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Title:
SETTING FREE SUGARCANE MILL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/185776
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides for the setting free sugarcane mill (100). The mill (100) includes the top cap (114) having the top roller (106) and the bearing member (118). The bearing member (118) and the top roller (106) is adapted to move in the vertical direction "M-1" when the feed thickness is varied. The mill (100) further includes the headstock (116) having the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110). The mill (100) further includes the linkage mechanism (128) connected to the top cap (114) and the headstock (116). The linkage mechanism (128) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap due to varied feed thickness at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M- 2".

Inventors:
KALSI NARENDER (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IN2018/050185
Publication Date:
October 11, 2018
Filing Date:
April 03, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ISGEC HEAVY ENGINEERING LTD (IN)
International Classes:
B02C4/00; C13B10/06
Foreign References:
US4357171A1982-11-02
US1227561A1917-05-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
KOUL, Sunaina et al. (IN)
Download PDF:
Claims:
We Claim:

1. A setting free sugarcane mill (100), the mill (100) comprising:

a top cap (114) having a top roller (106) and a bearing member (118) rotatably supporting the top roller (106), the bearing member (118) with the top roller (106) are adapted to move in a vertical direction "M-l" when the feed thickness is varied; and a headstock (116) having a feed roller (108) and a discharge roller (110), at a feed side (102) and a discharge side (104) of the mill (100), respectively, characterized in that,

a linkage mechanism (128) is connected to the top cap (114) and the headstock (116), the linkage mechanism (128) being configured to compensate a differential compression gap due to varied feed thickness at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in a horizontal direction "M-2".

2. The mill (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage mechanism (128) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to either increased or decreased feed thickness at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100).

3. The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-2, wherein the linkage mechanism (128) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to the increased feed thickness at the feed side (102) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the discharge side (104) of the mill (100).

4. The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-2, wherein the linkage mechanism (128) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to increased feed thickness at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the feed side (102) of the mill (100).

The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the linkage mechanism (128) has a pair of link members (130), each pair of the link member (130) has two link elements (132).

The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the link element (132) has a first end (134) and a second end (136) opposite to the first end (134) along its length "L", the first end (134) of each of the pair of link members (130) pivotally connected to the top cap (114) and the second end (136) of each of the pair of link members (130) pivotally connected to the headstock (116).

The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first end (134) and the second end (136) of each of the pair of link members (130) is provided with a through hole (138) for connecting with the top cap (114) and the headstock (116) respectively, via a pin member (140), the pin member (140) at the through hole (138) is adapted to provide a swiveling movement to the linkage mechanism (128).

The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the top cap (114) is configured to exert equal pressure via the top roller (106), on the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110), when the top cap (114) is displaced in the vertical direction "M-l" and the horizontal direction "M-2" due to the differential feed thickness of raw material.

9. The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the link elements (132) are of rigid link elements.

The mill (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the top cap (114) has a guide member (124) to allow movement of the bearing member (118) and the top roller (106) in the top cap (114).

Description:
SETTING FREE SUGARCANE MILL

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sugarcane mill. More particularly relates to a setting free sugarcane mill.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, in a sugar cane mill, juice is extracted from a shredded sugarcane by passing the sugarcane in between rollers of the mill, having a gap between the rollers. The gap between the rollers is called as a "compression gap" and calculation of the gap is called 'mill setting'. The mill setting is different for each and every mill on a tandem. Mill setting also depends on geographical location, as quality of the sugarcane can vary. In a conventional headstock mill (100') as shown in FIG. 1, mill setting is done once and before the start of season and it remains same throughout the season. Any slight variation in the mill setting can change a gap ratio in between a top roller and a feed roller, and the top roller and a discharge roller of the mill.

Analytical and experimental measurement have shown that, the change in gap ratio causes differential force between the rollers, resulting in an uneven load distribution on the headstock of the mill, which unnecessarily decrease the sugar mill headstock and other components life in fatigue. Also, it was observed that an eccentricity exits between an axis (X-X'i) hydraulic power source and an axis (Υ-ΥΊ) of a top cap of the headstock when there is a change in the gap ratio between the rollers from an initial mill setting, which causes high stress in parts of the mill, if not reset to the initial setting or based on the changed parameters. Thus, overall efficiency of the mill depends on the mill setting and therefore, the mill setting calculation is a very critical job and requires utmost care and years of experience. One kind of mill disclosed in GB 2,069,869 A (hereinafter referred to as the Pat '869) discloses an aspect of varying feed opening and discharge opening. The mill in the Pat '869 is used for extracting juice from sugarcane raw material. The mill includes a fixed top roller, feed and discharge rollers. The feed and discharge rollers are independently pivotable by respective power operated means to vary the feed opening between the feed roller and top roller, and the discharge opening between discharge roller and top roller. However, the mill in Pat '869 is a complex set-up. Also, as the feed and discharge rollers are operated independently, the overall cost of the set-up and maintenance cost is more.

Another kind of mill disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 4,925,115 A (hereinafter referred to as the Pat Ί 15) discloses the aspect of providing a constant pressure imparting means. The mill in the Pat ' 115 includes a mill housing with a pair of spaced apart frames fixed to the ground, a feed roller, a top roller and a discharge roller extending between the frames in a spaced apart relationship. The mill also includes a trash plate disposed and extending between the feed roller and discharge roller. The feed roller in the Pat ' 115 is independently loaded with constant pressure imparting means and is movable up and down substantially linearly along with the trash plate mounted thereon responsive to change in feed and the trash plate orientation with respect to confronting top roller surface is maintained at all positions of the feed roller. Thus, the gap between the top roller and tail- end of the trash plate reduces or increases in direct proportion to the gap between the top roller and lead-end of the trash plate which eliminates a chance of choking-up of the feed between the top roller and tail-end of the trash plate and rolling of the feed over the tail- end of the trash plate instead of getting transferred onto the discharge roller. However, the mill in Pat ' 115 is a complex set-up, for example four hydraulic cylinders are employed per mill, and overall cost of the set-up and maintenance cost is more.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more of the problems as set forth above. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides for a setting free sugarcane mill. The mill includes a top cap having a top roller and a bearing member rotatably supporting the top roller. The bearing member with the top roller are adapted to move in a vertical direction "M-l" when the feed thickness is varied. The mill further includes a headstock having a feed roller and a discharge roller, at a feed side and a discharge side of the mill, respectively. The mill further includes a linkage mechanism connected to the top cap and the headstock. The linkage mechanism is being configured to compensate a differential compression gap due to varied feed thickness at the feed side and/or at the discharge side of the mill, by displacing the top cap in a horizontal direction "M-2".

In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to either increased or decreased feed thickness at the feed side and/or at the discharge side of the mill.

In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to the increased feed thickness at the feed side of the mill, by displacing the top cap in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the discharge side of the mill.

In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to increased feed thickness at the discharge side of the mill, by displacing the top cap in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the feed side of the mill.

In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism has a pair of link members, each pair of the link member has two link elements.

In an embodiment, the link element has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end along its length "L". The first end of each of the pair of link members is pivotally connected to the top cap and the second end of each of the pair of link members pivotally connected to the headstock. In an embodiment, the first end and the second end of each of the pair of link members is provided with a through hole for connecting with the top cap and the headstock respectively, via a pin member. The pin member at the through hole is adapted to provide a swiveling movement to the linkage mechanism.

In an embodiment, the top cap is configured to exert equal pressure via the top roller, on the feed roller and the discharge roller, when the top cap is displaced in the vertical direction "M-1" and the horizontal direction "M-2" due to the differential feed thickness of raw material.

In an embodiment, the link elements are of rigid link elements.

In an embodiment, the top cap has a guide member to allow movement of the bearing member and the top roller in the top cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a mill, according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a setting free mill or a mill, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of the mill shown in FIG. 2 in a central symmetrical position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B shows a schematic line diagram of the mill shown in FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a schematic diagram of the mill shown in FIG. 2 when the feed thickness at the feed side of the mill is increased, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B shows a schematic line diagram of the mill shown in FIG. 4A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of the mill shown in FIG. 2 when the feed thickness at the discharge side of the mill is increased, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B shows a schematic line diagram of the mill shown in FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B shows a schematic line diagrams comparing compression gap ratios between a top roller and a feed roller, and between the top roller and a discharge roller, of the mill according to prior art and the mill according to the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a schematic line diagrams comparing pressure/force ratios between the top roller and the feed roller, and between the top roller and the discharge roller, of the mill according to prior art and the mill according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE WITH REFERENCE TO ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Provided below is a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice- versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claim.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a setting free mill (100) of a sugar industry, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Cane milling or sugarcane milling in the sugar industry is one of a juice extraction process from a raw material, including, but not limited to, a cane or sugarcane. The juice extraction by the milling process is carried-out by a process of squeezing juice from a shredded sugarcane or cut sugarcane using a high pressure between a pair of heavy iron rollers. The rollers in the sugar mill or mill are provided or set with a compression gap for extracting juice from the sugarcane material by passing through the rollers. The terms 'sugarcane mill' or 'mill' are interchangeably used in the disclosure. It is to be understood that both the terms 'sugarcane mill' and 'mill' are relating to same device or set-up. The illustrated embodiment depicts one of the side views of the mill (100). It is to be understood that, the mill (100) includes another side depicting the same or substantially same view of the mill (100). Therefore, for explanation convenience and ease of understanding of the disclosure, one side view of the mill (100) is being considered.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the mill (100) includes a feed side (102) for feeding the sugarcane raw material to the mill (100) for extraction of juice and a discharge side (104) for discharging a bagasse from the mill (100). The mill (100) in the illustrated figure includes three rollers forming a triangular configuration when axes of rollers are connected with straight lines. The three rollers include, a top roller (106), a feed roller (108) at the feed side (102) and a discharge roller (110) at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). It is to be understood that the mill (100) may be of a four roller or more than four roller mill. The example in the illustrated embodiment is not meant to be limiting scope of disclosure by considering the number of rollers being disclosed.

The mill (100) includes a headstock (116) that can be mounted on a platform or a structure like a frame or a ground surface (not shown) using connecting means like, nuts and bolts or foundation bolts. The headstock (116) of the mill (100) is adapted to include the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110) inside the headstock (116). The mill (100) further includes a top cap (114) mounted onto the headstock (116).

The top cap (114) includes the top roller (106) and a bearing member (118) connected to the top roller (106). The top cap (114) is further adapted to include devices, such as, but not limited to, a ram member (120) above the bearing member (118). The top cap (14) is provided with a cylinder by machining process and the ram member (120) is provided within the cylinder of the top cap (114). The top cap (114) is connected to a hydraulic member (not shown) for applying pressure on the feed material through the top roller (106). The top cap (114) further includes guide members (124) disposed around the bearing member (118). The guide members (124) are adapted to allow a movement of the bearing member (118) connected with the top roller (106) to slide in a vertical direction when a feed thickness is varied. The term 'feed thickness' as used herein can be defined as a thickness of a stack or a bunch of sugarcane feed supplied to the feed side (102) and the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). The top roller (106) in the top cap (114) is initially set with the compression gap between the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110) mounted at a bottom portion of the headstock (116).

The headstock (116) includes the feed roller (108) at the feed side (102) and the discharge roller (110) at the discharge side (104). A bottom portion of the headstock (116) is further adapted to include devices such as, but not limited to, bearing members (not shown) at each of the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110). The feed roller (108) and the top roller (106), and the discharge roller (110) and the top roller (106) is provided with the compression gaps required for the milling process. That is to say, the compression gaps between the top roller (106), the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110) is being set initially before the start of the milling process based on the juice extraction process requirements.

The bottom portion of the headstock (116) further includes side caps (126) at the feed side (102) and the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). The bottom portion of the headstock (116) and the top cap (114) are connected to each other by a linkage mechanism (128).

The linkage mechanism (128) in the illustrated embodiment, includes a pair of link members (130) on either side of the mill (100). As the side view of the mill (100) is illustrated in the FIG. 2, only one pair of the link members (130) is visible. However, it is to be understood that the other side of the mill will also include another pair of link members (not shown) similar to the pair of link members (130) illustrated in this figure. Each pair of the link member (130) includes two link elements (132). In an embodiment, the link elements (132) are of rigid link elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the link element (132) has a first end (134) and a second end (136) opposite to the first end (134) along its length "L". The first end (134) of each of the link element (132) is connected to the top cap (114) and the second end (136) of each of the link element (132) is connected to the headstock (116). Further, the first end (134) of each of the link element (132) and the second end (136) of each of the link element (132) is provided with a through hole (138) for connecting with the top cap (114) and the headstock (116), respectively. The first end (134) and the second end (136) of each of the link element (132) is connected to the top cap (114) and the headstock (116) via a pin member (140).

The pin member (140) at the through hole (138) is adapted to provide a swiveling movement to each of the link elements (132) during operation of the mill (100). Thus, when the feed thickness of the feed is varied, a differential compression gap is occurred between the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108) and/or the top roller (106) and the discharge roller (110). The differential compression gap is different from the initially set compression gap. In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism (128) having the pair of link members (130) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap due to the varied feed thickness at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in a horizontal direction "M-2".

In an embodiment, the linkage mechanism (128) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to either increased or decreased feed thickness at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). When the top cap (114) is displaced in the vertical direction "M-l" and the horizontal direction "M-2" due to the differential feed thickness, the linkage mechanism (128) compensates the differential compression gap in the mill (100) and exerts an equal pressure on the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110), via the top roller (106).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of the mill (100) shown in FIG. 2 in a central symmetrical position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, a stack of shredded sugarcane raw material may be fed at the feed side (102) of the mill (100) having the feed thickness equivalent to the desired or preset compression gap. That is to say, the quantity of shredded sugarcane raw material that may be fed in the preset compression gap at the feed side (102) does not vary the compression gap.

The term 'preset compression gap' as used herein in the disclosure refers to the compression gap that will be set between the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108), and the top roller (106) and the discharge roller (110) before the start of season or milling operation, which will be set once in the season. As the thickness of the feed is equivalent to that of the set compression gap, the compression gap between the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108) at the feed side (102) and between the top roller (106) and the discharge roller (110) at the discharge side (104) is not varied. During this time, the link elements (132) of the pair of link members (130) will be aligned parallel in the vertical direction "M-1" and no movement in the horizontal direction "M-2" can be observed. Thus, the mill (100) shown in the FIGS. 3A and 3B is located centrally and in a symmetrical position, where the top cap (114) having, the ram member (120), the bearing member (118) and the top roller (106) are aligned parallel with an axis of the mill (100).

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a schematic diagram and a line diagram of the mill (100) shown in FIG. 2 when the feed thickness at the feed side (102) of the mill (100) is increased, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the stack of sugarcane raw material having increased thickness than the feed thickness designed for the preset compression gap may be fed at the feed side (102). Therefore, the compression gap between the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108) at the feed side (102) is varied and a differential compression gap is generated. During these times, the top roller (106) and the bearing member (118) is adapted to move or oscillate in the vertical direction "M-1" and simultaneously, the link elements (132) of the linkage mechanism (128) connected to the top cap (114) and the headstock (116) compensate the differential compression gap due to varied feed thickness at the feed side (102) by displacing or moving the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). In an embodiment, the link elements (132) of the linkage mechanism (128) are configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to the increased feed thickness at the feed side (102) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). Thus, an entire assembly of top cap (114) of the mill (100), including, but not limited to, the ram member (120), the bearing member (118) of the top roller (106) and the top roller (106) are moved in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the discharge side (104) of the mill (100).

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrates a schematic diagram and a line diagram of the mill (100) shown in FIG. 2 when the feed thickness at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100) is increased, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The feed thickness at the discharge side (104) is varied due to reasons for example, may be due to quality of shredded sugar cane which is a biomass, since the quality cannot be ascertained. Another reason, for example, may be due to an improper feeding of the sugarcane to sugar mill from tractor trolleys etc. The setting of the compression gap is more important at the discharge side (104). When the juice has already been squeezed out by the compression of the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108), and the remaining reduced sugarcane or sugarcane blanket is passed onto discharge roller (110), due to difference in biomass quality, the fibre in the sugarcane varies and the thickness does not match with calculated sugarcane blanket thickness after it has passed through the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108). Therefore, requiring a demand for adjusting the compression gap at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100).

In the illustrated example, the stack of sugarcane raw material may be fed at the discharge side (104), which is having increased thickness than the feed thickness designed for the preset compression gap. Therefore, the compression gap between the top roller (106) and the discharge roller (110) at the discharge side (104) is varied. During these times, the top roller (106) and the bearing member (118) moves in the vertical direction "M-1" and simultaneously, the link elements (132) of the linkage mechanism (128) connected to the top cap (114) and the headstock (116) compensates the differential compression gap due to varied feed thickness at the discharge side (104) by displacing the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the feed side (102) of the mill (100).

In the illustrated embodiment, the linkage mechanism (128) is configured to compensate the differential compression gap, proportional to increased feed thickness at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100), by displacing the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M- 2" and towards the feed side (102) of the mill (100). Thus, the entire assembly including the top cap (114), the ram member (120), the bearing member (118) of the top roller (106) and the top roller (106) are moved in the horizontal direction "M-2" and towards the feed side (102) of the mill (100).

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B which illustrates schematic line diagrams comparing compression gap ratios between top rollers (106', 106) and feed rollers (108', 108), and between the top rollers (106', 106) and discharge rollers (110', 110), of the mill (100') according to prior art and the mill (100) according to the present disclosure. The compression gap ratio (Α'/Β') between the top roller (106'), the feed roller (108') and the discharge roller (110') in the prior art mill (100') is fixed and it cannot be changed or set based on the feed thickness during the operation of the mill (100') (as shown in FIG. 6A).

However, the compression gap ratio (A/B) between the top roller (106), the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110) in the mill (100) according to the present disclosure are varied itself based on the feed thickness during the operation of the mill (100) (as shown in FIG. 6B). The compression gap ratio is varied and thus the mill setting happens automatically. This is because, the mill (100) in the present disclosure includes the linkage mechanism (128) which displaces or moves the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" based on the varied thickness of the feed or the raw material of the sugarcane at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100).

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B which illustrates schematic line diagrams comparing pressure/force between the top rollers (106', 106) and the feed rollers (108', 108), and between the top roller (106', 106) and the discharge roller (110', 110), of the mill (100') according to the prior art and the mill (100) according to the present disclosure. A pressure (P'd) on the discharge roller (110') by the top roller (106') may be estimated, for example 10 times more than a pressure (P' f ) between the top roller (106') and the feed roller (108') in the prior art mill (100'), due to varied feed thickness either at a feed side (102') or a discharge side (104') during the operation of the mill (100') according to the prior art (as shown in FIG. 7A). Thus causing an undesired bending stress bending the headstock (116') along with tensile force.

However, a pressure (Pj) on the discharge roller (110) between the top roller (106) and the discharge roller (110) is equal to a pressure (P f ) between the top roller (106) and the feed roller (108) in the mill (100) of the present disclosure, when the feed thickness in varied either at the feed side (102) or the discharge side (104) during the operation of the mill (100) (as shown in FIG. 7B). This is because, the mill (100) in the present disclosure includes the linkage mechanism (128) which displaces or moves the top cap (114) in the horizontal direction "M-2" based on the varied thickness of the feed or the raw material of sugarcane at the feed side (102) and/or at the discharge side (104) of the mill (100). Thus, no undesired bending stress observed in the mill (100) disclosed in the present disclosure and only tensile force will be present.

Advantages

In an embodiment, the disclosed mill (100) reduces higher stress in the headstock (116), by equal distribution of load on both the bottom rollers, i.e., the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110). That is to say, the mill (100) having the linkage mechanism (128) equalizes the differential load and thereby increases reliability of various parts of the mill (100).

In an embodiment, the disclosed mill (100) does not require mill setting as it automatically adjusts the mill setting. That is to say, the disclosed mill (100) provides the setting free sugarcane mill (100) in which the mill setting is done automatically irrespective of the position of the mill (100) in the tandem and quality of the sugarcane feed to the mill (100). In an embodiment, as the mill setting in the mill (100) happens automatically during operation of the mill ( 100), the setting time for the mill (100) is reduced and thereby increases overall efficiency of the mill (100).

In an embodiment, the disclosed mill (100) provides better mill extraction when compared with conventional mill (100').

In an embodiment, the disclosed mill (100) eliminates the eccentricity in hydraulically operated top cap ( 114), wherein Axis (X-Xi) and Axis (Y-Yi) are co-axial or merged with each other. That is to say, when the discharge roller (110') of the mill (100') of prior art exerts extra force than the feed roller (108'), the top roller (106') in the prior art mill (100') tends to tilts (rotate) by the excess force. To take care of this, the ram member in the top cap (114') is kept at an eccentric position i.e., it does not act at the centre of the top roller (106'), its line of action is kept towards feed roller (108'), so that the rolling moment at the top roller bearing housing is reduced. In present disclosure, the ram member's line of action will remain at the top roller's centre. Therefore, eccentricity is eliminated by the mill (100) having the linkage mechanism (128) in the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the disclosed mill (100) increases life of components since the wear and tear on the guide members (124) and the bearing member (118) at the top cap (1 14) is drastically reduced.

In an embodiment, the top cap (114) is configured to exert equal pressure via the top roller (106), on the feed roller (108) and the discharge roller (110), when the top cap (1 14) is displaced or moved in the vertical direction "M-l" and the horizontal direction "M-2" due to the differential feed thickness.

Industrial Applicability

The disclosed setting free mill find its potential application in sugarcane mills in sugar industries where there is a requirement of setting the compression gap at various mills based on various output requirement, quality of feed (sugarcane raw material) and so on. However, the disclosed linkage mechanism in the mill may also find its application apart from the sugar industry, such as, but not limited to, textile industry which includes setting of compression distance between roller of a textile machine, a steel industry manufacturing metal sheets and other relates products in the form or sheets or layered components. The steel plant may include various rollers arrangement which may be required to set automatically based on requirement of thickness of the metal sheets being manufactured.

While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modification of the disclosed device without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon claims and any equivalents thereof.

SETTING FREE SUGARCANE MILL

List of Referral Numerals

100': Mill, according to prior art

100: Setting free mill or mill

102: Feed side

102': Feed side, at the prior art mill

104: Discharge side

104': Discharge side, at the prior art mill

106: Top roller

106': Top roller, according to prior art

108: Feed roller

108': Feed roller, according to prior art

110: Discharge roller

110': Discharge roller, according to prior art

114: Top cap

114': Top cap, according to prior art

116: Headstock

116': Headstock, according to prior art

118: Bearing member

120: Ram member

124: Guide members 126: Side caps

128: Linkage mechanism

130: Pair of link member

132: Link elements

134: First end

136: Second end

138: Through hole

140: Pin member

"L": Length

P' f : Pressure

P' d : Pressure

P f : Pressure

P d : Pressure

A'/B' : Compression gap ratio, according to prior art

A/B: Compression gap ratio

Χ-ΧΊ: Axis

Υ-ΥΊ: Axis

Y-Yi: Axis

M- 1 : Vertical direction

M-2: Horizontal direction