Inflation volume adjusting system of ring-pull can necking machine

Abstract

The invention discloses an inflation volume adjusting system of a ring-pull can necking machine, and belongs to the technical field of inflation volume adjustment of necking machines, the inflation volume adjusting system comprises a base plate, and the base plate is connected with external rotation driving equipment; the multiple connecting pipes are fixedly connected with the base plate, the inner diameters of the multiple connecting pipes are different, and the multiple connecting pipes are used for being adaptive to manufacturing of zip-top cans of different sizes; the air inlet pipe is connected with an external air pump; the air outlet pipe is connected with an inflation mechanism of the necking machine; wherein sealing assemblies are installed at the two ends of each connecting pipe correspondingly, and when the base plate drives the designated connecting pipe to rotate to the position between the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe, the sealing assemblies are connected with the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe correspondingly, and the joints between the two ends of each connecting pipe and the air outlet pipe and the joints between the two ends of each connecting pipe and the air inlet pipe are sealed. Therefore, the inflation volume is conveniently adjusted, the whole set of inflation pipeline does not need to be replaced by shutdown operation, and the efficiency of continuous operation is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air volume adjustment technology for necking machines, and specifically to an air volume adjustment system for a can necking machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the production and processing of aluminum cans, the necking process is a key step that determines the forming accuracy and appearance quality of the can. The precise control of the inflation volume directly affects the stability of the necking process. During the necking process, the corresponding inflation pressure and flow rate must be matched according to the different dimensional parameters of the aluminum can, such as diameter and height, to ensure that the can body is subjected to uniform force and consistent forming during necking, and to avoid problems such as can body wrinkles, deformation, or necking dimensional deviations. With the diversification of aluminum can product specifications (such as aluminum cans of different capacities and different diameters), higher requirements are placed on the adaptability, sealing performance, and ease of adjustment of the inflation volume adjustment system of the necking machine.

[0003] Most current can necking machines on the market use a "single-specification inflation channel" design, meaning inflation is achieved through a fixed-diameter inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and connecting structure. When producing cans of different sizes, the entire inflation pipeline needs to be disassembled and replaced (e.g., replacing connecting pipes and adapters with different inner diameters) to adjust the inflation volume according to the inflation requirements of the new can size. This adjustment process requires machine downtime, typically 10-30 minutes per instance, severely impacting the continuous operation efficiency of the production line. This is especially true in flexible production scenarios with small batches and multiple specifications, where downtime losses are even more pronounced. Furthermore, frequent disassembly and assembly can lead to wear on pipe interfaces and deformation of seals, reducing component assembly precision and causing airflow instability during subsequent inflation, indirectly affecting the necking process quality.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an air volume adjustment system for a can necking machine. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to provide an inflation volume adjustment system for a can necking machine. By switching connecting pipes with different inner diameters using a rotating base plate, the inflation volume can be conveniently adjusted without requiring machine shutdown to replace the entire inflation pipeline, thus greatly improving the efficiency of continuous operation.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides an air volume adjustment system for a can necking machine, comprising: A substrate, which is connected to an external rotary drive device; Multiple connecting tubes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the substrate and are fixedly connected to the substrate. The multiple connecting tubes have different inner diameters to adapt to the manufacture of different sizes of beverage cans. An air intake pipe, which is connected to an external air pump; An air outlet pipe is connected to the inflation mechanism of the necking machine, and the axis of the air outlet pipe coincides with the axis of the air inlet pipe. The connecting pipe is equipped with sealing components at both ends. When the base plate drives the designated connecting pipe to rotate between the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe, the sealing components are connected to the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe respectively to seal the joints between the two ends of the connecting pipe and the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe.

[0007] Preferably, the connecting pipe comprises: The tube body is connected to the substrate, and the inner diameter of the tube body in different connecting tubes is different; Two expansion sections are located at both ends of the tube body, and the size of the expansion sections is adapted to the size of the air outlet pipe and the air inlet pipe; The connection between the expansion section and the tube body is smoothly transitioned.

[0008] Preferably, when the connecting pipe is rotated between the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe, the sealing assembly slides toward the center away from the connecting pipe, covering the joint between the expansion portion and the outlet pipe and the inlet pipe. When the airflow passes through the inside of the connecting pipe, the sealing assembly generates a corresponding elastic deformation according to the shape of the joint, fitting the joint.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing assembly includes: A fixing frame is fixedly installed on the outer ring surface of the expansion portion; A sealing ring, which is slidably mounted inside the fixed frame and driven by an electric push rod mounted inside the fixed frame; The airbag is ring-shaped and fixedly connected to the inner ring surface of the sealing ring, and the airbag communicates with the expansion portion.

[0010] Preferably, the sealing ring is shaped like a "┏", the airbag is fixedly installed on the inner ring surface of the horizontal end, the side wall of the vertical end of the sealing ring is located inside the fixed frame and has multiple communication ports communicating with the airbag, and the side of the sealing ring near the center of the tube body and the side wall of the expansion part has multiple air outlet holes.

[0011] Preferably, the sealing assembly further includes: A limiting ring is provided with a sealing groove that is adapted to the sealing ring. When the sealing ring extends out from the inside of the fixed frame, the sealing ring and the sealing groove are inserted to form a labyrinth seal.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing groove is provided with a clamping part. When the sealing ring is inserted into the sealing groove, the sealing ring applies a clamping force to the clamping part, and the clamping part applies a clamping force to the airbag, thus compressing the airbag.

[0013] Preferably, the abutting part includes: An elastic unit, wherein the elastic unit is installed inside the sealing groove; The abutment ring is slidably connected to the limiting ring via multiple slide plates fixedly installed on it. The end of the slide plate away from the abutment ring extends through the limiting ring into the interior of the sealing groove. When the elastic unit is subjected to the abutment force of the sealing ring, the elastic unit applies a thrust towards the airbag direction to the abutment ring through the slide plate, so that the abutment ring applies a abutment force to the airbag.

[0014] Preferably, the elastic unit comprises: The elastic ring has an arched cross-section with its apex facing the sealing ring. The arched end of the elastic ring away from the clamping ring is a fixed end that is fixedly installed inside the sealing groove, while the arched end of the other end is a floating end that is slidably installed inside the sealing groove. When the elastic ring is subjected to clamping force, its floating end slides downward to apply a thrust toward the airbag direction to the sliding plate.

[0015] Preferably, a top ring is fixedly installed at the floating end of the elastic ring, the top ring and the elastic ring are integrally formed, and the sides of the top ring and the sliding plate that abut against each other are both wedge-shaped.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention, through the arrangement of a base plate, multiple connecting pipes with different inner diameters, and a rotary drive-related structure, enables the switching of connecting pipes with different inner diameters according to the manufacturing requirements of different sized cans, thereby conveniently adjusting the inflation volume without replacing the entire inflation system. This greatly improves the efficiency of continuous operation and avoids problems such as pipe interface wear, seal deformation, and reduced component assembly accuracy caused by frequent disassembly.

[0017] This invention, through the setting of sealing components such as an expansion section, a fixing frame, a sealing ring, an airbag, an electric push rod, a limiting ring, a sealing groove, and a clamping part, achieves the following when the connecting pipe is connected to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe: the sealing ring slides to cover the seam, the airbag elastically deforms with the airflow and the shape of the seam, and in conjunction with the clamping action of the labyrinth seal and the clamping part, it effectively enhances the sealing performance of the connection part, reduces gas leakage, ensures stable inflation volume, and improves the quality stability of the necking process of beverage cans. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the inflation volume adjustment system for a can necker provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the tube body, expansion section, and air inlet pipe of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing ring of the present invention located inside the fixed frame.

[0023] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the airbag and sealing ring of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the sliding plate and the limiting ring of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Base plate, 2. Tube body, 3. Inlet pipe, 4. Outlet pipe, 5. Fixing frame, 6. Sealing ring, 7. Electric push rod, 8. Airbag, 9. Expansion part, 10. Limiting ring, 11. Sealing groove, 12. Pressing ring, 13. Elastic ring, 14. Top ring, 15. Slide plate. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] This invention provides an inflation volume adjustment system for a can necking machine, such as... Figures 1 to 7 As shown.

[0029] Example 1: An air volume adjustment system for a can necking machine includes a base plate 1, an air inlet pipe 3, and an air outlet pipe 4. The base plate 1 serves as the core load-bearing component and is connected to an external rotary drive device. The rotary drive device can drive the base plate 1 to rotate stably around its own axis. Multiple connecting pipes are fixedly installed on the base plate 1. The multiple connecting pipes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the base plate 1. The multiple connecting pipes have different inner diameters, and different inner diameters correspond to different airflow cross-sectional areas, thereby adapting to the manufacturing needs of cans of different sizes (such as small-capacity cans requiring small air volume and large-capacity cans requiring large air volume).

[0030] The connecting pipe includes a pipe body 2, which is connected to the base plate 1. The inner diameter of the pipe body 2 in different connecting pipes is different. An expansion part 9 is fixedly installed at both ends of the pipe body 2. The size of the expansion part 9 is adapted to the size of the air outlet pipe 4 and the air inlet pipe 3. That is, the inner diameter and outer diameter of the expansion part 9 are consistent with the inner diameter and outer diameter of the air inlet pipe 3 and the air outlet pipe 4. The inner wall of the pipe body 2 and the corresponding expansion part 9 are smoothly transitioned to ensure the coaxiality of the connecting pipe when it is connected to the air inlet pipe 3 and the air outlet pipe 4, and to avoid airflow turbulence caused by docking deviation.

[0031] The air inlet pipe 3 is connected to an external air pump, which can provide compressed air at a stable pressure. The air inlet pipe 3 serves as an airflow input channel to deliver compressed air into the connecting pipe. The air outlet pipe 4 is connected to the inflation mechanism of the necking machine and is used to deliver the regulated airflow to the necking process. The axis of the air outlet pipe 4 coincides with the axis of the air inlet pipe 3 to ensure a smooth airflow path and reduce airflow resistance.

[0032] When a specific size of aluminum can needs to be produced, an external rotary drive device is activated, causing the base plate 1 to rotate around its own axis. The base plate 1 then drives multiple connecting pipes to rotate synchronously. When the connecting pipe with a specified inner diameter (i.e., the pipe body 2 with a specified inner diameter) rotates to the space between the outlet pipe 4 and the inlet pipe 3, the rotary drive device stops operating. At this time, both ends of the connecting pipe correspond to the inlet pipe 3 and the outlet pipe 4, respectively. The sealing components at both ends of the connecting pipe are then activated to seal the joints between the connecting pipe and the inlet pipe 3 and the outlet pipe 4, preventing air leakage. An external air pump is activated, and compressed air enters the connecting pipe with the specified inner diameter through the inlet pipe 3. Since the inner diameter of the connecting pipe is fixed, the airflow... A stable flow rate is formed inside the pipe (the larger the inner diameter, the greater the air flow rate per unit time). Then, the airflow enters the outlet pipe 4 through the connecting pipe and is finally delivered to the inflation mechanism of the necking machine to provide a suitable inflation volume for the necking of the corresponding size of the can. When it is necessary to switch to the production of another size of can, there is no need to disassemble any pipes. The base plate 1 is rotated by the rotary drive equipment, and the connecting pipe with the corresponding inner diameter is rotated between the inlet pipe 3 and the outlet pipe 4 to complete the inflation volume adjustment. The entire switching process does not require machine shutdown and disassembly, which greatly shortens the adjustment time, improves the continuous operation efficiency of the production line, and solves the problem of frequent pipe replacement required by the traditional "single-size inflation channel".

[0033] Example 2: This embodiment mainly introduces the specific structure of the sealing assembly, focusing on how the sealing assembly achieves the sealing at the joint between the connecting pipe and the air inlet pipe 3 and the air outlet pipe 4, reducing air leakage and ensuring stable inflation volume.

[0034] The sealing assembly includes a fixed frame 5, which is fixedly installed on the outer ring surface of the expansion section 9. A sealing ring 6 is slidably installed inside the fixed frame 5. The sealing ring 6 is shaped like a "┏", with its vertical end sidewall located inside the fixed frame 5 and its horizontal end facing the air inlet pipe 3 or the air outlet pipe 4. The sealing ring 6 can slide axially within the fixed frame 5. The sealing ring 6 is driven by an electric push rod 7 installed inside the fixed frame 5. The output end of the electric push rod 7 is connected to the vertical end of the sealing ring 6 to drive the sealing ring 6 to move axially. An airbag 8 is fixedly installed on the inner ring surface of the horizontal end of the sealing ring 6. The airbag 8 is annular in shape. The sidewall of the vertical end of the sealing ring 6 has multiple communication ports that communicate with the airbag 8. The side of the sealing ring 6 near the center of the connecting pipe and located on the sidewall of the expansion section 9 has multiple air outlets. The air outlets and communication ports allow the airbag 8 to communicate with the expansion section 9. The sealing ring 6 and the fixed frame 5 slide to seal each other, preventing gas leakage.

[0035] When the designated connecting pipe is rotated between the inlet pipe 3 and the outlet pipe 4, the electric push rod 7 is activated. Its output end pushes the sealing ring 6 to slide along the fixed frame 5 away from the middle of the connecting pipe. The horizontal end of the sealing ring 6 gradually approaches the ports of the inlet pipe 3 and the outlet pipe 4 until it covers the joint between the connecting pipe (i.e., the expansion part 9) and the inlet pipe 3 and the outlet pipe 4. After the compressed air delivered by the external air pump enters the connecting pipe, part of the airflow flows out through the air outlet hole on the side wall of the expansion part 9, and then enters the airbag 8 through the connecting port at the vertical end of the sealing ring 6. The airbag 8 expands under the pressure of the airflow. Since the airbag 8 is made of elastic material, it will undergo corresponding elastic deformation according to the shape of the joint (such as slight gaps and interface contours) during the expansion process, and tightly fit the joint between the expansion part 9 and the air inlet pipe 3 and the air outlet pipe 4 to form the first sealing barrier. At the same time, the horizontal end of the sealing ring 6 with the "┏" shape can block the external gap at the joint. With the elastic seal of the airbag 8, it can effectively prevent the airflow from leaking from the joint, and finally achieve efficient sealing of the connection part, providing a guarantee for stable inflation volume.

[0036] Example 3: Based on Embodiment 2, to further improve the sealing effect, the sealing assembly also includes a limiting ring 10. Limiting rings 10 are fixedly installed on the outer sides of the inlet pipe 3 near the pipe body 2 and the outlet pipe 4 near the pipe body 2. The limiting ring 10 has a sealing groove 11 adapted to the sealing ring 6. The contour of the sealing groove 11 matches the shape of the horizontal end of the sealing ring 6, allowing the sealing ring 6 to slide and insert into the sealing groove 11. A pressing part is installed inside the sealing groove 11, including a pressing ring 12 and an elastic ring 13 as a spring unit. The pressing ring 12 is slidably connected to the limiting ring 10 via multiple sliding plates 15 fixedly installed on it. The sliding plates 15 are away from the pressing ring 12. One end of the tightening ring 12 extends through the limiting ring 10 into the interior of the sealing groove 11. The tightening ring 12 can move axially along the limiting ring 10, and the side of the tightening ring 12 facing the airbag 8 corresponds to the airbag 8. The cross-section of the elastic ring 13 is arched, with its arch apex facing the sealing ring 6. The arch foot of the elastic ring 13 away from the tightening ring 12 is a fixed end, which is fixedly installed inside the sealing groove 11. The arch foot of the other end is a floating end, which is slidably installed inside the sealing groove 11. The floating end of the elastic ring 13 is integrally formed with a top ring 14. The sides of the top ring 14 and the sliding plate 15 that abut against each other are both wedge-shaped, and the inclination angles of the wedge surfaces are consistent to ensure that the force can be smoothly transmitted when the two are in contact.

[0037] When the electric push rod 7 drives the sealing ring 6 to slide away from the connecting pipe, the horizontal end of the sealing ring 6 gradually inserts into the sealing groove 11 of the limiting ring 10. The outer wall of the sealing ring 6 fits tightly against the inner wall of the sealing groove 11, forming a labyrinth seal structure (the airflow must bypass the contact surface between the sealing ring and the sealing groove to leak, greatly increasing the leakage path length), thus forming a second sealing barrier. As the sealing ring 6 continues to insert into the sealing groove 11, the end of the sealing ring 6 contacts the dome of the elastic ring 13 and applies a clamping force, causing the dome of the elastic ring 13 to deform under pressure. Since one end of the arch is fixed and the other end is slidable, after being pressed, the floating end slides along the sealing groove 11 toward the slide plate 15, driving the top ring 14 to move synchronously; the top ring 14 contacts the wedge surface of the slide plate 15 through the wedge surface, converting the sliding thrust of the elastic ring 13 into pressure along the axial direction of the sealing groove 11, pushing the clamping ring 12 toward the airbag 8; after the clamping ring 12 contacts the airbag 8, it applies clamping force to the airbag 8, further compressing the airbag 8, making the airbag 8 fit more tightly at the joint, and even filling the tiny gaps.

[0038] The labyrinth seal (sealing ring 6 and sealing groove 11) and the airbag 8 work together to form a dual sealing structure of labyrinth seal and elastic compression seal. Even under high-pressure airflow (such as high inflation pressure required for large-size necked cans), it can effectively prevent airflow leakage, ensure accurate and stable inflation volume, and further improve the quality stability of necked can processing.

[0039] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A system for adjusting the inflation volume of a can necker, characterized in that, include: The substrate (1) is connected to an external rotary drive device; Multiple connecting tubes are evenly distributed along the circumference of the substrate (1) and are fixedly connected to the substrate (1). The multiple connecting tubes have different inner diameters to adapt to the manufacture of different sizes of easy-open cans. Air intake pipe (3), which is connected to an external air pump; The air outlet pipe (4) is connected to the air inflation mechanism of the necking machine, and the axis of the air outlet pipe (4) coincides with the axis of the air inlet pipe (3). The connecting pipe is equipped with sealing components at both ends. When the base plate (1) drives the designated connecting pipe to rotate between the air outlet pipe (4) and the air inlet pipe (3), the sealing components are connected to the air outlet pipe (4) and the air inlet pipe (3) respectively, and seal the joints between the two ends of the connecting pipe and the air outlet pipe (4) and the air inlet pipe (3).

2. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe includes: The tube (2) is connected to the substrate (1), and the inner diameter of the tube (2) in different connecting tubes is different; Two expansion sections (9) are located at both ends of the tube body (2), and the size of the expansion sections (9) is adapted to the size of the air outlet pipe (4) and the air inlet pipe (3); The connection between the expansion section (9) and the tube body (2) is smoothly transitioned.

3. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the connecting pipe is rotated between the outlet pipe (4) and the inlet pipe (3), the sealing assembly slides toward the center away from the connecting pipe, covering the joint between the expansion part (9) and the outlet pipe (4) and the inlet pipe (3). When the airflow passes through the inside of the connecting pipe, the sealing assembly generates corresponding elastic deformation according to the shape of the joint and fits the joint.

4. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing assembly includes: A fixing frame (5) is fixedly installed on the outer ring surface of the expansion portion (9); A sealing ring (6) is slidably mounted inside a fixed frame (5) and driven by an electric push rod (7) mounted inside the fixed frame (5); The airbag (8) is ring-shaped and is fixedly connected to the inner ring surface of the sealing ring (6), and the airbag (8) is connected to the expansion part (9).

5. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing ring (6) is shaped like a "┏". The airbag (8) is fixedly installed on the inner ring surface of the horizontal end. The side wall of the vertical end of the sealing ring (6) is located inside the fixed frame (5) and has multiple communication ports that communicate with the airbag (8). The sealing ring (6) is located on the side of the tube body (2) near the center position and has multiple air outlets on the side wall of the expansion part (9).

6. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing assembly further includes: The limiting ring (10) has a sealing groove (11) that is compatible with the sealing ring (6). When the sealing ring (6) extends out from the inside of the fixed frame (5), the sealing ring (6) and the sealing groove (11) are inserted to form a labyrinth seal.

7. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The sealing groove (11) has a pressing part inside. When the sealing ring (6) is inserted into the sealing groove (11), the sealing ring (6) applies a pressing force to the pressing part, and the pressing part applies a pressing force to the airbag (8), compressing the airbag (8).

8. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing part includes: An elastic unit is installed inside the sealing groove (11); The abutment ring (12) is slidably connected to the limiting ring (10) by a plurality of slide plates (15) fixedly installed thereon. The end of the slide plate (15) away from the abutment ring (12) extends through the limiting ring (10) into the interior of the sealing groove (11). When the elastic unit is subjected to the abutment force of the sealing ring (6), the elastic unit applies a thrust toward the airbag (8) to the abutment ring (12) through the slide plate (15), so that the abutment ring (12) applies abutment force to the airbag (8).

9. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic unit includes: The elastic ring (13) has an arched cross-section with its arch facing the sealing ring (6). The arch of the elastic ring (13) away from the clamping ring (12) is fixed and installed inside the sealing groove (11), while the arch of the other end is a floating end that is slidably installed inside the sealing groove (11). When the elastic ring (13) is subjected to clamping force, its floating end slides down and applies a thrust to the slide plate (15) in the direction of the airbag (8).

10. The air volume adjustment system for a can necker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The floating end of the elastic ring (13) is fixedly equipped with a top ring (14), which is integrally formed with the elastic ring (13). The sides of the top ring (14) and the sliding plate (15) that abut against each other are both wedge-shaped.

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