Metal deforming – With cleaning – descaling – or lubrication of work or product – Lubricating
Patent
1995-11-29
1997-10-21
Larson, Lowell A.
Metal deforming
With cleaning, descaling, or lubrication of work or product
Lubricating
72349, 72 43, B21B 4502, B21D 2200, B21D 2221
Patent
active
056784392
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an annular device for use as a spacer. In particular, it relates to an annular device for spacing apart dies in a die-ring assembly such as are used, for example, in carrying out a drawing and wall ironing (DWI) process for producing can bodies.
In a DWI process, it is necessary to direct a coolant liquid under pressure towards a can passing through the die assembly and also to supply liquid to lubricate the dies so as to reduce frictional forces in the DWI process. In addition, liquid is needed to wash the tooling in the die assembly and flush away any debris formed during the process within the assembly.
DE-2639595 (equivalent to GB-1512744) describes a can bodymaker which has a die lubricant nozzle comprising a die pack spacer ring and a lubricant distribution ring. Pressurised lubricant is fed into the device via radial and axial supply openings into an annular chamber from which lubricant passes through an orifice formed by angled annular surfaces of the spacer and distribution ring onto adjacent components.
GB-A-2181082 describes a DWI process in which coolant fluid is directed in a longitudinal and tangential manner relative to the can so as to create a vortex of fluid swirling around and along the can. Coolant supply spacer rings and damping rings are provided with tangential passages along which fluid passes so that the can is subjected to a series of tangentially directed high pressure jets which create a vortex of coolant/lubricant.
In order to create a vortex of liquid, a large number of passages in the form of small holes are required in the spacer so that the jets are fast and can merge before the liquid reaches the working part of the assembly tooling. A merged vortex is required in order to achieve even cooling, washing and lubrication. The manufacture of tangential holes in an essentially cylindrical component is, however, extremely difficult and expensive to achieve. Furthermore, such small holes are susceptible to blockages which reduce the effectiveness of the coolant/lubricant.
According to the invention, there is provided an annular device for spacing apart dies in a die-ring assembly for delivering a vortex of liquid to an adjacent member, the device comprising: channel; a central bore; and directing means separating the inner channel from the bore; characterised by a first outer delivery channel in the first end wall; and at least one angled slot linking the outer and inner channels, for providing the liquid with a rotational component of velocity; and in that, in use, a merged vortex of liquid forms in the inner channel and the directing means directs the merged vortex of liquid longitudinally towards the adjacent member. Since the liquid merges in the inner channel, a continuous flow of lubricant is supplied to the adjacent member and, in the case of liquid coolant, even cooling of the adjacent member can be better achieved.
Preferably, each slot is at at least a grazing angle to the radius and still more preferably at between 45.degree. and tangential. It is essential only that some rotational component of velocity is able to be imported to the liquid so as to achieve a vortex of liquid in the inner channel.
The annular device may typically be a spacer between different dies in a DWI process. Unlike known spacers, the device of the present invention does not supply only a conical or spiral flow of liquid but a merged vortex of liquid which is directed longitudinally towards the adjacent member. The liquid passes through the slots and merges in the inner delivery channel so that a merged vortex of liquid is already formed within the device and is then directed radially inwards and axially onto a workpiece as the workpiece passes through the bore, or onto adjacent died, for example.
Preferably, the device further comprises a second outer delivery channel in the other end wall and at least one passage joining the first and second outer delivery channels. Such a device is usually thicker than that with an outer delivery channel at only one end and is suitabl
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Dunwoody Paul Robert
Golding Richard Mark Orlando
Butler Rodney A.
CarnaudMetalbox plc
Larson Lowell A.
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