System for sensing and dynamically adjusting positioning of internal parts of can body forming machine

Abstract

A punch assembly for a can body forming machine includes a pair of slides configured to couple to a frame of the can body forming machine and a carriage slidably engaged within the pair of slides. The punch assembly also includes a punch body having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being supported by the carriage such that the punch body is generally slidable along the main axis. A punch is positioned at the second end of the punch body. The punch assembly also includes an adjustment device configured to provide dynamic adjustment of radial positioning of the punch relative to the main axis during normal operation of the can body forming machine to produce the can body.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 416190, filed on October 14, 2022, entitled “SYSTEM FOR SENSING AND DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING POSITIONING OF ONE OR MORE COMPONENTS WITHIN A CAN BODYMAKER AND CAN BODYMAKER INCLUDING SAME,” and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 420355, filed on October 28, 2022, entitled “SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING POSITIONING OF A TOOLPACK OF A CAN BODYMAKER AND CAN BODYMAKER INCLUDING SAME.” Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed concept relates generally to machinery and, more particularly, to can body forming machines for producing can bodies, such as those used in the food and beverage packaging industry. More particularly, the disclosed concept relates to apparatus for sensing and adjusting the positioning of one or more components within a can body forming machine. The disclosed concept also relates to systems utilizing such apparatus to sense and dynamically adjust the radial positioning of one or more components within a can body forming machine and can body forming machines including such systems. Background Art

[0004] Typically, an aluminum can may start as an aluminum sheet from which a circular blank is cut. The blank is formed into a "cup" having a bottom and an overhanging sidewall. The cup is fed into a can body forming machine that passes the cup through a toolpack that thins and lengthens the cup to form the can body. That is, the cup is set on a punch mounted on an elongated ram. The ram is configured to reciprocate and pass the cup through a toolpack that (re)draws and irons the cup. That is, in each forward stroke of the ram, the cup passes through a toolpack that forms the cup into the can body. Near the beginning of the return stroke, the now elongated can body is removed from the ram before the punch passes back through the toolpack. Before the punch passes forward through the toolpack again, a new cup is set on the punch. After additional finishing operations (eg trimming, washing, printing, etc.), each can body is sent to a filling machine which fills the can body with product. The top piece is then coupled to the can body and sealed to the can body, thereby completing the can.

[0005] The tool group in the can body forming machine has a plurality of spaced apart dies, each having a generally circular opening. The opening of each die is slightly smaller than the adjacent upstream die. Thus, as the punch pulls the cup through the first die (i.e., the re-draw die), the aluminum cup is deformed on the generally cylindrical punch. Because the opening of the subsequent downstream die in the tool group has a smaller inner diameter (i.e., the opening is smaller), the aluminum cup is thinned as the punch causes the punch and the aluminum cup located on the punch to pass through the remaining dies of the tool group. The spacing between the punch and the re-draw die is typically less than about 0.010 inches, and less than about 0.004 inches in the last ironing and stretching die in the tool group.

[0006] After the cup (now roughly in the shape of the can body) has moved through the last die, the bottom and side walls of the cup have the desired thickness; the only other deformation required is to form the bottom of the cup into an inwardly extending (i.e., concave) domed portion. To achieve this, the distal end of the punch is concave, while at the maximum extension of the punch is a generally convex domed element (having a shaped perimeter) commonly called a "domer." When the punch reaches its maximum extension, the bottom of the can body engages the domer and is deformed into a dome, with the bottom perimeter of the can body being shaped as desired (usually angled inwardly to increase the strength of the can body and allow stacking of the resulting cans). When the punch is retracted, the can body is caused to fall off the end of the punch by injecting air into the center of the punch. The air travels through the punch and out of the end of the punch and forces the can body loose from the punch. Typically, there is also a mechanical stripper that prevents the can body from remaining on the punch as the punch is retracted through the tool set. The punch is retracted through the tool set, a new cup is placed on the punch, and the cycle is repeated.

[0007] The punch and tool set are usually oriented generally horizontally. However, this orientation causes the punch to wear and break. That is, the dies in the tool set must be spaced apart to allow for proper deformation of the blank / cup. This means that the punch must extend horizontally across the entire tool set, a distance that is typically between 18 inches and 30 inches, while the stroke length (i.e., the distance the punch must travel) for the can body forming machine is slightly longer. This means that the punch is essentially a cantilever. As is known, even a very rigid member supported as a cantilever will sag at the distal end. While this sag is not usually a problem for stationary members, it is a problem for reciprocating punches / stamps that travel through a number of dies with a radial clearance of less than about 0.004 inches. In order to compensate for the sag of the punch / stamp, the tool set, domer, and stripper are typically each statically aligned with the punch / stamp before the can body forming machine is operated. However, when the can body forming machine is operating normally to produce can bodies, this alignment (or alignments) may not be correct for the dynamics of the moving stamp / punch. In addition, there are other factors (such as but not limited to thermal expansion) that may cause the punch to not operate concentrically with the centerline of the die of the tool set. Therefore, due to sagging and other reasons, during operation of the can body forming machine, the stamp / punch may not be concentric with the circular die of the tool set, that is, the stamp / punch is closer to or contacts the lower part of the die due to sagging, resulting in incorrectly formed, unusable can bodies, and over time, one or both of the die and / or punch of the tool set will wear prematurely and / or have other damage. Similarly, heat and / or other influences may cause the stamp / punch to deviate from the center in any direction, resulting in incorrect forming, unusable, and over time, one or both of the die and / or punch of the tool set will wear prematurely and / or have other damage. When any of these damage events occur, the damaged part must be replaced. Furthermore, since replacing such parts is a time-consuming process, and since a typical can body forming machine produces over 15,000 cans per hour, stamp / punch misalignment is a disadvantage. That is, if the stamp / punch is misaligned, it is unlikely that any acceptable can will be produced. Therefore, the stamp / punch should always be aligned with the (horizontal and vertical) centerline of the tool set.

[0008] In conventional arrangements, in order to verify that the cans being formed are acceptable, the body forming machine is stopped periodically so that measurements of a particular can body produced by the body forming machine can be performed, in particular the thickness of several can bodies around their circumference. Based on these measurements, it can be determined whether adjustments to the forming elements (e.g., stamps / punches, tool sets, etc.) are required and / or whether worn parts need to be replaced. Such adjustments and / or part replacements (part replacements) are then made and the body forming machine is put back into operation. The time required to perform such stoppages (multiple stoppages) to measure can bodies and adjust the alignment of body forming machine parts or to replace body forming machine parts is time during which the body forming machine is not producing usable can bodies and is therefore disadvantageous. Therefore, one problem with known systems and methods for aligning the punch / stamp with the tool group and / or other components of the can body forming machine is that the known systems and methods are unable to detect the position of the punch / stamp in motion and / or the details of the can body formed thereon as the punch passes through the tool group, nor are they able to provide dynamic adjustments to the positioning of the components of the can body forming machine to correct any misalignment. Summary of the invention

[0009] The disclosed and claimed concept provides, in one aspect, a stamping section assembly for a can body forming machine. The stamping section assembly includes: a pair of slides configured to be coupled to a frame of the can body forming machine; a carriage slidably engaged within the pair of slides; a stamping body having a first end and an opposite second end, the carriage supporting the first end so that the stamping body can slide generally along a major axis; a punch positioned at the second end of the stamping body; and an adjustment device configured to provide dynamic adjustment of the radial positioning of the punch relative to the major axis.

[0010] The adjustment device may be an electromagnetic adjustment device. The electromagnetic adjustment device may include a plurality of electromagnetic bearings positioned in or on each slideway and facing the slide. The plurality of electromagnetic bearings may include a plurality of bearings positioned in or on more than one inwardly facing surface of each slideway. The plurality of electromagnetic bearings may include a plurality of bearings positioned in or on more than one outwardly facing surface of each slideway.

[0011] The first end of the punch body may be supported within a cylindrical bore of the carriage; and the carriage may include a plurality of electromagnetic bearings positioned in or on a surface of the cylindrical bore facing the punch body.

[0012] The adjustment device may be a thermodynamic adjustment device. The thermodynamic adjustment device may include: a mounting ring having a central opening and a plurality of secondary holes, the central opening being sized and configured to allow the stamping body to pass through the central opening, the plurality of secondary holes being defined in the mounting ring; and a plurality of thermal control valves, each thermal control valve having an outlet positioned in a corresponding secondary hole in the plurality of secondary holes. The plurality of secondary holes may be spaced every 90 degrees around the central opening.

[0013] In another aspect, the disclosed and claimed concept provides a can body forming machine for forming a plurality of can bodies. The can body forming machine comprises: a frame; a tool set coupled to the frame, the tool set having a forming channel, a plurality of forming dies defining a central forming axis passing through the forming channel, the forming dies being configured to form the can body from a cup; a stamp assembly, the stamp assembly comprising: a pair of slides coupled to the frame; a slide slidably engaged within the pair of slides; a stamp body having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being supported by the slide so that the stamp body slides generally along the central forming axis; a punch positioned at the second end of the stamp body and configured to pass through the forming channel of the tool set; and an adjustment device configured to provide dynamic adjustment of the radial positioning of the punch relative to the central forming axis as the punch passes through the tool set.

[0014] The body forming machine may further include a sensing device, the sensing device including: a plurality of sensors positioned about the central forming axis and spaced a radial distance from the central forming axis, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is configured to determine a plurality of characteristics of the can body when the can body positioned on the punch passes over the sensor on the punch. The adjustment device may include a control device in communication with the sensing device, and the control device may be configured to receive information from the sensing device and control the operation of the adjustment device in response to the information to dynamically adjust the positioning of the punch.

[0015] The adjustment device may be an electromagnetic adjustment device. The electromagnetic adjustment device may include a plurality of electromagnetic bearings positioned in each slideway and facing the slide. The plurality of electromagnetic bearings may include a plurality of bearings positioned in or on more than one inwardly facing surface of each slideway. Each slideway may be a C-shaped member having three inwardly facing surfaces, wherein one or more of the plurality of electromagnetic bearings are positioned in or on each of the three inwardly facing surfaces.

[0016] The first end of the punch body may be supported within a cylindrical bore of the carriage; and the carriage may include a plurality of electromagnetic bearings positioned in or on a surface of the cylindrical bore facing the punch body.

[0017] The adjustment device may be a thermodynamic adjustment device. The thermodynamic adjustment device may include: a mounting ring having a central opening and a plurality of secondary holes, the central opening being sized and configured to allow the stamping body to pass therethrough, the plurality of secondary holes being defined in the mounting ring; and a plurality of thermal control valves, each thermal control valve having an outlet positioned in a corresponding secondary hole in the plurality of secondary holes. The plurality of secondary holes may be spaced every 90 degrees around the central opening.

[0018] These and other objects, features and characteristics of the disclosed concepts, as well as the methods of operation and function of the related structural elements and the economy of combination and manufacture of the parts, will become more apparent after considering the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are provided for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended to be defined as limiting the concepts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The disclosed concepts may be fully understood by reading the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can body forming machine according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0021] Figure 2 is a partially schematic perspective view of a sensing device according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial schematic front elevation view of a sensing device;

[0023] Figure 4 is a series of graphs showing the effects of active forming / production of can bodies such as Figure 1 The can body forming machine shown uses a Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sensing device shown is an example output signal from a sensor of the sensing device;

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a can body forming machine having a punch assembly according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial schematic top view of a portion of a can body forming machine;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 and Figure 6 a perspective view of a portion of said portion of a can body forming machine;

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figures 5 to 7 A perspective view of a stamping assembly;

[0028] Fig. 9 Yes Figure 8 The target Figure 8 A detailed view of a portion of a stamping assembly;

[0029] Fig.10 yes Figures 5 to 8 A perspective view of a portion of a stamping assembly;

[0030] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A perspective view of a portion of a stamp assembly shown in , showing an exemplary tool set positioned therewith according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0031] Fig.12 is an elevation view of a thermodynamic adjustment device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0032] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a portion of a stamp assembly according to another example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0033] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A perspective view of a carriage of a portion of a punch assembly showing a portion of a punch body positioned within a cylindrical bore of the carriage;

[0034] Fig.15 Yes Fig.14 The marked Fig.14 a detail of a portion of the view; and

[0035] Fig.16 is similar to another exemplary embodiment according to the disclosed concept Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a can body forming machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The specific elements shown in the drawings and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0037] As used herein, the term "can" refers to any known or suitable container configured to hold a substance (e.g., but not limited to, a liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans (such as beer and soda cans) and cans for food.

[0038] As used herein, a "target position" is a selected position of a component relative to one or more other components.

[0039] As used herein, "dynamic positioning" means positioning a component relative to one or more other components based on measurements taken while the punch of a can forming machine is in motion. This will include adjusting the component while the punch is in motion as well as when the punch is stationary, as long as the measurements are taken while the punch is in motion.

[0040] As used herein, "active positioning" means positioning a component relative to one or more other components as the punch moves.

[0041] As used herein, "coupled" refers to a connection between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a connection occurs. An object that is held in place solely by gravity while resting on another object is not "coupled" to the object below unless the object above is otherwise substantially held in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled to the table, but a book glued to the table is considered to be coupled to the table.

[0042] As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are coupled while being in direct contact with each other.

[0043] As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Fixed components may or may not be directly coupled.

[0044] As used herein, the term "unitary" refers to a component that is created as a single part or element. That is, a component that includes multiple parts that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body.

[0045] As used herein, "associated" means that the identified components are related to each other, contact each other, and / or interact with each other. For example, a car has four tires and four wheels, and each wheel is "associated" with a specific tire.

[0046] As used herein, "engaged" with reference to gears or other components having teeth means that the teeth of the gears engage one another and rotation of one gear causes the other gear to also rotate.

[0047] As used herein, the term "a number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

[0048] As used herein, "normal operation" of a body forming machine means running the body forming machine in a full production mode for an extended period of time in order to produce an optimum amount of can bodies for the particular body forming machine during that period of time.

[0049] As used herein, an "electromagnetic adjustment device" is a device for adjusting the positioning of one or more components that utilizes controlled electromagnetic forces to control / adjust the positioning.

[0050] As used herein, a "thermodynamic adjustment device" is a device for adjusting the positioning of an element that utilizes temperature and its changes to control / adjust the positioning.

[0051] like Figure 1 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , a can body forming machine or can forming machine 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept includes an operating mechanism 12 configured to provide cyclic and / or reciprocating motion (e.g., as indicated by bidirectional arrow 13), a punch 14, a loading station 16, a die assembly or tool set 18, a can stripper 20, and a domer assembly 22. Figure 1 In the example embodiment shown, each of the above-described components is coupled directly or indirectly to a frame or housing, shown generally at 24, for maintaining the components and / or selected portions thereof in a known relationship relative to one or more of the other components.

[0052] Continue to refer Figure 1 , the punch 14 has an elongated, substantially cylindrical punch body 26 that is positioned about a longitudinal axis 28 so that the punch 14 moves back and forth generally along the longitudinal axis 28. The punch body 26 includes a proximal end 30 that is positioned closest to and coupled to the operating mechanism 12 and a distal end 32 that is positioned opposite the proximal end 30. A punch 34 is disposed at or on the distal end 32 of the punch 14. The punch 34 has a generally cylindrical body with a concave distal end 36 that can be shaped to correspond to a cavity 38 of a dome die 40 of the dome assembly 22. The operating mechanism 12 provides reciprocating motion to the punch body 26, thereby moving the punch body 26 and, therefore, the punch 34 back and forth along its longitudinal axis 28. That is, the punch 34 is configured to reciprocate between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the punch 34 is positioned between the loading station 16 and the operating mechanism 12 and in which the punch body extends substantially horizontally through the tool group 18, and the distal end 36 of the punch 34 is disposed adjacent to the dome die 40 of the dome assembly 22 and the distal end 36 of the punch 34 is indirectly engaged with a convex dome structure 42 disposed as a part of the dome die 40 of the dome assembly 22 via the bottom of the can body positioned on the punch 34 and extends into the cavity 38 of the dome die 40 of the dome assembly 22.

[0053] The tool set 18 includes a plurality of (e.g., but not limited to, three) dies 50, each of which has an opening 52 therein. The opening 52A in the first die 50A (the die 50 closest to the operating mechanism 12) is slightly larger than the opening 52B in the second die 50B (located in the middle, as shown). The opening 52B in the second die 50B is slightly larger than the opening 52C in the third die 50C (farthest from the operating mechanism 12). That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the radius of the opening 52A in the first die 50A is approximately 0.010 inches larger than the radius of the punch 34, the radius of the opening 52B in the second die 50B is approximately 0.007 inches larger than the radius of the punch 34, and the radius of the opening 52C in the third die 50C is approximately 0.004 inches larger than the radius of the punch 34. The one or more openings 52 of the one or more dies 50 are arranged along a common axis 54, which is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 28 of the punch body 26.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the configuration shown, the body forming machine 10 is configured to convert a cup into a body of a can, which can subsequently be topped to form a can. The loading station 16 positions the cup on / over the punch 34 before the punch 34 travels forward through the tool group 18 to move from the retracted position to the extended position (as previously described). As the punch 34 pushes the cup through the tool group 18, the cup is thinned and stretched to the desired length and wall thickness, ideally if the one or more openings 52 of the one or more dies 54 of the die pack 18 are properly aligned with the path of the punch 34. The elongated cup is the body of the can.

[0055] The domer assembly 22 is disposed at the end of the stroke of the punch body 26. The domer assembly 22 includes a domer die 40, which is coupled to the frame 24 of the can body forming machine 10 by a mounting assembly 56, which can have any suitable arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, the mounting assembly 56 is arranged in a manner similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,713,980, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, so that the positioning of the domer die 40 can be dynamically adjusted (as discussed below). The domer die 40 is a body 44 having a cavity 38 that defines a convex dome structure 42. The cavity 38 may include other features configured to form a cup bottom. Ideally, the center of the dome structure 42 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 28 of the punch body 26. In this arrangement, when the punch body 26 is in its most extended state, i.e., in the previously discussed extended position, the cup bottom (i.e., the portion of the cup covering the concave distal end 36 of the punch 34) is formed by the punch 34 entering the cavity 38 of the domer die 40. That is, the cup bottom becomes a dome that extends into the can body. After the dome is formed in the newly formed can body still positioned on the punch 34, the punch body 26 begins the rearward portion of the stroke from the extended position rearward toward the retracted position.

[0056] The can stripper 20 is disposed on the outer surface of the can stripper partition 60 opposite the tool group 18. After the dome has been formed in the bottom of the can and the punch 14 begins to move backward, the can stripper 20 removes the can body from the punch 34. Therefore, the punch 34 travels backward without a cup or other material between the punch 34 and the die 50 of the tool group 18. In this configuration, the punch 34 may contact the die 50, thereby causing damage to the punch 34 and / or the die 50. In order to prevent or reduce such damage, it is advantageous to substantially align the longitudinal axis 28 of the punch body 26 with the die axis 54. That is, the punch 34 should not vibrate, sag, or otherwise be misaligned with the die axis 54 (e.g., due to thermal effects). The punch 34 disposed on the distal end 32 of the punch body 26 is prone to sag because it is a cantilever body. Furthermore, if the dome 42 of the domer die 40 is misaligned with the longitudinal axis 28 of the punch body 26, the punch 34 may be pushed out of alignment with the die axis 54 upon entering the cavity 38 of the domer die 40 and then quickly returned to alignment, i.e., quickly aligned upon exiting the cavity 38. This action may cause the punch 34 to vibrate. While the amount of droop, misalignment caused by vibration and other factors (e.g., thermal effects) is typically small, the tolerances between the punch 34 and the opening 52 of each die 50 of the tool set 18 are small enough that any misalignment may result in contact between the punch 34 and the opening(s) 52.

[0057] Continue to refer Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The can body forming machine 10 also includes a sensing system 100 having a sensing device 110 for dynamically measuring the can body being formed on the punch 34 and measuring the positioning of the punch 34 (and the punch body 26) relative to one or more components of the can body forming machine 10. Figure 1 In the example shown, the sensing device 110 is positioned on or in and coupled to the can stripper partition 60 between the tool group 18 and the can stripper 20. As discussed elsewhere herein, the sensing device 110 may be positioned elsewhere along the path of the punch 34 (for example, but not limited to, on, within, or near the tool group 18) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. The sensing device 110 includes a frame 112 positioned around an opening 114 through which the punch 34 / stamp body 26 can freely pass. The frame 112 is configured to be secured to a desired component, such as the can stripper partition 60 in the example shown, or to any other desired component for a particular application. The sensing device 110 also includes a plurality of sensors 116 coupled to the frame 112 around a sensing axis 118 passing through the opening 114. In the example shown, the sensing device 110 ... Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensing device 110 includes four sensors 116 of substantially identical construction, each of which is spaced a distance R ( Figure 3 ) and are positioned about the sensing axis 118 in 90° increments. In the exemplary embodiment, each sensor 116 is spaced a distance R from the sensing axis 118 that is 0.030″ greater than the expected radius of the can body on the punch 34. Although four sensors 116 are shown, it should be understood that an arrangement utilizing at least three sensors 116 may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Each sensor 116 stores a series of collected samples, transmits data at a specified transmission rate via a wired or Bluetooth network via a determined protocol, while communicating with a controller 120 provided as part of the sensing system 100. Each sensor 116 is configured to provide a signal to the controller 120 from which a plurality of characteristics of the punch 34 and the can body positioned on the punch 34 (after passing through the tool group 18, as the punch 34 and the can body pass through the opening 114) can be determined. These characteristics include: the position of the punch 34 (and the stamp body 26) relative to each of the sensors 116 (and therefore the frame 112, components to which the frame 112 is coupled, etc.), the presence (or absence) of a can body, the length of the can body present above the punch 34, and the thickness of the can body (including variations in thickness along the height of the can body, and / or variations in thickness around the circumference of the can body when multiple sensors are considered).

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, each respective sensor 116 is an inductive proximity sensor configured to provide an output signal to a controller 120 that is inductively coupled to a pulse from the respective sensor 116 to a surface 122 of the punch 34 (at Figure 3 and / or the distance D1 from the corresponding sensor 116 to the surface 124 of the can body (shown in dashed lines in FIG. Figure 3 In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, the distance D1 is defined by the specifications specified in the quality standard decree, which is generally between 0.0065" and 0.0040" and as small as 0.038"; wherein the distance D2 has a safe distance between the outer diameter (OD) wall of the container / punch and the physical sensing coil, which represents a gap ranging from about 0.080" to 0.030", depending on the container wall thickness defined by the quality standard.

[0059] Figure 4 An example of a series of graphs is shown, which shows that when the sensing device 110 is used such as Figure 1 In the can body forming machine 10 shown and while the can body forming machine 10 is actively forming / producing a can body, the four sensors 116 (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 10. Each waveform in the graph represents a complete cycle or stroke of the target through the sensing device 110. The changes in the output signal are interpreted in the algorithm of the controller 120 and provide detailed information related to the thinning, stretching or forming of the container (i.e., the can body). These interpretations include but are not limited to stamping temperature, stamping speed, entry / exit angle, position relative to the calculated center, container wall thickness and changes along the container body. In addition, these waveforms provide the target position from the known position of the sensing coil.

[0060] Figure 1 The controller 120 of the sensing system 100 schematically shown in FIG. 1 utilizes a programmable logic circuit (PLC) and one or more stored algorithms to analyze the signals from the sensor 116 to provide an output 126. The output 126 may simply be provided to a user as a report, providing details of the can body and / or information about the positioning of the punch 34 / stamp body 26 relative to the sensing device 110. The output 126 may be provided to other systems and / or devices and may be utilized by other systems and / or devices to control / adjust the operation of the can body forming machine 10 and / or to control / adjust the positioning of one or more components of the can body forming machine 10 as discussed below. Although shown as a separate component, it should be appreciated that the controller 120 may be a control device for other operations associated with the can body forming machine 10.

[0061] Figures 5 to 15 Some example arrangements of stamping section assemblies and related components according to example embodiments of the disclosed concepts are shown, which example arrangements can be used in conjunction with sensing devices and / or systems such as those previously described to utilize feedback from these sensing devices / systems to selectively adjust the positioning of the stamping body / punch positioned on the sensing devices / systems during normal operation of the can body forming machine.

[0062] First reference Figures 5 to 7 , shows an example stamp assembly 200 positioned in a portion of a can body forming machine 210 (e.g., having a similar configuration to the can body forming machine 10 described previously) according to an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. The stamp assembly 200 includes a carriage 202 (e.g., a carriage made of aluminum or other suitable material) slidably engaged within a pair of slides 204 (each referenced at 204), each of which is rigidly coupled to a frame 206 of the can body forming machine 210. The carriage 202 is positioned within the can body forming machine 210 and is coupled to a suitable operating mechanism 212 (in Figure 6 202, and is operably coupled to an operating mechanism 12) similar to that discussed previously, the operating mechanism being configured to translate the carriage back and forth in a reciprocating manner similar to carriage members known in the art. The stamping section assembly 200 also includes an elongated stamping body 208, which is generally cylindrical and extends between a first end 208A and an opposite second end 208B thereof. The first end 208A of the stamping body 208 is coupled to the carriage 202, and the second end 208B of the stamping body 208 includes a punch 214 positioned thereon. The punch 214 may be coupled to the stamping body 208 or formed as part of the stamping body 208. The stamping body 208 is supported (e.g., via appropriate sealing and / or bearing arrangements) at a location (not labeled) between the first end 208A and the second end 208B by a main diaphragm 215, which is rigidly coupled to the frame 206 of the can body forming machine 210. Due to the reciprocating movement of the punch body 208 relative to the frame 206 of the can body forming machine 210, the position of the punch body 208 supported by the main partition 215 between the first and second ends 208A and 208B changes. Therefore, the carriage 202 (and therefore the punch body 208 via the carriage 202) is operably coupled to the operating mechanism 212 of the can body forming machine 210. In operation, the operating mechanism 212 causes the carriage 202 (and therefore the punch body 208 and the punch 214) to move during normal can body forming operations of the can body forming machine 210 (e.g., in conjunction with the can body forming machine 210). Figures 1 to 4 as generally described) generally along the main axis 216 ( Figure 5 ) translates back and forth (wherein the stamping body is supported by the main partition 215).

[0063] Continue to refer Figures 5 to 7, and additionally refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The stamping assembly 200 also includes an adjustment device 220 configured to provide dynamic adjustment of the radial positioning of the punch 214 (and portions of the stamping body 208) relative to the main axis 216 as the stamping body 208 moves through the main partition 215 and the punch 214 moves generally along the main axis 216 during normal can forming operations of the can body forming machine 210. The adjustment device 220 can be of different types. For example, Figures 5 to 9 The illustrated embodiment includes an electromagnetic adjustment device 222, which includes a plurality of electromagnetic bearings 224 (schematically shown) positioned in and / or on each slideway 204 and facing the slide 202 for interacting with the slide 202. More specifically, as Fig. 9 As shown in the detailed figure of FIG. 1 , in this exemplary embodiment, each slide 204 is a C-shaped member having three inwardly facing surfaces 204A, 204B and 204C, wherein an electromagnetic bearing 224 is positioned in and / or on each of the inwardly facing surfaces 204A, 204B and 204C. Each electromagnetic bearing 224 is coupled to a suitable control device 226 (e.g., as previously described with respect to Figure 1Controller 120 discussed above) is configured to selectively vary the electromagnetic force of one or more of the electromagnetic bearings 224 as needed, thereby providing selectively varied positioning of the carriage 202 relative to the slideway 204 (and therefore relative to the frame 206 and components of the can body forming machine 210 directly or indirectly coupled thereto). Thus, this arrangement of the electromagnetic bearings 224 allows the positioning of the carriage 202 to be adjusted as it moves along the slideway 204 by using the punch body 208 and main diaphragm 215 as a lever / fulcrum arrangement, thereby selectively adjusting the path / impact position of the moving punch 214 during normal operation of the can body forming machine. For example: moving the carriage 202 and therefore the first end 208A of the punch body 208 causes the second end 208B of the punch body 208 to move downwardly and therefore move the punch 214 upwardly, thereby moving the punch 214 to the opposite side by moving the carriage 202 to one side, and so on. As an alternative to such an adjustment arrangement that adjusts via the interaction between the carriage and the corresponding slideway, such adjustment may alternatively be performed by adjusting the interaction / positioning of the slideway relative to the frame of the can body forming machine. In another exemplary embodiment according to the disclosed concept, the geometry / relationship of the slideways 204 and the moving carriage 202 is reversed, such that the opposing outer edges (not labeled) of the carriage 202 are generally C-shaped, and each slideway 204 is a rail-like element positioned in a groove formed by each C-shaped side of the carriage 202. In this arrangement, a plurality of electromagnetic bearings 224 are positioned in and / or on each of the slideways 204 and face the carriage 202 for interaction with the carriage 202, but, due to the reverse geometry, the electromagnetic bearings 224 are outward from each slideway 204 toward the inward surface of the c-shaped side of the carriage 202.

[0064] Figures 13 to 15A stamping assembly 200' is shown according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, which also utilizes an electromagnetic adjustment device 222'. Similar to the stamping assembly 200, the stamping assembly 200' includes a carriage 202' that can be moved back and forth via an operating mechanism (e.g., an operating mechanism 212 or any other suitable device) and a generally cylindrical elongated stamping body 208 having a first end 208A and an opposite second end 208B. The first end 208A of the stamping body 208 is supported / carried by the carriage 202', while the second end 208B of the stamping body 208 includes a punch 214 positioned thereon. Unlike the electromagnetic adjustment device 222 of the stamping section assembly 200 (which utilizes electromagnetic bearings 224 to selectively control / change the positioning of the slide 202, and thus the stamping body 208 and the punch 214 relative to the slide 204), the electromagnetic adjustment device 222' of the stamping section assembly 200' includes / utilizes electromagnetic bearings 224' positioned facing the stamping body 208, and the electromagnetic bearings are located in and / or on the surface of the cylindrical hole 226 defined in / by the slide 202'. Each electromagnetic bearing 224' is connected to a suitable control device 226' (for example, the controller 120 discussed above or any other suitable device), and the control device is configured to selectively change the electromagnetic force of one or more of the electromagnetic bearings 224', thereby providing selectively changing the positioning of the first end 208A of the stamping body 208 relative to the slide 202', and thus providing a second end 208B of the stamping body 208 and the punch 214 coupled thereto similar to the electromagnetic force of the electromagnetic bearings 226'. Figures 5 to 9 The positioning of the adjustment device 222.

[0065] Alternatively, or in addition to the electromagnetic adjustment device 222, 222' (such as the examples discussed previously) (or another suitable device), the adjustment device 220 can be a thermodynamic adjustment device 230 that provides selective manipulation of the temperature distribution at multiple points (currently shown as four) around the stamping body 208 to induce controlled warping of the stamping body 208, thereby selectively controlling the positioning of the second end 208B of the stamping body 208 and thereby selectively controlling the positioning of the punch 214 and potentially correcting undesirable straightness errors of the stamping portion (e.g., due to sag or other effects). Reference Figures 10 to 12 The thermodynamic adjustment device 230 includes a plurality of thermal control valves 232, each of which is connected to a suitable coolant supply source 240 ( Fig.12 ) and is configured to control the flow of coolant therethrough. A plurality of thermal control valves 232 are positioned in and by a mounting ring 234 around the stamping body 208. More particularly, the mounting ring 234 includes a central opening 236 and a plurality of secondary holes 238 (in Fig.12The secondary holes 238 are shown as hidden lines in FIG. 2 , and are defined in the mounting ring 234 and extend generally perpendicularly (i.e., radially) to the central opening 236. The central opening 236 is sized to allow the stamping body 208 to pass therethrough without contact between the ring 234 and the stamping body 208, while allowing coolant provided by the coolant supply source 240 to flow through the annular space between the ring 234 and the stamping body 208 via one or more of the thermal control valves 232. Each of the plurality of secondary holes 238 accommodates an outlet (not labeled) of a corresponding thermal control valve 232 of the plurality of thermal control valves 232. In FIG. Figures 10 to 12 In the illustrated example, four thermal control valves 232 are employed that are radially oriented and spaced 90 degrees apart around a central opening 236 through which the stamping body 208 passes. However, it should be understood that one or more of the number, spacing, and / or positioning / orientation of the control valves 232 (and associated components) may be varied to suit the specific needs of a particular application without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Each thermal control valve 232 is configured such that upon activation (i.e., opening) of a particular thermal control valve (or valves) 232, coolant from the coolant supply source 240 is provided to one or more corresponding portions of the stamping body 208 (i.e., upon activation of the thermal control valve(s) 232). Figures 10 to 12 The selective cooling may be performed to selectively cool the portion (or portions) of the punch 208. The selective cooling may result in the punch body 208 being selectively bent in a predictable manner, thereby providing selectively adjusted positioning of the punch 214 and / or correcting an unwanted curvature of the punch body 208.

[0066] The location of the thermomechanical adjustment device 230 along the axis 216 generally depends on the desired sensitivity of the stamping portion impact location to thermal deformation. For example, for the same thermal stress generated on the stamping body 208, placing the device 230 farther away from the tool group 218 ( Fig.11 ) will result in greater deviation in the impact position due to the greater cantilever (i.e., the length of the punch 208 that exists between the device 230 and the tool group 218). Therefore, the placement of the device 230 relative to the tool group 218 can be used as a "sensitivity control" feature, subject to the stroke of the can body forming machine and the overall length of the punch.

[0067] As can be appreciated from the foregoing examples, by utilizing feedback from a sensing device (e.g., sensing device 110) to determine / perform adjustments via the adjustment device 220 in a closed-loop feedback device embodiment of the disclosed concept, dynamic adjustments are provided during normal can making operation of the can body forming machine without having to stop the can body forming machine.

[0068] As an alternative, or in addition to adjusting the positioning of the stamp / punch itself as previously described, the position of other components may be adjusted to ensure optimal alignment between the stamp / punch and the tool set and / or its particular forming die. Fig.16 An example of such an arrangement according to the invention is shown, which presents Figure 1 The can body forming machine 10' is similar to the can body forming machine 10 shown and discussed above. The can body forming machine 10' differs from the can body forming machine 10 in that the can body forming machine 10' includes a sensing system 100' having a sensing device 110' (similar to the sensing device 110 or any other suitable sensing device) fixed / coupled to the tool group 18. Fig.16 In the particular example shown, the sensing device 110' is shown as being coupled adjacent to the third mold 50C (i.e., the last / end mold that the cup / formed can passes through before exiting the tool set 18), and more particularly located on the inside of the third mold 50C). However, it should be understood that the sensing device 110' may be coupled / secured to the tool set 18 on the opposite side of the third mold 50C or at any other location on or within the tool set 18 without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. In addition, the sensing device 110' may be positioned adjacent to the tool set (e.g., not directly coupled thereto) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. It should also be understood that more than one sensing device 110' (and / or 110) may be employed on or within and / or outside the tool set 18 (e.g., but not limited to, Figure 1 Similar to the sensing device 100, the sensing device 100' includes a controller (the same as or similar to the controller 120 described above) that communicates with the sensing device 110' (and / or one or more other sensing devices).

[0069] Continue to refer Fig.16, the sensing system 100' also includes an adjustment device 80 in communication with / controlled by the controller 120. The adjustment device 80 is coupled to the tool group 18 to selectively adjust (at the direction of the controller 120, vertically, horizontally, or in a combination of both) the position of the tool group 18 (based on feedback from the sensing device 110') to selectively adjust the position of the opening 52 of its die 50 relative to the stamp 14 / punch 34 as the stamp 14 / punch 34 passes therethrough during normal can body making operation of the can body forming machine 10'. The adjustment device 80 may directly physically adjust the tool group 18 by mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuation (or by any other suitable means), or may indirectly adjust the tool group 18 via one or more elements (not labeled) supporting the tool group 18. It should be understood that the adjustment device 80 may include any suitable number (i.e., one or more) of mechanisms that adjust the entire tool group 18 or its individual dies 50 without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Therefore, it should be understood that Fig.16 The apparatus shown in provides an adjustment device that dynamically adjusts the positioning of the tool group 18 (and / or its respective dies 50) via a controlled feedback loop including a controller 120 and a sensing device 110' (and other sensing devices as applied) to align the tool group 18 with the stamp 14 / punch 34 when the pitch of the stamp 14 varies with the deviation (biproduct) of the speed during normal can body manufacturing operation of the can body forming machine 10'.

[0070] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the disclosed concept provides a can body forming machine that can dynamically adjust the positioning of components therein to maintain proper alignment between components therein while performing normal can body manufacturing operations, and that can operate more autonomously and with less downtime than conventional devices.

[0071] Although specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and substitutions to those details may be developed based on the overall teachings of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the disclosed concept, which is given by the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0072] In the claims, any reference signs placed between brackets shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The words "comprise" or "comprising" do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claim. In a device claim enumerating a number of components, several of these components may be embodied by the same hardware. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such components. In any device claim enumerating a number of components, several of these components may be embodied by the same hardware. The fact that certain components are described in mutually different dependent claims does not in itself mean that these components cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. A stamping assembly for a can body forming machine, the stamping assembly comprising: a pair of slides configured to be coupled to a frame of the can body forming machine; a slide, the slide being slidably engaged within the pair of slideways; a stamping body having a first end and an opposite second end, the carriage supporting the first end so that the stamping body can slide generally along a major axis; a punch positioned at the second end of the punch body; and An adjustment device is configured to provide dynamic adjustment of the radial positioning of the punch relative to the main axis.

2. The stamping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment device is an electromagnetic adjustment device.

3. The stamping assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The electromagnetic adjustment device comprises a number of electromagnetic bearings which are positioned in each slideway or on each slide and face the carriage.

4. The stamping assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of electromagnetic bearings includes a plurality of bearings positioned in or on more than one inwardly facing surface of each slideway.

5. The stamping assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The number of electromagnetic bearings includes a plurality of bearings positioned in or on more than one outwardly facing surface of each slideway.

6. The stamping assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first end of the punch body is supported within a cylindrical hole of the carriage; and The carriage includes a plurality of electromagnetic bearings positioned in or on a surface of the cylindrical hole facing the punch body.

7. The stamping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The regulating device is a thermodynamic regulating device.

8. The stamping assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The thermodynamic adjustment device comprises: a mounting ring having: a central opening sized and configured to allow the stamping body to pass therethrough; and a plurality of secondary apertures defined in the mounting ring; and A plurality of thermal control valves each having an outlet positioned in a respective secondary bore of the plurality of secondary bores.

9. The stamping assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of secondary holes are spaced every 90 degrees around the central opening.

10. A can body forming machine for forming a plurality of can bodies, the can body forming machine comprising: frame; a tool set coupled to the frame, the tool set having a forming channel, a plurality of forming dies defining a central forming axis passing through the forming channel, the forming dies being configured to form a can body from a cup; A stamping part assembly, the stamping part assembly comprising: a pair of slides coupled to the frame; a slide slidably engaged within the pair of slideways; a stamping body having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being supported by the carriage so that the stamping body can slide generally along the central forming axis; a punch positioned at the second end of the punch body and configured to pass through the forming passage of the tool set; and An adjustment device is configured to provide dynamic adjustment of the radial positioning of the punch relative to the central forming axis as the punch passes through the tool group.

11. The can body forming machine according to claim 10, further comprising a sensing device, wherein the sensing device comprises: A plurality of sensors are positioned about the central forming axis and spaced a radial distance from the central forming axis, wherein each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to determine a number of characteristics of the can body as the can body positioned on the punch passes over the sensor on the punch.

12. The can body forming machine according to claim 11, wherein: The adjustment device includes a control device in communication with the sensing device, and wherein the control device is configured to receive information from the sensing device and control operation of the adjustment device in response to the information to dynamically adjust the positioning of the punch.

13. The can body forming machine according to claim 10, wherein: The adjustment device is an electromagnetic adjustment device.

14. The can body forming machine according to claim 13, wherein: The electromagnetic adjustment device includes a certain number of electromagnetic bearings, which are positioned in each slideway and face the slide.

15. The can body forming machine according to claim 14, wherein: The number of electromagnetic bearings includes a plurality of bearings positioned in or on more than one inwardly facing surface of each slideway.

16. The can body forming machine according to claim 15, wherein: Each slide is a C-shaped member having three inwardly facing surfaces, wherein one or more of the plurality of electromagnetic bearings are positioned in or on each of the three inwardly facing surfaces.

17. The can body forming machine of claim 13, wherein: The first end of the punch body is supported in the cylindrical hole of the carriage; and The carriage includes a plurality of electromagnetic bearings positioned in or on a surface of the cylindrical hole facing the punch body.

18. The can body forming machine according to claim 10, wherein: The regulating device is a thermodynamic regulating device.

19. The can body forming machine according to claim 17, wherein: The thermodynamic adjustment device comprises: a mounting ring having: a central opening sized and configured to allow the stamping body to pass therethrough; and a plurality of secondary apertures defined in the mounting ring; and A plurality of thermal control valves each having an outlet positioned in a respective secondary bore of the plurality of secondary bores.

20. The can body forming machine according to claim 19, wherein: The plurality of secondary holes are spaced every 90 degrees around the central opening.

Images