Sliding Closure for a Metallurgical Vessel

A sliding closure for a metallurgical vessel comprises an elongated refractory slide plate (2), which is exchangeably arranged in a metal frame (1) and the longitudinal direction (L) of which corresponds to the direction of displacement of the sliding closure. Also provided are means (3) for bracing the slide plate (2) in the metal frame (1), which comprise a wedge shoe (10) that is loaded by a spring (9) and can be adjusted transversely in relation to the direction of displacement of the sliding closure. This wedge shoe (10) is operatively connected to a counterpart (11), which can be brought into connection with the slide plate (2) and acts on the slide plate (2) in its longitudinal direction (L). The oscillating movements of the movable slide plate taking place during operation are absorbed and the bracing device ensures satisfactory bracing of this slide plate at any time.