Claims:

1. A spindle for a hot strip rolling mill, the spindle comprising:
a hollow shaft having a bore extended along length of the hollow shaft;
a solid shaft inserted within the bore of the hollow shaft, the solid shaft having a plurality grooves configured radially at its one end;
a breaking ring configured to connect the solid shaft and the hollow shaft;
a check nut configured with the solid shaft for tightening the solid shaft relative to the hollow shaft, the check nut comprises a plurality of slots on the periphery of the check nut such that the plurality of slots of the check nut overlap with the plurality of grooves of the solid shaft; and
a plurality of keys configured within the plurality of slots such that the plurality of keys is partially inserted in the plurality of grooves of the solid shaft for locking the check nut to the solid shaft,
wherein each of the plurality of keys having at least two holes to allow a wire locking mechanism for locking the solid shaft with the check nut to prevent looseness of the check nut relative to the solid shaft.

2. The spindle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wire locking mechanism comprises at least two locking screw configured within the at least two holes of each of the plurality of keys, and at least two wire for locking the at least two locking screw.

3. The spindle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid shaft having a bore extended along length of the solid shaft.

4. The spindle as claimed in claim 1, wherein breaking ring connect the solid shaft and the hollow shaft such that the solid shaft and the hollow shaft act as a single unit to transfer drive from a gear box.

5. The spindle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow shaft is a toothed hollow shaft such that a plurality of tooth members of the hollow shaft are configured at inner periphery of the bore of the hollow shaft, and wherein the solid shaft is a toothed hollow shaft such that a plurality of tooth members of the solid shaft are configured at outer periphery of the solid shaft.
6. The spindle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solid shaft having a bore extended along length of the solid shaft.

, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to hot strip mill. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a spindle for hot strip rolling mill.

BACKGROUND
[002] Hot Strip Mill produces hot rolled coils by the process of hot rolling. Slabs from Continuous Casting Machine are heated in the Reheating Furnaces of Hot Strip Mill and reduced in thickness in the Roughing Stands, R0, R1 and R2. The bar is coiled in the Coil Box to conserve the temperature and then uncoiled and rolled in the Finishing Mills to the required thickness. The thin strip is now coiled in Coilers. The coil is transported to the Coil Storage Yard through conveyors from where they are shipped to the internal and external customers.
[003] Finishing Mills consist of 6-stands of 4-high continuous Mills. This is the most vital unit of HSM, as the final thickness of strip is obtained here. Finishing Mill #1 drive was modified during modernization of Hot Strip Mill in 1996-97. It has two spindles for both top and bottom rolls. The finishing mill is used for reducing thickness of sheets. The finishing mill can have two spindles for both top and bottom rolls. The spindles consist of two separate parts, one is solid toothed shaft, and another is hollow toothed shaft. Solid toothed shaft is inserted into hollow toothed shaft and a check nut is tightened with solid toothed shaft for proper fixing of both separate parts. A locking screw is provided for arresting the looseness of the check nut.
[004] The breaker rings are fixed to make solid toothed shaft and hollow toothed shaft as integral one and transmit the drive from pinion house to the work rolls. Breaker rings are fixed as safety device. It protects the spindle and pinion house against any sudden load generated on the drive spindles. These are designed with some load bearing factor of about 25 Mega Newton. But very often the breaker rings were failing even under normal loading condition causing plant breakdowns. This observation was getting adversely affected on various reasons like toothed shaft check nut loose, worn out of insert blocks uneven loading of Mill, improper tightening of spindle fasteners.
[005] But very often these drive spindles were failing, causing major breakdowns and consequent huge production loss. Even under normal loading condition also the breaker rings were failing.
• Toothed shaft check nut loose -If toothed shaft check nut gets loosened, then very high load is generated on the parting surface of both toothed spindles.
• Worn out insert blocks –Insert blocks get worn out due to prolonged use needing timely replacement.
• Uneven loading of Mill –Due to uneven loading on Finishing Mill, excessive load is generated on the drive spindles causing failure of breaker rings.
• Improper tightening of Spindle fasteners–If Spindle fasteners are not tightened properly during assembly causing failure of breaker rings.
[006] There is therefore a need in the art to provide an improved spindle that enhances lifecycle of breaker ring that overcome the above-mentioned and other limitations of the existing solutions and utilize techniques, which are robust, accurate, fast, efficient, cost effective and simple.

OBJECTS OF THE PLRESENT DISCLOSURE
[007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a spindle for hot strip rolling mill.
[009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a spindle for hot strip rolling mill that prevents frequent failure of breaker rings.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a spindle for hot strip rolling mill that is cost effective and easy to implement.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a spindle for hot strip rolling mill that enhances safety against major breakdowns.

SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates to hot strip mill. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a spindle for hot strip rolling mill.
[0013] A spindle for a hot strip rolling mill is disclosed. The spindle can include: a hollow shaft having a bore extended along length of the hollow shaft; a solid shaft inserted within the bore of the hollow shaft, the solid shaft having a plurality grooves configured radially at its one end; a breaking ring configured to connect the solid shaft and the hollow shaft; a check nut configured with the solid shaft for tightening the solid shaft relative to the hollow shaft, the check nut comprises a plurality of slots on the periphery of the check nut such that the plurality of slots of the check nut overlap with the plurality of grooves of the solid shaft; and a plurality of keys configured within the plurality of slots such that the plurality of keys is partially inserted in the plurality of grooves of the solid shaft for locking the check nut to the solid shaft,wherein each of the plurality of keys having at least two holes to allow a wire locking mechanism for locking the solid shaft with the check nut to prevent looseness of the check nut relative to the solid shaft.
[0014] In an embodiment, the wire locking mechanism comprises at least two locking screw configured within the at least two holes of each of the plurality of keys, and at least two wire for locking the at least two locking screw.
[0015] In an embodiment, the solid shaft having a bore extended along length of the solid shaft.
[0016] In an embodiment, breaking ring connect the solid shaft and the hollow shaft such that the solid shaft and the hollow shaft act as a single unit to transfer drive from a gear box.
[0017] In an embodiment, the hollow shaft is a toothed hollow shaft such that a plurality of tooth members of the hollow shaft are configured at inner periphery of the bore of the hollow shaft, and wherein the solid shaft is a toothed hollow shaft such that a plurality of tooth members of the solid shaft are configured at outer periphery of the solid shaft.
[0018] In an embodiment, the solid shaft having a bore extended along length of the solid shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an existing spindle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary representation of front view of a spindle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary representation of front view of a breaking ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary representation of front view of a check nut in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0026] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0027] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0029] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[0030] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0031] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0032] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0033] The present disclosure relates to hot strip mill. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a spindle for hot strip rolling mill.
[0034] A spindle for a hot strip rolling mill is disclosed. The spindle can include: a hollow shaft having a bore extended along length of the hollow shaft; a solid shaft inserted within the bore of the hollow shaft, the solid shaft having a plurality grooves configured radially at its one end; a breaking ring configured to connect the solid shaft and the hollow shaft; a check nut configured with the solid shaft for tightening the solid shaft relative to the hollow shaft, the check nut comprises a plurality of slots on the periphery of the check nut such that the plurality of slots of the check nut overlap with the plurality of grooves of the solid shaft; and a plurality of keys configured within the plurality of slots such that the plurality of keys is partially inserted in the plurality of grooves of the solid shaft for locking the check nut to the solid shaft, wherein each of the plurality of keys having at least two holes to allow a wire locking mechanism for locking the solid shaft with the check nut to prevent looseness of the check nut relative to the solid shaft.
[0035] In an embodiment, the wire locking mechanism comprises at least two locking screw configured within the at least two holes of each of the plurality of keys, and at least two wire for locking the at least two locking screw.
[0036] In an embodiment, the solid shaft having a bore extended along length of the solid shaft.
[0037] In an embodiment, breaking ring connect the solid shaft and the hollow shaft such that the solid shaft and the hollow shaft act as a single unit to transfer drive from a gear box.
[0038] In an embodiment, the hollow shaft is a toothed hollow shaft such that a plurality of tooth members of the hollow shaft are configured at inner periphery of the bore of the hollow shaft, and wherein the solid shaft is a toothed hollow shaft such that a plurality of tooth members of the solid shaft are configured at outer periphery of the solid shaft.
[0039] In an embodiment, the solid shaft having a bore extended along length of the solid shaft.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of an existing spindle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] In an embodiment, an existing spindle for hot strip rolling mill 100 can comprise a solid shaft 102 and a hollow shaft 104. The solid shaft 102 and the hollow shaft can include a toothed shaft. The hollow shaft 102 can include a bore that can be extended along its length. The solid shaft 104 can be inserted within the bore of the hollow shaft.
[0042] In an embodiment, the spindle 100 can include a breaking ring 106 to enable coupling of the hollow shaft 102 and the solid shaft 104 such that the solid shaft 104 and the hollow shaft 102 act as a single unit to transfer drive from a gear box. The breaking ring 106 can be installed as a safety measure/device that can enable protection of the gear box against any sudden load generated on the spindle 100.
[0043] In an embodiment, the spindle 100 can include a check nut 108. The check nut 108 can be configured with the solid shaft 104 relative to the hollow shaft 102. The check nut 108 can be used for tightening the solid shaft 104 and the hollow shaft 102.
[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary representation of front view of a spindle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] In an embodiment, a spindle 200 can include a hollow shaft (not shown) and a solid shaft 202. The solid shaft 202 can have plurality of grooves 204 configured radially at one end of the solid shaft 202. The hollow shaft can a bore 206 that can extend along the length of the hollow shaft. The solid shaft 202 can be inserted within the bore of the hollow shaft.
[0046] In an embodiment, the spindle 200 can include a breaking ring 208 (as displayed in FIG. 2B). The breaking ring 208 can be used to enable coupling of the hollow shaft and the solid shaft 202 such that the solid shaft 202 and the hollow shaft act as a single unit to transfer drive from a gear box.
[0047] In an embodiment, the spindle 200 comprises a check nut 210 (as displayed in FIG. 2C). The check nut 210 configured with the solid shaft for tightening the solid shaft 202 relative to the hollow shaft, the check nut 210 can comprise a plurality of slots on the periphery of the check nut 210 such that the plurality of slots of the check nut 210 can overlap with the plurality of grooves 204 of the solid shaft 202.
[0048] In an embodiment, for locking the check nut 210 with the solid shaft 202 the slots can be configured on the check nut 210. Further, a plurality of keys 212 can be configured within the plurality of slots such that the plurality of keys 212 can be partially inserted in the plurality of the grooves 204 of the solid shaft 202 to enable locking of the check nut 210 with the solid shaft 210.wherein each of the plurality of keys 212 can have at least two holes 214 to allow a wire locking mechanism for locking the solid shaft 202 with the check nut 210 to prevent looseness of the check nut 210 relative to the solid shaft 202. This will prevent loosening of check nut 210. Slots can be made on the check nut 210 surface to match groove of the solid shaft 202 and the check nut 210.
[0049] In an embodiment, the wire locking mechanism comprises at least two locking screw 216 configured within the at least two holes 214 of each of the plurality of keys 212, and at least two wire 218 for locking the at least two locking screw 216.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the check nut 210 can include eight slots on the periphery of the check nut 210. The slots are configured such that the slots of the check nut 210 can overlap with the grooves 204 of the solid shaft 202 to enable accommodation of the key 212. Further, two threaded holes 214 can be made in each slot for accommodating key 212. The two holes 214 made in the key 212 for bolting with the check nut 210. After tightening the check nut 210 with the solid shaft 202, the key 212 can be fixed with the check nut 210 and matched slot of the solid shaft 202 then the key 212 can be bolted by the two bolts 214. This prevents loosening of the check nut 210.
[0051] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0052] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
[0053] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present invention.
[0054] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other)and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0055] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0056] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0057] The present disclosure provides a spindle for hot strip rolling mill.
[0058] The present disclosure provides a spindle for hot strip rolling mill that prevents frequent failure of breaker rings.
[0059] The present disclosure provides a spindle for hot strip rolling mill that is cost effective and easy to implement.
[0060] The present disclosure provides a spindle for hot strip rolling mill that enhances safety against major breakdowns.