Drive Assembly

Abstract

A drive assembly for a necker machine includes a plurality of drive sub-modules, each sub-module having an input shaft and first and second output shafts operably coupled to the input shaft. For the first sub-module, the input shaft is operably coupled to and driven by the main drive motor, and the first output shaft is configured to drive a first drive shaft of a first module of the necker machine. For the second sub-module, the input shaft is operably coupled to and driven by the second output shaft of the first sub-module, and the first output shaft is configured to drive a first drive shaft of a second module of the necker machine, the second module being spaced from the first module by at least one other module.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed and claimed concepts relate to a drive assembly, and more particularly, to a drive assembly for a necker machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Can bodies are typically made in a bodymaker, which forms a blank, such as, but not limited to, a disk or cup, into an elongated can body. The can body includes a base and an associated sidewall. The sidewall is open at an end opposite the base. The bodymaker typically includes a ram / punch that moves the blank through multiple dies to create the can body. The can bodies are ejected from the ram / punch and placed on a pallet for further processing, such as, but not limited to, trimming, washing, printing, flanging, inspection, and then the pallet is sent to a filling machine. At the filling machine, the cans are removed from the pallet, filled, ends are placed on the cans, and then repackaged, typically in various numbers (e.g., six-packs, twelve-packs, or other multi-can cases) for sale to consumers.

[0003] After being formed in the bodymaker, some can bodies are further formed in a die-necking machine, commonly simply called a Necker machine. The Necker machine is configured to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the can body sidewall, i.e., the open end of the sidewall. That is, the diameter / radius of the open end of the can body sidewall is reduced relative to the diameter / radius of the other portion of the can body sidewall before the can end is bonded to the can body (and before filling). The Necker machine includes several processing and / or forming modules arranged in series, i.e., the processing and / or forming modules are arranged adjacent to each other, and a transport assembly moves the can bodies between adjacent processing and / or forming modules. As they move through the processing and / or forming modules, the can bodies are processed or shaped. It is not desirable to have a large number of processing and / or forming modules in the Necker machine. That is, it is desirable to have as few processing and / or forming modules as possible while still completing the desired forming.

[0004] There are some die-necking machine configurations that require a large number of necking modules. The rotational position of each module must be maintained in synchronism with the adjacent modules, and this is typically accomplished through the use of a gear train that effectively connects / drives all of the other modules. Such gear trains are typically driven at only one end. The gear loads of the gear train at the driven end are very large, while the loads at the opposite end of the gear train are small. This results in uneven gear wear along the gear train, requiring most of the gears in the gear train to be very large, which incurs unnecessary additional expense. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the disclosed concepts provide a solution that improves upon known configurations by distributing the induced loads and causing the gear train to wear more evenly throughout. As one aspect of the disclosed concepts, a distributed drive assembly for a necker machine having a frame assembly and a number of modules is provided, each module having a number of drive shafts that are interconnected via a gear train with a number of drive shafts of other modules of a number of processing modules. The distributed drive assembly includes a plurality of drive sub-modules, each drive sub-module including an input shaft, a first output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft, and a second output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft, wherein in a first drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules, the input shaft is configured to be operably coupled to and driven by the main drive assembly motor, the first output shaft is configured to be operably coupled to and driven by an associated first drive shaft of the drive shafts of the first module of the plurality of modules, and in a second drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules, the input shaft is operably coupled to and driven by the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module, and the first output shaft is configured to be operably coupled to and driven by an associated first drive shaft of the drive shafts of the second module of the plurality of modules, the second module being spaced from the first module by at least one other module.

[0006] The distributed drive assembly may further include an extension shaft, where the input shaft of the second drive sub-module is operably coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by the extension shaft, the extension shaft being sized and configured to position the first output shaft of the second drive sub-module at a distance away from the first output shaft of the first drive sub-module, where the distance may be greater than an overall width of one of the plurality of processing modules.

[0007] The plurality of drive modules may include at least three drive sub-modules, and in a third drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules, the input shaft may be operably coupled to and driven by a second output shaft of the second drive sub-module, and the first output shaft may be configured to operably couple to and drive one drive shaft of the plurality of drive shafts of the third module of the plurality of modules.

[0008] In each drive sub-module, the first output shaft may be operatively coupled to the input shaft via a right-angle gearbox.

[0009] For each drive sub-module, the second output shaft may be axially aligned with the input shaft.

[0010] The drive assembly motor may be coupled to an input shaft of a first drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules.

[0011] The distributed drive assembly may further include at least two extension shafts, and the input shaft of the second drive sub-module may be operably coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by at least two extension shafts connected together in series.

[0012] The distributed drive assembly may further include a winding mechanism operably coupled to the second output shaft of the second drive sub-module.

[0013] As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a Necker machine includes a frame assembly, a plurality of modules coupled to the frame assembly, each module having a number of drive shafts, a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a number of gears, each gear coupled to a respective one of the drive shafts of the plurality of modules, a gear train interconnecting the several drive shafts of each module to several drive shafts of other modules of the plurality of modules, and a distributed drive assembly including a plurality of drive sub-modules, each drive sub-module including an input shaft, a first output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft, and a second output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft, the plurality of drive sub-modules including a gear train interconnecting the several drive shafts of each module to several drive shafts of other modules of the plurality of modules. In a first drive sub-module of the drive sub-modules, an input shaft is configured to be operably coupled to and driven by the main drive assembly motor, and a first output shaft is operably coupled to and drives an associated first drive shaft of the some drive shafts of a first module of the plurality of modules, and in a second drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules, an input shaft is operably coupled to and driven by a second output shaft of the first drive sub-module, and the first output shaft is operably coupled to and drives an associated first drive shaft of the some drive shafts of a second module of the plurality of modules, the second module being spaced from the first module by at least one other module.

[0014] The Necker machine may further include a main drive assembly motor coupled to an input shaft of a first drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules.

[0015] A first output shaft of the first drive sub-module may be coupled to an associated first one of the drive shafts of the first module via a reduction gearbox and a drive hub, and a first output shaft of the second drive sub-module may be coupled to an associated first one of the drive shafts of the second module via another reduction gearbox and another drive hub.

[0016] The Necker machine may further comprise an extension shaft, the input shaft of the second drive sub-module being operatively coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by the extension shaft, the extension shaft being sized and configured to position the first output shaft of the first drive sub-module at a distance away from the first output shaft of the first drive sub-module, the distance being greater than an overall width of one of the plurality of processing modules.

[0017] The plurality of drive modules may include at least three drive sub-modules, and for a third drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules, the input shaft may be operably coupled to drive a second output shaft of the second drive sub-module, and the first output shaft may be operably coupled to drive one drive shaft of the plurality of drive shafts of the third module of the plurality of modules.

[0018] In each drive sub-module, the first output shaft may be operatively coupled to the input shaft via a right-angle gearbox.

[0019] In each drive sub-module, the second output shaft may be axially aligned with the input shaft.

[0020] The Necker machine may further comprise at least two extension shafts, and the input shaft of the second drive sub-module may be operably coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by at least two extension shafts connected together in series.

[0021] The Necker machine may further comprise a winding mechanism operably coupled to the second output shaft of the second drive sub-module.

[0022] These and other objects, features, and attributes of the disclosed concepts, methods of operation and behavior of the associated elements of structure, and combinations thereof with economy of parts and manufacture will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, all of which constitute a part of this specification, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding parts in the various drawings, and it is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed concepts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] A complete understanding of the disclosed concepts can be obtained from the following description of several exemplary embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the process side of a Necker machine in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the process side of the Necker machine of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the processing side of the Necker machine of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a portion of the drive side of the necker machine of FIGS. 1 to 3; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a can body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the drive side of a necker machine according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows details of a portion of the distributed drive assembly of the Necker machine of FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 7 shows details of a portion of the distributed drive assembly of the Necker machine of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the drive side of a necker machine according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0025] It should be understood that in the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the parts being described are shown in simplified form or are omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] 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 movably 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]."

[0030] 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.

[0031] As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling elements. 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.

[0032] As used herein, a "coupling" or a "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 is a nut or a screw hole. Furthermore, the passage of an element is part of the "coupling" or "coupling component." For example, in an assembly in which two wooden boards are joined by a nut and a bolt that extend through their passages, the nut, the bolt, and the two passages are the "coupling" or "coupling component," respectively.

[0033] 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.

[0034] As used herein, the expression that two or more parts or components are "coupled" means that the parts are coupled or move together directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, to the extent that a link occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are coupled in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled to move while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, "adjustably fixed" means that two components are coupled to move as one while maintaining a constant overall orientation or position relative to each other, and can move within a limited range or about one axis. For example, a doorknob is "adjustably fixed" to a door, and although the doorknob can rotate, the doorknob is typically fixed in one position relative to the door. Additionally, the cartridge (nib and ink tank) of a retractable pen is "adjustably fixed" to a housing, and while the cartridge moves between a retracted position and an extended position, the orientation relative to the housing is generally maintained. Thus, when two elements are joined, all portions of the elements are joined. However, a statement that a particular portion of a first element is joined to a second element, e.g., a first end of an axle is joined to a first wheel, means that the particular portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than other portions of the first element. Furthermore, an object that is held in place on another object only by gravity is not "joined" to the object below unless the object above is otherwise held substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not joined to the table, but a book glued to the table is joined to the table.

[0035] 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 coupled 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 coupled together by welded or difficult to access fasteners are not "removably coupled." A "difficult to access fastener" is one that requires 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.

[0036] As used herein, "operably coupled" means that a plurality of elements or assemblies that are movable between a first position and a second position or configuration are coupled such that the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other and the second element also moves between both positions / configurations. Note that a first element may be "operably coupled" to another element, not vice versa.

[0037] In this specification, the expression that two or more parts or components "engage" each other means that the elements exert or bias a force 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 has reached the described position. Thus, "element A engages element B when it moves to the first position of the element" and "element A engages element B when it is 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 it is in the first position of the element.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As used herein, "corresponding" indicates that two structural components have a similar size and shape to one another 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 defining the opening and / or the components inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening may be slightly smaller than the components 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.

[0040] As used herein, the term "integral" 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 "integral" component or structure.

[0041] As used herein, the term "some" means one or more integers (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].

[0042] 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."

[0043] 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 a height line through the center of the cylinder. 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 the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "can" and "container" are used generally interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container configured to contain contents (e.g., but not limited to, liquids, food, or other suitable substances), and expressly include, but are not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer or soda cans, as well as food cans.

[0045] 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.

[0046] As used herein, "drive assembly" refers to an element operably coupled to a rotating shaft that extends back and forth in a treatment module. "Drive assembly" does not include a rotating shaft that extends back and forth in a treatment module.

[0047] As used herein, "lubrication system" means a system that applies lubricant to the outer surfaces of the linkages, e.g., shafts and gears, of a drive assembly.

[0048] As used herein, an "elongated" element essentially comprises a longitudinal axis and / or line that extends in the direction of extension.

[0049] 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.

[0050] As used herein, "substantially" means "mostly" in relation to the term it modifies, as would be understood by one of skill in the art.

[0051] 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.

[0052] An example of a necker machine 10 in which a drive assembly according to the concepts disclosed herein may be used is shown in Figures 1-4. A brief description of the general elements and operation of the necker machine 10 is provided herein, but a detailed description of a similar necker machine and its operation is provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 407,292, filed May 9, 2019 (shared with the present application), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of necker machines in which a drive assembly according to the concepts disclosed herein may be used are described, for example and without limitation, in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,464,567, 8,601,843, 9,095,888, and 9,308,570, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] As already explained in the Background section above, the necker machine 10 is configured to reduce the diameter of a portion of a can body 1, as shown in FIG. 5. In this specification, "necking" means reducing the diameter / radius of a portion of a can body 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the can body 1 includes a base 2 having an upwardly depending side wall 3. The can body base 2 and the can body side wall 3 define a generally enclosed space 4. In the embodiments described below, the can body 1 is generally circular and / or elongated cylindrical. This is one exemplary shape, it being understood that the can body 1 may have other shapes. The can body has a longitudinal axis 5. The can body side wall 3 has a first end 6 and a second end 7. The can body base 2 is at the second end 7. The can body first end 6 is open. The can body first end 6 initially has substantially the same radius / diameter as the can body side wall 3. Following the forming process in the Necker machine 10, the radius / diameter of the first end 6 of the can body is smaller than the radius / diameter of the remainder of the can body sidewall 3.

[0054] 1-3, the Necker machine 10 generally includes a number of modules (generally designated 11) arranged side-by-side and coupled to one another. While the exemplary Necker machine 10 includes six such modules 11, it should be understood that the number of modules 11 included in a given Necker machine generally depends on the details of the can body being processed / formed and its final desired shape, and thus the number of modules 11 may vary without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. The number of modules 11 includes an infeed module 12 disposed at a first end of the Necker machine 10. The infeed module 12 includes an infeed assembly 13 for receiving the can body 1 (see, for example, FIG. 3). The number of modules 11 also includes a number of forming / processing modules 14 extending in series from the infeed module 12. The number of modules 11 terminates in a discharge module 15 disposed at an opposite end of the Necker machine from the infeed module 12, with the number of processing modules 14 being bounded by the infeed module 12 and the discharge module 15. The discharge module 15 includes an outlet assembly 16 for discharging the necked cans from the Necker machine 10. Hereinafter, the processing / forming modules 14 will be identified by the term "processing module 14" to refer to the processing module 14 in general. Each processing module 14 has approximately the same overall width W (FIGS. 3 and 4) as all other processing modules 14. It should therefore be understood that the length / space occupied by the Necker machine 10 is largely determined by the number of processing modules 14 utilized therein.

[0055] As is known, the processing modules 14 are arranged adjacent to one another and in series with the infeed module 12 and discharge module 15 located at opposite ends of the series of processing modules. That is, each can body 1 processed by the Necker machine 10 moves in the same order from an upstream location through the series of processing modules 14. Movement of the can bodies 1 through the Necker machine 10 is effected by a transport assembly 18 driven by a drive assembly 20 (FIG. 4), both of which are included as part of the Necker machine 10.

[0056] During processing, the can bodies 1 follow a path, hereinafter "working path 9" (FIG. 3). That is, the Necker machine 10 defines the working path 9 along which the can bodies 1 move from an "upstream" US location to a "downstream" DS location as shown in FIG. 3. As used herein, "upstream" generally means closer to the infeed module 12 / infeed assembly 13, and "downstream" means closer to the discharge module 15 / outlet assembly 16. With respect to the elements that define the working path 9, each of those elements has an "upstream" end and a "downstream" end, and the can bodies move from the "upstream" end to the "downstream" end. Thus, as used herein, the characterization / identification of elements, assemblies, subassemblies, etc. as "upstream" or "downstream" elements or assemblies, or as being at an "upstream" or "downstream" location, is inherent. Furthermore, herein, the characterization / identification of elements, assemblies, subassemblies, etc. as "upstream" or "downstream" elements or assemblies, or as being in an "upstream" or "downstream" location, are relative terms.

[0057] As mentioned above, each processing module 14 has the same width W (i.e., the distance between its upstream and downstream ends), and the can body 1 is processed and / or shaped (or partially shaped) as it moves generally across the width W. Generally, the processing / shaping of the can body is performed in a rotatable turret 22 of each processing module 14. That is, the term "turret 22" is intended to identify a generic turret. Each processing module 14 includes a rotatable star wheel 24 associated with the turret 22. Depending on the application, the star wheel 24 may be a "non-vacuum star wheel" (i.e., a star wheel that does not include or is not associated with a vacuum assembly configured to apply a vacuum to the star wheel pockets) or alternatively a "vacuum star wheel" (i.e., a star wheel that includes or is associated with a vacuum assembly configured to apply a vacuum to the star wheel pockets) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Furthermore, each processing module 14 typically includes one turret 22 and one star wheel 24.

[0058] The transport assembly 18 is configured to move can bodies 1 between adjacent process modules 14 from the infeed module 12 towards the discharge module 15. The transport assembly 18 includes a plurality of rotatable star wheels 26, each of which is part of a respective process module 14, infeed module 12, or discharge module 15. As with the star wheels 24, depending on the application, the star wheels 26 may be of the "vacuum" or "non-vacuum" type without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0059] It should be noted that the multiple processing modules 14 may be configured to neck different types of can bodies 1 and / or different configurations. Thus, the multiple processing modules 14 are configured to be added to or removed from the necker machine 10 as needed for a particular application. To accomplish this, the necker machine 10 includes a frame assembly 30 to which the multiple processing modules 14 are removably coupled. Alternatively, the frame assembly 30 includes elements built into each of the multiple processing modules 14 such that the multiple processing modules 14 are configured to be temporarily coupled to one another. The frame assembly 30 has an upstream end 32 and a downstream end 34. Additionally, the frame assembly 30 includes an extended member, a panel member (none of which are numbered), or a combination of both. As is known, the panel members coupled to one another or to the extended members form a housing. Thus, as used herein, the housing is also identified as the "frame assembly 30."

[0060] When the Necker machine 10 operates, the infeed assembly 13 feeds individual can bodies 1 to the transport assembly 18, which moves each can body 1 sequentially through each processing module 14 from the most upstream processing module 14 to the most downstream processing module 14. More specifically, each can body 1 moves from star wheel 26 to star wheel 24 to turret 22 where the forming process occurs, back to the aforementioned star wheel 24, and then to the next downstream star wheel 26. Generally, each processing module 14 is configured to partially shape the can body 1 to gradually reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the can body first end 6 (FIG. 5) as the can body 1 moves through the multiple processing modules 14. The processing modules 14 include some elements that are unique to a single specific processing module 14, such as, but not limited to, a specific die. Other elements of the processing modules 14, such as the turret 22 and star wheels 24, 26, are common to all or most of the processing modules 14. Such processing continues until the can body 1 has passed through all of the processing modules 14 along the working path 9 and exits the Necker machine 10 via the exit assembly 16.

[0061] 3, to move can bodies 1 through the exemplary Necker machine 10, each of the turrets 22 and star wheels 24 rotate in a clockwise direction at a first rotational speed by a respective process or first drive shaft 40, while each of the star wheels 26 rotate in a counterclockwise direction at a second rotational speed by a respective transfer or second drive shaft 42. Such rotation of each of the first drive shaft 40 and second drive shaft 42 of each process module 14 is provided by a drive assembly 20, shown generally in FIG. 4. This drive assembly addresses the shortcomings of drive assemblies utilizing gear trains (as previously described herein) and may be easily retrofitted to other Necker machines that use gear trains.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the drive assembly 20 includes a gear train 50 made up of a number of first gears 52 and a number of second gears 54. Each first gear 52 (shown diagrammatically without teeth in FIG. 4) is mounted near the end of each first drive shaft 40 opposite the turret 22 coupled to said first drive shaft 40, and each second gear 54 (shown diagrammatically without teeth in FIG. 4) is mounted near the end of each second drive shaft 42 opposite the vacuum star wheel 26 coupled to said second drive shaft. Each gear 52, 54 may be made of any suitable material, and in one embodiment, both are made of steel. In another example, alternating gears formed of steel and a polymer (e.g., nylon) are used so as to avoid the need for lubrication. Other non-metallic (fiber / composite) gear materials may also be used with steel or metal gears to avoid lubrication requirements. Each gear 52, 54 is sized to rotate at a desired relative speed for a particular application. The first gears 52 and the second gears 54 are meshed with each other such that each first gear 52 only meshes with two second gears 54, and similarly each second gear 54 only meshes with two first gears 52. Thus, in the gear train 50, all the first gears 52 rotate in the same direction (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 4 ), while all the second gears 54 rotate in the opposite direction to the first gears 52 (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 4 ). It should thus be understood that the gear train 50 interconnects several drive shafts (e.g., the first drive shaft 40 and the second drive shaft 42) of each processing module 14 with several drive shafts of other processing modules 14 of the Necker machine 10 and with other driven components in the infeed module 12 and discharge module 15.

[0063] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the drive assembly 20 further includes a distributed drive assembly 58 that drives the gear train 50. Unlike configurations as previously described herein in which the gear train is driven at a single end, the distributed drive assembly 58 drives the gear train 50 at multiple locations, thereby better distributing the load of the gear train 50 than configurations as previously described in the Background section of this specification. To achieve such distribution, the distributed drive assembly 58 includes a number of drive sub-modules 60 (two are included in the exemplary drive assembly 20 shown in FIG. 4 ) coupled to the frame 30 via a sub-frame 61, and a number of extension shafts 62 (one is included in the exemplary drive assembly 20 shown in FIG. 4 ) disposed between the drive sub-modules 60. Each drive sub-module 60 includes an input shaft 64, a first output shaft 66 operably coupled to the input shaft 64, and a second output shaft 68 operably coupled to the input shaft 64. Such operable coupling allows both the first output shaft 66 and the second output shaft 68 to rotate when the input shaft 64 rotates. In the example shown in Figure 4, each of the first output shafts 66 is operably coupled to an associated input shaft 64 via a right-angle gearbox (not numbered), and each of the second output shafts 68 is operably coupled (via any suitable arrangement) to its associated input shaft 64 such that the second output shaft 68 and its associated input shaft 64 are axially aligned (i.e., rotate about a common axis (not numbered)). In the example shown in Figure 4, in the most downstream drive sub-module 60 (i.e., the left-most one shown in Figure 4), the input shaft 64 is operably coupled to a single main drive assembly motor 70 coupled to the frame 30 via another sub-frame 71 and is driven by the main drive assembly motor 70, and the first output shaft 66 is operably or otherwise directly or indirectly (e.g., via a second gear 54 or any other suitable arrangement) coupled to the second drive shaft 42 of the discharge module 15 to drive the second drive shaft 42.On the other hand, for the most upstream drive sub-module 60 (i.e., the right-most one shown in FIG. 4), the input shaft 64 is operatively coupled (via an extension shaft 62) to and driven by a second output shaft 68 of the aforementioned downstream drive sub-module 60. The first output shaft 66 is operatively coupled, otherwise directly or indirectly (e.g., via any suitable mechanism), to and drives a second drive shaft 42 of a process module 14 that is separated from the discharge module 15 by at least one other process module 14 (in the example shown in FIG. 4, such separation is by three process modules 14). The aforementioned separation is achieved by using an extension shaft 62. The extension shaft 62 has a length L by which the first output shafts 66 of the two drive sub-modules 60 are separated by a distance D (measured between centerlines). The extension shaft 62 may be formed of steel or other suitable material. For example, an extension shaft 62 made from carbon fiber can be used to increase the critical shaft speed, thereby increasing the allowable operating speed of the Necker machine 10. In this manner, it will be appreciated that the main drive assembly motor 70 drives the gear train 50 at multiple locations (rather than one location) via the distributed drive assemblies 58, thereby better distributing the load on the gear train 50 than in conventional configurations, and thus reducing the thickness of the gears required for the gear train 50, as compared to conventional configurations. While shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 as being coupled to the discharge module 15 and the most upstream processing module 14, it should be appreciated that the distributed drive assembly 58 may be coupled to other modules 11 without changing the scope of the disclosed concepts. Also, while shown coupled to and driving the second drive shaft 42 associated with the gear train 50, it should be appreciated that the distributed drive assembly may instead be coupled to and driving other components in the gear train 50 (e.g., the first drive shaft 40, a combination of the first drive shaft 40 and the second drive shaft 42, etc.) without changing the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0064] Binding of the gear train 50 resulting from multiple drive points can be avoided in a number of ways. In one exemplary approach, during machine setup (timing), the leftmost drive sub-module 60 shown in FIG. 4 is operably coupled to the module 15. The main drive assembly motor 70 can then drive the machine 10 very slowly until all of the backlash is removed from the gear train 50. Once the backlash has been absorbed through the gear train 50, the rightmost drive sub-module 60 shown in FIG. 4 is operably coupled to the processing module 14.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, a second output shaft 68 of the upstream most drive sub-module 60 (i.e., the right-most drive sub-module 60 shown in Figure 4) may be utilized by a suitable winding mechanism 69 to power the necker machine 10. This mechanism 69 may be a crank for manual winding, an electric motor for automatic winding, or any other suitable mechanism without changing the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0066] Although the exemplary distributed drive assembly 58 shown in FIG. 4 utilizes only two drive sub-modules 60 connected via a single extension shaft 62, it should be understood that the number of drive sub-modules 60 and / or extension shafts 62 utilized in the drive assembly 50 of the necker machine may be varied if necessary depending on the number of process modules 14 utilized in a particular necker machine and / or other details / requirements of a particular arrangement. For example, FIGS. 6-8 partially illustrate an exemplary necker machine 10' (and detailed views of portions thereof) including 14 process modules 14 (only some of which are labeled) driven by a drive assembly 20' having a distributed drive assembly 58' including / utilizing three drive sub-modules 60. Each drive sub-module is coupled by two extension shafts 62 (shown diagrammatically in hidden lines in FIG. 6) coupled to each other in a series arrangement between the drive sub-modules 60 by a coupling 80. The coupling 80 between the two extension shafts 60 is supported by a suitable sub-frame 81 coupled to the frame 30' of the necker machine 10'. In the view shown in FIG. 6, the extension shaft 62 and coupling 80 are covered by a removable safety shield 82 that is provided in several sections that are selectively coupled (e.g., via any suitable mechanism) to one or more subframes 61 and / or 81. As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in such an exemplary embodiment, each drive sub-module 60 is coupled to a corresponding second drive shaft 42 via a reduction gearbox 84 and a drive hub 86 that is coupled to the second gear 52 (FIG. 6) of the second drive shaft 42. However, as previously mentioned, such a particular configuration is provided for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that such coupling between the distributed drive assembly 58' and the gear train 50' may be achieved via any other suitable configuration without changing the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0067] As another example, FIG. 9 shows an example of a Necker machine 10″ including 16 process modules 14 (only some of which are numbered), which are driven by a drive assembly including a distributed drive assembly 58″ that includes / utilizes two drive sub-modules 60, each drive sub-module 60 being coupled by four extension shafts 62. More specifically, the four extension shafts 62 are coupled together in a serial arrangement between the drive sub-modules 60 by three couplings 80, each coupling 80 coupling two adjacent extension shafts 62. Each coupling 80 between two adjacent extension shafts 60 is supported by a suitable sub-frame 81 coupled to the frame 30″ of the Necker machine 10″. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the drive sub-modules 60 are coupled to the discharge module 15 and a twelfth upstream process module, although again, it should be understood that the drive sub-modules 60 may be coupled to other modules 11 without changing the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0068] From the above examples, it can be seen that embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein provide an arrangement for driving a Necker machine that improves upon conventional arrangements by distributing the driving force along a gear train while using only a single drive motor. Better distribution of force along the gear train allows for the use of weaker gears in the gear train (e.g., thinner and / or formed from alternative materials (e.g., polymers, composites, etc.)), thereby reducing the cost of the gear train while improving reliability.

[0069] Although specific embodiments of the disclosed concepts have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate 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 illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the disclosed concepts, which shall be accorded the full scope of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A distributed drive assembly for a Necker machine having a frame assembly and a plurality of modules, comprising: each module having a number of drive shafts, the number of drive shafts of each module being interconnected via a gear train with the number of drive shafts of other modules in the plurality of processing modules; the distributed drive assembly comprises a plurality of drive sub-modules; Each driving sub-module is An input shaft; a first output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft; a second output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft; Equipped with In a first driving sub-module of the plurality of driving sub-modules, the input shaft is operatively coupled to and configured to be driven by a main drive assembly motor; a first output shaft configured to operatively couple to and drive an associated first one of the drive shafts of a first module of the plurality of modules; In a second driving sub-module of the plurality of driving sub-modules, the input shaft is operatively coupled to and driven by a second output shaft of a first drive sub-module; A distributed drive assembly, wherein the first output shaft is configured to operatively couple to and drive an associated first drive shaft of some of the drive shafts of a second module of the plurality of modules, the second module being spaced from the first module by at least one other module.

2. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an extension shaft, the input shaft of the second drive sub-module being operably coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by the extension shaft.

3. 3. The distributed drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the extension shaft is sized and configured to position a first output shaft of a second drive sub-module at a distance away from a first output shaft of a first drive sub-module, the distance being greater than an overall width of one of the plurality of processing modules.

4. The plurality of drive modules includes at least three drive sub-modules; In a third driving sub-module of the plurality of driving sub-modules, the input shaft is operatively coupled to and driven by a second output shaft of a second drive sub-module; 2. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1, wherein a first output shaft is configured to operatively couple to and drive one of a plurality of drive shafts of a third module of the plurality of modules.

5. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1 , wherein in each drive sub-module, the first output shaft is operably coupled to the input shaft via a right-angle gearbox.

6. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1 , wherein for each drive sub-module, the second output shaft is axially aligned with the input shaft.

7. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly motor is coupled to an input shaft of a first drive sub-module of the plurality of drive sub-modules.

8. 2. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least two extension shafts, wherein an input shaft of the second drive sub-module is operably coupled to a second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by the at least two extension shafts connected together in series.

9. The distributed drive assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a winding mechanism operably coupled to the second output shaft of the second drive sub-module.

10. A Necker machine, A frame assembly; a plurality of modules coupled to the frame assembly, each module having a number of drive shafts; A drive assembly; Equipped with The drive assembly includes: a gear train including a plurality of gears, each gear coupled to a respective one of the drive shafts of the plurality of modules to interconnect the drive shafts of each module to the drive shafts of other modules of the plurality of modules; a distributed drive assembly comprising a plurality of drive sub-modules; Each drive sub-module is provided with: An input shaft; a first output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft; a second output shaft operably coupled to the input shaft; In a first driving sub-module of the plurality of driving sub-modules, the input shaft is operatively coupled to and configured to be driven by a main drive assembly motor; a first output shaft operatively coupled to drive an associated first one of the drive shafts of a first module of the plurality of modules; In a second driving sub-module of the plurality of driving sub-modules, the input shaft is operatively coupled to and driven by a second output shaft of a first drive sub-module; A Necker machine, wherein the first output shaft is operatively coupled to drive an associated first one of the drive shafts of a second module of the plurality of modules, the second module being spaced from the first module by at least one other module.

11. The Necker machine of claim 10 further comprising a main drive assembly motor coupled to an input shaft of a first of the plurality of drive sub-modules.

12. a first output shaft of the first drive sub-module is coupled to an associated first drive shaft of the several drive shafts of the first module via a reduction gearbox and a drive hub; 11. The Neckar machine according to claim 10, wherein a first output shaft of the second drive sub-module is coupled to an associated first drive shaft of the several drive shafts of the second module via a further reduction gearbox and a further drive hub.

13. 11. The necker machine of claim 10, further comprising an extension shaft, the input shaft of the second drive sub-module being operably coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by said extension shaft.

14. 14. The Neckar machine of claim 13, wherein the extension shaft is sized and configured to position a first output shaft of a first drive sub-module at a distance away from a first output shaft of a first drive sub-module, the distance being greater than an overall width of one of the plurality of processing modules.

15. The plurality of drive modules includes at least three drive sub-modules; For a third driving sub-module of the plurality of driving sub-modules, the input shaft is operatively coupled to drive a second output shaft of a second drive sub-module; 11. The necker machine of claim 10, wherein a first output shaft is operatively coupled to drive one of a plurality of drive shafts of a third module of the plurality of modules.

16. 11. The Necker machine of claim 10, wherein in each drive sub-module, the first output shaft is operably coupled to the input shaft via a right-angle gearbox.

17. 11. The Neckar machine of claim 10, wherein in each drive sub-module, the second output shaft is axially aligned with the input shaft.

18. 11. The Neckar machine of claim 10, further comprising at least two extension shafts, the input shaft of the second drive sub-module being operably coupled to the second output shaft of the first drive sub-module by the at least two extension shafts connected together in series.

19. The necker machine of claim 10, further comprising a winding mechanism operably coupled to the second output shaft of the second drive sub-module.

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