System for dynamically adjusting the position of a tool pack in a can body maker, and can body maker including same

Abstract

A tool pack apparatus for a can bodymaker having a frame, the tool pack including a number of forming dies and an adjustment apparatus, the adjustment apparatus including a plurality of adjustment mechanisms coupled between the tool pack and the frame, each adjustment mechanism being dynamically adjustable to selectively adjust the position of the tool pack relative to the frame and / or a ram body of the can bodymaker as the ram body passes through the tool pack during normal can body manufacturing operations of the can bodymaker.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 420,355, filed October 28, 2022, entitled "SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTING POSITIONING OF A TOOLPACK OF A CAN BODYMAKER INCLUDING SAME," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 416,190, filed 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."

[0002] <Technical field> The disclosed concepts generally relate to machines for manufacturing can bodies used in the food and beverage packaging industry, and more specifically to can body makers. More specifically, the disclosed concepts relate to mechanisms for sensing and adjusting the position of one or more components within a can body maker, such as a tool pack of the can body maker. The disclosed concepts further relate to systems and can body makers including such mechanisms that utilize such mechanisms to sense and dynamically adjust the position of one or more components within a can body maker, such as a tool pack. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, an aluminum can begins as a sheet of aluminum from which a circular blank is cut. The blank is formed into a cup having a bottom and associated sidewalls. The cup is delivered to a can bodymaker, which passes the cup through a tool pack, which thins and stretches the cup to create the can body. The cup is placed into a punch attached to an elongated ram. The ram is configured to reciprocate and pass the cup through the tool pack, which (re)draws and irons the cup. With each forward stroke of the ram, the cup passes through the tool pack, which forms the cup into a can body. Near the beginning of the return stroke, the stretched can body is removed from the ram before the punch moves back through the tool pack. A new cup is placed in the punch, which moves forward through the tool pack. After additional finishing operations, such as trimming, washing, and printing, each can body is sent to a filling machine, which fills the can body with product. The top is then bonded to the can body and sealed to the can body, thereby completing the can.

[0004] A can bodymaker's tool pack includes spaced dies, each with a substantially circular opening. Each die opening is slightly smaller than the adjacent upstream die. Thus, as the punch draws the cup through the first die and the redraw die, the aluminum cup deforms on the substantially cylindrical punch. Subsequent downstream dies in the tool pack have smaller inner diameters, i.e., smaller openings, causing the aluminum cup to thin as the ram moves the punch and the aluminum cup thereon through the remainder of the tool pack. The space between the ram and the redraw die is typically less than about 0.010 inches, and less than about 0.004 inches for the final ironing die.

[0005] After the cup (now roughly the shape of the can body) moves through the last die, the bottom and sidewalls of the cup have the desired thickness, and the only further deformation required is to form the bottom of the cup into an inwardly flaring (i.e., concave) dome. To accomplish this, the distal end of the punch is concave, and at the maximum extension of the ram, there is a generally convex dome-shaped element (with a shaped outer edge), commonly called a "domer." When the ram reaches its maximum extension, the bottom of the can body engages the domer and deforms into a dome, shaping the bottom of the can body as desired (typically bending inward to increase the strength of the can body and allow the resulting cans to be stacked). As the ram retracts, the can body is stripped from the end of the punch by injecting air into the center of the ram. The air moves through the ram and out the end of the punch, releasing the can body from the punch. Typically, there is a mechanical stripper that prevents the can body from becoming lodged on the punch as it retracts through the tool pack. As the ram is withdrawn through the tool pack, a new cup is placed in the punch and the cycle repeats.

[0006] The ram and tool pack are typically positioned in a generally horizontal orientation. However, this orientation allows for wear on the ram. That is, the dies on the tool pack must be spaced apart to allow for proper deformation of the blank / cup. This means that the ram must extend horizontally across the entire tool pack, typically 18 to 30 inches, slightly increasing the stroke length of the bodymaker (i.e., the distance the punch must travel). This means that the ram is essentially a cantilevered arm. As is well known, even very stiff members, when supported as cantilevers, will sag at their distal ends. While this sag is not typically an issue for stationary members, it is a problem for reciprocating punches / rams passing through multiple dies with radial clearances of less than about 0.004 inches. To compensate for punch / ram sag, the tool pack, domer, and stripper are typically statically aligned relative to the punch / ram before running the bodymaker. This process is critical because misalignment between the punch and die in the tool pack can cause defects in the can / container, tear the material, and / or damage the punch and die. However, such alignment may not be adequate for the dynamics of the moving ram / punch during the can bodymaker's operations to produce can bodies. There are also other factors (e.g., but not limited to, thermal expansion) that can cause the punch to not move concentrically with the centerline of the tool pack's die. Therefore, due to sag or other reasons, the ram / punch may become non-concentric with the tool pack's circular die during the bodymaker's operations. For example, the ram / punch may approach or contact the bottom of the die due to sag, deforming the can body and rendering it unusable, and over time, may cause premature wear and / or other damage to one or both of the tool pack's punches and / or dies. Similarly, heat and / or other influences can cause the ram / punch to move off-center in any direction, deforming the can body and rendering it unusable, and over time can cause premature wear and / or other damage to one or both of the punch and / or die of the tool pack.When any of these damage events occur, the damaged parts must be replaced. Furthermore, replacing such parts is a time-consuming procedure, and since a typical can body manufacturer produces over 15,000 cans per hour, any misalignment of the punch / ram is detrimental. That is, if the ram / punch is misaligned, it is unlikely that an acceptable can will be produced. Therefore, the ram / punch should always be aligned with the centerline of the tool pack (both horizontally and vertically).

[0007] In conventional systems, the can bodymaker is periodically shut down to verify that acceptable cans are being formed. This allows measurements of specific can bodies to be taken, particularly thickness measurements around the circumference of some can bodies. From these measurements, necessary adjustments can be made to the forming elements (e.g., ram / punch, tool pack, etc.) and / or the need for replacement of worn parts can be determined. Such adjustments and / or part replacements are then made, and the machine is returned to operation. The time required to perform such shutdowns to measure cans, adjust the position of bodymaker components, or replace components is inconvenient time when the bodymaker is not being used to produce cans. Thus, a problem noted with known systems and methods for aligning the punch / ram with the tool pack and / or other components of the can bodymaker is that they do not detect the position of the moving punch / ram and / or details of the can body being formed as the punch passes through the tool pack, and they do not provide for dynamic adjustment of the position of the can bodymaker components to correct for misalignment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosed concepts, a tool pack apparatus for a can bodymaker having a frame is presented, the tool pack apparatus including a tool pack having a plurality of forming dies, and an adjustment apparatus including several adjustment mechanisms configured to be coupled between the tool pack and the frame, each adjustment mechanism configured to dynamically and selectively adjust the position of the tool pack relative to the frame and / or a ram body of the can bodymaker as the ram body passes through the tool pack during normal can body manufacturing operations of the can bodymaker.

[0009] The adjustment device may further include a controller in communication with each adjustment mechanism of the number of adjustment mechanisms, the controller being configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the number of adjustment mechanisms. The tool pack may further include a sensing device in communication with the controller, the sensing device may include a number of sensors configured to detect positions of the number of components of the bodymaker, the controller being configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the number of adjustment mechanisms based at least in part on input received from the number of sensors.

[0010] Some adjustment mechanisms may be multiple adjustment mechanisms.

[0011] The tool pack apparatus may further include a cradle that supports the tool pack, and some of the adjustment mechanisms may be coupled to the tool pack via the cradle.

[0012] Some adjustment mechanisms may be actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

[0013] Each adjustment mechanism of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms may be actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

[0014] In another aspect, the disclosed and claimed concepts provide a can bodymaker for forming a plurality of can bodies, the can bodymaker including a frame, a ram, an actuator configured to impart reciprocating motion to the ram, a tool pack apparatus including a tool pack having a number of forming dies positioned for passage of the ram through the reciprocating motion imparted by the actuator, and an adjustment apparatus including a number of adjustment mechanisms coupled between the tool pack and the frame, each adjustment mechanism being dynamically adjustable to selectively adjust the position of the tool pack relative to the frame and / or the ram as the ram passes through the tool pack during normal can body manufacturing operations of the can bodymaker.

[0015] The adjustment device may further comprise a controller in communication with each adjustment mechanism of the number of adjustment mechanisms, the controller being configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the plurality of adjustment devices.

[0016] The adjustment device may further comprise a sensing device in communication with the controller, which may include a number of sensors configured to detect the position of a number of components of the bodymaker, and the controller may be configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the number of adjustment mechanisms based at least in part on input received from the number of sensors.

[0017] Some adjustment mechanisms may be multiple adjustment mechanisms.

[0018] The can bodymaker may further include a cradle that supports the tool pack, and some adjustment mechanisms may be coupled to the tool pack via the cradle.

[0019] Some adjustment mechanisms may be actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

[0020] Each adjustment mechanism of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms is actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

[0021] These and other objects, features, and attributes of the disclosed concepts, methods of operation and function of the associated elements of structure, and combinations thereof with economies of part and manufacture will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application, and in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views, with the express understanding, however, that the drawings are provided for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the concepts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] The disclosed concepts can be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can body maker according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0024] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective, partially schematic view of a sensing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0025] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view partially illustrating the detection device of FIG.

[0026] [Figure 4] 4 is a series of graphs illustrating exemplary output signals from sensors of the sensing device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 when used in a can body maker actively forming / manufacturing can bodies such as that shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a can body maker having a ram assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0028] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the can body maker of FIG.

[0029] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the can body maker of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0030] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ram assembly of FIGS. 5-7.

[0031] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a portion of the ram assembly of FIG.

[0032] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the ram assembly of FIGS. 5-8.

[0033] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the ram assembly shown in FIG. 10 , shown with an exemplary tool pack disposed therewith in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0034] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of a thermodynamic regulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0035] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a ram assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0036] [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a carriage of a portion of the ram assembly of FIG. 13 with a portion of the ram body positioned in a cylindrical aperture in the carriage.

[0037] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a portion of FIG.

[0038] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can body maker similar to that of FIG. 1, according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0039] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a can body maker illustrating an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a tool pack of the can body maker, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0040] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a can body maker illustrating an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a tool pack of the can body maker according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0041] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a can body maker illustrating an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a tool pack of the can body maker according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0042] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of a can body maker showing an adjustment device for adjusting the position of a tool pack of the can body maker according to a further exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts, and thus specific dimensions, orientations, and other physical characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0044] As used herein, the term "can" means any known or suitable container configured to contain contents (e.g., without limitation, liquid, food, or any other suitable substance), and specifically includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans such as beer cans and soda cans, as well as cans used for food.

[0045] As used herein, a "target location" is a selected location of a component relative to one or more other components.

[0046] As used herein, "dynamically positioning" means positioning a component relative to one or more other components of a can-making machine based on measurements taken while the punch is moving. This includes adjusting the component while the punch is moving, as well as when the punch is stationary, so long as measurements are taken while the punch is moving.

[0047] As used herein, "actively positioning" means positioning one component relative to one or more other components as the punch moves.

[0048] As used herein, "coupled" means a connection between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a connection occurs. An object that rests in place on another object solely by gravity is not "coupled" to the object below unless the upper object is otherwise 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 coupled to the table.

[0049] As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are coupled in direct contact with each other.

[0050] As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled in a manner that allows them to move while maintaining a constant orientation relative to one another. Fixed components may or may not be directly coupled.

[0051] As used herein, the term "integral" means that a component is made as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes multiple pieces that are made separately and then joined together as a unit is not a "integral" component or structure.

[0052] As used herein, "associated" means that the identified components are related to, in contact with, and / or interact with each other. For example, an automobile may have four tires and four hubs, and each hub is "associated" with a particular tire.

[0053] As used herein, "engage," when used in connection with gears or other parts having teeth, means that the teeth of the gears interface so that rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate.

[0054] As used herein, the term "several" means one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

[0055] As used herein, "normal operation" of a bodymaker means operating the bodymaker in full production mode for an extended period of time with the intent of producing an optimal number of can bodies for that particular bodymaker over that extended period of time.

[0056] As used herein, an "electromagnetic adjustment device" is a mechanism for adjusting the position of one or more elements that utilizes controlled electromagnetic forces to control / adjust the position.

[0057] As used herein, a "thermodynamic regulator" is a device for regulating the position of one of the elements, which utilizes temperature and temperature changes to control / regulate the position.

[0058] 1, a can bodymaker or can manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a can body maker or can manufacturing apparatus 12 configured to provide cyclical and / or reciprocating motion (as indicated by double arrow 13), a ram 14, a loading station 16, a die assembly or tool pack 18, a can stripper 20, and a domer assembly 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the foregoing components is coupled directly or indirectly to a frame or housing (schematically indicated at 24) that maintains those components and / or selected portions thereof in a known relationship relative to one or more of the others.

[0059] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , the ram 14 has an elongated, substantially cylindrical ram body 26 disposed about a longitudinal axis 28 along which the ram 14 moves back and forth. The ram body 26 includes a proximal end 30 located nearest the actuator 12 and coupled to the actuator 12, and a distal end 32 disposed opposite the proximal end 30. A punch 34 is disposed at or across the distal end 32 of the ram 14. The punch 34 is a generally cylindrical body having a concave distal end 36 that may be shaped to correspond to a cavity 38 in a domer die 40 of the domer assembly 22. The actuator 12 imparts a reciprocating motion to the ram body 26, moving the ram body 26, and therefore the punch 34, back and forth along its longitudinal axis 28. That is, punch 34 is configured to reciprocate between a retracted position, in which punch 34 is disposed between loading station 16 and actuator 12, and an extended position. In the extended position, the ram body extends generally horizontally through tool pack 18, and a distal end 36 of punch 34 is positioned adjacent to the bottom of a can body disposed within punch 34 and indirectly engages, via the bottom of the body, a convex dome forming portion 42 provided as part of domer die 40 of domer assembly 22 and extending into a cavity 38 thereof.

[0060] The tool pack 18 includes a plurality of dies 50 (e.g., but not limited to, three shown in this example) each having an opening 52. The opening 52A of the first die 50A (the die 50 closest to the actuator 12) is slightly larger than the opening 52B of the second (center shown) die 50B. The opening 52B of the second die 50B is slightly larger than the opening 52C of the third die 50C (the die farthest from the actuator 12). That is, in one exemplary embodiment, the radius of the opening 52A of the first die 50A is approximately 0.010 inches larger than the radius of the punch 34, the radius of the opening 52B of the second die 50B is approximately 0.007 inches larger than the radius of the punch 34, and the radius of the opening 52C of the third die 50C is approximately 0.004 inches larger than the radius of the punch 34. The openings 52 of the die 50 are disposed along a common axis 54 that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 28 of the ram body 26 .

[0061] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the can body maker 10 is configured to transform a cup into a can body, to which a top is later added to form the can. The cup is placed onto / over the punch 34 by the loading station 16, which then passes the punch 34 forward through the tool pack 18 from a retracted position to an extended position, as previously described. As the punch 34 pushes the cup through the tool pack 18, ideally the cup is thinned and stretched to the desired length and wall thickness, provided that the opening 52 in the die 54 of the die pack 18 is properly aligned with the path of the punch 34. The stretched cup is the can body.

[0062] The domer assembly 22 is positioned at the end of the stroke of the ram body 26. The domer assembly 22 includes a domer die 40, which is coupled to the frame 24 of the can bodymaker 10 by a mount assembly 56. The mount assembly 56 may be of any suitable configuration. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts, the mount assembly 56 is arranged in a manner similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,713,980, incorporated herein by reference, to allow for dynamic adjustment of the position of the domer die 40 (as described below). The domer die 40 is a body 44 having a cavity 38 that defines a convex dome forming portion 42. The cavity 38 may include other features configured to shape the bottom of a cup. Ideally, the center of the dome forming portion 42 is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis 28 of the ram body 26. In such a configuration, when the ram body 26 is in its maximum extended position, i.e., the aforementioned extended position, the cup bottom, i.e., the portion of the cup that occupies 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 on the newly formed can body, which is still disposed in the punch 34, the ram body 26 begins the retraction portion of its stroke from the extended position back toward the retracted position.

[0063] The can stripper 20 is positioned on the outer surface of the stripper septum 60 opposite the tool pack 18. After the dome forms at the bottom of the can and the ram 14 begins to move rearward, the can stripper 20 removes the can body from the punch 34. Thus, the punch 34 moves rearward without a cup or other material between it and the die 50 of the tool pack 18. In this configuration, the punch 34 may contact the die 50, potentially causing damage to the punch 34 and / or the die 50. To prevent or reduce this damage, it is advantageous to have the longitudinal axis 28 of the ram body 26 substantially coincident with the die axis 54. That is, the punch 34 should not vibrate, sag, or become misaligned (e.g., due to thermal effects) relative to the die axis 54. The punch 34, located at the distal end 32 of the ram body 26, is a cantilevered body and is therefore prone to sagging. Furthermore, if the dome 42 of the domer die 40 is not aligned with the longitudinal axis 28 of the ram body 26, the punch 34 may be pushed out of alignment with the die axis 54 as it enters the cavity 38 of the domer die 40, and then snap back, or snap, as it exits the cavity 38. This action causes the punch 34 to vibrate. While misalignment caused by the amount of sag, vibration, and other factors (e.g., thermal effects) is typically small, the tolerance between the punch 34 and the opening 52 of each die 50 of the tool pack 18 is small enough that misalignment can cause contact between the punch 34 and the opening 52.

[0064] 1 and with continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the can bodymaker 10 further includes a sensing system 100 having a sensing device 110 for performing dynamic measurements of the can body being formed on the punch 34 and for measuring the position of the punch 34 (and therefore the ram body 26) relative to one or more components of the can bodymaker 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sensing device 110 is disposed at or within the stripper septum 60 between the tool pack 18 and the can stripper 20 and is coupled to the stripper septum 60. As described elsewhere herein, the sensing device 110 may be positioned elsewhere along the path of the punch 34 (e.g., without limitation, on, within, or adjacent to the tool pack 18) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. The sensing device 110 includes a frame 112 disposed about an opening 114 through which the punch 34 / ram body 26 can pass freely. The frame 112 is configured to be secured to a desired component, such as the stripper septum 60 in the illustrated example, or to any other desired component for a particular application. The sensing device 110 further includes a plurality of sensors 116 coupled to the frame 112 about a sensing axis 118 that passes through the opening 114. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the sensing device 110 includes four sensors 116 that are substantially identical in structure. Each sensor is spaced a distance R ( FIG. 3 ) from the sensing axis 118 and is spaced at 90° angular increments about the sensing axis 118. In the exemplary embodiment, each sensor 116 is spaced from the sensing axis 118 by a distance R that is 0.030 inches greater than the intended radius of the can body on the punch 34. While four sensors 116 are shown, it should be understood that configurations utilizing at least three sensors 116 may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. Each sensor 116 stores the series of samples collected and communicates with a controller 120 provided as a component of the detection system 100, passing data over a wired or Bluetooth network at a defined transfer rate and using a predetermined protocol.Each sensor 116 is configured to provide a signal to the controller 120 from which certain characteristics of the punch 34 and the can body placed thereon (as they pass through the opening 114 after passing through the tool pack 18) can be determined. Such characteristics include the position of the punch 34 (and thus the ram body 26) relative to each of the sensors 116 (and the frame 112, the components to which the frame 112 is coupled, etc.), the presence (or absence) of a can body, the length of the can body present at the punch 34, and the thickness of the can body (including its variation along the height and / or around the circumference of the can body, if multiple sensors are considered).

[0065] In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts, each sensor 116 is an inductive proximity sensor configured to provide an output signal to the controller 120 proportional to a distance D1 from that sensor 116 to a surface 122 of the punch 34 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3 ) and / or a distance D2 from that sensor 116 to a surface 124 of the can body (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3 ). In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts, distance D1 is determined by specifications set forth in the quality standard instructions and often ranges from 0.0065 inches to 0.0040 inches, with a minimum of 0.038 inches. Distance D2 represents a safe distance between the container / punch OD wall and the physical sensing coil, ranging from approximately 0.080 inches to 0.030 inches, depending on the container wall thickness as defined by the quality standard instructions.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a series of graphs illustrating exemplary output signals generated by the four sensors 116 of the sensing device 110 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) when the sensing device 110 is used in the can body maker 10 shown in FIG. 1 while the can body maker 10 is actively forming / producing can bodies. Each waveform in the graph represents one complete cycle or stroke as the target passes the sensing device 110. The changes in the output signals are interpreted by an algorithm in the controller 120 to provide details regarding the ironing or forming of the container (i.e., the can body). Such interpretations include, but are not limited to, ram temperature, ram speed, inlet / outlet angles, position relative to the calculated center, container wall thickness, and its variation along the body of the container. Additionally, these waveforms provide a target position derived from the known position of the sensing coil.

[0067] 1 uses a programmable logic circuit (PLC) and stored algorithms to analyze signals from the sensors 116 and provide output 126. Output 126 may simply be provided to a user as a report providing information regarding can body details and / or the placement of the punch 34 / ram body 26 relative to the detection device 110. Output 126 may also be provided to and utilized by other systems and / or mechanisms to control / adjust operation of the bodymaker 10 and / or to control / adjust the placement of one or more components of the bodymaker 10, as described below. While the controller 120 is shown as a stand-alone component, it should be understood that the controller 120 may also be a control device used for other operations associated with the bodymaker 10.

[0068] 5-15 illustrate several example configurations of ram assemblies and related components according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts. These embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with sensing devices and / or systems such as those described above, utilizing feedback from such sensing devices / systems to effect selective adjustment of the position of the ram body / punches located thereon during normal operation of the bodymaker.

[0069] 5-7, an exemplary ram assembly 200 according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts is shown disposed within a portion of a can body maker 210 (e.g., of similar construction to the can body maker 10 described above). The ram assembly 200 includes a carriage 202 (e.g., formed from aluminum or other suitable material) slidably engaged with a pair of slideways 204 (each designated 204) that are rigidly coupled to a frame 206 of the can body maker 210. The carriage 202 is disposed within the can body maker 210 and operably coupled to a suitable actuator 212 (similar to the actuator 12 described above, as shown in FIG. 6). The actuator 212 is configured to move the carriage back and forth in a reciprocating manner similar to carriage members commonly known in the art. The ram assembly 200 further includes a generally cylindrical, elongated ram body 208 extending between a first end 208A and an opposite second end 208B. The first end 208A of the ram body 208 is coupled to the carriage 202, and the second end 208B of the ram body 208 includes a punch 214 disposed thereon. The punch 214 may be coupled to the ram body 208 or may be formed as part of the ram body 208. The ram body 208 is supported (e.g., via appropriate seals and / or bearing arrangements) at a location (not numbered) between the first end 208A and the second end 208B by a main bulkhead 215 that is rigidly coupled to the frame 206 of the can body maker 210. The position between the first end 208A and the second end 208B at which the ram body 208 is supported by the main bulkhead 215 changes due to the reciprocating motion of the ram body 208 relative to the frame 206 of the can body maker 210. In this manner, the carriage 202 (and thus the ram body 208 via the carriage 202) is operably coupled to the actuator 212 of the can body maker 210.In operation, the actuator 212 moves the carriage 202 (and thus the ram body 208 and punch 214) back and forth generally along the main axis 216 (FIG. 5) (with the ram body supported by the main bulkhead 215) during normal can forming operations of the can bodymaker 210 (as generally described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4).

[0070] With continued reference to Figures 5-7, and further reference to Figures 8 and 9, the ram assembly 200 further includes an adjustment device 220 configured to provide dynamic adjustment of the radial position of the punch 214 (and portion of the ram body 208) relative to the main axis 216 as the ram body 208 moves through the main partition 215 and the punch 214 moves generally along the main axis 216 during normal can forming operation of the can bodymaker 210. The adjustment device 220 can be of various types. For example, the embodiment shown in Figures 5-9 includes an electromagnetic adjustment device 222 that includes several electromagnetic bearings 224 (shown schematically) located in and / or on each slideway 204 facing the carriage 202 for interacting with the carriage 202. More specifically, as shown in the detailed view of Figure 9, in such an exemplary embodiment, each slideway 204 is a C-shaped member having three inwardly facing surfaces 204A, 204B, and 204C, and an electromagnetic bearing 224 is disposed within and / or on each of the inwardly facing surfaces 204A, 204B, and 204C. Each electromagnetic bearing 224 is coupled to a suitable controller 226 (such as the controller 120 described above with respect to Figure 1), which is configured to selectively vary the electromagnetic force of one or more of the electromagnetic bearings 224 as desired, thus providing selectively variable positioning of the carriage 202 relative to the slideway 204 (and thus the frame 206 and components of the bodymaker 210 directly or indirectly coupled thereto). This mechanism of these electromagnetic bearings 224 therefore allows for selective adjustment of the path / strike location of the active punch 214 during normal operation of the bodymaker by using the ram body 208 and main bulkhead 215 as a lever / fulcrum mechanism to adjust the position of the carriage 202 as it moves along the slideway 204. For example, moving the carriage 202, and thus the first end 208A of the ram body 208, downward moves the second end 208B of the ram body 208, and thus the punch 214, upward; moving the carriage 202 to one side moves the punch 214 to the opposite side.As an alternative to such an adjustment mechanism in which adjustment is made via interaction between the carriage and the corresponding slideway, such adjustment may instead be performed by adjusting the interaction / positioning of the slideway relative to the bodymaker's frame. In another exemplary embodiment according to the disclosed concepts, the shape / relationship of the slideway 204 and the moving carriage 202 is reversed so that the outer edges (not numbered) of each side of the carriage 202 are generally C-shaped, and each slideway 204 is a rail-like element that is positioned in a groove formed by the side of each C-shape of the carriage 202. In such a configuration, several electromagnetic bearings 224 are positioned in and / or on each slideway 204 facing the carriage 202 to interact with the carriage 202, but because the shape is reversed, the electromagnetic bearings 224 face outward from each slideway 204 toward the inward-facing surface of the C-shaped side of the carriage 202.

[0071] 13-15 show a ram assembly 200' according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts, which also utilizes an electromagnetic adjustment device 222'. Similar to ram assembly 200, ram assembly 200' includes a carriage 202' movable back and forth via an actuator (such as actuator 212 or other suitable mechanism) and a generally cylindrical, elongated ram body 208 having a first end 208A and an opposite second end 208B. The first end 208A of the ram body 208 is supported / carried by the carriage 202', while the second end 208B of the ram body 208 includes a punch 214 disposed thereon. Unlike the electromagnetic adjustment device 222 of the ram assembly 200, which utilizes electromagnetic bearings 224 to selectively control / vary the position of the carriage 202 (and thus the ram body 208 and punch 214) relative to the slideway 204, the electromagnetic adjustment device 222' of the ram assembly 200' includes / utilizes electromagnetic bearings 224' disposed facing the ram body 208 within and / or on the surface of a cylindrical aperture 226 defined in or by the carriage 202'. Each electromagnetic bearing 224' is coupled to a suitable control device 226' (such as the controller 120 described above or other suitable mechanism) configured to selectively vary the electromagnetic force of one or more of the electromagnetic bearings 224', thereby selectively varying the position of the first end 208A of the ram body 208 relative to the carriage 202', thereby varying the position of the second end 208B of the ram body 208 and the punch 214 coupled thereto, similar to the adjustment device 222 of FIGS.

[0072] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the electromagnetic regulators 222, 222′, such as the examples described above (or another suitable configuration), the regulator 220 may be a thermodynamic regulator 230 that selectively manipulates the temperature distribution at several points (four shown here) around the ram body 208 to induce a controlled deflection of the ram body 208 to selectively control the position of the second end 208B of the ram body 208 and, therefore, the position of the punch 214, and to correct undesirable straightness errors in the ram (e.g., due to deflection or other effects). Referring to FIGS. 10-12 , the thermodynamic regulator 230 includes a plurality of thermal control valves 232, each in communication with an appropriate coolant supply 240 ( FIG. 12 ) and configured to control the flow of coolant therethrough. The plurality of thermal control valves 232 are disposed in and by a mounting ring 234 about the ram body 208. More specifically, the attachment ring 234 includes a central opening 236 and a plurality of second apertures 238 (shown in hidden lines in FIG. 12 ) defined therein and extending generally perpendicular (i.e., radially) to the central opening 236. The central opening 236 is sized to allow the ram body 208 to pass through the central opening 236 without contact between the ring 234 and the ram body 208, while allowing coolant provided by the coolant supply 240 via one or more of the thermal control valves 232 to flow through the annular space between the ring 234 and the ram body 208. Each of the plurality of second apertures 238 accommodates an outlet (not numbered) of an individual one of the plurality of thermal control valves 232. In the example shown in FIGS. 10-12 , four thermal control valves 232 are used, oriented radially and spaced at 90-degree intervals around the central opening 236 through which the ram body 208 passes. However, it should be understood that one or more of the number, spacing, and / or location / orientation of the control valves 232 (and associated components) may be varied to suit the particular requirements of a particular application without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts.Each thermal control valve 232 is configured such that, upon activation (i.e., open) of a particular thermal control valve 232, coolant from the coolant supply 240 is provided to a corresponding portion (i.e., four quadrants in the example of FIGS. 10-12 ) of the ram body 208 to selectively cool such portion. As a result of such selective cooling, the ram body 208 is selectively bent in a predictable manner to selectively adjust the position of the punch 214 and / or correct undesired curvature of the ram body 208.

[0073] The location of the thermodynamic adjustment device 230 along the axis 216 generally depends on the desired sensitivity of the ram strike location to thermal deformation. For example, placing the device 230 farther from the tool pack 218 (FIG. 11) results in a greater deviation in strike location for the same thermal stress on the ram body 208 as the cantilever (i.e., the length of the ram body 208 that exists between the device 230 and the tool pack 218) becomes longer. Therefore, the location of the device 230 relative to the tool pack 218 can be used as a "sensitivity control" function depending on the bodymaker stroke and the overall length of the ram body.

[0074] From the above examples, it will be appreciated that by utilizing feedback from sensing devices, such as sensing device 110, to determine / make adjustments via adjustment device 220 in a closed-loop feedback mechanism, embodiments of the disclosed concepts enable dynamic adjustments to be made during normal body manufacturing operations of the can body maker without shutting down the body maker.

[0075] As an alternative to, or in addition to, adjusting the position of the ram body / punch itself as described above, the positions of other components within the can body maker may be adjusted to ensure optimal alignment between the ram body / punch and the tool pack and / or the particular forming die of the tool pack. One example of such a configuration in accordance with the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 16, which shows a can body maker 10' similar to the can body maker 10 shown in FIG. 1 and described above. The can body maker 10' differs from the can body maker 10 in that it includes a sensing system 100' having a sensing device 110' (similar to sensing device 110 or other suitable sensing device) secured / coupled to the tool pack 18. In the particular example shown in FIG. 16, the sensing device 110' is coupled adjacent to, and more specifically to the interior of, the third die 50C (i.e., the last / end die through which the cup / formed can passes before exiting the tool pack 18). However, it should be understood that sensing device 110' may be coupled / fixed to tool pack 18 opposite third die 50C or at any other location on or within tool pack 18 without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. Furthermore, sensing device 110' may be located adjacent / proximate to tool pack 18 (e.g., without being directly coupled thereto) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. It should also be understood that two or more sensing devices 110' (and / or 110) may be used on or within tool pack 18 and / or outside of tool pack 18 (e.g., as shown, but not limited to, in FIG. 1 ) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. Similar to sensing device 100, sensing device 100' includes a controller (including, but not limited to, a controller the same as or similar to controller 120 described above) in communication with sensing device 110' (and / or other sensing devices).

[0076] 16, the sensing system 100′ further includes an adjustment device 80 in communication with / controlled by the controller 120. The adjustment device 80 is coupled to the tool pack 18 and (based on feedback from the sensing device 110′) selectively adjusts (e.g., vertically, horizontally, or a combination thereof, under direction of the controller 120) the position of the tool pack 18 relative to the frame 24 and / or ram 14 (or parts / portions contained therein), and thus the position of the opening 52 of the die 50 of the tool pack 18 relative to the ram 14 / punch 34 as the ram 14 / punch 34 passes therethrough during normal can body manufacturing operations of the bodymaker 10′. The adjustment device 80 may be mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically actuated (or via other suitable mechanisms) to physically adjust the tool pack 18 directly or indirectly via one or more elements (unnumbered) that support the tool pack 18. It should be understood that the adjustment device 80 may include any suitable number (i.e., one or more) mechanisms for adjusting the tool pack 18 as a whole or its individual dies 50 without changing the scope of the disclosed concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the configuration shown in FIG. 16 provides an adjustment device that dynamically adjusts the position of the tool pack 18 (and / or its individual dies 50) via a controlled feedback loop including the controller 120 and the sensing device 110′ (as well as other sensing devices, depending on the application) to align the tool pack 18 with the ram 14 / punch 34 as the pitch of the ram 14 changes as a side effect of speed during normal can body manufacturing operations of the bodymaker 10′.

[0077] 17-20 are several views of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of adjustment devices 80 for use with bodymaker 10, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts. In each such example, adjustment device 80 includes several, or more specifically, a plurality of adjustment devices 82, in communication with / controlled by a controller, such as controller 120 shown in the exemplary configuration of FIG. 16. Each adjustment device 82 may be a suitable mechanism driven mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically, or via any other suitable mechanism, to physically adjust tool pack cradle 84 (which houses tool pack 18; see FIG. 17) or to directly adjust tool pack 18 itself relative to frame 24 and / or ram 14 (or components thereof) by moving rails 85 (FIG. 18) on which tool pack 18 is positioned. Some non-limiting examples of suitable configurations that may be used as the one or more adjustment devices 82 include, but are not limited to, a motor connected to a threaded shaft that directs the adjustment motion of the tool pack parallel to the axis of the thread, and a piston / cylinder mechanism in which a fluid is compressed to drive the movement of the piston.

[0078] The adjustment devices 82 may be arranged in several different ways depending on the desired adjustability for the positioning of the tool pack 18. In any case, each adjustment device is typically coupled (either directly or via one or more elements coupled therebetween) between the frame 24 of the bodymaker 10 (or an element or combination thereof connected to the frame 24) and the tool pack 18. As an example, the mechanism shown in FIG. 17 uses four adjustment devices 82, each engaging (directly) with a cradle 84 that supports the tool pack 18 and generally biases the tool pack 18 against an appropriate flexible member 86. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 18, two adjustment devices 82 are used to adjust the support rails 85 of the tool pack 18. The example shown in FIG. 19 utilizes a similar flexible member 86 as the example shown in FIG. 17 , but uses two adjustment devices 82 positioned generally 90° relative to one another and that more directly engage (e.g., via a backing plate 88) the tool pack 18 (which is shown as possibly being restrained via another backing plate 90). In contrast, the example shown in FIG. 20 uses two adjustment devices 82 spaced apart along the bottom of the tool pack 18 and that engage the tool pack 18 generally via a backing plate 88. It will be appreciated that such configurations, combinations of all or some of them, or other variations thereof, can be used to provide dynamic adjustment of the position (generally in any direction and / or angle) of the tool pack 18 relative to the path of the ram body 26 / punch 34, and to optimize such positioning of the tool pack 18 as needed during operation of the bodymaker 10 (or generally at any time during or outside of operation) during normal can body manufacturing operations.

[0079] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosed concepts provide a can bodymaker that can dynamically adjust the positions of its components to maintain proper alignment between the can bodymaker components while performing normal can body manufacturing operations. Such a bodymaker can operate more autonomously and require less downtime than conventional configurations.

[0080] While specific embodiments of the disclosed concepts have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and substitutions to those details may be made in light of the overall teachings of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting on the scope of the present disclosure, which is given the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0081] In the claims, any signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. The word "comprises" or "includes" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of several such elements. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. 1. A tool pack apparatus for a framed can body maker, comprising: The tool pack device a tool pack having several forming dies; an adjustment device including a number of adjustment mechanisms configured to be coupled between the tool pack and the frame; It is equipped with and each adjustment device is configured to dynamically and selectively adjust the position of the tool pack relative to the frame and / or the ram body of the can bodymaker as the ram body passes through the tool pack during normal can body manufacturing operations of the can bodymaker.

2. the adjustment device further comprises a controller in communication with each adjustment mechanism of the number of adjustment mechanisms; The tool pack apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the several adjustment mechanisms.

3. further comprising a detector in communication with the controller; the sensing device includes several sensors configured to detect the position of several components of the can body maker; The tool pack apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to selectively control adjustment of each of the number of adjustment mechanisms based at least in part on inputs received from the number of sensors.

4. The tool pack apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the number of adjustment mechanisms is a plurality of adjustment mechanisms.

5. 2. The tool pack apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cradle supporting the tool pack, the number of adjustment mechanisms being coupled to the tool pack via the cradle.

6. 10. The tool pack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the several adjustment mechanisms are actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

7. 5. The tool pack apparatus of claim 4, wherein each adjustment mechanism of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms is actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

8. 1. A can body maker for forming a plurality of can bodies, The frame and Ram and an actuation mechanism configured to impart reciprocating motion to the ram; a tool pack device; It is equipped with The tool pack device a tool pack having several forming dies arranged to pass through said ram as it is reciprocated by said actuation mechanism; an adjustment device including several adjustment mechanisms coupled between the tool pack and the frame; It is equipped with wherein each adjustment mechanism is dynamically adjustable to selectively adjust the position of the tool pack relative to the frame and / or the ram as the ram passes through the tool pack during normal can body manufacturing operations of the can body maker.

9. the adjustment device further comprises a controller in communication with each adjustment mechanism of the number of adjustment mechanisms; The can bodymaker of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the plurality of adjustment mechanisms.

10. the adjusting device further comprises a sensing device in communication with the controller; the sensing device includes several sensors configured to detect the position of several components of the can body maker; 10. The can bodymaker of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to selectively control each adjustment performed by the number of adjustment mechanisms based at least in part on inputs received from the number of sensors.

11. 9. The can body maker of claim 8, wherein the number of adjustment mechanisms is a plurality of adjustment mechanisms.

12. 9. The can bodymaker of claim 8, further comprising a cradle supporting the tool pack, the number of adjustment mechanisms being coupled to the tool pack via the cradle.

13. 9. The can bodymaker of claim 8, wherein each adjustment mechanism of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms is actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

14. 12. The can bodymaker of claim 11, wherein each adjustment mechanism of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms is actuated by one or more of mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and / or hydraulic means.

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