U.S. patent application number 16/551536 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-12 for can bottom former assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pride Engineering, LLC. Invention is credited to Rick Swedberg.
Application Number | 20190374995 16/551536 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62905459 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190374995 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swedberg; Rick |
December 12, 2019 |
Can Bottom Former Assembly
Abstract
An apparatus and method for adjusting the dome setting force of
a can bottom former. The apparatus generally includes an outer end
plate, an inner end plate movably mounted near the outer end plate.
The apparatus also includes a dome-setting spring positioned
between the inner end plate and a movable housing, and an
adjustment screw threaded into the outer end plate such that the
turning the adjustment screw exerts a displacing force on the inner
end plate toward the movable housing, which in turn increases the
force exerted by the dome-setting spring during can forming.
Inventors: |
Swedberg; Rick;
(Minneapolis, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pride Engineering, LLC |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62905459 |
Appl. No.: |
16/551536 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15411822 |
Jan 20, 2017 |
10441992 |
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16551536 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 22/30 20130101;
B21D 51/26 20130101; B21D 22/283 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B21D 51/26 20060101
B21D051/26; B21D 22/30 20060101 B21D022/30 |
Claims
1. A device for adjusting a dome setting force of a can bottom
former, comprising: an outer end plate; an inner end plate movably
mounted proximate the outer end plate; a dome-setting spring
positioned between the inner end plate and a movable housing; and
an adjustment screw threaded into the outer end plate such that the
adjustment screw exerts a displacing force on the inner end plate
toward the movable housing.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a force sensor
positioned between the outer end plate and the inner end plate,
such that the adjustment screw exerts force on the inner end plate
though the force sensor.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the adjustment screw comprises a
ball bearing on an actuation end, the ball bearing contacting a
side of the force sensor opposite the inner end plate.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment screw comprises a
spherical contact surface on an actuation end proximate the inner
end plate.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the displacing force compresses
the dome-setting spring.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a spring cover plate
positioned between the movable housing and the dome-setting
spring.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the displacing force compresses
the dome-setting spring between the inner end plate and the spring
cover plate.
8. A device for adjusting a dome setting force of a can bottom
former, comprising: an outer end plate; an inner end plate movably
mounted proximate the outer end plate; a dome-setting spring
positioned between the inner end plate and a movable housing; and
an adjustment means for exerting a displacing force on the inner
end plate toward the movable housing.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a force sensor
positioned between the outer end plate and the inner end plate,
such that the adjustment means exerts a force on the inner end
plate though the force sensor.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the adjustment means comprises a
ball bearing on an actuation end, the ball bearing contacting a
side of the force sensor opposite the inner end plate.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the adjustment means comprises a
spherical contact surface on an actuation end proximate the inner
end plate.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein the displacing force compresses
the dome-setting spring.
13. The device of claim 8, further comprising a spring cover plate
positioned between the movable housing and the dome-setting
spring.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the displacing force compresses
the dome-setting spring between the inner end plate and the spring
cover plate.
15. A method of adjusting dome-setting force of a dome-setting
spring in a bottom former, comprising: initially adjusting a spring
force adjustment screw to reduce the dome-setting force on the
dome-setting spring to a low level; increasing the dome-setting
force by adjusting the spring force adjustment screw; reading the
dome-setting force; and verifying that the dome-setting force is at
a desired level.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein initially adjusting the spring
force adjustment screw to reduce the dome-setting force is done
before the bottom former is installed into a body maker.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the steps of increasing the
force and subsequently reading the force are repeated until the
dome-setting force is at a desired level.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the spring force setting screw
is adjusted manually.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the spring force setting screw
is adjusted by a rotary actuator.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein reading the dome-setting force
comprises reading a signal from a force sensor positioned between
the spring force setting screw and the dome-setting spring.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/411,822 filed on Jan. 20, 2017 (Docket No.
PRID-003), which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0003] The embodiments described and claimed herein relate
generally to bottom forming methods, systems, and devices for can
manufacturing.
Background
[0004] The present embodiments relate generally to assemblies used
in the manufacture of metal containers. In the bottom forming
process, there are a number of critical alignments and forces that
affect the quality and repeatability of making cans of acceptable
quality. In prior systems, the set up of the bottom-forming
machinery relied in large part to the skill and experience of the
person setting up the machinery. To improve this, there is a need
for equipment that removes the guesswork from the setup process and
eliminates detrimental variances due to inaccurate measurements,
wear and other factors.
SUMMARY
[0005] An example embodiment is directed to a Can Bottom Former
Assembly. In one aspect, an embodiment of the present system allows
for positional adjustment of a bottom-former die set. Off-center
hits from a can-forming punch can be detected using sensors, and as
a result, the die set may be automatically or manually moved in a
direction that more closely aligns the die set with the punch. In
another aspect, an embodiment allows for measurement and adjustment
of air pressure that is in turn used to set or change the clamping
force of the bottom former's clamp ring. The pressure can be
automatically or manually adjusted to compensate for different can
types, sizes, bottom geometry, etc. In yet another aspect, an
exemplary embodiment allows for the force applied by a dome-setting
spring to be measured and adjusted, either manually or
automatically. The measurement and adjustability provides the
benefit of quantification of the setting force applied during the
can-making process. In previous systems, the setting force was not
measured, thus changes in the bottom former due to wear and age
could have a detrimental impact on the quality of cans being
produced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a section view of a die set sensing and adjustment
assembly with punch;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an end view of the bottom former viewed from the
front;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a section view of the bottom former viewed from
the side;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the bottom former with punch;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a section view of a setting force sensing and
adjustment assembly viewed from the side;
[0011] FIG. 6 is an end view of a bottom former viewed from the
back;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a section view of a bottom former showing a die
adjustment mechanism; and
[0013] FIG. 8 is a section view of a bottom former showing a torque
rod configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The figures show a die set comprising a clamp ring 4 and a
dome die 5. These act together, in conjunction with the can-forming
punch 45, to form the structure of the bottom of a two-piece can.
FIG. 1 shows the necessary gap 46 formed between the die set 4
& 5 and the clamp ring retainer 3. This gap is formed through
the use of the "Floating Clamp Ring" design referenced above. The
gap is small, typically between 0.005'' and 0.015''. This gap
determines the amount of potential offset adjustment obtainable
within the mechanism. The gap is evenly maintained through the use
of an elastomer spring 8 and wear ring 9. Still referring to FIG.
1, elastomer spring 8 and wear ring 9 are seated within a
circumferential channel in clamp ring 4. Wear ring 9 is made of a
wear-resistant material intended to provide a longer life than the
O-ring interface material used in prior art floating clamp ring
solutions. For example, the wear ring 9 may be constructed of a
polyether ether ketone thermoplastic (PEEK) or a like low-wear
material. Elastomer spring 8 is preferably constructed of a
flexible compressible material and is constructed and arranged to
compress radially. For example, the elastomer spring 8 may be
constructed of a fluoroelastomeric or like polymeric material. The
latter material compositions are formulated to function in
high-temperature conditions. The elastomer spring 8 has a
multi-faceted cross-sectional configuration and which is shown
seated within a circumferential channel of the clamp ring 4. By
being able to compress radially, elastomer spring 8 provides the
flexibility required to allow contact from a misaligned punch to
move the clamp ring 4 in a direction that improves its axial
alignment with the punch and corresponding can body. The generally
rectangular or multi-faceted shape of elastomer spring 8 is shown
in FIG. 1 and is utilized with the cooperating wear ring 9, as
opposed to an O-ring, as it increases the life of the material and
prevents spiral failure of the material. Further, elastomer spring
8 provides greater surface area contact with wear ring 9, thereby
providing a higher initial resistive force to reduce sagging of the
clamp ring 4, which may result in misalignment.
[0015] Assuming the punch 45 strikes the bottom former die set 4
& 5 perfectly straight along the center axis, the motion of the
die set 4 & 5 will be straight back into the bottom former.
This condition is ideal for can making, but not obtainable in
practice due to wear and tear on the can making equipment, initial
set up inaccuracies, equipment speed changes and other variables.
The floating die set 4 & 5 is designed to "float" around the
center axis to match the position of the punch 45 as it engages the
bottom former die set 4 & 5. In some embodiments of a floating
clamp ring design, the fit between the clamp ring 4 and the dome
die 5 may be a taper. Such a taper fit allows the clamp ring to
rock on the fixed dome die 5 to facilitate the alignment feature.
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the fit between the clamp
ring 4 and the dome die 5 is a straight, tight fit. By using a
straight fit, the dome die 5, in this design, is allowed to move
with the clamp ring as it is manipulated. This is accomplished
through the use of shoulder bolts 14. The holes through the dome
die 5 are larger than the shoulder on the shoulder bolt, allowing
off-center movement. This system is augmented through the use of
spring washers 15 that keep a constant force on the dome die 5
along the punch travel axis. This force is also utilized to provide
compression against the dome die environmental seal 33. This seal
keeps coolant and lubricants from entering the bottom former
cavity.
[0016] FIG. 1 shows the die set sensing and adjustment assembly 2
as it is assembled to the floating clamp ring 4 and dome die 5. The
sensor support tube 31 has a friction fit into the cavity of the
dome die 5 with a seal 32 to prevent coolant and lubricants from
entering and contaminating the junction. The friction fit allows
any offset punch hit motion to be transferred into the thin walled
portion of the sensor support tube 31, resulting in a bending
moment. This bending moment creates strain on the walls of the tube
31. The strain is detected through an array of strain sensors 38
that are strategically placed around the diameter of the tube. The
signals that are produced from these sensors 38 can be processed to
indicate the direction and amplitude of the bending moment, thus
indicating the position of the offset punch strike between the
punch 45 and the bottom former die set 4 & 5.
[0017] The processed signals from the strain sensors 38 can be
utilized by the operator during initial equipment setup to align
the bottom former to the punch. The data can also be utilized to
monitor the alignment during the can making process to indicate
process and equipment problems and maintenance requirements. The
data can also be utilized for process trending.
[0018] Information from the strain sensors 38 can be utilized as
well to make offset hit centering adjustments of the die set,
within the bottom former itself, either manually or automatically
in a feed-back loop. For example, the sensor information can be
used to make adjustments to the position of the bottom former die
set 4 & 5 dynamically during the can making process. As long as
the sensors 38 continue to provide information that indicates punch
45 is making off-center hits, the information can be used to drive
(electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically) one or more of the
actuators to improve the alignment of the die set 4 & 5
relative to the punch. As shown in FIG. 7, an array of actuators 44
can be either manually manipulated by use of a hand tool (such as a
screwdriver or hex wrench), or automatically operated through the
use of electric, pneumatic or hydraulic power. As just one example,
actuators 44 can be driven by the manual or powered turning of a
threaded component that translates into linear motion. During an
adjustment operation, the strain sensors 38 can send electrical
signals to an instrument that monitors the magnitude and direction
of one or more off-center hits. This information is converted into
signals that are sent to the actuators 44.
[0019] The actuators 44, through their linkage mechanisms 48,
provide a linear force, in either direction, corresponding to the
direction and distance required to center the bottom former die set
4 & 5 relative to the punch 45. In the case of manual
manipulation, the offset hit information can be displayed for an
operator to use during adjustment. To accomplish an adjustment of
the x-y position of the dome die and clamp ring, the actuators 44
may be rotated or otherwise actuated, and movement of the linkage
mechanisms 48 is transferred to the cross linkage shuttles 43. For
example, if the top actuator in FIG. 7 is used, the vertical cross
linkage shuttle 43, associated with torsion bars 35A and 35C, will
move up or down.
[0020] The cross linkage shuttles 43 actuate the torsion rod
linkages 42 through a common pin. As the torsion rod linkages 42
rotate, a torsional force is applied to the torsion bars 35. In the
example described above, if the cross linkage shuttle moves up, a
clockwise torsion will be applied to bar 35A, while a
counterclockwise torsion will be applied to torsion bar 35C. It
should be noted that, although a single, common shuttle 43 is
shown, which can apply torque to two torsion bars at once, other
configurations are possible. For example, an arrangement involving
a single actuator providing torque to each torsion bar is
possible.
[0021] The torsion bars 35 (four in the illustrated embodiment)
extend through the die set sensing and adjustment assembly 2 to a
position near the can-forming dies 4 & 5. The end of the
torsion rod linkages 35 are formed in a manner to transfer the
torsional force on them into a linear force that will act upon the
sensor support tube 31 by way of a hole in the support tube through
which the torsion rods pass near the bends in the rods. The linear
force in turn moves die set 4 & 5 relative to the punch 45.
[0022] The torsion bar anchor ring 36 provides an anchor point for
the opposing linear force produced by the torsion bars 35. The
torsion bar anchor ring 36 is held in place in cylinder housing 7
(see FIG. 3) by a retainer ring 34 and is secured so as to prevent
motion radially through a friction fit in a matching cavity in the
cylinder housing 7. Rotation of anchor ring 36 is prevented by a
securing tab 49 which fits into a matching slot in housing 7. In
other words, the anchor ring 36 is held in place in all directions
within cylinder housing 7. However, there is a clearance between
the outer diameter of support tube 31 and the inner diameter of
anchor ring 36, which allows support tube 31 to move relative to
the anchor ring 36.
[0023] The actuating force from the torsion bars 35 is applied to
the sensor support tube 31 near, and providing motion radially, to
the die set 4 & 5. Referring to the torsion bar detail in FIG.
1, x-y motion of support tube 31 is produced as follows: torque is
applied at end 52 as described above. End 50 of tube 35 is held
stationary by anchor ring 36. Accordingly, a linear motion in or
out of the page is produced near bend 51. Since torque rod bends
such as that indicated by 51 exist in all the torsion bars near the
holes in sensor support tube 31 through which the torsion bars
pass, x-y forces can be applied to the support tube 31 that in turn
move the dome die 5 and clamp ring 4. This is also illustrated in
FIG. 8. In the example here, where actuation results in torque
being applied to the torsion bars in pairs and in opposite
directions (clockwise and counterclockwise for each pair), the
torque on both rods will result in resulting force (and thus
motion) in just one direction--up in the illustration of FIG.
8.
[0024] The torsion bars 35 can be utilized alone or in combination
to provide the desired deflection distance and direction required
to center the die set 4 & 5 to the punch, while at rest or
during the can making process. Because the torsion bars 35 and the
sensor support tube are mechanically allowed to deflect while in
any operational position, the strain sensors 38 remain functional
and continue to sense die set 4 & 5 position changes applied to
them from the punch 45, such as from off-center hits. The torsion
bar anchor ring 36 contains an anchor ring seal 37 that provides
protection from coolant and lubricant intrusion into the mechanisms
behind it. The anchor ring seal 37 also allows the sensor support
tube 31 to deflect. The linkage cover 6 protects the mechanism from
contaminants utilizing a cover seal 16 between the linkage cover 6
and the sensor support tube 31.
[0025] The sensor support tube 31 is hollow to allow the passage of
trapped coolant and lubricants, that are used in the can making
process, from the coolant relief ports 29 in the dome die, to the
coolant exhaust port 30. The coolant and lubricant is then expelled
from the bottom former through an opening in the cylinder housing
exhaust port 47 (FIG. 3).
[0026] Monitoring and Adjusting the Bottom Former Die Set
Alignment
[0027] The die set sensing and adjustment assembly 2 in combination
with the floating dome die 29 and the floating clamp ring 4 create
a mechanism that allows adjustment to the alignment between the
can-forming punch 45, the floating clamp ring 4 and the floating
dome die 5. The changes in this alignment can be enacted either
manually or automatically.
During the initial setup of the bottom former into the body-maker,
standard mounting methods will be used. This will align the
centerline of the can-forming punch 45 to the centerline of the
floating clamp ring 4 and the floating dome die 5. This alignment
is crucial to making proper cans. Any deviation of this alignment,
in any direction, will adversely affect the quality and rate of
production of cans through the body maker. During the can-making
process, this alignment can shift due to many variables in the
equipment. Variances in the speed of can production can also lead
to misalignment problems. The die set sensing and adjustment
assembly 2 has a strain sensor array 38 surrounding a portion of
the sensor support tube 31 as shown in FIG. 1. This sensor array
sends electrical signals to a controller for display and
manipulation. These signals are processed into directional force
data and force amplitude data. This data is used to determine the
direction and amplitude of the distance off center the can forming
punch 45 is striking the bottom former die set. During the initial
set up and alignment process, the user manually advances the can
forming punch 45 into the bottom former die set 4&5. The
controller will display the alignment information on the screen.
Any indicated misalignment may be corrected by either manually
adjusting the actuator linkages 48, or having the controller send a
signal to one or both of the linkage actuators 44 to move the
bottom former die set 4 & 5 into alignment. The controller will
monitor the sensors during either adjustment type, manual or
automatic, to determine when the strain sensors 38 begin to send a
signal indicating further motion in the offset direction. This will
indicate that the proper adjustment distance (x-y) has been
achieved. The controller, or user, may or may not decide to reverse
the adjustment a small amount for over compensation. The value of
the strain gauge signals is then stored in the controller for
reference, and the value of these signals is used in further
calculations as a base alignment location. A secondary base
location can be used, during the can making process, to establish
position base points for comparison during operation. The nature of
the tubular shape of the sensor support tube 31 and the spring wire
composition of the torsion bars 35 allow the mechanism to flex
after any alignment movement action. This allows the strain sensors
38 to continue monitoring the alignment during and after an
alignment adjustment.
[0028] While the body maker is creating cans and the bottom former
is creating the bottom geometry, the can-forming punch 45 alignment
to the bottom former die set 4 & 5 may be monitored and
displayed on the controller. This information can be displayed in
such a fashion to allow the user to determine the direction and
magnitude of the misalignment offset. As misalignment occurs during
can production, the operator may manually adjust the alignment
utilizing one or more of the actuator linkages 48, or the
controller can send signals to one or more of the motion actuators
44 to adjust the alignment dynamically. This realignment process
allows the can forming punch 45 to stay in alignment with the
bottom former die set 4 & 5.
[0029] As the rate of can production through the body maker
changes, the alignment between the can forming punch 45 and the
bottom former die set 4 & 5 tends to change. Automatically
readjusting the alignment can result in a higher rate of can
production. In addition, the result of the components being aligned
results in the creation of more cans within the proper
specification. The alignment data collected can be stored and
trended for determining longer term problems. These long-term
problems may include body maker component wear, bottom former setup
and alignment issues, bottom former components wear and variances
in can material. The data can be stored and reproduced for use
during change-out of can geometries and shared between body-makers
and can plants.
[0030] Setting the Clamp Ring Force
[0031] During the bottom forming process, the punch 45, with the
can material wrapped around it, strikes the clamp ring 4 first. As
shown in FIG. 3, the clamp ring 4 provides pressure to the outer
ring on the bottom of the can as the punch 45 moves into the bottom
former (left to right in FIG. 3). This pressure supports the
material, and clamps it between punch 45 and clamp ring 4, allowing
the following doming process to stretch and set the material into
the desired can bottom shape. The force on the clamp ring 4 is
produced by the clamp ring pressure piston 17, and transferred to
the clamp ring 4 through piston push rods 41. The force is
generated through the use of compressed air, introduced through the
compressed air inlet 18. The force on the clamp ring 4 is critical
to creating the proper shape of the can bottom. As shown in FIG. 5,
the cylinder pressure sensor 19, located in the setting force
sensing and adjustment assembly 1, senses the pressure of the air
acting on the clamp ring pressure piston 17. The signal generated
by the cylinder pressure sensor 19 is utilized to verify the proper
force is being applied to the clamp ring 4 during the can-making
process. Adjustments to the pressure entering the compressed air
inlet 18 can be made utilizing the signal from the cylinder
pressure sensor 19. If a new type of can-bottom geometry or can
making speed, or material changes are required, mis-formed cans are
detected, or other factors require, the pressure can be manually or
automatically adjusted and verified through the use of the cylinder
pressure sensor 19 signal and either manually or automatically
adjusting using electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators.
Monitoring the cylinder pressure sensor 19 signal can also indicate
issues in the can-making equipment that need to be addressed
through maintenance.
[0032] Monitoring and Adjusting the Dome Setting Force
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 3, as the clamp ring 4 travels into
the bottom former (left to right), the dome die 5 presses the dome
shape into the bottom of the can utilizing the can-forming punch 45
to support the shape. The clamp ring then strikes the dome die 5.
The can-forming punch 45, the clamp ring 3 and the dome die 5 apply
pressure to the cylinder housing 7, pushing it back a short
distance while being supported by the outer housing bearing sleeve
13. The distance traveled is commonly called over travel. This over
travel compresses the dome setting spring 10 through the spring
cover plate 28. The force applied by the dome setting spring 10 is
opposed by the inner end plate 26 (see FIG. 5) within the setting
force adjustment assembly 1. The setting force adjustment assembly
1 contains the outer end plate 25 which is firmly anchored to the
outer housing 12 through an array of tension bolts 40 (see FIGS. 6
& 7).
[0034] The force produced by the dome setting spring 10 (FIGS. 3
& 4) during the over travel sets the shape of the bottom of the
can into the can material and is important to the can-making
process. Typically the initial force provided by the dome setting
spring 10 is fixed through the use of differing materials and set
distance pre-tensioning. The measured force is not typically known
during operation. The setting force adjustment assembly 1, best
shown in FIG. 5, allows the operator to set the initial force of
the dome setting spring 10 by adjusting the spring force setting
screw 20 either manually or automatically through an actuator. The
actuator, in the automatic configuration, may be electrical,
pneumatic or hydraulic, and may be one of any number of common
rotary actuators known to those of skill in the art.
[0035] As the spring force setting screw 20 is advanced, increasing
pressure is applied to the dome setting spring 10 through the force
sensor 27 and the inner end plate 26. The adjustment can be locked
in place with the force setting screw jam nut 21. A ball bearing 22
may be used to limit the torque applied to the force sensor during
adjustment. The force sensor signal can be used to display the
forces applied by the dome setting spring 10 or be processed to
show the forces obtained throughout the over-travel event. This
information can be fed back into the setting force adjustment
assembly 1 for automatic adjustments required during operation. The
force adjustment assembly 1 utilizes an inner environmental seal 23
and an outer environmental seal 24. These seals prevent coolant and
lubricant from entering the force sensing and adjustment assembly
1, and also supply mechanical radial stability.
[0036] The setting force adjustment assembly allows the user to
adjust the force being applied by the dome setting spring 10.
During initial bottom former setup in the can plant, the user can
adjust the amount of setting force, applied to the can material
during the can-making process, by turning the spring force setting
screw 20. The spring force setting screw 20 applies force to a
force sensor 27. The force sensor 27 sends a signal to a device
that displays the force readings. The user may then increase or
decrease the setting force applied during the bottom-forming
process. This benefits the user by being able to quantify the
setting force being applied during the can making process. This
knowledge is valuable for creating consistently accurate cans
across all of the body maker machines in the can plant. The
information can be used, as well, to bring consistency to multiple
can plants if the data is shared between them.
[0037] The method for use, during initial bottom former setup, is
to first assure the spring setting force screw 20 is backed out to
the point that there is no force being applied to the dome setting
spring 10. This is accomplished by backing out the setting force
screw 20 and watching the displayed data from sensor 27 until the
force displayed is near or at zero. The bottom former is then
installed, and aligned, into the body maker in usual fashion.
Assuring that the can forming punch 45 is retracted from the bottom
former assembly, adjustments can be made to the setting force.
These adjustments are made by turning the spring force adjustment
screw 20 into the setting force adjustment assembly 1 while
watching the force increase on the display. When the force reading
on the display reaches the desired level, the adjustment is
complete. If the body maker is to be changed over to create a
different can geometry, the initial setting force can be changed to
meet the requirements of the new can.
[0038] During the can-making process, the setting force may be
monitored, at a high frequency, and displayed on the display unit
as a pulse, for every can made, during the over-travel portion of
the bottom forming process. The initial force, maximum force, and
the presence of the force are monitored by the display unit. The
data collected during the can making process can be utilized to
indicate anomalies in the bottom former process. Changes to the
initial setting force, as indicated by the level measured while not
in over travel, and anomalies such as dome setting spring 10 wear
may be witnessed. This allows the user to either adjust the force
to a higher level or change the dome setting spring 10. Changes to
the maximum force, as indicated by the measurement at the peak of
the force pulse, may indicate anomalies such as can material
thickness changes, body maker driveline equipment changes or other
changes occurring in the process. These long-term problems may
include body maker component wear, bottom former setup and
alignment issues, bottom former component wear and variances in can
material. The data can be stored and reproduced for use during
change-out of can geometries and shared between body-makers and can
plants.
[0039] The over-travel distance is measured through the use of an
over travel distance sensor 11 (see FIG. 3) and may be of inductive
or LVDT sensor type. In the LVDT sensor type, the moveable sensor
core is held in position with the sensor standoff 39. In the
inductive sensor type, the sensor standoff 39 is used for the
sensing surface. The position signal from sensor 11 may be used in
combination with sensor 27 to further analyze or understand the
over travel force applied by spring 10.
* * * * *