Sliding Nozzle Device and Pouring Device

Abstract

A fixed plate (15) is provided in a fixed metal frame (14). An opening and closing metal frame (17) having a movable plate (21) is attached to the fixed metal frame (14) so as to be openable and closable. The fixed metal frame (14) is provided with a pressurizing mechanism (23) applying a pressure in a closing direction generated by a spring (25) to the opening and closing metal frame (17) in a closed state. An actuating member (29) is movably provided at a position facing the pressurizing mechanism (23). Cam surfaces (30d, 32a) are provided between the actuating member (29) and the pressurizing mechanism (23). The spring (25) is deformed against an urging force thereof on the basis of operations of the cam surfaces (30d, 32a) in accordance with a movement of the actuating member (29), and the pressure applied to the opening and closing metal frame (17) is strengthened.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a sliding nozzle apparatus attached to a molten metal container such as a ladle or the like, for example, used in a continuous casting line, and provided for controlling a pouring amount at a time of pouring a molten metal to a casting mold from the molten metal container, and a pouring apparatus provided with the sliding nozzle apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

This kind of sliding nozzle apparatus is provided with a fixed plate fixed to a molten metal container such as a ladle or the like, and a movable plate facing the fixed plate. A fixed nozzle is provided on the fixed plate, and a movable nozzle is provided on the movable plate, respectively. Further, when the nozzle or the like is replaced or maintained, the movable plate is rotated, and the movable plate and the movable nozzle are separated from the fixed plate and the fixed nozzle. Further, at a time of pouring, the movable plate and the movable nozzle are slid in a state of being brought into pressure contact with the fixed plate and the fixed nozzle, and an opening amount between the fixed nozzle and the movable nozzle is adjusted.

In this case, in an apparatus in Patent Document 1, the pressure contact of the movable plate with respect to the fixed plate is executed by a toggle mechanism, and the slide of the movable plate is executed by a cylinder. Further, a switching of the toggle mechanism to an operative state and an inoperative state is operated by a human power. Accordingly, the switching work of the toggle mechanism is forced to be executed as an agonizing work under a high-temperature environment.

In order to solve the problem, there has been proposed a sliding nozzle apparatus described in Patent Document 2. In the structure of the Patent Document 2, the structure is made such that it is possible to achieve both functions of a pressure contact of a movable plate with respect to a fixed plate and a cancellation thereof, and a slide of the movable plate, on the basis of a hydraulic cylinder.

In other words, in Patent Document 2, a switching mechanism is provided between an opening and closing metal frame and a fixed metal frame. On the basis of the switching mechanism, it is possible to switch to a state of inhibiting a relative movement of the opening and closing metal frame with respect to the fixed metal frame along a direction of a rotating axis, and a state of allowing the relative movement.

Further, in a state in which the movement of the opening and closing metal frame is inhibited on the basis of the switching of the switching mechanism, the toggle mechanism in the switching mechanism is in an operative state. When the hydraulic cylinder is actuated in this state, only a sliding metal frame within the opening and closing metal frame is moved, whereby a nozzle hole is opened and closed, and a matching degree between the movable nozzle and the fixed nozzle is changed. On the contrary, when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated in the state in which the relative movement of the opening and closing metal frame is allowed, the sliding metal frame and the opening and closing metal frame are integrally moved. On the basis of this movement, the operation of the toggle mechanism in the switching mechanism is cancelled, and a pressing member separates from an engagement portion. Accordingly, the pressing of the opening and closing metal frame to the plate side by a coil spring is cancelled.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-212064

Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-226430

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, the sliding apparatus described in Patent Document 2 is structured such that in addition that the switching mechanism is arranged in a narrow space between the fixed metal frame and the opening and closing metal frame, the toggle mechanism having a complicated structure including the spring is provided inside of the switching mechanism, and the member constituting the toggle mechanism operates a complicated motion. Accordingly, the switching mechanism of the sliding apparatus described in Patent Document 2 lacks a reliability of the motion, and has not been put into practical use.

This invention is made by paying attention to a problem existing in the prior art mentioned above. An objective of this invention is to provide a sliding nozzle apparatus and a pouring apparatus which can reliably apply a pressing force to an opening and closing metal frame and cancel the pressure application on the basis of a simple structure.

In order to achieve the objective mentioned above, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sliding nozzle apparatus comprising: a fixed metal frame having a fixed plate in which a fixed nozzle hole is formed, and structured such as to be attached to a molten metal container; an opening and closing metal frame having a movable plate in which a movable nozzle hole is formed so as to be slidable in a state of being lapped over the fixed plate and correspond to the fixed nozzle hole, and being openable and closable with respect to the fixed metal frame; a pressurizing means provided in the fixed metal frame and applying a pressure in a closing direction by a spring to the opening and closing metal frame in a closed state; and a passage between both the nozzles being opened and closed by the movable plate being slid in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame. An actuating member having a cam surface is provided between the pressurizing means and the opening and closing metal frame, the spring is deformed against an urging force thereof on the basis of an operation of the cam surface in accordance with the actuation of the actuating member in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame, whereby the pressurizing force is strengthened.

In this case, the spring is deformed against the urging force on the basis of the operation of the cam surface in accordance with the movement of the actuating member, and the pressurizing force against the opening and closing metal frame is strengthened. Accordingly, the toggle mechanism is not necessary, the structure is simple, and it is possible to reliably apply the pressurizing force to the opening and closing metal frame, and cancel the force application.

It is desirable that the pressurizing means be provided with a rotating member rotatably supported by the fixed metal frame, and a holding member supported by the rotating member so as to move forward and backward and capable of moving between a position holding the opening and closing metal frame in accordance with the rotation of the rotating member and a position separated from the held position, and the spring is provided between the rotating member and the holding member.

In this case, the holding member is moved from the position holding the opening and closing metal frame to the position separated therefrom, by rotating the rotating member in the state in which the pressurizing force applied to the opening and closing metal frame is weakened, whereby it is possible to easily disconnect the opening and closing metal frame from the fixed metal frame.

It is desirable that the actuating member be arranged between the opening and closing metal frame and the holding member, the actuating member be exposed to the reaction force of the spring by deforming the spring against its elasticity on the basis of an operation of the cam, and the reaction force be applied as a force in a direction of closing the opening and closing metal frame.

In this case, it is possible to reliably hold the opening and closing metal frame to the closed position via the actuating member, by utilizing the reaction force in accordance with the elastic deformation of the spring.

It is desirable that the actuating member be constituted by a moving member arranged so as to be movable in the same direction as the forward and backward moving direction of the holding member between the opening and closing metal frame and the holding member, and a cam member arranged between the moving member and the opening and closing metal frame and pressing the opening and closing metal frame in the closing direction on the basis of the reaction force of the spring generated by moving the moving member in the direction against the elasticity of the spring due to the operation of the cam surface.

In this case, since the actuating member is constituted by two parts comprising the moving member and the cam member, the structure of the actuating member is simple, and it is possible to reliably regulate the pressurizing force applied to the opening and closing metal frame via the cam member on the basis of the movement of the moving member constituting the actuating member.

It is desirable that the apparatus be provided with a switching means for switching the cam member to a state in which the cam member is arranged at a position pressurizing the opening and closing metal frame on the basis of the cam operation and a position canceling the pressurization, by being integrally moved with the movable plate, and a state in which the cam member is fixed to the opening and closing metal frame in the pressurized position.

In this case, it is possible to easily selectively set and execute a control of regulating the pressurizing force applied to the opening and closing metal frame and a control of opening and closing the passage between the nozzle holes, by switching the cam member to the state of being moved integrally with the movable plate and the state of being fixed to the opening and closing metal frame.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pouring apparatus provided with the sliding nozzle apparatus mentioned above and a drive apparatus for sliding the movable plate.

In this case, it is possible to regulate the pressurizing force applied to the opening and closing metal frame, and open and close the passage between the nozzle holes, by one drive apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(a) is a simplified view schematically showing a main portion of an embodiment;

FIG. 1(b) is a cross sectional view showing a pressurizing state;

FIG. 1(c) is a cross sectional view showing a pressurization canceled state;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view showing a pouring apparatus provided with a sliding nozzle apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view showing a mechanism moved by a hydraulic cylinder, a cam member and a relevant mechanism thereto;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the pouring apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view mainly showing a pressurizing mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the pouring apparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing a mechanism slid together with a sliding metal frame by a hydraulic cylinder;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along a line 8-8 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view mainly showing the cam member and the relevant mechanism thereto;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along a line 10-10 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 11 is a partly cross sectional view showing a part of FIG. 6 in an enlarged manner in correspondence to FIG. 10.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A description will be given below of an embodiment in accordance with this invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Entire Outline Structure)

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 6 and 10, a sliding nozzle apparatus 12 is installed on an outer surface of a molten metal container 11 such as a ladle or the like. A hydraulic cylinder 13 serving as a drive apparatus is arranged at a position away from the sliding nozzle apparatus 12, and a pouring apparatus in accordance with this embodiment is structured by the hydraulic cylinder 13 and the sliding nozzle apparatus 12. A nozzle portion of the sliding nozzle apparatus 12 is opened and closed by the hydraulic cylinder 13, and a pouring amount is adjusted thereby. In other words, as is apparent from FIG. 10, a molten metal within the molten metal container 11 is poured to a casting mold or the like via the sliding nozzle apparatus 12, in a state in which the sliding nozzle apparatus 12 is arranged downward.

(Outline of Main Portion of Embodiment)

A description will be given below of a structure of the sliding nozzle apparatus 12. First, FIG. 1(a) is a schematic view showing a motion of the embodiment, and FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c) are simplified cross sectional views of the same. As shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c), guide members 31 are provided on an opening and closing metal frame 17 which can be opened and closed with respect to a fixed metal frame 14, and a pressed surface 31a is formed in each guide member 31. Further, a cam member 32 is arranged in correspondence to the pressed surfaces 31a. A spring force of a coil spring 25 of a pressurizing mechanism 23 constituting pressurizing means is applied to the cam surface 32a of each cam member 32 via a moving member 30 and a holding member 27.

Further, in a state in which a fixing pin 43 is inserted to an engagement hole 32b of each cam member 32, and the cam member 32 is held at an upper position in FIG. 1(b)(b), a compression force is applied to the coil spring 25 via the moving member 30 and the holding member 27, on the basis of an operation of a cam surface 32a of the cam member 32 and a cam surface 30d of the moving member 30, and a compression reaction force thereto is applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 via the cam member 32 and the dressed surfaces 31a of the guide members 31. Accordingly, the opening and closing metal frame 17 is pressure contacted with the fixed metal frame 14 under a desired pressurizing force. Further, in the case that each fixing pin 43 separates from the engagement hole 32b, and each cam member 32 is pinched by a switching member 40 and an engagement projection 37a from both upper and lower ends of the cam member 32, and is moved downward in accordance with a downward movement of the switching member 40 and the engagement projection 37a, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the operation of the cam surfaces 32a and 30d is cancelled, and the pressure contact state of the opening and closing metal frame 17 with respect to the fixed metal frames 14 is cancelled.

(Fixed Metal Frame 14, Opening and Closing Metal Frame 17 and Relevant Structure Thereto)

Next, a description will be given in detail of a structure of the sliding nozzle apparatus 12. First, a description will be given of the fixed metal frame 14, the opening and closing metal frame 17 and the relevant structure thereto. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6, the fixed metal frame 14 is attached and fixed to an outer surface of the molten metal container 11, and a pair of mounting portions 14a having insertion holes 14b are provided in each of both side portions in a protruding manner. As shown in FIG. 10, a fixed plate 15 is detachably mounted to a center portion of the fixed metal frame 14, and a fixed nozzle hole 15a is formed in a center thereof. An inner nozzle tube 16 is attached to an inner surface of the fixed plate 15 as occasion demands, and the inner nozzle tube 16 is structured such as to protrude to an inner portion of the molten metal container 11.

The opening and closing metal frame 17 is attached to an outer surface of the fixed metal frame 14 in such a manner as to be openable and closable. In other words, a pair of support portions 17a having insertion holes 17b are provided in each of both sides of the opening and closing metal frame 17 in a protruding manner so as to correspond to the respective mounting portions 14a of the fixed metal frame 14. Further, the opening and closing metal frame 17 is attached in such a manner as to be openable and closable and rotatable around a support pin 18 between a closed position shown by a solid line in FIG. 6 and one side open position shown by a two-dot chain line, by inserting the support pin 18 to the insertion holes 17b and 14b of the support portion 17a and the mounting portion 14a, in one side of both the metal frames 14, and 17.

In this case, if the support pin 18 is inserted to the insertion holes 17b and 14b of the support portion 17a and the mounting portion 14a positioned in the other side of both the metal frames 14 and 17 as occasion demands, it is possible to open and close and rotate the opening and closing metal frame 17 between the closed position and the open position on the other side.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 7 and 9, a sliding metal frame 19 is arranged within the opening and closing metal frame 17 in such a manner as to be slidable in a vertical direction in FIG. 2, and a piston rod 13a of the hydraulic cylinder 13 is coupled to an end portion thereof via a coupling metal fitting 20. A movable plate 21 is detachably mounted to a center portion of the sliding metal frame 19, and a movable nozzle hole 21a corresponding to the fixed nozzle hole 15a is formed in a center thereof. An outer nozzle tube 22 is attached to an outer surface of the movable plate 21 as occasion demands, and protrudes to an outer side of the opening and closing metal frame 17.

Further, in a state in which the opening and closing metal frame 17 is arranged at the closed position, the movable plate 21 is arranged so as to be lapped over the fixed plate 15. In this state, the movable plate 21 is slid in a vertical direction in FIGS. 2 and 9 by the hydraulic cylinder 13 together with the sliding metal frame 19, whereby a matching degree of the nozzle holes 15a and 21a of both the plates 15 and 21 is changed, so that the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a is opened and closed, and an opening amount of the passage is adjusted.

(Pressurizing Mechanism 23 and Relevant Structure Thereto)

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, 8, 10 and 11, a pressurizing mechanism 23 is arranged as a pressurizing means between a pair of mounting portions 14a in each of both sides of the fixed metal frame 14. Further, the structure is made such that a pressure in a closing direction is applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 by the pressurizing mechanism 23, in a state in which the opening and closing metal frame 17 is arranged at the closed position shown by a solid line in FIG. 6.

In other words, between the mounting portions 14a in both sides of the fixed metal frame 14, an approximately box-like rotating member 24 constituting a pair of spring cases are rotatably supported by support shaft portions 24a. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of accommodating portions 24b are sectioned and formed in an inner portion of the rotating member 24, and a plurality of coil springs 25 are arranged so as to be accommodated within the accommodating portions 24b. A lid body 26 is fitted to an opening portion of the rotating member 24 so as to be movable in an axial direction of the coil spring 25, and an end portion of each of the coil springs 25 is brought into contact with an inner surface of the lid body 26.

A holding member 27 having a holding portion 27a and a pair of rod portions 27b is inserted into and supported by each of the rotating member 24 and the lid body 26 at the rod portions 27b so as to be movable forward and backward in an axial direction of the coil spring 25. A nut 28 is screwed with a leading end thread portion of each of the rod portions 27b of the holding member 27, and is joined to an outer surface of the lid body 26. Accordingly, an urging force of each of the coil springs 25 is always applied in a direction in which the holding member 27 moves close to the rotating member 24 with respect to the holding member 27, via the lid body 26 and the nut 28. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, since the rotating member 24 is rotated around the support shaft portion 24a, the holding member 27 is arranged so as to be moved to a position holding the opening and closing metal frame 17 via an actuating member 29 mentioned below, and a position separated from the held position.

(Cam Member and Relevant Structure Thereto)

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 and 10, a pair of actuating members 29 are arranged in both sides of the opening and closing metal frame 17 in correspondence to each of the pressurizing mechanisms 23. Further, in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame 17, the actuating member 29 is moved to a lower side in FIG. 2 on the basis of operations of cam surfaces 30d and 32a mentioned below provided between the actuating member 29 and the pressurizing mechanism 23, the coil spring 25 of the pressurizing mechanism 23 is deformed against the urging force thereof, and the pressure applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 is strengthened.

In other words, each actuating member 29 is constituted by a moving member 30 arranged in one side the opening and closing metal frame 17 so as to be movable in the same direction as the moving direction of the holding member 27 of the pressurizing mechanism 23 via a pair of guide members 31, and a cam member 32 arranged between the moving member 30 and the opening and closing metal frame 17 so as to be movable in an orthogonal direction to the moving direction of the moving member 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the cam member 32 is received by pressed surfaces 31a formed in one side surface of the guide members 31. A long hole 30a is formed in an inner surface of each moving member 30, and a head portion of a regulating screw 33 provided in a protruding manner in a side surface of the opening and closing metal frame 17 is engaged with the long hole 30a, whereby a moving range of the moving member 30 is set. An engagement projection 30b is provided in a protruding manner in an outer side of the moving member 30, and the holding portion 27a of the holding member 27 corresponds to the engagement projection 30b so as to be engaged in a state in which the holding member 27 of the pressurizing mechanism 23 is arranged at the held position.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a concave groove 30c is formed in an inner surface of each moving member 30 in such a manner as to extend in an orthogonal direction to the moving direction of the moving member 30, that is, in the same direction as the sliding direction of the sliding metal frame 19, and a slope cam surface 30d is formed in one side inner surface of the concave groove 30c. Further, the cam member 32 is movably arranged so as to be inserted to the concave groove 30c of the moving member 30, and a slope cam surface 32a slidably engaging with the slope cam surface 30d of the concave groove 30c is formed in one side outer surface of the cam member 32.

Further, when the cam member 32 is moved from a position shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 to position shown by a solid line, the moving member 30 is moved in a direction (a rightward direction in FIG. 8 and a downward direction in FIG. 7) against an elasticity of the coil spring 25 of the pressurizing mechanism 23, on the basis of operations of the slope cam surfaces 32a and 30d mentioned above. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(c), the coil spring 25 of the rotating member 24 is compression deformed via the holding member 27 against the urging force of the coil spring 25, and the reaction force of the coil spring 25 is applied as a force in the closing direction to the opening and closing metal frame 17 via the moving member 30 and the cam member 32.

On the contrary, when the cam member 32 is moved from the position shown by the solid line to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8, the moving member 30 is moved in the urging direction of the coil spring 25 as is inverse to the case mentioned above, on the basis of the operations of the slope cam surfaces 32a and 30d. Accordingly, the engagement projection 30b of the moving member 30 is moved away from the holding portion 27a of the holding member 27 in the pressurizing mechanism 23, and the pressure in the closing direction applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 is canceled.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, a regulating member 34 is rotatably supported by the outer side surface of each of the moving members 30 via a support shaft 35, in correspondence to the holding portion 27a of the holding member 27 in the pressurizing mechanism 23, and an engagement hole 34a is formed in a leading end thereof. An engagement pin 36 is provided in a protruding manner in an outer surface of the moving member 30, and is engaged with the engagement hole 34a of the regulating member 34. Further, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 5, in a state in which the regulating member 34 is arranged at a regulated position corresponding to the holding portion 27a of the holding member 27 on the basis of an engagement between one end portion of the engagement hole 34a and the engagement pin 36, a rotating operation from the held position of the holding member 27 with respect to the opening and closing metal frame 17 shown in FIG. 10, to the away position shown in FIG. 11 is regulated. Further, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, in the case that the regulating member 34 is arranged at an allowed position where the regulating member 34 is away from the holding portion 27a of the holding member 27 on the basis of the engagement between the other end portion of the engagement hole 34a and the engagement pin 36, the rotating operation of the holding member 27 from the held position with respect to the opening and closing metal frame 17 shown in FIG. 10 to the away position shown in FIG. 11 is allowed.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 9, an interlocking frame 37 is coupled to an outer surface of the sliding metal frame 19 so as to be integrally formed with the sliding metal frame 19 via a coupling tube 38, in such a manner as to be positioned between both the cam members 32 in an outer side of the opening and closing metal frame 17. Accordingly, the interlocking frame 37 slides together with the sliding metal frame 19. A switching mechanism 39 is provided as a switching means between the interlocking frame 37 and both the cam members 32. Further, both the cam members 32 are switched by the switching mechanism 39 to a state in which both the cam members 32 are fixed to the interlocking frame 37 so as to be slid in a vertical direction in FIG. 2 integrally with the interlocking frame 37 and the sliding metal frame 19, and a state in which both the cam members 32 are fixed to the opening and closing metal frame 17 regardless of the slide of the interlocking frame 37 and the sliding metal frame 19. In this case, a long hole 17c for passing the coupling tube 38 therethrough is pierced in a center portion of the opening and closing metal frame 17.

In other words, a pair of engagement projections 37a capable of supporting lower ends of both the cam members 32 are formed in both sides of a lower end of the interlocking frame 37. A switching member 40 is attached to each side of an upper end of the interlocking frame 37 so as to be rotatable between two positions via a rotating shaft 41, and is elastically held to two positions by a plunger 42. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1(c), 2 to 4, when the switching member 40 is switched and rotated to an engaged position protruding to an upper side of both the cam members 32, both the cam members 32 are supported in a pinched state between the engagement projection 37a of the interlocking frame 37 and the switching member 40. In this state, the sliding metal frame 19 is slid by the hydraulic cylinder 13, whereby both the cam members 32 are slid between the solid line position and the two-dot chain line position in FIG. 1(c) integrally with the sliding metal frame 19 and the interlocking frame 37, and the pressure is applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 by the pressurizing mechanism 23 and the pressure application is cancelled. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when the switching member 40 is switched and rotated to a retracted position retracted from the upper side of both the cam members 32, only the sliding metal frame 19 is slid to a lower side in FIG. 1(b) regardless of the cam member 32, and the matching degree between the nozzle hole 15a of the fixed plate 15 and the nozzle hole 21a of the movable plate 21 is changed.

An engagement hole 32b is formed in the upper end of each cam member 32. In order to correspond to the engagement hole 32b in a freely engaging and disengaging manner, a pair of fixing pins 43 are arranged in the support portions 17a in each side of the opening and closing metal frame 17 so as to rise and set, and is elastically held at a protruding position and an insertion position by the fixing plunger 44. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1(b) and 2, when the fixing pin 43 moves forward into the engagement hole 32b of the cam member 32 so as to be protruded to the position engaging with the engagement hole 32b, both the same members 32 are fixed to the opening and closing metal frame 17 so as not to slide, and are held in this state. Accordingly, the cam members 32 are moved in the vertical direction in FIG. 1(b) together with the opening and closing metal frame 17. On the contrary, when the fixing pins 43 are inserted to the positions separated from the engagement holes 32b of the cam members 32, both the cam members 32 are allowed to be moved in the vertical direction in FIG. 1(b) with respect to the opening and closing metal frame 17.

In this case, in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), a lower end of a back surface of each cam member 32 brought into contact with the pressed surfaces 31a of the guide members 31, and both upper and lower ends of the pressed surfaces 31a are formed in a circular arc shape in such a manner as to relax a stress concentration at a time of bringing the cam members 32 into pressure contact with the guide members 31.

(Operation of Embodiment)

Next, a description will be given of an operation of the sliding nozzle apparatus 12 structured as mentioned above.

At a time of a normal use of the sliding nozzle apparatus 12, the opening and closing metal frame 17 is arranged at the closed position with respect to the fixed metal frame 14, and the holding members 27 of the pressurizing mechanisms 23 are rotated and arranged at the held position with respect to the opening and closing metal frame 17, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this state, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the sliding metal frame 19 is moved to a lower side in FIG. 4, and the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a of both the plates 15 and 21 is closed. Further, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 8, the cam members 32 are moved to one end (an upper end in FIG. 8) in a moving range, and the fixing pins 43 are engaged with the engagement holes 32b, thereby being fixed to the opening and closing metal frame 17.

Further, as shown by a solid line in FIGS. 1(b) and 2, the switching members 40 are switched and rotated to a retracted position retracted from the upper side of the cam members 32. Further, as shown by a solid line in FIGS. 4 and 5, the regulating members 34 are rotated and arranged at a regulation position corresponding to the holding portions 27a of the holding members 27, and a rotating operation of the holding members 27 from the held position to the away position is regulated. Accordingly, as is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5, the coil springs 25 of the pressurizing mechanisms 23 are compression deformed on the basis of the operation of the cam surfaces 32a and 30d of the cam members 32 and the moving members 30 in this state, the reaction force is applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 via the moving members 30, the cam members 32 and the guide members 31, and the opening and closing metal frame 17 is pressurized and held at the closed position.

In this state, if the hydraulic cylinder 13 is retracted in a state in which the sliding nozzle apparatus 12 is arranged downward so as to face the casting mold or the like, as shown in FIG. 7, the movable plate 21 is slid to the upper side in FIG. 2 together with the sliding metal frame 19, and the matching degree between the nozzle hole 15a of the fixed plate 15 and the nozzle hole 21a of the movable plate 21 is changed. Accordingly, the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a is opened at an opening amount in correspondence to the moving amount of the movable plate 21, and the molten metal within the molten metal container 11 is poured into the casting mold or the like via the passage. Thereafter, if the hydraulic cylinder 13 is actuated so as to protrude, the movable plate 21 is slid to the lower position from the position in FIG. 2 together with the sliding metal frame 19, as is inverse to the case mentioned above, so that the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a of both the plates 15 and 21 is closed. In this connection, FIG. 7 shows parts slid together with the sliding metal frame 19 by a solid line. The pouring of the molten metal from the inner side of the molten metal container 11 is stopped by the closure of the passage. Further, in this case, since the cam members 32 are held on the opening and closing metal frame 17 by the fixing pins 43, the cam members 32 are held at a fixed position without moving.

Next, a description will be given of an operation in the case of cleaning the molten metal attached to the nozzle holes 15a and 21a of the fixed plate 15 and the movable plate 21 or replacing the plates 15 and 21, by opening the opening and closing metal frame 17. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, if the nozzle is arranged horizontally by raising the sliding nozzle apparatus 12, and the hydraulic cylinder 13 is retracted, the movable plate 21 is slid together with the sliding metal frame 19, and the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a of both the plates 15 and 21 comes to a full-open state as shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11.

In this state, the fixing pins 43 are separated from the engagement holes 32b of the cam members 32 by the worker, and the cam members 32 are canceled from the fixed state with respect to the opening and closing metal frame 17. Subsequently, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1(c) and 2, the switching members 40 are switched and rotated to the engaged positions in the upper side of the cam members 32, and the cam members 32 come to a state in which each cam member 32 is pinched between the engagement projections 37a of the interlocking frame 37 and the switching member 40.

Thereafter, if the hydraulic cylinder 13 is actuated so as to protrude, the sliding metal frame 19 is slid to the lower side in FIGS. 2 and 4, and the cam members 32 are integrally slid to a position shown by a chain line from a position shown by a solid line in FIG. 8 via the interlocking frame 37. Accordingly, each moving member 30 is moved in the urging direction of the coil spring of the pressurizing mechanism 23 in accordance with the operation of the slope cam surfaces 32a and 30d, and the pressure of the coil spring 25 applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 is cancelled.

Next, if each regulating member 34 is rotated to an allowing position shown by a chain line from a regulating position shown by a solid line in FIG. 5, an outer side of the holding portion 27a of the holding member 27 arranged at a held position shown by a chain line in FIG. 11 is released, and the rotation of the holding member 27 to the outer side is allowed. In this state, the opening and closing metal frame 17 is released from the fixed metal frame 14 as shown by a chain line in FIG. 6, after rotating the holding member 27 to the away position in the outer side from the held position corresponding to the engagement projection 30b of the actuating member 29 by rotating the rotating member 24, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the movable plate 21 is released from the lapped state over the fixed plate 15, and it is possible to easily clean or replace both the plates 15 and 21 in this state.

Further, after cleaning and replacing the plates 15 and 21, the sliding nozzle apparatus 12 is returned to the original state by operating in the inverse order to the case mentioned above. In other words, the rotating members 24 of the pressurizing mechanisms 23 are rotated to a position in FIG. 10, after rotating the opening and closing metal frame 17 to a closed position shown by a solid line from an open position shown by a chain line in FIG. 6. In this state, if the regulating members 34 are rotated to the regulating position shown by the solid line from the allowing position shown by the chain line in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation to the outer side from the held position of the holding member 27 is regulated (inhibited).

Thereafter, if the hydraulic cylinder 13 is actuated so as to retract, the sliding metal frame 19 is slid to the upper side in FIG. 2 from the position in FIG. 2, and the cam members 32 are integrally slid to the position shown by the solid line from the position shown by the chain line in FIG. 8 via the engagement projections 37a of the interlocking frames 37 and the switching members 40. Accordingly, the moving members 30 are moved to the lower side in FIG. 10 in accordance with the operation of the slope cam surfaces 32a and 30d, and the coil springs 25 of the rotating members 24 is compression deformed against the urging force. Further, the reaction force of the coil springs 25 is applied as the force in the closing direction to the opening and closing metal frame 17 via the moving members 30, the cam members 32 and the guide members 31, and the opening and closing metal frame 17 is held at the closed position.

Subsequently, if the switching members 40 are switched and rotated to the retracting position shown by the solid line from the engaging position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, the cam members 32 are canceled from a link state with respect to the interlocking frames 37 so as to come to a free state. Further, the fixing pins 43 are engaged with the engagement holes 32b of the cam members 32, and the cam members 32 are fixed to the opening and closing metal frame 17.

Thereafter, if the hydraulic cylinder 13 is actuated so as to protrude, the movable plate 21 is slid to the lower side from the position in FIG. 2 together with the sliding metal frame 19, and the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a of both the plates 15 and 21 comes to the closed state. It is possible to pour the molten metal within the molten metal container 11 to the casing mold or the like by suitably opening the passage between the nozzle holes 15a and 21a by the hydraulic cylinder 13 as mentioned above, under this state.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, in the state in which the cam members 32 are each arranged at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 8, the pressure in the closing direction is applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 by the pressurizing mechanisms 23, and the portion between the fixed nozzle hole 15a and the movable nozzle hole 21a is opened and closed or the opening degree is adjusted, on the basis of the driving of the hydraulic cylinder 13 under this state. Further, in the state in which the cam members 32 are each arranged at the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8, the pressure applied to the opening and closing metal frame 17 by the pressurizing mechanisms 23 is cancelled, and it is possible to open and close the opening and closing metal frame 17. Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the opening degree of the nozzle mentioned above, and apply the pressure to the opening and closing metal frame 17 and cancel the pressure application, on the basis of the simple structure in which the cam members 32 and the moving members 30 operating as the cam follower are provided between the opening and closing metal frame 17, and the holding members 27 for holding the opening and closing metal frame 17 in the closed state. In other words, it is possible to execute both of the adjustment of the opening degree of the nozzle, and the application of the pressure to the opening and closing metal frame 17 and cancellation of the pressure application, by one simple mechanism as mentioned above, and the structure becomes simple.

MODIFIED EXAMPLES

In this case, the embodiment can be embodied by being changed as follows.

The structure may be made such that the moving members 30 are omitted, the cam members 32 are directly brought into contact with the holding members 27 of the pressurizing mechanisms 23, and the holding members 27 are moved against the spring force of the coil springs 25 on the basis of the cam operation.

The structure may be made such that the sliding metal frame 19 and the interlocking frame 37 are integrated, and the sliding metal frame 19 is provided with a means such as the engagement projection 37a or the like for supporting the cam member 32.

The structure may be made such that the cam surfaces 30d and 32a are provided in any one of the moving member 30 and the cam member 32.

Claims

1. A sliding nozzle apparatus comprising:

a fixed metal frame having a fixed plate in which a fixed nozzle hole is formed, and structured such as to be attached to a molten metal container;

an opening and closing metal frame having a movable plate in which a movable nozzle hole is formed so as to be slidable in a state of being lapped over said fixed plate and correspond to said fixed nozzle hole, and being openable and closable with respect to the fixed metal frame; and

a pressurizing means provided in said fixed metal frame and applying a pressure in a closing direction by a spring to the opening and closing metal frame in a closed state,

wherein a passage between both nozzles is opened and closed by the movable plate being slid in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame, the sliding nozzle apparatus further comprising:

an actuating member having a cam surface is provided between the pressurizing means and the opening and closing metal frame, the spring is deformed against an urging force thereof on the basis of an operation of the cam surface in accordance with the actuation of the actuating member in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame, whereby the pressurizing force is strengthened.

2. A sliding nozzle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressurizing means is provided with a rotating member rotatably supported by the fixed metal frame, and a holding member supported by the rotating member so as to move forward and backward and capable of moving between a position holding the opening and closing metal frame in accordance with the rotation of the rotating member and a position separated from the held position, and said spring is provided between the rotating member and the holding member.

3. A sliding nozzle apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said actuating member is arranged between said opening and closing metal frame and the holding member, the actuating member is exposed to the reaction force of the spring by deforming said spring against its elasticity on the basis of an operation of the cam, and the reaction force is applied as a force in a direction of closing the opening and closing metal frame.

4. A sliding nozzle apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said actuating member is constituted by a moving member arranged so as to be movable in the same direction as the forward and backward moving direction of the holding member between said opening and closing metal frame and the holding member, and a cam member arranged between the moving member and the opening and closing metal frame and pressing the opening and closing metal frame in the closing direction on the basis of the reaction force of the spring generated by moving the moving member in the direction against the elasticity of the spring due to the operation of the cam surface.

5. A sliding nozzle apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus is provided with a switching means for switching the cam member to a state in which said cam member is arranged at a position pressurizing the opening and closing metal frame on the basis of the cam operation and a position canceling the pressurization, by being integrally moved with said movable plate, and a state in which the cam member is fixed to the opening and closing metal frame in said pressurized position.

6. (canceled)

7. A pouring apparatus comprising:

a fixed metal frame having a fixed plate in which a fixed nozzle hole is formed, and structured such as to be attached to a molten metal container;

an opening and closing metal frame having a movable plate in which a movable nozzle hole is formed so as to be slidable in a state of being lapped over said fixed plate and correspond to said fixed nozzle hole, and being openable and closable with respect to the fixed metal frame;

a pressurizing means provided in said fixed metal frame and applying a pressure in a closing direction by a spring to the opening and closing metal frame in a closed state,

wherein a passage between both nozzles is opened and closed by the movable plate being slid in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame, the sliding nozzle apparatus;

an actuating member having a cam surface is provided between the pressurizing means and the opening and closing metal frame, the spring is deformed against an urging force thereof on the basis of an operation of the cam surface in accordance with the actuation of the actuating member in the closed state of the opening and closing metal frame, whereby the pressurizing force is strengthened; and

a drive apparatus for sliding said movable plate.