DE102006024776B4 - Device for introducing metallic ingots into a metal bath - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for introducing metallic ingots (2) into a metal bath (3), in particular zinc ingots in a zinc bath, which has a holding device (4) for at least one metallic ingot (2) with which the metallic ingot (2) can be held that it at least partially immersed in the metal bath (3), wherein the holding device (4) for holding the metallic bar (2) has a basket element (5) arranged for at least partial immersion in the metal bath (3) and is formed, wherein the holding device (4) is provided with movement means (6), this between a first position (A), in which the metallic ingot (2) is outside of the metal bath (3), and a second position (B ), in which the metallic ingot (2) is located at least partially within the metal bath (3), and wherein the moving means (6) of the holding device (4) are adapted to perform a combined lifting and tilting movement d he holding device (4) can perform, characterized in that the movement means (6) comprises two lever elements (12, 13) which are each hingedly connected to a basket element (5) carrying the carrier and a stationary bottom part, wherein the hinge points of Lever elements (12, 13) are arranged spaced from each other on the carrier.

Description

The invention relates to a device for introducing metallic ingots into a metal bath, in particular zinc ingot in a zinc bath, which has a holding device for at least one metallic ingot, with which the metallic ingot can be held so that it at least partially immersed in the metal bath the holding device for holding the metallic billet has a basket element which is arranged and designed for at least partial immersion in the metal bath, wherein the holding device is equipped with movement means, which between a first position, in which the metallic billet is outside the metal bath, and a second position in which the metallic ingot is located at least partially within the metal bath, and wherein the moving means of the holding device are adapted to perform a combined lifting and tilting movement of the holding device.

In hot-dip galvanizing plants, the strip to be galvanized is passed through a metal bath with a liquid zinc alloy. The zinc used for the coating is thereby continuously discharged from the zinc bath. Therefore, zinc must be added to the bath to maintain a constant degree of filling of the zinc bath.

It is known for this purpose to release zinc ingots manually by means of a chain train in the zinc bath and melt so.

Furthermore, electrically operated chain hoists are known. A sensor monitoring the wheel mirror of the zinc bath controls the discharge of the billet into the zinc bath. The attachment of the ingot to a hook on the chain hoist is done manually, the ingot for this purpose has a corresponding recess (hole). The EP 0 120 776 B1 shows such a solution in which a number of bars are arranged one behind the other, which are taken in succession by means of a hook and discharged into the metal bath.

In also previously known fully automatic robotic gripper systems are provided. The zinc ingots are fed to the robot via stackers and hook systems. However, such systems are relatively complex and therefore expensive. Such a solution is from the EP 0 572 290 B1 known. There it is envisaged that the zinc ingot has a transverse hole, which is engaged with a pair of pliers. Thus, the ingot is gradually released into the zinc bath and melted.

In the JP 6223 8358 A It is envisaged that the individual ingots have co-operating hooks in their end regions so that a number of interlocked ingots can be drained via a chute into the zinc bath. The same shows the EP 1 091 011 B1 , Again, a slide is provided through which the individual bars are fed to the bathroom.

In particular, in the solutions that provide for attachment of the billet to a hook of the feeder, there is the following problem: There is a risk that the billet remainder, i. H. the remainder of the partially molten billet as a whole falls into the zinc bath, as soon as the mechanical hold due to the melting on the hook is no longer guaranteed. Thus, the remainder of the unmelted material may fall into the zinc bath, causing it to whirl up zinc slag on the bottom of the coating vessel, causing unwanted wheel movement on the wheel surface. This can lead to slags entering the galvanizing area and thus negatively affecting the galvanizing quality.

A device of the type mentioned is from the DE 197 29 702 A1 known. Other solutions will be in the DE 24 46 169 A1 and in the FR 1 444 421 A disclosed.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to remedy this situation and to propose a device and a method for introducing metallic ingots into a metal bath, in which or in which this negative effect can not occur. The construction of the device should be simple, so that a cost-effective implementation is possible.

The solution of this issue by the invention is device according to characterized in that the moving means comprise two lever members, which are each pivotally connected to a basket member carrying carrier and a stationary bottom part, wherein the hinge points of the lever elements are arranged spaced from each other on the carrier.

The inventive provided basket element is able to hold the metallic ingot and gradually immerse it in the metal bath so that parts of it can melt and raise the level in the coating. The basket element is designed such that the basket surface is permeable to liquid metal so that molten material of the billet can flow through the basket surface into the metal bath.

The basket element usually has a length for good and reliable holding of the bar. which is at least 25%, preferably at least 33%, of the length of the metallic billet in the non-molten state.

Thus, the ingot to be melted can be accurately retracted into the metal bath so that a desired degree of melting of metallic material takes place.

The basket element preferably has a number of retaining clips, which are connected to each other and form a grid mesh. The headband must be heat-dependent, which is why they are preferably made of steel. Furthermore, it can be provided that the headband are provided with a coating. Here, a coating of ceramic material has proven itself.

In order to enable a possible automated operation of the proposed device, further education means are provided for preferably automatically conveying metallic ingots from a support or storage station on the holding device. The conveying means may comprise a lifting beam conveyor and / or a sliding mechanism with which the bars can be manipulated or moved. The conveying means can also feed two parallel bars holding devices.

A method for introducing metallic ingots into a metal bath, in particular zinc ingot into a zinc bath, employs a device having a holding device for at least one metallic ingot with which the metallic ingot can be held so that it at least partially dips into the metal bath , According to the invention, it is provided here that the metallic ingot is positioned with a region immersed in the metal bath in such a way that metal melts from the surface of the metallic ingot through recesses or openings in a basket element of the holding device and passes through the recesses or openings in the basket element into the metal bath can.

Preferably, the holding device can be moved by means of movement between a first position, in which the metallic ingot is located outside the metal bath, and a second position, in which the metallic ingot is located at least partially within the metal bath. Furthermore, a development of the method provides that a combined lifting and tilting movement of the holding device is performed with the movement means of the holding device.

Finally, a preferably automatic conveyance of metallic ingots from a support or storage station on the holding device by means of funding done.

With the proposed device and the associated method, it is no longer possible that barren residues fall into the metal bath and cause the unwanted Badspiegelbewegungen. Rather, the feeding of spent metal into the metal bath is possible in a trouble-free manner.

The movement of the ingots is simple, so that the process is easily automated.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown. Show it:

1 1 is a perspective view of a zinc ingot charging device according to a first embodiment,

2 in the illustration 1 an alternative embodiment of the zinc ingot charging device,

3 the Barreneinbringvorrichtung with not yet entered into the zinc bath zinc ingot in the side view,

4 the Barreneinbringvorrichtung when entered into the zinc bath zinc ingot in the side view,

5 the holding basket of Barreneinbringvorrichtung in perspective view and

6 a headband of the holding basket according to 5 in the plan view.

In 1 is a device 1 for introducing zinc ingots 2 in a metal bath 3 shown. From the metal bath 3 protrudes in a known manner a furnace trunk 11 out, in which the metal strip to be coated (not shown) is guided. The feed of ingots 2 in the metal bath 3 takes place with the conveying device shown, which will be explained in more detail below. An essential part of the conveying device is a holding device 4 putting it in the metal bath 3 ingot to be inserted 2 so that he holds to a desired degree in the bath 3 dips in and so can melt.

Another important component of the invention is basket element 5 that with the holding device 4 is connected and arranged and adapted to the metallic ingot 2 so keep it to a desired extent in the metal bath 3 dips.

While in 1 an arrangement is shown in which two charging devices 1 are arranged behind the furnace trunk is in 2 shown a solution in which two charging devices 1 laterally next to the oven trunk 11 are arranged. While in 1 the holding devices 4 the metal bars 2 still in non-submerged position, is in 2 for the left holding element 4 illustrates the position in which this the metal bar 2 in the metal bath 3 dips and melts. It can therefore be seen that the holding device 4 can be moved between two positions, namely between a first position A (s. 2 ) in the metal bar 2 not immersed in the metal bath, and a second position B, in which the ingot 2 dips and melts.

More detailed constructive details are in the 3 and 4 to see. In 3 is the bar 2 not yet in the metal bath 3 dipped, ie the holding device 4 is in the first position A. In 4 is the bar, however 2 shown in the submerged position B.

The holding device 4 is accordingly with means of movement 6 equipped, which allows movement between the two positions A and B. The moving means 6 in the present case have two articulated lever elements 12 and 13 , wherein the lever element 13 with an actuator 14 (for example, executed as a spindle element) is in communication and is moved with this. It can be seen in the synopsis of 3 and 4 in that the holding device 4 upon actuation of the actuator 14 performs a combined lifting and pivoting movement relative to a stationary base body, wherein in the end position B (s. 4 ) of the ingot 2 at least partially in the metal bath 3 dips in and thus can melt away.

Details of the invention essential basket element are from the 5 and 6 seen. The basket element 5 has a number of headband 7 on, which are interconnected and form a grid. The ingot 2 can thus be kept safe, with the reflowing material of the billet 2 through the interspaces (ie through the resulting recesses or openings) in the grid, ie, into the metal bath 3 can drain away. The headband 7 Made of steel, they are provided with a ceramic layer to make them resistant to the harsh conditions found in metal baths 3 to rule. As in 3 can be seen, the length L _{K of} the basket element 5 about half the length L _{B of} the billet 2 , The headband 7 can be made of flat steel measuring 70 × 10 mm. In the embodiment according to 5 are six such headband 7 intended.

The general handling of the bars 2 arises from the 1 and 2 , The task of zinc ingots 2 done by a forklift at a support or storage station 10 located at the end of a walking beam conveyor 8th located. The bars 2 are preferably from the operator side on the trained as a step conveyor Hubbalkenförderer 8th given up. The surface of the conveyor 8th is three-parted and even in the resting position. Sideways is the conveyor 8th by shelves arranged at right angles 15 limited. The zinc bars 2 are parked on this surface within the lateral limits with the help of a forklift. For example, six zinc ingots 2 on the conveyor 8th be stored. By raising and ancestor of the middle surfaces of the conveyor become the zinc ingot 2 transported to the plant center.

At the end of the conveyor 8th there is a massive stop 16 , This one has two functions. On the one hand, it forms the end of the transport route and at the same time serves as a stop surface for aligning the zinc ingot 2 , Any misalignment of the zinc ingot 2 will be corrected.

The zinc bars 2 become by means of the conveyor 8th transported in the transport direction of the Hubbalkenförderers until the lateral edge of the bar 2 flat on the stop 16 is applied. This bar 2 is now ready for further transport to the metal bath 3 , One at the conveyor 8th arranged slide mechanism 9 transports the zinc ingot 2 now at a 90 ° angle towards the holding device 4 , The transport surface is a transfer table 17 with a stainless steel plate over which the ingot 2 is pushed. Between the conveyor 8th and the holding device 4 there is still an intermediate position. This serves to bridge the distance between the conveyor 8th and the holding device 4 and as a storage reserve in the event of a supply shortage in zinc ingot delivery.

The stroke of the sliding mechanism 9 transports the ingot 2 from the conveyor 8th on the intermediate position and at the same time the ingot 2 from the intermediate position in or on the holding device 4 , This is - as explained - for example, behind the furnace trunk 11 at the back of the metal bath 3 , The holding device 4 lifts after loading with a bar 2 through the moving means 6 the zinc ingot 2 from the transfer table 17 and tilts the bars 2 at the same time in the direction of metal bath 3 , This is supported by the zinc ingot 2 on the basket element 5 from. In the last section of the stroke becomes the basket element 5 with the zinc ingot 2 into the liquid zinc in the metal bath 3 immersed.

In this case, a (not illustrated in detail) Zinkbadspiegelregelung be activated. By means of suitable and known measuring instruments, the height of the wheel mirror is monitored. When the wheel mirror sinks to the lowest level, the basket element becomes 5 deeper into the bath 3 immersed. The zinc ingot 2 then melts faster and the wheel mirror rises. In the area of the highest level, the procedure is reversed accordingly.

If the ingot 2 has completely melted, reports the bath level control a decreasing tendency of the bathroom mirror despite submerged basket element 5 , In this case, the holding device goes 4 back to the starting position and comes with a new ingot 2 loaded.

The on the holding device 4 attached basket element 5 allows easy handling of the zinc ingot 2 and reliably prevents unwanted falling of zinc barren residues into the metal bath 3 , The melting takes place completely within the basket element 5 , The basket element 5 consists, as mentioned, of struts with a steel core and a sheath of zinc-resistant ceramic material. This material is resistant to the aggressive liquid zinc and at the same time has a high mechanical stability.

The plant can - as in the 1 and 2 shown - with two devices 1 be fitted. In this case, the Hubbalkenförderer 8th designed for loading both devices movable. The supply of the two holding devices 4 with zinc ingot 2 then takes place alternately. This process can also be controlled automatically.

The charging system for the metal bars 2 is characterized by a robust design and the use of reliable motion sequences. On complicated elements, such as grippers, pliers or hitches, can be dispensed with. As a result, the number of functions while maintaining an automatic sequence in comparison with previously known solutions can be reduced.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for introducing metallic bars

2

metallic billet (zinc ingot)

3

metal

4

holder

5

basket element

6

means

7

headband

8, 9

funding

8th

walking beam conveyor

9

sliding mechanism

10

Support or storage station

11

furnace snout

12

lever member

13

lever member

14

actuator

15

shelf

16

attack

17

transfer table

L _K

Length of the basket element

L _B

Length of the metallic billet

A

first position

B

second position

Claims (8)

Contraption ( 1 ) for introducing metallic ingots ( 2 ) in a metal bath ( 3 ), in particular of zinc ingots in a zinc bath containing a holding device ( 4 ) for at least one metallic billet ( 2 ), with which the metallic ingot ( 2 ) can be held so that it at least partially in the metal bath ( 3 ), wherein the holding device ( 4 ) for holding the metallic billet ( 2 ) a basket element ( 5 ) for at least partial immersion in the metal bath ( 3 ) is arranged and formed, wherein the holding device ( 4 ) with movement means ( 6 ) between a first position (A) in which the metallic ingot ( 2 ) outside the metal bath ( 3 ) and a second position (B), in which the metallic ingot ( 2 ) at least partially within the metal bath ( 3 ) and the movement means ( 6 ) of the holding device ( 4 ) are formed so that they a combined lifting and tilting movement of the holding device ( 4 ), characterized in that the movement means ( 6 ) two lever elements ( 12 . 13 ), each hinged to a basket element ( 5 ) carrying carrier and are connected to a stationary bottom part, wherein the hinge points of the lever elements ( 12 . 13 ) are arranged on the carrier spaced from each other. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the basket element ( 5 ) has a length (L _K ) which is at least 25%, preferably at least 33%, of the length (L _B ) of the metallic billet ( 2 ) in the non-molten state. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the basket element ( 5 ) a number of headband ( 7 ), which are interconnected and form a mesh. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the retaining clips ( 7 ) consist of steel. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the retaining bracket ( 7 ) are provided with a coating. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the coating consists of ceramic material. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises conveying means ( 8th . 9 ) for preferably automatically conveying metallic ingots ( 2 ) from a support or storage station ( 10 ) on the holding device ( 4 ) having. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the conveying means ( 8th . 9 ) a Hubbalkenförderer ( 8th ) and / or a sliding mechanism ( 9 ) exhibit.

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