CN108602109A

CN108602109A - System and method for orienting end housing rolling direction in canister manufacturing process

Info

Publication number: CN108602109A
Application number: CN201780009555.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: D.C.埃勒夫森
Original assignee: Ball Corp
Current assignee: Ball Corp
Priority date: 2016-01-13
Filing date: 2017-01-09
Publication date: 2018-09-28
Also published as: AU2017207730B2; BR112018013817A2; EP3402618A1; EP3402618A4; JP2019505389A; CA3011057A1; AU2017207730A1; WO2017123502A1; MX2018008588A; RU2708910C1; US20170197241A1

Abstract

Provide a kind of system and method for the rolling direction of orientation metal object.System and method more specifically, the invention relates to using for the rolling direction of metal object is aligned to predetermined orientation in high speed manufacturing system.Rolling direction is determined by sensing the rolling trace on metal object.Then can by suitable for along rolling direction or traverse rolling direction work tool metal object is formed.Optionally, metal object can be configured to be suitable for sealing the container end of the container of predetermined size and type by the tool.

Description

System and method for orienting end housing rolling direction in canister manufacturing process

To citation of related applications

Present patent application according to the prescribed requirement of 35U.S.C § 119 (e) on January 13rd, 2016 U.S. submitted it is temporarily special The priority of profit application 62/278,049, the full content of the temporary patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

This patent disclosure relates generally to the manufactures of container end.More specifically, the invention relates to using for passing through switching to pressure Machine oriented and be aligned at a high speed the rolling direction of multiple metal end housings method and apparatus before end housing was converted into end cap.

Background technology

Canister provides many benefits for businessman and consumer.Metal container body provides best protection energy for product Power.For example, canister can prevent carbon dioxide migration and stop ultraviolet radioactive, and ultraviolet radioactive to personal nursing, drug, Drink and food and other preparations sensitive to UV light have destruction, element utility and fragrance to product, taste Taste, appearance or color etc. have harmful effect.Canister also provides what light, steam, grease, oxygen and microorganism can not penetrate Barrier, and the content of container is made to keep fresh, not by ectocine, so that it is guaranteed that longer storage life.The table of canister Face is well-suited for being decorated using trade mark, logo, design, product information and/or other preferred labels, to identify, sell Canister and its content are sold, and canister and its content are distinguished with other products and competitor.Therefore, golden Belong to container and provides the ability shown one's talent in point of sale for filling factory, retail trader and retailer.

In addition, compared with the container made of glass or plastics, many consumers prefer canister.Canister because Its provide convenience and it is particularly attractive to consumer.Canister it is light-weight, this makes them than glass container more It is portable.Canister is particularly suitable in public places and outdoor application, because they are more more robust than glass container.In addition, Due to worrying that plastics may cause chemicals to immerse in consumer products, some consumers can avoid using plastic containers.

Due to these advantages and further advantage, the sales volume of global canister in 2014 is about 53,000,000,000 dollars.Metal Container market is pushed by beverage container.It is reported according to portion, the whole world about sells 290,000,000,000 within 2012 A metal beverage containers.As soon as a U.S. trade group report claims, it is only the U.S. 2014 and has sold 126,000,000,000 canisters.

Canister has variously-shaped and size.In typical case, at least one end of canister is by end cap seal.It is making During making, end cap is formed independently of container body from end housing.After container fills beverage or other products, by interconnection or End cap is connected to the neck of container by " double seam " method.The manufacture of end cap needs many procedure of processings, these procedure of processings It is referred to as transfer process.Can be from http://www.ball.com/Ball/media/Ball/Global/Downloads/ The article that How_Ball_Makes_Bever age_Ends.pdf (last access time is on November 11st, 2016) are obtained Total body display and known transition is illustrated in " Ball is how to manufacture beverage can end " and U.S. Patent number 6,533,518 Some examples of process, they are incorporated herein by reference respectively.

To meet this demand, canister maker run some in container industry it is most fast (even if not being most Production line quickly).The speed needed for end cap due to production for canister is very high, feasible or suitable in other industries The technology or technique of end cap for being formed by other materials, which differ, to work under the surely high speed needed for metal end production line. Therefore, it is required for special equipment to form many operations that end cap carries out.Production equipment must also be durable and for ease of maintenaince, with It avoids shutting down in the high-speed production lines for be used to form metal end.

Referring now to Fig. 1, wherein generally illustrate the prior art for aluminium coiled material to be converted to finished product end cap 14 Transfer process 2.The process is generally since raw metal coiled material 3.As skilled artisans will appreciate that, the raw metal packet It is contained in the crystal grain formed when production metallic plate.Crystal grain have for producing metallic plate hot rolling and cold-rolled process in the knot that is formed Crystalline substance is orientated.As metal material is by repeat-rolling in same direction, metal becomes striated, forms the crystalline substance with crystalline orientation Grain.Visible detection crystalline orientation can not be used；It is generally necessary to determine the crystalline orientation of crystal grain using X-ray.But crystalline orientation one As it is related to rolling direction.Cold rolling for producing metallic plate also often shifts rolling trace 4 in last mill operation Onto metallic plate.Rolling trace 4 can be detected using visible light (do not use X-ray), and be had in a metal straight, substantially The orientation 5 and appearance of parallel striped.Rolling trace is also substantially parallel to rolling direction, therefore can be used for determining rolling direction. Although rolling trace 4 is that human eye is visible, the actual influence of the performance of the container and end cap that are formed by metal is sent out Life is in microscopic scale.When metallic plate is when being oriented perpendicularly to rolling direction (or crystal orientation perpendicular to crystal grain), metallic plate is more It is firm and with one or more in better metallurgy characteristic, such as bending strength and strain resistant intensity.Similarly, work as gold Belong to when being oriented parallel to rolling direction (or being parallel to the crystal orientation of crystal grain) of plate, metallic plate has more secondary metallurgy characteristic.

After receiving metal coiled material 3, coiled material is loaded into the uncoiler 6 for raw metal to be unfolded.Then lead to It crosses shell press 7 and receives raw metal.Shell press includes precision instrument, for going out blank from metal material, and blank is shaped For end housing 8.Blank can be generally circular.When end housing 8 leaves shell press 7 and end housing 8 is pumped through transfer process 2 When subsequent work stations 9-13, the rolling direction 5 of end housing 8 is randomly oriented.

Crimping machine 9 receives end housing, and forms antelabium around the periphery of end housing 8.Line with rubber machine 10 applies fluid sealant to end housing.It can Selection of land can cure fluid sealant by line with rubber baking oven 11.Then, end housing can be accumulated in balanced device 12.Balanced device ensures The uninterrupted flowing of end housing, to be handled by switching to pressure machine 13.

End housing is supplied to switching to pressure machine 13 by balanced device 12.Into the rolling direction 5 of the end housing 8 of switching to pressure machine 13 Orientation is random, because orienting end housing without reliable method in current transfer process 2.

End housing is converted into end cap 14 by switching to pressure machine 13.In United States Patent (USP) 9,321,097 and United States Patent (USP) 9,393,610 In provide the prior art switching to pressure machine some examples, these patents are respectively by completely quoting in conjunction with herein.End cap 14 may be adapted to the canister for sealing any type or size.According to the type for being formed by end cap 14, switching to pressure machine 13 can Punching press, cutting, cutting, bending and forming are carried out to the metal of end housing 8.For example, when manufacture is used for the end cap 14 of beverage container, Switching to pressure machine 13 uses multigroup progressive press tool, these punch dies to raise the rivet being substantially centered on the closed end wall of end housing.Shape At the indentation 15 that can be ripped, plate 16 is pulled with form pour spout to limit to open.Finally, switching to pressure machine 13 connects pulling-on piece 17 It is connected to rivet.Other operations 18 can be executed on end cap 14, such as are decorated.Then by the pack of end cap 14, stacking and store, until It is used to seal canned container body.

Design and manufacture metal end 14 when a significant consideration be realize transport and handling impacts or Can be kept under the influence of power and under the influence of the impact because caused by falling with shipping accident beverage container its integrality and/or Ideal balance is realized between the end cap 14 of shape and to the maximum extent reduction materials demand amount (such as relatively thin metal is provided). In addition, key is to provide for a kind of metal end 14, even if the metal end 14 is in the canister sealed by end cap 14 It is tolerant to increase due to filling CO 2 or other gases and/or internal temperature rising (including pasteurizing temperature in some cases) Integrality and/or shape are still kept when pressure.

Regrettably, as shown in Figure 1, in the transfer process 2 of the prior art, the orientation phase of the rolling direction 5 of end cap 14 It is random for the indentation 15 and other feature that are formed in transfer process.Due to when end housing 8 enters switching to pressure machine 13 Rolling direction orientation is unknown, it is therefore necessary to is orientated it is assumed that metal is in worst possibility intensity.In other words, turn in design When changing forcing press 13, it has to be assumed that the crystalline orientation of the crystal grain of end housing 8 is in most weak relative to the tool of switching to pressure machine 13 It may be orientated.Any punching press, the cutting carried out by switching to pressure machine 13, embossing, cutting, bending, forming or other operations may It falls in the rolling direction 5 of metal, or unfavorable orientation is in relative to rolling direction 5.Therefore, the work of switching to pressure machine 13 Tool must be designed to prevent being weakened of the end housing 8 being orientated in worst possibility when being converted into end cap 14 (or broken It is bad).Therefore, because engineering and design parameter are orientated based on worst possibility metal grain, thus the tool of switching to pressure machine 13 Design may not be optimized.Similarly, it due to the random orientation of rolling direction 5, is orientated to advantageous rolling direction The certain features (such as the higher indentation of firmer or resistance of failure) that can be formed on end cap 14 when shape cannot be formed, because For there are the danger of end cap failures.Alternatively, as it is assumed that end housing 8 is in worst possibility orientation relative to metal grain, Therefore need using compared with think gauge material, this inevitably increases with 14 relevant material cost of metal end.

It is high before end housing is converted into end cap by the switching to pressure machine on container end production line that therefore, it is necessary to a kind of Speed to be just orientated with the rolling direction for being directed at multiple metal end housings while not reducing existing container end manufacturing process efficiency or Increase the system and method for cost.

Invention content

The present invention provide it is a kind of for by economical and efficient, rapidly and reliably in a manner of relative to axis of reference be directed at end housing The method and apparatus in metal rolled direction.After the rolling direction of alignment end housing, end housing can be converted by switching to pressure machine At end cap.

In one aspect of the invention, a kind of orientation equipment is provided, which can be in high speed manufacturing processes Quickly detect and be efficiently aligned the rolling direction of metal end housing.In one embodiment of the invention, the orientation equipment can Operation is for the metal rolled direction of identification and rotates end housing.Optionally, the orientation equipment passes through a part of machine with end housing Tool contacts or keeps the support element of end housing to rotate end housing by rotation.In one embodiment, described in order to rotate end housing Orientation equipment is contacted with the outer surface part of end housing.

In one embodiment, the orientation equipment includes optics or other types of sensor, to sense on end housing Existing rolling trace.In another embodiment, the orientation equipment is operable for being followed with 750 times at least per minute The circulation rate of ring is directed at multiple end housings.In another embodiment of the invention, the orientation equipment can be with up to every The speed operation of about 800 cycles of minute.

In another aspect of the present invention, a kind of orientation system is provided, the orientation system be used for metal works into The rolling direction of metal works is directed at before the further metal forming operation of row.In this way, can optimize for executing The tool of metal forming operation, to improve the intensity of the product generated from metal works by further metal forming operation With strain resistant ability.In one embodiment, by being directed at metal works before executing further metal forming operation Rolling direction, the metal works can be formed from relatively thin raw material metal.In another embodiment, the metal work Part includes metal end housing.In another embodiment, the further metal forming operation is executed by switching to pressure machine, should Metal works are configured to metal end by switching to pressure machine.

According to another aspect of the present invention, disclose it is a kind of for sense metal end housing rolling direction and then will be golden Belong to the system that the rolling direction of end housing is registered to optimum position.The system it is operable for simultaneously be directed at multiple metal end housings. The system is generally comprised but is not limited to：(1) balanced device, it is operable for receiving metal end housing, and metal end housing is placed In transport system；(2) transport system, it is operable for moving metal end housing in systems, and selectively prevent The rotation of metal end housing；(3) orientation system, it is operable for reception metal end housing and rotating metallic end housing so that metal The rolling direction of end housing is in relative to the axis of reference of system in predetermined angular；(4) switching to pressure machine, it is operable for Metal end housing is configured to be suitable for sealing the metal end of the container of predetermined size and shape.In one embodiment, described Metal end housing generally comprises open end, closed end wall portion and the sidewall sections extended between them.Optionally, may be used Crimping is formed on the sidewall sections of neighbouring open end.

In one embodiment, the orientation system includes the sensor and actuator for being connected to servo unit.Conveying Metal end housing is moved to the first indexing position of orientation system by system.First sensor group at the first indexing position Sensor determines the orientation of the rolling trace of each metal end housing.The rolling trace is roughly parallel to rolling direction, and is used for Determine that the rolling direction of each metal end housing is orientated.After by the scheduled residence time, transport system moves metal end housing It moves to the second indexing position.At the second indexing position, servo unit activates actuator, and the actuator shaft is to rotating metallic end Shell, so that rolling trace and rolling direction are aligned with axis of reference.In one embodiment, the actuator of the second indexing position It is rotatable, the rolling direction of metal end housing is registered within about ± 12 ° of axis of reference, more preferably at about ± 10 ° Within.In another embodiment, the sensor can be associated with lamp.In one embodiment, each sensor can be with One lamp is associated.

Optionally, metal end housing can be moved to third associated with the sensor of second sensor group point by transport system Spend position.Second sensor can determine the second orientation of the rolling trace of each metal end housing.Optionally, second sensor can close It is associated with lamp.Then, metal end housing can be moved to the 4th indexing position by transport system.Second actuator group is alternatively arranged at Near four indexing positions, with axial-rotation metal end housing, to further make metal end housing be aligned with axis of reference.In a kind of reality It applies in mode, the actuator of the second actuator group is rotatable, and the rolling direction of metal end housing is registered to the big of axis of reference Within about ± 3 °, within more preferably at about ± 1 °.In another embodiment, the actuator of the first and second actuator groups Metal end housing at most can be rotated about 45 ° in the retention period of transport system.In one embodiment, the residence time Less than about 60 milliseconds.

The orientation system may also include the sensor of 3rd sensor group associated with final indexing position.Third passes Sensor can determine the final orientation of the rolling trace of each metal end housing.Optionally, 3rd sensor can be associated with lamp.Then may be used From removal in system there is the final rolling direction not in predetermined angular to be orientated before metal end housing reaches switching to pressure machine Metal end housing.

In one embodiment, the system comprises displacers.The displacer is removed from transport system relative to reference The rolling direction of axis is orientated the metal end housing not within predetermined angular.In one embodiment, the displacer uses One compressed gas (such as air) removes metal end housing from transport system.In another embodiment, the displacer It is contacted with not properly aligned metal end housing, and applies mechanical force to the metal end housing.The mechanical force is by metal end housing from conveying It is removed in system.

In one embodiment, the sensor of the first, second, and third sensor group includes camera.The camera The operable image for acquisition metal end housing, to position and determine the orientation of the rolling trace on each metal end housing.It changes Yan Zhi, the camera is operable for capturing the image of the metal end housing with enough resolution ratio, to identify metal end housing On rolling trace.Then, the camera can will be supplied to about the data of the orientation of the rolling trace of each metal end housing Control system.Alternatively, the image of each metal end housing can be supplied to control system by the camera.Then, control system System can analyze image, with the orientation of the rolling trace on each metal end housing of determination.Then, control system, which can determine, makes each gold The rolling direction for belonging to end housing is directed at required axial-rotation amount with axis of reference.In the axial-rotation amount of each metal end housing of determination Later, control system sends order to rotate end housing to actuator so that rolling direction is substantially aligned with axis of reference.

In one embodiment, control system is by by the figure of each image and known reference part that are received from sensor Piece (or other data) (such as in the database) compare to identify rolling trace (including rolling striped).Known reference member can It include the rolling trace being aligned with axis of reference.In this example, the rolling item in the also recognizable metal end housing of control system Line, and whether the rolling striped by that will roll striped and known reference part relatively determines rolling striped in desired side To.

In one embodiment, actuator contacts simultaneously axial-rotation with the predetermined portions of metal end housing, by metal end The rolling direction of shell rotates to predetermined angular.Actuator can be clockwise or counterclockwise.In one embodiment, actuator It is contacted at least part of the closed end wall of metal end housing.In another embodiment, the side of actuator and metal end housing Wall part contacts, or is alternatively contacted with the closed end wall part of metal end housing.In another embodiment, actuator It is operable for rotating support component, metal end housing is placed on the support component.

In another embodiment, the system is operable for identifying the orientation of rolling trace, and then basic Upper while 1 to 8 metal end housing of orientation.In a kind of preferred embodiment, the system is operable for substantially 4 metal end housings are oriented simultaneously.

In one embodiment, rolling direction relative to axis of reference predetermined angular about 0 ° and about 7 ° it Between.In a kind of preferred embodiment, the predetermined angular is less than about 5 °.In another preferred embodiment In, the predetermined angular is less than about 2 °.

In one embodiment, after metal end housing is directed system rotation, metal end housing is shaped as including outer Enclose crimping and the metal end of center panel.In another embodiment, metal end housing is shaped as beverage container Metal end.Correspondingly, which generally comprises peripheral bead, the double wall extended downwardly from peripheral bead, is connected to folder The groove of wall lower end, the center panel for being connected to groove, pulling plate and be operably coupled to center panel in center panel Outer surface pulling-on piece.

In another embodiment, the orientation system is removedly integrated in produced with the relevant end cap of the system Cheng Zhong.Therefore, the orientation system is removably disposed in the upstream of switching to pressure machine.

In one embodiment, the transport system include be suitable for prevent each metal end housing be not intended to or accidental movement System.In one embodiment, the system comprises fixtures, which applies pressure to metal end housing, by metal end Shell is maintained at predetermined orientation.In another embodiment, the system comprises vacuum fixture, the vacuum fixture is to metal end housing Predetermined portions apply suction.

Optionally, the system may also include control system.The control system receives and gold from the sensor of orientation system Belong to the related information of rolling trace of end housing.Then, which determines metal end housing using the rolling mark information Rolling direction compared with axis of reference whether within predetermined angular.If rolling direction, should not within predetermined angular Control system, which determines, is moved to rolling direction axial-rotation amount required within predetermined angular.Then, control system to cause The dynamic associated servo unit of device sends signal, with rotating metallic end housing.The control system is also connected to displacer and conversion Forcing press.The control system can send signal to displacer, to remove not properly aligned metal end housing from transport system.

In another aspect of the present invention, it provides a kind of operable for determining and alignment metal works rolling sides To orientation system, which can removably quickly and efficiently be integrated into METHOD IN METAL FORMING PROCESSES.It is described Orientation system is generally comprised but is not limited to：(1) it is located at the first sensor of the first indexing position, it is operable for sensing roller Roll mark mark, the rolling trace are used to determine the initial orientation of the rolling direction of metal works；(2) it is located at the of the second indexing position One actuator, it is operable for axial-rotation workpiece, to make rolling direction be substantially aligned with axis of reference.In a kind of reality It applies in mode, the speed that the orientation system can be recycled by most about 800 per minute operates.In one embodiment, institute It is container end manufacturing process to state METHOD IN METAL FORMING PROCESSES, and the workpiece is metal end housing.In another embodiment, institute The rolling direction of 1 to 8 metal works can be substantially simultaneously directed at by stating orientation system.

In one embodiment, first actuator can be by revolving in an axial direction at least one of clockwise and anticlockwise Turn.In another embodiment, first actuator is suitable for contacting with the predetermined portions of workpiece, and is given to the reservations Add frictional force.In another embodiment, the first actuator is connected to servo unit.Servo unit is connected to system control Device, system controller determination make rolling direction be substantially aligned with required axial-rotation amount with axis of reference.In a kind of embodiment party In formula, the rolling direction of end housing can be registered within about ± 12 ° of axis of reference by the first actuator, more preferably at about ± Within 10 °.In another embodiment, the first actuator rotatable workpiece so that the rolling direction of workpiece is in axis of reference About 3 ° within.Optionally, the first actuator can be such that workpiece rotates, so that rolling side within shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time To being substantially aligned with axis of reference.In another embodiment, the first actuator can be shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time Workpiece is inside set to rotate at least about 45 °.

Optionally, the orientation system may include the second sensor positioned at third indexing position.Second sensor can be grasped Make the rolling trace of the second orientation for sensing the rolling direction for determining metal works.

In one embodiment, the orientation system includes displacer.If second sensor determines the rolling side of workpiece To second orientation relative to axis of reference not within predetermined angular, then displacer it is operable for by workpiece from metal at Shape process transfers.In one embodiment, displacer is operable for making workpiece turn to, without contact workpiece.For example, Displacer can utilize suction or air-flow that workpiece is made to turn to, without contact workpiece.Alternatively or additionally, displacer may include magnetic Body, to attract or repel workpiece, without contact.In another embodiment, displacer is operable for being connect with workpiece It touches and applies mechanical force to workpiece, workpiece is transferred from METHOD IN METAL FORMING PROCESSES.

In another embodiment, the orientation system may include the second actuator positioned at the 4th indexing position.If The second orientation of the rolling direction of second sensor instruction workpiece not within predetermined angular, then second is caused relative to axis of reference Dynamic device is operable for making workpiece rotate in an axial direction.In one embodiment, the second actuator can be by the rolling side of end housing To being registered within about ± 3 ° of axis of reference, within more preferably at about ± 1 °.Optionally, the second actuator has and the The same or analogous performance characteristics of one actuator and ability.

Optionally, the orientation system may include control system.The control system is connected to sensor and first and second The associated servo unit of actuator and displacer.When the rolling trace of the workpiece captured by sensor indicates rolling direction When relative to axis of reference not within predetermined angular, control system can send signal to one of servo unit.The signal can wrap Including makes rolling direction be directed at required rotation amount and direction of rotation with predetermined angular.Optionally, control unit can be sent out to displacer The number of delivering letters, to remove not properly aligned workpiece from METHOD IN METAL FORMING PROCESSES.Control system is also connected to upstream device.For example, In one embodiment, control system is connected to switching to pressure machine, and information can be received from switching to pressure machine and to conversion Forcing press sends information.

In another aspect of the present invention, one kind is provided and is based on metal rolled direction directed ends in high speed manufacturing processes The new method of shell.This method is generally comprised but is not limited to：(1) multiple unoriented end housings are received by orientation system；(2) it determines The metal rolled direction of each end housing is orientated；(3) if the rolling direction orientation of end housing is not scheduled orientation, it is determined that appropriate Ground orients the axial-rotation amount needed for end housing；(4) the axial-rotation amount for making end housing rotation determining so that metal rolled direction orientation In precalculated position.In one embodiment, end housing is then received by switching to pressure machine, and is configured to be adapted to be coupled to container The end cap of neck.In another embodiment, end cap includes one or more peripheral beads, is extended downwardly from peripheral bead Double wall, the groove for being connected to double wall, the center panel for being connected to groove and the tab for being operably coupled to center panel.

In one embodiment, the orientation system includes the sensor and actuator for being connected to servo unit.Sensing Device can sense the rolling trace in end housing, with the rolling direction of each end housing of determination.In one embodiment, sensor includes Camera for the image for obtaining each end housing.There is enough resolution ratio and clarity, energy by the image of camera shooting Enough identification is present in the grinding marks on each end housing, which indicates to form the rolling side of the metallic plate of each end housing To.

Servo unit activates actuator, to rotate the end housing not on predetermined orientation.More specifically, actuator shaft is to rotation Turn, so that rolling direction is substantially aligned with predetermined direction.Actuator can be clockwise or counterclockwise.In a kind of embodiment In, actuator is contacted at least part of the closed end wall of end housing.In another embodiment, the side of actuator and end housing Wall part contacts, or is alternatively contacted with the closed end wall part of end housing.In another embodiment, actuator can be grasped Make for rotating the end housing being not properly oriented, without contacting end housing.For example, the rotatable branch associated with end housing of actuator Support element.In one embodiment, actuator rotates the end housing being not properly oriented within shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time Determining amount.In another embodiment, the end that actuator can will be not properly oriented within shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time Shell at most about 45 ° of rotation.

Optionally, the method may also include the end housing for removing be not properly oriented from the process.Correspondingly, the method can The second orientation of the grinding marks of end housing will be determined by being included in after the determining amount of the end housing being not properly oriented rotation.In a kind of reality It applies in mode, displacer applies contact force to the end housing being not properly oriented, they are removed from process.It optionally, can be not The end housing being not properly oriented is removed in the case of contact.Therefore, in another embodiment, displacer using one air or Suction removes the end housing being not properly oriented from process.

In another aspect of the present invention, it provides a kind of for the rolling direction of metal end housing to be registered to optimum position System.The system includes but not limited to：(1) it is used to move the transport system of metal end housing in systems；(2) it is used to sense gold Belong to the sensor of the orientation of the rolling trace on end housing, wherein the rolling side of the rolling trace and the metallic plate for forming metal end housing To correlation；(3) being used for rotating metallic end housing makes the rolling direction of metal end housing relative to the axis of reference of system in predetermined angle Actuator in degree.Optionally, the system may also include servo unit associated with actuator, which is used for Metal end housing is set to rotate predetermined amount in shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time.

In one embodiment, the system comprises second sensor, which is used to make gold in actuator Belong to the second orientation that end housing rotation predetermined amount senses rolling trace later.In addition, the system is optionally included for making metal End housing rotates the second actuator of predetermined amount.In another embodiment, the system comprises displacers, and the displacer is in gold Belong to the second orientation of end housing relative to axis of reference not in predetermined angular in the case of from system remove the metal end housing.

In one embodiment, actuator is operable for rotating metallic end housing so that rolling direction is in reference axis Within about 12 ° of line.In another embodiment, the second actuator is operable for rotating metallic end housing so that rolls Direction processed is within about 3 ° of axis of reference.In one embodiment, the first and second actuators and metal end housing is pre- Fixed part contact is with rotating metallic end housing.In another embodiment, the first and second actuators are at shorter than about 60 milliseconds Time in by the metal end housing being not properly oriented rotate predetermined amount.In another embodiment, the first and second actuator It can be within shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time by the metal end housing being not properly oriented at most about 45 ° of rotation.

Optionally, the system may include control system.The control system is received from sensor and is taken with rolling trace To related information.Using this sensor information, control system determines actuator rotating metallic end housing so that metal end housing Rolling direction axial vector required within predetermined angular.

Above-mentioned embodiment, purpose and construction is neither comprehensive, nor in detail.It is understood that passing through With independent mode or combination using one or more features described above or described in detail below, it can realize the present invention's Other embodiment.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the process and apparatus of the present invention can be used for determining and orient any metalwork The rolling direction of (including aluminium, tin, steel and combination thereof).In addition, the process and apparatus of the present invention can be in any made of metal It is used for the tools for alignment of the upstream device of the rolling direction of any metal works and manufacturing process, without damaging during making The running speed of upstream device.

" end housing " used herein describes the metal works before end housing enters switching to pressure machine.It is converted entering After forcing press, end housing is converted into " end cap " by switching to pressure machine.

The reference of " end housing ", " end cap " or " container end " should not be construed to limit the invention to herein specific The end housing or end cap of size, shape or type.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, the present invention can be used for orienting any type, The rolling direction of the end housing of size or type, including will be converted into for beverage container, aerosol container and food containers The end housing of end cap, including any kind of two-piece type or three-member type container.Similarly, the process and apparatus of the present invention can be used for fixed To the rolling direction of the end housing of any types metal.Additionally, this invention is not limited to be oriented in opening and shutting beverage container manufacturing process End housing.Therefore, the present invention can be used for orienting the rolling direction of any kind of metal works in the fabrication process.

Those skilled artisans will appreciate that may include following one or more constructions by the end cap that end housing is formed, but not It is limited to these constructions：Peripheral bead, the double wall extended downwardly from peripheral bead, be connected to double wall lower end groove, be connected to The center panel of groove, the outer surface pulled plate and be operably coupled to center panel in center panel pulling-on piece.At this In a kind of embodiment of invention, end cap includes peripheral bead and center panel.In another embodiment, end cap includes connecting It is connected to the pulling-on piece of the outer surface part of center panel.

Phrase "at least one" as used herein, " one or more " and "and/or" are that operationally both have joint Property again with separation property open statement.For example, " at least one of A, B and C ", " at least one of A, B or C ", " A, Each in one or more of B and C ", " one or more of A, B or C " and " A, B and/or C " form of presentation Refer to and only has A, only B, only C, have A and B, have A and C, there is B and C or have A, B and C.

Outside shown, it is used to indicate all numerical value of quantity, size, condition etc. in the specification and in the claims It is interpreted as all being modified by term " about " in all cases.

"one" entity of term as used herein refers to one or more entities.Thus, term "one", " one or more " It is used interchangeably herein with "at least one".

The use of the words and its version such as "comprising", " comprising " or " having " mean to cover items listed thereafter and Same project and addition item.Therefore, term "comprising", " comprising " or " having " and its version is interchangeable herein makes With.

It should be understood that term " device " as used herein should be according to as wide in range as possible as defined in 35U.S.C. 112 (f) sections Read Range understands.Therefore, all structures set forth herein, material should be covered or arrange by being combined with the claim of term " device " It applies and its all equivalents.Moreover, the structure, material or measure and its equivalents should be included in invention content, All such things described in description of the drawings, specific implementation mode, abstract and claim itself.

Present disclosure is not intended to the entire scope and range for being also not construed as representing the present invention.Moreover, herein In reference to " present invention " or in terms of it be interpreted as referring to only certain exemplary embodiments of this invention, should not be construed as all embodiment party Formula is limited to the certain illustrated of this paper.In the drawings and detailed description of Summary and the present invention, the present invention is Illustrated with different the level of detail, include in this Summary or is not intended to be limited to not comprising particular element or component The scope of the present invention.(detailed description is especially read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings) is described in detail by reading, supplementary features of the invention It will become apparent.

Description of the drawings

It is incorporated in the present specification and forms part of this specification that accompanying drawing shows embodiment of the present invention, and And the principle for being used to illustrate these embodiments together is described in detail with general description above and following attached drawings.In certain feelings In condition, it may omit for understanding the unnecessary details of disclosure institute or making the elusive details of other details.Certainly, It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to particular implementations shown here.In addition, it should be understood that attached drawing is not necessarily drawn to scale 's.

Fig. 1 is the schematic flow chart of the end cap transfer process of the prior art；

Fig. 2 is a kind of schematic flow chart of end cap converting system, which includes a kind of reality of the present invention The system for applying the rolling direction for orienting metal end housing of mode, and shown in figure through switching to pressure machine from metal end Hull shape at end cap；

Fig. 3 is the side elevation view of the orientation system of one embodiment of the present invention；

Fig. 4 is the plan view from above of the orientation system of Fig. 3；With

Fig. 5 is the side of the rolling direction that metal object is directed in high speed manufacturing processes of one embodiment of the present invention The process flow chart of method.

Similar component and/or feature can labels having the same.The component of same type can press the side of alphabetical mark-on number Formula is distinguished.Any one of if label is used only, the corresponding like for illustrating to be suitable for that there is identical label.

Embodiment to facilitate the understanding of the present invention there is provided herein the corresponding mark in following component table and attached drawing Number：

Label component

The transfer process of 2 prior arts

3 raw metal coiled materials

4 rolling traces

5 rolling directions

6 uncoilers

7 shell press

8 end housings

9 crimping machines

10 line with rubber machines

11 line with rubber baking ovens

12 balanced devices

13 switching to pressure machines

14 end caps

15 indentations

16 pull plate

17 pulling-on pieces

18 other operations

20 end cap converting systems

22 axiss of reference

24 end housings

25 rolling directions

26 upstream equipments

The closed end wall of 27 end housings

28 end housing side walls

30 balanced devices

32 transport systems

33 mould caps

34 stabilizers

35 mould cap shaft lines

36 orientation systems

38 first positions

40 first sensor groups

41 lamps

42 second positions

44 first actuator groups

48 the third places

50 second sensor groups

51 lamps

52 the 4th positions

54 second actuator groups

58 the 5th positions

60 3rd sensor groups

61 lamps

62 the 6th positions

66 displacers

70 control systems

76 switching to pressure machines

80 end caps

81 peripheral beads

82 center panels

83 indentations

84 pull plate

85 pulling-on pieces

86 rivets

88 upstream devices

The method of 90 orientation rolling directions

92 start to operate

94 receive timing and location information

96 receive unoriented end housing

98 determine that the first rolling direction is orientated

Whether 100 determination rolling direction orientations are correctly aligned

102 determine the rotation amount for the end housing that rotation is not properly oriented

104 rotation end housings

106 determine that the second rolling direction is orientated

Whether 108 determination rolling direction orientations are correctly aligned

112 end housings reach switching to pressure machine

114 terminate operation

Specific implementation mode

The present invention has remarkable advantage in many aspects.Although used when being illustrated with reference to revealed specific example Language may be limited, but the applicant's it is intended that this specification and the appended claims and the scope of the present invention It is consistent with spirit.For the ease of understanding the present invention with the technical staff in the maximally related field of the present invention, reference herein constitutes this The attached drawing of part of specification come illustrate the present invention a kind of preferred embodiment, which shows current Until the advised preferred embodiment of the present invention of institute.It is described in detail a kind of illustrative embodiments herein, rather than explanation It can implement all different forms and modification of the present invention.Thus, embodiment described herein is exemplary, also, For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that can carry out in numerous ways within the spirit and scope of the present invention Modification.

Although set forth below is the detailed descriptions of a variety of different embodiments, however, it is understood that the detailed description is only shown Example property, rather than illustrate all possible embodiment, even because all being illustrated to all possible embodiment It is possible and unpractical.It can be realized perhaps using the prior art or the technology developed after the submission date of this patent Mostly alternative embodiment, but these embodiments are still fallen within described the scope of the claims.When at the end of this patent When any term as described in the claims at tail is quoted in the form of singular meaning in this patent, merely to clearly With the purpose for avoiding that reader is made to obscure, it is not intended to implicitly or in other ways this term in claim be limited to The odd number meaning.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the end cap converting system 20 of one embodiment of the present invention is shown.The system one As include balanced device 30, transport system 32, orientation system 36 and switching to pressure machine 76.

In one embodiment, balanced device 30 receives end housing 24 from upstream equipment 26 associated with system 20.One In kind of embodiment, balanced device 30 is mechanical sponge, it controls upstream equipment 26 (such as uncoiler, shell press, crimping machine or lining Glue machine) end housing 24 between orientation system 36 flowing.Balanced device 30 keeps appropriate speed and the flowing of end housing 24, to ensure End housing 24 is consistent, flows into orientation system 36 incessantly.Balanced device 30 accumulates the end housing 24 for coming from upstream equipment 26, to ensure When upstream equipment is offline (such as being safeguarded, during non-programmed halt or new raw metal coiled material be loaded into uncoiling When machine) to orientation system 36 and switching to pressure machine 76 supply end housing.

In one embodiment, end housing 24 is loaded into transport system 32 by balanced device 30.32 mobile terminal of transport system Shell 24 makes end housing 24 by orientation system 36 and is moved to switching to pressure machine 76.In one embodiment, when end housing is loaded into When in transport system 32, the curling of end housing side wall 28 (being shown in FIG. 3) is towards transport system 32.Similarly, end housing 24 The outer surface of closed end wall 27 is backwards to transport system 32.Transport system 32 is operable to be directed system for permission end housing 24 Around 35 axial-rotation of axis basically perpendicular to closed end wall 27 when 36 actuator 44 contacts.

In one embodiment, transport system 32 optionally includes the mould cap 33 suitable for receiving each end housing 24.Each There is mould cap 33 substantial cylindrical main body, diameter to be approximately equal to the internal diameter of end housing 24.In the outer surface part of mould cap 33 It can be formed with one or more ridges, salient point or protrusion, to be frictionally engaged with the inner surface of end housing 24.Optionally, the salient point It can be biasing, and can stretch out or retract from mould cap 33, to increase or decrease the friction between mould cap 33 and end housing 24.

In one embodiment, it is formed with the first aperture in a part for each mould cap 33.First aperture is connected to Vacuum pump, to apply suction to the inner surface of the end housing 24 on mould cap 33.The suction is used to prevent the unexpected of end housing 24 from moving It is dynamic.Second aperture of mould cap 33 can be connected to gas (such as air) source.In order to discharge end housing 24 from mould cap 33, second can be passed through Hole discharges air-flow, and end housing 24 is blown off mould cap 33.

In another embodiment, mould cap 33 can selectively surround its 35 axial-rotation of axis.Correspondingly, mould cap 33 can in the orientation process of end housing 24 axial-rotation.After end housing 24 is directed, mould cap 33 can be relative to transport system 32 The position for locking end housing 24, to prevent rotating unintentionally or surprisingly for mould cap 33.In this way, mould cap 33 is relative to reference axis End housing 24 is maintained at predetermined orientation by line 22.

Transport system 32 may also include stabilizer 34, and the stabilizer 34 is for preventing end housing 24 to be not intended to when by system 20 Or it is unexpected mobile.In one embodiment, stabilizer 34 is prevented by being contacted with the outer surface of the predetermined portions of end housing The rotation of end housing 24.For example, stabilizer 34 may include any kind of fixture, the including but not limited to friction with matching profile Fixture or multiple spot peripheral contact fixture.In another embodiment, stabilizer 34 include be suitable for prevent end housing 24 be not intended to or The suction system of accidental movement.It is directed system 36 in rolling direction 25 and is directed at it at a predetermined angle relative to axis of reference 22 Afterwards, stabilizer 34 keeps the alignment of end housing 24 when end housing 24 is moved to switching to pressure machine 76.

Any transport system appropriate 32 can all be used in combination with the system 20 of the present invention.Optionally, transport system 32 can It include the recess suitable for accommodating end housing.In one embodiment, transport system 32 includes band.In another embodiment, Transport system 32 includes chain.In one embodiment, transport system 32 includes retainer, which includes by shorter Two long rails of crosspiece connection.The track and crosspiece form the recess for being suitable for accommodating end housing 24.

The size of changeable transport system 32 is to keep the end cap 24 of any size.In one embodiment, delivery system The width of system 32 is enough abreast to keep two row end housings 24.It is understood, however, that the width of transport system 32 may be adapted to keep appointing Meaning row end housing 24.In one embodiment, transport system 32 keeps single-row end housing 24.In another embodiment, it conveys System 32 has the width for being suitable for accommodating two to six row end housings 24.In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, system 20 includes Two transport systems 32, each transport system 32 keep two row end housings 24.Transport system 32 makes the movement of end housing 24 pass through system 20, Wherein, the line across the often center of row's end housing is approximately perpendicular to the axis of reference 22 of system 20.

Transport system 32 is suitable for rotating to the point of neighbouring switching to pressure machine 76 from the point A of neighbouring balanced device 30 by system 20 C.In one embodiment, the formation of transport system 32 is rotated from point A to the continuous cycle of point C by system 20.End housing 24 1 As be separated by regular intervals along transport system 32.Transport system 32 is pressed indexing step and is moved at a predetermined velocity.Transport system Each of 32 cycles generally include deceleration, the stop period for the predetermined time amount that transport system 32 does not move and transport system 32 acceleration and movement.In one embodiment, each of transport system 32 cycle is shorter than about 95 microseconds.A kind of more excellent In the embodiment of choosing, each cycle is shorter than about 83 microseconds.

When end housing 24 is when the position of neighbor point A is loaded into transport system 32, the rolling direction 25 of each end housing 24 It is random to be orientated relative to the axis of reference 22 of system 20, as shown in Figure 2.In addition, the rolling direction 25 of an end housing 24 It is orientated the orientation for the rolling direction 25 that can be not parallel to another end housing.

Referring now to Fig. 3-4, a kind of embodiment of the orientation system 36 of the present invention is shown.Orientation system 36 Generally comprise sensor 40,50,60, actuator 44,54 and the displacer 66 for being connected to control system 70.

End housing 24 is moved to the first position 38 of neighbouring first sensor group 40 by transport system 32.First sensor group 40 The operable end housing 24 for sensing of sensor in rolling trace 4, which indicates the rolling side of each end housing 24 To 25.In one embodiment of the invention, first group 40 of sensor arrangement is to sense the closed end wall 27 of end housing 24 Outer surface part.When end housing 24 is at least one of static and mobile status state, first group 40 of sensor obtains Obtain the 25 relevant data of rolling direction with each end housing 24.Sensor will be orientated related data with the rolling trace of end housing 24 It is sent to control system 70.

In one embodiment of the invention, sensor 40 includes that high speed camera or other types of macroscopic examination fill It sets.But any sensor appropriate of the rolling trace 4 of detectable metal end housing 24 can all be combined with the system of the present invention and be made With.Camera has magnifying power appropriate and resolution ratio, to detect the 25 relevant rolling trace of rolling direction with each end housing 24 Mark 4.In one embodiment, the camera of first sensor 40 captures gray level image.In another embodiment, first The camera of sensor 40 includes the optical device for providing a variety of magnifying powers.In another embodiment, first sensor 40 Camera have adjustable resolution ratio.In one embodiment, the optical device of camera, resolution ratio and shutter are by controlling System 70 processed controls.

Optionally, lamp 41 is associated with the sensor of first sensor 40.In one embodiment, lamp 41 it is operable with For providing stroboscopic illumination so that first sensor 40 can obtain data from mobile end housing 24.Lamp appropriate is art technology Known to personnel.In one embodiment, lamp 41 includes incandescent lamp, LED, high-intensity lamp, laser, fluorescent lamp and electric arc At least one of discharge lamp.Optionally, lamp 41 can provide one or more light angles.In another embodiment, lamp 41 include two or more lamps arranged with different angle relative to metal end housing 24.For example, in one embodiment, the One lamp 41 may be arranged at the position of the 24 about 90 ° of angles in top of metal end housing.In another embodiment, the second lamp 41 relative to Metal end housing 24 is arranged in the position of the angle between the angle between about 10 ° and about 90 ° or about 1 ° and about 10 °. Therefore, angle of the lamp 41 relative to metal end housing 24 may be selected so that (it may include the surface of metal end housing 24 to rolling trace 4 On cut) other parts differently reflected light with the outer surface for the closed end wall 27 for not including rolling trace 4.

Control system 70 it is operable for from first sensor group 40 receive data.Using rolling trace orientation data, Control system 70 can determine each end housing 24 rolling direction be orientated whether relative to axis of reference 22 within predetermined angular Alignment.If control system 70 determines that the rolling direction of one or more end housings 24 is orientated not within predetermined angular, controls and be System 70 operationally determines rotation end housing 24 so that rolling direction is oriented in axial-rotation amount required within predetermined angular.

In one embodiment, control system 70 by the sensing data received from first sensor group 40 be stored in Known reference part in memory is compared.For example, control system 70 can be by sensing data and relative to axis of reference 22 The picture for the end housing being aligned at a predetermined angle is compared.The picture of end housing is storable in the memory of control system.Another In a kind of embodiment, control system 70 by sensing data with with 25 relevant rolling trace 4 of rolling direction and/or roll The mathematical model of the end housing of striped processed is compared.In this way, control system 70 can be by by sensing data and The feature for the reference member being correctly aligned with axis of reference 22 known is compared to determine the rolling trace of the metal end housing 24 of sensing Orientation of the mark 4 relative to axis of reference.

Control system 70 appropriate is well-known to those skilled in the art.Control system 70 can be that any may be programmed is patrolled Collect controller (PLC).An example of PLC appropriate be by Rockwell Automation, Inc productions Controllogix PLC also contemplate for being used in combination with embodiments of the present invention using other PLC certainly.

In one embodiment, the predetermined angular between the orientation and axis of reference of rolling direction 25 is less than about 5 °. In a kind of preferred embodiment, the predetermined angular between the orientation and axis of reference of rolling direction 25 is less than about 2 °. In a kind of preferred embodiment, the predetermined angular between the orientation and axis of reference of rolling direction 25 is less than about 1 °. Correspondingly, its moving direction in substantially parallel in transport system of rolling direction 25 is simultaneously when leaving orientation system 36 for end housing And it is arranged essentially parallel to the orientation of axis of reference 22.

Although axis of reference 22 is usually horizontal (as in Figure 2-4), however, it is understood that axis of reference can also be in appointing Angle needed for what.In another embodiment, axis of reference is rotated by 90 °, and all end housings 24 are leaving orientation system Its rolling direction 25 is in the orientation of the moving direction substantially perpendicular to transport system 32 when 36.The orientation of axis of reference 22 can It is selected by operator, and can tune to any desired angle.For example, operator can adjust the orientation of axis of reference 22, with Ensure that rolling direction 25 is in preferred orientation relative to the operation by switching to pressure machine 76 or the execution of another upstream device.

Control system 70 can also be set from balanced device 30, transport system 32, switching to pressure machine 76 or the other of end cap production line It is one or more of standby to receive various signals.Signal from switching to pressure machine 76 may indicate that switching to pressure machine 76 is being transported Turn, is ready and/or cannot operate.The signal may also include the circulation rate (or running speed) of switching to pressure machine 76 with And alignment of the rolling direction 25 of required end housing 24 relative to axis of reference 22.Control system 70 can be used from switching to pressure machine 76 received signals come change each actuator 44,54 during each of transport system 32 recycles rotate end housing 24 it is available when The area of a room.

The signal from switching to pressure machine 76 also can be used to change axis of reference 22 and rolling direction 25 in control system 70 Orientation between predetermined angular.For example, control system 70 can receive instruction rolling direction from switching to pressure machine 76 or operator 25 should be with 22 vertically aligned signal of axis of reference.Those skilled artisans will appreciate that 36 rotatable end housing 24 of orientation system, makes The orientation of rolling direction 25 is formed in any angle between about 0 ° and about 90 ° relative to axis of reference 22.

After the scheduled residence time, transport system 32 indexes forward a station towards switching to pressure machine 76.Control system System 70 sends the signal to the first actuator 44 of the neighbouring second position 42.The signal includes that instruction is making a reservation for each misalignment End housing 24 within angle rotates necessary amount so that the orientation of rolling direction 25 is aligned in the instruction within predetermined angular.

In one embodiment, the first actuator 44 is suitable for contacting with the predetermined portions of end housing 24.In a kind of embodiment party In formula, the predetermined portions include the outer surface part of the closed end wall 27 of end housing 24.In another embodiment, described pre- Fixed part includes the outer surface part of the side wall 28 of end housing 24.Optionally, actuator can substantially simultaneously engage each end housing 24 More than one part, to rotate end housing 24.Actuator can be based on from control system received signal along clockwise or counterclockwise Direction rotates.In addition, operable for keeping each actuator rotation different from 44 associated servo unit of each actuator Direction and different axial vectors.In one embodiment, 44 rotatable end housing 24 of the first actuator, keeps rolling direction 25 right Within standard to about ± 12 ° of axis of reference 22, within more preferably at about ± 10 °.

In one embodiment, the diameter of actuator 44 is substantially equal to the diameter of the closed end wall 27 of end housing 14. In another embodiment, the diameter of actuator 44 is less than the diameter of closed end wall 27.In another embodiment of the invention In, the diameter of actuator 44 is more than the diameter of closed end wall.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first actuator 44 rotates the end housing 24 being not properly oriented, without Contact end housing 24.In one embodiment, the first actuator 44 mould cap associated with the end housing 24 being each not properly oriented 33 part contact.In this way, the first actuator 44 can exert a force to mould cap 33, so that the end housing 24 being not properly oriented Axial-rotation predetermined amount clockwise or counterclockwise.

In one embodiment, operable for shorter than about with actuator 44,54 associated servo units End housing 24 is rotated in 60 milliseconds of time, and end housing 24 is more preferably rotated within shorter than about 50 milliseconds of time.Another real It applies in mode, can at most be revolved actuator in the retention period of transport system 32 with actuator 44,54 associated servo units Turn about 45 °.Correspondingly, in one embodiment, servo unit can be within shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time by actuator At most about 45 ° of rotation.In a kind of preferred embodiment, servo unit can incite somebody to action within shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time Actuator at most about 90 ° of rotation.In another embodiment, servo unit can will activate within shorter than 60 milliseconds of time Device rotates about 180 °.Any servo unit appropriate can all be used in combination with the orientation system 36 of the present invention.Servo appropriate Unit is well-known to those skilled in the art.

After the scheduled residence time, transport system 32 indexes forward another station towards switching to pressure machine 76.One In kind embodiment, control system 70 receives signal before transport system moves end housing 24 from transport system 32.Control system 70 can be used the signal from transport system to indicate that actuator 44,54 stops and the contact of end housing 24.

Optionally, second sensor group 50 is arranged adjacent to the third place 48.The sensor of second sensor group 50 can be with The sensor of one sensor group 40 is same or like.The sensor of third group 50 is operable for will be about each end housing 24 The data of the second orientation of rolling trace 4 are supplied to control system 70.Optionally, lamp 51 (same or like with lamp 41) and second The sensor of sensor group 50 is associated.

The data received from the sensor of second sensor group 50 can be used to determine any end housing 24 for control system 70 Whether the orientation of rolling direction 25 is not aligned in relative to axis of reference 22 within predetermined angular.If any end housing 24 is not with predetermined Theta alignment, then control system 70 can determine rotation end housing 24 the second rotation amount.

Optionally, orientation system 36 may include the second actuator group 54 of neighbouring 4th position 52.Second actuator group 54 It may include and the actuator of the first actuator group 44 and the same or similar actuator of servo unit and servo unit.Therefore, The actuator of two actuator groups 54 can be by the end housing 24 that is not properly oriented or related to the end housing that each is not properly oriented The mould cap 33 of connection at least one of apply axial force and rotate the end housing 24 being not properly oriented.Actuator 54 can make one or Multiple end housings 24 rotate the second amount determined by control system 70.For example, as shown in figure 4, end housing 24B, 24D are by the second actuator 54 rotations.In addition, compared with end housing 24D, end housing 24B is rotated in mutually opposite directions.In contrast, the rolling side of end housing 24A, 24C To being substantially aligned with axis of reference 22, and do not rotated by the second actuator 54.In one embodiment, the second actuator 54 rotatable end housings 24 make rolling direction 25 be registered to relative to axis of reference 22 and are less than about ± 3 °, more preferably less than about ±1°。

Orientation system 36 may also include the 3rd sensor group 60 of neighbouring 5th position 58.3rd sensor group 60 includes can Operate the sensor of the rolling trace 4 for determining end housing 24 being finally orientated.The sensor of 3rd sensor group 60 can be with The sensor of first and second sensor groups 40,50 is same or like.In addition, the optionally biography with 3rd sensor group 60 of lamp 61 Sensor is associated.

The information received from 3rd sensor group 60 can be used to determine the end housing at the 5th position 58 for control system 70 Whether 24 rolling direction 25 is oriented within the predetermined angular compared with axis of reference 22.If pair of one or more end housings 24 Should in the rolling trace 4 of rolling direction 25 orientation not within predetermined angular, then control system 70 it is operable for send Signal activates the displacer 66 of neighbouring 6th position 62.Displacer 66 is not operable correct for being removed from transport system 32 The end housing 24 of alignment, as shown in the discharge of the end housing 24E in Fig. 4.

In one embodiment, displacer 66 include be suitable for contacting with not properly aligned end housing 24 with by them from defeated The system for sending system 32 to remove.In another embodiment, displacer 66 it is operable for without being in contact from Orientation system 36 removes not properly aligned end housing 24.For example, in one embodiment, displacer 66 uses one compressed gas Body (such as air) or suction remove not properly aligned end housing 24 from system.

Although there are three sensor group 40,50,60 and two actuator groups for the tool of orientation system 36 shown in figures 3-4 44,54, but those skilled artisans will appreciate that the orientation system 36 of the present invention may include times of sensor group and actuator group What is combined.For example, in one embodiment, orientation system 36 includes a sensor group 40 and an actuator group 44.

In one embodiment of the invention, orientation system 36 can about 2000 end housings 24 of orientation per minute, it is more excellent Select about 2100 end housings of orientation per minute.In another embodiment, orientation system 36 can be big in 8 hours period interior orientations About 1,000,000 end housings.In another embodiment, the speed that orientation system 36 can be recycled by up to about 800 per minute Operating.

Although it should be understood that illustrating only orientation system 36 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is handling rows of four end housings 24, Being orientation system 36 of the invention substantially simultaneously can concurrently orient any amount of end housing 24.For example, in a kind of implementation In mode, orientation system 36 is operable for can substantially orient six end housings 24 simultaneously.In another embodiment, fixed One to eight end housing 24 can substantially be oriented simultaneously to system 36.

Referring again to Fig. 2, when end housing 24 is when orientation system 36 is left in the position of neighbor point B, all end housings 24 roll The orientation in direction 25 processed is all substantially parallel to each other.Optionally, after end housing 24 rotates to predetermined orientation, transport system 32 Stabilizer 34 it is operable for prevent end housing 24 be not intended to or unexpected rotation.

In one embodiment, orientation system 36 makes each end housing 24 rotate, until rolling direction 25 is in substantially It is parallel to the orientation of the axis of reference 22 of system 20, as shown in Figure 2.Although axis of reference 22 is usually horizontal (such as Fig. 2 institutes Show), however, it is understood that axis of reference 22 can also be in any desired angle.For example, in one embodiment of the present invention In, rotatable 90 ° of axis of reference so that all end housings 24 its rolling direction 25 and rolling trace 4 when leaving orientation system 36 Orientation in the moving direction substantially perpendicular to transport system 32.

Optionally, orientation system 36 can removedly be integrated with end cap converting system 20.Correspondingly, orientation system 36 can wrap Include the connector in the precalculated position being connected in converting system 20 to Barebone or stop part (not shown).It is alternative Ground, the connector may be arranged on switching to pressure machine 76.It is described orientation system 36 to be stopped with shortest Barebone The machine time is efficiently integrated with switching to pressure machine 76.When a collection of end cap 80 need not orient rolling direction 25, it is fixed to can be removed To system 36.Optionally, when a collection of end cap 80 does not need rolling direction orientation, orientation system 36 can be retained in switching to pressure The position of 76 upstream of machine, and closure sensor 40,50,60 and actuator 44,54.Then, unoriented end housing 24 can be freely Across orientation system 36, without orienting or being discharged unoriented end housing.

The end cap 80 formed from the end housing 24 handled by orientation system 36 by switching to pressure machine 76 is also shown in fig. 2 One example.End cap 80 generally comprise but be not limited to peripheral bead 81, center panel 82, formed pull plate 84 indentation 83 and The features such as the pulling-on piece 85 of the outer surface of end cap 80 are operably coupled to by rivet 86.Optionally, it can be formed on end cap Its feature (such as assisted ventilation mouth), and end cap 80 can have any size and geometry.In United States Patent (USP) 7,100, 789, illustrating in 7,743,635,8,567,158,8,727,169,8,950,619 and 9,248,936 can be through the invention The example of the end cap of end cap converting system manufacture, these patents are combined herein by whole reference respectively.

Since the rolling direction 25 for the end housing 24 for being used to form end cap 80 is aligned by orientation system 36 with axis of reference 22, Therefore the feature 81-86 of end cap 80 is formed as having preferential orientation relative to rolling direction 25.Alternatively or additionally, with In be formed in end cap is converted by switching to pressure machine 76 before the raw metal of unoriented end housing compare, manufacture end housing 24 Raw metal 3 can be thinner.Correspondingly, by orienting end housing 24 as described herein before end housing 24 is converted into end cap 80, The weight and material cost of each end cap 80 can be reduced.With the tool misalignment in rolling direction relative to switching to pressure machine 76 End cap on the similar characteristics that are formed compare, the feature 81-86 of end cap 80 can also have improved properties feature.For example, with Unfavorable rolling direction is orientated the end cap to be formed and compares, the feature 81-86 of end cap can have improved bending strength, improve it is anti- It is one or more among strain intensity and improved resistance of failure.

It should be understood that the feature 81-86 of end cap 80 can at any angle be formed relative to rolling direction 25.For example, rolling side To 25 can be at being roughly parallel to across tab 85, rivet 86 and pull plate 84 line orientation, as shown in Figure 2.Alternatively, it rolls Direction 25 processed can perpendicular to or traverse across pulling-on piece, rivet and the line for pulling plate.

End cap 80 then can be handled by upstream device 88.In one embodiment, upstream device 88 includes that pack is System and stacking machine.Optionally, upstream device may include end cap orientation system and/or end cap decorative system.In United States Patent (USP) 9, The example of end cap orientation system and decorative system is illustrated in 259,913 and 9,340,368, these patents are drawn by whole respectively Herein with combination.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a kind of implementation of the method 90 of the rolling direction 25 for orienting end housing 24 is shown Mode.Although the general operation sequence of method 90 is shown in FIG. 5, method 90 may include more or fewer operations, Or the operation order different from operation order shown in Fig. 5 can be used.Although in addition, can illustration method 90 according to priority Operation, but actually many operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently.In general, method 90 is started and with starting operation 92 to terminate Operation 114 terminates.Hereinafter, the system and equipment that illustrate with reference to Fig. 1-4 are carried out into illustration method 90.

Optionally, the control system 70 of orientation system 36 can receive timing and location information 94 from switching to pressure machine 76.It is fixed When information may include the circulation rate of switching to pressure machine 76.Location information may include end housing 24 being moved to switching to pressure machine 76 The position of transport system 32.

Control system 70 can be used timing information and stop end not properly aligned in the period in transport system 32 to determine Shell 24 rotatable maximum diameter vector.More specifically, timing information can be used to determine transport system 32 in control system 70 The stop period between movement.The longer residence time can be that axial-rotation end housing 24 provides more times.Therefore, with it is shorter Residence time compare, end housing 24 can rotate the amount of bigger in longer residence times.

Orientation system 36 receives (96) unoriented each end housing 24 from upstream equipment 26.In one embodiment, it holds Shell 24 is received from balanced device 30.The sensor 40 of the first sensor group of orientation system 36 obtains the image of end housing 24, with Sense the first orientation of the rolling trace 4 of each end housing 24.Sensor 40 provides taking about rolling trace 4 to control system 70 To information.Control system 70 determines that (98) are roughly parallel to the rolling side of rolling trace 4 using the information from sensor 40 To 25 orientation.In one embodiment, sensor 40 includes the camera for having enough resolution ratio and magnifying power, with identification Rolling trace 4 on each end housing 24.

Control system 70 determines the rolling direction 25 and reference axis of (100) end housing 24 using the information received from sensor 40 Whether line 22 is compared is oriented in predetermined angular.In one embodiment, the letter that control system 70 will be received from sensor 40 Breath is compared with reference data stored in memory.It is preferably right with axis of reference 22 that the reference data is related to having The end housing of accurate rolling trace 4.In one embodiment, the reference data includes the end housing being aligned with axis of reference 22 Image.In another embodiment, the reference data includes the model for the end housing being aligned with axis of reference 22.If end housing 24 Rolling direction 25 in predetermined angular, then method 90 goes to "Yes", and end housing continues to move to (112) to switching to pressure machine 76, without being rotated by orientation system 36.

Alternatively, if the rolling direction 25 of any end housing 24 compared with axis of reference 22 misalignment in predetermined angular, Then method 90 goes to "No", and control system 70 determines that (102) rotate the rotation of not properly aligned end housing 24 at operation 102 Turn amount.Then, control system 70 is sent signal to and actuator 44,54 associated servo units.Servo unit response connects The signal received makes at operation 104 determined by the rotation of actuator associated with not properly aligned end housing 24 44,54 Amount.Actuator 44,54 can be by the axial-rotation clockwise or counterclockwise determined by control system 70.In a kind of embodiment In, actuator 44,54 contacts with the predetermined portions of end housing 24 and applies frictional force to end housing, and end housing is caused to rotate.Additionally or Alternatively, actuator 44,55 can rotate end housing 24 by applying frictional force to mould cap 33 associated with end housing 24.

In one embodiment, control system 70 may determine that the residence time is not enough to complete end housing in operation 102 24 axial-rotation is so that rolling direction 25 is preferably aligned with axis of reference 22.Correspondingly, signal can be transmitted in control system 70, To make end housing 24 rotate the first amount by the first actuator 44, and end housing 24 is set to rotate second by concatenated second actuator 54 Amount.

After actuator 44,54 rotates end housing 24, the second of the rolling trace 4 of the sensing end housing 24 of second sensor 50 takes To.Control system 70 receives the information of the second orientation about rolling trace 4 from second sensor 50, and determines (106) rolling The second direction in direction 25.Then, control system 70 determines whether the rolling direction 25 of (108) end cap 24 is in and correctly takes To.It is correctly orientated if the rolling direction 25 of end housing is in, method 90 goes to "Yes", proceeds to operation 112.If rolling direction 25 are not properly oriented, then method 90 may return to "No", proceed to operation 102.Correspondingly, end housing 24 can pass through the second actuator The amount that 54 rotations are determined by control system 70.

Optionally, in one embodiment, if end housing rolling direction 25 is not correct when being sensed by 3rd sensor 60 Orientation, then method 90 goes to "No", to remove the end housing 24 that (110) are not properly oriented from system 36.Control system 70 is to discharge Device 66 sends signal, and the end housing 24 that (110) are not properly oriented is discharged from orientation system 36 for displacer 66.Then method 90 terminates (114)。

When control system 70 determines that (100,108) end housing 24 has the rolling direction 25 being properly oriented with axis of reference 22 When, in operation 112, end housing 24 is delivered to switching to pressure machine 76 or other upstream devices 88 by transport system 32.Then method 90 terminate (114).Those skilled artisans will appreciate that any amount of sensor and actuator can be used to ensure to roll in method 90 Direction 25 processed is aligned in relative to the axis of reference 22 of orientation system 36 in predetermined angular.

The explanation of the present invention above is only exemplary and descriptive, rather than in detail, it is not intended to and this is sent out It is bright to be limited to disclosed form.Many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this. It is described herein and in the accompanying drawings shown in embodiment be to most preferably illustrate the principle of the present invention and practical application and make The skilled artisan will appreciate that the present invention and select and description.

Although the numerous embodiments of the present invention are hereinbefore described in detail, it will be evident that this field skill Art personnel can make various modifications and variations to these embodiments.Moreover, herein to " present invention " or its in terms of Reference is interpreted as referring to only certain exemplary embodiments of this invention, should not be construed as the specific theory that all embodiments are limited to this paper It is bright.It will be clearly understood that scope and spirit of the present invention defined by this modifications and variations following claims it It is interior.

Claims

1. a kind of system for the rolling direction of metal end housing to be aligned to optimum position, including：

Transport system for moving metal end housing within the system；

Sensor for the orientation for sensing the rolling trace on metal end housing, wherein the rolling trace and metal end housing roll Directional correlation connection processed；With

For rotating metallic end housing make the rolling direction of metal end housing relative to system axis of reference within predetermined angular Actuator.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1, further includes servo unit associated with actuator, which is used for short Predetermined amount is rotated in making metal end housing in about 60 milliseconds of time.

3. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is operable for rotating metallic end housing so that rolling Direction is within about 12 ° of axis of reference.

4. the system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is contacted with the predetermined portions of metal end housing with rotating metallic End housing.

5. the system as claimed in claim 1 further includes second sensor, which is used to make metal end in actuator Shell rotates the second orientation of sensing rolling trace after predetermined amount.

6. system as claimed in claim 5 further includes the second actuator for making metal end housing rotate predetermined amount.

7. system as claimed in claim 6, wherein second actuator is operable for rotating metallic end housing so that Rolling direction is within about 3 ° of axis of reference.

8. system as claimed in claim 5 further includes displacer, the displacer metal end housing second orientation relative to ginseng In the case of axis is examined not in predetermined angular the metal end housing is removed from system.

9. the system as claimed in claim 1 further includes control system, which receives and rolling trace from sensor It is orientated related information, and determines actuator rotating metallic end housing so that the rolling direction of metal end housing is located within predetermined angular Required axial vector.

10. a kind of method that end housing being oriented based on metal rolled direction in high speed manufacturing processes, including：

Receive unoriented end housing；

Determine the orientation for being present in the rolling trace on end housing, the wherein metal rolled directional correlation of the rolling trace and end housing Connection；

If the orientation of rolling trace is not predetermined orientation, it is determined that be properly oriented within the axial-rotation amount needed for end housing；With

By the determining axial-rotation amount of end housing rotation so that metal rolled direction is directed to precalculated position.

11. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the rotation end housing includes the predetermined portions of the actuator and end housing Engagement.

12. method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the actuator it is operable for shorter than about 60 milliseconds when The interior amount for making end housing rotate the determination.

13. method as claimed in claim 10 further includes sensor, the operable roller on sensing end cap of the sensor The orientation of roll mark mark.

14. method as claimed in claim 13, wherein system controller determines that rotation end housing makes rolling trace be in predetermined Axial-rotation amount needed for being orientated.

15. method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the end housing is then converted into container end by switching to pressure machine, should End cap is adapted to be coupled to the neck of container.

16. method as claimed in claim 10 further includes the rolling trace for determining end housing after by the determining amount of end housing rotation The second orientation of mark.

17. the method described in claim 16 further includes in the case where the second orientation of rolling trace is not predetermined orientation The end housing is discharged.

18. a kind of operable for the orientations for the rolling direction for determining and being directed at metal works in METHOD IN METAL FORMING PROCESSES System, including：

Positioned at the first sensor of the first indexing position, it is used to detect the rolling trace on metal works, which uses In the first orientation for the rolling direction for determining metal works；With

Positioned at the first actuator of the second indexing position, rotational workpieces in an axial direction, so that the ginseng of rolling direction and orientation system Axis is examined to be substantially aligned with.

19. orientation system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the METHOD IN METAL FORMING PROCESSES is container end manufacturing process, and And the workpiece is metal end housing.

20. orientation system as claimed in claim 18 further includes control system, which receives number from first sensor According to, and determine rotation amount and the direction of rotation of the first actuator rotational workpieces.

21. orientation system as claimed in claim 18, wherein first actuator can be shorter than about 60 milliseconds of time The rolling direction of workpiece is inside set to rotate to about 3 ° of axis of reference.