] 1) High equipment maintenance costs

[0024] Cranes experience rapid wear: Cranes operate in high-temperature, heavy-load environments, causing rapid wear on mechanical parts and electrical systems, requiring frequent maintenance and replacement; refractory material consumption is high: Steel ladles dissipate heat quickly during hoisting, necessitating the use of more insulation and refractory materials to maintain the temperature of the molten steel.

[0025] 2) Energy waste

[0026] Temperature compensation: To compensate for heat loss during ladle hoisting, the initial temperature of the molten steel needs to be increased or the steel needs to be heated, increasing energy consumption. Insulation material consumption: To reduce heat loss from the ladle, more insulation material needs to be placed inside, increasing resource consumption.

[0027] 3) High labor costs

[0028] High operator requirements: Crane lifting of steel ladles requires specialized operators who undergo rigorous training and assessment, increasing labor costs. Significant safety investment: Due to the higher safety risks associated with crane lifting of steel ladles, more safety equipment and measures are needed, further increasing costs.

[0029] 5. Environmental issues

[0030] 1) High-temperature radiation

[0031] Deterioration of the workshop environment: When cranes lift ladles of steel, the radiant heat from the high-temperature molten steel adversely affects the workshop environment and the working environment of the operators. Health risks to personnel: High-temperature radiation may cause the workshop temperature to rise, affecting the health of the operators.

[0032] 2) Noise pollution

[0033] Crane operating noise: The operation of cranes generates significant noise, which can negatively impact the working environment in the workshop and the health of the operators.

[0034] In summary, the traditional method of vacuum casting using cranes to lift ladles has many drawbacks, seriously affecting production efficiency, casting quality, and production safety. Therefore, developing a safer, more efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly vacuum casting technology is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content

[0035] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a new and efficient vacuum casting trolley system to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0036] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0037] A vacuum casting trolley system includes a casting ladle, a movable support frame, a trolley body, a travel drive mechanism, a vertical lifting track device, and a lifting device;

[0038] The ladle for casting and refining steel is used to hold molten steel and is equipped with a hydraulically driven sliding gate at the bottom to control the outflow of molten steel and the pouring speed.

[0039] The movable support frame is vertically and vertically arranged on the trolley body to support the casting and refining steel ladle and to move up and down with the lifting device;

[0040] The trolley body is a mobile steel structure platform that supports the casting and refining steel ladle and the movable support frame. It is equipped with wheels at the bottom to move longitudinally on horizontal steel rails.

[0041] The walking drive mechanism is used to drive the wheels so that the trolley body moves to the designated working position;

[0042] The vertical lifting track device is installed on the trolley body and arranged at the four outer corners of the movable support frame to provide lateral support and vertical guidance.

[0043] The lifting device is installed on the trolley body and arranged at the bottom of the movable support frame, and is used to drive the movable support frame to rise and fall.

[0044] Furthermore, it also includes a weighing device arranged between the casting and refining ladle and the movable support frame, for recording and monitoring the quality of the molten steel.

[0045] Furthermore, it also includes limit switch devices and locking devices;

[0046] The limit switch device sends a signal when the trolley body reaches the pouring station, triggering the locking device to operate.

[0047] The locking device is arranged on the pouring station platform at the pouring station and is used for positioning and locking the trolley body.

[0048] Furthermore, the limit switch device includes a stop block installed on the trolley body and a limit switch installed on the pouring station platform. When the stop block touches the limit switch, a signal is sent to trigger the locking device to operate.

[0049] The locking device includes a locking block installed on the trolley body and a hydraulic cylinder installed on the pouring station platform. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder has a locking groove at its end that cooperates with the locking block, so that when the piston rod extends, the locking block inserts into the end of the piston rod, thereby locking and positioning the trolley body.

[0050] Furthermore, both the movable support frame and the trolley body are provided with casting through holes that cooperate with the hydraulically driven sliding gate.

[0051] Furthermore, the vertical lifting track device includes four vertical tracks respectively arranged at the four outer corners of the movable support frame, and four sets of rollers respectively connected to the four vertical tracks. Each set of rollers includes two rollers, one upper and one lower, which are all installed on the trolley body and correspond to the upper and lower ends of the movable support frame respectively.

[0052] The vertical track and rollers are both inclined at a 45° angle to the transverse or longitudinal centerline of the movable support frame;

[0053] The gap between the rollers and the vertical track surface in the vertical lifting track device is adjusted by using eccentric rollers and wedges.

[0054] Furthermore, it also includes four sets of support block lateral movement devices and support blocks respectively arranged on both sides of the movable support frame. The support blocks are laterally slidably arranged on the trolley body. The support block lateral movement device is a lateral movement hydraulic cylinder, which is fixedly installed on the side of the support block away from the movable support frame. The output shaft of the support block lateral movement device is connected to the support block so that after the movable support frame is lifted by the lifting device, the support block is driven to move laterally to or out of the bottom of the movable support frame, so as to support or detach the movable support frame.

[0055] Furthermore, the lifting device includes four lifting hydraulic cylinders, and the top of the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the bottom of the movable support frame.

[0056] Furthermore, it also includes a main hydraulic station, which is installed on the trolley body and equipped with a hydraulic synchronizer so that the four lifting hydraulic cylinders of the lifting device or the four lateral moving hydraulic cylinders of the support block lateral moving device can operate synchronously.

[0057] Furthermore, it also includes an auxiliary hydraulic station and a pipe and cable reel device. The auxiliary hydraulic station is installed on the trolley body and provides power to the sliding port hydraulic cylinder used to drive the hydraulically driven sliding port through concealed piping and metal hoses.

[0058] The gas pipe and cable reel device is installed on the trolley body, including an argon blowing reel and a power supply reel that move with the trolley to ensure continuous gas and power supply.

[0059] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0060] 1. Significantly improved security

[0061] This technical solution replaces the traditional crane method of lifting steel ladles with a vacuum casting trolley, fundamentally improving the safety of the casting process. When a traditional crane lifts a steel ladle, the ladle moves in the air, making it prone to tipping over due to shaking, collisions, or equipment malfunctions, posing a risk of serious accidents such as fires and spillage of hot molten steel. The vacuum casting trolley, however, uses a stable steel structure platform to support the ladle, keeping it fixed throughout transportation and casting, avoiding instability during lifting and significantly reducing the probability of accidents. Furthermore, traditional methods require operators to direct operations from high altitudes, facing the risk of falls or injury from splashes of hot molten steel; this solution allows operators to complete operations within a safe area on the ground, minimizing exposure to high-risk environments and further ensuring personal safety.

[0062] 2. Production efficiency has been greatly improved.

[0063] This technical solution significantly improves production efficiency by optimizing the casting process. Firstly, traditional cranes require frequent movement of the ladle between different workstations, resulting in long round trips and high equipment occupancy. The vacuum casting trolley, however, can directly transport the ladle to the casting position and maintain stability, reducing unnecessary movement time and improving equipment utilization. Secondly, traditional methods require complex alignment and adjustments before casting, leading to lengthy preparation time. This solution introduces limit switches and locking devices to achieve automatic ladle positioning and rapid locking, significantly shortening casting preparation time. Furthermore, traditional cranes require production to be paused when changing ladles, affecting continuity. The vacuum casting trolley, however, can be equipped with multiple ladles, enabling rapid replacement through automated control and supporting continuous production. This efficient working mode not only accelerates the production pace but also brings higher productivity benefits to the enterprise.

[0064] 3. The quality of molten steel has been significantly improved.

[0065] This technical solution effectively improves the quality of molten steel by reducing its exposure and optimizing casting stability. In traditional crane lifting processes, the ladle is exposed to air for extended periods, making the molten steel susceptible to oxygen contact, leading to air absorption and secondary oxidation. Simultaneously, slag and refractory materials from the tundish may contaminate the molten steel, reducing its purity. The vacuum casting trolley, however, transports the ladle directly to the bottom of the vacuum chamber, shortening the contact time between the molten steel and air and eliminating the need for a tundish, thus significantly reducing the risk of contamination. Furthermore, the swaying of the ladle in traditional methods causes fluctuations in the molten steel surface, affecting casting uniformity; the smooth operation of the trolley in this solution ensures a stable molten steel surface, resulting in a more uniform casting process and ultimately improving the quality of the ingot or billet. This high-quality molten steel provides a better foundation for subsequent processing.

[0066] 4. Cost savings and environmental optimization

[0067] This technical solution excels in reducing maintenance costs and optimizing the operating environment. Traditional cranes, due to frequent lifting, lowering, and movement, experience severe wear and tear on mechanical components, resulting in high maintenance costs and the need for regular component replacement. In contrast, the vacuum casting trolley has a simple structure, runs smoothly, and experiences less wear, leading to lower maintenance costs and extended service life, thus reducing the company's investment in equipment upgrades. Furthermore, traditional cranes generate significant noise during operation, impacting the operator's work experience; this solution's trolley operates with low noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable working environment for employees. Simultaneously, ground operation improves operator visibility, enhancing operational accuracy and safety. Overall, this technical solution achieves cost savings and environmental optimization while improving safety, efficiency, and quality, demonstrating significant economic and social benefits.

[0068] 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

[0069] 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:

[0070] Figure 1 This is a front view of a vacuum casting trolley system in one embodiment;

[0071] Figure 2 This is a left-side view of a vacuum casting trolley system in one embodiment;

[0072] Figure 3 This is a top view of a vacuum casting trolley system in one embodiment;

[0073] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The K-axis local view in the image.

[0074] Figure reference numerals: 1-Pouring refining ladle, 2-Cart body, 3-Walking drive mechanism, 4-Limit switch device, 41-Bump block, 42-Limit switch, 5-Locking device, 51-Locking block, 52-Locking groove, 6-Modible support frame, 7-Vertical lifting track device, 71-Roller, 8-Lifting device, 9-Support block lateral movement device, 10-Weighing device, 11-Main hydraulic station, 12-Auxiliary hydraulic station, 13-Dry oil lubrication station, 14-Quick-change connector, 15-Air pipe and cable reel device, 16-Wheel, 17-Pouring through hole;

[0075] A - Argon blowing drum, B - Power supply drum, C - Ladle pouring port, D - Tundish pouring port, SL - Ladle lowering stroke for pouring refined steel, SO - Lifting stroke of the lifting hydraulic cylinder to unload the support block, PL - Lateral displacement distance of the support block unloading or support. Detailed Implementation

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Example 1: Vacuum Casting Trolley System

[0080] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a novel and efficient vacuum casting trolley system for efficiently and safely completing the molten steel casting process in a vacuum environment. The system specifically includes the following components and their functions:

[0081] The system consists of: 1. Ladle for casting and refining steel; 2. Cart body; 3. Travel drive mechanism; 4. Limit switch device; 5. Locking device; 6. Movable support frame; 7. Vertical lifting track device; 8. Lifting device; 9. Support block lateral movement device; 10. Weighing device; 11. Main hydraulic station; 12. Auxiliary hydraulic station; 13. Dry oil lubrication station; 14. Quick-change connector; 15. Air pipe and cable reel device.

[0082] 1. Casting Refined Steel Ladle 1

[0083] Used to hold high-temperature molten steel, it is equipped with a hydraulically driven sliding gate at the bottom as the pouring port C of the ladle. The opening and closing of the gate is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder to precisely adjust the outflow of molten steel and the pouring speed.

[0084] 2. Movable support frame 6

[0085] It is vertically arranged on the trolley body 2 to support the pouring of the refining ladle 1; the movable support frame 6 is provided with a pouring through hole 17 that cooperates with the hydraulically driven sliding gate to ensure that the molten steel flows out smoothly.

[0086] The lifting device 8 drives the vertical movement of the object, while the vertical lifting track device 7 provides vertical guidance and lateral support during the lifting process.

[0087] 3. Car body 2

[0088] It adopts a mobile steel structure platform design, with steel wheels 16 installed at the bottom, which can move longitudinally on horizontal steel rails.

[0089] The trolley body 2 is equipped with a pouring through hole 17 that cooperates with the hydraulically driven sliding gate to ensure that the molten steel flows out smoothly.

[0090] 4. Walking drive mechanism 3

[0091] The walking drive mechanism 3 is an electric motor, which synchronously drives the wheels 16 through two or four sets of motors, enabling the trolley body 2 to move along the rail to the designated pouring position.

[0092] 5. Vertical lifting track device 7

[0093] It includes four tracks, which are respectively arranged at the four outer corners of the movable support frame 6.

[0094] Each track is equipped with a set of rollers, each set containing two rollers 71, which are installed on the trolley body 2 and correspond to the upper and lower ends of the movable support frame 6 respectively, to ensure stability and guidance during the lifting process.

[0095] Specifically, the four rails of the vertical lifting track device 7 are installed and fixed on the vertical track surface of the movable support frame 6, and simultaneously support the rollers 71 fixed on the steel structure bracket of the trolley body 2. Both the rollers 71 and the track surface are at a 45° angle to the transverse (or longitudinal) centerline of the vacuum casting trolley, minimizing the number of rollers. The four rails of the vertical lifting track are installed and fixed to the movable support frame 6 via adaptive connectors, moving with the movable support frame 6 to realize the lifting action of the ladle movable support frame 6, and providing lateral support and vertical guidance.

[0096] Furthermore, the gap between the rollers of the vertical lifting track device 7 and the vertical track surface is adjusted by using eccentric rollers and wedges, making the gap adjustment convenient and quick.

[0097] 6. Lifting device 8

[0098] The lifting device 8 includes four lifting hydraulic cylinders, which are installed on the trolley body 2. The top of the piston rod is hinged to the bottom of the movable support frame 6. The lifting action of the movable support frame 6 is realized by hydraulic drive.

[0099] Specifically, the lower part of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is supported on the steel structure platform of the trolley body 2. A circular hole is provided above the fixed steel structure beam of the trolley body 2 so that the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder can pass through.

[0100] The lifting device 8 has a lifting hydraulic cylinder equipped with a stroke detection element, which can identify the "unloading" point of the support block, as well as the "highest point" and "lowest point" states of the hydraulic cylinder. In addition, the hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a one-way safety valve to prevent the joint or hose from breaking. It can automatically lock the hydraulic cylinder when the joint or hose breaks, preventing accidents caused by the sudden drop or overturning of the refining ladle 1.

[0101] 7. Support block transverse movement device 9 and support block

[0102] The four sets of support block transverse movement devices 9 are transverse movement hydraulic cylinders, fixed on the side of the support block away from the movable support frame 6, and the output shaft is connected to the support block; after the movable support frame 6 is lifted, the transverse movement hydraulic cylinder drives the support block to move laterally to the bottom of the movable support frame 6 to provide support and form a "support reset" state; during pouring, the support block moves laterally out, allowing the movable support frame 6 to descend and form a "support disengagement" state.

[0103] Specifically, the support block lateral movement device 9 is installed and fixed on the fixed steel structure of the trolley body 2, located on both sides below the movable support frame 6. One end of the support block lateral movement device 9 is hinged to the fixed steel structure bracket of the trolley body 2, and the other end is hinged to the lower end of the support block. The upper surface of the support block can fit against the lower surface of the movable support frame 6 for support. The bottom of the support block is provided with a grooved lateral movement guide rail. When the lateral movement hydraulic cylinder pulls the support block to move laterally away, and the lower surface of the movable support frame 6 descends to the pouring position, it can completely fit against the upper surface of the fixed steel structure beam of the trolley body 2, thereby achieving stable support without affecting the lateral movement guide function of the support block.

[0104] The lateral hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a stroke detection element, which can then identify the "support disengagement" and "support reset" states between the support block and the movable support frame 6 by measuring the lateral stroke distance.

[0105] 8. Weighing device 10

[0106] Installed between the ladle 1 and the movable support frame 6, it is used to record and monitor the quality of molten steel in real time, ensuring that the pouring process is controllable.

[0107] Specifically, the weighing device 10 is installed between the bottom of the trunnion support block of the casting refining ladle 1 and the top of the movable support frame 6, and rises and falls with the casting refining ladle and the movable support frame; the quality of molten steel in each casting refining ladle is recorded and monitored by measuring sensors.

[0108] 9. Limit switch device 4 and locking device 5

[0109] The limit switch device 4 includes a contact block 41 and a limit switch 42. The contact block 41 is mounted on the trolley body 2, and the limit switch 42 is mounted on the pouring station platform. When the trolley arrives at the pouring station, the contact block 41 touches the limit switch 42, sending a signal.

[0110] The locking device 5 includes a locking block 51 and a hydraulic cylinder. The locking block 51 is mounted on the trolley body 2, and the hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the pouring station platform. The piston rod end is provided with a locking groove 52. After a signal is triggered, the hydraulic cylinder piston rod extends, and the locking block 51 is inserted into the locking groove 52, thereby achieving the positioning and locking of the trolley body 2.

[0111] In another embodiment, a pneumatic device can be used to replace the hydraulic cylinder. The pneumatic device drives the extension and retraction of the piston rod to achieve accurate positioning of the trolley body 2 and to implement "locking" and "unlocking".

[0112] 10. Main hydraulic station 11

[0113] Installed on the trolley body 2, equipped with a hydraulic synchronizer, to ensure that the four lifting hydraulic cylinders and the four lateral moving hydraulic cylinders operate synchronously, avoiding uneven loading.

[0114] 11. Auxiliary hydraulic station 12

[0115] The hydraulic cylinder of the sliding gate is powered by concealed piping and metal hoses; the hydraulic piping is concealed to prevent molten steel splashing and heat radiation; the metal hoses are of appropriate length to accommodate the lifting and lowering of the casting and refining ladle 1.

[0116] 12. Dry oil lubrication station 13

[0117] Automatic lubrication is provided to the bearings of the eight lateral supports and vertical guide rollers in the vertical lifting track device 7 and the track surface through the piping of the dry oil lubrication station 13.

[0118] 13. Quick-connect coupling 14

[0119] A hydraulic quick-connect coupling is provided to enable quick connection and disconnection between the hydraulic piping interface of the bottom sliding nozzle of the refining steel ladle 1 located on the trolley body and the hydraulic hose interface of the auxiliary hydraulic station 12 on the trolley; a bottom blowing quick-connect coupling is provided to enable the bottom blowing of argon onto the refining steel ladle 1 on the trolley body throughout the entire process and to disconnect and stop blowing.

[0120] Specifically, one end of the hydraulic quick-connect coupling 14 is connected to a fixed pipe on the casting and refining ladle 1, and the other end of the hydraulic quick-connect coupling is connected to a metal hose fixed on the trolley body and having an appropriate length to accommodate the lifting and lowering movement of the casting and refining ladle 1; the argon blowing quick-connect coupling 14 has one end connected to a fixed pipe on the casting and refining ladle 1, and the other end connected to a metal hose fixed on the trolley body and having an appropriate length to accommodate the lifting and lowering movement of the casting and refining ladle 1.

[0121] 14. Air pipe and cable reel assembly 15.

[0122] It includes argon blowing drum A and power supply drum B, which move with the trolley to ensure continuous gas and power supply.

[0123] Specifically, the gas pipe and cable reel device 15 is equipped with an argon blowing reel A and a power supply reel B, which move with the trolley, respectively, on the trolley body. The gas pipe and cable in the gas pipe and cable reel device 15 are connected to the argon blowing reel and the power supply reel, which are mounted on a fixed bracket at the other end of the standby position travel of the trolley body (not shown in the figure). The argon blowing reel and the power supply reel on the fixed bracket are connected to the argon gas source and power supply of the steel plant workshop through a rotary joint (not shown in the figure) to ensure that the vacuum casting trolley system can continuously supply gas and power during operation.

[0124] The working process of this vacuum casting trolley system is as follows:

[0125] The workshop crane lifts the ladle 1 containing molten steel to the movable support frame 6, and the weighing device 10 records the quality of the molten steel.

[0126] The walking drive mechanism 3 drives the trolley body 2 to move along the rail to the pouring position. The contact block 41 touches the limit switch 42, triggering the locking device 5 to lock the trolley.

[0127] The lifting device 8 lifts the movable support frame 6, the support block lateral movement device 9 moves the support block out, and then the lifting hydraulic cylinder retracts, causing the ladle 1 to descend to the pouring position.

[0128] Open the hydraulically driven sliding gate, and molten steel flows into the tundish through the pouring through-hole 17.

[0129] After the pouring is completed, the sprue is closed, the lifting device 8 is raised back to the ladle, the support block is moved back to the support position, the locking device 5 is unlocked, and the trolley returns to the initial position.

[0130] Example 2: Operation method of vacuum casting trolley system

[0131] This embodiment provides an operation method based on the above-described vacuum casting trolley system, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0132] 1. Preparation stage

[0133] The workshop crane is used to lift the ladle 1 containing molten steel to the movable support frame 6 on the trolley body 2.

[0134] The quality of molten steel is recorded by weighing device 10 to ensure data accuracy.

[0135] Connect quick-connect coupling 14 to achieve quick connection between the hydraulic system and the argon blowing system.

[0136] 2. Move to the pouring station

[0137] Start the walking drive mechanism 3, drive the wheels 16, and move the trolley body 2 along the rail to the pouring position.

[0138] When the trolley arrives at the workstation, the contact block 41 touches the limit switch 42, sending a locking signal.

[0139] 3. Lock the trolley

[0140] The signal from limit switch 42 triggers the piston rod of locking device 5 (the piston rod can be specifically configured as the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder) to move.

[0141] The piston rod of the locking device 5 extends, and the locking block 51 is inserted into the locking groove 52, thus completing the locking of the trolley body 2.

[0142] 4. Preparation for casting

[0143] The four lifting hydraulic cylinders of the lifting device 8 are activated to simultaneously lift the movable support frame 6 to a height equal to the lifting stroke SO of the lifting hydraulic cylinders that unloads the support block, thereby unloading the support block and sending a signal.

[0144] The four lateral hydraulic cylinders of the support block lateral movement device 9 are activated, driving the support block to move laterally by a distance equal to the lateral displacement PL of the support block unloading or support, so that the support block moves laterally out of the bottom of the movable support frame 6.

[0145] The lifting hydraulic cylinder retracts, and the movable support frame 6 drives the ladle 1 to descend along the vertical lifting track device 7. The stroke is the lowering working stroke SL of the refining ladle, so that the movable support frame 6 and the ladle 1 are supported on the steel structure of the trolley body 2, and the ladle pouring port C enters the pouring port D on the tundish.

[0146] 5. Pouring process

[0147] Open the hydraulically driven sliding gate to begin pouring molten steel.

[0148] During the pouring process, the trolley body remains locked, and the argon blowing drum A provides argon protection.

[0149] 6. Pouring completed

[0150] Close the sliding nozzle and stop argon blowing.

[0151] The lifting device 8 drives the movable support frame 6 and the ladle 1 to rise by stroke SL and sends a signal. At this time, the ladle pouring port C moves away from the pouring port D on the tundish.

[0152] The support block lateral movement device 9 drives the support block to lateral movement stroke PL, so as to laterally move it back to the bottom of the movable support frame 6.

[0153] The lifting hydraulic cylinder retracts by stroke SO, and the movable support frame 6 and the ladle 1 are supported by support blocks.

[0154] 7. Unlock and return

[0155] The hydraulic cylinder of locking device 5 retracts, releasing the trolley body from locking.

[0156] The walking drive mechanism 3 drives the trolley body 2 back to the initial position, ready for the next pouring.

[0157] In this embodiment, the operator operates from the ground, providing a wider field of vision and allowing for better observation of the pouring process, thus improving the accuracy and safety of the operation. This vacuum pouring trolley system can not only be used to build new pouring and refining ladles of different tonnages and specifications, using vacuum pouring trolleys for smelting and casting production, but also to be used in steel plants worldwide to modify existing workshop cranes of different tonnages and specifications to achieve efficient smelting and casting production using vacuum pouring trolleys.

[0158] 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 vacuum casting trolley system, characterized in that: It includes a ladle for casting and refining steel, a movable support frame, a trolley body, a traveling drive mechanism, a vertical lifting track device, and a lifting device; The ladle for casting and refining steel is used to hold molten steel and is equipped with a hydraulically driven sliding gate at the bottom to control the outflow of molten steel and the pouring speed. The movable support frame is vertically and vertically arranged on the trolley body to support the casting and refining steel ladle and to move up and down with the lifting device; The trolley body is a mobile steel structure platform that supports the casting and refining steel ladle and the movable support frame. It is equipped with wheels at the bottom to move longitudinally on horizontal steel rails. The walking drive mechanism is used to drive the wheels so that the trolley body moves to the designated working position; The vertical lifting track device is installed on the trolley body and arranged at the four outer corners of the movable support frame to provide lateral support and vertical guidance. The lifting device is installed on the trolley body and arranged at the bottom of the movable support frame, and is used to drive the movable support frame to rise and fall.

2. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a weighing device, which is arranged between the casting and refining ladle and the movable support frame, for recording and monitoring the quality of molten steel.

3. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes limit switch devices and locking devices; The limit switch device sends a signal when the trolley body reaches the pouring station, triggering the locking device to operate. The locking device is arranged on the pouring station platform at the pouring station and is used for positioning and locking the trolley body.

4. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limit switch device includes a stop block installed on the trolley body and a limit switch installed on the pouring station platform. When the stop block touches the limit switch, a signal is sent to trigger the locking device to operate. The locking device includes a locking block installed on the trolley body and a hydraulic cylinder installed on the pouring station platform. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder has a locking groove at its end that cooperates with the locking block, so that when the piston rod extends, the locking block inserts into the end of the piston rod, thereby locking and positioning the trolley body.

5. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the movable support frame and the trolley body are provided with pouring through holes that cooperate with the hydraulically driven sliding gate.

6. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical lifting track device includes four vertical tracks arranged at the four outer corners of the movable support frame, and four sets of rollers that are tumblingly connected to the four vertical tracks. Each set of rollers includes two rollers, one upper and one lower, which are all installed on the trolley body and correspond to the upper and lower ends of the movable support frame, respectively. The vertical track and rollers are both inclined at a 45° angle to the transverse or longitudinal centerline of the movable support frame; The gap between the rollers and the vertical track surface in the vertical lifting track device is adjusted by using eccentric rollers and wedges.

7. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes four sets of support block lateral movement devices and support blocks respectively arranged on both sides of the movable support frame. The support blocks are laterally slidably arranged on the trolley body. The support block lateral movement device is a lateral movement hydraulic cylinder, which is fixedly installed on the side of the support block away from the movable support frame. The output shaft of the support block lateral movement device is connected to the support block so that after the movable support frame is lifted by the lifting device, the support block is driven to move laterally to or out of the bottom of the movable support frame, so as to support or detach the movable support frame.

8. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lifting device includes four lifting hydraulic cylinders, and the top of the piston rod of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is hinged to the bottom of the movable support frame.

9. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a main hydraulic station, which is installed on the trolley body and equipped with a hydraulic synchronizer so that the four lifting hydraulic cylinders of the lifting device or the four lateral moving hydraulic cylinders of the support block lateral moving device can operate synchronously.

10. The vacuum casting trolley system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an auxiliary hydraulic station and a pipe and cable reel device. The auxiliary hydraulic station is installed on the trolley body and provides power to the sliding port hydraulic cylinder used to drive the hydraulically driven sliding port through concealed piping and metal hoses. The gas pipe and cable reel device is installed on the trolley body, including an argon blowing reel and a power supply reel that move with the trolley to ensure continuous gas and power supply.

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