CAM ARRANGEMENT FOR MACHINE USED IN MANUFACTURING CAN BODIES

Abstract

A cam arrangement for a machine used in manufacturing can bodies. The cam arrangement includes a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile. The cam surface is configured to be engaged by a cam follower of the machine. A portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface is constructed to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower. The cam arrangement further includes a sensing arrangement for determining deformation of the portion of the cam body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed concept relates generally to cam arrangements and, more particularly, to cam arrangements which can sense forces to which they are being subjected by mechanisms driven thereby. The disclosed concept further relates to machines that employ such cam arrangements in the manufacture of can bodies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cam arrangements are used in numerous applications to drive mechanism motion and thus in such arrangements the cam or cams must provide sufficient force to actuate the driven mechanism(s). Generally, the force to actuate the driven mechanism(s) is reacted against the cam surface by a cam follower that travels with the mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosed concept provide for monitoring/measuring of the forces to which a cam is subjected in driving a driven mechanism or mechanisms in machines used in manufacturing can bodies. From such monitoring/measuring determinations about characteristics of the driven mechanism(s) can be made and utilized for maintenance purposes and to prevent potentially catastrophic failures.

As one aspect of the disclosed concept a cam arrangement for a machine used in manufacturing can bodies is provided. The cam arrangement comprises: a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile, the cam surface configured to be engaged by a cam follower of the machine, a portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface being structured to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower; and a sensing arrangement structured to determine deformation of the portion of the cam body.

The cam body may comprise a pocket defined therein, and the portion of the cam body may be disposed between the pocket and the portion of the cam surface. The sensing arrangement may comprise a sensor disposed at least partially within the pocket. The sensor may comprise a strain gage coupled to the portion of the cam body. The sensing arrangement may comprise a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be structured to determine a force exerted by the cam follower from the deformation. The cam may be a stationary cam.

As another aspect of the disclosed concept a machine for use in manufacturing can bodies is provided. The machine comprises: a processing arrangement structured to perform an operation in the manufacture of the can bodies, the processing arrangement driven by a cam follower; and a cam comprising: a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile, the cam surface configured to be engaged by the cam follower of the processing arrangement, a portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface being structured to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower; and a sensing arrangement structured to determine deformation of the portion of the cam body.

The cam body may comprise a pocket defined therein, and the portion of the cam body may be disposed between the pocket and the portion of the cam surface. The sensing arrangement may comprise a sensor disposed at least partially within the pocket. The sensor may comprise a strain gage coupled to the portion of the cam body. The sensing arrangement may comprise a controller in communication with the sensor.

The machine may further comprise a frame, wherein the cam is fixedly coupled to the frame.

The processing arrangement may be structured to perform a trimming operation on the can bodies.

As yet a further aspect of the disclosed concept, a method for determining wear of one or more components of a machine used in manufacturing can bodies is provided. The machine having a processing arrangement structured to perform an operation in the manufacture of the can bodies, the processing arrangement driven by a cam follower interacting with a cam. The method comprises: monitoring, while the machine is operating, deformation of a portion of a cam body of the cam; determining that the deformation of the portion of the cam body has exceeded a predetermined value; and providing an indication that the deformation of the portion of the cam body has exceeded predetermined value.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a machine used in manufacturing can bodies in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic representation showing the interaction of internal elements of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the portion of the cam indicated in FIG. 2 shown with components of a sensing arrangement in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the cam of FIGS. 2 and 3 shown with a cam follower interacting therewith along with an associated processing arrangement (shown schematically) driven by the cam follower; and

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a portion of the arrangement of the cam and the cam follower of FIG. 4 showing an example deformation of a portion of the cam body due to forces from the interaction of a cam surface of the cam and the cam follower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described herein are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Accordingly, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

As employed herein, the term “can” refers to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and soda cans, as well as cans used for food.

As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs. An object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are coupled in direct contact with each other.

As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. The fixed components may, or may not, be directly coupled.

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

As used herein, “engage,” when used in reference to gears or other components having teeth, means that the teeth of the gears interface with each other and the rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate as well.

As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

As briefly discussed in the Summary above, embodiments of the disclosed concept provide for monitoring/measuring of the forces to which a cam is subjected in driving a driven mechanism or mechanisms in machines used in manufacturing can bodies. From such monitoring/measuring determinations about characteristics of the driven mechanism(s) can be made and utilized for maintenance purposes and to prevent potentially catastrophic failures.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a machine 10 used in manufacturing can bodies and, more particularly, shows an example of a trimming machine 12 in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosed concept. Externally, trimming machine 12 generally resembles other conventional machines and includes a housing 14 which generally encloses trimming machine 12. Housing 14 may be of any suitable arrangement (or may be omitted) without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept and thus will not be discussed in further detail.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic representation showing the interaction of internal elements of the trimming machine 12 will now be discussed. Trimming machine 12 includes a frame 16 to which the housing 14 is coupled. Trimming machine 12 further includes a cam arrangement 18 that is fixedly coupled to the frame 16 and a rotating assembly 20 that, as the name implies, is rotatably coupled to the frame 16 adjacent to cam arrangement 18 so as to rotate about a rotation axis 22 (in the direction shown by arrow R) when driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). The cam arrangement 18 includes a cam body 24 having a cam surface 26 defining a cam profile. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, cam body 24 is generally disc shaped and centered on rotation axis 22 while cam surface 26 is one of an opposing pair of cam surfaces 26, 28 defined on a thinned portion 30 at the radial extent of cam body 24.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, rotating assembly 20 includes a rotating frame 32 (shown schematically) carrying a number of processing arrangements 34 (also shown schematically), which in the example of trimming machine 12 are each structured to perform a trimming operation on a can body after being formed by a bodymaker and prior to necking and other operations. It is to be appreciated that other processing arrangements may be employed in other machines 10 without varying from the scope of the present invention. Each processing arrangement 34 is driven by a respective cam follower 36 that is also carried on rotating frame 32 in a manner such that each cam follower 36 can translate back and forth parallel to rotation axis 22 as rotating frame 32 (as shown by arrows T) rotates about rotating axis 22. Such translation of the cam followers 36 is driven by rollers 38 included as portions of the cam follower 36 that engage with cam surfaces 26 and 28 of cam body 24.

Referring now to the detail view of FIG. 3, as well as FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion 40 of the cam body 24 bounded by a portion of the cam surface 26 is structured to selectively elastically deform in a predetermined manner (e.g., see FIG. 5 for an exaggerated illustration) responsive to forces applied thereto via the cam follower 36, and more particularly via roller 38. To provide for such selective deformation of portion 40, cam body 24 further includes a pocket 42 defined therein within thinned portion 30. The amount of deformation of portion 40, and thus the strain induced therein by roller 38 of the cam follower 36 depends both on the force required to drive the associated processing arrangement 34 and also the thickness t of portion 40. If the supporting material adjacent to the cam surface 26 is thinned to a certain degree, then the force from the cam follower will induce a certain amount of deformation/strain into the supporting material (i.e., portion 40). By choosing the thickness t of the supporting material, the expected strain induced by the cam follower 36 can be placed within the measurement range of commonly available strain gauges, thereby, giving a relative measurement of the force required to actuate the processing arrangement 34 and any elements in the arrangement prior thereto.

To monitor such deformation of portion 40, cam arrangement 18 further includes a sensing arrangement 50 including a sensor 52 disposed at least partially within pocket 42 and a monitoring arrangement/controller 54 in communication with sensor 52. In the example shown in FIGS. 3-5, sensor 52 is a strain gage and monitoring arrangement/controller 54 is a data acquisition/analysis system, however, it is to be appreciated that other suitable sensor(s) 52 and/or arrangements 54 may be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. By continually monitoring the force(s) applied to portion 40 by roller(s) 38 during machine operation, a baseline can be developed for how much force is required to actuate the mechanism in different machine operating regimes. Once this baseline is acquired, subsequent force data can be compared to the baseline to give an indication of the health of the mechanism or to assist with diagnostics. For example, if the relative force measurement has decreased suddenly, then perhaps some mechanical failure has occurred which could prompt the machine control algorithm to enter an emergency shutdown. As another example, if the relative force measurement has increased gradually over a substantial amount of time, then perhaps bearings within the mechanism are due for maintenance and should be re-greased.

From the foregoing it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept provide diagnostic and monitoring information pertinent to the primary functional mechanism of machines used in manufacturing can bodies, such as trimming machines as described in the example embodiment provided herein. In such machines, embodiments of the present invention can be employed to provide health estimates of components driven by the cam arrangement, such as the trimmer linkage, pusher ram slides, and ejector ram slides by monitoring the force required to drive the mechanism during normal operation. By providing improved monitoring/estimations of health maintenance can be better optimized and failures and downtime can be reduced.

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

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

Claims

1. A cam arrangement for a machine used in manufacturing can bodies, the cam arrangement comprising: a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile, the cam surface configured to be engaged by a cam follower of the machine, a portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface being structured to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower; anda sensing arrangement structured to determine deformation of the portion of the cam body.

2. The cam arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cam body comprises a pocket defined therein, and wherein the portion of the cam body is disposed between the pocket and the portion of the cam surface.

3. The cam arrangement of claim 2, wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a sensor disposed at least partially within the pocket.

4. The cam arrangement of claim 3, wherein the sensor comprises a strain gage coupled to the portion of the cam body.

5. The cam arrangement of claim 3, wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a controller in communication with the sensor.

6. The cam arrangement of claim 5, wherein the controller is structured to determine a force exerted by the cam follower from the deformation.

7. The cam arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cam is a stationary cam.

8. A machine for use in manufacturing can bodies, the machine comprising: a processing arrangement structured to perform an operation in the manufacture of the can bodies, the processing arrangement driven by a cam follower; anda cam arrangement comprising: a cam body having a cam surface defining a cam profile, the cam surface configured to be engaged by the cam follower of the processing arrangement, a portion of the cam body bounded by a portion of the cam surface being structured to deform in a predetermined manner responsive to one or more forces applied to the portion of the cam surface via the cam follower; anda sensing arrangement structured to determine deformation of the portion of the cam body.

9. The machine of claim 8, wherein the cam body comprises a pocket defined therein, and wherein the portion of the cam body is disposed between the pocket and the portion of the cam surface.

10. The machine of claim 9, wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a sensor disposed at least partially within the pocket.

11. The machine of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises a strain gage coupled to the portion of the cam body.

12. The machine of claim 10, wherein the sensing arrangement comprises a controller in communication with the sensor.

13. The machine of claim 8, further comprising a frame, wherein the cam is fixedly coupled to the frame.

14. The machine of claim 8, wherein the processing arrangement is structured to perform a trimming operation on the can bodies.

15. A method for determining wear of one or more components of a machine used in manufacturing can bodies, the machine having a processing arrangement structured to perform an operation in the manufacture of the can bodies, the processing arrangement driven by a cam follower interacting with a cam, the method comprising: monitoring, while the machine is operating, deformation of a portion of a cam body of the cam;determining that the deformation of the portion of the cam body has exceeded a predetermined value; andproviding an indication that the deformation of the portion of the cam body has exceeded predetermined value.