Refractory casting nozzle for a change-over device at the spout of a metallurgical container, and change-over device and associated blanking plate
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/056811
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-15
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure EP2026056811_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] PA4956 PCT
[0002] Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG, A-1100 Vienna
[0003] Fireproof pouring nozzle for a changeover device at the spout of a metallurgical container, as well as a changeover device and an associated blanking plate.
[0004] The invention relates to a fire-resistant pouring nozzle for a changeover device at the spout of a metallurgical container, a changeover device and a blanking plate for the changeover device, according to the preambles of claims 1, 8 and 22.
[0005] Changeover devices for refractory casting nozzles or casting / immersion tubes are used particularly in casting systems for continuous casting plants for the production of long metallic products. During casting, refractory casting nozzles are typically immersed in the molten metal in a mold and are therefore subject to high wear, requiring frequent replacement depending on the casting conditions. Such a changeover device allows for the replacement of the nozzle by inserting a new, immersed casting tube into the casting position while simultaneously pushing out and removing the worn casting tube, thus preventing casting interruptions.
[0006] In a pouring tube changer for a pouring device according to EP 2 663 413 B1, an actuating element is provided for changing a pouring tube from a standby position to the pouring position, in which the pouring tube, after being inserted, is pressed against an outlet sleeve or similar at the spout of a container. The pouring tube changer is also equipped with a blanking plate for closing the pouring channel, which is positioned in a standby position during normal operation and, in an emergency, for example, in the event of a breach through this actuating element, can be pushed away to allow the pouring tube in the pouring position and into the opening to enable rapid closure of the outlet channel.
[0007] This casting tube changer is equipped with guide rails arranged laterally on an upper base plate, forming a sliding plane for the casting tubes to be exchanged. The respective upper plate of the casting tubes, or the underside of the blanking plate, rests on these guide rails. This arrangement requires considerable space and results in limited visibility for the operator when inserting and removing the casting tubes immersed in a mold, because the distance between the underside of the changer and the top of the casting platform at the mold is already limited. Similarly, the use of a manipulator or robot for inserting the casting nozzles is difficult to implement due to the confined space.
[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a pouring nozzle for a changeover device at the spout of a metallurgical vessel, as well as a changeover device, by means of which the conditions with regard to space and visibility, and thus handling, during the changeover of the pouring nozzles are improved, even when manipulators or robots are used for changing the pouring nozzles. Furthermore, a corresponding blanking plate for interrupting the pouring of molten metal from the vessel should preferably be integrated into the changeover device; this blanking plate can also be easily moved into the pouring position.
[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 8 and 22.
[0010] By incorporating these fin-like longitudinal elements as guides on both sides of the die plate, simple guidance of the die is achieved, and the available space, and thus accessibility and visibility into the mold during die changes, are significantly improved. Advantageously, the fin-like longitudinal elements extend approximately over the entire lateral length of the plate's side wall and are preferably oriented perpendicular to the side wall, such that they rest flat on the sliding surface of the guide track of the changing device.
[0011] The fin-like longitudinal elements are arranged, particularly in the upper area of the side walls, on a plane parallel to the upper sliding surface of the plate, so that the side walls can be dimensioned with a low construction height, thus resulting in these improved space and visibility conditions.
[0012] The refractory plate and the upper part of the casting nozzle's sleeve body are advantageously surrounded by a shaped metal sheet casing, in which these two fin-like longitudinal elements are each aligned at right angles to the outside by bending the sheet casing. In this way, the casting nozzle according to the invention can be manufactured simply, with these bent longitudinal elements being produced with sufficient bending strength.
[0013] In the changing device, guide means are formed on the inside of the housing walls in a receiving opening according to the invention as groove-shaped guide tracks in which these fin-like longitudinal elements are guided slidingly on the side walls of the plate of the respective casting nozzle.
[0014] The groove-shaped guide tracks are advantageously open towards the receiving opening and are comprised of three sections for insertion, clamping, and removal, each preferably with a length approximately equal to the length of the plate. This ensures that the casting nozzles are guided not only from below, as with known changers, but also from above between the guide tracks during both insertion and removal, due to the groove shape. Consequently, there is virtually no risk of the casting nozzles tipping uncontrollably or falling out, for example, during removal.
[0015] Within the scope of the invention, these guide means could be used in reverse, in which the fin-like longitudinal elements are aligned on the inside of the housing walls towards the receiving opening and the groove-shaped guide tracks are formed in the side walls of the plate of the respective casting nozzle.
[0016] At least on one housing wall, a removable stop is preferably provided at the rear end of the guide track. This stop is positioned so that, when changing nozzles after being pushed out, the used nozzle is only moved to this end. Conversely, the nozzle pushing out the used nozzle is moved precisely into the pouring position when pushed forward. This prevents the nozzles from being pushed through uncontrollably.
[0017] The casting nozzle with the plate is lifted in the clamped casting position, where clamping blocks apply a predetermined pressure to the plate's support surface. With it, the fin-like longitudinal elements are lifted into their respective corresponding guide tracks. A gap between the upper surface of each longitudinal element and the plate's upper sliding surface, perpendicular to the latter, prevents the longitudinal elements from striking the grooved guide track when the plate is lifted.
[0018] The invention is further characterized in that a sliding device is integrated into the changing device, which in particular enables emergency closing of the spout by means of an adjustable blanking plate. This sliding device, arranged between the housing structure and the drive element, comprises a pivotable and sliding plunger operatively connected to the drive element, a slide for the plunger provided laterally at the receiving opening and longitudinally guided in the holder, guide elements, and a storage space for the blanking plate.
[0019] By arranging the bracket with the drive mechanism and the slide of the displacement device next to the receiving opening with the guide tracks, a further significant advantage is created: a clear access space in front of the section for inserting a casting nozzle. Only the hook-shaped plunger, pivotally mounted on the slide, is arranged to allow lowering of the casting nozzles or a blanking plate from above behind the receiving opening and pivoting back up again.
[0020] The guide elements of the blanking plate are designed as laterally projecting, fin-like longitudinal elements. When the blanking plate is inserted into the position below the base plate with the spout, these elements slide in the guide tracks of the housing walls, which also serve as guide elements for the pouring nozzles. As a further advantage, these fin-like longitudinal elements of the blanking plate are used for support in the waiting position and also when a pouring nozzle is inserted into the pouring position, by means of cooperating guide elements in the sliding mechanism.
[0021] Furthermore, when the blanking plate is inserted under the spout, the fin-like longitudinal elements are brought into sliding contact with inclined surfaces on the guide elements as it is lowered, and then placed onto the guide tracks of the side walls. The blanking plate is then pushed against the pouring nozzle, which is in pouring position, and is moved under the spout, where it is pressed against the base plate by the rocker arms.
[0022] The invention and further advantages thereof are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawing. It shows:
[0023] Fig. 1 shows a perspective side view of an exchange device according to the invention, illustrating an exchange process in which a refractory casting nozzle is shown being inserted, one in a casting position and one being removed;
[0024] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the changing device according to Fig. 1 with a view of the guide track according to the invention in a housing wall and the longitudinally sectioned fin-like longitudinal elements of the casting nozzles indicated therein; Fig. 3 shows a perspective side view of an upper part of the casting nozzle with the plate with fin-like longitudinal elements and the sleeve body according to Fig. 1;
[0025] Fig. 4 shows a partial section of the housing wall with the guide track of the changing device and a longitudinal element of the casting nozzle plate shown in partial side view according to Fig. 3 guided therein;
[0026] Fig. 5 shows a partial section of a clamping block and the guide track with a lifted longitudinal element of the pressed-on plate of the casting nozzle located therein;
[0027] Fig. 6 shows a partial longitudinal section of the changing device, which extends inside the front housing wall parallel to the casting axis, in which a blanking plate is shown in a waiting position and an inserted casting nozzle with its upper plate abuts the front of that of the casting nozzle in the casting position;
[0028] Fig. 7 shows the partial longitudinal section of the changing device at the same location as in Fig. 6, but in which a pivoted plunger is swung forward and downward by a drive element and at the same time a blind plate is moved obliquely downward by it above the inserted casting nozzle by a force pressure element until it reaches a support on the upper side of the casting nozzle;
[0029] Fig. 8 shows the partial longitudinal section of the changing device, in which this plunger is pivoted downwards to the horizontal and pushes the pouring nozzle into the pouring position;
[0030] Fig. 9 shows the partial longitudinal section of the changeover device, in which emergency closing is achieved by means of the blanking plate, wherein the pivoted plunger is pivoted forward and downward by the drive element, and simultaneously the blanking plate is moved obliquely downward by it and by the force pressure element, until the blanking plate is lowered onto the guide tracks of the housing wall; and Fig. 10 shows the partial longitudinal section of the changeover device, in which this plunger is pivoted downward to the horizontal position and the lowered blanking plate is pushed away from the pouring nozzle, which is in the pouring position, below the spout to close it.
[0031] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show an exchange device 10 at the spout of a metallurgical vessel used in a continuous casting plant (not illustrated in detail) for the production of long metallurgical products and similar products, preferably slabs, thin slabs, or possibly billets or ingots. The vessel is provided with at least one spout to which a refractory casting nozzle 21, 22, 23, each with a through-hole 39, can be connected. During continuous casting, this nozzle acts as a dip tube immersed in the molten metal bath of a mold, enabling closed casting. These refractory casting nozzles, made of ceramic material, are dip tubes, casting tubes, shadow tubes, free-running nozzles, or the like, while advantageously, distribution vessels, ladles, or similar containers for pouring molten metal can be provided.
[0032] The metallurgical vessel can also be equipped with several spouts, each with a pouring nozzle and a mold for multi-strand casting, in which a changeover device 10 is preferably assigned to each spout.
[0033] The changeover device 10 is normally mounted on the underside of the container, which is not shown in detail. A partially shown refractory inner sleeve 11 and a refractory base plate 12, adjoining or connected to it, are mounted within a housing structure 16 of this changeover device 10. The inner sleeve 11, which has one or more lateral connections 13 for one or more gas inlets and / or an electrical connection, extends into the refractory lining in the container and forms the spout, while the base plate 12 has a lower sliding surface for tight sliding contact with a refractory plate 24 of the pouring nozzle 22. Of course, the inner sleeve 11 and the base plate 12 could be formed in one piece. They would be mortared from below into a spout opening in a refractory lining in the container and held in the housing structure 16.
[0034] The housing structure 16 of the changing device 10 consists of an upper base plate 14 that can be attached to the container, housing walls 17, 18 spaced parallel to each other below this, clamping blocks 34, 36 associated with the latter, and a sliding device 30 that interacts with the drive element and includes a blanking plate 20 for emergency closing of the spout. A continuous receiving opening 15 is formed in the housing structure 16 between the housing walls 17, 18, the clamping blocks 34, 36, and the upper base plate 14, through which the pouring nozzles 21, 22, 23 can be guided in, through, and out. On the inside of each of the two housing walls 17, 18, a guide track 27, 28, 29 is formed, which runs parallel to each other and consists of three sections for insertion, clamping and pushing out, preferably each with a length approximately the same as that of the plate 24 of the casting nozzle 21.
[0035] The clamping blocks 34, 36 each consist of a housing box 34', 36' attached to the base plate 14 and several rocker arms 33, preferably tensioned by compression springs, acting as a clamping element within the housing box 34', 36', which are not shown in detail. These rocker arms 33 are pivotably mounted in the respective housing box 34', 36' in a known manner such that they generate a defined clamping force on the plate 24 of the casting nozzle 21 against the lower sliding surface of the base plate 12 or the like. For this purpose, a bearing surface 24' is formed on the underside of the plate 24 on both sides next to the sleeve body 21' of the casting nozzle 21. When a casting nozzle 22 is moved from the first to the middle section, these bearing surfaces come into contact with the rocker arms 33 projecting towards the housing box 34', 36'. This presses the plate 24 and with it the pouring nozzle 22 upwards against the lower sliding surface of the base plate 12 in a sealing manner.
[0036] When the pouring nozzle 22, which is in the pouring position, becomes worn after a certain operating period, a new pouring nozzle 21 can be pivoted into the mold and inserted, as indicated in Fig. 1. By means of a drive element (not shown in detail), such as a hydraulic cylinder, the pouring nozzle 21 can be inserted and pushed into the pouring position from the middle to the third section by pushing away the worn pouring nozzle 22. Figs. 3 to 5 show the pouring nozzle 21, 22, 23, in which, according to the invention, guide means are formed on the upper plate 24 of the two side walls 24". The guide means are designed as fin-like longitudinal elements 25, which serve to guide the pouring nozzle 21, 22, 23 in corresponding guide means within this receiving opening 15, allowing it to be inserted and removed.
[0037] By forming these fin-like longitudinal elements 25 as guide means on both sides of the plate 24 of the casting nozzle 21, 22, 23, a simple guide arrangement of the same has been created, by which the visibility conditions when changing the casting nozzles and thus the manipulation of the casting nozzles are considerably improved.
[0038] In accordance with the invention, the fin-like longitudinal elements 25 each extend approximately over the entire lateral length of the side wall 24" of the plate 24 and are preferably oriented projecting away from the side wall 24" at right angles, such that they each rest flat on a lower sliding surface 27', 28' of the guide track 27, 28 of the changing device 10. They could also be provided with an oblique angle instead of at right angles.
[0039] These fin-like longitudinal elements 25 are advantageously arranged in the upper region of the side walls 24" on a plane parallel to the upper sliding surface 19 of the plate 24. Accordingly, the distance of the longitudinal elements 25 from this upper sliding surface 19 in the direction perpendicular to the plane is defined in the millimeter range, as will be explained below. The refractory plate 24 and the upper part of the sleeve body 2T of the casting nozzle 21, 22, 23 are advantageously surrounded by a shaped metal sheet casing 26. The fin-like longitudinal elements 25 are each aligned perpendicularly outwards by bending the sheet casing 26. They each have a width b, which is also in the millimeter range, for example 10 to 15 mm, and which is always greater than the distance of the longitudinal elements 25 from the upper sliding surface 19.This, however, requires that the sheet metal casing 26 of the longitudinal element 25, in its initial state before bending, protrudes from its upper end face 26' by approximately the difference between this width b and the distance.
[0040] Instead of bending the longitudinal elements 25, they could also consist of a sheet metal strip attached to the sheet metal casing, for example by welding. Of course, the sheet metal casing could also consist of just a ring in which such bent longitudinal elements 25 are provided.
[0041] Furthermore, refractory impact surfaces 19', known per se, are formed at the front and back of the plate 24, which project towards the sheet metal shell 26 in the direction of movement and, when the used casting nozzle 22 is pushed away, touch each other and form a tight connection between them so that no molten metal from the spout can infiltrate or flow through between them when being pushed through.
[0042] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 2, according to the invention, guide means in the form of groove-shaped guide tracks 27, 28, 29 are formed on the inside of the housing walls 17, 18 in the receiving opening 15 of the changeover device, in which these fin-like longitudinal elements 25 are slidably guided at the side walls 24" of the plate 24 of the respective casting nozzle 21, 22, 23, wherein only these longitudinal elements 25 in the guide tracks 27, 28, 29, but not the casting nozzles, are indicated.
[0043] The groove-shaped guide tracks 27, 28, 29 are each open towards the receiving opening 15 and are formed from the three sections for insertion, clamping, and removal, preferably each with a length approximately equal to the length of the plate 24. The casting nozzles 21, 22, 23, with their fin-like longitudinal elements 25, can be inserted into the guide tracks 27, 28, 29 at one end of the receiving opening 15, as illustrated with casting nozzle 21 in Fig. 1, and removed at the opposite end after being pushed out during replacement, as shown with casting nozzle 23 in Fig. 1.
[0044] At least on one housing wall 18, a removable stop 31 is preferably provided at the end of the guide track. This stop is positioned such that, when changing nozzles after being pushed out, the used pouring nozzle 23 is only moved as far as this stop 31, and the pouring nozzle 22, which pushes out the used nozzle, is also moved precisely into the pouring position when pushed forward. This prevents the pouring nozzles from being pushed through uncontrollably or into an incorrect position. After the pouring nozzles have reached their positions, the stop 31 can be briefly removed, and the used pouring nozzle 23 can be pushed out completely and removed from the mold by pivoting it out. (Fig.) Figure 5 partially shows the casting nozzle 21, 22, 23 with the plate 24 in the clamped casting position, in which the rocker arms 33 act as pressure means for the clamping blocks 34, 36, pressing on the support surface 24' of the plate 24 with a predetermined pressure force.These fin-like longitudinal elements 25 are lifted by a certain amount h in their respective corresponding guide track 28. This distance, in the millimeter range, between the upper surface of the longitudinal elements 25 and the upper sliding surface 19 perpendicular to it, ensures that the longitudinal elements 25 do not collide with the groove-shaped guide track 28 when the plate 24 is lifted.
[0045] Furthermore, the housing walls 17, 18 with the guide tracks 27, 29 on both sides of the clamping blocks 34, 36 are dimensioned with a low profile so that the receiving opening 15 in these housing walls 17, 18 next to the clamping blocks 36 is largely open according to the invention, resulting in improved space and visibility when changing the casting nozzles 21, 22, 23. The lower sides 17' of the housing walls 17, 18 are accordingly arranged in the upper area of the plate 24 only a few millimeters below the longitudinal elements 25.
[0046] Furthermore, the respective plate 24 with its two side walls 24" is advantageously guided on the inside of the housing walls 17, 18 with a small amount of play between them to ensure proper guidance of the pouring nozzle from one end to the other in the receiving opening 15. Figures 6 to 10 show the sliding mechanism 30 of the partially illustrated changeover device 10 with the various sliding positions of the blanking plate 20, which is adjustable for emergency closing of the spout. The longitudinal section of the changeover device 10, shown in the axial direction of the spout, runs on the inside of the omitted housing wall 17 in these figures, where the guide means associated with the pouring nozzle 21 and the housing wall 17 are visible, but not the housing wall 17 itself. In addition, guide elements 37, 38, 39 are shown in front of the blanking plate 20, which are attached on the inside of the housing wall 17 (not shown) running in one plane.On the other housing wall 18, similar guide elements are attached to the inside in a symmetrical arrangement, between which the blind plate 20 is guided on both sides with its side surfaces 42.
[0047] This displacement device 30 is arranged between the housing structure 16 and the drive element 35, which is attached to a bracket 32. The drive element 35 is typically a hydraulic piston / cylinder unit, of which a piston rod 41 is visible. However, it could also be an electric motor or similar device.
[0048] This shifting device 30 incorporates a blanking plate 20 designed to close the spout of the container. During normal operation, this blanking plate is held in a standby position above the receiving opening 15, as shown in Fig. 6. In an emergency or when pouring is to be stopped, this blanking plate 20 can be lowered by the shifting device 30 into the receiving opening 15. This action, in particular, pushes away a pouring nozzle 22 in the pouring position until it is moved below the sealing plate 12 with the spout, and is then pressed tightly against it by the pressing means.
[0049] According to the invention, the blind plate 20 is assigned a guide means on each of its side surfaces 42, by which it is guided slidably on both sides with one of the guide means provided for the casting nozzles on the inside of the housing walls 17, 18 when being inserted.
[0050] The guide elements of the blanking plate 20 are designed as laterally projecting, fin-like longitudinal elements which, when the blanking plate 20 is inserted into the position below the base plate 12 provided with the spout, slide in the guide tracks 27, 28, 29 of the housing walls 17, 18. This allows the same guide elements to be used for the housing walls 17, 18 as for the pouring nozzles.
[0051] The fin-like longitudinal elements of the blind plate 20 are formed on both sides by two mutually spaced fin elements 45, 46, which project laterally on a plane flush with the upper closing surface 20' of the blind plate 20.
[0052] Advantageously, the displacement device 30 comprises a pivotable and displaceable plunger 43 operatively connected to the piston rod 41 of the drive element 35, a slide 40 provided laterally at the receiving opening 15 and longitudinally guided in the holder 32, these guide elements 37, 38, 39 and a storage space 56 for the blanking plate 20. Laterally, the plunger 43 of the displacement device 30 is pivotally held at one end in the slide 40 by a pivot pin 48, while in the central area it has a driver 44 which is guided in an elongated guide groove 47 in the slide 40 that extends approximately transversely to the direction of displacement, so that the pivoting of the plunger upwards and downwards is limited.With its front end of the hook-shaped part, this plunger 43 is coupled to a locking element 49 in a guide groove 51 of a coupling part 50 at its end in the blind plate 20, such that the latter can be moved from a waiting position either to a position above the inserting pouring nozzle 21 or, in the event of emergency closing, downwards into the receiving opening 15 and by means of the guide means below the base plate 12, as is explained step by step below.
[0053] According to Fig. 6, the plunger 43 is pivoted obliquely upwards in its initial position behind the blanking plate 20, with the piston rod 41 fully retracted into the cylinder of the drive element by a control mechanism. The plunger 43 engages with the detent element 49 in the guide groove 51 of the coupling part 50 of the blanking plate 20, the blanking plate being supported at the top by its fin elements 45, 46 at the middle and rear guide elements 38, 39. The blanking plate 20 abuts the housing structure 16 on its upper side. A locking device 52, pivotable from the bracket 32, is also shown for locking the drive element 35, which is otherwise laterally removable.
[0054] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the same components as Figure 6. Therefore, reference numerals are not given for all components, only for those shown in the modified positions. According to Figures 7 and 8, the plunger 43 is pivoted downwards or pushed forwards by the slide 40, thereby carrying the blanking plate 20 with it and bringing the pouring nozzle 21, which is inserted into the guide tracks 27 with its fin-like longitudinal elements 25, into the pouring position. The blanking plate 20 is thereby placed obliquely downwards by the plunger 43 onto the pivoted pouring nozzle and advanced along it until the fin elements 45, 46 of the blanking plate are supported at the top by the corresponding guide elements 37, 38. By means of a force pressure element 55 acting on the closing surface 20' of the blind plate 20, it is pressed onto these guide elements 37, 38 and, in a sense, blocked.This force pressure element 55 is designed, for example, as a bracket which is mounted on both sides of the blind plate in a rocking manner and is acted upon by at least one compression spring in such a way that it permanently exerts a pressure force on the blind plate 20, except when the blind plate is moved into the closed position.
[0055] As the plunger 43 moves forward, its locking element 49 leaves the guide groove 51 in the coupling part 50 of the blanking plate 20 and is advanced below this blanking plate with an almost horizontal orientation, pressing its front end of the hook-shaped part against the rear impact surface of the casting nozzle and displacing the latter accordingly.
[0056] After the pouring nozzle is inserted into the pouring position, the plunger 43 is retracted by the drive element 35 and pivoted upwards, pivoting with its locking element 49 back into the guide groove 51 in the coupling part 50 of the blanking plate 20. The blanking plate 20 is thereby moved back up onto the middle and rear guide elements 38 and 39 by its fin elements 45, 46, and the force pressure element 55 is pivoted into a recess 54 of the base plate 14, as shown in Fig. 6.
[0057] Figures 9 and 10 each show a position of the changeover device 10 during an emergency closing or closing of the spout for other reasons, in which the blanking plate 20 is inserted from the waiting position, as shown in Figure 6, under the spout or the base plate 12. The plunger 43 is moved obliquely downwards by the drive element 35 via the slide 40, and with it the blanking plate 20. The blanking plate 20 is pressed vertically by the force pressure element 55 and obliquely downwards by the locking element 49 of the plunger in the guide groove 51 in the coupling part 50. This brings the fin elements 45, 46 with their rear end faces 45', 46' into sliding contact with inclined surfaces 38', 39' on the guide elements 38, 39.The force-pressure element 55 is locked by the central guide element 38 against an upper, preferably rounded, stop surface 38", since the blanking plate 20 slides downwards along these inclined surfaces 38', 39' by itself due to the pushing of the plunger 43 and its own weight. These inclined surfaces 38', 39' on the guide elements 38, 39 preferably run at an angle of approximately 45° towards the spout. The inclined surface 38' of the central guide element 38 extends to slightly above the respective guide track 27 of the side walls 17, 18. On their reverse sides, the two guide elements 37, 38 are likewise provided with inclined surfaces 37' parallel to the other, so that the fin elements 45, 46 can be slid between each pair of guide elements, ensuring that the blanking plate is guided perfectly until it contacts these guide tracks 27.These groove-shaped guideways 27 are provided with recesses at the top through which the fin elements 45, 46 can be inserted and rest on the sliding surfaces 27'.
[0058] As soon as the fin elements 45, 46 rest on the guide rails 27 of the side walls 17, 18, as shown in Fig. 10, the blanking plate 20 is pushed against the pouring nozzle 21, which is in the pouring position, and pushes it away. The rocker arms 33 then press the blanking plate 20 against the base plate 12, thus closing the spout. This blanking plate 20, without a through-opening, can be made of a refractory material, steel, or cast iron, at least at its closing surface 20'.
[0059] The invention is sufficiently demonstrated by the above embodiment. However, it could of course also be explained using other variants.
[0060] As mentioned above, these guide elements could be arranged in reverse, with the fin-like longitudinal elements oriented towards the receiving opening on the inside of the housing walls and the groove-shaped guide tracks formed in the side walls of the plate of the respective casting nozzle. Theoretically, in the central section, where the plate is pressed upwards by the pressure elements, the fin-like longitudinal elements on the inside of the housing walls could be omitted. In principle, the casting nozzle could be designed with a fin-like longitudinal element on one side wall and a guide groove on the other, while the guide elements on the inside of the housing walls would be arranged in reverse.
[0061] These fin-like longitudinal elements could be formed from the refractory material of the plate, rather than from metal sheets, if the side walls were made of refractory material, at least in their upper region. Alternatively, the protruding fin-like longitudinal elements could be embedded in the refractory material of the plate instead of in a metal casing.
[0062] The changing device could also be constructed without the blanking plate and the associated sliding mechanism, in which only the changing of the pouring nozzles according to the invention would be provided. This sliding mechanism could then be used for pushing the pouring nozzle by means of this plunger in the same way as illustrated.
[0063] In principle, the contact surfaces of the plates could also be produced with a simpler design in which only this metallic sheet metal casing would surround the plate, extending almost to this upper sliding surface at the contact surfaces.
[0064] The fin-like longitudinal elements on the casting nozzles could be shorter than the side wall of the plate and / or be made of more than one strip of sheet metal, similar to the blanking plate with two or more fin elements. Instead of being perpendicular, these longitudinal elements could project from the side wall at a different angle and could also be positioned in the middle or lower area of the side wall.
[0065] In the case of the blind plate, the fin-like longitudinal elements could be formed on both sides by only one fin element each, similar to the casting nozzle.
Claims
- 24 - PA4956 PCT PATENT CLAIMS 1. Refractory pouring nozzle for an interchangeable device at the spout of a metallurgical container, comprising a sleeve body (21') and an upper refractory plate (24), wherein the plate (24) has a side wall (24") on each side and a lower bearing surface (24') next to the sleeve body (21'), wherein these bearing surfaces (24') serve to press the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) against an upper closure plate (12) or the like, which forms the spout from the container, by means of pressing means arranged on the underside at a receiving opening (15) of the interchangeable device (10), characterized in that 2. Each of these two side walls (24") of the plate (24) has a guide element formed, which is each designed as a fin-like longitudinal element (25) and / or as a groove-shaped guide track, wherein these guide elements serve to ensure that the casting nozzle (21, 22, 23) can be inserted into and removed from this receiving opening (15) in corresponding guide elements.
2. Refractory casting nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that In each of these side walls (24") of the plate (24) a fin-like longitudinal element (25) is provided as a guide means, which serve to ensure that the casting nozzle (21, 22, 23) can be slidably moved in corresponding guide means at the receiving opening (15), which are conversely designed as groove-shaped guide tracks (27, 28, 29).
3. Fire-resistant casting nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The fin-like longitudinal elements (25) each extend approximately over the entire lateral length of the side wall (24") of the plate (24) and project at right angles or at a predetermined angle to the side wall, such that they each lie flat in the guide track (27, 28, 29) of the changing device (10).
4. Fire-resistant casting nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fin-like longitudinal elements (25) are arranged in the upper area of the side walls (24") on a plane parallel to an upper sliding surface (19) of the plate (24) at a distance.
5. Fireproof casting nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that The distance of the longitudinal elements (25) to the upper sliding surface (19) of the plate (24) in the direction perpendicular to the plane enables the longitudinal elements (25), which are lifted in the pressure position of the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23), not to abut with their upper side in the groove-shaped guide track (28).
6. Fire-resistant casting nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the refractory plate (24) is at least partially surrounded by a shaped sheet metal shell (26), in which the fin-like longitudinal elements (25) are each produced by bending the sheet metal shell outwards and / or by at least one sheet metal strip attached to the sheet metal shell.
7. Fire-resistant casting nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the side walls (24") on both sides of the plate (24) serve as lateral guide surfaces, with the purpose that the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) is guided on the inside of the housing walls (17, 18) in the continuous receiving opening (15) in the changing device (10) with a small lateral play.
8. Interchangeable device for a refractory pouring nozzle at the spout of a metallurgical container according to one of claims 1 to 7, which is provided with a through-hole receiving opening (15) and on both sides of this opening with a housing wall (17, 18), through which the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) having a sleeve body (21') and an upper refractory plate (24) can be moved into or out of a pouring position by means of a sliding device (30), wherein the plate (24) of the pouring nozzle can be pressed against an upper closure plate (12) or the like, forming the spout from the container, by means of pressing means arranged on the underside at the receiving opening (15), wherein a side wall (24") is formed on each side of the plate (24), which, when the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) is moved in the The opening (15) is movable along each of the housing walls (17, 18), characterized in that on the two side walls (24") of the plate (24) and on the inside of the housing walls (17, 18) corresponding guide means are formed by which the casting nozzle (21, 22, 23) can be inserted into or removed from this receiving opening (15), wherein the guide means are formed on the one hand as groove-shaped guide tracks (27, 28, 29) and on the other hand as fin-like longitudinal elements (25) guided sliding therein.
9. Interchangeable device according to claim 8, characterized in that Each of the side walls (24") of the plate (24) is assigned a projecting fin-like longitudinal element (25), wherein the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) is guided slidably by these fin-like longitudinal elements (25) on both sides in one of the groove-shaped guide tracks (27, 28, 29) on the inside of the housing walls (17, 18) when being pushed in or out.
10. Interchangeable device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that When the plate (24) of the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) is lifted against the sealing plate (12) or the like by the pressing means, the fin-like longitudinal elements (25) which are guided sliding on the inside of the housing walls (17, 18) are also lifted.- 28 - 11. Exchange device according to claim 10, characterized in that The fin-like longitudinal elements (25) in the upper area of the side walls (24") are arranged on a plane parallel or slightly oblique to the upper sliding surface (19) of the plate (24), with a distance between the longitudinal elements (25) and the upper sliding surface (19) of the plate (24) in a direction perpendicular to the plane, so that the longitudinal elements (25) do not collide with the groove-shaped guide track (28) when lifting.
12. Interchangeable device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the groove-shaped guideways (27, 28, 29) are each open towards the receiving opening (15), wherein these guideways (27, 28, 29) running parallel to each other are formed from three sections for insertion, clamping and removal, each with a length approximately equal to the length of the plate (24), wherein a casting nozzle (21) with the fin-like longitudinal elements (25) can be inserted into the guideways (27) at one end of the receiving opening (15) and removed at the opposite end after being removed when changing a casting nozzle (23).
13. Interchangeable device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the housing walls (17, 18) that define this receiving opening (15) on both sides, with respect to their heights, end at the sections during insertion and removal directly below the groove-shaped guide tracks (27, 28, 29) in order to ensure visibility in a below-29- to increase the amount of water in the mold of a continuous casting plant and the casting nozzles (21, 22, 23) that can be immersed therein during manipulation.
14. Interchangeable device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that A displacement device (30) is provided for displacing the pouring nozzles (21, 22, 23), which has a holder (32), a slide (40) adjustable therein, a drive element (35) coupled to the latter, and a pivotable plunger (43) mounted on the slide (40), wherein the holder (32) with the slide (40) and the drive element (35) are arranged next to the receiving opening (15) with the housing walls (17, 18) limiting it, so that a free access space exists in front of the section for pivoting in a pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23), wherein the pivotable plunger (43) is mounted so that it can be lowered from above into the receiving opening (15) and pivoted back up again to displace the pouring nozzles from above.
15. Interchangeable device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that at least on one housing wall (17, 18) a stop (31) is provided at the end of the guide means so that the pouring nozzle (23) can only be moved to this end when being pushed out.
16. Changing device according to one of claims 8 to 15, in which a blanking plate (20) for closing the spout of the container is integrated, which in normal operation is held in a standby position laterally or above the receiving opening (15), wherein it is adjustable into the receiving opening (15) and in particular a in the- 30 - The pouring nozzle (22) in the pouring position can be pushed away until it is below the closing plate (12) or the like and can be pressed tightly against it to close the spout, characterized in that The blind plate (20) is formed on its side surfaces (42) with a guide means by which it is guided slidably on both sides by one of the guide means provided for the casting nozzles on the inside of the housing walls (17, 18) when inserted into the receiving opening (15), wherein the guide means are each formed as a fin-like longitudinal element and / or as a groove-shaped guide track.
17. Exchange device according to claim 16, characterized in that The pivoting and sliding plunger (43) of the displacement device (30), which is operatively connected to the drive element (35), can, in a downward pivoted displacement position, move a pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) or the blanking plate (20) towards the pouring position, while, when pivoted upwards, it can be automatically coupled to the blanking plate (20), in which case, with a new pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) inserted, the blanking plate (20) is adjustable from the waiting position to the upper sliding surface (19) of the pouring nozzle (21, 22, 23) as a stop, and the plunger (43) is moved back after the pouring nozzle (22) has been inserted. - 31 - 18. Interchangeable device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The guide means lateral to the blind plate (20) are formed as fin-like longitudinal elements in the upper area of the side surfaces (42) by at least two fin elements (45, 46) spaced apart from each other on one plane, which are each guided in a guide element (38, 39) at the respective housing wall (17, 18) such that the blind plate (20) can be moved by the plunger (43) of the displacement device (30) from a waiting position to a position above the inserted casting nozzle (21) as a stop and back to the waiting position.
19. Exchange device according to claim 18, characterized in that The fin elements (45, 46) are guided in a downwardly inclined guide element (38, 39) at the respective housing wall (17, 18) in such a way that the blind plate (20) can be lowered by the plunger (43) of the sliding device (30) onto these guide tracks (27) on the inside of the housing walls (17, 18), and that it can be slid by the plunger (43) into the closed position below the closing plate (12) or the like.
20. Interchangeable device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that by means of a force pressure element (55) acting on the closing surface (20') of the blind plate, the blind plate (20) with its fin elements (45, 46) can be pressed onto these guide elements (37, 38) and always exerts a pressure force on the blind plate (20), except when the blind plate (20) is moved into the closing position.
21. Interchangeable device according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the hook-shaped plunger (43) with a locking element (49) can be inserted into a guide groove (51) of a coupling part (50) at its end in the blind plate (20) and can be coupled.
22. Blind plate for an exchange device at the spout of a metallurgical container according to one of claims 8 to 21, which serves to close the spout of the container, wherein it can be positioned in a standby position laterally or above a receiving opening (15) of the exchange device (10) in normal operation, wherein it can be lowered into the receiving opening (15) by means of a sliding device (30) and, in particular, can be pushed away from a pouring nozzle (22) located in the pouring position until it is inserted below the sealing plate (12) provided with the spout or the like and can be pressed tightly against it, characterized in that The blind plate (20) is provided with a guide means on each of its side surfaces (42), which serve to ensure that it is guided slidably on both sides by one of the guide means provided for the pouring nozzles on the inside of the housing walls when being inserted.