Conversion Press and Tab Stock Feeder Assembly

Abstract

Tab stock feeder assembly 20 for press 10 includes a plurality of support elements 22, a plurality of rotating elements 24, and several actuating elements 26. Each rotating element 24 is rotatably coupled to an associated support element 22. Each actuating element 26 is coupled to at least one of a support element 22 or a rotating element 24, and each actuating element 26 is configured to engage with a rotating element 24. Tab stock feeder assembly 20 further includes a wear reduction assembly (30) including a plurality of wear reduction elements 32. Each of the plurality of support elements 22 has at least one wear reduction assembly wear reduction element 32 disposed between the rotating element 24 and the associated support element 22.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] <CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS> This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 711,585, filed Dec. 12, 2019, entitled "CONVERSION PRESS AND TAB STOCK FEEDER ASSEMBLY THEREFOR."

[0002] <Field of the Invention> The disclosed concepts relate to a tab stock feeder assembly for a press, such as a conversion press, and more particularly to a tab stock feeder assembly that includes a wear reduction assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, metal containers, such as, but not limited to, beverage cans and beer cans, include a can end having a tear panel and a tab (i.e., pull tab) that is pivotally coupled to the can end adjacent the tear panel. To open the container, a user lifts one end of the tab so that the opposite end engages the tear panel. Actuation of the tab separates a portion of the tear panel from the remainder of the can end to form an opening in the can end.

[0004] The tabs are formed in a tab press, or more typically, a conversion press. A conversion press is a press that is configured to form both can ends and tabs. Regardless of the type of press used, the tabs are formed from a sheet or coil of metal, such as, but not limited to, aluminum. Material in the form of a metal sheet or coil is referred to herein as "tab stock." That is, the tab stock moves through a tab stock feeder to the forming elements of the press where the metal is formed into a tab, cut from the sheet / coil, and joined to a can end (formed simultaneously from another metal sheet / coil or from a pre-made shell). As is known, the forming / cutting / joining is accomplished by a press having an upper (i.e., first) tooling and a lower (i.e., second) tooling. Each tooling has various forming structures attached to it for forming the metal. Each set of opposing forming structures is typically identified as a "station." Each forming station is configured to partially create a tab and / or a can end. That is, material advances through the tooling and a portion of the tab / can end is created at each station. Typically, the tabs are separated from the tab stock only as they are attached to the can ends. A conveyor, such as, but not limited to, a belt conveyor, moves the can ends as they are separated from the formed sheet / coil. When the can ends with attached tabs reach the edge of the tooling, the can ends are substantially complete. The creation of the tabs is described in more detail below, without reference to the can ends.

[0005] That is, the upper tooling shuttles between a first position spaced from the lower tooling and a second forming position adjacent the lower tooling to produce the tab. It will be appreciated that when the upper tooling is in the second position, a forming structure engages the tab stock to form the tab stock. Further, as is known, when the upper tooling is in the first position, the tab stock advances and the tab is progressively produced by the station.

[0006] The tab stock feeder is a structure that advances the tab stock. It will be appreciated that the tab stock feeder is configured to move the tab stock when the upper tooling is not in the second position. That is, when the upper tooling is in the second position, the tab stock cannot be advanced because the molding structure is engaged with the tab stock. Thus, the tab stock feeder is configured to advance the tab stock when the upper tooling is not in the second position and to disengage the tab stock when the upper tooling is in the second position.

[0007] In a typical embodiment, the tab stock feeder includes a drive wheel, a base, a lift member, and a bias roller. A motor or similar structure is operatively coupled to the drive wheel to rotate the drive wheel. The lift member is pivotally coupled to the base and configured for reciprocating pivotal movement between a first position in which the lift member is substantially adjacent the base and a second position in which the lift member is substantially spaced from the base. In an exemplary embodiment, a rotating cam member coupled to the base moves the lift member between the first and second positions. The bias roller is coupled to the lift member and moves therewith. The bias roller is disposed generally above the drive wheel. The tab stock is disposed between the drive wheel and the bias roller.

[0008] In this configuration, the bias roller moves between a first position in which it engages the tab stock and biases it against the drive wheel, and a second position in which it is spaced apart from the tab stock. It will be appreciated that when the tab stock is biased against the drive wheel, the drive wheel advances the tab stock. Conversely, when the bias roller is in the second position, the tab stock is not operatively engaged with the drive wheel and does not advance. It will further be appreciated that when the upper tooling is in its first position (or moving towards / away from the first position), the lifting members / bias rollers are in the first position, and when the upper tooling is in its second position, the lifting members / bias rollers are in the second position. Thus, as discussed above, when the upper tooling is in its second position and material is being molded, the tab stock is stationary. When the upper tooling is spaced apart from the lower tooling, i.e., when the upper tooling is in its first position (or moving towards / away from the first position), the tab stock is moving.

[0009] However, tab stock feeders generally have some wear problems. That is, although the moving elements are separated by bearings or similar structures, reciprocating motion causes wear at specific locations on some elements of the tab stock feeder. For example, the lifting members are typically coupled to the base by a hinge assembly that includes an integral hinge sleeve and a hinge pin. In other words, the lifting members are pivotally coupled to the base by the hinge pin. As the lifting members reciprocate between a first position and a second position, the hinge sleeve and the hinge pin each wear at specific locations. That is, in a typical configuration, the hinge pin has hinge sleeves disposed on both ends. Thus, the hinge sleeves only engage the hinge pin at both ends. Furthermore, since the hinge sleeves and the hinge pins assembled are not perfect cylinders or columns, the engagement of each of the hinge sleeves with the hinge pin occurs at specific locations. As the lifting members rotate, the hinge sleeves and the hinge pin wear at these specific locations. So while the majority of the hinge sleeve / pin has very little wear, these particular locations have extensive wear - this is a problem.

[0010] Additionally, the bias roller is configured to aid in advancing the tab stock in a forward direction. The bias roller is mounted to an annular bearing assembly disposed in or parallel to the plane of rotation of the bias roller. The annular bearing assembly is an assembly having an inner race, an outer race, and a bearing (e.g., ball bearing, roller bearing) therebetween. The annular bearing assembly is configured to cushion forces in the plane of rotation of the annular bearing assembly. For example, forces applied to the outer race in the plane of rotation of the annular bearing assembly (and other than forces applied exactly radially) will cause the outer race to rotate relative to the inner race, cushioning the forces applied to the annular bearing and, therefore, the bias roller.

[0011] The bias roller and annular bearing assembly are also exposed to forces applied from directions other than the plane of rotation of the annular bearing assembly. Such forces are not mitigated by the roller bearings and the bias roller and the elements supporting the bias roller will wear out. In other words, using a Cartesian coordinate system, the bias roller is configured herein to rotate about an "X-axis". That is, the "X-axis" is an axis that extends along the axis of rotation of the bias roller. Movement about this axis is referred to herein as "roll". The "Y-axis" extends herein along the direction of movement of the tab stock. Movement about the "Y-axis" is referred to herein as "pitch" and movement about the "Z-axis" is referred to herein as "yaw". Although the bias roller (and annular bearing assembly) is configured to "roll", i.e. rotate about the X-axis, the bias roller is also exposed to forces that would cause pitch or yaw of the bias roller. Because the annular bearing assembly is not configured to take forces in these directions, these forces will cause "wear caused by forces applied to a rotating element in a plane other than the plane of rotation of the rotating element" as defined below. This is problematic. Additionally, it is desirable for the bias roller to rotate at least slightly about the Y axis so that the bias roller will engage the stock evenly. The annular bearing assembly does not allow rotation about the Y axis, and is therefore problematic.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need for a tab stock feeder assembly for a press that includes a wear reduction assembly configured to reduce wear on a rotating element and / or an element supporting the rotating element. There is a further need for a tab stock feeder assembly for a press in which a wear reduction element is disposed between a rotating element and an associated support element. Summary of the Invention

[0013] These and other needs are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept, which provides a tab stock feeder assembly for a press including a plurality of support elements, a plurality of rotating elements, and a number of actuating elements. Each rotating element is rotatably coupled to an associated support element. Each actuating element is coupled to at least one of the support elements or the rotating elements, and each actuating element is configured to engage the rotating element. The tab stock feeder assembly further includes a wear reduction assembly including a plurality of wear reduction elements. The plurality of support elements has at least one wear reduction assembly wear reduction element disposed between the rotating element and its associated support element.

[0014] Also disclosed is a press, such as a conversion press, that employs the above-described tab stock feeder assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The disclosed concepts can be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a conversion press employing a tab stock feeder assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the tab stock feeder assembly of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a portion of the tab stock feeder assembly of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of the tab stock feeder assembly of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an isometric cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an isometric cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] It is understood that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts and are provided as non-limiting examples for illustrative purposes only, and thus, the specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, configurations of the embodiments, and other physical characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0018] Directional terms used herein, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, up, down, above, below, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements as illustrated and do not limit the claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] As used herein, "configured to [verb]" means that the specified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, arranged, coupled, and / or configured to perform the specified verb. For example, a member "configured to move" may be operatively coupled to another element and may include an element that moves the member, or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to another element or assembly. Thus, as used herein, "configured to [verb]" describes structure, not function. Furthermore, as used herein, "configured to [verb]" means that the specified element or assembly is intended and designed to perform the specified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the specified verb, but is not intended and designed to perform the specified verb, is not "configured to [verb]."

[0021] Herein, without limitation, in a term such as "[X] is configured to [verb] [Y]," "[Y]" is not the constituent referred to. Rather, "[Y]" further defines the structure of "[X]." That is, in the following two examples, assume that "[X]" is a "mount" and "[verb]" is "support." In the first example, the complete expression is "a mount configured to support a flying bird." That is, in this example, "[Y]" is a "flying bird." It is known that flying birds, as opposed to swimming / walking birds, typically grasp and support themselves on branches. Thus, for a mount, i.e., "[X]," to be "configured" to support a flying bird, the mount is shaped and sized so that a flying bird can grasp it like a branch. However, this does not make the bird a constituent. In the second example, "[Y]" is a house, and thus the second exemplary expression is "a mount configured to support a house." In this example, it is well known that a house is supported by a foundation, and the mount is configured as a foundation. As before, it is not the house that is being made into a component, but the shape, size, and configuration of the mount that is being defined, i.e., the shape, size, and configuration of [X] in "[X] is configured to [verb] [Y]."

[0022] As used herein, "associated" means that the elements are part of the same assembly and / or work together or interact in some way. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. Although all the elements are connected to parts of the automobile, each hubcap is understood to be "associated" with a particular tire.

[0023] As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other elements. Thus, the components of a "coupling assembly" may not be described simultaneously in the following description.

[0024] As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component" is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to be coupled together. The components of a coupling assembly are understood to be compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, and if one coupling component is a bolt, the other coupling component includes a nut or a threaded hole (with an opening through which the bolt extends).

[0025] As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to join two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener," but a tongue-and-groove joint is not a "fastener." That is, the tongue-and-groove element is part of the elements being joined, not a separate component.

[0026] As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" means that the parts are coupled or move together, either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, to the extent that a connection occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that the two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that the two components are coupled so that they move while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Thus, when two elements are coupled, all of the parts are coupled. However, a statement that a particular part of a first element is coupled to a second element, e.g., a first end of an axle is coupled to a first wheel, means that the particular part of the first element is located closer to the second element than the other parts. Furthermore, an object that is held in place on another object only by gravity is not "coupled" to the object below, unless the upper object is otherwise held substantially 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.

[0027] As used herein, the phrases "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" mean that one component is substantially temporarily coupled to another component. That is, two components are coupled in such a way that they can be easily joined or separated from one another without causing damage to the components. For example, two components secured together by a limited number of easily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are "removably coupled" and two components joined by welded or difficult to access fasteners are not "removably coupled." A "difficult to access fastener" is one that requires the removal of one or more other components before access to the fastener, and the "other components" are not access means, such as, but not limited to, a door.

[0028] As used herein, "operably coupled" means that multiple elements or assemblies movable between a first position and a second position or between a first position and a second position are coupled such that the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other and the second element moves between both positions / configurations. However, a first element may be "operably coupled" to another element, but not vice versa. With respect to electronic devices, a first electronic device is "operably coupled" to a second electronic device if the first electronic device is configured to send a signal or current to the second electronic device to operate or otherwise power or activate the second electronic device.

[0029] As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that a first element or assembly is in a second element or assembly such that the first element / assembly can be moved without separating or otherwise manipulating the first element. For example, a book that simply rests on a table, i.e., is not glued or secured to the table, is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

[0030] In this specification, the expression that two or more parts or components "engage" each other means that the elements exert a force or bias on each other, either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Furthermore, for moving parts, in this specification, the moving part may "engage" another element during the movement from one position to another and / or may "engage" another element once it reaches the described position. Thus, "element A engages element B when moved to the first position of the element" and "element A engages element B when in the first position of the element" are equivalent expressions and are understood to mean that element A engages element B while moving to the first position of the element and / or engages element B while in the first position of the element.

[0031] As used herein, "operably engage" means "engage and move." That is, when "operably engage" is used in reference to a first component configured to move a second component that is movable or rotatable, it means that the first component applies a force sufficient to move the second component. For example, a screwdriver can be placed in contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely "temporarily coupled" to the screw. When an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver presses against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operably engages" the screw and turns it. Additionally, in the context of electronic components, "operably engage" means that one component controls another component via a control signal or current.

[0032] As used herein, in the phrases "[x] moves between a first position and a second position" or "[y] is configured to move [x] between a first position and a second position," "[x]" is the name of an element or assembly. Furthermore, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between multiple positions, the pronoun "the" refers to "[x]," i.e., the element or assembly referred to after the pronoun "the."

[0033] As used herein, "corresponding" indicates that two structural components have a similar size and shape to each other and can be coupled with a minimal amount of friction. Thus, an opening that "corresponds" to a member has a size that is slightly larger than the member so that the member can pass through the opening with a minimal amount of friction. This definition is modified when two components are a "snug" fit. In such a situation, the amount of friction increases due to the smaller dimensional difference between the components. If the elements that define the opening and / or the components that are inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening may be slightly smaller than the components that are inserted into the opening. With respect to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines have approximately the same size, shape, and contour. With respect to movable or configurable elements / assemblies, "corresponding" means that the elements / assemblies are related such that when one element / assembly is moved / reconfigured, the other element / assembly is also moved / reconfigured in a predetermined manner. For example, a lever, or "see-saw" or "teeter-totter," includes a central fulcrum and an elongated plate, the plate having a first end and a second end. When the first end of the plate is in a raised position, the second end of the plate is in a lowered position. When the first end of the plate moves to the lowered position, the second end of the plate moves to a "corresponding" raised position. Also, the engine's camshaft has a first lobe operably coupled to a first piston. When the first lobe moves upward, the first piston moves to a "corresponding" upper position, and when the first lobe moves downward, the first piston moves to a "corresponding" lower position.

[0034] As used herein, a "path of travel" or "path" when used in relation to a moving element includes the space through which the element passes during its movement. Thus, a moving element inherently has a "path of travel" or "path". Furthermore, a "path of travel" or "path" refers to the overall movement of one identifiable structure relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, the rotating wheels of a car (an identifiable structure) move very little relative to the body of the car (another object). That is, the wheels as a whole do not change position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, the rotating wheels do not have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. Conversely, the air intake valves of the wheels (an identifiable structure) do have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the car. That is, while the wheels are rotating and moving, the entire intake valve moves relative to the body of the car.

[0035] As used herein, a "plate" or "plate-like member" is a generally thin element that includes opposed, broad, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., the plane of the plate-like member, and narrower end faces that extend between the broad parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein, it is essential that a "plate-like" element has two opposed planes between which the end faces extend. The periphery, and thus the end faces, may include generally straight portions, as in the case of a rectangular plate-like member such as a credit card, or may be curved, as in the case of a disc such as a coin, or may have any other shape.

[0036] As used herein, the term "unitary" refers to a component that is fabricated as a single piece or unit, i.e., a component that includes multiple pieces that are fabricated separately and then joined together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or structure.

[0037] As used herein, "integrated" means that all elements of the assembly are located in a single location and / or in a single housing, frame, or similar structure.

[0038] As used herein, the term "some" means one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). Thus, for example, the phrase "some elements" means one element or more than one element. Note specifically that "some [x]" includes a single [x].

[0039] As used herein, the "radial side / surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side / surface that extends around or surrounds its center or a height line through its center. As used herein, the "axial side / surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a surface that extends in a plane that extends approximately perpendicular to the height line through its center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side / surface" is the approximately circular side wall, and the "axial side / surface" is the top and bottom of the soup can. Furthermore, as used herein, "extending radially" means extending in a radial direction or extending along a radial line. That is, for example, a "radially extending" line extends from the center of a circle or cylinder toward a radial side / surface. Furthermore, as used herein, "extending axially" means extending axially or extending along an axis. That is, for example, an "axially extending" line extends from the base of the cylinder to the top of the cylinder, generally parallel to or along the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0040] As used herein, a "tension member" is a structure that has a maximum length when subjected to tension but is otherwise substantially flexible, such as, but not limited to, a chain or cable.

[0041] As used herein, "curvilinear" includes curved sections, combinations of curved and planar sections, and elements having multiple straight / planar sections or segments arranged at angles relative to one another to thereby form a curved line.

[0042] As used herein, an "elongated" element essentially comprises a longitudinal axis and / or line that extends in the direction of extension.

[0043] As used herein, "centered" in phrases such as "disposed about [element, point, or axis]" or "extends about [element, point, or axis]" or "[X] degrees about [element, point, or axis]" means surrounding, extending, or measured about. When used in connection with measurements or in similar contexts, "about" means "approximately," i.e., an approximate range for the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] As used herein, "generally" means "in a typical manner" in relation to the term it modifies, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

[0045] As used herein, "substantially" means "by a large amount or degree" of the term it modifies, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] As used herein, "at" means at or near the location in relation to the modified term, as understood by one of skill in the art.

[0047] In this specification, a "wear reduction assembly" refers to an assembly that includes multiple "wear reduction elements". Moreover, to be a "wear reduction assembly", all "wear reduction elements" are associated with a mechanical device / assembly that has an identifiable mechanical purpose, or with several related devices / assemblies. That is, in the case of an automobile, for example, the drivetrain elements such as the engine, transmission, and axles have an identifiable mechanical purpose of providing motion to the vehicle. Thus, the "wear reduction elements" associated with the drivetrain of the automobile could be collectively referred to as a "wear reduction assembly". Conversely, a "wear reduction element" that is part of the drivetrain of the automobile and a "wear reduction element" that is part of the air conditioning of the automobile cannot be organized into a "wear reduction assembly" since the drivetrain of the automobile and the air conditioning of the automobile do not have the same "identifiable mechanical purpose". That is, in this specification, an "identifiable mechanical purpose" refers to a purpose related to the operation of the mechanical device / assembly. That is, in the above example, the drivetrain of the automobile is intended to provide motion to the automobile, and the air conditioning of the automobile is intended to provide comfort to the passengers. Furthermore, the objective of "providing passengers with a comfortable journey" does not constitute an "identifiable mechanical objective" because a mechanical element cannot be "comfortable."

[0048] Further, as used herein, to be a "wear reduction assembly," the assembly must contain multiple "wear reduction elements" of different types. That is, an assembly containing only bearings is not a "wear reduction assembly," even if the assembly contains multiple bearings of different types, since all of the "wear reduction elements" are of the same type.

[0049] As used herein, "wear-reducing element" refers to an element / assembly configured to substantially reduce wear on other elements at a specific location and / or to reduce wear caused by non-primary forces associated with primary motion.

[0050] As used herein, a "specific location" refers to a localized area. For example, an elongated, generally circular rod appears circular when viewed in cross section. If another element rubs on the rod at only one end of the rod at the "1 o'clock" position, causing wear, the wear is in a "specific location". If another element engages the rod at one end over 360 degrees, the wear is not in a "specific location". Similarly, if another element engages the rod over its longitudinal length at the "1 o'clock" position, the wear is not in a "specific location". Thus, a "specific location" refers to a small, clearly distinguishable area relative to the total area of ​​the engaged elements, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0051] Further, in this specification, "wear caused by forces applied to a rotating element in a plane other than the plane of rotation of the rotating element" means wear caused by forces applied to the rotating element (or to an element supporting the rotating element) that are not in the plane of rotation of the element or in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of rotation of the element. In this specification, the "plane of rotation" of a rotating body is a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating body. Further, in this specification, an annular bearing assembly does not suffer from "wear caused by forces applied to a rotating element in a plane other than the plane of rotation of the rotating element", and is therefore not a "wear reducing element" as defined above. Conversely, a spherical bearing disposed on such a cylindrical member would cushion forces applied in any direction. Thus, the spherical bearing is configured to suffer from "wear caused by forces applied to a rotating element in a plane other than the plane of rotation of the rotating element". Thus, the spherical bearing is a "wear reducing element" as used herein.

[0052] 1 shows a press, for example and not limitation, a conversion press 10. As is known, the conversion press 10 is configured to make can ends (not shown). That is, the conversion press 10 includes an upper tooling 12 (shown in simplified phantom) and a lower tooling 14 (shown in simplified phantom), each of which supports several forming structures (not numbered). The upper tooling 12 shuttles between a first position spaced apart from the lower tooling 14 and a second forming position in which the upper tooling 12 is adjacent the lower tooling 14. That is, the conversion press 10 is configured to form metal when in the second position. Stock material, i.e., sheet or coil metal (see, for example, tab stock 200, shown partially in simplified form in FIG. 2), passes through the conversion press 10 and is formed into can ends. That is, the can end stock material (or shell, in some embodiments) is formed into the disk-shaped body of the can end. The tab stock material 200 is formed into a tab for a can end (see, for example, tab 202 formed on a portion of tab stock material 200 shown in simplified form in FIG. 2). In an exemplary embodiment, the can end stock material and tab material 200 move generally perpendicular to one another. The tab 202 is bonded to the can end disk-shaped body near the end of the fabrication process.

[0053] Tab stock material 200 (hereinafter "tab stock") is moved by a tab stock feeder assembly 20. That is, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 is configured to move the tab stock 200 through the conversion press 10. As noted above, when the upper tooling 12 is in the second position, i.e., while the tab stock 200 (FIG. 2) is being formed, the tab stock 200 does not move. Thus, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 is configured to index, or intermittently move, the tab stock 200 through the conversion press 10.

[0054] The tab stock feeder assembly 20 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-7. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 includes a plurality of support elements 22, a plurality of rotating elements 24, and a number of actuating elements 26. As used herein, a "support element" is an element that supports a "rotating element." As used herein, a "rotating element" is an element that rotates or pivots, including a reciprocating pivoting motion, as follows: A "rotating element" can support another element, and an element can be both a "support element" and a "rotating element." As used herein, an "actuating element" refers to an element that operably engages with or is operably engaged by another element. Each rotating element 24 is rotatably coupled to an associated support element 22. That is, as used herein, the support element 22 to which the rotating element 24 is most closely coupled, i.e., has the fewest intermediate elements, is the "associated support element" 22. Each actuating element 26 is coupled to at least one support element 22 or rotating element 24 and configured to engage the rotating element 24. The tab stock feeder assembly 20 also includes a wear reduction assembly 30 that includes a plurality of wear reduction elements 32. The plurality of support elements 22 has at least one wear reduction assembly wear reduction element 32 disposed between the rotating element 24 and an associated support element 22.

[0055] In an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 and / or the plurality of support elements 22 include a base 40 and a lift member assembly 42. The base 40 may itself move (e.g., pivot) and / or may include or be equipped with one or more moving elements (e.g., but not limited to, a drive wheel 28; a rotating shaft 74). The tab stock feeder assembly 20 and / or the plurality of rotating elements 24 include a lift member assembly 42 and a cam member 44 (best shown in FIG. 3). Some of the actuating elements 26 include a cam follower 46. The base 40 includes a generally planar upper surface 50 and the lift member assembly 42 includes an opposing generally planar lower surface 60. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the base 40 defines a plurality of hinge sleeves 52. The lift member assembly 42 defines a plurality of hinge sleeves 62. The lift member assembly 42 further includes a generally cylindrical hinge pin 64. The lift member assembly hinge pin 64, in another exemplary non-limiting embodiment, is identified as part of the base 40. The lift member assembly 42 is rotatably, or pivotally, coupled to the base 40 by the lift member assembly hinge pin 64. That is, the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 is disposed in both the plurality of hinge sleeves 52 of the base and the plurality of hinge sleeves 62 of the lift member assembly.

[0056] 3, the cam member 44, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, is an eccentric cam, i.e., a generally circular body 70, having a coupling portion 72, i.e., a passageway, offset from the center of the circular body 70. The cam member 44 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a rotating shaft 74. The rotating shaft 74 extends through or is disposed adjacent to the base 40 opposite the plurality of hinge sleeves 52. A conversion press drive assembly (not shown) operatively engages the rotating shaft 74 to rotate it. The cam follower 46, shown as a wheel 76, is coupled or rotatably coupled to the lift member assembly 42 opposite the cam member 44, i.e., at a location where the cam follower 46 operatively engages the cam member 44.

[0057] In this configuration, the lift member assembly 42 is configured to pivot back and forth between a first position in which the lift member assembly 42 is generally adjacent to the base 40 and a second position in which the lift member assembly 42 is generally spaced from the base 40. That is, in the first position, the lift member assembly lower surface 60 is generally parallel to and immediately adjacent to the base upper surface 50. In the second position, the lift member assembly lower surface 60 is generally inclined relative to the base upper surface 50 such that a space exists between the lift member assembly lower surface 60 and the base upper surface 50. It will be appreciated that as the cam member 44 rotates to engage the cam follower 46, the lift member assembly 42 pivots back and forth between the first and second positions. In an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the lift member assembly 42 preferably pivots through an arc between 0 and 10 degrees, and more preferably, pivots less than 1 degree. It will be appreciated that reducing the amount of relative movement in the manner described above has the advantage of reducing the amount of lift and therefore the associated amount of force required, resulting in a longer service life for all parts involved.

[0058] 2-7, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 further includes a drive wheel 28. The tab stock feeder assembly drive wheel 28 is in operative engagement with a conversion press drive assembly (not shown) for rotation relative to the base 40. The axis of rotation of the tab stock feeder assembly drive wheel 28 extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the lift member assembly hinge pin 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab stock feeder assembly drive wheel 28 is disposed below the lift member assembly 42.

[0059] Further, the plurality of support elements 22 includes a support arm 80, and the plurality of rotation elements 24 includes a bias roller assembly 90. The support arm 80 is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the lift member assembly 42 and moves therewith. That is, the support arm 80 includes an elongated body 82 (best shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 7) having a first end 83 and a second end 84. The first end 83 of the support arm body is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the lift member assembly 42. In the exemplary embodiment, the lift member assembly 42 includes a support arm attachment portion 86 that extends from another portion of the lift member assembly 42. The first end 83 of the support arm body is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the support arm attachment portion 86. Further, the second end 84 of the support arm body defines an attachment passage 88. The second end 84 of the support arm body includes an attachment passage 88 that extends generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the hinge pin 64 of the lift member assembly.

[0060] As best seen in FIG. 7, the bias roller assembly 90 is disposed at the second end 84 of the support arm body. The bias roller assembly 90 includes a first roller 92, an axle 94, and a second roller 96. In an exemplary embodiment, the bias roller assembly axle 94 is divided into two halves that are configured to be joined together to form the bias roller assembly axle 94. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the bias roller assembly 90 includes a first component 100 that includes the first roller 92 and the axle first half 93 together, and a second component 102 that includes the second roller 96 and the axle second half 95 together. The bias roller assembly first component 100 and the second component 102 are joined to form the bias roller assembly 90. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the bias roller assembly first roller 92 and the bias roller assembly second roller 96 have a "roller radius." The bias roller assembly shaft 94 has a first portion 110 having a first radius and a second portion 112 having a second radius. The "roller radius" is greater than the first radius, and the first radius is greater than the second radius.

[0061] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the bias roller assembly 90 further includes a motion limiter 130. The bias roller assembly motion limiter 130 is configured to limit rotation of the bias roller assembly 90 relative to the support arm 80 about one axis of the bias roller assembly 90. That is, as used herein, the coupling of the bias roller assembly 90 and the support arm 80 includes three axes, namely, an "X-axis" which is an axis extending along the axis of rotation of the bias roller assembly 90, a "Y-axis" which extends along the direction of travel of the tab stock as described below, and a "Z-axis" which extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support arm 80. In an exemplary embodiment, the bias roller assembly motion limiter 130 is configured to limit rotation of the bias roller assembly 90 about the "Z-axis".

[0062] That is, the bias roller assembly motion limiter 130 includes a first annular body 132 and a second annular body 134. The bias roller assembly motion limiter first annular body 132 is disposed between the bias roller assembly first roller 92 and the support arm body second end 84. The bias roller assembly motion limiter second annular body 134 is disposed between the bias roller assembly second roller 96 and the support arm body second end 84. Each of the bias roller assembly motion limiter annular bodies 132, 134 substantially fills the space between the rollers 92, 96 and the support arm body 82, specifically the second end 84. In this configuration, the bias roller assembly motion limiter 130 is configured to limit the rotation of the bias roller assembly 90 about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support arm 80, i.e., the "Z-axis" defined above.

[0063] The bias roller assembly 90 is assembled with the bias roller assembly axle 94 positioned in the mounting passage 88 of the second end of the support arm body. As mentioned above, the bias roller assembly motion limiter first annular body 132 is positioned between the bias roller assembly first roller 92 and the support arm body second end 84. The bias roller assembly motion limiter second annular body 134 is positioned between the bias roller assembly second roller 96 and the support arm body second end 84. It will be appreciated that the above-described assembly can be relatively quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, repaired and reassembled, as necessary, in addition to providing significantly improved wear reduction and longer service life over prior art designs in which metal parts frequently directly engage and move relative to one another causing significant wear.

[0064] Finally, in the exemplary embodiment, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 includes a stock guide assembly 140 (best seen in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, the stock guide assembly 140 includes generally plate-like members 142, 144, 146, 148 arranged in an opposed pair. That is, the stock guide assembly plate member 142 is closely spaced from the stock guide assembly plate member 144, and the stock guide assembly plate member 146 is closely spaced from the stock guide assembly plate member 148. The spacing between the stock guide assembly plate members 142, 144, 146, 148 is slightly greater than the thickness of the tab stock. Additionally, the pair of stock guide assembly plate members 142, 144 and the pair of stock guide assembly plate members 146, 148 are spaced apart from one another. The drive wheel 28, and more specifically, the radially outer surface (not numbered) of the drive wheel 28, is disposed in a gap between a pair of plate members 142, 144 and a pair of plate members 146, 148 of the stock guide assembly.

[0065] In this configuration, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 generally operates as follows: A tab stock 200 (shown in simplified form) travels through the tab stock guide assembly 140 and reaches the gap between the pair of plate members 142, 144 and the pair of plate members 146, 148 of the stock guide assembly. When the lift member assembly 42, and thus the support arm 80 and the bias roller assembly 90, move to their first position, the bias roller assembly 90 urges the tab stock 200 against the rotating drive wheel 28 to move the tab stock 200 toward and between the tooling (e.g., but not limited to, the upper tooling 12 and the lower tooling 14 of FIG. 1). When the toolings 12, 14 move to their second, or forming, position, the lift member assembly 42, and thus the support arm 80 and the bias roller assembly 90, move to their second position. In their second position, the bias roller assembly 90 does not urge the tab stock 200 against the drive wheel 28. Thus, when the tooling 12, 14 is in the second forming position, the tab stock 200 is stationary. As the tooling 12, 14 moves toward the first position, the lift member assembly 42, and thus the support arm 80 and bias roller assembly 90, move again to the first position to move the tab stock 200 as described above. In this manner, the tab stock feeder assembly 20 is configured to index, or intermittently move, the tab stock 200 as the tooling 12, 14 forms the tab stock 200 into a tab 202 and / or as the tab 202 is applied to a can end (not shown).

[0066] In this configuration, various elements of the tab stock feeder assembly 20 are subject to wear. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 is subject to wear in specific locations since the lift member assembly 42 pivots through an arc of preferably between 0 and 10 degrees, and more preferably less than 1 degree. That is, wear is limited to the area of ​​the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 that contacts the base hinge sleeves 52 and the lift member assembly hinge sleeves 62, and is limited by the arc of motion. That is, wear does not extend around the lift member assembly hinge pin 64. Further, referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, wear is caused by forces applied to the rotating elements in a plane other than the plane of rotation of the rotating elements. That is, the bias roller assembly 90 is exposed to forces in a plane other than the plane of rotation of the bias roller assembly 90. The wear reduction assembly 30 is configured to reduce wear on the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 and the bias roller assembly 90.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, the wear reduction elements 32 of the wear reduction assembly include a number of ball bearings 150 and a number of one-way clutch devices 160. At least one such wear reduction element 32 is disposed between the hinge pin 64 of the lift member assembly and at least one of the hinge sleeves 52 of the base and / or the hinge sleeves 62 of the lift member assembly, as best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. Additionally, at least one such wear reduction element 32 is disposed between the bias roller assembly 90 and the support arm 80, as best shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, in an exemplary non-limiting embodiment, the one-way clutch device 160 is disposed between the hinge pin 64 of the lift member assembly and one hinge sleeve 62 of the lift member assembly. In one embodiment not shown, the one-way clutch device 160 is a spring clutch, i.e., a spring-like member spirally disposed around the hinge pin 64 of the lift member assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the one-way clutch device 160 is a one-way clutch bearing 162. The one-way clutch bearing 162 includes an inner race 164, an outer race 166, and a number of aspherical bearing elements 168 therebetween. The aspherical bearing elements 168 are typically identified as "sprags." The aspherical bearing elements 168 are configured to rotate the inner race 164 and the outer race 166 in a single direction relative to one another. Further, the inner race 164 is fixed to the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 and the outer race 166 is fixed to the lift member assembly hinge sleeve 62. In this configuration, as the lift member assembly 42 reciprocates between the first position and the second position, the one-way clutch bearing 162 rotates the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 in a single direction. That is, for example, as the lift member assembly 42 moves toward the first position, the one-way clutch bearing races 164, 166 rotate relative to one another and therefore the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 does not move. As the lift member assembly 42 moves toward the second position, the one-way clutch bearing races 164, 166 do not rotate relative to one another. Because the inner race 164 is fixed to the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 and the outer race 166 is fixed to the lift member assembly hinge sleeve 62, the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 rotates relative to the lift member assembly hinge sleeve 62. Therefore, wear occurring between the lift member assembly hinge pin 64 and the lift member assembly hinge sleeve 62 occurs around the lift member assembly hinge pin 64, i.e., 360 degrees. Therefore, wear no longer occurs at a specific location. This solves the above-mentioned problem.

[0069] Further, in the exemplary non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a spherical roller bearing 170 is disposed between the bias roller assembly 90 and the support arm 80. That is, the spherical roller bearing 170 is disposed in the mounting passage 88 of the second end of the support arm body between the support arm 80 and the bias roller assembly axle second portion 112. In this configuration, a force along the "Y axis" causes the bias roller assembly 90 to rotate about the "Y axis". This action reduces wear on the bias roller assembly 90 and also allows the bias roller assembly 90 to engage the tab stock 200 (FIG. 2) uniformly. A pair of annular bearing assemblies, such as annular ball bearings 172, are preferably disposed in the mounting passage 88 of the second end of the upper arm body between adjacent ends of the axle 94 of the bias roller assembly axle first portion 110, as shown in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that the aforementioned features may function individually and / or in combination to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0070] Although specific embodiments of the invention 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 invention, which is to be given the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tab stock feeder assembly (20) for a press (10), said tab stock feeder assembly (20) comprising: A plurality of support elements (22); A plurality of rotating elements (24); A number of actuating elements (26); a wear reduction assembly (30) including a plurality of wear reduction elements (32); It is equipped with Each rotating element (24) is rotatably coupled to an associated support element (22); Each actuating element (26) is coupled to at least one of the plurality of support elements (22) or at least one of the plurality of rotating elements (24); Each actuation element (26) is configured to engage with a rotation element (24); The plurality of support elements (22) have at least one wear reduction assembly wear reduction element disposed between the rotating element (24) and an associated support element (22); The plurality of support elements (22) include a base (40) and a lift member assembly (42); The plurality of rotating elements (24) includes the lift member assembly (42) and a cam member (44); The plurality of actuating elements (26) includes a cam follower (46); The cam member (44) is rotatably coupled to the base (40); The lift member assembly (42) is rotatably coupled to the base (40); the cam follower (46) is coupled to the lift member assembly (42) and is configured to operatively engage the cam member (44); the cam member (44) is configured to rotate relative to the base (40) and operatively engage the cam follower (46) such that the lift member assembly (42) is configured to move in a reciprocating pivotal motion between a first position in which the lift member assembly (42) is generally adjacent to the base (40) and a second position in which the lift member assembly (42) is generally spaced from the base (40); The plurality of wear reducing elements (32) includes a number of spherical bearings (150) and a number of one-way clutch devices (160); The lift member assembly (42) includes a hinge pin (64) and a plurality of hinge sleeves (62); The base (40) includes a plurality of hinge sleeves (52); a hinge pin (64) of the lift member assembly extends through a plurality of hinge sleeves (62) of the lift member assembly and a plurality of hinge sleeves (52) of the base, thereby pivotally coupling the lift member assembly (42) to the base (40); a one-way clutch device (160) disposed between the hinge pin (64) of the lift member assembly and at least one of the plurality of hinge sleeves (62) of the lift member assembly; a one-way clutch device (160) configured to rotate a hinge pin (64) of the lift member assembly (42) when the lift member assembly (42) moves between the first position and the second position.

2. The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of wear reducing elements (32) comprises a number of ball bearings (150).

3. The one-way clutch device (160) is a one-way clutch bearing (162), 3. The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 2, wherein said one-way clutch bearing (162) includes an inner race (164), an outer race (166) and a plurality of aspherical bearing elements (168) therebetween.

4. The one-way clutch device (160) is a one-way clutch bearing (162), 2. The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 1, wherein said one-way clutch bearing (162) includes an inner race (164), an outer race (166) and a plurality of aspherical bearing elements (168) therebetween.

5. The plurality of support elements (22) further includes a support arm (80); The plurality of rotating elements (24) further includes a bias roller assembly (90); The support arm (80) includes an elongated body (82) defining a passageway (88); The support arm (80) is coupled to the lift member assembly (42); The bias roller assembly (90) includes a first roller (92), a shaft (94), and a second roller (96); The bias roller assembly axle (94) is rotatably disposed within the support arm passage (88); The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of wear reducing elements (32) comprises a number of spherical roller bearings (170) and a number of ball bearings (172).

6. 6. The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 5, wherein a spherical roller bearing (170) is disposed between said bias roller assembly axle (94) and said support arm (80).

7. The bias roller assembly (90) includes a motion limiter (130); 7. The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 6, wherein the bias roller assembly motion limiter (130) is configured to limit rotation of the bias roller assembly (90) relative to the support arm (80) about one axis of the bias roller assembly (90).

8. The body (82) of the support arm (80) has a longitudinal axis; 8. The tab stock feeder assembly of claim 7, wherein said bias roller assembly motion limiter (130) is configured to limit rotation of said bias roller assembly (90) about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of said support arm (80).

9. A press (10), comprising: An upper tooling (12); A lower tooling (14); A tab stock feeder assembly (20); The tab stock feeder assembly (20) comprises: A plurality of support elements (22); A plurality of rotating elements (24); A number of actuating elements (26); a wear reduction assembly (30) including a plurality of wear reduction elements (32); It is equipped with Each rotating element (24) is rotatably coupled to an associated support element (22); Each actuating element (26) is coupled to at least one of the plurality of support elements (22) or at least one of the plurality of rotating elements (24), and each actuating element (26) is configured to engage with a rotating element (24); a plurality of support elements (22) having at least one wear reduction assembly wear reduction element (32) disposed between a rotating element (24) and an associated support element (22), and said tab stock feeder assembly (20) is configured to feed tab stock between said upper tooling (12) and said lower tooling (14); The plurality of support elements (22) include a base (40) and a lift member assembly (42); The plurality of rotating elements (24) includes the lift member assembly (42) and a cam member (44); The plurality of actuating elements (26) includes a cam follower (46); The cam member (44) is rotatably coupled to the base (40); The lift member assembly (42) is rotatably coupled to the base (40); the cam follower (46) is coupled to the lift member assembly (42) and configured to operatively engage the cam member (44); the cam member (44) is configured to rotate relative to the base (40) and operatively engage the cam follower (46) such that the lift member assembly (42) is configured to move in a reciprocating pivotal motion between a first position in which the lift member assembly (42) is generally adjacent to the base (40) and a second position in which the lift member assembly (42) is generally spaced from the base (40); The plurality of wear reducing elements (32) includes a number of spherical bearings (150) and a number of one-way clutch devices (160); The lift member assembly (42) includes a hinge pin (64) and a plurality of hinge sleeves (62); The base (40) includes a plurality of hinge sleeves (52); a hinge pin (64) of the lift member assembly extends through a plurality of hinge sleeves (62) of the lift member assembly and a plurality of hinge sleeves (52) of the base, thereby pivotally coupling the lift member assembly (42) to the base (40); a one-way clutch device (160) disposed between the hinge pin (64) of the lift member assembly and at least one of the plurality of hinge sleeves (62) of the lift member assembly; The one-way clutch device (160) is configured to rotate a hinge pin (64) of the lift member assembly (42) when the lift member assembly (42) moves between the first position and the second position.

10. The press of claim 9, wherein the plurality of wear reducing elements (32) includes a number of ball bearings (150).

11. The one-way clutch device (160) is a one-way clutch bearing (162), 11. The press of claim 10, wherein the one-way clutch bearing (162) includes an inner race (164), an outer race (166) and a plurality of aspherical bearing elements (168) therebetween.

12. The one-way clutch device (160) is a one-way clutch bearing (162), 10. The press of claim 9, wherein the one-way clutch bearing (162) includes an inner race (164), an outer race (166) and a plurality of aspherical bearing elements (168) therebetween.

13. The plurality of support elements (22) further includes a support arm (80); The plurality of rotating elements (24) further includes a bias roller assembly (90); The support arm (80) includes an elongated body (82) defining a passageway (88); The support arm (80) is coupled to the lift member assembly (42); The bias roller assembly (90) includes a first roller (92), a shaft (94), and a second roller (96); The bias roller assembly axle (94) is rotatably disposed within the support arm passage (88); The press of claim 9, wherein the plurality of wear reducing elements (32) includes a number of spherical roller bearings (170) and a number of ball bearings (150).

14. 14. The press of claim 13, wherein a spherical roller bearing (170) is disposed between the bias roller assembly shaft (94) and the support arm (80).

15. The bias roller assembly (90) includes a motion limiter (130); 15. The press of claim 14, wherein the bias roller assembly motion limiter (130) is configured to limit rotation of the bias roller assembly (90) relative to the support arm (80) about one axis of the bias roller assembly.

16. The body (82) of the support arm (80) has a longitudinal axis; 16. The press of claim 15, wherein the bias roller assembly motion limiter (130) is configured to limit rotation of the bias roller assembly (90) about an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support arm (80).

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