TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure in general relates to a continuous casting system. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a dummy bar holding unit of the continuous
casting system. Further, embodiments of the disclosure discloses about a lock unit for locking
the split-type solid dummy bar in the dummy bar holding unit, when the split-type dummy bar
is in idle condition and need not to be inserted into the continuous casting system for operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Dummy bars are long curved structures which are used in continuous casting systems to start
the billet casting. Generally dummy bars are accommodated by a dummy bar holding unit, in
their unused state (i.e., when not inserted into the continuous casting system). During shutdown
or maintenance of the continuous casting system, the dummy bars are needs to be kept in lower
position to facilitate the crane for the maintenance of other equipment’s. In the lower position
due to gravity, the split-type dummy bars tend to slide or move out of the its storage unit and
creates unsafe condition for man and machine, which is undesired. Conventionally, in order to
lock the split-type dummy bar to prevent sliding or moving of the split-type dummy bar out of
the continuous casting system, the split-type dummy bars are welded to a frame structure of
the dummy bar holding unit. Welding the split-type dummy bar with the frame structure causes
damage to both the split-type dummy bars and frame structures, which is undesired and also
during the reuse of the dummy bar, the dummy bar needs to be separated from the frame
structure which is time taking.
Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other
limitations associated with the known arts.
The above-mentioned drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages of the conventional techniques are
explained just for exemplary purpose and this disclosure and description mentioned below
would never limit its scope only such problem. A person skilled in the art may understand that
this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome
the above-mentioned drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly
captured above.
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SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a lock unit as disclosed and
additional advantages are provided through the configuration of the lock unit as described in
the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the technique of the present disclosure.
Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are
considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a lock unit for locking a split-type dummy bar in a dummy
bar holding unit of a continuous casting system is disclosed. The lock unit includes a body
defined with an elongated section which is inserted into an opening of a dummy bar holder of
the dummy bar holding unit and protrudes through the split-type dummy bar. The lock unit
further includes a head portion extending from an end of the elongated section. The head
portion is defined with a locking profile configured to selectively engage with a frame of the
dummy bar holding unit to lock the split-type dummy bar in the dummy bar holding unit.
In an embodiment, the head portion extends substantially perpendicular to the end of the
elongated section.
In an embodiment, the head portion is defined with a first section extending upwardly from the
end of the elongated section and a second section extending perpendicularly from the first
section.
In an embodiment, the first section is defined with a first slot and the second section is defined
with a second slot.
In an embodiment, the second slot engages with the frame of the dummy bar holding unit for
locking the split-type dummy bar in the dummy bar holding unit.
In an embodiment, the elongated section protrudes through a gap in the split-type dummy bar.
In an embodiment, the elongated section includes at least one of a cylindrical profile or a
rectangular profile or a square profile.
In an embodiment, the lock unit is manufactured by a metal and is a unitary structure.
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The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In
addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects,
embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following
detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the
accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like
elements and in which:
Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a continuous casting system and a dummy bar holding
unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a dummy bar holding unit, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a lock unit, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
Figure. 4 illustrates a front view of the lock unit of Figure. 3.
Figure. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portion ‘A’ of Figure. 2, depicting lock unit
extending through a portion of the split-type dummy bar, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
Figure. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portion ‘A’ of Figure. 2, depicting lock unit
extending through a portion of the split-type dummy bar and engaging with a contact member
of the split-type dummy bar for locking the split-type dummy bar, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled
in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of
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the apparatus and system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present
disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter
which forms the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those
skilled in the art that such equivalent units depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel
features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to operation of the
mechanism together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the
following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of
illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present
disclosure.
In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter
described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific
embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described
in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure
to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the
disclosure.
In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with
reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of
illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These
embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the
disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following
description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
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Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a continuous casting system (300) and a dummy bar
holding unit (200). As seen in Figure. 2 the dummy bar holding unit (200) may include a
plurality of dummy bar holders (201), which may be configured to accommodate the dummy
bars (103) for use in the continuous casting system (300), to start the casting operation in the
continuous casting system (300). As an example, the dummy bar may be a split-type dummy
bar (103). As seen in Figure. 2, the split-type dummy bar (103) may include a pair of bars
(111) extending parallel to each other and joined by a plurality of connecting members (112).
In an embodiment, the plurality of connecting members (112) may be thermally or
mechanically joined to the pair of bars (111) at predefined locations. The split-type dummy
bars (103) are inserted into the continuous casting system (300) to start the casting process.
The split-type dummy bars (103) are to be locked when inserted into the continuous casting
system to prevent the split-type dummy bars (103) from moving or slipping out of the
continuous casting system (300). To lock the split-type dummy bars (103) from moving or
slipping out of the continuous casting system (300), a lock unit (100) is provided, which aids
in locking the split-type dummy bar (103), thereby preventing it from moving or sliding out of
the continuous casting system (300).
Turning now to Figure. 3, the lock unit (100) may include a body (101). The body (101) may
be defined with an elongated section (102). The elongated section (102) may be inserted into a
portion (i.e., an opening (113)) of the dummy bar holder (201) of the dummy bar holding unit
(200) and may protrude through the split-type dummy bar (103), i.e., a gap in the split-type
dummy bar (103) [best seen in Figure. 5]. In an embodiment, the elongated section (102) may
include but not limiting to one of a cylindrical profile, a rectangular profile and a square profile.
Further, the body (101) may be defined with a head portion (104) which may extend from an
end of the elongated section (102). In an embodiment, the head portion (104) may extend
substantially perpendicular to the end of the elongated section (102). Further, the head portion
(104) may be defined with a locking profile which may be configured to selectively engage
with a frame (109) of the dummy bar holding unit (200), for securing the lock unit (100) with
the dummy bar holding unit (200) and to facilitate locking of the split-type dummy bar (103)
in the dummy bar holding unit (200), when the split-type dummy bar (103) is inserted into a
mould (301) of the continuous casting system (300) or while resting the split-type dummy bar
dummy (103) idle. As apparent from Figures. 3 and 4, in an embodiment, the head portion
(104) may be defined with a first section (105), which may extend upwardly from an end of
the elongated section (102), and a second section (107) which may extend perpendicularly from
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the first section (105). The first section (105) may be defined with a first slot (106) and the
second section (107) may be defined with a second slot (108). In an embodiment, the second
slot (108) may engage with the frame (109) of the dummy bar holding unit (200), for securing
the lock unit (100) within the dummy bar holding unit (200) for locking the split-type dummy
bar (103) in the dummy bar holding unit (200). Additionally, the lock unit (100) may include
a handle (110) which may extend from the head portion (104). The handle (110) may be utilized
by the operator for operating the lock unit (100), i.e., for inserting and removing out of the
dummy bar holding unit (200).
In an embodiment, the lock unit (100) may be made of steel and may be a unitary structure.
In an operational embodiment, for locking the split-type dummy bar (103) from moving or
slipping out of the continuous casting system (300), as seen in Figure. 5, the lock unit (100)
may be inserted through the opening (113) of the dummy bar holder (201). The lock unit (100)
is inserted through the opening (113) of the dummy bar holder (201) such that, the elongated
section (102) extends through the split-type dummy bar (103) and the second slot (108) engages
with the frame (109) of the dummy bar holder (201), thereby securing the lock unit (100) with
the dummy bar holder (201). Once the lock unit (100) is secured with the dummy bar holder
(201), in case, the split-type dummy bar (103) tries to slip or move out of the continuous casting
system (300), as seen in Figure. 6, the connecting member (112) of the split-type dummy bar
(103) may abut to the elongated section (102) of the lock unit (100), thereby the lock unit (100)
restricts movement or slipping of the split-type dummy bar (103) from the continuous casting
system (300), thus locking the split-type dummy bar (103).
In an embodiment, the lock unit (100) aids in easy unlocking of the split-type dummy bar (103)
to remove out of the continuous casting system (300) post maintenance or to initiate starting of
the continuous casting system (300), unlike conventional locking techniques such as weld
joints.
In an embodiment, the lock unit (100) is simple in structure, easy to handle (110) and aids
effective locking of the split-type dummy bar (103), thus preventing the split-type dummy bar
(103) from sliding out of the continuous casting system (300).
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having
skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural
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as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations
may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially
in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open"
terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the
term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those
within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent
is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may
contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular
claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be
interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one
of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C
alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together,
etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but
not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more
alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
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contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A"
or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and
embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments
disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:
Referral Numerals Description
100 Lock unit
101 Body
102 Elongated section
103 Split-type dummy bar
104 Head portion
105 First section
106 First slot
107 Second section
108 Second slot
109 Frame
110 Handle
111 Bars
112 Connecting members
113 Opening
200 Dummy bar holding unit
201 Dummy bar holder
300 Continuous casting system
301 Mould
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We Claim:
1. A lock unit (100) for locking a split-type dummy bar (103) in a dummy bar holding
unit (200) of a continuous casting system (300), the lock unit (100) comprising:
a body (101) defined with:
an elongated section (102) insertable into an opening (113) of a dummy
bar holder (201) of the dummy bar holding unit (200) and protruding through
the split-type dummy bar (103); and
a head portion (104) extending from an end of the elongated section
(102), the head portion (104) is defined with a locking profile configured to
selectively engage with a frame of the dummy bar holding unit (200) to lock the
split-type dummy bar (103) in the dummy bar holding unit (200).
2. The lock unit (100) as claimed in clam 1, wherein the head portion (104) extends
substantially perpendicular to the end of the elongated section (102).
3. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head portion (104) is defined
with a first section (105) extending upwardly from the end of the elongated section
(102) and a second section (107) extending perpendicularly from the first section (105).
4. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first section (105) is defined with
a first slot (106) and the second section (107) is defined with a second slot (108).
5. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second slot (108) engages with
the frame (109) of the dummy bar holder (201) of the dummy bar holding unit (200)
for locking the split-type dummy bar (103) in the dummy bar holding unit (200).
6. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated section (102) protrudes
through a gap in the split-type dummy bar (103).
7. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated section (102) includes
at least one of a cylindrical profile or a rectangular profile or a square profile.
8. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock unit (100) is manufactured
of a metal.
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9. The lock unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lock unit (100) is a unitary
structure.
Dated this on 30th day of December 2023
Gopinath Arenur Shankararaj
OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)
IN/PA-1852
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TITLE: “A LOCK UNIT FOR LOCKING A SPLIT-TYPE DUMMY BAR”