Inserting refractory insertion device and inserting refractory insertion method

Abstract

To provide an inserting refractory insertion device and inserting refractory insertion method by which the inserting refractory may be rapidly and more surely inserted into a molten metal vessel by applying impact force to the inserting refractory.SOLUTION: An inserting refractory insertion device 1 includes a refractory supporting part 2, an impact force applying device 3 for applying impact force to the refractory supporting part 2, a projecting member 4 extending in the radial direction from the refractory supporting part 2, and a frame 5 for supporting the refractory supporting part 2 and the impact force applying device 3. A predetermined part 23 of the refractory supporting part 2 may be brought into contact with a specific part of an inserting refractory 40. When the impact force applying device 3 applies the impact force to the refractory supporting part 2, the refractory supporting part 2 is pushed out to the first side in a central axis C1 direction. The inserting refractory 40 is pushed out to the first side in the central axial C1 direction by the refractory supporting part 2. When the projecting member 4 is brought into contact with a molten metal vessel, the movement of the refractory supporting part 2 to the first side in the central axis C1 direction is regulated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting a refractory material into a vessel for molten metal, and a method for inserting a refractory material into the vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been proposed insertion jigs used to insert refractory inserts, such as nozzles and porous plugs used in molten metal vessels such as ladles and tundishes, into through-holes in the molten metal vessel, and methods for inserting the refractory inserts using the insertion jigs. For example, according to Patent Document 1, a refractory insert insertion jig is an insertion jig for inserting a refractory insert into a through-hole in a molten metal vessel, and includes a holding rod having a refractory insert holder at its tip, a connecting portion provided on the holding rod near the refractory holder, and a connecting terminal provided on the connecting portion and connectable to a rope or chain of a balancer, wherein at least one of the connecting portion and the connecting terminal is rotatable.

[0003] In addition, a method for inserting an insertable refractory material is a method for inserting an insertable refractory material into a through hole of a molten metal container using the above-mentioned insertable refractory material insertion jig, characterized in that the connecting terminal is connected to a rope or chain of a balancer, and the balancer is used to lift the holding rod holding the insertable refractory material while inserting the insertable refractory material into the through hole.

[0004] According to this, a connecting portion is provided near the refractory holding portion of the holding rod, and a connecting terminal that can be connected to the rope or chain of the balancer is provided at this connecting portion. The vicinity of the refractory holding portion of the holding rod is near the center of gravity of the holding rod holding the refractory to be inserted. In other words, according to the insertion jig for the refractory to be inserted, the vicinity of the center of gravity of the holding rod holding the refractory to be inserted can be suspended by the rope or chain of the balancer, so that the weight of the refractory to be inserted is hardly placed on the worker, reducing the burden on the worker.

[0005] In addition, at least one of the connecting portion and the connecting terminal is rotatably arranged, and the balancer rope or chain itself can be flexibly deformed, so the inserted refractory material has a high degree of freedom of movement, and can be moved in any direction (range).

[0006] Furthermore, the insertion jig for the refractory material to be inserted can be obtained simply by providing a connecting portion and a connecting terminal to the holding rod, and the weight applied to the balancer is light, so the balancer can be made compact. Therefore, it is stated that the insertion jig and insertion method for the refractory material to be inserted of the present invention can be realized at low cost. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2016-215250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the conventional example has the following problems. Although the conventional example has the effect of reducing the burden on the worker because the weight of the refractory insert is hardly imposed on the worker, the refractory insert must be inserted into the molten metal vessel by manual labor. In other words, there is a problem in that the manual labor remains and the pressure when inserting the refractory insert into the molten metal vessel is limited, which may cause the refractory insert to not be inserted in the specified position.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for inserting a refractory material to be inserted, which can quickly and reliably insert the refractory material to be inserted into a molten metal vessel by applying an impact force to the refractory material to be inserted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A refractory insert according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for inserting a refractory insert into a molten metal vessel, the apparatus comprising: a refractory support part for detachably supporting the refractory insert; an impact force applying device for applying an impact force to the refractory support part; protruding members extending radially from the outer periphery of the refractory support part; and an insertion mechanism part including a frame for supporting the refractory support part and the impact force applying device, wherein a predetermined part of the refractory support part is capable of contacting a specific part of the refractory insert, and the refractory support part is inserted in a direction in which a central axis of the refractory support part extends in the longitudinal direction. The central axis direction is defined as a first side, and the side of the central axis direction into which the refractory to be inserted is defined as a first side, and the opposite side is defined as a second side.When an impact force is applied to the refractory support part by the impact force application device, the refractory support part is pushed toward the first side in the central axis direction, the refractory to be inserted supported by the refractory support part is pushed toward the first side in the central axis direction by the refractory support part, and when the protruding member comes into contact with the molten metal vessel, movement of the refractory support part toward the first side in the central axis direction is restricted.

[0011] In this case, since the impact force is applied to the refractory insert by the impact force applying device, the refractory insert can be inserted into the molten metal vessel with the pressure required for insertion without relying on human power. Furthermore, when the protruding member comes into contact with the molten metal vessel, the movement of the refractory support part is restricted, so the refractory insert can be inserted into the molten metal vessel at a specified position.

[0012] In addition, the position of the protruding member may be adjustable in the central axis direction relative to the refractory support portion, and the refractory support portion may be provided with a first regulating portion that regulates movement of the protruding member toward the second side.

[0013] In this case, the position of the protruding member is adjustable in the central axis direction relative to the refractory support member, and movement toward the second side is restricted by the first restricting member. Thus, the position of the protruding member in the central axis direction is adjustable to insert the refractory insert into a predetermined position relative to the molten metal vessel. Furthermore, because movement of the protruding member toward the second side from the adjusted position is restricted, the adjusted position is maintained. Therefore, even when multiple insertion operations are performed, the refractory insert can be inserted into the predetermined position in the molten metal vessel each time.

[0014] Furthermore, the frame may include a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and a third bearing portion that open around the central axis, the second side of the refractory support portion being supported by the first bearing portion, the first side of the impact force application device being supported by the second bearing portion and the second side being supported by the third bearing portion and being further fixed to the frame, the direction of the impact force applied by the impact force application device coinciding with the central axis direction, and the refractory support portion including a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the first bearing portion toward the second side in the central axis direction.

[0015] In this case, the direction of the impact force applied to the refractory support is stably directed in the central axis direction, so that the impact force is efficiently applied to the refractory insert, and therefore the refractory insert is inserted into the molten metal vessel quickly and reliably.

[0016] Furthermore, the refractory support portion includes a second restricting portion that restricts the amount of movement of the refractory support portion toward a second side in the central axial direction relative to the first bearing portion. When the refractory support portion is set at a position where the second side of the second restricting portion contacts the first bearing portion, the refractory support portion receives an appropriate impact force from the impact force applying device, allowing the insertion refractory to be inserted into the molten metal vessel.

[0017] The impact force applying device may be an air chipper. In this case, the air chipper can apply an instantaneous impact force to the refractory insert. Furthermore, since the air chipper can apply an impact force continuously, the refractory insert can be inserted more reliably into the molten metal vessel.

[0018] Further, the refractory insertion device for insertion includes a rotation mechanism that enables the insertion mechanism to rotate in a vertical direction, the rotation mechanism including an operation unit and a mechanism rotation shaft that rotatably connects the insertion mechanism to the operation unit, the mechanism rotation shaft being formed in a substantially horizontal direction, the insertion mechanism including the frame, the impact force application device, and the refractory support unit, the operation unit being capable of operating the insertion mechanism and being rotatable between a state in which the central axis direction is substantially horizontal and a state in which a first side end of the refractory support unit faces substantially upward in a vertical direction, the impact force application device and the refractory support unit rotating integrally when the insertion mechanism unit rotates, and the direction in which the impact force is applied may always coincide with the central axis direction.

[0019] In this case, by placing the insertion mechanism section in a generally vertical direction with the first side end of the refractory support section facing upward, the refractory insertion device for insertion can be made compact, making it easier to move and saving storage space.

[0020] Furthermore, the impact force application device and the refractory support unit rotate integrally when the insertion mechanism unit rotates, and the direction of the impact force always coincides with the central axis. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the insertion mechanism unit, the impact force is applied in the central axis direction, so the impact force is efficiently transmitted to the refractory support unit, allowing the refractory to be inserted more reliably into the molten metal vessel. Furthermore, the insertion direction is not limited to a substantially horizontal direction, increasing the degree of freedom in the insertion angle.

[0021] A method for inserting a refractory insert according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for inserting the refractory insert into the molten metal vessel using the refractory insert insertion device, and includes a first step of inserting the refractory insert into the refractory support part; a second step of applying mortar to the outer periphery of the refractory insert while rotating the refractory insert around the refractory support part; a third step of positioning the tip of the refractory insert into an attachment part of the molten metal vessel; a fourth step of applying an impact force to the refractory support part using the impact force application device to insert the refractory insert into the molten metal vessel by the refractory support part, the amount of movement of the refractory support part due to the impact force being limited to the point where the protruding member comes into contact with the molten metal vessel; and a fifth step of removing the refractory support part from the refractory insert.

[0022] According to this method, the mortar is applied to the inserted refractory while rotating it in a state where the inserted refractory is inserted into the refractory support portion, which makes the work easier. Furthermore, since an impact force is applied to the refractory support portion by the impact force application device, the inserted refractory can be inserted more reliably into the molten metal vessel without requiring any human load. Furthermore, in the fourth step, the amount of movement of the refractory support portion due to the impact force is limited to the point where the protruding member contacts the molten metal vessel, so the inserted refractory can be inserted to a specified position relative to the molten metal vessel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an insertion refractory inserting device 1 of the present invention, cut substantially vertically along the direction of a central axis C1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. [Figure 3] 1, the impact force applying device 3 is operated to insert a porous plug 41, which is a refractory material 40, into a molten metal vessel 47. In FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the rotational operation of the insertion mechanism unit 6 in the insertion refractory material insertion device 1, showing the insertion mechanism unit 6 in a substantially horizontal state. [Figure 5]8 is a diagram for explaining the rotational operation of the insertion mechanism unit 6 in the insertion refractory insertion device 1, showing a state in which the insertion mechanism unit 6 has rotated substantially vertically from the state in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the operating unit 7 and the insertion mechanism unit 6, and shows the relationship between the worm gear 18 connected to the operating handle 10 and the worm wheel 19 that rotates around the mechanism unit rotation axis 17. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view including elements associated with the device 1 for inserting refractories, with the refractory 40 being positioned in front. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view showing an operation unit 7 and an insertion mechanism unit 6 of the insertion refractory material insertion device 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a first arm 53 in the insertion refractory material insertion device 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, a refractory inserting device 1 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the description of the embodiment of the invention and the drawings referred to are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto. The configurations shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0025] An insertion refractory inserting device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The insertion refractory 40 includes a porous plug 41 and the like that is inserted into a mounting portion 48 of a molten metal vessel 47. The insertion refractory inserting device 1 is a device in which the insertion refractory 40 is applied to the porous plug 41.

[0026] <<Configuration and Effects of the Insertion Mechanism 6 of the Refractory Insertion Device 1>> <Description of Main Parts of Insertion Mechanism Unit 6> The insertion mechanism 6 of the device for inserting refractory material 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and other figures. The device for inserting refractory material 1 is a device for inserting a refractory material 40 into a molten metal vessel 47. The insertion mechanism 6 of the device for inserting refractory material 1 includes a refractory support part 2 that detachably supports the refractory material 40, an impact force application device 3 that applies an impact force to the refractory support part 2, and a protruding member 4 that extends radially from the refractory support part 2. The device for inserting refractory material 1 further includes a frame 5 that supports the refractory support part 2 and the impact force application device 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first refractory support part 21 of the device for inserting refractory material 1 is formed in a tubular shape, and a gas blowing tube 46 of a porous plug 41 can be inserted therein.

[0027] The direction in which the central axis C1 extends in the longitudinal direction of the refractory support part 2 is referred to as the central axis C1 direction. In the central axis C1 direction, the side where the insertion refractory 40 is inserted is referred to as the first side, and the opposite side is referred to as the second side.

[0028] 1 to 3, the predetermined portion 23 of the refractory support part 2 is capable of contacting a predetermined portion of the refractory to be inserted 40. The predetermined portion of the refractory to be inserted 40 is, for example, the bottom portion 43, but the predetermined portion is not limited to the bottom portion 43 and may be any portion that allows the refractory support part 2 to press the refractory to be inserted 40 toward the first side in the direction of the central axis C1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the predetermined portion 23 of the first refractory support part 21 in the refractory to be inserted insertion device 1 is the first side end portion 2a. An iron plate is generally attached to the bottom portion 43 of the porous plug 41.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , when an impact force is applied to the refractory support part 2 by the impact force application device 3, the refractory support part 2 is pushed toward a first side in the direction of the central axis C1. The inserted refractory 40 supported by the refractory support part 2 is pushed toward the first side in the direction of the central axis C1 by the refractory support part 2. At this time, the refractory support part 2 moves a distance L2. When the protruding member 4 contacts the molten metal vessel 47, the movement of the refractory support part 2 toward the first side in the direction of the central axis C1 is restricted. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the protruding member 4 contacts a bottom 49 of the molten metal vessel 47.

[0030] <Effects of the main parts of the insertion mechanism unit 6> The above-described configuration of the main parts of the insertion mechanism unit 6 in the refractory insertion device 1 provides the following effects. Because the impact force is applied to the refractory 40 by the impact force application device 3, it can be inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 with the pressure required for insertion without manual force. Furthermore, when the protruding member 4 comes into contact with the molten metal vessel 47, the movement of the refractory support unit 2 is restricted, so that the refractory 40 can be inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 at a specified position.

[0031] <Description of the relationship between the protruding member 4 and the refractory support portion 2> Next, the relationship between the protruding member 4 and the refractory support part 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the protruding member 4 has a shape in which branch-like portions 4b protrude radially in a Y-shape from an annular portion 4a that surrounds the outer periphery of the refractory support part 2. The refractory support part 2 has a first male thread portion 24 and a second male thread portion 25 formed on its outer periphery from a second side end portion 2b toward the first side in the direction of the central axis C1. The outer diameter of the first male thread portion 24 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second male thread portion 25. A female thread portion 4c is formed on the inner periphery of the annular portion 4a, and is attached by threading onto the second male thread portion 25 of the refractory support part 2. The first male thread portion 24 is threaded into a female thread portion 11b of an operating collar 11, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the position of the protruding member 4 is adjustable in the direction of the central axis C1 relative to the refractory support portion 2. The refractory support portion 2 includes a first restricting portion 15 that restricts movement of the protruding member 4 toward the second side. Specifically, a second male thread portion 25 is formed on a portion of the outer periphery of the refractory support portion 2, and a female thread portion 4c is formed on the inner periphery of the protruding member 4, and these threads are threadedly engaged with each other. The position of the protruding member 4 can be adjusted toward both the first side and the second side in the direction of the central axis C1 while rotating around the refractory support portion 2. The position of the protruding member 4 is adjusted so that it contacts the molten metal vessel 47 into which the refractory insert 40 is inserted when the refractory insert 40 is inserted to a predetermined position. A first nut, which serves as the first restricting portion 15, is provided on the second side of the protruding member 4, restricting movement of the adjusted protruding member 4 toward the second side in the direction of the central axis C1. That is, the first restricting portion 15 restricts movement of the adjusted protruding member 4 so that it does not shift toward the second side.

[0033] 3, the distance between the first end of the protruding member 4 and the bottom 43 of the porous plug 41 is adjusted to a specified distance L1. That is, when the protruding member 4 is adjusted to the correct position and comes into contact with the molten metal vessel 47, the refractory insert 40 is correctly inserted at a specified position and depth. When transitioning from the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the state shown in FIG. 3, the refractory support part 2 moves a distance L2 toward the first side in the direction of the central axis C1 due to the impact of the impact force applying device 3.

[0034] <Effect of the relationship between the protruding member 4 and the refractory support portion 2> The relationship between the protruding member 4 and the refractory support part 2 described above provides the following advantages. The position of the protruding member 4 is adjustable along the central axis C1 relative to the refractory support part 2, and the refractory support part 2 includes a first restricting part 15 that restricts the protruding member 4 from moving from the adjusted position. Therefore, the position of the protruding member 4 along the central axis C1 can be adjusted to insert the refractory insert 40 into a predetermined position relative to the molten metal vessel 47. This allows for flexible use with molten metal vessels 47 having different dimensions for the mounting part 48, etc. Furthermore, because movement of the protruding member 4 toward the second side from the adjusted position is restricted, the adjusted position is maintained. For example, even when multiple insertion operations are performed, the refractory insert 40 can be inserted into the predetermined position in the molten metal vessel 47 each time.

[0035] <Explanation of the relationship between the refractory support portion 2 and the impact force applying device 3> Next, the relationship between the refractory support part 2 and the impact force application device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the refractory support part 2 and the impact force application device 3 are supported by a frame 5. The frame 5 includes a first bearing part 8, a second bearing part 9, and a third bearing part 27, which open about a central axis C1. The refractory support part 2 has a second side supported by the first bearing part 8. The impact force application device 3 has a first side supported by the second bearing part 9 and a second side supported by the third bearing part 27, and is further fixed to the frame 5. The direction of the impact force applied by the impact force application device 3 coincides with the direction of the central axis C1. The refractory support part 2 includes a second restricting part 16 that restricts movement of the refractory support part 2 toward the second side in the direction of the central axis C1 relative to the first bearing part 8. The second restricting part 16 is, for example, a second nut, and is threadedly engaged with a second male threaded part 25 of the first refractory support part 21.

[0036] <Effect of the relationship between the refractory support portion 2 and the impact force applying device 3> The relationship between the refractory support part 2 and the impact force applying device 3 described above has the following effects. The direction of the impact force applied to the refractory support part 2 is stably directed toward the central axis C1, so that the impact force is efficiently applied to the refractory insert 40. Therefore, the refractory insert 40 is inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 quickly and more reliably.

[0037] Furthermore, the refractory support part 2 includes a second restricting part 16 that restricts movement of the refractory support part 2 toward the second side in the direction of the central axis C1 relative to the first bearing part 8. When the refractory support part 2 is set at a position where the second side of the second restricting part 16 contacts the first bearing part 8, the refractory support part 2 receives an appropriate impact force from the impact force applying device 3, and the insertion refractory 40 can be inserted into the molten metal vessel 47.

[0038] <Configuration and Operation of Impact Force Applicator 3> Next, the configuration of the impact force applying device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 etc., the impact force applying device 3 is, for example, an air chipper 30. Alternatively, the impact force applying device 3 may be a mechanical hammer, an air hammer, an electromagnetic hammer, an electric hammer, or the like. The impact force applying device 3 applies an impact force to the refractory support part 2 in the direction of the central axis C1. The impact force applying device 3 is preferably a device that can apply an impact force continuously. Note that the direction in which the impact force applying device 3 applies the impact force to the refractory support part 2 is not limited to a direction that strictly coincides with the central axis C1, and may be along the direction of the central axis C1 within the scope of common technical knowledge.

[0039] The configuration of the air chipper 30 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The air chipper 30 includes a drive unit 33, a pressing shaft 31, and a damper spring 32. The first bearing unit 8 of the frame 5 has an open hole formed therein so that its radial center coincides with the central axis C1, and a first collar bearing 13 and a second collar bearing 14 are attached to the first and second sides in the direction of the central axis C1, respectively. The operating collar 11 is attached to the first collar bearing 13 and the second collar bearing 14 so as to pass through them.

[0040] The first side of the pressing shaft 31 is inserted into the operating collar 11. Two spacers 12 are attached to the operating collar 11, and the tip of the pressing shaft 31 contacts the spacers 12. When the spacers 12 are pushed out toward the first side by the pressing shaft 31, the operating collar 11 moves following the movement of the spacers 12. The operating collar 11 moves in the direction of the central axis C1 while its outer periphery slides on the inner periphery of the first collar bearing 13 and the inner periphery of the second collar bearing 14. The refractory support part 2 has a first male threaded portion 24 on the second side that is threadedly engaged with the female threaded portion 11b of the operating collar 11, and a second side end portion 2b that contacts the spacers 12. It is desirable to use an elastic body such as rubber for the spacers 12, for example.

[0041] Next, the operation of the impact force applying device 3 when inserting the refractory insert 40 into the molten metal vessel 47 will be described. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 , the operation of the air chipper 30, which is an example of the impact force applying device 3, when inserting the refractory insert 40 into the molten metal vessel 47 will be described. When the operating lever 34 of the air chipper 30 is operated to drive the drive unit 33, the pressing shaft 31 is pushed toward the first side along the central axis C1. The impact force generated at this time is transmitted to the second end 2b of the refractory support part 2 via the spacer 12. Furthermore, the predetermined part 23 of the refractory support part 2 presses the bottom part 43 of the refractory insert 40, inserting the refractory insert 40 into the attachment part 48 of the molten metal vessel 47.

[0042] The refractory support part 2 receives an instantaneous impact force from the air chipper 30, so that the refractory insert 40 is inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 in a short time. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3 , when the protruding member 4 contacts the molten metal vessel 47, the movement of the refractory support part 2 is restricted. As a result, the refractory insert 40 is inserted to a position and depth specified for the mounting part 48 of the molten metal vessel 47. The air chipper 30 is capable of continuously generating impact force. Furthermore, when the pressing shaft 31 moves toward the first side along the central axis C1, the spacer 12 moves toward the first side, and the operating collar 11 moves toward the first side accordingly. The operating collar 11 has a flange formed at its second end. When the operating collar 11 moves toward the first side, the first end 11a of the flange contacts the second end of the second collar bearing 14 or the second end of the first bearing part 8. Then, the movement of the operating collar 11 toward the first side is restricted, and accordingly, the movement of the pressing shaft 31 toward the first side is also restricted.

[0043] Furthermore, when the impact force applying device 3 applies an impact force to the refractory support part 2 and inserts the refractory insert 40 into the molten metal vessel 47, the refractory support part 2 may receive a recoil impact force in the opposite direction. In response to this, the second restricting part 16, as already described, is effective. That is, when the refractory support part 2 receives an impact force toward the second side, the first end of the first bearing part 8 interferes with the second end of the second restricting part 16, stopping the movement of the refractory support part 2. This prevents interference between the refractory support part 2 and the pressing shaft 31, thereby suppressing damage to each other. Furthermore, if the refractory support part 2 pushes the operating collar 11 back toward the second side due to the recoil from the refractory insert 40, the damper spring 32 acts as a buffer to restrict the movement of the operating collar 11.

[0044] <Configuration of Impact Force Applicator 3 and Effects of Operation> The configuration and operation of the impact force application device 3 described above provide the following advantages. Because the impact force application device 3 is an air chipper 30, it can apply an instantaneous impact force to the refractory insert 40. Furthermore, because it can apply an impact force continuously, the refractory insert 40 can be inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 more quickly and reliably. For example, if the refractory insert 40 is inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 after mortar has been applied to the outer periphery 44, if the insertion takes too long, the mortar will harden and the adhesive effect will be reduced. In contrast, the air chipper 30 allows the refractory insert 40 to be inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 in a short time, thereby improving the adhesive effect between the mortar and the molten metal vessel 47.

[0045] <<Configuration and Effects of the Rotation Mechanism 20 of the Refractory Insertion Device 1>> <Description of Rotation Mechanism 20> Next, the rotation mechanism 20 of the insertion refractory insertion device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. The rotation mechanism 20 includes an operation unit 7 and a mechanism rotation shaft 17 that rotatably connects the insertion mechanism 6 and the operation unit 7. The mechanism rotation shaft 17 is formed in a substantially horizontal direction. The operation unit 7 can operate the insertion mechanism 6, and can rotate between a state in which the direction of the central axis C1 is substantially horizontal as shown in Fig. 4, and a state in which the first side end 2a of the refractory support part 2 faces upward in a substantially vertical direction as shown in Fig. 5.

[0046] The impact force application device 3 and the refractory support unit 2 rotate integrally when the insertion mechanism unit 6 rotates, and the direction of application of the impact force always coincides with the direction of the central axis C1. Here, the term "approximately vertical direction" is not limited to the strict vertical direction, but includes a range that is considered to be vertical within the scope of common technical knowledge. Furthermore, the term "approximately horizontal direction" is not limited to the strict horizontal direction, but includes a range that is considered to be horizontal within the scope of common technical knowledge. Furthermore, the direction of application of the impact force does not need to strictly coincide with the direction of the central axis C1, but includes a range that is considered to be the direction of the central axis C1 within the scope of common technical knowledge.

[0047] The operating unit 7 includes an operating handle 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the operating handle 10 is connected to a worm gear 18, which is connected to a worm wheel 19 formed in the insertion mechanism unit 6. The mechanism unit rotation shaft 17 may be coaxial with the central axis C1 of the worm wheel 19, or may be connected to it by a spur gear (not shown). The rotational direction of the operating handle 10 is converted by 90° via the worm gear 18 and the worm wheel 19 and transmitted to the insertion mechanism unit 6. When the operating handle 10 is rotated in one direction, the insertion mechanism unit 6 rotates from the substantially horizontal direction shown in FIG. 4 to the substantially vertical direction shown in FIG. 5. When the operating handle 10 is rotated in the other direction, the insertion mechanism unit 6 rotates from the substantially vertical direction shown in FIG. 5 to the substantially horizontal direction shown in FIG. 4.

[0048] The rotational operation by the operating handle 10 is sufficiently decelerated by the worm gear 18 and the worm wheel 19, reducing the load during operation. In addition, the insertion mechanism unit 6 maintains the state in which the operating handle 10 is rotated due to the friction load between the worm gear 18 and the worm wheel 19. In other words, the insertion mechanism unit 6 is not limited to the states of the approximately horizontal direction and the approximately vertical direction, but can be rotated to any position within the range of angle θ with the maximum displacement angle being R3 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and that state can be maintained.

[0049] Although an example has been shown in which the insertion mechanism unit 6 is rotatable by the rotation mechanism unit 20, it does not necessarily have to be rotatable, and it may be fixed so as not to be rotatable without the rotation mechanism unit 20, with the direction of the central axis C1 always being approximately horizontal.

[0050] <Effects of the rotation mechanism 20> The rotation mechanism 20 of the refractory material insertion device 1 described above has the following effects: When the insertion mechanism 6 of the refractory material insertion device 1 is oriented in a substantially vertical direction with the first side end 2a of the refractory support part 2 facing upward, the refractory material insertion device 1 can be made compact, making it easy to move and saving storage space.

[0051] Furthermore, the impact force applying device 3 and the refractory support part 2 rotate integrally when the insertion mechanism part 6 rotates, and the direction of the impact force always coincides with the direction of the central axis C1. Therefore, no matter what position the insertion mechanism part 6 is rotated to, the impact force is applied in the direction in which the refractory support part 2 extends, so the impact force is efficiently transmitted to the refractory support part 2, and the refractory to be inserted 40 can be inserted into the molten metal vessel 47 more reliably.

[0052] 6, the insertion direction of the refractory material 40 can be set at any insertion angle between a substantially horizontal direction and a substantially vertical direction by the holding force between the worm gear 18 of the operating unit 7 and the worm wheel 19 of the insertion mechanism unit 6. Furthermore, the rotational operating load of the operating handle 10 is reduced between the worm gear 18 and the worm wheel 19, thereby reducing the load on the operator.

[0053] <Description of devices associated with the refractory inserting device 1> Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, devices associated with the refractory insertion device 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the refractory insertion device 1 includes a base 51 and a balancer body 56 attached to the base 51 so as to be rotatable within an angle R1 in a substantially horizontal direction around a rotation axis 57. The device further includes a balancer 52 attached to the balancer body 56, a first arm 53 connected to the balancer body 56, and a second arm 55 connected to the first arm 53 via a rotation axis 54. The rotation angle R1 of the balancer body 56 can be set arbitrarily, and may be 360°, for example. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rotation mechanism 20 is attached to the second arm 55, and the insertion mechanism 6 is attached to the operation unit 7 so as to be rotatable around a mechanism rotation axis 17.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, the first arm 53 can swing substantially vertically within a predetermined range R3. The first arm 53 forms a parallel crank mechanism with two arm members. The predetermined range R3 is the range within which the first arm 53 can swing. As shown in FIG. 7, the second arm 55 can swing substantially horizontally within a predetermined angle R2. The predetermined angle R2 can be set arbitrarily. The refractory insertion device 1 and associated devices may be stably installed in the installation position by a pedestal 51, or may be made movable by attaching a pedestal wheel to the underside of the pedestal 51. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, a protective cover 26 may be provided to cover a portion of the refractory support portion 2 and the frame 5. The protective cover 26 is attached for safety purposes when the refractory insertion device 1 is stored or when it is in a standby state before inserting the refractory 40.

[0055] <Effects of devices associated with the refractory inserting device 1> The above-described devices and accessories of the refractory insert insertion device 1 provide the following advantages. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first arm 53 forms a parallel crank mechanism, allowing the insertion mechanism unit 6 to move substantially vertically while maintaining the central axis C1 of the insertion mechanism unit 6 substantially horizontally. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the second arm 55 can rotate the tip of the refractory insert 40 substantially horizontally while maintaining the central axis C1 of the insertion mechanism unit 6 horizontally. Therefore, the tip 45 of the refractory insert 40 can be easily moved and aligned with the mounting portion 48 relative to the molten metal vessel 47 into which the refractory insert 40 is to be inserted. Furthermore, as already described, the insertion mechanism unit 6 can be rotated by the operating unit 7 between a state in which the central axis C1 is substantially horizontal and a state in which the central axis C1 is substantially vertical. Therefore, even when the work site is narrow, the insertion mechanism unit 6 can be moved while rotated substantially vertically.

[0056] <<How to insert refractory material>> <Method for inserting refractory material according to the second aspect of the present invention> Next, a method for inserting a refractory insert according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The method for inserting a refractory insert 40 is a method for inserting a refractory insert 40 into a molten metal vessel 47 using the refractory insert insertion device 1 already described. The method for inserting a refractory insert of the second embodiment includes a first step of inserting the refractory insert 40 into a refractory support part 2. Next, a second step of applying mortar to an outer peripheral portion 44 of the refractory insert 40 while rotating the refractory insert 40 around the refractory support part 2. Next, a third step of positioning a leading end 45 of the refractory insert 40 in a mounting part 48 of the molten metal vessel 47. Next, a fourth step of applying an impact force to the refractory support part 2 using the impact force application device 3 to insert the refractory insert 40 into the molten metal vessel 47 using the refractory support part 2, with the upper limit of the movement of the refractory support part 2 being set to the time when the protruding member 4 contacts the molten metal vessel 47. Furthermore, a fifth step of extracting the refractory support portion 2 from the inserted refractory 40 is provided.

[0057] <Effects of the method for inserting refractory material according to the second aspect of the present invention> The method for inserting a refractory piece according to the second aspect described above has the following advantages. In the method for inserting a refractory piece, mortar is applied to the refractory piece 40 while rotating it after it has been inserted into the refractory piece support portion 2, making the operation easy. Furthermore, since an impact force is applied to the refractory piece support portion 2 by the impact force application device 3, the refractory piece 40 can be inserted more reliably into the molten metal vessel 47 without requiring any manual labor. Furthermore, in the fourth step, the amount of movement of the refractory piece support portion 2 due to the impact force is limited to the point where the protruding member 4 contacts the molten metal vessel 47, so the refractory piece 40 can be inserted to a specified position relative to the molten metal vessel 47. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Refractory inserting device 2 Refractory support part 2a First side end 3 Impact force application device 4. Protruding member 5 frames 6 Insertion mechanism 7 Control section 8 First bearing part 9 Second bearing part 11a First side end 15 First Regulatory Department 16 Second Regulatory Department 17 Rotation axis 20 Rotation mechanism 23 designated section 27 Third bearing part 30 Air Chipper 40 Refractory inserts 44 Outer periphery 45 Tip 47 Molten Metal Vessel 48 Mounting part 57 Rotation axis C1: Central axis

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for inserting refractory inserts into a molten metal vessel, comprising: a refractory support portion that detachably supports the insertion refractory; an impact force applying device that applies an impact force to the refractory support portion; a protruding member extending radially from an outer periphery of the refractory support portion; an insertion mechanism unit including a frame that supports the refractory support unit and the impact force applying device; a predetermined portion of the refractory support portion is capable of contacting a specific portion of the insertion refractory, a direction in which a central axis extends in the longitudinal direction of the refractory support part is defined as a central axis direction, a side in the central axis direction where the insertion refractory is inserted is defined as a first side, and an opposite side is defined as a second side, When an impact force is applied to the refractory support portion by the impact force application device, The refractory support portion is extruded toward the first side in the central axis direction, the insert refractory supported by the refractory support portion is pushed toward the first side in the central axis direction by the refractory support portion, When the protruding member comes into contact with the molten metal vessel, the refractory support portion is restricted from moving toward the first side in the central axis direction.

2. the protruding member is adjustable in position in the central axis direction relative to the refractory support portion, The insertion refractory insertion device according to claim 1 , wherein the refractory support portion includes a first restricting portion that restricts the protruding member from moving toward the second side.

3. the frame includes a first bearing portion, a second bearing portion, and a third bearing portion that are open about the central axis, The second side of the refractory support portion is supported by the first bearing portion, the impact force applying device has the first side supported by the second bearing portion, the second side supported by the third bearing portion, and is further fixed to the frame; the direction of the impact force applied by the impact force application device coincides with the direction of the central axis; The insertion refractory inserting device according to claim 1 , wherein the refractory support portion includes a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the refractory support portion toward the second side in the central axis direction relative to the first bearing portion.

4. 2. The refractory inserting device according to claim 1, wherein the impact force applying device is an air chipper.

5. a rotation mechanism that allows the insertion mechanism to rotate in the up and down direction; the rotation mechanism includes an operation unit and a mechanism rotation shaft that rotatably connects the insertion mechanism and the operation unit; The rotation axis of the mechanism is formed in a substantially horizontal direction, the insertion mechanism unit includes the frame, the impact force applying device, and the refractory support unit, the operating unit is capable of operating the insertion mechanism unit and is rotatable between a state in which the central axis direction is a substantially horizontal direction and a state in which a first side end of the refractory support part faces upward in a substantially vertical direction, 5. The refractory insertion device for insertion according to claim 1, wherein the impact force applying device and the refractory support part rotate integrally when the insertion mechanism part rotates, and the direction of applying the impact force always coincides with the central axis direction.

6. 5. A method for inserting a refractory insert into a vessel of molten metal using the refractory insert insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: a first step of inserting the insertion refractory into the refractory support portion; a second step of applying mortar to an outer periphery of the refractory insert while rotating the refractory insert around the refractory support; a third step of positioning a tip end of the refractory insert at a mounting portion of the molten metal vessel; a fourth step of applying an impact force to the refractory support portion by the impact force application device and inserting the insertion refractory into the molten metal vessel by the refractory support portion, wherein the amount of movement of the refractory support portion due to the impact force is limited to the amount until the protruding member comes into contact with the molten metal vessel; The method for inserting a refractory material to be inserted comprises a fifth step of extracting the refractory material support portion from the refractory material to be inserted.

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