Slide metal frame-drive unit coupling position switching mechanism for a sliding nozzle apparatus

A slide metal frame-drive unit coupling position switching mechanism for use in a sliding nozzle apparatus configured such that a slide metal frame is slidingly moved by driving of a drive unit, to thereby selectively apply and release a surface pressure in the sliding nozzle apparatus, comprising:

• a coupling portion provided in the slide metal frame to protrude at a position on the side of the drive unit and configured to allow a rod head of the drive unit to be coupled thereto, the coupling portion having a coupling space defined to allow the rod head to be disposed movably in a sliding direction of the slide metal frame and detachably;
• and
• a separator capable of being selectively inserted into and pulled out of the coupling space, the separator being configured to, upon being inserted into the coupling space, divide the coupling space into a first coupling chamber located on the side of the slide metal frame with respect to the separator, and a second coupling chamber located on the side of the drive unit with respect to the separator, in the sliding direction of the slide metal frame,
• wherein the rod head is configured to be switchable between a first coupling state in which the rod head is located in the first coupling chamber, such that a back surface of the rod head can be brought into contact with one of opposite surfaces of the separator facing the slide metal frame, and a second coupling state in which the rod head is located in the second coupling chamber, such that a front surface of the rod head which faces away from the back surface can be brought into contact with the other surface of the separator facing the drive unit, through operation of:
• pulling out the separator from the coupling space;
• moving the rod head in the sliding direction of the slide metal frame;
• and re-inserting the separator into the coupling space, and
• wherein the coupling portion has a fitting section for allowing the separator to be fitted thereinto when the separator is inserted into the coupling space.