Can forming rotary equipment

Abstract

Provided is can forming rotary equipment that forms a can by applying a load to the can in an axial direction in a rotary system which continuously conveys cans circumferentially. The can forming rotary equipment comprises: a drive shaft that rotates about a rotational center; a disk connected to the drive shaft so as to rotate together with the drive shaft; a punch connected to the drive shaft so as to rotate together with the drive shaft, disposed above the disk, and configured to move upward and downward in the axial direction; and a fixed support that supports a lower surface of the disk in a region corresponding to a bottom dead center, at which the punch most closely approaches the disk in the axial direction.

Description

Can forming rotary equipment

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0180238 filed on December 6, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a can forming rotary equipment, and more specifically, to a can forming rotary equipment that applies a load in the axial direction to the can to form it in a rotary equipment that continuously rotates and conveys the can.

[0003] The process of manufacturing a battery cell using a cylindrical can consists of the steps of deep drawing a metal sheet to form a circular end wall and a circular tubular side wall connected thereto, accommodating an electrode assembly wound in a jelly-roll shape inside, and then covering the opening of the side wall with a cap to finish it.

[0004] The electrode assembly is manufactured in a jelly-roll form by winding a first electrode and a second electrode with a separator interposed therebetween. A first current collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode is installed at the first axial end of the electrode assembly, and a second current collector plate electrically connected to the second electrode is installed at the second axial end of the electrode assembly. Furthermore, the first current collector plate is electrically connected by being joined to an electrode terminal installed through the end wall of a can to provide an insulating seal, and the second current collector plate is electrically connected by being joined to the can.

[0005] In the step of covering and closing the opening of the side wall with a cap, a beading portion is formed near the end of the opening of the side wall, and a crimping portion is formed while the cap is covering. Accordingly, the cap seals the opening of the can.

[0006] To increase the production efficiency of the battery cell, the crimping process may be performed on a rotary machine that rotates and transports the battery cell. The crimping process includes a process of bending the end of the side wall radially inward and applying axial pressure. The crimping process may be performed by forming the side wall in stages so as to form the final shape of the crimped portion.

[0007] This crimping process may include a crimping process that forms a crimped portion by pressing the can in the axial direction, and a sizing process that matches the height dimensions of the can.

[0008] When the above can is pressed axially during the process of being conveyed by the rotary equipment, a load is transferred to a can positioned radially outward from the rotary equipment.

[0009] Meanwhile, as cylindrical battery cells have recently become larger, a greater load than before must be applied to the cans in order to form and process the cans of these battery cells. Previously, even when a load was applied to the cans, the structure of the equipment that rotates and transports the cans did not deform; however, if the load applied to the cans increases as described above, there is a risk that the equipment structure will deform.

[0010] Deformation of the equipment structure amplifies vibrations in rotating equipment. Such vibrations worsen the durability of the equipment and adversely affect forming processes, thereby degrading processing quality.

[0011] However, if the rigidity of the equipment structure is increased to reinforce the rigidity of the can rotation conveying equipment, the weight of the rotating equipment increases accordingly, placing a high load on the drive system that operates it.

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a rotary can forming facility in which there is no risk of the facility structure being deformed even if the load applied during the forming process of the workpiece increases.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a can forming rotary equipment capable of sufficiently withstanding the load applied to the equipment during the forming process without increasing the driving load of the rotary equipment.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a can forming rotary equipment with a structure capable of effectively supporting loads applied to the equipment despite changes in the equipment occurring during the operation of the equipment.

[0016] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017] The present invention is applicable to can forming rotary equipment.

[0018] The above can may be a case for a secondary battery.

[0019] The above can may be cylindrical.

[0020] The above can molding may be molding of a crimping portion that secures a cap sealing the opening of the can.

[0021] The above can forming may be a sizing forming for adjusting the height dimension of the can.

[0022] The above can forming process may include a process of applying pressure to the can in the axial direction.

[0023] The above-described can forming rotary equipment includes a drive shaft that rotates about a center of rotation, a disk connected to the drive shaft to rotate together with the drive shaft, and a punch connected to the drive shaft to rotate together with the drive shaft.

[0024] The above can forming rotary equipment may further include a fixed base that supports the rotation of the drive shaft.

[0025] The above disk may be positioned on the radial outer side of the drive shaft.

[0026] The above disk may extend radially outward from the drive shaft.

[0027] The above disk may be provided with a through hole through which the can can pass at least partially in the axial direction.

[0028] The above disk may be equipped with a jaw for gripping or releasing the can.

[0029] The above jaw can rotate together with the above disk.

[0030] The above jaw can pass through the above disk and grasp the can portion positioned on the upper part of the above disk.

[0031] The above jaw can grip the beading portion of the above can.

[0032] The above can forming rotary equipment may further include a table that supports the can and is connected to the drive shaft to rotate together with the drive shaft.

[0033] The above table can be placed on the lower part of the disk.

[0034] The table above can move up and down in the axial direction. Accordingly, a can supported on the table can move up and down.

[0035] As the table rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft, the table may move up and down in the axial direction or remain at a predetermined position in the axial direction.

[0036] The above table can move up and down by following the lifting profile of a table cam extended in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0037] The above table cam can be installed on the above fixed base.

[0038] The above punch can be placed on the upper part of the disk.

[0039] The above punch can move up and down in the axial direction. Accordingly, the above punch can press the can downward or release the pressure.

[0040] As the punch rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft, the punch may move up and down in the axial direction or remain at a predetermined position in the axial direction.

[0041] As the punch rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft, the punch descends in the axial direction to the lowest point where the punch has descended the most, and can rise from the lowest point.

[0042] As the punch rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft, the punch can descend to the bottom dead center, stay at the bottom dead center for a while, and then rise.

[0043] The above punch can move up and down by following the punching profile of the punch cam extended in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0044] The above punch cam can be installed on the above fixed base.

[0045] The above jaw can grip the can and support it axially in the area where the punch is positioned at the bottom dead center and rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0046] The above table may not support the axial load of the can in the region where the punch is positioned at the bottom dead center and rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0047] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the can forming rotary equipment includes a fixed support member that supports the lower surface of the disk in the region where the punch is positioned at the bottom dead center and rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0048] The above fixed support can be installed on the above fixed base.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fixed support may be positioned at least two locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0050] The two above positions may be near both ends of the area where the punch located at the bottom dead center rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fixed support may be positioned radially outward from the punch.

[0052] In some embodiments, the fixed support may include a roller that makes rolling contact with the back surface of the disk.

[0053] The fixed support member may include a support column that rotatably supports the roller. The roller may be provided at the upper end of the support column.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fixed support may further include a height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the fixed support.

[0055] The height adjustment unit may include a roller shaft that supports the rotation of the roller and an eccentric shaft axially connected to the roller shaft so as to be eccentric with the roller shaft.

[0056] The above eccentric shaft can be fixed to the support column so that the installation angle relative to the shaft can be adjusted.

[0057] According to the present invention, by installing a fixed support member at the load application point of a slewing facility where a load is applied, the load resistance of the slewing facility can be increased without increasing the weight of the slewing facility. Accordingly, the slewing operation of the facility is possible without increasing the load on the slewing drive system of the facility.

[0058] According to the present invention, an axially extended fixed support member directly and effectively supports the axially applied load, thereby eliminating the risk of deformation of the equipment structure even if the load applied during the forming process on the workpiece increases. Accordingly, the durability of the equipment can be increased. Furthermore, the amplification of vibrations caused by equipment deformation can be prevented, thereby maintaining the precision of the forming process.

[0059] The present invention allows the length (height) of the fixed support member to be adjusted in an axial direction parallel to the direction in which the load is applied through a height adjustment member, thereby effectively supporting the load applied to the equipment despite changes in the equipment that occur during the operation of the equipment.

[0060] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a battery cell in which the crimping portion is processed by a can forming rotary equipment.

[0062] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a can forming rotary equipment.

[0064] Figure 4 is a front view of the can forming rotary equipment of Figure 3.

[0065] Figure 5 is a plan view of the can forming rotary equipment of Figure 3.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the fixed base of the can forming rotary equipment of FIG. 3.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which a fixed support member is installed on the fixed base of FIG. 6.

[0068] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part 8 of Figure 7.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the drive shaft of the can forming rotary equipment of FIG. 3 and the disk connected to the drive shaft.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a table is connected to the drive shaft of FIG. 9 in a way that allows it to be raised and lowered.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a jaw is installed on the disk of FIG. 9 to enable gripping and releasing operations.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a punch is connected to the drive shaft of FIG. 9 in a way that allows it to move up and down.

[0073] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the state of processing cans with a can forming rotary equipment.

[0074] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional plan view of part 14 of Figure 5.

[0075] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of part 15 of Figure 5.

[0076] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional plan view of part 16 of Figure 5.

[0077] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional plan view of part 17 of Figure 5.

[0078] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional plan view of part 18 of Figure 5.

[0079] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional plan view of part 19 of Figure 5.

[0080] FIG. 20 is a graph showing the lifting profile and punching profile extended in the circumferential direction and the gripping state of the jaw along the circumferential direction.

[0081] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0082] 10: Can (Case) 11: Side Wall 12: End Wall 120: Terminal Hole 13: Electrode Terminal 14: Terminal Gasket 15: Beading Section 16: Crimping Section 17: Cap 18: Cap Gasket 19: Insulator 20: Electrode Assembly 21: First Electrode 22: Second Electrode 23: Tap 29: Winding Core Hollow Section 30: Current Collector Plate 31: First Current Collector Plate 32: Second Current Collector Plate 40: Can Forming Rotary Equipment 41: Fixed Base 42: Table Cam 420: Lifting Profile 44: Punch Cam 440: Punching Profile 50: Drive Shaft C: Rotation Center 500: Lifting Guide 501: Guide Hole 502: Punching Guide 503: Guide Surface 51: Disc 510: Through Hole 53: Jaw G: Grip O: Release grip 55: Punch 550: Punching cam follower B: Bottom dead center T: Top dead center 57: Table 570: Lifting cam follower L: Lowering height H: Raising height E: Retraction height 58: Receiving groove 60: Fixed support 61: Roller 63: Support column 65: Height adjustment part 66: Roller shaft 67: Eccentric shaft 68: Fixing member 681: Arc slot 69: Fixing bolt

[0083] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0084] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0085] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0086] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0087] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "in contact" with another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or in contact with each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or that each component may be "connected," "combined," or "in contact" through another component.

[0088] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0089] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means "A," "B," or "A and B" unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0090] [Battery Cell]

[0091] The battery cell to be can-formed by the can-forming rotary equipment may be, for example, a cylindrical battery cell with a form factor ratio (defined as the ratio of the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell to the height, i.e., the ratio of the diameter (Φ) to the height (H)) greater than approximately 0.4.

[0092] Here, the form factor refers to a value representing the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. The cylindrical battery cell may be, for example, a 46110 cell, a 48750 cell, a 48110 cell, a 48800 cell, or a 46800 cell. In the numerical value representing the form factor, the first two digits represent the diameter of the cell, the next two digits represent the height of the cell, and the last digit 0 indicates that the cross-section of the cell is circular.

[0093] The battery cell may be a cylindrical battery cell that is approximately cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of approximately 46 mm, a height of approximately 110 mm, and a form factor ratio of 0.418.

[0094] A battery cell according to another embodiment may be a cylindrical battery cell having a roughly cylindrical shape, with a diameter of approximately 48 mm, a height of approximately 75 mm, and a form factor ratio of 0.640.

[0095] A battery cell according to another embodiment may be a cylindrical battery cell having a roughly cylindrical shape, with a diameter of approximately 48 mm, a height of approximately 110 mm, and a form factor ratio of 0.418.

[0096] A battery cell according to another embodiment may be a cylindrical battery cell having a roughly cylindrical shape, with a diameter of approximately 48 mm, a height of approximately 80 mm, and a form factor ratio of 0.600.

[0097] A battery cell according to another embodiment may be a cylindrical battery cell having a diameter of approximately 46 mm, a height of approximately 80 mm, and a form factor ratio of 0.575.

[0098] The present invention may, of course, be applied to battery cells having a form factor ratio of approximately 0.4 or less, such as 18650 cells, 21700 cells, etc. In the case of 18650 cells, the diameter is approximately 18 mm, the height is approximately 65 mm, and the form factor ratio is 0.277. In the case of 21700 cells, the diameter is approximately 21 mm, the height is approximately 70 mm, and the form factor ratio is 0.300.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrode assembly (20) of the battery cell of the embodiment is manufactured in the form of a jelly-roll with a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22) wound together with a separator interposed therebetween. A first current collector plate (31) is installed on the axial upper portion of the electrode assembly (20), joined to the tab (23) of the first electrode (21) and electrically connected to the first electrode (21). A second current collector plate (32) is installed on the axial lower portion of the electrode assembly (20), joined to the tab (23) of the second electrode (22) and electrically connected to the second electrode (22).

[0100] The electrode assembly (20) is housed in a case. The case may be a cylindrical metal can (10). The can (10) includes a cylindrical tube-shaped side wall (11) and an end wall (12) connected to the upper end of the side wall (11) and extended radially.

[0101] A terminal hole (120) is formed through the central part of the end wall (12), and an electrode terminal (13) is installed through the terminal hole (120). A terminal gasket (14) is compressed and interposed between the end wall (12) and the electrode terminal (13) to seal the end wall (12) and the electrode terminal (13) and to electrically insulate them.

[0102] The electrode assembly (20) is received through an opening provided at the lower end of the side wall (11). An insulator (19) is interposed between the first current collector plate (31) of the electrode assembly (20) and the end wall (12) to electrically insulate the first current collector plate (31) from the end wall (12). The central part of the first current collector plate (31) is joined to the electrode terminal (13) of the end wall (12) and is electrically connected.

[0103] With the electrode assembly (20) received, the lower portion of the end wall (12) is molded so that it is concave inward in the radial direction to form a beading portion (15). The edge of the second current collector plate (32) is joined to the beading portion (15).

[0104] After injecting an electrolyte into the can (10), a cap (18) is placed on the beading portion (15), and the lower end of the side wall (11) is bent radially inward to form a crimping portion (16). The edge of the cap (18) is compressed by the beading portion (15) and the crimping portion (16) with a cap gasket (18) interposed therein, and accordingly, the cap (18) and the side wall (11) are sealed and electrically insulated.

[0105] Meanwhile, although an example of a battery cell has been described above, it is obvious that the structure of a battery cell that can be processed by the can forming rotary equipment according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0106] [Can Forming Rotary Equipment]

[0107] A can forming rotary equipment (40) of an embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 20.

[0108] The can forming performed in the can forming rotary equipment (40) of the embodiment relates to a crimping part (16) that fixes a cap (17) that seals the opening of the can (10). However, the can forming that can be performed in the can forming rotary equipment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the can forming may be a sizing process for adjusting the height dimensions of the can.

[0109] The present invention can be applied to a can forming rotary equipment in which various processes are performed, wherein a load may be applied radially outward from the center of rotation of the rotary by pressing a battery cell in the axial direction. For example, the can forming may include a process of pressing the can in the axial direction.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a can forming rotary equipment (40) of an embodiment comprises a fixed base (41) and a rotary drive shaft (50) installed on the fixed base (41) so as to be rotatable about a rotation center (C). The drive shaft (50) is installed concentrically with the fixed base (41) and extends axially.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, a disk (51) connected to the drive shaft (50) is provided on the radially outer side of the drive shaft (50) to rotate together with the drive shaft (50). The disk (51) may, for example, be in a shape that extends radially outward from the drive shaft (50).

[0112] The above disk (51) is provided with a passage hole (510) through which the can (10) can pass at least partially in the axial direction. For example, the passage holes (510) are spaced apart in the disk (51) along the circumferential direction relative to the drive shaft (50). For example, the passage holes (510) may be open in the vertical direction. An embodiment is implemented in which the passage holes (510) are perforated in the disk (51) in the vertical direction, but various modifications are possible as long as the can (10) can move up and down without interference from the disk (51). For example, the passage holes (510) may be open not only vertically but also radially outward.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 10, the can forming rotary equipment (40) may further include a table (57) that supports the can (10) and is connected to the drive shaft (50) to rotate together with the drive shaft (50). The can (10) may be mounted on the table (57) such that the end wall (12) on which the electrode terminal (13) is installed faces downward. In the central part of the table (57), a receiving groove (58) may be provided to receive the electrode terminal (13) so that the can (10) is not mounted unstably by the electrode terminal (13) protruding downward from the end wall (12).

[0114] The table (57) can be placed below the disk (51). Accordingly, the can (10) mounted on the table (57) can be placed below the disk (51).

[0115] The table (57) can be installed on the drive shaft (50) so as to be movable vertically in the axial direction. Accordingly, the can (10) supported on the table (57) can be moved vertically.

[0116] A lifting guide (500) for guiding the lifting of the table (57) may be provided on the drive shaft (50). The lifting guide (500) may be positioned below the disk (51).

[0117] As the drive shaft (50) rotates and the table (57) rotates together with the center of rotation (C), the table (57) can move up and down in the axial direction or remain at a predetermined position in the axial direction.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, in an embodiment, to implement this operation, a table cam (42) extending along the circumferential direction of the rotation center (C) is installed at the bottom of the fixed base (41), and a lifting cam follower (570) capable of moving up and down along the lifting profile (420) of the table cam (42) is installed at the bottom of the table (57).

[0119] The above lifting guide (500) is provided with a guide hole (501) that extends vertically, and the lifting cam follower (570) can be inserted into the guide hole (501) to guide vertical movement. Accordingly, the table (57) can be installed to be vertically movable relative to the drive shaft (50).

[0120] The above lifting profile (420) provides a profile that causes the table (57) to be positioned at a lowering height (L) along the pivot path of the lifting cam follower (570), a profile that causes the table (57) to rise from the lowering height (L) to a rising height (H), a profile that causes the table (57) to be positioned at a rising height (H), and a profile that causes the table (57) to descend from the rising height (H) to a lowering height (L).

[0121] Additionally, the above-mentioned lifting profile (420) may further include a profile in which, within the profile positioned at the rising height (H), the table (57) briefly descends to a retraction height (E) slightly lowered from the rising height (H) and then rises again to the rising height (H).

[0122] The upper part of the can (10) mounted on the table (57) can move up to the upper part of the disk (51) or down to the lower part of the disk (51) through the through hole (510) of the disk (51) which is positioned on the upper part of the can (10) and rotates together as the table (57) rotates.

[0123] In the embodiment, a lifting profile (420) is implemented on the upper surface of the table cam (42). However, the implementation examples of the lifting profile (420) may vary. For instance, the table cam (42) may have a predetermined height in the vertical direction and a groove that is open in the radial direction and extends along the circumference. That is, the table cam (42) may be implemented similarly to the embodiment of the punch cam (44) described later.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 11, the disk (51) may be equipped with a jaw (53) for gripping (G) or releasing (O) the can (10). The jaw (53) may rotate together with the disk (51). The jaw (53) may be installed, for example, on the upper part of the disk (51).

[0125] The jaw (53) can grasp the can (10) when the can (10) is in a raised state. The jaw (53) can pass through the disk (51) and grasp the portion of the can (10) that protrudes above the disk (51).

[0126] In the state (G) where the jaw (53) holds the can (10), the can (10) can be maintained in a fixed state by being supported axially by the jaw (53). Then, even if the table (57) supporting the can (10) descends, the can (10) can be maintained in a fixed state held by the jaw (53) without descending along the table (57).

[0127] In an embodiment, the jaw (53) is implemented to grip the beading portion (15) of the can (10). However, the portion of the can (10) gripped by the jaw (53) may vary depending on the processing performed in the can forming rotary equipment.

[0128] The above jaw (53) can grip and axially support the can (10) in the area where the table (57) is positioned at the retraction height (E) and rotates at least around the rotation center (C).

[0129] The above jaw (53) may be maintained in an ungripping state along a predetermined section of the turning path as the table (57) turns, or may operate in a gripping state from an ungripping state, or may be maintained in a gripping state, or may operate in an ungripping state from a gripping state. This operation of the jaw (53) can be implemented through a cam structure similar to the raising and lowering of the table (57), or by applying a conventional actuator with a separate driving capability.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 12, the can forming rotary equipment (40) includes a punch (55) connected to the drive shaft (50) to rotate together with the drive shaft (50).

[0131] The punch (55) can be positioned on the upper part of the disk (51). Accordingly, the lower surface of the punch (55) can be positioned to face the disk (51).

[0132] The punch (55) may be installed to be movable vertically in the axial direction relative to the drive shaft (50). The drive shaft (50) may be provided with a punching guide (502) that guides the vertical movement of the punch (55). The punching guide (502) may be positioned above the disk (51).

[0133] The punch (55) can be aligned axially with the can (10) that passes through the disk (51) and protrudes to the top of the can. Accordingly, when the punch (55) descends, the punch (55) can press the upper part of the can (10) downward, and when the punch (55) rises, the pressure can be released.

[0134] As the punch (55) rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft (50), the punch (55) may move up and down in the axial direction or remain at a predetermined position in the axial direction.

[0135] In one embodiment, as the punch (55) rotates by the rotation of the drive shaft (50), the punch (55) descends in the axial direction to the lowest point (B) where the punch (55) has descended the most, and can rise from the lowest point (B).

[0136] In one embodiment, as the punch (55) rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft (50), the punch (55) may descend to the bottom dead center (B), stay at the bottom dead center (B) for a while, and then rise.

[0137] In an embodiment, to implement this operation, a punch cam (44) extending along the circumferential direction of the rotation center (C) is installed on the upper part of the fixed base (41), and a punching cam follower (550) capable of moving up and down along the punching profile (440) of the punch cam (44) is installed on the punch (55).

[0138] The above punching guide (502) is provided with a guide surface (503) that extends vertically, and the punch (55) can slide vertically while in contact with the guide surface (503).

[0139] The above punching profile (440) provides a profile that positions the punch (55) at the top dead center (T) along the pivot path of the punching cam follower (550), a profile that lowers the punch (55) from the top dead center (T) to the bottom dead center (B), a profile that positions the punch (55) at the bottom dead center (B), and a profile that raises the punch (55) from the bottom dead center (B) to the top dead center (T).

[0140] When the above punch (55) reaches the bottom dead center (B), the above punch (55) can press downward the crimping portion (16) of the can (10) held by the above jaw (53).

[0141] The above jaw (53) can grip and axially support the can (10) in the region where the punch (55) is positioned at the bottom dead center (B) and rotates at least around the center of rotation (C).

[0142] The table (57) may not support the axial load of the can (10) by being located at the retraction height (E) in the region where the punch (55) is positioned at the bottom dead center (B) and rotates at least around the center of rotation (C).

[0143] Referring to FIG. 20, as the drive shaft (50) rotates, the table (57) rises to raise the can (10) to a height (H), and the jaw (53) can grip the can (10). After gripping the can (10), the table (57) lowers slightly to a retraction height (E). In this state, the punch (55) lowers to a bottom dead center (B) and presses the crimping portion (16) of the can (10) axially to form the can. Then, the punch (55) rises again to release the pressure applied to the can (10), the table (57) returns to the height (H), and the jaw (53) releases the grip on the can (10). Then, when the table (57) is lowered, the formed can (10) goes down under the disk (51).

[0144] If the table (57) is lowered slightly lower than the rising height (H), the table (57) may not receive the load of the punch (55) even if the can (10) held by the jaw (53) is pressed downward by the punch (55). Accordingly, the load applied by the punch (55) is not transmitted to the table cam (42) and the lifting cam follower (570), thereby preventing damage to the table cam (42) and the lifting cam follower (570) and extending their lifespan. Therefore, although the embodiment is implemented such that the retraction height (E) maintains a constant height, it is obvious that the height of the retraction height (E) may not be constant and may change if it is slightly lower than the rising height (H).

[0145] Meanwhile, the load applied by the punch (55) to the can (10) is transmitted to the disk (51) through the jaw (53). If the rigidity of the disk (51) is increased to prevent the disk (51) from being deformed or damaged by this load, the weight of the disk (51) increases, which can increase the rotational load of the overall drive shaft (50).

[0146] The above can forming rotary equipment (40) includes a fixed support member (60) that supports the lower surface of the disk (51) in the area where the punch (55) is positioned at the bottom dead center (B) and rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center (C).

[0147] The fixed support member (60) is installed on the fixed base (41). Accordingly, even if the disk (51) rotates, the fixed support member (60) supports the portion of the disk (51) passing through the section where the punch (55) applies a load to the disk (51) in the circumferential direction of the rotation center (C), either within or near the section.

[0148] In an embodiment, the fixed support member (60) may support the disk (51) portion at least two points while being positioned at least two locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the rotation center (C). Preferably, the two locations may be near both ends (SP1, SP2) of the area where the punch (55) located at the bottom dead center (B) rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center (C).

[0149] In some embodiments, the fixed support member (60) may be positioned radially outward from the punch (55). Accordingly, the fixed support member (60) may not obstruct the pivoting area of ​​the table (57) and may support the disk (51) at a location further from the drive shaft (50) to which the disk (51) is connected than the location where the load is applied by the punch (55), thereby increasing the support force for the disk (51).

[0150] In some embodiments, to reduce friction with the surface of the disk (51) moving relative to the fixed support (60), the fixed support (60) may be provided with a roller (61) that rolls in contact with the lower surface of the disk (51).

[0151] In some embodiments, the fixed support member (60) may include a support column (63) that rotatably supports the roller (61). The roller (61) may be provided at the upper end of the support column (63).

[0152] The support column (63) extends straight along the axial direction, and the roller (61) can be installed on the upper part of the support column (63). Accordingly, the load transmitted from the disk (51) to the roller (61) can be transmitted to the support column (63) in the form of a compressive force acting along the longitudinal direction of the support column (63). Thus, the fixed support member (60) can support the disk (51) more firmly.

[0153] Due to prolonged operation of the equipment, there is a concern that the supporting force of the fixed support member (60) supporting the disk (51) may weaken as the disk (51) sags or the surface of the roller (61) wears down. Additionally, during the process of installing the fixed support member (60), the height of the fixed support member (60) may be finely adjusted.

[0154] In some embodiments, the fixed support member (60) may further include a height adjustment member (65) for adjusting the height of the fixed support member (60).

[0155] In an embodiment, a height adjustment unit (65) is implemented to adjust the height of the fixed support member (60) by adjusting the installation height of the roller (61).

[0156] Specifically, the fixed support member (60) may include a roller shaft (66) that supports the rotation of the roller (61) and an eccentric shaft (67) that is axially connected to the roller shaft (66) so as to be eccentric with the roller shaft (66).

[0157] The roller shaft (66) is inserted into the rotational center of the roller (61) to support the rotation of the roller (61). The roller shaft (66) and the roller (61) are concentric, and the roller (61) can rotate relative to the roller shaft (66) while being guided by the outer surface of the roller shaft (66).

[0158] The eccentric shaft (67) is positioned to be eccentric with respect to the roller shaft (66). The eccentric shaft (67) can be fixed to the support column (63) so that the installation angle relative to the shaft can be adjusted. Accordingly, if the eccentric shaft (67) is fixed to the support column (63) so as not to rotate, with the center of the roller shaft (66) positioned higher relative to the center of the eccentric shaft (67), the roller (61) is positioned relatively higher. If the eccentric shaft (67) is fixed to the support column (63) so as not to rotate, with the center of the roller shaft (66) positioned lower relative to the center of the eccentric shaft (67), the roller (61) is positioned relatively lower.

[0159] The above eccentric shaft (67) is connected to rotate integrally with a fan-shaped fixing member (68) provided at the end of the above eccentric shaft (67). An arc-shaped slot (681) is formed near the arc-shaped edge of the fixing member (68). A fixing bolt (69) can be screwed into the support column (63) by passing through the arc-shaped slot (681), and accordingly, the head of the fixing bolt (69) can press and fix the fixing member (68) to the support column (63).

[0160] The change in the installation angle of the eccentric shaft (67) can be made within the range of the center angle of the arc slot (681). When the fixing bolt (69) is loosely loosened, the arc slot (681) and the eccentric shaft (67) rotatably constrained thereto are rotated about the center of the eccentric shaft (67), the height of the roller shaft (66) eccentrically oriented about the center of the eccentric shaft (67) is adjusted. After adjusting the height of the roller shaft (66), the fixing bolt (69) is tightened, and the roller shaft (66) is fixed in the corresponding position.

[0161] [Can Forming Process]

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 4, FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 13 to 20, a process for forming a can (10) using a can forming rotary equipment (40) of an embodiment will be described below.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 14, as the drive shaft (50) rotates, the table (57) is positioned at a lowered height (L), the jaw (53) is in a released state (O), and the punch (55) is positioned at the top dead center (T). In this circumferential section, the can (10) is fed in and mounted on the table (57).

[0164] Referring to FIG. 15, as the drive shaft (50) rotates after the can (10) is inserted, the table (57) begins to rise following the lifting profile (420). At this time, the jaw (53) maintains the release (O) state and the punch (55) maintains the state at the top dead center (T).

[0165] Referring to FIG. 16, as the drive shaft (50) rotates, the table (57) follows the lifting profile (420) and reaches a rising height (H), after which the jaw (53) grasps the beading portion (15) on the upper part of the can (10) protruding above the disk (51). Then, the table (57) follows the lifting profile (420) and descends slightly to a retraction height (E). Subsequently, the punch (55) follows the punching profile (440) and descends to a bottom dead center (B), thereby pressing the can (10) axially.

[0166] The load applied to the can (10) is transmitted to the disk (51) through the jaw (53), and is transmitted to the fixed support member (60) that supports the bottom surface of the disk (51). Thus, the fixed support member (60) supports the load of the punch (55) without the disk (51) being deformed or damaged by the load applied to the can (10), and without the table cam (42) or the lifting cam follower (570) being deformed or damaged.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 17, as the drive shaft (50) rotates, the punch (55) rises along the punching profile (440), and the table (57) also rises along the lifting profile (420) to support the bottom surface of the can (10).

[0168] Referring to FIG. 18, as the drive shaft (50) rotates, the jaw (53) releases its grip on the can (10), and the table (57) descends along the lifting profile (420). Accordingly, the can (10) descends to the bottom of the disk (51).

[0169] Referring to FIG. 19, as the drive shaft (50) rotates, the jaw (53) maintains the release (O) state and the punch (55) is positioned at the top dead center (T). After the table (57) follows the lifting profile (420) and reaches the lowering height (L), the can (10) with the molding process completed is withdrawn from the table (57).

[0170] Then, return to the position of Fig. 14 and repeat the previously described operation.

[0171] In describing the embodiments above, the part that presses the can was referred to as a punch; however, the interpretation of said part should not be limited to the name "punch." For instance, said part should be interpreted as various mechanical elements capable of pressing a workpiece to be formed. Such part may include various types of parts such as presses, molds, and jigs.

[0172] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments, a crimping process has been exemplified, but this includes a sizing process. In addition, this should be understood as a concept that encompasses all various other processes if they are forming processes that apply an axial load to a rotating part.

[0173] The embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention will be defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims set forth below, as well as all modifications and variations derived from equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0174] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. A drive shaft that rotates about a center of rotation; A disk connected to the drive shaft to rotate together with the drive shaft; A punch connected to the drive shaft to rotate together with the drive shaft, positioned on the upper part of the disk, and capable of vertical movement in the axial direction; and A can forming rotary apparatus comprising: a fixed support member that supports the lower surface of the disk in the region where the bottom dead center, at which the punch approaches the disk most closely in the axial direction, is located.

2. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed base that supports the rotation of the drive shaft; wherein the fixed support member is installed on the fixed base.

3. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support comprises a roller that makes rolling contact with the back surface of the disk.

4. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support member further comprises a height adjustment member for adjusting the height of the fixed support member.

5. In claim 1, the fixed support member is, Support column; A roller rotatably installed on the support column to make rolling contact with the back surface of the disk; A roller shaft that supports the rotation of the above roller; and It includes an eccentric shaft axially connected to the roller shaft so as to be eccentric with the roller shaft, and A can forming rotary equipment in which the above-mentioned eccentric shaft is fixed to the above-mentioned support column so that the installation angle relative to the shaft can be adjusted.

6. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support member is positioned at least two locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

7. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the two positions are positioned near both ends of the area where a punch located at the bottom dead center rotates in the circumferential direction of the center of rotation.

8. The can forming rotary equipment according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support member is positioned radially outward from the punch.

9. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the disk is disposed on the radially outer side of the drive shaft.

10. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the punch moves up and down following the punching profile of a punch cam extended in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

11. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a jaw installed on the disk to rotate together with the disk and gripping or releasing the can.

12. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the jaw grips the can and supports it axially in an area where a punch located at the bottom dead center rotates in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

13. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a table connected to the drive shaft to rotate together with the drive shaft, disposed at the lower part of the disk, capable of moving up and down in the axial direction, and supporting the can.

14. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the table moves up and down by following the lifting profile of a table cam extended in the circumferential direction of the rotation center.

15. A can forming rotary apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the table does not support the axial load of the can in the area where the punch located at the bottom dead center rotates in the circumferential direction of the center of rotation.

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