Instrumented ram for force measurement during can forming

Abstract

A ram assembly for a can forming system includes a ram, a punch nose, and a punch sleeve. The ram assembly may include a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, and the sensor may be directly engaged with an inner surface of the ram. Additionally, or alternatively, the ram assembly includes a slip ring connector within the ram for connecting cabling for the sensor with other cabling within the ram.

Description

INSTRUMENTED RAM FOR FORCE MEASUREMENT DURING CAN FORMINGREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority- to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 562,385, filed on March 7, 2024, and entitled INSTRUMENTED RAM FOR FORCE MEASUREMENT DURING CAN FORMING, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety-.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application generally relates to metalworking techniques, and more particularly to can body making systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cylindrical or tubular structures (hereinafter referred to as “cans”) are generally- formed by making a blank out of material (such as metal) and then drawing the blank to form a shallow cup. After the shallow cup is initially drawn, a can body maker may carry the cups on an end of a reciprocating ram through a series of dies to obtain a desired size and thickness of the can. The can body- driven by the ram may contact a bottom forming tool to shape the bottom of the can (e.g., to have a dome). Some systems may include sensors on the body of the ram and replace traditional, non-instrumented rams. However, existing instrumented rams may be complex with a number of components that are susceptible to misalignment, suffer from vibrational noise and sensor fatigue due to the reciprocating motion of the ram, and require time for installation, maintenance, and / or removal of the many components on the instrumented ram.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary-. This summary- is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description sectionbelow. This summary' is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0005] According to various examples, a ram assembly for a can forming system includes a ram, a sensor, a slip ring connector, a punch sleeve, and a punch nose. The ram includes a body portion and a nose portion, and in certain embodiments the ram is hollow and includes an inner surface. The sensor may detect forces during a can forming process, and in some embodiments, the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram. In various embodiments, the slip ring connector is provided within the ram and connects cabling of the sensor with other cabling within the ram. The punch sleeve may be supported on the nose portion of the ram, and the punch nose may be coupled with the sensor and such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a ram assembly for a can forming system includes a ram, a sensor, a punch sleeve, and a punch nose. The ram includes a body portion and a nose portion. In certain embodiments, the ram is hollow and includes an inner surface. The sensor may detect forces during a can forming process and may be directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram. In various embodiments, the punch sleeve and the punch nose are supported relative to the ram such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion of the ram.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a ram assembly for a can forming system includes a ram, a sensor, a slip ring connector, a punch sleeve, and a punch nose. The ram may be hollow with an inner surface, and the sensor may be within the ram and provided for detecting forces during a can forming process. The slip ring connector may connect cabling of the sensor with other cabling within the ram and allow for rotation of the cabling of the sensor without causing rotation of the other cabling within the ram. The punch nose and the punch sleeve are supported on the ram assembly such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

[0008] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary' skill in the art upon examination of the followingdetailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a can body maker according to embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a ram assembly for the can body maker of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the ram assembly of FIG. 2 taken from box 3 in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a ram assembly for the can body maker of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Described herein are systems and methods for measuring forces during a can forming process. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be utilized for measuring forces during various can forming processes such as but not limited to drawing, ironing, redrawing, doming, blanking, combinations thereof, and / or other can forming processes as desired. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be utilized during can forming processes forming cylindrical or tubular structures.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein utilize an instrumented ram assembly having at least one sensor provided within a ram, the sensor for measuring forces during a can forming process. Compared to traditional approaches, the sensor is directly engaged with the ram assembly, thereby reducing the number of components required for the overall ram assembly and allowing for improved alignment of the sensor, punch nose, and sleeve compared to traditional approaches. The reduced number of components may further improve durability' of the ram assembly and improved assembly or ease of installation. The systems and methods may further provide an increased load areacompared to traditional approaches. In certain embodiments, a slip ring connector may prevent wiring or cabling of the ram assembly from becoming twisted or tangling during assembly of the sensor into the ram. Improved alignment, durability, and assembly of the ram assembly in turn may provide improved data from the sensor (optionally in real-time during a can forming process), which may be utilized to improve can forming processes, monitor tool wear, recognize changes to production parameters, and provide improved response time and solutions to issues. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods described herein, and the aforementioned benefits and advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a can forming system 100 with a ram assembly 102 according to embodiments. In the example illustrated, the can forming system 100 is a can body maker 104 with various components in addition to the ram assembly 102 for performing a can forming process and forming a can body 106 from sheet blank and / or a cup-shaped blank 108. The cup-shaped blank 108 (and thus the can body 106) may be formed from various materials as desired. In some embodiments, the cup-shaped blank 108 is a metal such as but not limited to an aluminum or an aluminum alloy such as a Ixxx series aluminum alloy, a 2xxx series aluminum alloy, a 3xxx series aluminum alloy, a 4xxx series aluminum alloy, a 5xxx series aluminum alloy, a 6xxx series aluminum alloy, a 7xxx series aluminum alloy, an 8xxx series aluminum alloy and / or any other aluminum or aluminum alloy as desired.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the can body maker 104 generally includes the ram assembly 102, a tool pack 110. and a domer 112, among other components.

[0018] The ram assembly 102 generally includes a ram 114 and a punch 116 supported by the ram 114. The ram 114 is generally elongated along an axis 118, and the punch 116 may be supported at or proximate to an end of the ram 114. The punch 116 generally includes a punch sleeve 120 and a punch nose 122. The ram assembly 102 is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 2-4. In certain embodiments, the can body maker 104 includes an actuator 124 that drives or otherwise causes the ram assembly 102 to have reciprocating linear motion (represented by arrow 126) in a predetermined direction. Various types of actuators may be utilized as the actuator 124 causing the reciprocating linear motion of the ram assembly 102.

[0019] The tool pack 110 includes one or more dies 128, and in certain embodiments the tool pack 110 includes a plurality of dies 128. Each die 128 includes an aperture and is arranged along the axis 118 such that during the can forming process, the ram assembly 102 drives the cup-shaped blank 108 through the dies 128. In the example illustrated, the tool pack 110 includes four dies 128A-D - an initial die 128A may be a redraw die and the subsequent dies 128B-D may be ironing dies. As discussed in detail below, the redraw die may deform the cupshaped blank 108 from a shallower and wider body into a narrower and longer body, and the ironing dies may iron sidewalls of the cup-shaped blank 108 from an initial thickness to an end thickness and elongate the cup-shaped blank 108 to form the can body 106. The number of dies 128 illustrated should not be considered limiting. In certain embodiments, the can body maker 104 includes a cup holder 130 in alignment with the axis 118 for initially receiving and supporting the cup-shaped blank 108 along the axis 118 before it is driven through the tool pack 110. The domer 112 of the can body maker 104 may shape a bottom of the can body 106 after the tool pack 110. Other equipment or combinations thereof may be utilized during the can forming process as desired, and the illustrated equipment should not be considered limiting.

[0020] During the can forming process, the ram assembly 102 (particularly the punch 116) engages the cup-shaped blank 108 along the axis 118 and forces the cup-shaped blank 108 through the tool pack 110 (represented by arrow 132). As the cup-shaped blank 108 is forced through the tool pack 110. the cup-shaped blank 108 is drawn and ironed such that it is deformed from a shallower and wider body into a narrower and longer can body 106 with a reduced wall thickness. The domer 112 may shape the bottom of the can body 106. The ram assembly 102 may be driven at any suitable speed to produce a desired number of can bodies 106 per minute. As some non-limiting examples, the ram assembly 102 may be driven at speeds of approximately 200-450 strokes per minute, such as about 400-450 strokes per minute, where one stroke refers to one cycle of engaging a cup-shaped blank 108, forming, and releasing one can body 106. In other words, at 200-450 strokes per minute, the assembly engages, forms, and releases can bodies 106 at a rate of about 200-450 can bodies per minute.

[0021] During the can forming process, the cup-shaped blank 108 is subjected to various forces. As a non-limiting example, a total force or load is the force applied by the punch 116 (through the ram assembly 102) onto the cup-shaped blank 108 during ironing. The total force or load generally represents the sum of a friction force between the punch 1 16 and sidewalls of the cup-shaped blank 108 and a punch nose force between the punch 116 and the bottom ofthe cup-shaped blank 108. The punch nose force represents a tensile force on a wall of the blank 108. Other forces may be applied to the work product (e.g., the cup-shaped blank 108, the can body 106, etc.) during other portions of the can forming process. In certain embodiments, and as discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the ram assembly 102 may include one or more sensors for measuring forces during various portions of the can forming process, such as but not limited to blanking, drawing, redrawing, ironing, doming, combinations thereof, and / or as otherwise desired. As a non-limiting example, the sensor may measure punch nose forces and / or friction forces. In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors optionally may measure and / or detect other aspects of the can forming process, such as but not limited to pressure, acceleration, temperature, sound, vibration combinations thereof, and / or other process parameters as desired. The sensors may be provided at various locations on the ram assembly 102 as desired, such as but not limited to on and / or within the ram 114, on and / or within the punch 116, on a die of the tool pack, on a die holder of the tool pack, on a bolster plate, combinations thereof, and / or as otherw ise desired. The data obtained by the one or more sensors may be utilized to improve can forming processes, monitor tool wear, recognize changes to production parameters, and / or provide improved response time and solutions to issues, among other uses.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, as mentioned, the ram assembly 102 includes the ram 114 and the punch 116. In various embodiments, the ram assembly 102 includes one or more sensors 144 for measuring forces during processing.

[0023] The ram 114 includes a body portion 134 and a nose portion 136 extending forward from the body portion 134. An end 148 of the nose portion 136 may be a forward-most portion of the ram 114. In certain embodiments, the ram 114 is a monolithic or integral component, although it need not be in other embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a transverse dimension 131 (e.g., diameter) of the nose portion 136 of the ram 114 may be less than a transverse dimension 133 of the body portion 134. In certain embodiments, the ram 114 is hollow and includes an inner surface 138 defining an inner chamber or passageway 140, which may allow for air flow through the ram 114 to aid in the removal of the can body 106 from the ram assembly 102 (e.g., on a return stroke of the ram assembly 102). In various embodiments, a portion of the inner surface 138 of the nose portion 136 at or adjacent to the end 148 includes a coupling feature 142, such as but not limited to threading, for directly engaging the sensor 144.

[0024] The punch sleeve 120 may be supported on the nose portion 136 of the ram 114 between the punch nose 122 and the body portion 134 of the ram 114. In various embodiments, the punch sleeve 120 abuts the body portion 134 of the ram 114. In some examples, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the punch sleeve 120 and the punch nose 122 are separate components such that the punch nose 122 is movable relative to the punch sleeve 120. In some embodiments, the punch sleeve 120 may be rigidly or otherwise attached to the ram 114, and the punch nose 122 may be independently to the sleeve. However, in other examples, the punch sleeve 120 and the punch nose 122 are formed as a single or monolithic component.

[0025] In various embodiments, a punch sleeve retention nut 150 may couple and / or retain the punch sleeve 120 on the ram assembly 102. The punch sleeve retention nut 150 may be provided at various locations relative to the ram 114, and in certain embodiments, the punch sleeve retention nut 150 is provided at or proximate to the end 148 of the nose portion 136 of the ram 114. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the punch sleeve retention nut 150 may engage the ram 114 such that the punch sleeve retention nut 150 captures a portion of the punch sleeve 120 between the punch sleeve retention nut 150 and the body portion 134 of the ram 114.

[0026] As best illustrated in FIG. 3. the punch nose 122 generally includes a perimeter portion 152, a center portion 154, a front side 156, and a back side 158 opposite from the front side 156. The punch nose 122 optionally includes one or more passages that allow for air flow through the punch nose 122 to aid in removing the metal article (i.e., can body 106) from the punch sleeve 120. A fastener 168 may engage threading (or other coupling features) on the sensor 144 to position the punch nose 122 relative to the sensor 144. As anon-limiting example and as illustrated in FIG. 2, a portion of the punch nose 122 may be captured or retained between the fastener 168 and a collar portion 176 of the sensor 144 (and optionally between the fastener 168 and a spacer 178 on the sensor 144.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the center portion 154 optionally includes a first recessed surface 160 defining a first recess 162 and a second recessed surface 164 defining a second recess 166. In certain embodiments, the second recess 166 may receive a fastener 168 coupling the punch nose 122 to the sensor 144. Optionally, the fastener 168 within the second recess 166 may be recessed relative to the first recessed surface 160 and / or level with the first recessed surface 160, although it need not be in other embodiments. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastener 168 may be centered on the sensor 144 and / or along the centralaxis 118 of the ram assembly 102, which may further improve alignment between the sensor 144, the punch nose 122. and the punch sleeve 120. In other embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the fastener 168 need not be centered on the sensor 144 and / or the axis 118.

[0028] Additionally, or alternatively, the back side 158 of the punch nose 122 optionally includes an inner wall 170 and an outer wall 172, and when the ram assembly 102 is assembled, a portion of the punch sleeve retention nut 150 may be retained between the inner wall 170 and the outer wall 172. The optional features of the second recess 166 and / or the walls 170, 172 may provide a compact configuration of the ram assembly 102 compared to traditional approaches.

[0029] The sensor 144 of the ram assembly 102 may be a load cell or various other suitable sensors suitable for measuring forces during the can forming process as desired. In some embodiments, the sensor 144 may detect the punch nose force. In certain embodiments, the sensor 144 may have a larger transverse dimension compared to traditional approaches. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, a maximum transverse dimension of the sensor 144 may be greater than a transverse dimension of at least a portion of the inner passageway 140. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the maximum transverse dimension of the sensor 144 may be greater than the transverse dimension of the portion of the inner passageway 140 housing a connector 186 for cabling 182 of the sensor 144. Optionally, the maximum transverse dimension of the sensor 144 may be greater than a transverse dimension of the fastener 168.

[0030] In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sensor 144 includes a coupling feature 174, such as but not limited to threading, and the sensor 144 may directly engage the ram 114 using the coupling feature 174. As used herein, direct engagement refers to the ability of two components to couple and engage with one another without requiring an adaptor, collar, and / or other connecting device. Direct engagement between the sensor 144 and the ram 1 14 thus requires fewer components compared to traditional approaches and allows for improved alignment between the sensor 144, the punch nose 122, and the punch sleeve 120. In various embodiments, direct engagement between the sensor 144 and the ram 114 may allow for larger and / or more robust sensors to be utilized.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the sensor 144 includes one or more apertures or other features allowing for air flow through and / or around the sensor 144 while the sensor 144 isengaged with the ram 114. As previously discussed, air flow through the ram 114 (and thus the sensor 144) may be used to remove the metal article off the punch sleeve 120 after forming. Optionally, the sensor 144 includes a collar portion 176. In some embodiments, a transverse dimension 135 of the collar portion 176 is less than the maximum transverse dimension 137 of the sensor 144.

[0032] Cabling 182 or wiring of the sensor 144 may pass through the inner passageway 140 of the ram 114 and connect to exit cabling 184 of the ram assembly 102. Such cabling 182, 184 may communicatively connect the sensor 144 to a controller, user device, and / or other suitable device that may utilize the force data detected by the sensor 144. IThe cabling 184 may exit the ram 114 at various locations as desired, including but not limited to through the body portion 134.

[0033] In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cabling 182 may directly connect with the exit cabling 184. However, in certain embodiments, direct connection between the cabling 182, 184 may cause twisting or tangling of the cabling 182, 184, particularly during installation when the sensor 144 (and thus cabling 182) is rotated, which may compromise the integrity of the connection, among other potential issues. Accordingly, in some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, an intermediate connector 186, such as but not limited to a slip ring connector, connects the cabling 182, 184 while allowing for relative movement between the cabling 182, 184. As an example, the intermediate connector 186 may allow for rotation of the cabling 1 2 of the sensor 144 (e.g., during installation) without causing rotation of the exit cabling 184 within the ram 114, thereby minimizing or preventing twisting of the cabling 184. While the intermediate connector 186 may be provided at various locations within the ram 114, in certain embodiments, the intermediate connector 186 may be provided within the nose portion 136 to minimize twisting caused by rotation of the cabling 182. In certain embodiments, the intermediate connector 186 optionally may directly engage the inner surface 138 of the ram 114. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, a maximum transverse dimension of the intermediate connector 186 may be less than the maximum transverse dimension of the sensor 144.

[0034] In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the punch nose 122 may be directly engaged with the sensor 144. In other embodiments, and as discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 4, the punch nose 122 may be indirectly engaged with the sensor 144.

[0035] In embodiments with direct engagement between the punch nose 122 and the sensor 144, the fastener 168 may capture a portion of the punch nose 122 such that the portion of the punch nose 122 is between the fastener 168 and a collar portion 176 of the sensor 144. In various embodiments, a spacer 178 may be provided on the sensor 144 between the collar portion 176 and the portion of the punch nose 122 to maintain a gap 180 between the punch nose 122 and the punch sleeve 120. The gap 180 may allow the punch nose 122 to move relative to the punch sleeve 120, which may cause a strain or deflection of the sensor 144 which can be measured as force.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates another ram assembly 402 according to embodiments. The ram assembly 402 is similar to the ram assembly 102 except that a sensor 444 for measuring forces during processing (similar to sensor 144) is indirectly engaged with the ram 114. In this example, the ram assembly 402 includes an adaptor 488 and an adaptor nut 490 which receive the sensor 444 and support the sensor 444 on the ram 114. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 4. the sensor 444 optionally has a stud design with threading engaging the adaptor 488 and / or the spacer 478. In some embodiments, the sensor 444 may allow for tight packaging of cabling 182, 184. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor 444 with the adaptor 488 and / or the spacer 478 may stiffen the engagement between components and reduce relative part movement and / or deflection during use. In other embodiments, the sensor 444 may be provided at other locations on the ram assembly 402 as desired.

[0037] Additionally, a punch nose 422 of a punch 416 of the ram assembly 402 is similar to the punch nose 122 of the ram assembly 102 except that the punch nose 422 omits the second recess 166 and the inner wall 170. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4. the punch nose 422 is indirectly coupled to the sensor 444 (compared to the direct engagement between the punch nose 122 and the sensor 144 in the ram assembly 102). In this example, a fastener 468 couples the punch nose 422 to a spacer 478, and the spacer 478 in turn is coupled to the sensor 444. As illustrated in FIG. 4. compared to the fastener 168 of the ram assembly 102. the fastener 468 of the ram assembly 402 is offset from the central axis 1 18 and / or is not centered on the sensor 444. The particular shape, size, type, and number of fasteners 468 illustrated should not be considered limiting

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 4, compared to the ram assembly 102, the ram assembly 402 further omits the intermediate connector 186 such that the cabling 182 is directly connected with the cabling 184. In various embodiments, a connector spacer 492 may house theconnection of the cabling 182, 184, thereby spacing the connection apart from the inner surface 138. Optionally, the connector spacer 492 may center the connection of the cabling 182, 184 along the central axis 118, although it need not in other embodiments.

[0039] Referring to back to FIGS. 2 and 3, a method of assembling the ram assembly 102 may include positioning the sensor 144 within the inner passageway 140 and directly engaging the sensor 144 with the ram 114. Positioning the sensor 144 within the ram 114 may include rotating the sensor 144 such that the sensor 144 directly engages the ram 114. The method may include positioning the punch sleeve 120 on the nose portion 136 of the ram 114 and attaching the punch sleeve retention nut 150 on the nose portion 136 of the ram 114. In various embodiments, the method includes engaging the punch nose 122 with the sensor 144 and retaining at least a portion of the punch nose 122 between the fastener 168 and the collar portion 176 of the sensor 144.

[0040] During the can forming process, the punch nose 122 engages the bottom of the metal blank 108 and receives the punch nose force. In certain examples, the sensor 144 may transmit the data in real time; however, in other examples, the sensor 144 may transmit the data at predetermined time intervals.

[0041] Through the ram assemblies described herein, the punch nose force may be directly measured. Optionally, various aspects of the system and / or process may be based on the data from the sensor 144. As non- limiting examples, a type of metal used for the metal article, various surface characteristics of the punch and / or the metal article, a type of lubrication used, a design of the ram, punch, or ironing die, a machine speed, and / or various other aspects of the system 100 may be controlled based on the detected forces.

[0042] A collection of exemplary embodiments are provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Illustrations” providing additional description of a variety of example embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These illustrations are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the disclosure not limited to these example illustrations but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0043] Illustration 1. A ram assembly for a can forming system, the ram assembly comprising: a ram comprising a body portion and a nose portion, wherein the ram is hollow and comprises an inner surface; a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, wherein the sensoris directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram; a slip ring connector within the ram, wherein the slip ring connector is configured to connect cabling for the sensor with other cabling within the ram; a punch sleeve supported on the nose portion of the ram; and a punch nose coupled with the sensor and such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

[0044] Illustration 2. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the punch nose is positioned on a portion of the sensor and retained on the sensor using a fastener.|0045| Illustration 3. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the fastener is aligned with a central axis of the ram.

[0046] Illustration 4. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a portion of the punch nose is positioned between the fastener and a collar portion of the sensor, wherein the ram assembly further comprises a spacer on the sensor between the collar portion and the portion of the punch nose, and wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a gap between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0047] Illustration 5. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, further comprising a punch sleeve retention nut on the nose portion of the ram between the punch sleeve and the nose portion of the ram and between the punch nose and the nose portion of the ram, wherein the punch sleeve retention nut is configured to retain the punch sleeve on the nose portion of the ram.

[0048] Illustration 6. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram via threading.

[0049] Illustration 7. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a maximum diameter of the sensor is greater than a maximum diameter of the slip ring connector.

[0050] Illustration 8. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a maximum diameter of the sensor is greater than a maximum diameter of a fastener coupling the punch nose to the sensor.

[0051] Illustration 9. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the punch nose comprises a perimeter portion and a center portion, and wherein the center portion comprises a first recessed surface defining a first recess and a second recessed surface defining a second recess, and wherein the second recess is configured to receive a fastener coupling the punch nose to the sensor.

[0052] Illustration 10. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the punch nose comprises a front side and a back side, wherein the back side comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the punch nose is configured to receive a portion of a punch sleeve retention nut between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0053] Illustration 11. A ram assembly for a can forming system, the ram assembly comprising: a ram comprising a body portion and a nose portion, wherein the ram is hollow and comprises an inner surface; a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram; a punch sleeve; and a punch nose, wherein the punch nose and the punch sleeve are supported on the ram assembly such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

[0054] Illustration 12. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the punch nose is directly coupled to sensor.

[0055] Illustration 13. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram via threading.

[0056] Illustration 14. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a portion of the punch nose is positioned between a fastener and a collar portion of the sensor, wherein the ram assembly further comprises a spacer on the sensor between the collar portion and the portion of the punch nose, and wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a gap between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0057] Illustration 15. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a maximum diameter of the sensor is greater than a diameter of the collar portion of the sensor.

[0058] Illustration 16. A ram assembly for a can forming system, the ram assembly comprising: a ram comprising a body portion and a nose portion, wherein the ram is hollow; a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, wherein the sensor is within the ram; a slip ring connector connecting cabling of the sensor with other cabling within the ram, the slip ring connector allowing rotation of the cabling of the sensor without causing rotation of the other cabling within the ram; a punch sleeve; and a punch nose, wherein the punch nose and the punch sleeve are supported on the ram assembly such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

[0059] Illustration 17. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the slip ring connector is within the nose portion of the ram.

[0060] Illustration 18. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the slip ring connector is configured to directly engage the inner surface of the ram.

[0061] Illustration 19. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, further comprising a fastener securing the punch nose relative to the sensor, wherein the fastener is provided on a central axis of the ram.

[0062] Illustration 20. The ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a portion of the punch nose is positioned between a fastener and a collar portion of the sensor, wherein the ram assembly further comprises a spacer on the sensor between the collar portion and the portion of the punch nose, and wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a gap between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

[0063] Illustration 21. A can body maker comprising the ram assembly of any preceding or subsequent illustrations or combination of illustrations.

[0064] As used herein, the terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent application and the claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.

[0065] In this description, reference is made to alloys identified by AA numbers and other related designations, such as “series” or “5xxx.” For an understanding of the number designation system most commonly used in naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, see “International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys” or “Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Compositions Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot,” both published by The Aluminum Association.

[0066] As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0067] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0068] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention, and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0069] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed:

1. A ram assembly for a can forming system, the ram assembly comprising: a ram comprising a body portion and a nose portion, wherein the ram is hollow and comprises an inner surface; a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram; a slip ring connector within the ram, wherein the slip ring connector is configured to connect cabling for the sensor with other cabling within the ram; a punch sleeve on the nose portion of the ram; and a punch nose coupled with the sensor and such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion of the ram.

2. The ram assembly of claim 1, wherein the punch nose is positioned on a portion of the sensor and retained on the sensor using a fastener.

3. The ram assembly of claim 2, wherein the fastener is aligned with a central axis of the ram.

4. The ram assembly of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the punch nose is positioned between the fastener and a collar portion of the sensor, wherein the ram assembly further comprises a spacer on the sensor between the collar portion and the portion of the punch nose, and wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a gap between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

5. The ram assembly of claim 1, further comprising a punch sleeve retention nut on the nose portion of the ram between the punch sleeve and the nose portion of the ram and between the punch nose and the nose portion of the ram, wherein the punch sleeve retention nut is configured to retain the punch sleeve on the nose portion of the ram.

6. The ram assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram via threading.

7. The ram assembly of claim 1. wherein a maximum diameter of the sensor is greater than a maximum diameter of the slip ring connector.

8. The ram assembly of claim 1, wherein a maximum diameter of the sensor is greater than a maximum diameter of a fastener coupling the punch nose to the sensor.

9. The ram assembly of claim 1. wherein the punch nose comprises a perimeter portion and a center portion, and wherein the center portion comprises a first recessed surface defining a first recess and a second recessed surface defining a second recess, and wherein the second recess is configured to receive a fastener coupling the punch nose to the sensor.

10. The ram assembly of claim 1, wherein the punch nose comprises a front side and a back side, wherein the back side comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the punch nose is configured to receive a portion of a punch sleeve retention nut between the inner wall and the outer wall.

11. A ram assembly for a can forming system, the ram assembly comprising: a ram comprising a body portion and a nose portion, wherein the ram is hollow and comprises an inner surface; a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram; a punch sleeve; and a punch nose, wherein the punch nose and the punch sleeve are supported on the ram assembly such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

12. The ram assembly of claim 11, wherein the punch nose is directly coupled to sensor.

13. The ram assembly of claim 11. wherein the sensor is directly engaged with the inner surface of the ram via threading.

14. The ram assembly of claim 11, wherein a portion of the punch nose is positioned between a fastener and a collar portion of the sensor, wherein the ram assembly further comprises aspacer on the sensor between the collar portion and the portion of the punch nose, and wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a gap between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

15. The ram assembly of claim 14, wherein a maximum diameter of the sensor is greater than a diameter of the collar portion of the sensor.

16. A ram assembly for a can forming system, the ram assembly comprising: a ram comprising a body portion and a nose portion, wherein the ram is hollow; a sensor for detecting a force during a can forming process, wherein the sensor is within the ram; a slip ring connector connecting cabling of the sensor with other cabling within the ram, the slip ring connector allowing rotation of the cabling of the sensor without causing rotation of the other cabling within the ram; a punch sleeve; and a punch nose, wherein the punch nose and the punch sleeve are supported on the ram assembly such that the punch sleeve is on the nose portion between the punch nose and the body portion.

17. The ram assembly of claim 16, wherein the slip ring connector is within the nose portion of the ram.

18. The ram assembly of claim 16, wherein the slip ring connector is configured to directly engage an inner surface of the ram.

19. The ram assembly of claim 16, further comprising a fastener securing the punch nose relative to the sensor, wherein the fastener is provided on a central axis of the ram.

20. The ram assembly of claim 16, wherein a portion of the punch nose is positioned between a fastener and a collar portion of the sensor, wherein the ram assembly further comprises a spacer on the sensor between the collar portion and the portion of the punch nose, and wherein the spacer is configured to maintain a gap between the punch nose and the punch sleeve.

21. A can body maker comprising the ram assembly of claim 1.

11. or 16.

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