Liner and Rotating Tank Assembly

Abstract

A rotating tank assembly for a liner is provided. The liner is configured to apply compound to a plurality of container closures. The rotating tank assembly includes a compound tank, a fill tube configured to fill the tank with the compound to a desired level, a sensor assembly to measure the height of the compound in the compound tank, and a rotating union assembly configured to pivotally couple the fill tube and the sensor assembly to the compound tank. Only one probe is required for the sensor assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 167,542, filed February 4, 2021, entitled "LINER AND ROTATING TANK ASSEMBLY FOR LINER."

[0002] <Technical field> The disclosed concepts generally relate to a container closure machine, and more particularly to a liner for applying a coating material to a container closure, such as a can end. The disclosed concepts also relate to a tank assembly for the liner. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known that applying a sealant material, commonly referred to as a compound, to the underside of a container closure facilitates subsequent sealing attachment (e.g., but not limited to, seaming) of the closure to containers such as beer / beverage cans and food cans.

[0004] Rotary liner machines are used, for example, to line (i.e., apply sealant or compound) container closures, commonly referred to as can lids, shells, or can ends, at relatively high speeds in relatively high-volume applications. Rotary liners generally include a base with a chuck assembly. A pivoting upper turret assembly is positioned above the chuck assembly and includes a motorized tank assembly, a rotating compound tank assembly, and several peripherally positioned fluid dispensing devices (e.g., sealant or compound guns). A lower turret assembly rotates the chuck. A downstacker feeds can ends to a starwheel, which in turn cooperates with corresponding chuck members of the chuck assembly to support and rotate the can ends relative to the fluid dispensing devices.

[0005] Specifically, the star wheel rotates the can end on a chuck member, which is then raised by a cam to receive the can end. The chuck member then begins to rotate the can end. This is commonly referred to as the "pre-spin." Once the can end reaches the desired rotational speed, a fluid dispenser applies sealant to the can end (for example, but not limited to, spraying it). This is commonly referred to as the "spray time." After the sealant is applied, the can end continues to rotate for a relatively short period to lubricate the sealant. This is commonly referred to as the "post-spin time." Finally, a cam lowers the chuck member and can end, and each can end is removed and ejected from the rotary liner via an unloading guide.

[0006] Among other drawbacks, conventional rotary liner designs suffer from speed limitations and operational and maintenance issues associated with the rotating tank, particularly the sensor assembly used to measure the compound level within the tank. More specifically, compound enters the tank through a fill valve. The fill valve opens and closes based on signals received from multiple level sensing probes. The sensor assembly typically includes three level sensors (i.e., sensing probes): a low level sensor for detecting an "empty" reading, a mid-level sensor for measuring a "full" or "high level" reading, and an upper level sensor for detecting an "overflow" reading. The low level sensor is generally always immersed in the compound. Over time, the compound can dry within the tank and form "bridges" between the level sensors (i.e., consolidated collections of dried compound that form connections or "bridges" between the level sensors). Such "bridges" create current paths for current to pass from sensor probe to sensor probe, thereby adversely affecting the signal and associated measurements. As a result, the liner machine must be shut down and the tank assembly disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled to restore normal operation.

[0007] Additionally, as the tank assembly rotates (e.g., at approximately 180-262.5 rpm), the compound is subjected to induced centrifugal forces, which cause the compound to flow outward toward the tank walls, resulting in the compound rising at the walls and being at a higher elevation in the outer portions of the tank relative to the center of the tank. This makes it difficult to consistently measure the compound height within the tank. To address this issue, attempts have been made to use mechanical inserts to stop the flow of compound as it rises up the outer walls of the tank. Such inserts are not without their inherent drawbacks, and all of the aforementioned problems become worse as the tank's rotational speed increases.

[0008] Therefore, there is room for improvement in liners and tank assemblies for liners. Summary of the Invention

[0009] These and other needs are met by embodiments of the disclosed concepts related to liners and tank assemblies for liners that, among other benefits, provide reliable operation and allow for higher liner speeds and increased production.

[0010] In one aspect of the disclosed concept, a rotating tank assembly is provided for a liner configured to apply compound to a plurality of container closures. The rotating tank assembly includes a compound tank, a fill pipe configured to fill the tank with a quantity of compound to a desired level, a sensor assembly configured to measure the height of the compound in the compound tank, and a rotary union assembly configured to pivotally couple the fill pipe and sensor assembly to the compound tank. Only one probe of the sensor assembly is required.

[0011] The compound tank may include a generally cylindrical body having a first end, a second end opposite and distal to the first end, an interior having an inner diameter, and a height defined by the distance between the first end and the second end. The inner diameter of the compound tank may be less than 5.125 inches.

[0012] The single probe may be a guided pulse level sensor. The sensor assembly may include a quick connector for electrically connecting or disconnecting the single probe.

[0013] A liner that includes the aforementioned rotating tank assembly is also disclosed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] The invention can be best understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a liner and tank assembly therefor in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a conventional tank assembly and is provided solely for purposes of comparison with the disclosed tank assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a tank assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosed concepts. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the tank assembly of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the tank assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Although a tank assembly according to the disclosed concepts is shown and described herein as being used in connection with a rotary liner for applying a sealant or compound to a container closure, it will be understood that it may alternatively be used to transport container closures in other applications using a wide variety of other types of equipment and machinery (not shown).

[0017] Directional terms used herein, such as up, down, clockwise, counterclockwise, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements as shown and do not limit the scope of the claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0018] The specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concepts, and thus, specific dimensions, orientations, and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed concepts.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "container closure," "can end," "shell," and / or "lid" are generally synonymous and used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable closure member that is applied (e.g., without limitation, seamed) to the open end of a container (e.g., without limitation, a beer / beverage can, a food can) to seal the contents of the container therein.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "sealant" and / or "compound" are generally synonymous and are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable coating that is applied (e.g., limited to, sprayed) to the surface of a container closure.

[0021] As used herein, the term "production rate" refers to the production rate of the liner, preferably measured in container closures per minute, more commonly referred to in the industry as "ends per minute" (epm).

[0022] As used herein, the statement that two or more components are "coupled" to one another means that the components are connected to one another directly or through one or more intermediate components.

[0023] As used herein, the term "several" means one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

[0024] A liner machine 100, such as, but not limited to, the rotary liner machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, is used to line (i.e., apply a sealant (not shown) or compound (not shown)) can ends 50. The liner machine 100, commonly referred to simply as a "liner," employs a rotary tank assembly 200 (best shown in FIGS. 4-8) in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed concepts.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the liner 100 generally includes a base 102 having a processing assembly 104. The processing assembly 104 includes a chuck assembly 106 having several rotating chucks 108 and a pivoting upper turret assembly 110 disposed above the chuck assembly 106. The pivoting upper turret assembly 110 includes a motorized tank assembly 112, the aforementioned rotating tank assembly 200, and several fluid dispensing devices 120 (e.g., sealant guns or compound guns) disposed around the periphery. A lower turret assembly (not shown) is disposed within the base 102 and configured to rotate the chucks 108. The exemplary liner 100 includes eight guns 120, each associated with a corresponding rotating chuck 108 in the chuck assembly 106. However, it will be understood that any suitable alternative number and configuration (not shown) of chucks 108 and guns 120 or other fluid dispensing devices (not shown) may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosed concepts. It will also be understood that the processing assembly 104 may include, for example, but not limited to, the structures and features disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 140,330, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0026] An upper turret assembly 10 employing a conventional tank assembly 2 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for purposes of illustration and comparison with the tank assembly 200 of the disclosed concepts. The upper turret assembly 10 includes a rotary union 12 having an internal bearing 14 and a seal 16. The tank assembly 2 includes a fill tube 20, a sensor assembly 22 having multiple sensors (i.e., level probes) 24, 26, and 28, and a fill insert 30, all of which are best seen in cross section in FIG. 3. Three separate level probes 24, 26, and 28 (e.g., low level sensor 24, mid level sensor 26, and upper level sensor 28) are required, and together with the fill tube 20, there is the potential for "bridging" of compound 40 (shown for simplicity in phantom in FIG. 3) between the probes 24, 26, and 28. That is, compound 40 may connect or "bridge" several probes 24, 26, 28 and / or fill tubes 20 together, as illustratively shown in simplified form using diagram 60 shown in phantom in Figure 3. As discussed above, such bridging can result in unwanted electrical communication, potentially causing malfunction or inaccuracies in the operation of probes 24, 26, 28.

[0027] FIG. 3 further illustrates that the compound 40 is susceptible to centrifugal forces due to the relatively high rotational speed of the tank assembly 2 (e.g., between approximately 180 and 262.5 rpm). That is, the centrifugal forces tend to force the compound 40 outward against the radial constraint of the inner sidewall of the tank assembly, climbing up the inner sidewall and creating a concave profile, as shown. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the actual height of the compound 40. This problem is exacerbated by several factors, including the relatively large tank diameter d and the relatively high rotational speed of the tank. The tank diameter d in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3 is 5.125 inches. The filler insert 30 described above is employed to address and minimize this problem. However, it will be appreciated that the filler insert 30 has limited effectiveness and, as shown in FIG. 3, also has the disadvantage of occupying valuable space within the tank assembly 2.

[0028] As will be described in greater detail with respect to Figures 1 and 4-8, the disclosed rotating tank assembly 200 is uniquely designed to address and overcome the aforementioned problems.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 and in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6 and 7, the rotating tank assembly 200 preferably includes a compound tank 202, a fill tube 204 configured to fill the compound tank 202 to a desired level with a volume of compound 300 (shown in simplified form in Figures 6 and 7), a sensor assembly 210 configured to measure the height of the compound 300 within the compound tank 202, and a rotary union assembly 220. The rotary union assembly 220 is configured to pivotally couple the fill tube 204 and the sensor assembly 210 to the compound tank 202, as best shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6 and 7 (see also the exploded view in Figure 8).

[0030] Among its unique features, the sensor assembly 210 of the rotating tank assembly 200 requires, and indeed uses, only a single probe 212, as best shown in FIGS. 6-8. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, conventional tank assemblies 2 and their sensor assemblies 22 require multiple (e.g., three or more) sensing probes 24, 26, 28. This presents various problems, including, but not limited to, the aforementioned difficulties with compound buildup and "bridging" between the probes, which can cause malfunctions or operational errors (see compound bridge 60, shown in simplified form in FIG. 3). It also requires maintenance, and more specifically, the need to shut down the machine, disassemble it, and remove the compound bridge 60 to restore proper function of the sensing assembly 22.

[0031] The exemplary single probe 212 is a guided pulse level sensor that utilizes guided pulse technology for maintenance-free operation. That is, the single probe 212 is resistant to issues such as, but not limited to, foaming, fluid buildup due to hardening, obstructions in the tank 202, condensation, changes in fluid properties, and pulsation. Thus, the disclosed sensor assembly 210 reduces complexity and enables more reliable operation. Preferably, the single probe 212 and the fill tube 204 are mounted equidistant from the axis of rotation 400, as best shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 6 and 7. This is to limit the forces on the individual components of the assembly and minimize or eliminate foaming. In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the exemplary guided pulse level sensor 212 also offers the advantage of providing a continuous compound level reading. In contrast, the previously described conventional sensing probes 24, 26, and 28 only provide discrete sensing capabilities (e.g., low level, high level, emergency stop). Thus, the disclosed sensor assembly 210 and its single probe 212 provide improved capabilities for more accurately and consistently measuring the level of compound 300 within compound tank 202.

[0032] With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that the compound tank 202 comprises a generally cylindrical body 206 including a first end 208, a second end 211 opposite and distally disposed from the first end 208, an interior 214 having an inner diameter D, and a height 216 defined by the distance between the first end 208 and the second end 211. It will be appreciated that the inner diameter D is less than 5.125 inches, and preferably about 2.750 inches. This is significantly smaller than the diameter d (FIG. 3) of the conventional compound tank 2 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Among other advantages, the small inner diameter D of the disclosed compound tank 202 reduces the effect of centrifugal forces associated with rotation. This can be appreciated by reference to the liquid level 240 of the compound 300 shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 6 and 7. This surface is not significantly concave compared to the compound 300 liquid level 40 in the conventional tank 2 of FIG. 3 . This remains true even as rotational speed increases (e.g., without limitation, from about 262.5 rpm to about 375 rpm). This less dynamic fluid behavior of the compound 300 within the compound tank 202 is advantageous because it results in more consistent and predictable operation. While it is true that the available internal volume within the interior 214 of the compound tank 202 is reduced, this is offset by the elimination of the tank insert 30 ( FIG. 3 ). The flow rate of the compound 300 through the fill tube 204 is important. Specifically, it is desirable not to fill or empty the compound tank 202 in a relatively short period of time. That is, the inflow fluid flow should be slightly greater than the outflow flow, allowing the fluid level within the tank to rise slowly and in a well-controlled manner during the fill cycle. For illustrative purposes, the fluid level of compound 300 in FIG. 6 is shown as full compared to FIG. 7, where the level of compound 300 is reduced.

[0033] With reference to Figures 4-7 and the exploded view of Figure 8, it will be understood that the rotating union assembly 220 of the disclosed rotating tank assembly 200 preferably includes a first rotating union 222 and a second rotating union 224. As best shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 6 and 7 and the exploded view of Figure 8, at least one of the first rotating union 222 and the second rotating union 224 is a pneumatic rotary union. In the illustrated example, only the first rotating union is a pneumatic rotary union 222, and the second rotating union is a mechanical rotary union 224. The rotating tank assembly 200 further includes a compressed air assembly 240 and a plurality of air conduits 250. The air conduits 250 are each radially spaced apart and coupled to the pneumatic rotary union 222, as best shown in Figure 8.

[0034] In the embodiment shown and described herein, the generally cylindrical body 206 of the compound tank 202 further includes an exterior surface 270 having an outer periphery. A plurality of ribs 272, 274 (two shown) extend radially around the periphery. The air conduits 250 are coupled to the pneumatic rotary union 222 and are supported by the ribs 272, 274. That is, the ribs 272, 274 are configured to maintain the air conduits 250 in a radially spaced relationship on the exterior surface 270 of the cylindrical body 206 of the compound tank 202, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 8 (see also the cross-sectional views in Figures 6 and 7).

[0035] 8, the sensor assembly 210 preferably includes a quick connector 280 for relatively quickly and easily electrically connecting or disconnecting the single probe 212. Among other advantages, such a quick connector 280 eliminates the need for manual wiring of the sensor assembly 210, thus further simplifying the complexity of the design.

[0036] It will thus be appreciated that the disclosed rotating tank assembly 200 improves the performance of the liner 100 (FIG. 1) compared to the prior art tank assembly 2 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Among other advantages, the sensor assembly's single probe 212 and compound tank 202 design result in a relatively less complex system, providing more consistent and reliable operation. The guided pulse level sensor 212 provides continuous compound level readings while avoiding known problems such as compound bridging (see compound bridge 60, shown in simplified form in FIG. 3). The compound tank 202's relatively small inner diameter D also minimizes adverse fluid dynamics associated with the rotation of the tank assembly 200 and the compound 300 therein, thereby eliminating the need for any tank inserts (e.g., see tank insert 30 in FIG. 3), and also allows the rotational speed of the tank 202, and generally the operating speed of the liner 100, to be increased (e.g., without limitation, up to about 375 rpm or greater), improving production yields.

[0037] While 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 disclosed concepts, which is given the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A liner rotating tank assembly configured to apply compound to a plurality of container closures, comprising: Compound tank and a fill pipe configured to fill the compound tank with the compound to a desired level; a sensor assembly configured to measure the height of the compound in the compound tank; a rotary union assembly configured to pivotally couple the fill tube and the sensor assembly to the compound tank; It is equipped with The sensor assembly requires only a single probe; the rotary union assembly includes a first rotary union and a second rotary union; at least one of the first rotary union and the second rotary union is a pneumatic rotary union; The rotating tank assembly further comprises a compressed air assembly including a number of air conduits coupled to the pneumatic rotary union.

2. 10. The rotating tank assembly of claim 1, wherein said single probe is a guided pulse level sensor.

3. 2. The rotating tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the compound tank comprises a generally cylindrical body including a first end, a second end opposite and distally disposed from the first end, an interior having an inner diameter, and a height defined by a distance between the first end and the second end.

4. 4. The rotating tank assembly of claim 3, wherein the compound tank has an inner diameter of less than 5.125 inches.

5. 5. The rotating tank assembly of claim 4, wherein the compound tank has an inner diameter of approximately 2.750 inches.

6. 4. The rotating tank assembly of claim 3, wherein the generally cylindrical body of the compound tank further includes an exterior surface having an outer periphery and a plurality of ribs extending radially around the periphery, the several air conduits being a plurality of air conduits, the plurality of ribs being configured to maintain the plurality of air conduits in a radially spaced relationship on the exterior surface of the cylindrical body.

7. 4. The rotating tank assembly of claim 3, wherein the rotating tank assembly does not have a tank insert inside the compound tank.

8. 10. The rotating tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly includes a quick connector for electrically connecting or disconnecting the single probe.

9. A liner, With the base, a processing assembly operably coupled to the base and configured to apply a compound to a plurality of container closures, the processing assembly including a rotating tank assembly; Compound tank and a fill pipe configured to fill the compound tank with the compound to a desired level; a sensor assembly configured to measure the height of the compound in the compound tank; a rotary union assembly configured to pivotally couple the fill tube and the sensor assembly to the compound tank; It is equipped with The sensor assembly requires only a single probe; the rotary union assembly includes a first rotary union and a second rotary union; at least one of the first rotary union and the second rotary union is a pneumatic rotary union; The rotating tank assembly further comprises a compressed air assembly including several air conduits coupled to the pneumatic rotary union.

10. The liner of claim 9 wherein the single probe is a guided pulse level sensor.

11. 10. The liner of claim 9, wherein the compound tank comprises a generally cylindrical body including a first end, a second end opposite and distally disposed from the first end, an interior having an inner diameter, and a height defined by a distance between the first end and the second end.

12. 12. The liner of claim 11, wherein the compound tank has an inside diameter of less than 5.125 inches.

13. 13. The liner of claim 12, wherein the compound tank has an inside diameter of 2.750 inches.

14. 12. The liner of claim 11, wherein the compound tank generally cylindrical body further includes an exterior surface having an outer periphery and a plurality of ribs extending radially around the periphery, the several air conduits being a plurality of air conduits, the plurality of ribs being configured to maintain the plurality of air conduits in a radially spaced apart relationship on the exterior surface of the cylindrical body.

15. 12. The liner of claim 11, wherein the rotating tank assembly is free of a tank insert inside the compound tank.

16. 10. The liner of claim 9, wherein the sensor assembly includes a quick connector for electrically connecting or disconnecting the single probe.

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