Improved thinning and stretching system and method

Abstract

A thinning and stretching system includes a pressure head, a sensor system, and a punch nose. The pressure head includes a pressure head body and a punch nose, and the pressure head includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The punch nose is connected to the pressure head nose via a sensor, and the sensor is configured to detect forces on the punch nose during a thinning and stretching process. An adapter can be coupled to the inner surface of the pressure head, and the adapter can support the sensor on the pressure head body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 199,228, filed December 15, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates generally to metal processing technology, and more specifically to improved thinning and stretching systems and methods. Background Technology

[0004] Many cans or cylindrical articles (such as food and beverage cans, fire extinguishers, gas cylinders, oil filter housings, damper housings, and many other types of articles) are made of metallic materials (such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, brass, low-carbon steel) and a variety of other suitable materials. The process of forming cans or cylindrical articles from metallic materials typically involves making a blank from the metallic material and then drawing the blank to form a shallow cup. After the shallow cup is initially drawn, it may be redrawn to reduce its diameter and deepen the cup. The cup is then thinned to reduce the wall thickness, ultimately providing the body for the can or cylindrical article. Thinning and drawing typically involves axially driving the metallic material through one or more thinning and drawing dies to reduce the wall thickness using a thinning and drawing system with a pressure head and punch. During thinning and drawing, various forces can be applied to the punch, the thinning and drawing die, and / or the metallic material, and these forces can be related to various factors that can be controlled during thinning and drawing. However, existing thinning and drawing systems that include force sensors are unreliable and have experienced premature failures. Force sensors are often difficult to repair, leading to increased costs and manufacturing delays. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The terms “invention,” “this invention,” “this invention,” and “this invention” as used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent and the following patent claims. Statements containing these terms should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described herein or limiting the meaning or scope of the following patent claims. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims, not by this summary. This summary is a high-level generalization of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the appropriate portions of the complete specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0006] According to various examples, a thinning and stretching system includes an indenter and a sensor system. The indenter includes an indenter body and an indenter nose, and further includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The sensor system includes a sensor and an adapter. The sensor is configured to detect force during the thinning and stretching process, and the adapter is coupled to the inner surface of the indenter and supports the sensor on the indenter body.

[0007] According to some examples, a thinning and drawing system includes a pressure head, a punch, and a sensor system. The pressure head includes a pressure head body and a pressure head nose, and the punch includes a punch nose and a punch sleeve. In various embodiments, the punch nose is configured to engage a metal billet during the thinning and drawing process. The sensor system includes a sensor coupled to the punch nose, and the sensor is configured to detect forces on the punch nose during the thinning and drawing process.

[0008] According to some examples, a thinning and stretching system includes a pressure head, a punch nose, and a sensor system. The pressure head includes a pressure head body and a punch nose, and the pressure head also includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity. The sensor system includes a sensor, and the punch nose is connected to the inner surface of the pressure head nose via the sensor. In various embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect forces on the punch nose during the thinning and stretching process.

[0009] The various embodiments described in this disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that may not necessarily be explicitly disclosed herein but will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this disclosure and protected by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The features and components shown in the following figures are used to emphasize the general principles of this disclosure. For consistency and clarity, corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be indicated by matching reference numerals.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a view of a thinning and stretching system as part of the aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 It shows the thinning and stretching process. Figure 1 The force on the punch of the thinning and stretching system.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a view of a thinning and stretching system as part of the aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3Another view of a part of the thinning and stretching system.

[0015] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of a part of a thinning and stretching system according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a view of the adapter of the thinning and stretching system according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a view of the sensor of the thinning and stretching system according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is specifically described herein to satisfy legal requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future techniques. This description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement of the various steps or elements, except where the order of the arrangement of the various steps or elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “rear,” etc., are intended to refer to orientations shown and described in one or more figures referring to the components and directions.

[0019] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A portion of a thinning and stretching system 100 according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown. The thinning and stretching system 100 includes a punch 102 and a pressure head assembly that drives the punch 102 in an axial direction 104. Figure 1 (not shown in the image) and at least one thinning and stretching die 106. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the thinning and drawing die 106 includes an entry surface 108 and an inner surface 110. The inner surface 110 defines an opening or gap 112. During thinning and drawing, the punch 102 drives a metal article 114 through the gap 112 of the thinning and drawing die 106 in an axial direction 104, such that the sidewall of the metal article 114 is thinned and drawn from an initial thickness 116 to a final thickness 118. The thinning and drawing process can be repeated multiple times as needed (and various types of thinning and drawing dies can be used as needed) to produce a body with a desired wall thickness.

[0020] Figure 2Examples of some forces on the punch 102 during thinning and drawing are shown. The total forming force 220 is the force exerted on the metal article by the punch 102 (via the head assembly) during thinning and drawing. The total forming force 220 typically represents the sum of the frictional force 222 between the punch 102 and the sidewall of the metal article and the punch nose force 224 between the punch 102 and the bottom of the metal article. The punch nose force 224 represents the tension within the wall of the metal article. In some cases, the total forming force 220 is measured on the head assembly itself, the die, the die holder, and / or the backing plate.

[0021] Figures 3 to 7 Parts of another thinning and stretching system 300 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. The thinning and stretching system 300 includes a punch 302, a pressure head assembly 326, and a sensor system 348. In various embodiments and as discussed in detail below, the sensor system 348 includes a sensor 350 and an adapter 352, the adapter at least partially supporting the sensor 350 relative to the pressure head assembly 326.

[0022] like Figures 3 to 5 As best shown, the indenter assembly 326 includes an indenter body 328 having a front end 330 and a rear end 332. An indenter nose 334 extends from the front end 330 of the indenter body 328 and terminates at an indenter nose end 336. In all aspects, the diameter of the indenter nose 334 is smaller than the diameter of the indenter body 328. The indenter assembly 326 is driven by an actuator in the axial direction 104 during the thinning and drawing process to form a metal article into a cup. In some examples, the actuator is a linear actuator, but in other examples it does not need to be a linear actuator. The indenter assembly 326 is driven at any suitable speed to produce a desired number of cups per minute. As some non-limiting examples, the indenter assembly 326 may be driven at a speed of approximately 400 to 450 strokes per minute, where one stroke refers to one cycle of engaging, forming, and releasing one cup. In other words, at a stroke rate of 200 to 450 strokes per minute, the assembly engages, shapes, and releases the cup at a rate of approximately 200 to 450 strokes per minute.

[0023] like Figure 3 As best shown, the indenter assembly 326 includes an inner surface 338 defining a cavity 340. While the cavity 340 optionally extends to the indenter nose 336, it is not necessary to extend to the indenter nose in other examples. The inner diameter of the cavity 340 does not need to be the same along the length of the indenter body 328. As a non-limiting example, in Figures 3 to 5In this embodiment, the first portion of the cavity 340 between the rear end 332 and the indenter nose 336 has the largest inner diameter, the second portion of the cavity 340 between the first portion and the indenter nose 336 has the smallest inner diameter, and the third portion of the cavity 340 between the second portion and the indenter nose 336 has an intermediate inner diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second portion but smaller than the diameter of the first portion. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the cavity 340 is such that the shoulder 370 is defined by the inner surface 338. In other embodiments, the cavity 340 may have various other profiles, inner diameters, or combinations of inner diameters as needed.

[0024] In some embodiments, the inner surface 338 of the pressure head assembly 326 includes a first pressure head coupling feature 358 for connecting the adapter 352 to the pressure head assembly 326 (see [link]). Figure 3 ) and / or a second pressure head coupling feature 359 for connecting the adapter nut 354 to the pressure head assembly 326 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In various embodiments, a first pressure head connecting feature 358 and a second pressure head connecting feature 359 are disposed on portions of the inner surface 338. The first pressure head connecting feature 358 and the second pressure head connecting feature 359 can be various suitable connecting devices or features for connecting the adapter nut 354 and the adapter 352 to the pressure head assembly 326, respectively. The type of connecting feature used as the first pressure head connecting feature 358 does not need to be the same as the type of connecting feature used as the second pressure head connecting feature 359. Figures 3 to 5 In one embodiment, both the first pressure head connecting feature 358 and the second pressure head connecting feature 359 are threaded. In other embodiments, the first pressure head connecting feature 358 may be omitted, and the adapter 352 may not be directly connected to the inner surface 338 (e.g., using only the second pressure head connecting feature 359). In yet another embodiment, the second pressure head connecting feature 359 (and the adapter nut 354) may be omitted, and the adapter 352 may be directly connected to the pressure head assembly 326 via the first pressure head connecting feature 358.

[0025] like Figure 5 As best shown in various embodiments, the outer surface 339 of the indenter body 328 may optionally include an outer indenter engagement feature 360 ​​on at least a portion of the outer surface 339. The outer indenter engagement feature 360 ​​may optionally engage the punch sleeve retaining nut 356. The outer indenter engagement feature 360 ​​may be any suitable feature or mechanism for engaging and connecting the punch sleeve retaining nut to the indenter body 328. Figures 3 to 7 In the implementation scheme, the external pressure head connecting feature 360 ​​is threaded.

[0026] In some examples, the pressure head assembly 326 optionally includes a pressure system that maintains a constant pressure within the cavity 340 such that coolant and / or moisture within the pressure head body 328 is minimized and / or reduced. As a non-limiting example, while the pressure system may maintain a pressure of approximately 1 to 20 PSI within the cavity 340, such as approximately 5 to 10 PSI, other pressures may be maintained in other examples. By minimizing and / or reducing coolant or moisture within the cavity 340, the possibility of a short circuit in the sensor 350 is minimized and / or reduced.

[0027] The punch 302 includes a punch sleeve 342 and a punch nose 344. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best shown, the punch sleeve 342 is supported on the punch nose 334 between the punch nose 344 and the pressure head body 328, and in various embodiments, the punch sleeve 342 abuts the pressure head body 328 at the front end 330. In some examples and Figures 3 to 7 In one embodiment, the punch sleeve 342 and the punch nose 344 are separate components, such that the punch nose 344 is movable relative to the punch sleeve 342. In other examples, the punch sleeve 342 and the punch nose 344 are formed as a single or integral component.

[0028] like Figures 3 to 5 As best shown in various embodiments, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 connects the punch sleeve 342 to the pressure head assembly 326. In some embodiments, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 includes a connecting feature 357 complementary to the outer pressure head connecting feature 360. Figures 3 to 7 In the implementation scheme, the connecting feature 357 has a thread complementary to the thread of the external pressure head connecting feature 360. For example... Figures 3 to 5 As best shown, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 can (via connecting feature 357) engage the pressure head assembly 326 to engage the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 with the pressure head assembly 326. In various embodiments, the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 engages with the pressure head assembly 326 such that the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 captures a portion of the punch sleeve 342 between the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 and the front end 330 of the pressure head body 328.

[0029] The punch nose 344 includes a nose coupling feature 364 that selectively couples the punch nose 344 to the sensor 350. While the nose coupling feature 364 may be centered on the punch nose 344, it is not required to be centered in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the nose coupling feature 364 is a projection extending toward the press head body 328 when the punch nose 344 is assembled, and the projection defines a threaded hole. In other embodiments, the nose coupling feature 364 may include various other structures and / or coupling means for connecting the sensor 350 to the punch nose 344. In some embodiments, and as discussed in detail below, the punch nose 344 may be coupled to the sensor 350 such that a gap 362 is maintained between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. In some embodiments, the nose coupling feature 364 may allow the punch nose 344 to be connected to the sensor 350 such that the gap 362 has a desired gap size and / or is maintained during processing. In other embodiments, a spacer may be positioned between the punch nose 344 and the press nose 334 to define a gap 362 between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. The punch nose 344 optionally includes one or more channels 620 (in... Figure 6 (as best shown in the diagram), the one or more channels allow air to flow through the punch nose 344 to help remove metal items from the punch sleeve 342.

[0030] In various aspects, the gap 362 may be intentionally positioned between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342. In some aspects, the gap allows the punch nose 344 to move relative to the punch sleeve 342 under the action of a force. In various embodiments, this movement may cause strain or deflection of the sensor 350, and the strain may be measured as a force. The gap 362 between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342 may be adjustable to control the size of the gap, and the size of the gap 362 may be set such that movement exists between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342 under certain forces, and that movement between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342 is prevented or limited under other forces. In other words, the gap 362 may provide an adjustable force limit on the sensor 362. In a non-limiting example, while gap 362 may allow movement between punch nose 344 and punch sleeve 342 for forces less than or equal to 10,000 pounds, in other embodiments, the force limit may be greater than or less than 10,000 pounds. Below the force limit, sensor 350 can obtain the corresponding strain and provide a force measurement. Above the force limit, punch nose 344 may exhaust its travel space and bottom out on punch sleeve 342, and there may be no further movement on punch nose 344, and sensor 342 may not be able to obtain additional strain or force. Therefore, gap 362 can be adjusted such that a range of forces (e.g., up to the force limit) can be measured while minimizing the effects (e.g., overload) on sensor 342 under forces exceeding the force limit. As a non-limiting example, gap 362 may allow accurate measurements between punch nose and punch sleeve during thinning stretching without overloading the sensor during bulging operations.

[0031] As mentioned earlier, sensor system 348 includes sensor 350 and adapter 352. Figures 3 to 6 As best shown, in various embodiments, adapter 352 can connect sensor 350 to the inner surface 338 of indenter body 328. In some embodiments, sensor system 348 includes adapter nut 354, which secures adapter 352 relative to indenter assembly 326. Figure 6 As best shown, the adapter nut 354 includes a connecting feature 630 that is complementary to the second pressure head connecting feature 359, such that the adapter nut 354 can engage the second pressure head connecting feature 359 and hold a portion of the adapter 352 between the adapter nut 354 and the shoulder 370. Figures 3 to 7In one embodiment, the connecting feature 630 includes threads complementary to the threads of the second pressure head connecting feature 359. In various embodiments, holding said portion of the adapter 352 between the adapter nut 354 and the shoulder 370 allows the adapter 352 to be positioned relative to the pressure head assembly 326.

[0032] like Figure 6 As best shown, adapter 352 includes a central aperture 621 that selectively receives sensor 350. The central aperture 621 has an inner surface 623, and in various embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surface 623 includes an adapter coupling feature 610 (discussed in detail below) that selectively engages sensor 350. Similar to other coupling features discussed herein, adapter coupling feature 610 can be any suitable means or mechanism for coupling sensor 350 to adapter 352. Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the adapter connection feature 610 includes threads.

[0033] In addition to the center hole 621, the adapter 352 may also include one or more channels 620 extending along the length of the adapter 352. The number, shape, or size of the channels 620 should not be considered limiting. In various embodiments, one or more channels 620 may allow airflow around the adapter 352 and / or the sensor 350. In some embodiments, airflow through the channels 620 may provide positive pressure, which may be used to remove the metal article from the punch sleeve 342 after forming.

[0034] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, sensor 350 can be supported within pressure head body 328 by adapter 352. (As indicated...) Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As best shown, in various examples, the sensor 350 is supported on the indenter assembly 326 by the adapter 352 so that it does not interfere with the normal operation of the indenter assembly 326 under high speed or other conditions. In some optional examples, although the adapter 352 can center the sensor 350 within the inner diameter of the indenter body 328, in other examples it is not necessary to center it within the inner diameter.

[0035] In various embodiments, sensor 350 is configured to detect the amount of punch nose force 224, which represents the tension on the sidewall of a metal article (e.g., a can) formed from a metal billet. Sensor 350 may be a force sensor or various other sensors suitable for measuring forces in the thinning and stretching system 300 as needed during thinning and stretching. The sensors described herein are not intended to require a particular structure or type of sensor, and sensor 350 may have various structures and / or be various types of sensors as needed. In some embodiments, sensor 350 may be communicatively connected to a controller or other suitable means that can use force data to determine the forces occurring during thinning and stretching and / or otherwise utilize the data provided by sensor 350. In some cases, additional sensors may be used as needed to measure other aspects of the thinning and stretching system.

[0036] In some implementations and such Figure 7 As best shown, sensor 350 may include a first sensor coupling feature 710 for selectively coupling sensor 350 to punch nose 344 (see, for example, see...). Figure 3 ) and / or a second sensor coupling feature 720 for selectively coupling sensor 350 to adapter 352 (see, for example) Figure 3 In various embodiments, the first sensor coupling feature 710 is complementary to a corresponding coupling feature on the punch nose 344 and / or the second sensor coupling feature 720 is complementary to the adapter coupling feature 610. Similar to other coupling features discussed herein, the first sensor coupling feature 710 and / or the second sensor coupling feature 720 can be various suitable means or mechanisms for coupling the sensor 350 to the adapter 352 and / or the punch nose 344, and the type of coupling mechanism of the first sensor coupling feature 710 does not need to be the same as the type of coupling mechanism of the second sensor coupling feature 720. Figures 3 to 7 In one embodiment, the first sensor coupling feature 710 and the second sensor coupling feature 720 each include threads. Wiring for the cable 730 or sensor 350 can pass through the pressure head body 328. Figure 3 The sensor 350 is connected to the controller or other suitable device that can utilize the force data detected by the sensor 350. The cable 730 can exit the pressure head assembly 326 at various locations as needed, including but not limited to exiting through the rear end 332.

[0037] Sensor 350 can be coupled to punch nose 344 by engaging first sensor coupling feature 710 with nose coupling feature 364. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, punch nose 344 can be coupled to sensor 350 such that a gap 362 is maintained between punch nose 344 and punch sleeve 342. In these embodiments, gap 362 allows sensor 350 to detect and / or read punch nose force 224 on punch nose 344. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connection between punch nose 344 and sensor 350 allows gap 362 to be set and / or maintained as needed.

[0038] refer to Figures 3 to 7 A method of assembling the thinning and stretching system 300 may include connecting the sensor 350 to the adapter 352. In some embodiments, connecting the sensor 350 to the adapter 352 includes engaging a second sensor connection feature 720 with an adapter connection feature 610.

[0039] The method may further include positioning and securing the adapter 352 to the pressure head body 328. Positioning the adapter 352 to the pressure head body 328 may include inserting the adapter 352 into the cavity 340 of the pressure head body 328. Secure the adapter 352 may include positioning the adapter nut 354 in the cavity 340 and engaging the connecting feature 630 with the second pressure head connecting feature 359, such that a portion of the adapter 352 is held between the adapter nut 354 and the shoulder 370. Alternatively, securing the adapter 352 may include engaging the adapter 352 with the first pressure head connecting feature 358.

[0040] In various embodiments, the method further includes positioning the punch sleeve 342 on the pressure head nose 334. The method may include securing the punch sleeve 342 relative to the pressure head nose 334 by engaging a connecting feature 357 of the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 with an external pressure head connecting feature 360, such that the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 captures a portion of the punch sleeve 342 between the punch sleeve retaining nut 356 and the front end 330 of the pressure head body 328.

[0041] The method may include assembling the punch nose 344 and the pressure head assembly 326 by engaging the nose coupling feature 364 of the punch nose with the first sensor coupling feature 710 of the sensor 350. In various embodiments, assembling the punch nose 344 may include defining a gap 362 between the punch nose 344 and the punch sleeve 342.

[0042] During the thinning and stretching process, the punch nose 344 engages the bottom of the metal article and receives the punch nose force 224. In some examples, the sensor 350 can transmit data in real time; however, in other examples, the sensor 350 can transmit data at predetermined time intervals.

[0043] The punch nose force 224 can be directly measured using the thinning and drawing system 300. In some aspects, based on the measured punch nose force 224, various aspects of the thinning and drawing system 300 can be controlled to control the thinning and drawing process. For example, in some cases, the type of metal used for the metal article, various surface properties of the punch 304 and / or the metal article, the type of lubrication used, the indenter, the design of the punch or thinning and drawing die, the machine speed, or various other aspects of the thinning and drawing system 300 can be controlled based on the detected force. As an example, a higher punch nose force 224 (which is associated with higher tension on the sidewalls of the metal article during thinning and drawing) can be directly associated with an increased likelihood of defects or “tears.” In some cases, based on the detected punch nose force 224, various aspects of the thinning and drawing system 300 can be controlled to reduce the incidence of tears, control redrawing forces, monitor and control die wear, control wrinkle formation, monitor and control lubrication defects, monitor and control punch through or other types of defects, etc. In some cases, the force detected by sensor 350 can be used to adjust process parameters to reduce operating costs and / or increase production efficiency. As a non-limiting example, a lower detected force may indicate an opportunity to reduce lubrication and / or increase speed to reduce operating costs, while a higher force may indicate that the die has worn to reduce or avoid downtime.

[0044] The following provides a collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some embodiments that are explicitly listed as “examples” providing additional descriptions of various exemplary types in accordance with the concepts described herein. These embodiments are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting; and this disclosure is not limited to these exemplary examples, but covers all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the proposed claims and their equivalents.

[0045] Example 1. A thinning and stretching system comprising: a pressure head including a pressure head body and a pressure head nose, wherein the pressure head includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity; and a sensor system including: a sensor configured to detect force during a thinning and stretching process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the pressure head, wherein the adapter supports the sensor on the pressure head body.

[0046] Example 2. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the adapter includes a central hole and a plurality of channels surrounding the central hole, wherein the sensor is supported in the central hole of the adapter, and wherein each of the plurality of channels extends along the length of the adapter.

[0047] Example 3. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, further comprising a punch supported on the indenter nose, wherein the punch includes a punch nose and a punch sleeve, wherein the punch nose is configured to engage a metal blank during processing, and wherein the punch sleeve is supported on the indenter nose between the punch nose and the indenter body.

[0048] Example 4. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the punch nose is coupled to the sensor.

[0049] Example 5. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0050] Example 6. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, wherein the punch sleeve retaining nut is coupled to the outer surface of the indenter nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is held on the indenter nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the indenter body.

[0051] Example 7. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the inner surface of the indenter includes a shoulder, and wherein the thinning and stretching system further includes an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the indenter such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

[0052] Example 8. A thinning and drawing system comprising: a pressure head including a pressure head body and a pressure head nose; a punch including a punch nose and a punch sleeve, wherein the punch nose is configured to engage a metal billet during a thinning and drawing process; and a sensor system including a sensor coupled to the punch nose, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a force on the punch nose during the thinning and drawing process.

[0053] Example 9. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, the punch sleeve retaining nut being coupled to the outer surface of the indenter nose, wherein the punch sleeve is supported on the indenter nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the indenter body.

[0054] Example 10. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the pressure head includes an inner surface defining a cavity, wherein the sensor is supported in the cavity, and wherein the punch nose is threadedly connected to the sensor.

[0055] Example 11. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, the indenter includes an inner surface defining a cavity, wherein the sensor is supported on the adapter, and wherein the adapter is coupled to the inner surface of the indenter in the cavity.

[0056] Example 12. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the adapter includes a central hole and a plurality of channels surrounding the central hole, wherein the sensor is supported in the central hole of the adapter, and wherein each of the plurality of channels extends along the length of the adapter.

[0057] Example 13. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the sensor is indirectly connected to the indenter nose.

[0058] Example 14. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the sensor is coupled to the punch nose such that a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0059] Example 15. A thinning and stretching system comprising: a pressure head including a pressure head body and a pressure head nose, wherein the pressure head includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity; a sensor system including a sensor; and a punch nose connected to the inner surface of the pressure head via the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect forces on the punch nose during a thinning and stretching process.

[0060] Example 16. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the sensor system further includes an adapter, wherein the adapter supports the sensor, and wherein the adapter is coupled to the inner surface of the indenter.

[0061] Example 17. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the adapter includes a central hole and a plurality of channels surrounding the central hole, wherein the sensor is supported in the central hole of the adapter, and wherein each of the plurality of channels extends along the length of the adapter.

[0062] Example 18. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, wherein the inner surface of the indenter includes a shoulder, and wherein the thinning and stretching system further includes an adapter nut coupled to the inner surface of the indenter such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

[0063] Example 19. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, further comprising a punch sleeve supported on the punch nose between the punch nose and the press head body, wherein the punch nose is connected to the sensor such that a gap is defined between the punch sleeve and the punch nose.

[0064] Example 20. A thinning and stretching system according to any of the foregoing or subsequent examples or combinations thereof, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut connected to the indenter nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is held on the indenter nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the indenter body.

[0065] The aspects described above are merely examples of possible implementations, set forth only to provide a clear understanding of the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to one or more of the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure, and all possible claims relating to aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by this disclosure. Furthermore, although certain terminology is used herein and in the following claims, such terminology is used in a general and descriptive sense only and is not intended to limit the described invention or the following claims.

Claims

1. A thinning and stretching system, comprising: A pressure head, the pressure head including a pressure head body and a pressure head nose, wherein the pressure head includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity; A punch supported on the pressure head nose, wherein the punch includes a punch nose and a punch sleeve, wherein the punch nose is configured to engage a metal blank during processing, and wherein the punch sleeve is supported on the pressure head nose between the punch nose and the pressure head body; and The sensor system includes: Sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect force during a thinning and stretching process; and An adapter is attached to the inner surface of the pressure head, wherein the adapter supports the sensor on the pressure head body. The punch nose is connected to the sensor, the adapter is connected to the sensor, and a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve, such that under the action of force, the gap allows the punch nose to move relative to the punch sleeve, which causes strain or deflection of the sensor, and the strain or deflection is measured as force.

2. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 1, wherein, The adapter includes a central hole and a plurality of channels surrounding the central hole, wherein the sensor is supported in the central hole of the adapter, and wherein each of the plurality of channels extends along the length of the adapter.

3. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 1, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, wherein the punch sleeve retaining nut is coupled to the outer surface of the pressure head nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is held on the pressure head nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the pressure head body.

4. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the indenter includes a shoulder, and the thinning and stretching system further includes an adapter nut that is coupled to the inner surface of the indenter such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

5. A thinning and stretching system, comprising: The pressure head includes a pressure head body and a pressure head nose; A punch, comprising a punch nose and a punch sleeve, wherein the punch nose is configured to engage a metal billet during a thinning and drawing process; and A sensor system comprising: a sensor coupled to the punch nose, wherein the sensor is configured to detect forces on the punch nose during the thinning and stretching process; and an adapter coupled to the inner surface of the pressure head, wherein the adapter supports the sensor on the pressure head body. The punch nose is connected to the sensor, the adapter is connected to the sensor, and a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve, such that under the action of force, the gap allows the punch nose to move relative to the punch sleeve, which causes strain or deflection of the sensor, and the strain or deflection is measured as force.

6. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 5, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut, the punch sleeve retaining nut being connected to the outer surface of the press head nose, wherein, The punch sleeve is supported on the punch nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the punch body.

7. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 5, wherein, The pressure head includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity, wherein the sensor is supported in the inner cavity, and wherein the punch nose is threadedly connected to the sensor.

8. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 5, wherein, The adapter includes a central hole and a plurality of channels surrounding the central hole, wherein the sensor is supported in the central hole of the adapter, and wherein each of the plurality of channels extends along the length of the adapter.

9. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 5, wherein, The sensor is indirectly connected to the pressure head nose.

10. A thinning and stretching system, comprising: A pressure head, the pressure head including a pressure head body and a pressure head nose, wherein the pressure head includes an inner surface defining an inner cavity; A sensor system comprising a sensor and an adapter, the adapter being coupled to the inner surface of the pressure head, wherein the adapter supports the sensor on the pressure head body; and A punch nose, the punch nose being connected to the inner surface of the pressure head via the sensor on the pressure head nose, wherein the sensor is configured to detect forces on the punch nose during the thinning and stretching process. The punch nose is connected to the sensor, the adapter is connected to the sensor, and a gap is defined between the punch nose and the punch sleeve, such that under the action of force, the gap allows the punch nose to move relative to the punch sleeve, which causes strain or deflection of the sensor, and the strain or deflection is measured as force.

11. The thinning and stretching system according to claim 10, wherein, The adapter includes a central hole and a plurality of channels surrounding the central hole, wherein the sensor is supported in the central hole of the adapter, and wherein each of the plurality of channels extends along the length of the adapter.

12. The thinning and stretching system of claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the indenter includes a shoulder, and wherein, The thinning and stretching system also includes an adapter nut that is coupled to the inner surface of the pressure head such that a portion of the adapter is held between the adapter nut and the shoulder.

13. The thinning and stretching system of claim 10, further comprising a punch sleeve retaining nut connected to the pressure head nose such that at least a portion of the punch sleeve is held on the pressure head nose between the punch sleeve retaining nut and the pressure head body.

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