EP2367651B1 - Casting pipe, device for handling said pipe and valve driving device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of continuous casting of liquid metal and in particular relates to a jet protection tube designed to prevent the reoxidation of said metal during its transfer from an upper metallurgical vessel to a lower metallurgical vessel and than a handling device for such a tube.

In the following description, reference will be made more particularly to such a jet protection tube used in the casting of steel between a ladle and a distribution basin without this being interpreted as a limitation of the present invention. .

It is known in the state of the art a liquid metal casting plant, including liquid steel, for transferring liquid metal from a ladle to a tundish, for distributing the liquid metal in casting molds. For the transfer of liquid from the ladle to the tundish, a cylindrical tube is generally used, called a jet protection tube, which is held pressed against a valve for regulating the pouring, arranged at the bottom of the ladle.

The control valve, called the "slide valve", is provided with two superposed plates, sliding relative to each other so that the valve can take a closed configuration, during which the ladle can be moved, and an open configuration, allowing liquid to pass for its transfer into the tundish. The passage of the valve in closed configuration or in open configuration is actuated by drive means, often in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. So that they are arranged closer to the valve, the drive means are reported, at the moment when the bag arrives near the distributor, on the ladle, or directly on the valve.

On the other hand, when the ladle is brought above the distributor, the pouring tube is also brought down below the valve, by holding it against the lower plate or a nozzle, like a collecting nozzle, prolonging it . The operation of holding the pouring tube against the valve may be provided manually or automatically, through a handling device disposed on the floor of the installation.

The present invention is intended in particular to provide a handling device of the jet protection tube for maintaining the tube as close to the control valve, while limiting the number of operations to be performed during the casting process.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device for handling a jet protection tube for the casting of liquid metal, comprising means for holding the tube, downstream of a valve for regulating the casting of metal. valve which can take an open configuration and a closed configuration under the action of drive means, characterized in that the handling device comprises fastening means to the drive means of the valve.

It is therefore proposed to arrange the tube handling device, not on the floor of the installation, but directly on the drive means of the control valve. Thus, since the drive means are disposed on the control valve, or in its close vicinity, the tube handling device is located as close to the surface of the valve against which the tube is to be plated, or closer to the casting nozzle disposed on the valve.

In addition, by assembling the tube handling device on the drive means, there is a single set to report on the ladle when it is close to the tundish. Also, in a single operation, both the drive means and the tube handling device are assembled on the ladle.

• Les moyens de fixation sont agencés de façon que le dispositif de manipulation suive le mouvement imposé par les moyens d'entraînement sur la valve. En d'autres termes, le mouvement du dispositif de manipulation est esclave du mouvement des moyens d'entraînement de la valve, et donc du mouvement de la valve, plus précisément du mouvement de l'orifice de coulée de la valve, cet orifice de coulée pouvant être porté par une busette de coulée associée à une plaque de la valve. Il en résulte que lorsque l'orifice de coulée est éloigné du canal de coulée, le tube est, selon un même mouvement, éloigné du canal de coulée. Ainsi, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir un dispositif de maintien du tube de protection de jet capable de suivre de manière continue et indépendante les mouvements de la valve. Un tel dispositif nécessite en effet une certaine complexité. En outre, on utilise des mêmes moyens d'entraînement pour éloigner à la fois l'orifice de coulée et le tube de coulée, d'où un gain d'énergie et de place.
• Le dispositif comporte en outre des moyens d'entraînement des moyens de maintien du tube. Ainsi, outre le mouvement imposé par l'entraînement de la valve, on prévoit un mouvement propre du tube par rapport à la valve. Par exemple, le tube peut prendre une position de sécurité, ou position d'attente, dans laquelle son extrémité supérieure est relevée pour éviter de recevoir des éclaboussures de métal liquide (par exemple en cas d'ouverture non naturelle de la valve).
• Les moyens d'entraînement des moyens de maintien comprennent un moteur rotatif. Ce moteur rotatif, associé à une forme mécanique en parallélogramme, peut imposer une certaine trajectoire aux moyens de maintien du tube, notamment une trajectoire sensiblement en forme de U.
• Les moyens d'entraînement des moyens de maintien comprennent deux vérins hydrauliques. Par exemple il comprend un vérin sensiblement vertical et un vérin sensiblement horizontal, le vérin horizontal permettant de rendre télescopiques les moyens de maintien, et par conséquent de les éloigner des fortes températures de coulée et d'adapter le dispositif de manipulation à différents types d'installations.
• Les moyens d'entraînement de la valve comprennent un cylindre hydraulique et une tige coulissante dans ce cylindrique, et les moyens d'entraînement des moyens de maintien sont portés par une pièce entourant le cylindre, se déplaçant avec la tige. Cette pièce entourant le cylindre a pour avantage de rendre l'ensemble du dispositif de manipulation et des moyens d'entraînement de la valve particulièrement compact, ce qui permet de diminuer la taille des moyens de maintien, donc l'effort à fournir pour le déplacer.
• Les moyens de maintien du tube peuvent prendre une position de coulée et une position d'attente, le déplacement entre ces deux positions ayant une trajectoire sensiblement en U. La position de coulée correspond par exemple à une position dans laquelle le tube est emboîté sur une busette de coulée ménagée sur la valve. La position d'attente peut avantageusement correspondre à une position de sécurité éloignant le tube du canal de coulée. Chacune des positions de coulée et d'attente se trouvant à l'extrémité des branches du U, la position d'attente permet disposer le tube à une certaine hauteur lorsqu'il est retiré de l'orifice de coulée, si bien qu'il ne risque pas de recevoir des éclaboussures lorsqu'il n'est pas en position de coulée. Ainsi, la surface du contact du tube n'est pas encombrée de résidus et le tube reste opérationnel pour être plaqué contre d'autres valves. En particulier, on peut opérer, lorsque le tube est en position d'attente, un nettoyage du canal de coulée par injection d'oxygène. Avantageusement, les moyens de maintien peuvent prendre une troisième position, pour le chargement du tube sur le dispositif de manipulation. Cette troisième position correspond par exemple, sur la trajectoire en U, à la position intermédiaire située à la base du U. Ainsi, les moyens de maintien étant plus bas que l'orifice de coulée, l'encombrement est minimal pour permettre le chargement du tube sur le dispositif de manipulation, par exemple grâce à un robot indépendant.
• Le dispositif comporte des moyens permettant la fixation temporaire du tube de protection de jet sur la valve, par exemple sur une busette de coulée de la valve, notamment la fixation par baïonnette, comme cela est décrit dans la suite.
• Les moyens de maintien du tube comprennent des moyens de préhension du tube, par exemple sous forme d'une cuillère munie d'une fente de réception du tube. Cette cuillère a pour avantage de porter le tube par le bas, de façon à le maintenir de façon efficace, d'autant plus qu'il convient que les moyens de préhension soient bien résistants aux hautes températures de coulée. Cette forme de cuillère est particulièrement adaptée si le tube est muni d'une tête dont la forme lui permet d'être reçue dans la cuillère. Selon un autre exemple, les moyens de préhension comprennent une fourche, munie de deux évidements, de préférence trois, pour coopérer avec des ergots correspondants ménagés sur le tube de protection de jet.
• Les moyens de maintien du tube comprennent des moyens de dégagement du tube et de la valve, notamment de dégagement du tube hors d'un orifice de coulée ménagé sur la valve. Ces moyens de dégagement du tube peuvent prendre par exemple la forme d'une fourche coopérant avec la tête du tube pour lui donner un mouvement vers le bas, et ainsi le détacher de l'orifice de coulée, par exemple en le retirant d'une busette de coulée. De préférence, dans un tel cas, le dispositif de maintien sera muni de doigts permettant d'exercer une traction vers le base selon l'axe du tube en position d'utilisation.

Note that the regulating valve is preferably a linear valve, but could be rotatable. This valve is for example a valve with drawers. Note also that the tube holding means comprise for example a tube holding arm.
The driving device may further comprise one or more of the following features:

• The fixing means are arranged so that the handling device follows the movement imposed by the drive means on the valve. In other words, the movement of the handling device is a slave to the movement of the drive means of the valve, and therefore of the movement of the valve, more specifically of the movement of the valve outlet orifice, this orifice of casting being carried by a pouring nozzle associated with a plate of the valve. As a result, when the pouring orifice is remote from the pouring channel, the tube is, in the same movement, away from the pouring channel. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a device for holding the jet protection tube capable of following continuously and independently the movements of the valve. Such a device indeed requires a certain complexity. In addition, the same drive means are used to separate both the pouring orifice and the pouring tube, thus saving energy and space.
• The device further comprises means for driving the tube holding means. Thus, in addition to the movement imposed by the drive of the valve, it provides a clean movement of the tube relative to the valve. For example, the tube can take a safety position, or waiting position, in which its upper end is raised to avoid receiving splashes of liquid metal (for example in case of non-natural opening of the valve).
• The drive means of the holding means comprise a rotary motor. This rotary motor, associated with a parallelogram mechanical shape, may impose a certain trajectory to the tube holding means, in particular a substantially U-shaped trajectory.
• The drive means of the holding means comprise two hydraulic cylinders. For example, it comprises a substantially vertical cylinder and a substantially horizontal cylinder, the horizontal cylinder to make telescopic holding means, and therefore away from high casting temperatures and adapt the handling device to different types of facilities.
• The drive means of the valve comprise a hydraulic cylinder and a sliding rod in this cylinder, and the drive means of the holding means are carried by a piece surrounding the cylinder, moving with the rod. This piece surrounding the cylinder has the advantage of making the entire handling device and drive means of the valve particularly compact, which reduces the size of the holding means, so the effort required to move it .
• The means for holding the tube can take a casting position and a waiting position, the displacement between these two positions having a substantially U-shaped trajectory. The casting position corresponds for example to a position in which the tube is fitted on a casting nozzle arranged on the valve. The waiting position may advantageously correspond to a safety position away from the tube of the casting channel. Each of the casting and waiting positions at the end of the branches of the U, the waiting position allows to arrange the tube at a certain height when removed from the casting orifice, so that it will not splash when not in casting position. Thus, the surface of the tube contact is not cluttered with residues and the tube remains operational to be pressed against other valves. In particular, it can operate, when the tube is in the waiting position, a cleaning of the injection channel of oxygen. Advantageously, the holding means can take a third position, for loading the tube on the handling device. This third position corresponds for example, on the U-shaped trajectory, to the intermediate position located at the base of the U. Thus, the holding means being lower than the casting orifice, the space requirement is minimal to allow the loading of the tube on the handling device, for example through an independent robot.
• The device comprises means for temporarily fixing the jet protection tube on the valve, for example on a casting nozzle of the valve, including bayonet attachment, as described below.
• The means for holding the tube comprise means for gripping the tube, for example in the form of a spoon provided with a tube receiving slot. This spoon has the advantage of carrying the tube from below, so as to maintain it effectively, especially as it should be that the gripping means are resistant to high casting temperatures. This spoon shape is particularly suitable if the tube is provided with a head whose shape allows it to be received in the spoon. In another example, the gripping means comprise a fork, provided with two recesses, preferably three, to cooperate with corresponding lugs formed on the jet protection tube.
• The tube holding means comprise means for disengaging the tube and the valve, in particular for disengaging the tube from a pouring orifice formed on the valve. These means of disengagement of the tube can take for example the shape of a cooperating fork with the head of the tube to give it a downward movement, and thus detach it from the pouring orifice, for example by removing it from a casting nozzle. Preferably, in such a case, the holding device will be provided with fingers making it possible to exert traction towards the base along the axis of the tube in the position of use.

As regards the maintenance of the jet protection tube in the handling device, there is known in the state of the art a mechanical solution in which the jet protection tube of any shape is held in a suitable support which can pivoting on an axis through pivots cooperating with housings disposed on the handling device. A tube in such a support has a degree of freedom (pendulum movement in a plane orthogonal to the pivot axis); the manipulator arm can generally pivot along its axis to provide an additional degree of freedom. For the known devices, bearing on the floor of the installation, this solution requires on the one hand a great mechanical complexity of the handling device which must make it possible to mechanically catch all the positioning and alignment errors as well as dexterity considerable burden on the operator of the handling device. In addition, during casting, the force required to maintain the jet protection tube against the ladle is essentially transmitted via the lugs. Given the extreme conditions in the casting installation, these lugs are likely to deform and must be frequently replaced. In addition, if one wishes to robotize the casting installation, this solution is no longer optimal. Indeed, the support of the tube has several degrees of freedom (pendulum pivoting on the axis defined by the lugs and pivoting along the axis of the holding arm). When the robotic handling device has to take a new tube, these degrees of freedom should be controlled. This can be done either by motorizing the device or by a set of stops. In both cases, this involves additional complexity.

Also known in the state of the art is a jet protection tube having a hemispherically shaped lower end (see, for example, JP-A1-57-115968 ). This hemispherical shape is advantageous when using a handling device of the jet protection tube disposed on the floor of the installation. Indeed, in this case, the position of the pocket relative to the floor of the installation and therefore with respect to the handling device can not be determined accurately. It is therefore essential to leave the tube enough degrees of freedom (in translation, thanks to the manipulator arm and in rotation thanks to the hemispherical shape of the lower end of the gripping head) so that it can take a correct alignment on the collecting nozzle at the time of nesting. Such freedom is not necessary in the case of a handling device as described above.

After having attached the jet protection tube to the valve (for example, by fitting it on the collecting nozzle), the pouring ladle is lowered and the lower end of the protective tube is thus immersed in the steel bath. , so that is exerted on the end bottom of the tube a vertical push upwards (ferrostatic thrust). The upper end of the jet protection tube is retained by the tube holding means and the valve so that the ferrostatic thrust can not raise the protection tube along its longitudinal axis tends to tilt the latter and to break its alignment. on the other portions of the pouring channel. In turn, this misalignment is responsible for premature wear of the inside of the jet protection tube, turbulence in the steel flow that can create vortex currents in the tundish and, in the extreme, a disengagement the tube of the collector nozzle or damage to the protection tube or the collector nozzle at their nesting.

On the other hand, it is essential to provide the tube with a certain possibility of alignment to catch the mechanical clearances of the entire device and to align correctly on the collector nozzle at the time of nesting. Thus, a mechanical solution firmly blocking the jet protection tube and keeping it aligned with the collector nozzle during the entire casting would not be suitable because, on the one hand, it would imply additional means of blocking (and unblocking the nozzle head). tube) expensive and complicated to implement, but in addition, it would prohibit any alignment at the time of nesting. In particular, it would be desirable for this tube to be able to align with the required angular orientation while keeping the support of the fixed tube so that the robot can grip the tube in a simple manner.

The invention also relates to a tube, said jet protection tube, for the flow of liquid metal from a ladle to a metal distributor, the tube having a gripping head of the tube.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is the provision of a jet protection tube better adapted to the device described above.

In this device, the jet protection tube is essentially displaced in a vertical plane defined both by the longitudinal axis of the tube and the direction of the holding arm of said tube in the device. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a certain freedom of alignment of the jet protection tube in this plane while it would be desirable to limit the movements in the directions not included in this plan.

The present invention therefore also relates to a jet protection tube for the flow of liquid metal from a ladle to a metal distributor, the tube having a longitudinal axis and comprising a gripping head of the tube at one end. . According to the invention, the lower part of this gripping head is fusiform.

By definition, a fusiform or spindle shaped gripping head therefore comprises at its lower part, a surface which is a portion of a surface of revolution (whose axis of revolution corresponds to the axis of rotation). main pivoting of the jet protection tube). The surface of revolution is defined by a succession of concentric circles centered on the axis of revolution. The concentric circles may have the same radius, from one end to the other of the axis of revolution (the spindle will then have the shape of a cylinder) or a variable radius (increasing and decreasing) from one end to the other of the axis of revolution (the spindle may take the form of the joining of two truncated cones at the level of their large base or, again, a spheroidal shape ). The curvature of the spindle determines the amplitude of pivoting along a secondary pivot axis (perpendicular to the main pivot axis and in the main pivot plane).

Thus, the gripping head is shaped so as to allow pivoting of the tube along a main axis, called the main pivot axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube and, optionally, along a secondary axis, called the secondary pivoting axis, also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the main and secondary pivot axes being perpendicular to each other; in this case, advantageously, the two pivot axes are left. Unlike a hemispherical gripping head allowing any pivoting of the jet protection tube, the fusiform gripping head according to the invention allows pivoting of the tube in a main plane (defined by the main axis of pivoting). and the longitudinal axis of the tube) and, optionally, but in any case to a lesser extent, in a secondary plane (defined by the secondary pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the tube) perpendicular to the first.

Such a shape allows a pendulum movement of the tube in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis and comprising the longitudinal axis of the tube. Therefore, when such a tube is used in the device described above, if it is made that this plane coincides with that defined above (including the longitudinal axis of the tube and the direction of the tube holding arm), the tube performs a pendulum movement in the plane according to which it is moved by the handling device. Therefore, this tube automatically aligns with the collector nozzle at the time of nesting. It is remarkable that this alignment can be achieved without having to mechanize the support of the tube.

The jet protection tube may for example have a hemicylindrical gripping head or as indicated above a gripping head of a shape corresponding to half of the joining by the base of two truncated cones. In these cases, the jet protection tube can only pivot about its main axis.

In some cases, where the alignment in the plane is likely to be deteriorated, it is also possible - but to a lesser extent - to allow an alignment movement in the plane perpendicular to the main pivot plane and therefore, advantageously, the gripper head of the jet protection tube has a curved spindle shape.

We could also define the lower part of the gripping head of the tube by the appearance of its meridians (lines at the intersection of the surface of the lower end of the gripping head and the plane comprising the main axis of pivoting ). These meridians can be straight (in the very advantageous case of a cylinder), have a break (in the case of the lower end of the gripping head consisting of two truncated cones joined by their large base) or be curved ( ellipse arcs, arcs). In the case of an arcuate meridian, the radius of this circle may be equal to the radius of the circles concentric along the main axis, but then it is essential that the pivot axes are left. If these rays are different, it is advantageous that the radius of the arc of the circle is significantly greater than that of the concentric circles (at the extreme, if this ray is infinite, we have a straight line and therefore, the lower part the gripping head is hemicylindrical).

In fact, a system corresponding to a cardan suspension is thus produced without, however, having the disadvantages of this mechanical solution (deformation of the pivot pins and identity of freedom along the two axes). In addition, it would be a cardan suspension in which the pivoting along an axis would be clearly preferred with respect to the other axis.

The means for holding the tube comprise means for gripping the tube, for example in the form of a spoon provided with a tube receiving slot. This spoon has the advantage of carrying the tube from below, so as to maintain it effectively, especially as it should be that the gripping means are resistant to high casting temperatures. However, one can imagine a solution in which the jet protection tube is simply arranged on a fork and retained by studs that prevent it from sliding on the arms of the fork while allowing it to pivot or a solution on which the lower end of the gripping head would rest on pads, preferably at least four pads.

The invention further relates to a tube, called a jet protection tube, for the flow of liquid metal from a ladle to a metal distributor, characterized in that the tube comprises means for temporarily fixing the tube. spray protection on a flow control valve.

These temporary fixing means are particularly advantageous. Generally, as explained above, this jet protection tube must be kept pressed against the control valve throughout the transfer of the liquid metal from the ladle to the distributor. To ensure this plating of the tube against the valve, the device for handling the tube has the particular function of exerting a force on the tube during casting, which consumes energy. The tube provided with the temporary fixing means makes it possible to provide a tube requiring little energy to be kept pressed against the regulation valve.

Thus, rather than the handling device needing to hold the tube against the valve throughout the flow of liquid through the valve, it is proposed to temporarily fix the tube against the valve. The handling device does not consume energy to ensure the plating of the tube, this plating being provided by the temporary fixing means. These means are removable, activatable at the beginning of the casting, deactivatable at the end of the casting, so as to release the tube relative to the valve. The temporary fixing means are for example provided on a casting nozzle arranged on the valve.

• Le tube comprend une extrémité supérieure et les moyens de fixation temporaire comprennent des moyens de réception d'un élément rotatif, agencé pour être monté sur cette extrémité et pour coopérer avec la valve, éventuellement avec une busette de coulée ménagée sur la valve. Cet élément rotatif peut être monté d'abord sur le tube, puis sur la valve, ou d'abord sur la valve, puis sur le tube. Par ailleurs, il peut être monté fixe par rapport à la valve et rotatif par rapport au tube, ou monté de façon inverse.
• Le tube comporte en outre des moyens d'orientation angulaire du tube selon l'axe vertical du tube. Ces moyens ont pour avantage de permettre de prendre le tube selon différentes orientations angulaires possibles. Par exemple, ces moyens d'orientation comprennent des ailettes réparties uniformément sur une circonférence du tube, éventuellement espacées de 90°. Ainsi, le tube peut être pris par un robot selon différentes orientations angulaires, et donc avoir différentes orientations angulaires par rapport aux poches de coulée. Il en résulte que le tube n'est pas utilisé selon une unique orientation tout au long de sa vie, et donc qu'il s'use uniformément sur sa circonférence, d'où une durée de vie plus longue.
• Le tube comprend des moyens de dégagement du tube hors d'un orifice de coulée, par exemple une collerette ménagée sur l'extrémité supérieure du tube qui coopère avec des doigts dont est pourvu le dispositif de manipulation. Cette collerette forme un épaulement d'appui des doigts prévus sur le dispositif de manipulation décrit précédemment. Ces moyens présentent en outre l'avantage d'empêcher le tube de remonter sous l'effet de la poussée ferrostatique si le dispositif de maintien doit être abaissé alors que l'extrémité inférieure du tube est encore immergée. Dans un cas particulièrement avantageux, les moyens de dégagement du tube sont constitués par un ou plusieurs volumes en creux ou en relief ménagés dans la paroi latérale extérieure du tube à son extrémité supérieure qui coopèrent avec un ou plusieurs doigts ou creux dont est pourvu le dispositif de manipulation. Dans ce cas, outre les deux avantages indiqués ci-avant, on assure également le maintien du tube en position dans la fourche et évite tout déplacement horizontal (tout en lui laissant la possibilité de s'aligner). Avantageusement, les parois latérales de la tête de préhension du tube sera pourvue de deux logements comprenant chacun des parois latérales et une paroi inférieure pouvant coopérer avec des doigts montés sur la fourche. Selon une variante préférée, ces doigts sont montés sur ressorts et peuvent donc être dégagés du logement soit manuellement, soit en exerçant une traction suffisante sur le tube.

The tube may further include one or more of the following features:

• The tube comprises an upper end and the temporary fixing means comprise means for receiving a rotary element, arranged to be mounted on this end and to cooperate with the valve, possibly with a casting nozzle arranged on the valve. This rotating element can be mounted first on the tube, then on the valve, or first on the valve, and then on the tube. Furthermore, it can be fixedly mounted relative to the valve and rotatable relative to the tube, or mounted in a reverse manner.
• The tube further comprises means for angular orientation of the tube along the vertical axis of the tube. These means have the advantage of allowing to take the tube in different possible angular orientations. For example, these orientation means comprise fins uniformly distributed over a circumference of the tube, possibly spaced 90 °. Thus, the tube can be taken by a robot in different angular orientations, and thus have different angular orientations relative to the ladles. As a result, the tube is not used in a single orientation throughout its life, and therefore it wears uniformly over its circumference, resulting in a longer life.
• The tube comprises means for disengaging the tube from a pouring orifice, for example a flange formed on the upper end of the tube which cooperates with fingers which is provided with the handling device. This collar forms a bearing shoulder of the fingers provided on the handling device described above. These means also have the advantage of preventing the tube from rising under the effect of the ferrostatic thrust if the holding device is to be lowered while the lower end of the tube is still immersed. In a particularly advantageous case, the means for disengaging the tube consist of one or more hollow or raised volumes formed in the outer lateral wall of the tube at its upper end which cooperate with one or more fingers or recesses provided with the device. manipulation. In this case, in addition to the two advantages indicated above, it also ensures the maintenance of the tube in position in the fork and avoids any horizontal movement (while leaving it the possibility to align). Advantageously, the side walls of the gripping head of the tube will be provided with two housings each comprising side walls and a bottom wall that can cooperate with fingers mounted on the fork. According to a preferred variant, these fingers are mounted on springs and can therefore be disengaged from the housing either manually or by exerting sufficient traction on the tube.

The invention also relates to a drive device of a control valve for the casting of liquid metal.

Generally, as discussed above, the valve driving device is a hydraulic cylinder, comprising a cylinder separated into two chambers by a movable piston. This piston is connected to a rigid rod connected to one of the drawers of the valve, so that the movement of the piston, under the effect of the introduction of fluid into one of the chambers, causes the displacement of the slide.

In the state of the art, when the ladle reaches the vicinity of the distributor, the hydraulic cylinder is reported in a housing provided on the valve or in the vicinity of the valve, on the ladle. Since the drive device has the outer shape of the cylinder and the rigid sliding rod extending from one of the bases of the cylinder, the drive device is generally fixed by immobilizing the cylinder in the housing. One of the walls of the housing is traversed by the rigid rod, allowing the latter to slide to drive the valve.

Thus, to mount the drive device on the ladle, it is generally necessary to embed the cylinder in the housing. In order to minimize the clearance between the cylinder and the housing, the cylinder is received as tightly as possible in the housing, so that the mounting by embedding can be relatively difficult to implement.

The present invention aims in particular to provide a drive device mounted particularly simply and quickly on the ladle or the regulating valve.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for driving a control valve for the casting of liquid metal, comprising a first piston making it possible to move the valve between an open configuration and a closed configuration, characterized in that it comprises a second piston for fixing the drive device relative to the valve.

Thus, the second piston having the function of ensuring the attachment of the drive device on the valve (or on the ladle bearing the valve), we can report the drive device regardless of the size of the housing in which he is received. Indeed, the second piston, being movable under the effect of a hydraulic pressure, to adjust the size of the drive device, so as to eliminate or reduce the clearance between the housing and the drive device. In other words, the second mobile piston allows, in a first step, to embed the drive device in a housing, allowing the presence of a game, and in a second step, to compensate the game, by moving the second piston, and thus remove the clearance between the drive device and the housing.

It turns out that one can provide a housing larger than usual, hence an easier installation of the drive device in the housing, while removing the game, even very weak, that was found in previous dwellings. By eliminating the clearance between the drive device and its housing, it avoids a loss of load during the stroke of the first piston for controlling the control valve. Moreover, by allowing games in the first step, it is easy to automate the mounting of the drive device on the ladle.

• Le dispositif d'entraînement est destiné à être reçu dans un logement solidaire de la valve, éventuellement par l'intermédiaire d'une poche de coulée sur laquelle est montée la valve, le second piston étant agencé pour appuyer sur une paroi du logement de façon à verrouiller par serrage le dispositif d'entraînement dans le logement. Par ce verrouillage par serrage, on garantit qu'il n'y a pas de jeun entre le cylindre et le logement.
• Le second piston comprend une tête de piston et une extrémité opposée, destinée à former une cale entre le dispositif d'entraînement et la paroi du logement à la suite du déplacement du second piston.
• Le dispositif d'entraînement comporte deux chambres hydrauliques, l'une des chambres étant délimitée, d'une part par le premier piston hydraulique, et d'autre part par le second piston hydraulique. Ainsi, le second piston permet de fixer le dispositif d'entraînement sur la poche ou la valve, sans pour autant nécessiter une structure complexe du dispositif d'entraînement. En particulier, le cylindre peut comporter deux chambres hydrauliques uniquement, et il n'est pas nécessaire de rajouter une troisième ou une quatrième chambre pour la commande du second piston, puisque l'on utilise une même chambre hydraulique pour la manoeuvre du premier piston et du second piston.
• Le second piston est traversé par une tige rigide commandée par le premier piston.
• Une rondelle élastique est disposée autour de la tige sous la tête du premier piston afin de décoller celle-ci et de permettre l'injection du fluide hydraulique, évitant ainsi tout risque de bloquage.

The driving device may further comprise one or more of the following features:

• The drive device is intended to be received in a housing integral with the valve, possibly via a ladle on which the valve is mounted, the second piston being arranged to press on a wall of the housing so as to to lock the drive device in the housing by clamping. By this clamping lock, one guarantees that there is no fast between the cylinder and the housing.
• The second piston includes a piston head and an opposite end for forming a wedge between the driver and the housing wall as a result of the displacement of the second piston.
• The drive device comprises two hydraulic chambers, one of the chambers being defined on the one hand by the first hydraulic piston, and on the other hand by the second hydraulic piston. Thus, the second piston makes it possible to fix the driving device on the pocket or the valve, without requiring a complex structure of the driving device. In particular, the cylinder may comprise two hydraulic chambers only, and it is not necessary to add a third or a fourth chamber for controlling the second piston, since the same hydraulic chamber is used for the operation of the first piston and second piston.
• The second piston is traversed by a rigid rod controlled by the first piston.
• An elastic washer is arranged around the rod under the head of the first piston in order to detach it and allow the injection of hydraulic fluid, thus avoiding any risk of blockage.

The invention also relates to the assembly of a handling device and / or a drive device and / or a jet protection tube as described above. Thus, all of the features described above concerning the jet protection tube, the handling device and the driving device can be present independently or in combination.

• les figures 1a à 1c sont des vues illustrant une installation de coulée comportant un dispositif de manipulation selon un mode de réalisation, prenant respectivement une position de coulée, une position de chargement et une position de sécurité ;
• la figure 2 est une vue plus détaillée du dispositif de manipulation de la figure 1a ;
• les figures 2a à 2d sont des vues en coupe illustrant la cinématique du dispositif de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue d'un dispositif de manipulation selon un deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 3a à 3c sont des vues en coupe illustrant la cinématique du dispositif de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe et en, perspective d'un dispositif de manipulation selon un troisième mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 4a à 4d sont des vues en coupe illustrant la cinématique du dispositif de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 5a est une vue illustrant le maintien par un dispositif de manipulation d'un tube de protection de jet selon un mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 5b est une vue en coupe d'un tube de protection de jet similaire à celui de la figure 5a :
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe et en perspective d'un dispositif d'entraînement d'une valve de régulation selon un mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 6a à 6d sont des vues en coupe illustrant le fonctionnement du dispositif de la figure 6 ;
• les figures 7b et 7d sont des vues illustrant un tube de protection de jet selon un autre mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 7a et 7c sont des vues en coupe des figures 7b et 7d,
• la figure 8 représente une coupe transversale selon un plan comprenant l'axe longitudinal du tube et l'axe secondaire de pivotement d'un tube de protection de jet selon un mode de réalisation,
• la figure 9 représente une coupe transversale selon un plan perpendiculaire à celui de la figure 8 comprenant l'axe longitudinal du tube et l'axe principal de pivotement, du tube de protection de jet de la figure 8,
• la figure 10 représente une vue en plan du dessus du tube des figures 8 et 9 ;
• la figure 11 représente une vue en trois dimensions du tube des figures 8 à 10 ;
• la figure 12 représente une vue en trois dimensions d'un tube de protection de jet selon un autre mode de réalisation ; et
• la figure 13 représente une enveloppe métallique destinée à recouvrir l'extrémité supérieure du tube des figures 8 à 11.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which:

• the Figures 1a to 1c are views illustrating a casting installation comprising a handling device according to an embodiment, respectively taking a casting position, a loading position and a safety position;
• the figure 2 is a more detailed view of the manipulation device of the figure 1a ;
• the Figures 2a to 2d are sectional views illustrating the kinematics of the device of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 3 is a view of a handling device according to a second embodiment;
• the Figures 3a to 3c are sectional views illustrating the kinematics of the device of the figure 3 ;
• the figure 4 is a sectional and perspective view of a handling device according to a third embodiment;
• the Figures 4a to 4d are sectional views illustrating the kinematics of the device of the figure 4 ;
• the figure 5a is a view illustrating the holding by a handling device of a jet protection tube according to one embodiment;
• the figure 5b is a sectional view of a jet protection tube similar to that of the figure 5a :
• the figure 6 is a sectional and perspective view of a drive device of a control valve according to one embodiment;
• the Figures 6a to 6d are sectional views illustrating the operation of the device of the figure 6 ;
• the Figures 7b and 7d are views illustrating a jet protection tube according to another embodiment;
• the Figures 7a and 7c are sectional views of Figures 7b and 7d ,
• the figure 8 represents a cross-section along a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the tube and the secondary axis of pivoting of a jet protection tube according to one embodiment,
• the figure 9 represents a cross-section along a plane perpendicular to that of the figure 8 comprising the longitudinal axis of the tube and the main axis of pivoting, the jet protection tube of the figure 8 ,
• the figure 10 represents a top plan view of the tube of Figures 8 and 9 ;
• the figure 11 represents a three-dimensional view of the tube of Figures 8 to 10 ;
• the figure 12 represents a three-dimensional view of a jet protection tube according to another embodiment; and
• the figure 13 represents a metal casing intended to cover the upper end of the tube of Figures 8 to 11 .

As shown on the figure 1a , a casting installation comprises a distributor 10 for distributing liquid metal to casting molds. This distributor 10 is supplied with liquid metal through ladles 12, movable above the distributor for this transfer. The pocket 12 is provided with a valve 14 for regulating the casting of metal. This valve 14 is composed here of a linear valve, a valve with drawers.

The transfer of the liquid metal between this valve 14 and the distributor 10 is provided by a jet protection tube 16, intended to be pressed against a pouring orifice of the valve 14, more precisely against a collecting nozzle 18 of this valve, visible on the figure 1 b.

The slide valve 14 is controlled by drive means 20, allowing the valve to take an open configuration, in which the two drawers are superimposed and the pour channel open, the pouring orifice 18 being able to pass liquid and a closed configuration in which the drawers of the valve 14 are offset, preventing the flow of the metal.

The drive means 20 comprise a hydraulic cylinder, comprising a cylinder 22 and a rigid rod 24, visible on the figure 2 . The rod 24 is connected on the one hand to a piston sliding inside the cylinder 22, and on the other hand to the valve 14, so as to control the movement of one of its drawers.

The casting installation further comprises a device 26 for handling pocket tubes such as the tube 16. This device 26 comprises means for holding the tube, here comprising an arm 28, extended by gripping means, composed of a fork. In this example, the fork 30 has two notches 31, each defining a mushroom-shaped recess. These notches 31 form gripping means of the tube 16, as described below. Advantageously, the device further comprises a protective cover 33 pierced with an opening disengaging the casting channel in order to protect the device from possible projections of steel.

The handling device 26 further comprises means 32, 34 for attaching the drive means 20 to the valve 14. More specifically, these fixing means comprise, in the example of the Figures 1a to 2d , a cylinder 32, inside which a support 34 is movably mounted, moving with the rigid rod 24. This support 34 is arranged so that the handling device 26 follows the movement imposed by the drive means 20 in other words, the movement of the device 26 is slave to the movement of the rigid rod 24, sliding with the piston of the cylinder 22 to control the opening or closing of the valve.

The handling device 26 further comprises means 36 to 50 for driving the tube holding means 16. In the embodiment of the figure 2 , the drive means comprise a hydraulic rotary motor 36, rotating a shaft 38 itself driving a first rod 40 and a second connecting rod 42, parallel, interconnected by the end 44 of the holding arm 28. Thus , the drive means of the arm 28 comprise four axes of rotation 38, 46, 48, 50 (see figure 2a ), defining the vertices of a deformable parallelogram. The different forms of the parallelogram are represented on the Figures 2a to 2d this deformation being controlled by the motor 36.

As can be seen on the figures 1 at 1c, the handling device 26 can take a casting position, represented on the figure 1a wherein the tube 16 is pressed against the valve 14; a loading position, represented on the figure 1b wherein the tube 16 is lowered relative to the casting position, and freeing space to allow an outside robot to load the tube 16 on the device 26; and a waiting position, or safety position, visible on the figure 1c , in which the tube is released from the casting orifice of the valve 14, but at a height high enough to prevent splashes escaping from the pouring orifice can be deposited on the upper surface of the tube 16. As it can be seen in the figures, the casting, loading and waiting positions define a U in the plane parallel to the height of the installation and the axis of the cylinder 22, the casting positions ( figure 1 a) and waiting ( Figure 1 (c) defining the upper ends of the two branches of the U, and the loading position ( Figure 1 (b) lying in the lower part of the U.

The jet protection tube 16 is a cylindrical tube of revolution, defining a flow channel 52, and provided at its upper end 54 with a gripping head 56a. The head gripper 56a comprises gripping means by the holding means 28, 30, comprising in this example lugs intended to be introduced into the notches 31, being retained in the notches by gravity. One can provide two lugs, but it is preferable to provide three, so as to control the orientation of the tube 16 by the holding means. Alternatively, the gripping head of the tube may be provided with notches cooperating with fingers 63 supported by the fork 30.

The tube 16 further comprises means for orienting the tube 16 along its vertical axis, represented on the figure 2 . These orientation means take the form of fins 58 distributed around the circumference of the tube, spaced in this example by 90 °, and allowing a robot or the handling device to grasp the tube 16 in different orientations during its lifetime. .

The operation of the handling device 26 will now be described, using the Figures 1a to 2d .

During the casting process, the bag 12 arrives, with the valve 14 on board, close to the distributor 10. The drive means 20 are then reported on the valve 14, associated with the handling device 26. During this step, the device 26 does not yet carry tube and is in the loading position illustrated on the figure 1b , or on the figure 2b . The device 26 is then reported with a jet protection tube 16, for example by means of an external robot, by making the lugs of this tube 16 cooperate in the recesses 31. In this loading position of the tube, the valve 14 is closed and the piston rod 24 is retracted inside the cylinder 22.

Once the tube 16 has been loaded onto the device 26, the motor 36 is engaged, so that the arm 28 takes up the casting position, illustrated on FIG. Figure 2c , in which the upper end 54 of the tube is pressed against the valve 14, possibly by interlocking the pouring channel 52 with the nozzle 18. Once the tube 16 is pressed against the valve 14, the valve can be opened, by activating the cylinder 22, so as to slide the rod 24 to the out, thereby causing one of the drawers of the valve 14, as shown on the figure 2d . Note that the means 20 can operate in an inverted manner, the rod 24 being activated in the other direction to open the valve.

As can be seen, the sliding of the rod 24 causes the sliding of the support 34, so the entire handling device 26, the handling device 26 being slave to the movement of the rod 24. Thus, one moves, in the same movement, the casting nozzle 18 connected to the slide valve of the valve 14, and the jet protection tube 16.

The valve 14 being open, the liquid metal can flow inside the tube 16, in order to pass into the distributor 10.

As it is possible that the pouring orifice 18 is clogged, provision is made for the possibility of cleaning the pouring nozzle, by injecting oxygen into the ladle of the ladle 12, in order to burn or melt the residues. For this purpose, it is possible to disengage the tube 16 from the valve 14, by putting it in the waiting position, illustrated on the figure 2a . More precisely, after having closed the valve 14, so as to be in the position of the Figure 2c , the motor 36 drives the holding arm 28 to take the safety position illustrated on the figure 2a . Thus, the tube 16 is disengaged from the casting orifice, and is otherwise moved to a height high enough to avoid receiving splashes at the time of oxygen washing of the casting orifice. It is understood that the trajectory followed by the holding arm 28 to move from the casting position to the safety position follows a U.

We have shown on Figures 5a, 5b an alternative embodiment of the device 26 and the tube 16 of the Figures 1a to 2d . In this variant, the head 56b of the jet protection tube 16 has a semi-hemispherical shape 60, and the gripping means disposed on the end of the holding arm 28 have the shape of a spoon 30 'provided with a slot 62 for receiving the tube 16. Thus, the tube 16 is easier to orient and hold pressed against the valve 14.

Furthermore, the tube 16 is provided with means 65 for disengaging the tube 16 with respect to the valve 14. More specifically, the upper end 54 of the tube 16 comprises means 64 for plating the tube against the valve, in this case a form 64 of embedding the head 56b with the casting nozzle 18. The means 65 for disengagement comprise a flange, or shoulder, arranged around these embedding means 64, forming a support for disengaging the tube 16 towards the bottom, for example a support for a fork taking the tube around the form 64 to disengage it. The clearance may for example be effected by means of disengagement (for example fingers 63) of the tube provided on the means 30 '.

According to another embodiment of the tube, which can be combined with the embodiment of the Figures 5a, 5b , there is provided on the tube means for temporarily fixing the tube 16 on the valve, shown on the Figures 7a to 7d . These means make it possible temporarily to fix the tube 16 to the valve during the pouring of liquid, when the valve is open, which reduces the energy expended by the handling device. In this example, the temporary fastener is a bayonet fastener

The means comprise an element 66 cooperating, on the one hand with the valve 14, more precisely with the casting nozzle 18, on the other hand with the end 54 of the tube 16. This element 66 is arranged to be rotatably mounted on this end 54 and to cooperate with the nozzle 18. More specifically, the element 66 comprises cooperation means (for example a flange 68) with the head 56c of the tube 16, intended to cooperate with receiving means, comprising a flange 72 head 56c. The element also comprises means 70 for cooperation with the nozzle 18 cooperating abutting with a flange 74 of the nozzle 18.

The temporary fixing of the tube 16 on the valve 14 is as follows. The element 66 is firstly secured to the valve 14, by making the stops 70, 74 cooperate. Then, the tube 16, provided with its head 56c, is brought into line with the element 66, the head 56c being oriented so that the flange 68 is not at the right edge 72 of the head, and can be inserted at the bottom of the head 56c. Once the rim 68 in the head 56c, a rotation of the head 56c, for example a quarter of a turn, is performed so that the flange 72 of the head covers the flange 68 of the element 66, and thus the tube 16 is retained by this flange 68. This fixing by bayonet can of course be disabled by rotating in the opposite direction to clear the edges 68 and 72.

We have shown on Figures 3, 3a to 3c a handling device according to another embodiment than that of the Figures 2, 2a at 2d. Nevertheless, this device is relatively close, and only the differences are described hereinafter.

This handling device 26 'is particularly compact since it is not necessary to provide the cylinder 32 of the device of the figure 2 . Indeed, in this embodiment, the fixing means of the device 26 'on the drive means 20 comprise a part 80 surrounding the cylinder 22 and fixed to the rod 24, so that this part 80 moves with the rod when the piston slides in the cylinder 22. Furthermore, the support arm 28 is taken up on the sides by side arms 82, carried on either side of the part 80. The motor 36 'is arranged between these two arms 82.

The operation of this embodiment is similar to that of the figure 2 , the axes 38, 48, 46, 50 forming a deformable parallelogram to ensure casting positions, waiting and loading defined above. More specifically, the figure 3a represents the device in casting position, the valve being closed; the figure 3b represents the device in the loading position, and the figure 3c represents the device in the safety position.

The device of the figure 4 corresponds to a third embodiment of the handling device 26. This device also comprises a part surrounding the cylinder 22 and moving with the rod 24. It is therefore also compact.In this device, the drive means of the drive means 28, 30 do not include a rotary motor such as the motor 36, but two hydraulic cylinders 84, 86, represented very schematically on the figure 4 . The hydraulic cylinder 84 is substantially vertical, and the hydraulic cylinder 86 is substantially horizontal. In this embodiment, the drive means do not include a parallelogram consisting of four axes of orientation. The movement of the holding means 28 is controlled by the synchronization of the cylinders 84, 86 (by means not shown), and by pivot connections 88, 90. More precisely, the vertical jack 84 makes it possible to move the pivot axis 88 in the vertical direction, and the cylinder 86 can slide the arm 28, telescopically.

The operation of the device 26 "is described on the Figures 4a to 4d . On the figure 4a the device is in the casting position, the arm 28 being enlarged by means of the jack 86. On the figure 4b , the jack 84 pushes on the axis 88, so as to incline the jack 86, and thus to lower the end 30 of the arm 28, the device then being in the loading position. On the figure 4c , the device is also in the loading position, but the arm 28 is shortened, by sliding in the cylinder 86. On the figure 4d , the device is in the safety position, the arm 28 being shortened by the jack 86, and raised by the jack 84.

As for the other embodiments, it is found here that the end 30 of the holding arm 28 has a U-shaped trajectory.

We have shown on Figures 6, 6a to 6d a drive device 100 of the valve 14. This driving device 100 may be similar to the drive means 20 described above, or may be used in a completely different context.

The device 100 comprises a cylinder 102, provided with a first piston 104, connected to a rigid rod 106, similar to the rod 24, which controls the valve 14 thanks to its end 108. The piston 104 delimits, with the cylinder 102, two hydraulic chambers 110, 112, visible on the figure 6b , and can be fed with a fluid, through channels 114, 116 supply.

The drive device 16 is intended to be fixed on a ladle 12, more precisely in a housing 118 provided on the ladle, or on the valve 14. To ensure that the device 100 is fixed relative to the valve 14 , the device 100 comprises a second piston 120, arranged to press a wall 122 of the housing 118, so as to lock the drive device 100 in the housing 118. More specifically, the second piston 120 is intended to form a wedge between the drive device 100, more precisely the cylinder 102, and the wall 122 of the housing 118. The piston 120 and the wall 122 are traversed by the rod 106 controlled by the piston 104, so as to let this rod slide under the effect of the displacement of the first piston 104.

As can be seen on the figure 6b , the chamber 112 is delimited, on the one hand by the first piston 104, on the other hand by the second piston 120.

The operation of the device 100 will now be described. Before being mounted on the housing 118, the driving device 16 has substantially the configuration illustrated on the figure 6d . The second piston 120 is in the retracted position in the chamber 112, not making, or only slightly, protrusion of the cylinder 102, so that the length of the cylinder 102 is relatively small. As the length of the cylinder 102 is shortened, it can easily be inserted into the housing 118, thanks to a clearance 124. In order to lock the cylinder 102 in the housing 118, fluid is injected into the orifice 116, according to the arrow indicated by reference 126 of the figure 6a . The injection of fluid causes the piston 120 to slide towards the wall 122 so that it moves out of the cylinder 102 and comes to bear against the wall 122. Thus, the clearance 124 between the housing 118 and the cylinder 102 disappears, and the device 100 is locked by clamping.

Following this fixation, the drive device 100 can operate to drive the valve 14, as shown on the Figures 6b, 6c . To exert a pressure on the valve 14, fluid is injected through the channel 114, which has the effect of moving the first piston 104 to the right, therefore the rod 106, and thus the corresponding slide of the valve 14, as is represented on the figure 6b . Furthermore, by injecting fluid into the channel 116, the first piston 104 can be moved in the opposite direction, to the left, as shown in FIG. Figure 6c .

Once the manipulations on the valve 14 are completed, it is possible to disengage the drive device 100 from the housing 118, by proceeding as follows. The first piston 104 being in a neutral position, it is pressed, in accordance with the arrow 128 of the figure 6d on the rear of the cylinder 102, so as to press the piston 120 against the wall 122, and thus to the slide inside the chamber 112. As a result, the length of the cylinder 102 decreases and the game 124 reappears, which then allows easy removal of the device housing 118.

One can also provide a spring washer (elastic) 123 to prevent blocking of the piston.

It will be understood that the operation described above is particularly suitable for being implemented robotically. Indeed, one can easily provide to have the drive device 100 in the housing 118 by means of a robot, since it allows the presence of games 124 before the clamping lock.

We also represented on Figures 8 to 11 a jet protection tube 16 having a gripping head 56d and a longitudinal axis 134. The gripping head has an upper surface 130 and a lower surface 132. It can be clearly seen in FIG. figure 11 that the lower part of the gripping head 56d is fusiform.

The figure 12 shows another jet protection tube 16 in which the gripping head 56e is semi-cylindrical.

• pour éviter la remontée du tube lorsque son extrémité inférieure est immergée dans le bain d'acier (les doigts 63 agissent contre la paroi inférieure 140 du logement 136) ;
• pour permettre le détachement du tube en fin de coulée (les doigts 63 agissent contre la paroi de fond 140 du logement 136) ; et
• pour assurer le maintien du tube de protection de jet dans son support (les doigts agissent contre les parois latérales 138a, 138b du logement 136).

The figure 13 , shows the metal shell of the tube of Figures 8 to 11 . The envelope is provided with angular orientation means, in this case fins 58 (only one of which is visible in the drawing, the other lying opposite the tube) and two housings 136 each comprising side walls 138a, 138b and a bottom wall 140 (an identical housing is disposed opposite the tube). This housing cooperates with fingers 63 of the handling device

• to prevent the rise of the tube when its lower end is immersed in the steel bath (the fingers 63 act against the bottom wall 140 of the housing 136);
• to allow detachment of the tube at the end of casting (the fingers 63 act against the bottom wall 140 of the housing 136); and
• to ensure the maintenance of the jet protection tube in its support (the fingers act against the side walls 138a, 138b of the housing 136).

The advantages of the invention have been mentioned previously. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments.

In particular, the different functionalities can be independently on the various handling devices, drive or on the tube, or combine with each other.

Claims (26)

1. Manipulation device (26, 26', 26") for a shroud (16) for casting liquid metal, comprising holding means (28, 30, 30') for the shroud, downstream of a flow control valve (14) for the metal, this valve being able to assume an open configuration and a closed configuration under the action of drive means (20), characterised in that the manipulation device (26, 26', 26") comprises fixing means (32, 34, 80) to the drive means (20) for the valve.
2. Manipulation device according to the preceding claim, in which the fixing means (32, 34, 80) are arranged so that the manipulation device (26, 26', 26") follows the movement imposed on the valve by the drive means (20).
3. Manipulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising driving means (36-50, 84, 86) for the holding means (28, 30, 30') for the shroud (16).
4. Manipulation device according to the preceding claim, in which the driving means (36-50) for the holding means (28, 30, 30') comprise a rotary motor (36).
5. Manipulation device according to claim 3, in which the driving means (84, 86) for the holding means (28, 30, 30') comprise two hydraulic jacks (84, 86).
6. Manipulation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the drive means (20) for the valve (14) comprise a hydraulic cylinder (22) and a rod (24) sliding in this cylinder, and the driving means (36-50, 84, 86) for the holding means (28, 30, 30') are carried by a part (80, 80') surrounding the cylinder (22) and being displaced with the rod (24).
7. Manipulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holding means (28, 30, 30') for the shroud can assume a casting position and a waiting position, the displacement between these two positions having a substantially U-shaped trajectory.
8. Manipulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holding means (28, 30, 30') for the shroud comprise means (30, 30') for gripping the shroud, for example in the shape of a spoon equipped with a slot for receiving the shroud.
9. Manipulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holding means (28, 30, 30') for the shroud comprise means for releasing the shroud (16) and the valve (14), for example fingers (63).
10. Ladle shroud (16) for the flow of liquid metal from a casting ladle to a metal tundish, the shroud having a longitudinal axis (134) and comprising a shroud gripping head (56d, 56e) at one end, characterised in that the lower end of the gripping head (56d, 56e) is fusiform.
11. Ladle shroud (16) according to claim 10, comprising a gripping shroud (56e) of semicylindrical shape.
12. Ladle shroud (16) according to claim 10, comprising a gripping head (56d) in the shape of a curved spindle.
13. Ladle shroud (16) for the flow of liquid metal from a casting ladle (12) to a metal tundish (10), characterised in that the shroud comprises means (66-72) for temporarily fixing the ladle shroud (16) to a flow control valve (14).
14. Ladle shroud according to the preceding claim, in which the temporary fixing is performed by a bayonet fitting.
15. Ladle shroud according to either one of claims 13 or 14, in which the shroud (16) comprises an upper end (54) and the temporary fixing means (66-72) comprise means (72) for receiving a rotary element (66), arranged so as to be mounted to rotate on this end and to cooperate with the valve (14).
16. Ladle shroud according to any one of claims 10 to 15, additionally comprising means (58) for the angular orientation of the shroud (16) about the vertical axis of the shroud.
17. Ladle shroud according to any one of claims 10 to 16, comprising releasing means (62) for the shroud from a casting orifice (18), for example a collar (62) or recesses (136) formed on the upper end (54) of the shroud.
18. Ladle shroud according to claim 17, in which the gripping head (56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e) comprises side walls provided with two recesses (136), each comprising side walls (138a, 138b) and a bottom wall (140).
19. Assembly consisting of a ladle shroud (16) according to any one of claims 10 to 18 and of a manipulation device (26, 26', 26") according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
20. Drive device (100) for a flow control valve (14) for casting liquid metal, comprising a first piston (104) making it possible to displace the valve between an open configuration and a closed configuration, characterised in that it comprises a second piston (120) for fixing the drive device (100) relative to the valve (14).
21. Drive device according to the preceding claim, intended to be received in a housing (118) secured to the valve (14), optionally via a casting ladle (12) on which the valve is mounted, the second piston (120) being arranged so as to press against a wall (122) of the housing so as to lock the drive device (100) in the housing (118) by clamping.
22. Drive device according to the preceding claim, in which the second piston (120) comprises a piston head and an opposite end, intended to form a wedge between the drive device (100) and the wall (122) of the housing after the displacement of the second piston (120).
23. Drive device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, comprising two hydraulic chambers (110, 112), one of the chambers being delimited on the one hand by the first hydraulic piston (104) and on the other hand by the second hydraulic piston (120).
24. Drive device according to any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the second piston (120) is penetrated by a rigid rod (24) controlled by the first piston (104).
25. Drive device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, in which an elastic washer (123) is arranged around the rod (24, 106) below the head of the first piston (104).
26. Assembly consisting of a manipulation device (26, 26', 26") according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and of a drive device (100) according to any one of claims 20 to 25.

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