Key for quick change for turret pocket

The present description refers generally to a series of machines or units that are part of a machine line, and more particularly to a device that forms part of a machine that allows fast line exchange between a first configuration where a dimensioned product is modified / manufactured and at least one other configuration, where a differently sized product is modified / produced.

[0002] WO 01/90591 A1, which describes elements for a keyed connection and without a key in the form of a shaft-hub connection, comprising a clamp body, a filling and a tensioning device [0003] JP 2002-310178 describes a keyway combination including a key groove coupled with sub-keys. The slave holes are offset from each other to clamp the groove.

SUMMARY [0004] Machines are used to form a neck in containers, including beer cans and other beverages, which provide fast and precise necking that can be performed in a reliable manner. The inventors have identified a disadvantage where, when changing from a single size container to a container of a different size, such as, for example, from the mode where a 5-inch can is produced, to a production mode where a 6-inch can is produced, the downtime seems to be significant and / or the number of steps and tools required to perform the change operation is significant, etc. For example, switching may require switching an existing number of elements and replacing them with new elements and / or re-adapting the existing elements to match the new length of the next necked can .

[0005] The invention is a groove fitted to the head cassette, as defined in claim 1. The keyed in the head cassette according to the invention comprises a first crosshead block, a second crosshead block, a third crosshead block and a fourth crosshead block. The slider blocks are positioned so that they move relative to each other. The movement of the first block of the slider and / or the fourth slider attracts the first and fourth block of the slider to each other, and when the first block of the slider and the fourth block of the slider are attracted to each other, the second block of the slider and the third block of slider move outward in a direction perpendicular to the relative the direction of movement of the first block of the slider towards the fourth block of the slider.

[0006] In the embodiment, a mating key of the head cassette is considered as described above and / or below, whereby the key is adapted to move the first block of the slider and / or the fourth block of the slider for pulling the first block of the slider and the fourth block of the slider or away from it. each, and where the first block of the slider and the fourth block of the slider are pulled away relatively far apart, the second block of the slider and the third

The slider block can freely move in a direction perpendicular to the relative direction of movement of the first block of the slider from the fourth block of the slider.

[0007] It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0008] These and other features, embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, appended claims, and accompanying embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

Fig. 1 is a side view of a machinery line according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a part of the machine line of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the machine part of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the element shown in Fig. 3 from a different angle.

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a keyed groove according to an embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the keyed fitting of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a window view of a keyed groove installed in a cassette formed by the hub and shaft.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a keyed fit installed in a cassette formed by the hub and shaft of Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 shows a window view of a keyed groove installed in a cassette formed by the hub and shaft.

Figs. 10 and 11 are isometric views of the mating surfaces of the keyway.

Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the head assembly.

Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the machine part shown in Fig. 12 without showing the plate clamp.

Fig. 14 is an isometric view of a hand crank according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0009] The head can be varied to accommodate cans of various sizes. Such a change or exchange can be made quickly by means of a key in the matching head cassette. The keyway of the head cassette is configured to close the head when the key fit of the head cassette is clamped or to open the head when the key slot of the head cassette is loosened. The gully of the head cassette closes the head by expanding in the X and Y planes in the groove to prevent the head from moving further. When the key slot of the head cassette is loosened, the head is open to allow the head axial movement to change to a different size for a can of other dimensions. The head gasket of the head cassette also ensures alignment and enables proper placement of the head.

[0010] In a first embodiment, referring to Fig. 1, a machine line 100 is shown, which is adapted to the necking of containers and / or future containers (hereinafter referred to as containers or future containers), such as, for example, but not exclusively, cans, while passing the container through a series of stations (142, 146, 150, 154, 158) necking the head on a serpentine path. As can be seen, the containers 1000 enter the machine line 100 through the entrance 30 of the can and are "picked up" by the first transport star wheel 140 from a plurality of transport star wheels 22. Containers 1000 that are held in position on this first transport wheel 140 by means of a pressure difference pneumatic or "sucking"

[0011] It is briefly noted here that while the embodiments are not so limited, some embodiments are such that the necking machines 100 are formed from a series of units comprising modules 110. An example of such a module 110 is shown in Figure 2. The use of the necking machine modules 110 allows the machine line 100 to be assembled / changed to provide as many necking steps as required, and to allow adding or subtracting, as desired, subsequent steps such as folding and / or re-forming. reprofiling the bases that are performed after the basic necking operation. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1,

[0012] Figs. 3 and 4 show embodiments of the outer header assembly 112, which is the outer portion (e.g., from the side of the machine 100 shown in Fig. 1) of the processing head 142, 146, 150, etc. Fig. 3 shows an isometric view of the outer of the head assembly 112 viewed roughly from the same point of view as in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is an isometric view of the outer head assembly 112 viewed approximately from a side other than the view in Fig. 1. The outer head assemblies hold and release (detachably hold). ) an unseated portion of the container (e.g., base) in the heads assemblies by means of handles 200 that provide suction (vacuum, etc.) on the base of the containers 1000, while the necked portion of the container is necked through the inner head 114.In this regard, the outer head 112 may be considered as a head holder and the inner head 114 may be considered a necking head.

[0013] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the outer heads assemblies 112 are movable heads in which the heads move along the direction of axial rotation 202 (see Fig. 3) of the heads. The outer assemblies 112 of the heads are located at the distal ends of the housing 113 of the module 110 and are supported on the base frame or chassis 115 of respective head modules 110 so as to be axially movable towards and away from the respective inner head assemblies 114. This enables repositioning of the outer heads assemblies 112 with respect to the corresponding inner heads assemblies 114, so that the distance between the respective outer heads assemblies 112 and the inner heads assemblies 114 may be adapted to allow changing the length or height of the necked container. By way of example only,

[0014] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the outer sets 112 of the heads comprise a head 210 and a hub 220 and a shaft 230. The outer heads 112 are arranged to releasably support one or more containers and / or containers 1000 and rotate one or more of them. the number of containers and / or the containers 1000 being formed around the rotation axis 202 of the outer head assembly 112 when one or more containers and / or the containers 1000 being formed are supported by the outer head assembly 112.

The head 210, including the shaft 220, is adapted to slide along the hub 230 in the axial direction 202 of the hub (e.g., towards and away from the corresponding inner head assembly 114) to adapt the containers / containers 1000 to different heights / lengths . Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the head 210, including the shaft 220, is provided with an opening dimensioned to form a sliding fit or a slightly larger fit to the shaft 230. For example, a distance of a row from. 001 to .003 inches. You can provide any suitable distance from zero and up.

[0016] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the keyway 300 of the head cassette is used to close / press the head 210 to the shaft 230 in the axial direction 202 of the shaft 230 so that the head 210 does not move along the shaft 230. The gully. the fit head cassette 300 is configured to be adapted to allow the head 210 to respectively close / press against the shaft 230 and open / release the clamp from the shaft 230 so that the respective outer heads assemblies 112 (movable head assemblies) can be repositioned relative to the head. corresponding inner heads assemblies 114 so that the distance between the respective outer heads assemblies 112 and the inner heads assemblies 114 may be adapted to allow the length of the necked containers to be varied.

[0017] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the head 210 includes a groove 222 in the hub 220, while opposite the groove 222, the shaft 230 includes a groove 232 in the shaft. Together, the groove 222 of the hub and the groove 232 of the shaft form a head cassette 240 in which the key slot 300 of the head cassette is placed.

[0018] It should be noted that in some embodiments, as described above and / or below, the position of the head 210 can be adjusted relative to the axis 202 to fit different container sizes without removing the head 210 from the shaft 230. This should be noted that the head 210 can be supported in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity by the shaft 230, while being able to slide along the shaft 230 and / or, in some embodiments, rotate relative to the shaft assembly. The head 210 can not significantly rotate around the shaft 230 due to the position of the keyway 300.

[0019] In an embodiment, the keyway 300 of the head cassette can be adjusted to expand and contract from side to side (e.g., the track blocks 310 and 340 move downward while the track blocks 320 and 330 move up and respectively towards the right side and left, and vice versa - the details will be described below) and so that (e.g., rotation about movement along the axis 202) close / press the head 210 to the shaft 230.

[0020] To align the head assembly 112 to match the height of cans of various sizes, the plate clamp 410 and the key 300 are loosened. The plate clamp 410 as shown in Figure 12 surrounds the shaft 230. To loosen the plate clamp 410, the nut is loosened 440 adjusting the plate (Figure 13). The shaft 230 includes a lumen receptacle 230 (Figure 3) to allow access to the adjusting screw 440. A hand crank, such as a hand crank 480 shown in Figure 14, is then inserted into the tip of the cap height adjustment screw 420. A cannula-like screw 420, such as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, extends from approximately a portion of the central shaft 230 and bearing housing 430.

[0021] Once the hand crank 480 has been connected to the can height adjustment screw 420, the crank handle 480 is rotated, for example by the operator, to rotate the head 210 and shift the head 210 forward or backward to place the head 210 in the intended position for matching cans with different size. After making the appropriate adjustment, the hand crank 480 is removed and the plate clamp 410 and keyway 300 are clamped to close the head 210 in position.

[0022] Here, the more detailed details of some embodiments of the keyway of the cassette 300 will be shown.

In one embodiment, referring to the examples of Figs. 5 and 6 (Fig. 6 showing a sectional view of the keyway 300 of Fig. 5), the keyway 300 of the head cassette includes a first block 310 of a slider that is wedge-shaped. as can be seen, the second block (wedge) 320 of the slider, the third block (wedge) 330 of the slider and the fourth block (wedge 340) of the slider, where the slider blocks are supported by a screw device 350 (more on this below) so that the slider blocks are adapted to move relative to each other. In an embodiment, the key groove 300 is adapted to move the first crosshead block and / or the fourth track block block to attract the first track block 310 and the fourth track block 340 or to each other. By the term relative to each other is meant the situation,

When the first crosshead block 310 and / or the fourth track block 340 are attracted to each other, the second track block 320 and the third track block 330 move outward in a direction perpendicular to the relative direction of movement of the first track block 310 towards the fourth track block 340.

the second track block 320 moves relatively (i) outwardly from the relative direction of travel of the first track block 310 towards the fourth track block 340 in the first direction and (ii) outward from the relative direction of movement of the first track block 310 towards the fourth block 340 of the slider in the second direction and the third block 330 of the slider moves relatively (iii) outward from the relative direction of travel of the first block 310 of the slider towards the fourth block 340 of the slider in the first direction and (iv) outwardly from the relative direction of movement of the first block 310 of the slider. towards the fourth block 340 of the slider in the third direction, which is different from the second direction. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the third direction is opposite to the second direction and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 7, which shows a window view of the head 210 viewed from the outside towards the inner side down the axis 202, where the end of the keyway 300 can be seen and where the directions are marked on the clock side (12 o'clock, 3 o'clock) , 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock). When the first track block 310 moves relatively to the fourth track block 340, the second track block 320 moves in a direction that has a component vector in the direction of 12 o'clock (in the first direction) and in the 3 o direction (the second direction) (e.g. in the up and right directions in the view of Fig. 7), and the third track block 330 moves in a direction having a component vector in the direction of 12 o'clock (in the first direction) and towards hour 9 (the third direction) (e.g. in the up and in the left direction in the view of FIG. 7). The crosshead blocks move in these directions so as to place the parallel key 300 in a transversely stretched condition.

In an embodiment, the keyway 300 is adapted to move the first block 310 of the track stick and / or the fourth track block 340 to pull the first block 310 of the track stick and the fourth track block 340 or away from one another (relative to each other means the movement of either of these two) the crosshead blocks so that the result is a situation when the first block 310 of the track stick and the fourth track block 340 are even further apart). In this embodiment, where the first track block 310 and the fourth track block 310 are pulled away from each other, the second track block 320 and the third track block 330 are free to move within in a direction perpendicular to the relative position.

Direction of the first block of the slider from the fourth block of the slider. Referring to Fig. 7, where the first track block 310 moves relative to the fourth track block 340, the second track block 320 moves in the direction of the vector having components in the direction of 6 o'clock and in the direction of 9 o'clock (e.g., moves down and toward in Fig. 7) and the third block 330 of the track moves in the direction of the vector having ingredients in the direction of 6 o'clock and the direction of the hour 3 (e.g., moves down and in the right direction in the view of Fig. 7). The crosshead blocks move in these directions so as to place the keyway 300 in a transversely compressed state.

[0027] In some embodiments, some and / or all of the track blocks move in other directions than those mentioned. All directions of movement are allowed, which allow the blocks of the slider to move in directions that enable the implementation of this invention.

[0028] In another embodiment, the feather key 350 comprises a bearing flange 390 that is visible in FIG. 6. The bearing flange is enclosed between the track block 320 and the track block 330. The bearing flange 390 allows separation when the fit key assembly 300 is loose and the can, in some embodiments, also helps align the blocks 320 and 330 of the slider relative to each other and / or by means of a clamping screw.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, the keyway 300 includes a handle 395 that extends in the upper direction from the track block 310. The holder 395 is forked, like the entire top portion of the block 310 of the slider in space 396. The screw 399 extends through a threaded hole that extends through the handle 395. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the screw 399 can be turned so as to exert a pressing force. on the sides of the handle 395. This means that the screw 399 can be rotated so as to clamp the clamping screw 350 as soon as the mating key assembly 300 is clamped in the desired position on the shaft 220 of the shaft 230.

[0030] Hereinafter, an exemplary scenario will be described comprising the preparation of the machine line 100 for container necking.

The technician manually and / or automatically moves the head subassembly comprising a head 210 with a hub 220 and keyway 300 of the head cassette that is connected to the head 210 along the shaft 230 when the shaft 230 is located inside the hub 220. The technician moves the head subassembly to the desired position along the longitudinal direction (e.g. in the direction of the axis 202) of the shaft 230 which corresponds to a position corresponding to the height / length of the necked containers. The technician manually and / or automatically adjusts the keyway 300 of the head cassette from a state compressed in a transverse direction to the transverse stretched state to press the head 210 with the hub 220 to the shaft 230 in the axial direction of the shaft 230 to prevent the head 210 from slipping with the hub 210 along shaft 230 in the axial direction of the shaft.

The technician retrieves a ratchet wrench or the like and places a ratchet wrench on the head 352 of the clamping screw 350. The technician tightens the head of the clamping screw 352 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

- clockwise, depending on the need (depending on the direction of threading on the clamping screw), so that the parallel key 300 extends in the transverse direction to the stretched state transversely. The technician then removes the ratchet wrench from the head 352 of the clamping bolt 350. In this scenario, when the technician tightens the clamping screw 350 to expand the keyway 300 from side to side, the block 310 of the slider (with respect to the coordinate system shown in Fig. 7) moves toward downwards, together with the block 340 of the slider keyway 300, and the blocks 320 and 330 of the slider move in the upward direction, in relation one to the other. This results in the head 210 being lifted with the hub 220 up so that the friction forces between the shaft 230 and the hub 220 and the keyway 300 increase to a point,

[0033] The shape of the blocks of the keyed runner 300 can be varied. In an embodiment, the first slider block 310 includes, as described referring to the numbers in FIG. 5, directed to the edges of said surfaces (said surfaces being covered by figures), a first surface 312 which intersects at an oblique angle the relative direction of movement of the first track block 310 at towards the fourth block 340 of the slider. The second block 320 of the slider comprises a second surface 322 which intersects, at an oblique angle, the relative direction of travel of the first block 310 of the slider towards the fourth block 340 of the slider. The second block 320 of the slider comprises a third surface 324 that intersects, at an oblique angle, the relative direction of travel of the first block 310 of the slider towards the fourth block 340 of the slider. The third block 330 of the slider comprises a fourth surface 332, which intersects at an oblique angle, the relative direction of movement of the first crosshead block towards the fourth block of the track stick, and the third track block includes a fifth surface 334 which intersects at an oblique angle the relative direction of movement of the first track block towards the fourth block of the track stick. The fourth block 340 of the slider comprises a sixth surface 342 which intersects, at an oblique angle, the relative direction of travel of the first block 310 of the slider towards the fourth block 340 of the slider. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first surface 312 is opposite to the second surface 322 and parallel to the second surface 322, the third surface 324 being opposite to the fourth surface 332 and parallel to the fourth surface 332; and the fifth surface 334 is opposite to the sixth surface 342 and parallel to the sixth surface 342.

[0034] In some embodiments, the slider blocks do not have a wedge shape as shown in the figures. Other shapes may be used as long as these shapes allow the keyway 300 to be used in accordance with the present invention. Further, in some embodiments, a scissor lift may be used instead of wedges. In this respect, the embodiment exists where the first scissor lift foot acts on the groove 232 in the shaft 230 and the second scissor lift foot acts on the groove 222 in the hub 220 of the head 210. As the scissor lift is extended, the feet move relative to each other (in downwards and upwards in relation to the shape shown in Fig. 7), raising the hub 220 upwardly from the shaft 230 until it is manufactured

A sufficient friction force between the hub 220 and the shaft 230 and the scissor lift foot will force / secure the head 210 in the lateral-axial direction of the shaft 230.

In an embodiment such as shown in the figures, when the first block 310 of the track stick and the fourth track block 340 are attracted to each other, the first surface 312 slides along the second surface 322 and / or vice versa such that at least one from the first block 310 of the track stick and the second track block 320, it can move relatively perpendicularly (e.g., at 90 degrees) to the relative direction of movement of the first trackhead 310 towards the fourth block 340 of the track relative to each other. In an embodiment, the third surface 324 slides along a fourth surface 332 and / or vice versa, yes, that the second block 320 of the slider and the third block 330 of the slider move relatively in perpendicular directions relative to the relative direction of travel of the first block 310 of the slider towards the fourth block 340 of the slider from each other. In an embodiment, the fifth surface 334 slides along the sixth surface 342 and / or vice versa, so that the third track block 330 and the fourth track block 340 move relatively in perpendicular directions relative to the relative direction of movement of the first track block towards the fourth track block from each other. In an embodiment, the first surface 312 slides along the second surface 322 and / or vice versa and the fifth surface 334 slides along the sixth surface 342 and / or vice versa so,

In an embodiment, the fifth surface 334 slides along the sixth surface 342 and / or vice versa, so that the third track block 330 and the fourth track block 340 move relatively in perpendicular directions relative to the relative direction of movement of the first track block towards the fourth track block. In an embodiment, the first surface 312 slides along the second surface 322 and / or vice versa and the fifth surface 334 slides along the sixth surface 342 and / or vice versa, so that the second track block 320 and the third track block 330 can move relatively, e.g. relative to the first block 310 of the track stick and the fourth track block 340, in the same direction that is perpendicular to the relative movement direction of the first track block 310 towards the fourth track block 340.

[0037] As noted above, in an embodiment, the slider blocks are supported by a clamping bolt 350. In the embodiment as shown in the figures, the clamping bolt 350 extends through the first block 310 of the slider, the second block 320 of the slider, the third block 330 of the slider. and a fourth block 340 of the slider in the direction of movement of the first block 310 of the slider and / or the fourth block 340 of the slider or towards each other. In some embodiments, the crosshead blocks may be supported by any type of key fit fitting 350 adapted to attract the first track block 310 and / or the fourth track block 340 or to each other and adapted to attract the first track block 310 and / or the fourth block 340 wodzika or from each other.

when the clamping screw 350 is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction of rotation to pull the first block 310 of the track stick and the fourth block 340 of the track wagon or away from one another. In an embodiment, the first threaded drive mechanism of the crosshead block is integrated with the first crosshead block and / or the fourth track block block, as shown in the figures.

Referring to Fig. 7, showing the view of the head from the outside to the inner side, the end of the keyway 300 can be seen, along with the hexagonal key tip 352 adapted to receive the key (via a socket or otherwise) to allow the technician to turn clamping screw 350 for transverse expansion / compression of the keyway 300.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping screw mechanism includes a second threaded drive mechanism of the crosshead block (although in some embodiments only one drive mechanism of the track block is threaded, where the thrust bearing or the like is in opposition, which takes up the rotation of the clamping screw 350 and acts counter-clockwise). to the pulling and / or pushing force of the clamping screw 350), which in some embodiments is a fourth slider block 340 (as in the embodiment shown in the figures) and in other embodiments is a separate block connected to the fourth track block 340 and / or in the interface with the fourth block 340 of the slider. The first threaded mechanism of the crosshead block is adapted,

Adapted to attract the fourth block 340 of the slider in a second side direction of the clamping screw 350 opposite to the first side direction or towards the first block 310 of the slider as the clamping screw is rotated in the first rotational direction. In an embodiment, the first threaded slider block mechanism is adapted to attract the first crosshead block in the second side direction of the clamping screw or in the direction from the fourth crosshead block when the clamping screw is rotated in the second rotation direction and the second threaded block mechanism of the crosshead block is adapted to to attract the fourth block of the slider in the first side direction of the clamping screw or in the direction from the first block of the slider when the clamping screw is rotated in the second rotational direction.

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a keyed groove 300 removed in a first plane that is (i) parallel to and (ii) lies in the direction of movement of the first block 310 of the track stick and the fourth block 340 of the track relative to each other (e.g. axis 355). As can be seen in FIG. 6, the extrapolated outer profile of the first block of the track stick that lies in the first plane has the general form of a rectangular trapezium. The term extrapolated profile in the general form means a profile that would be analogous to the current actual device. By way of example, the protrusion 395 of the first block 310 of the slider would not be included in the extrapolated outer profile of the first block of the slider, whereas the hole through which the screw 350 would pass would also not be included. Further describing the invention illustrated in FIG.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a keyed groove 300 removed in a second plane that is (i) parallel to, (ii) lies in the direction of movement of the first block 310 of the trackhead and the fourth block 340 of the track relative to one another and (iii) is perpendicular to the first plane in question. As can be seen, the extrapolated outer profile of the first block 310 of the track, which lies on the second plane, is generally rectangular 310 '(in the standard specified above for identifying these geometric shapes on the first plane). Fig. 8 further illustrates that in accordance with the standards set forth above for identifying said geometric shapes, the extrapolated outer profile of the second track block 320 in the second plane has the general shape of a rectangular trapeze 320 ',

[0043] In an embodiment, the general shapes of the rectangular trapezium of the second block 320 of the track stick and the third block 330 of the track in the first plane have two inclined shapes.

The surfaces of these two rectangular trapezoids are essentially parallel to each other, and the general shapes of the rectangular trapeziums of the second block 320 of the slider and the third block 330 of the slider on the second plane have inclined surfaces of these two rectangular trapezoides substantially parallel to each other as seen in the figures.

[0044] Some embodiments where a parallel key is used, by way of example, but not by limitation, the keyway 300 described in this document will now be described.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly 200 of the machine head 100 includes a shaft 230, a head 210 (which includes a hub 220), wherein the shaft 230 is positioned within the hub 220. The head assembly 200 includes a keyed fit 300 of the head cartridge, such as described herein, adapted for adjusting from a transversely constrained state to a transversely stretched state and vice versa. In the head assembly 200, the shaft 230 includes a first groove 232, the hub 220 of the head 210 includes a second groove 222. The second groove 232, as it becomes aligned with the first groove 222, forms a cassette 240 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 in which the groove a matching 300 is to be placed. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the grooves of the keyway have a lateral space that allows lateral movement of the keyway elements 300.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 and as described above, the head 210, including the hub 220, is adapted to slide along the shaft 230 in the axial direction of the shaft 230 (for example in the direction of the axis 202) when the keyway 300 it is laterally compressed. Further, the head 210 is pressed against the shaft 230 in the axial direction of the shaft when the key 300 is laterally stretched to prevent the head 210 from sliding along the shaft 230 in the axial direction of the shaft 230.

[0047] Figs. 10 and 11 show views of the keyway 300 reflecting the tangential surfaces of the keyway 300 with the head cassettes 240 when the keyway 300 is laterally stretched. Surfaces marked with the "X" mark represent contact surfaces where the head 210 is pressed against the shaft 230. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the second track block 320 contacts the interior of the cartridge 240 at 12 and 3 hours (relative to the coordinates of Fig. 7 ), the third block 330 of the slider contacts the interior of the cartridge 240 at 12 and 9 (again relative to the coordinates of Fig. 7), the first block 310 of the slider contacts the interior of the cassette 240 at 6 o'clock, such as the fourth block 340 of the slider, which results in clamping / closing head 210 to shaft 230. Of course, in other embodiments, surfaces could be different depending on the configuration of the keyway elements. In this regard, each configuration of the keyway may be used, provided that the basic principles of clamping according to the disclosed invention are observed.

[0048] In another embodiment, the lateral expansion of the keyway 300 provides a clamping / closing force. The keyway 300 is adapted to provide expansion force in the radial direction (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the axis 355 shown in Figure 6) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 230 (in the direction of the axis 202) when

13 is in the transversely stretched condition. The clamping force in the radial direction when the parallel key 300 is in the transversely stretched state again acts on the first groove 232 of the shaft 300 and / or the second groove 222 of the head 210 so that the friction force between (i) the first key fits with the groove 232 of the shaft 230 and the corresponding opposite the surface or surfaces of the keyway 300 and / or (ii) the second groove 222 and the corresponding opposite surface or surfaces of the keyway 300 is sufficient to prevent the head 210 from sliding along the shaft 230 when force is generated by the use of tools (originally by necking the can) on the head in the axial direction of the shaft 230.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the key slot 300 is in the stretched state, the various slider blocks no longer contact different grooves and / or even if there is contact between some or all of the track block blocks with some or all different grooves, the force friction between (i) the first groove 232 of the shaft 230 and the corresponding opposite surface or surfaces of the keyway 300 and / or (ii) the second groove 222 and the corresponding opposite surface or surfaces of the keyway 300 is not sufficient to prevent the head 210 from sliding along the shaft 230 when corresponding forces are applied to the head in the axial direction of the shaft 230, allowing the head 210 to move along the shaft 230. In an embodiment, the machine assembly is adapted tothat the keyway 300 is adapted from a state compressed transversely to the transversely stretched state to achieve a friction force sufficient to press / close the head 210 to the shaft 230 without moving the head 210 with respect to the axial direction of the shaft 230. Alternatively, the shaft 230 may not move about more than, for example, .001 to .003 inches (or other suitable range).

[0050] In an embodiment, the keyway 300 is adapted to provide the expansion force in a tangential direction with respect to the circumference of the shaft 230 when the keyway 300 is in the transverse expanded state. The expansion force in the tangential direction when the key slot 300 is in the relaxed state transversely acts on the first groove 232 and the second groove 222 so that the head 210 including the hub 220 is significantly rotated with the shaft 230 to allow necking operations and hence does not move relative to shaft 230.

[0051] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of a keyedge 300 in the cassette 240 removed in the plane of the rotary axis of the head 230 (axis 202) and the axis of the rotatable clamping screw 350 (axis 355). As can be seen, the bolts 500 extend through the hub 220 to the holes 370 in the groove 300, so that the keyway 300 is held in the hub 220 as the head 210 with a hub 220 that moves along the shaft 230. In the holes 370 there is enough room to ganged key 300 allowed the pressure and release operations described here. For example, in some embodiments, the bolts 500 have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the holes 370, allowing the respective blocks of the slider to move toward the channels and moving towards the channels and more side to side with respect to the channels. As can be seen in the figures in the embodiment, the keyway 300 has three openings while the hub 220 contains only two screws. Additional holes and / or screws

They are added if necessary to facilitate movement of the head 210 along the shaft in a manner convenient for the technician.

Referring to the exemplary scenario detailed above when the technician tightens the clamping screw 350 so that the track block 320 moves to the right (relative to the coordinate system shown in Fig. 7) and the track block 330 moves towards the left to one another, the track block 320 and / or track block 330 is in contact with the corresponding surfaces of the groove 232 in the groove and / or the corresponding surfaces of the groove 222 in the hub 220 (depending on the tolerances and alignment it is possible that side sides of the blocks 320 and / or 330 slider contacts only with grooves 222, they only contact grooves 232 and / or only contact one side of groove 222 and the other side of groove 232). In this respect, as soon as the blocks 320 and 330 of the track stick move from the left to the right, the head 210 is highly rotated with the shaft 230 so that any rotation that would occur between the head 210 and the shaft 230 is significantly reduced. In an embodiment, the movement of the blocks 320 and 330 of the slider in a direction towards the blocks 310 and 340 of the slider for moving the corresponding head 210 and the hub 220 upwards with blocks 320 and 330 of the slider relative to the shaft 230 is sufficient to align the head assembly 210 with a shaft 230. It is noted that in some embodiments, the clamping screw 350 can be rotated automatically. This means that the technician must apply a wrench to the head 352 of the pressure screw, but the device used, such as a rotary solenoid, can be applied to the screw head 352,

[0053] In some embodiments, the keyway 300 and the corresponding grooves are not positioned at 12 o'clock, but instead are positioned at 6 o'clock relative to the shaft 230. In some embodiments, the mating shaft 300 and the corresponding grooves may be located anywhere around shaft 230 to allow the present invention to be implemented. Indeed, in some embodiments, two or more keyways may be used with matching grooves.

[0054] When the technician moves the head 210 along the shaft 230, the keyway moves along the shaft 210 in the cassette 240 as the head 210 moves along the shaft 230, thanks to the screws 500, the ends of which are inserted into the openings 370 of the keyway 300. Under this in relation to the key groove 300 is pulled along the cartridge 240 with the head 210.

In another exemplary scenario of the use of the machine line 100, a technician attempting to adjust the position of the head 210 relative to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the shaft 230 approaches the head 210 and uses a ratchet wrench or other type of wrench, rotates the handle 352 to turn the clamping screw 350 in the right direction to move the block 310 of the slider in a direction from block 340 of the crosshead, relatively speaking. As will happen, block 320 of the slider and block 330 of the slider move downwards (relative to

Fig. 7) and the blocks 310 and 340 of the slider move in an upward direction relative to each other. This has the effect that the head 210 moves in a downward direction with the blocks 320 and 330 of the slider relative to the shaft 230, thereby reducing the frictional forces present between the hub 220 and the shaft 230 and the keyway 300 to lower values ​​that allow the technician to moving the head 210 along the shaft 230. Again, this can be done manually and / or automatically and / or as a combination of the two methods.

[0056] The technician moves the head 210 along the shaft to the desired position and the process is repeated as shown above.

[0057] In an embodiment, the operation of adjusting the key of the mated cassette comprises applying a clamping force in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft so that the clamping force provided in the radial direction after adjusting the keyway interacts at least against one of the hubs and the shaft so, that the frictional force between (i) the hub and the corresponding counter surface or surfaces of the keyway and / or (ii) the shaft and the corresponding counter surface or surfaces of the keyway are sufficient to prevent the head containing the hub from sliding along the shaft when force equal to the weight of the head is applied in the axial direction of the shaft.

[0058] Considering the disclosure of the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other embodiments and modifications are also made within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, any modifications available to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure within the scope of the claims will be included as further embodiments of the present invention.