Adjustable pusher arrangement for metal container forming and cutting machines

Abstract

An adjustable pusher arrangement for use in performing a forming and / or cutting operation on a can body. The arrangement includes a linear motion guide having a rail member and a slider block slidingly coupled to the rail member so as to be readily translatable along the rail member. The arrangement further includes a pusher assembly having a pusher ram positioned on, and adjustably coupled to the slider block via one or more jack bolts and one or more lock bolts. Each lock bolt is rotatable among a locked positioning and an unlocked positioning. A positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block is adjustable by rotating the number of jack bolts relative to the pusher ram when each lock bolt is in the unlocked positioning, and the positioning is fixable by rotating each lock bolt to the locked positioning.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The disclosed concept relates generally to pusher arrangements for use in metal container forming operations and, more particularly, to adjustable pusher arrangements for use in such operations. The disclosed concept further relates to processing stations including such adjustable pusher arrangements.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Can bodies, such as those commonly used on the food and beverage industries, are typically formed in a bodymaker. That is, a bodymaker forms blanks such as, but not limited to, disks or cups into an elongated can body. A can body includes a base and a depending sidewall. The sidewall is open at the end opposite the base. The bodymaker, typically, includes a ram / punch that moves the blanks through a number of dies to form the can body. The can body is ejected from the ram / punch for further processing such as, but not limited to, trimming, necking, washing, printing, flanging, inspecting, and then placed on pallets which are shipped to a filler. At the filler, the cans are taken off the pallets, filled, ends placed on them, and then the filled cans are repackaged in six packs and / or twelve pack cases, etc.

[0003] Performing metal forming or cutting on a metal container at high precision, such as, for example, the aforementioned trimming and necking operations, requires the object holding the container to be very accurately aligned to the forming / cutting tooling. As the amount of material utilized in such containers is reduced in order to minimize material usage, the criticality of such alignment has increased, while the accuracy of the arrangements for holding the container have not. Hence, there exists a need for improved arrangements for accurately holding a container during such metal forming and / or cutting operations.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] These needs, and others, are met by embodiments of the disclosed concept which provide for adjustable pusher arrangements for use in can forming and / or cutting operations. As a first aspect of the disclosed concept, a pusher arrangement for use in performing a forming and / or cutting operation on a can body is provided. The pusher arrangement comprises: a linear motion guide comprising: a rail member disposed along a longitudinal axis; and a slider block slidingly coupled to the rail member so as to be readily translatable along the rail member, the slider block having a number of threaded recesses defined therein; and a pusher assembly comprising: a pusher ram positioned on the slider block and having: a first end; an opposite second end; and a plurality of apertures defined therethrough, wherein at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures is a threaded aperture; a number of jack bolts, each jack bolt comprising a cylindrical body having a first end structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool, a second end opposite the first end, and a threaded portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the threaded portion of each jack bolt being cooperatively engaged with a corresponding threaded aperture of the plurality of apertures and the second end of each jack bolt being engaged with a surface of the slider block facing the pusher ram; and a number of lock bolts, each lock bolt comprising an elongate cylindrical body extending from a head portion at a first end structured to be engaged by the adjustment tool or another tool to a threaded second end opposite the first end, the body of each lock bolt being disposed in a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures and the threaded second end of each lock bolt extending from the corresponding aperture and engaged with a corresponding threaded recess of the number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block, wherein each lock bolt is rotatable among a locked positioning wherein the pusher ram is fixedly coupled to the slider block and an unlocked positioning wherein the pusher ram is loosely coupled to the slider block, wherein a positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block is adjustable by rotating the number of jack bolts relative to the pusher ram when each lock bolt is in the unlocked positioning, and wherein the positioning is fixable by rotating each lock bolt to the locked positioning.

[0005] The positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable may be an angular positioning.

[0006] The positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable may be a spatial positioning.

[0007] The pusher assembly may further comprise: a number of cam followers positioned at or about the first end of the pusher ram, the number of cam followers structured to follow a cam profile; and a push pad coupled to the second end of the pusher ram, the push pad having a contact surface structured to engage the can body.

[0008] The number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block may comprise four threaded recesses, the plurality of apertures defined through the pusher ram may comprise eight apertures, four of which being threaded apertures, the number of jack bolts may comprise four jack bolts, and the number of lock bolts may comprise four lock bolts. The four jack bolts may be positioned mirrored about a longitudinal axis of the pusher ram and a transverse axis positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0009] The pusher assembly may further comprise: a pair of opposing frame members disposed on opposite sides of the pusher ram and the slider block parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail member, wherein both of the frame members are fixedly coupled to one of the pusher ram or the slider block via a number of fasteners, and wherein the other one of the pusher ram or the slider block is engaged by a number of secondary jack bolts threadingly engaged with one of the pair of frame members and by a further number of jack bolts threadingly engaged with the other one of the pair of frame members. Both of the frame members may be fixedly coupled to the pusher ram by the number of secondary lock bolts. One of the slider block or the pusher ram may comprise a transverse ridge oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member, and the other one of the slider block or the pusher ram may comprise a transverse groove oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member and sized and configured to cooperatively receive the transverse ridge such that pusher ram can slide relative to the slider block transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail member. The transverse ridge and the transverse groove may be sized and configured so as to maintain at least a line contact therebetween, the line contact being oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the rail member.

[0010] As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a processing station for performing a forming and / or cutting operation on a portion of a can body is provided. The processing station comprises: a frame; a turret rotatably coupled to the frame and selectively rotatable about a rotation axis; a cam body rigidly coupled to the frame, the cam body having a portion defining a cam profile; and a pusher arrangement comprising: a linear motion guide comprising: a rail member disposed along a longitudinal axis; and a slider block slidingly coupled to the rail member so as to be readily translatable along the rail member, the slider block having a number of threaded recesses defined therein; and a pusher assembly comprising: a pusher ram positioned on the slider block and having: a first end; an opposite second end; and a plurality of apertures defined therethrough, wherein at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures is a threaded aperture; a number of jack bolts, each jack bolt comprising a cylindrical body having a first end structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool, a second end opposite the first end, and a threaded portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the threaded portion of each jack bolt being cooperatively engaged with a corresponding threaded aperture of the plurality of apertures and the second end of each jack bolt being engaged with a surface of the slider block facing the pusher ram; and a number of lock bolts, each lock bolt comprising an elongate cylindrical body extending from a head portion at a first end structured to be engaged by the adjustment tool or another tool to a threaded second end opposite the first end, the body of each lock bolt being disposed in a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures and the threaded second end of each lock bolt extending from the corresponding aperture and engaged with a corresponding threaded recess of the number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block, wherein each lock bolt is rotatable among a locked positioning wherein the pusher ram is fixedly coupled to the slider block and an unlocked positioning wherein the pusher ram is loosely coupled to the slider block, wherein a positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block is adjustable by rotating the number of jack bolts relative to the pusher ram when each lock bolt is in the unlocked positioning, and wherein the positioning is fixable by rotating each lock bolt to the locked positioning.

[0011] The positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable may be an angular positioning.

[0012] The positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable may be a spatial positioning.

[0013] The pusher assembly may further comprise: a number of cam followers positioned at or about the first end of the pusher ram, the number of cam followers structured to follow a cam profile; and a push pad coupled to the second end of the pusher ram, the push pad having a contact surface structured to engage the can body.

[0014] The number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block may comprise four threaded recesses, the plurality of apertures defined through the pusher ram may comprise eight apertures, four of which being threaded apertures, the number of jack bolts may comprise four jack bolts, and the number of lock bolts may comprise four lock bolts. The four jack bolts may be positioned mirrored about a longitudinal axis of the pusher ram and a transverse axis positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] The pusher assembly may further comprise a pair of opposing frame members disposed on opposite sides of the pusher ram and the slider block parallel to the member, wherein both of the frame members are fixedly coupled to one of the pusher ram or the slider block via a number of fasteners, and wherein the other one of the pusher ram or the slider block is engaged by a number of secondary jack bolts threadingly engaged with one of the pair of frame members and by a further number of jack bolts threadingly engaged with the other one of the pair of frame members. Both of the frame members may be fixedly coupled to the pusher ram by the number of secondary lock bolts. One of the slider block or the pusher ram may comprise a transverse ridge oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member, and the other one of the slider block or the pusher ram may comprise a transverse groove oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member and sized and configured to cooperatively receive the transverse ridge such that pusher ram can slide relative to the slider block transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail member. The transverse ridge and the transverse groove may be sized and configured so as to maintain at least a line contact therebetween, the line contact being oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the rail member.

[0016] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the disclosed concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. 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 invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a necker machine in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the necker machine of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a can body;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a processing station of the necker machine of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the view of FIG. 4 such as indicated in FIG. 4 showing a pusher arrangement in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pusher arrangement in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the pusher arrangement of FIG. 6;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the pusher arrangement of FIGS. 6 and 7 as indicated in FIG. 8;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a top view of the pusher arrangement of FIGS. 6 and 7;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the pusher arrangement of FIGS. 6, 7 and 9 as indicated in FIG. 9;

[0028] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the pusher arrangement of FIGS. 6, 7 and 9; and

[0029] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a pusher arrangement in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Accordingly, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0031] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

[0032] As used herein, the singular form of “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and / or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].”

[0034] As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and / or operate together, or, act upon / with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

[0035] As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener” but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.

[0036] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used herein, “loosely coupled” means that two components are coupled in a manner wherein one or both components may move with respect to the other a limited amount. For example, keys on a key ring are loosely coupled (e.g., via the key ring). As used herein, “adjustably fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to each other while being able to move in a limited range or about a single axis. For example, a doorknob is “adjustably fixed” to a door in that the doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in a single position relative to the door. Further, a cartridge (nib and ink reservoir) in a retractable pen is “adjustably fixed” relative to the housing in that the cartridge moves between a retracted and extended position, but generally maintains its orientation relative to the housing. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

[0037] As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled” means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled” whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not “removably coupled.”

[0038] As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions / configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

[0039] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another means that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion from one position to another and / or may “engage” another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and / or element A either engages element B while in element A first position.

[0040] As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is, “operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely “temporarily coupled” to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, “operatively engage” means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current.

[0041] As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly” together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and / or the component inserted into the opening is / are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, “corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

[0042] As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

[0043] As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase “a number of elements” means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term “a ‘number’ of [X]” includes a single [X].

[0044] As employed herein, the terms “can” and “container” are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid, food, any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and beverage cans, as well as food cans.

[0045] Embodiments of the disclosed concept enable a person to quickly and repeatedly align a ram holding the container during a forming or cutting operation on a container such as a can body. Accordingly, while the detailed example provided herein is described in conjunction with a necker machine, it is to be readily appreciated that such particular implementation is provided for exemplary purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a necker machine 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept structured to reduce the diameter of a portion of a can body 1 is shown. Necker machine 10 is of similar construction and operates in a similar manner as necker machines described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,370,015 and 11,565,303 commonly assigned to the same assignee as the present application except for further details of particular aspects thereof such as provided below. Accordingly, only a general overview of major components of necker machine 10 and the general operation thereof is provided herein.

[0047] As used herein, to “neck” means to reduce the diameter / radius of a portion of a can body 1. That is a can body 1, such as shown (for example, without limitation) in FIG. 3, includes a base 2 with an upwardly-depending sidewall 3. The base 2 and sidewall 3 define a generally enclosed space 4. In the embodiment discussed below, the can body 1 is a generally circular and / or an elongated cylinder. It is understood that this is only one exemplary shape and that the can body 1 can have other shapes. The can body 1 has a longitudinal axis 5. The sidewall 3 has a first end 6 and a second end 7. The base 2 is at the second end 7 and the first end 6 is open. The first end 6 initially has substantially the same radius / diameter as the sidewall 3, however following forming operations in the necker machine 10, the radius / diameter of the first end 6 is smaller than the other portions of the radius / diameter at the sidewall 3.

[0048] The necker machine 10 includes an infeed assembly 11, a plurality of processing / forming stations 20, a transfer assembly 30, and a drive assembly (not numbered). Hereinafter, processing / forming stations 20 are identified by the term “processing stations 20” and refer to generic processing stations 20. As is known, the processing stations 20 are disposed adjacent to each other and in series. That is, the can bodies 1 being processed by the necker machine 10 each move from an upstream location through a series of processing stations 20 in the same sequence. The can bodies 1 follow a path, hereinafter, the “work path 9” (FIG. 2). That is, the necker machine 10 defines the work path 9 wherein can bodies 1 move from an “upstream” location to a “downstream” location; as used herein, “upstream” generally means closer to the infeed assembly 11 and “downstream” means closer to an exit assembly 12. With regard to elements that define the work path 9, each of those elements have an “upstream” end and a “downstream” end wherein the can bodies move from the “upstream” end to the “downstream” end. Thus, as used herein, the nature / identification of an element, assembly, sub-assembly, etc. as an “upstream” or “downstream” element or assembly, or, being in an “upstream” or “downstream” location, is inherent. Further, as used herein, the nature / identification of an element, assembly, sub-assembly, etc. as an “upstream” or “downstream” element or assembly, or, being in an “upstream” or “downstream” location, is a relative term.

[0049] Each processing station 20 has a similar width W (FIG. 2) and the can body 1 is processed and / or formed (or partially formed), i.e., “necked”, as the can body 1 moves generally across the width. Generally, the processing / forming occurs in / at a turret 22 of each station 20. That is, the term “turret 22” identifies a generic turret. Each processing station 20 includes a non-vacuum starwheel 24 having a plurality of pockets 26. As used herein, a “non-vacuum starwheel” means a starwheel that does not include, or is not associated with, a vacuum assembly that is structured to apply a vacuum to the starwheel pockets 26. Further, each processing station 20 typically includes one turret 22 and one non-vacuum starwheel 24.

[0050] The transfer assembly 30 is structured to move the can bodies 1 between adjacent processing stations 20. The transfer assembly 30 includes a plurality of vacuum starwheels 32. As used herein, a “vacuum starwheel” means a starwheel assembly that includes, or is associated with, a vacuum assembly that is structured to apply a vacuum to the starwheel pockets 34. Further, the term “vacuum starwheel 32” identifies a generic vacuum starwheel 32. A vacuum starwheel 32 includes a disk-like body (FIG. 2) or a disk-like body assembly, and a plurality of pockets 34 disposed on the radial surface of the disk-like body 33. When used in association with generally cylindrical can bodies 1, the pockets 34 are generally semi-cylindrical. A vacuum assembly (not numbered), selectively applies suction to the pockets 34 and is structured to selectively couple a can body 1 to a pocket 34. It is understood, and as used herein, that “to apply a vacuum to a pocket 34” means that a vacuum (or suction) is applied to a starwheel pocket via at least one suitable passage. As such, components of the transfer assembly 30 such as, but not limited to, the vacuum starwheels 32 are also identified as parts of the processing stations 20. Conversely, the non-vacuum starwheel 24 of the processing stations 20 also move the can bodies 1 between processing stations 20 so the non-vacuum starwheels 24 are also identified as part of the transfer assembly 30.

[0051] It is noted that the plurality of processing stations 20 are structured to neck different types of can bodies 1 and / or to neck can bodies in different configurations. Thus, the plurality of processing stations 20 are structured to be added and removed from the necker machine 10 depending upon the need. To accomplish this, the necker machine 10 includes a frame assembly 36 to which the plurality of processing stations 20 are removably coupled. Alternatively, the frame assembly 36 includes elements incorporated into each of the plurality of processing station 20 so that the plurality of processing stations 20 are structured to be temporarily coupled to each other. The frame assembly 36 has an upstream end 38 and a downstream end 40. Further, the frame assembly 36 includes elongated members, panel members (neither numbered), or a combination of both. As is known, panel members coupled to each other, or coupled to elongated members, form a housing. Accordingly, as used herein, a housing is also identified as a “frame assembly 36.”

[0052] Generally, each processing station 20 is structured to partially form (i.e., neck) the can body 1 so as to reduce the cross-sectional area of the can body first end 6 a predetermined amount. The processing stations 20 include some elements that are unique to a single processing station 20, such as, but not limited to, a specific die. Other elements of the processing stations 20 are common to all, or most, of the processing stations 20. The following discussion is related to the common elements and, as such, the discussion is directed to a single generic processing (forming) station 20′ of the processing stations 20. It is understood, however, that any processing station 20 can include the elements discussed below.

[0053] Referring generally now to the isolated view of the representative processing station 20′ of FIG. 4 (in addition to FIG. 3), during necking operations, a can body 1 is received in a pocket 34 of the vacuum starwheel 32 of the processing station 20′ generally at a receiving point, such as generally indicated at 50. Depending on the positioning of the processing station, the can body 1 received at 50 may be received from an infeed assembly 11 or from a non-vacuum starwheel 24 of an adjacent processing station 20. The can body 1 moves with pocket 34 as the vacuum starwheel 32 rotates in a direction as shown by the arrow 52, until the can body 1 reaches a transfer point, such as generally indicated at 54, wherein the can body 1 transfers from a pocket 34 of the vacuum starwheel 32 to a pocket 26 of the non-vacuum starwheel 24 of the turret 22. The can body 1 then moves with the non-vacuum starwheel 24 as it rotates with the turret 22 in a direction as shown by the arrow 56 about a rotation axis 57, until the can body 1 reaches another transfer point, such as generally shown at 58, wherein the (now partially necked) can body 1 is transferred to the vacuum starwheel 32 of an adjacent downstream processing station 20. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that transfer points 50 and 58 correspond among each processing station 20 of the necker machine 10.

[0054] While moving about the rotation axis 57 on the turret 22 and positioned in a pocket 26 of the starwheel 24, the first end 6 of the sidewall 3 of each can body 1 is engaged with a corresponding necking die 60 by a pusher arrangement 70 which translates the can body 1 parallel to the rotation axis 57. While only one necking die 60 and one complete pusher arrangement 70 are shown on turret 22 in FIG. 4, it is to be appreciated that a plurality of such elements disposed about turret are utilized in example embodiments of the disclosed concept (e.g., the arrangement of FIG. 4 would employ twelve necking dies 60 and twelve corresponding pusher arrangements 70).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each pusher arrangement 70 includes a linear motion guide 72 and pusher assembly 74. The linear motion guide 72 includes a number of rail members 76 (the example of FIG. 5 utilizes a single rail member 76) fixedly coupled to the turret 22, each rail member 76 having a longitudinal axis 77 parallel to the rotation axis 57 (hence, each rail member 76 is likewise disposed parallel to the rotation axis 57). The linear motion guide 72 further includes a slider block 78 slidingly coupled to the number of rail members 76 so as to be readily translatable along the number of rail members 76 parallel to the rotation axis 57. In a non-limiting example embodiment of the disclosed concept, a linear motion guide 72 utilizing a SHS-LV Block as the slider block 78 which has been modified in accordance with the disclosed concept and corresponding rail member such as manufactured by THK America, Inc. of Schaumburg, Illinois, has been employed as the linear motion guide 72, however it is to be appreciated that other suitable arrangements may be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0056] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4 and 5, the pusher assembly 74 includes a pusher ram 80 in the form of a generally elongated rigid body (e.g., formed from aluminum, composite, steel, or other suitable material) disposed along a longitudinal axis 81 and having a first end 82 and an opposite second end 84. As discussed in detail below, the pusher ram 80 is coupled to the slider block 78 in a selectively adjustable manner so as to be translatable with the slider block 78 parallel to the rotation axis 57. The pusher assembly 74 further includes a number of cam followers 86 (two are shown in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5) positioned at or about the first end 82 of the pusher ram 80 and a push pad 90 selectively coupled generally at or about the second end 84 of the pusher ram 80. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cam followers 86 are positioned so as to be disposed on opposing sides of a cam ridge 92 of a cam body 94 that is fixedly coupled to the frame assembly 36 of the processing station 20′ so as to follow the cam profile defined by the ridge 92 as the turret 22 rotates about the rotation axis 57. It is to be appreciated that other follower / cam arrangements may be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 6-11, details of the selectively adjustable coupling between the pusher ram 80 and the slider block 78 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept will now be discussed. To accomplish such selectively adjustable coupling of the pusher ram 80 to the slider block 78 the pusher assembly 74 includes a number of jack bolts 100 and a number of lock bolts 102 which are positioned within and interact with a plurality of apertures 96, 98 defined through the pusher ram 80. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-11, each jack bolt 100 comprises an elongate cylindrical body 104 having a first end 106 structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool (not shown, e.g., without limitation, a hex driver), a second end 108 opposite the first end 106, and a threaded portion 109 disposed between the first end 106 and the second end 108. The threaded portion 109 of each jack bolt 100 is cooperatively engaged with a corresponding threaded aperture 96 of the plurality of apertures and the second end 108 is engaged with a surface 79 of the slider block 78 facing the pusher ram 80. Although shown as extending generally the entire length of the jack bolt 100, it is to be appreciated that the threaded portion 109 of the jack bolt 100 may extend less than the entirety of the jack bolt 100 without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. Each lock bolt 102 comprises an elongate cylindrical body 110 extending from a head portion 112 at a first end that is structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool (not shown, e.g., the same adjustment tool used to adjust each jack bolt 100 or another adjustment tool) to a threaded second end 114 opposite the head portion 112.

[0058] As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 8, the cylindrical body 110 of each lock bolt 102 is disposed within a corresponding non-threaded aperture 98 of the plurality of apertures with the threaded second end 114 of each lock bolt 102 extending from the non-threaded aperture 98 and engaged with a corresponding threaded recess 116 of a number of threaded recesses 116 defined in the slider block 78. Each lock bolt 102 is rotatable among a locked positioning (i.e., the lock bolt(s) 102 are tightened, such as shown in FIG. 8) wherein the pusher ram 80 is fixedly coupled to the slider block 78, and an unlocked positioning (not shown, i.e., the lock bolt(s) 102 are loosened) wherein the pusher ram 80 is loosely coupled to the slider block 78 (i.e., the pusher ram 80 can move back and forth along the body 110 of the lock bolt(s) 102 constrained by the head portion(s) 112). Positioning of the pusher ram 80 relative to the slider block 78 may be selectively adjusted by rotating one or more of the number of jack bolts 100 relative to the pusher ram when each lock bolt 102 is in the unlocked positioning, and then fixed in such adjusted positioning by rotating each lock bolt 102 to the locked positioning. For example, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 6-11, the angular positioning of the pusher ram 80 relative to the slider block 78 (i.e., angular positioning of longitudinal axis 81 with respect to longitudinal axis 77 in FIG. 8) may be adjusted by rotating, and thus extending out from, or retracting toward the pusher ram 80, either the left-most jack bolts 100, the right-most jack bolts 100, or both the left and right-most jack bolts 100 to different extents. Similarly, the spatial positioning, i.e., the spacing amongst the pusher ram 80 and the slider block 78, may be adjusted by rotating all of the jack bolts 100 equivalent (or differing) amounts. It is to be appreciated that while the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-11 utilizes four jack bolts 100 and corresponding threaded apertures 96, as well as four lock bolts 102 and corresponding non-threaded apertures 98, positioned mirrored about the longitudinal axis 81 of the pusher ram 80 as well as about a transverse axis 81T (FIG. 9) positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 81, one or more of the quantity and / or arrangement of such elements may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. In order to ensure each jack bolt 100 remains in a desired positioning, each respective jack bolt 100 may include a lock nut 118 threadingly engaged with the threaded portion 109 of the jack bolt 100 and selectively engageable with the pusher ram 80 to effectively lock the respective jack bolt 100 relative to the pusher ram 80 when engaged with the pusher ram 80.

[0059] In addition to the selectively adjustable coupling previously described which provides for radial adjustability (with respect to the rotation axis 57) of the pusher ram 80, selective lateral adjustability of the pusher ram 80 with respect to the slider block 78 may also be provided. To provide for such lateral adjustability, the pusher assembly 74 may further include a pair of opposing frame members 120 disposed on opposite sides of the pusher ram 80 and the slider block 78 and parallel to the number of rail members 76. Each of the frame members 120 are fixedly coupled to one of the pusher ram 80 or the slider block 78 via a number of fasteners 122 (e.g., without limitation, hex socket cap screws). The other one of the pusher ram 80 or the slider block 78 is spaced from the frame members 120 and engaged by a number of secondary jack bolts 124. Each secondary jack bolt 124 includes an elongate cylindrical body 126 having a first end 128 structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool (not shown, e.g., without limitation, a hex driver), a second end 130 opposite the first end 128, and a threaded portion 132 disposed between the first end 128 and the second end 130. The threaded portion 132 of each secondary jack bolt 124 is cooperatively engaged with a corresponding threaded aperture 134 defined in the frame members 120 with the second end 130 engaged with a side surface 136 of the other one of the pusher ram 80 or the slider block 78 facing the frame member 120. Lateral positioning of the pusher ram 80 relative to the slider block 78 (e.g., side to side in views of FIGS. 7 and 10) may be selectively adjusted by rotating one or more of the number of secondary jack bolts 124 relative to the corresponding frame member 120 on both sides of the pusher ram 80 / slider block 78 when each lock bolt 102 is in the unlocked positioning such as previously discussed, and then fixed in such adjusted lateral positioning by rotating each lock bolt 102 to the locked positioning.

[0060] In order to maintain alignment (i.e., keep parallel) among the longitudinal axis 81 of the pusher ram 80 and the longitudinal axis 77 of the rail member(s) 76, one of the slider block 78 or the pusher ram 80 may include a transverse ridge 140 oriented perpendicular to the axes 77 and 81 (and thus perpendicular to the rail member(s) 77 and pusher ram 80), and the other one of the slider block 78 or the pusher ram 80 may include a transverse groove 142 oriented perpendicular to the axes 77 and 81 (and thus perpendicular to the rail member(s) 77 and pusher ram 80) that is sized and configured to cooperatively receive the transverse ridge 140 such that pusher ram 80 can slide relative to the slider block 78 transversely to the axes 77 and 81 (and thus transversely to the number of rail members 76). In some example embodiments, the transverse ridge 140 and the transverse groove 142 are sized and configured so as to maintain at least a line contact therebetween, the line contact being oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis 77 of the rail member 76. An exploded view of an example embodiment of the disclosed concept, similar to that of FIG. 11, employing an example of such a ridge 140 / groove 142 arrangement is shown in FIG. 12. In addition to the components on which the ridge 140 and groove 142 may be located, it is also to be appreciated that one or more of the quantity, layout, and design of the ridge 140 and groove 142 may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0061] From the foregoing it is thus to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept provide for accurate alignment of pusher ram 80 / push pad 90 coupled thereto and thus a can body seated thereon with respect to forming / cutting tooling to which the can body is subjected.

[0062] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0063] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. A pusher arrangement for use in performing a forming and / or cutting operation on a can body, the pusher arrangement comprising:a linear motion guide comprising:a rail member disposed along a longitudinal axis; anda slider block slidingly coupled to the rail member so as to be readily translatable along the rail member, the slider block having a number of threaded recesses defined therein; anda pusher assembly comprising:a pusher ram positioned on the slider block and having:a first end;an opposite second end; anda plurality of apertures defined therethrough, wherein at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures is a threaded aperture;a number of jack bolts, each jack bolt comprising a cylindrical body having a first end structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool, a second end opposite the first end, and a threaded portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the threaded portion of each jack bolt being cooperatively engaged with a corresponding threaded aperture of the plurality of apertures and the second end of each jack bolt being engaged with a surface of the slider block facing the pusher ram; anda number of lock bolts, each lock bolt comprising an elongate cylindrical body extending from a head portion at a first end structured to be engaged by the adjustment tool or another tool to a threaded second end opposite the first end, the body of each lock bolt being disposed in a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures and the threaded second end of each lock bolt extending from the corresponding aperture and engaged with a corresponding threaded recess of the number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block,wherein each lock bolt is rotatable among a locked positioning wherein the pusher ram is fixedly coupled to the slider block and an unlocked positioning wherein the pusher ram is loosely coupled to the slider block,wherein a positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block is adjustable by rotating the number of jack bolts relative to the pusher ram when each lock bolt is in the unlocked positioning, andwherein the positioning is fixable by rotating each lock bolt to the locked positioning.

2. The pusher arrangement of claim 1, wherein the positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable is an angular positioning.

3. The pusher arrangement of claim 1, wherein the positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable is a spatial positioning.

4. The pusher arrangement of claim 1, wherein the pusher assembly further comprises:a number of cam followers positioned at or about the first end of the pusher ram, the number of cam followers structured to follow a cam profile; anda push pad coupled to the second end of the pusher ram, the push pad having a contact surface structured to engage the can body.

5. The pusher arrangement of claim 1, wherein:the number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block comprises four threaded recesses,the plurality of apertures defined through the pusher ram comprises eight apertures, four of which being threaded apertures,the number of jack bolts comprises four jack bolts, andthe number of lock bolts comprises four lock bolts.

6. The pusher arrangement of claim 5, wherein the four jack bolts are positioned mirrored about a longitudinal axis of the pusher ram and a transverse axis positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

7. The pusher arrangement of claim 1, wherein the pusher assembly further comprises:a pair of opposing frame members disposed on opposite sides of the pusher ram and the slider block parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail member,wherein both of the frame members are fixedly coupled to one of the pusher ram or the slider block via a number of fasteners, andwherein the other one of the pusher ram or the slider block is engaged by a number of secondary jack bolts threadingly engaged with one of the pair of frame members and by a further number of jack bolts threadingly engaged with the other one of the pair of frame members.

8. The pusher arrangement of claim 7, wherein both of the frame members are fixedly coupled to the pusher ram by the number of secondary lock bolts.

9. The pusher arrangement of claim 7, wherein:one of the slider block or the pusher ram comprises a transverse ridge oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member, andthe other one of the slider block or the pusher ram comprises a transverse groove oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member and sized and configured to cooperatively receive the transverse ridge such that pusher ram can slide relative to the slider block transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail member.

10. The pusher arrangement of claim 9, wherein the transverse ridge and the transverse groove are sized and configured so as to maintain at least a line contact therebetween, the line contact being oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the rail member.

11. A processing station for performing a forming and / or cutting operation on a portion of a can body, the processing station comprising:a frame;a turret rotatably coupled to the frame and selectively rotatable about a rotation axis;a cam body rigidly coupled to the frame, the cam body having a portion defining a cam profile; anda pusher arrangement comprising:a linear motion guide comprising:a rail member disposed along a longitudinal axis; anda slider block slidingly coupled to the rail member so as to be readily translatable along the rail member, the slider block having a number of threaded recesses defined therein; anda pusher assembly comprising:a pusher ram positioned on the slider block and having:a first end;an opposite second end; anda plurality of apertures defined therethrough, wherein at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures is a threaded aperture;a number of jack bolts, each jack bolt comprising a cylindrical body having a first end structured to be engaged by an adjustment tool, a second end opposite the first end, and a threaded portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the threaded portion of each jack bolt being cooperatively engaged with a corresponding threaded aperture of the plurality of apertures and the second end of each jack bolt being engaged with a surface of the slider block facing the pusher ram; anda number of lock bolts, each lock bolt comprising an elongate cylindrical body extending from a head portion at a first end structured to be engaged by the adjustment tool or another tool to a threaded second end opposite the first end, the body of each lock bolt being disposed in a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures and the threaded second end of each lock bolt extending from the corresponding aperture and engaged with a corresponding threaded recess of the number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block,wherein each lock bolt is rotatable among a locked positioning wherein the pusher ram is fixedly coupled to the slider block and an unlocked positioning wherein the pusher ram is loosely coupled to the slider block,wherein a positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block is adjustable by rotating the number of jack bolts relative to the pusher ram when each lock bolt is in the unlocked positioning, andwherein the positioning is fixable by rotating each lock bolt to the locked positioning.

12. The processing station of claim 11, wherein the positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable is an angular positioning.

13. The processing station of claim 11, wherein the positioning of the pusher ram relative to the slider block that is adjustable is a spatial positioning.

14. The processing station of claim 11, wherein the pusher assembly further comprises:a number of cam followers positioned at or about the first end of the pusher ram, the number of cam followers structured to follow a cam profile; anda push pad coupled to the second end of the pusher ram, the push pad having a contact surface structured to engage the can body.

15. The processing station of claim 11, wherein:the number of threaded recesses defined in the slider block comprises four threaded recesses,the plurality of apertures defined through the pusher ram comprises eight apertures, four of which being threaded apertures,the number of jack bolts comprises four jack bolts, andthe number of lock bolts comprises four lock bolts.

16. The processing station of claim 15, wherein the four jack bolts are positioned mirrored about a longitudinal axis of the pusher ram and a transverse axis positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

17. The processing station of claim 11, wherein the pusher assembly further comprises a pair of opposing frame members disposed on opposite sides of the pusher ram and the slider block parallel to the member,wherein both of the frame members are fixedly coupled to one of the pusher ram or the slider block via a number of fasteners, andwherein the other one of the pusher ram or the slider block is engaged by a number of secondary jack bolts threadingly engaged with one of the pair of frame members and by a further number of jack bolts threadingly engaged with the other one of the pair of frame members.

18. The processing station of claim 17, wherein both of the frame members are fixedly coupled to the pusher ram by the number of secondary lock bolts.

19. The processing station of claim 17, wherein:one of the slider block or the pusher ram comprises a transverse ridge oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member, andthe other one of the slider block or the pusher ram comprises a transverse groove oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail member and sized and configured to cooperatively receive the transverse ridge such that pusher ram can slide relative to the slider block transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail member.

20. The processing station of claim 19, wherein the transverse ridge and the transverse groove are sized and configured so as to maintain at least a line contact therebetween, the line contact being oriented perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the rail member.

Images