WO2025064163A1 - Dynamically adjustable redraw system - Google Patents

Abstract

A redraw assembly (118) for a can bodymaker (110) includes a hold down body (150) for slidably coupling to a frame (111) of the bodymaker, a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve (140) adjustably coupled to the hold down body and configured to apply a force to a cup engaged with a toolpack (116) of the bodymaker, and a controller (154) programmed to dynamically adjust an aspect of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body during operation of the can bodymaker.

Description

DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTABLE REDRAW SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No.18/471,380, filed September 21, 2023, entitled, Dynamically Adjustable Redraw System. FIELD OF THE INVENTION: [0002] The disclosed concept relates generally to redraw systems for use in can bodymakers and, more specifically, to redraw systems which are dynamically adjustable during normal operation of the bodymaker. The disclosed concept further relates to can bodymakers including such redraw assemblies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: [0003] Generally, a can begins as a disk of metal, such as, but not limited to aluminum, also known as a “blank,” that is punched from a sheet or coil of metal. The blank is fed into a cupper. The cupper performs a blank and draw process to create a cup. That is, the blank is formed into a cup having a bottom and a depending sidewall. The cup is fed into one of several bodymakers. Each bodymaker performs a drawing and ironing (D&I) process. More specifically, at the start of such process, the cup is disposed in a bodymaker at the mouth of a toolpack having substantially circular openings therein. The cup is held in place by a redraw sleeve, which is part of a redraw assembly. The redraw sleeve is a hollow tubular construct that is disposed inside the cup and biases the cup against the toolpack at the mouth thereof. The first die in the toolpack is the redraw die, which is also a part of the redraw assembly. The cup is biased against the redraw die by the redraw sleeve. Other dies, the ironing dies, are disposed behind, and axially aligned with, the redraw die. The ironing dies are not part of the redraw assembly. An elongated, cylindrical ram having a punch at the forward, distal end is aligned with, and structured to travel through, the openings in the redraw die and the ironing dies. At the end of the toolpack opposite the ram is a domer. The domer is a die structured to form a concave dome in the bottom of the cup/can. [0004] Thus, during the D&I process a cup is disposed at one end of the toolpack. The cup, typically, has a greater diameter than a finished can as well as a greater wall thickness. The redraw sleeve is disposed inside of the cup and biases the cup bottom against the redraw die. The opening in the redraw die has a diameter that is smaller than the cup. The ram, with the punch as the forward, distal end, passes through the hollow redraw sleeve and contacts the bottom of the cup. As the ram continues to move forward, the cup is moved through the redraw die. As the opening in the redraw die is smaller than the original diameter of the cup, the cup is deformed and becomes elongated with a smaller diameter. As the ram continues to move forward, the elongated cup passes through a number of ironing dies. The ironing dies each thin the wall thickness of the cup causing the cup to elongate. The final forming of the can body occurs when the bottom of the elongated cup engages the domer creating a concave dome in the cup bottom. At this point, and compared to the original shape of the cup, the can body is elongated, has a thinner wall, and a domed bottom. The can body is ejected from the ram, and more specifically the punch, for further processing, such as, but not limited to trimming, washing, printing, flanging, inspection and placement on pallets, which are shipped to the filler. At the filler, the cans are taken off of the pallets, filled, ends are placed (i.e., seamed) onto them, and then the filled cans are repackaged. [0005] During the D&I process symmetrical loading conditions are very critical as the industry standard starting gauge thicknesses and associated can walls are becoming thinner in the food, beverage, and aerosol industries. The thinner the walls and gauge become, the more critical the symmetrical loading conditions are during the D&I process. Present solutions provide for little adjustment, and such available adjustment must be carried out manually while the machine is not running. Hence, there is room for improvement in redraw assemblies for bodymakers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: [0006] Embodiments of the disclosed concept improve upon existing solutions by providing arrangements which allow for dynamic adjustments to be made to a redraw sleeve during normal operation of a bodymaker. [0007] As one embodiment of the disclosed concept, a redraw assembly for use with a can bodymaker is provided. The redraw assembly comprises: a hold down body structured to be slidably coupled to a frame of the bodymaker; a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve adjustably coupled to the hold down body and structured to apply a force to a cup engaged with a toolpack of the bodymaker; and a controller structured to dynamically adjust an aspect of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body while the bodymaker is in operation forming a can body. [0008] The aspect may comprise one or more of the vertical and/or lateral positioning of the redraw sleeve relative to the hold down body. The redraw assembly may further comprise: a number of cam bolts, each cam bolt positioned among the redraw sleeve assembly and the hold down body in a manner such that rotation of the cam bolt selectively adjusts the relative positioning of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in a predetermined manner; and a corresponding number of actuators, each actuator coupled with a corresponding cam bolt, wherein each actuator is selectively actuatable via the controller and structured to selectively rotate the corresponding cam bolt as directed by the controller. Each actuator of the corresponding number of actuators may be an electrical actuator or a pneumatic actuator. The number of cam bolts may comprise a plurality of cam bolts, and the corresponding number of actuators may comprise a plurality of actuators, each actuator of the plurality being coupled to a corresponding cam bolt of the plurality of cam bolts. [0009] The redraw assembly may further comprise a position sensor in communication with the controller, the position sensor being structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the position of one or more components of the can bodymaker, and the controller may be structured to dynamically adjust the position of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in response to the number of signals. [0010] The aspect may comprise the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply to the cup. The redraw assembly may further comprise a number of load cells positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body and in communication with the controller, each load cell may be structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the force applied by the redraw sleeve to the controller, and the controller may be structured to adjust the force. The redraw assembly may further comprise: an airbag positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body, the airbag structured to contain a quantity of a gas within the airbag; and a pressure regulator in communication with the controller, the pressure regulator structured to regulate a pressure of the gas within the airbag, wherein the controller is structured to control operation of the pressure regulator to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. [0011] The redraw assembly may further comprise: a number of hydraulic actuators positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body; and a source of hydraulic pressure in fluid communication with each hydraulic actuator and in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the controller is structured to control the source of hydraulic pressure to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. [0012] As another embodiment of the disclosed concept a bodymaker is provided. The bodymaker comprises: a frame; a ram slidably coupled to the frame; a toolpack coupled to the frame; a drive mechanism coupled to the ram and structured to impart a reciprocating motion to the ram to reciprocate between a first retracted position, wherein the ram is spaced from the toolpack, and a second extended position, wherein the ram extends through the toolpack; and a redraw assembly comprising: a hold down body slidably coupled to the frame; a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve adjustably coupled to the hold down body and structured to apply a force to a cup engaged with the toolpack; and a controller structured to dynamically adjust an aspect of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body during operation of the bodymaker. [0013] The aspect may comprise one or more of the vertical and/or lateral positioning of the redraw sleeve relative to the hold down body. The bodymaker may further comprise: a number of cam bolts, each cam bolt positioned among the redraw sleeve assembly and the hold down body in a manner such that rotation of the cam bolt selectively adjusts the relative positioning of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in a predetermined manner; and a corresponding number of actuators, each actuator coupled with a corresponding cam bolt, wherein each actuator is selectively actuatable via the controller and structured to selectively rotate the corresponding cam bolt as directed by the controller. Each actuator of the corresponding number of actuators may be an electrical actuator or a pneumatic actuator. The number of cam bolts may comprise a plurality of cam bolts, and the corresponding number of actuators may comprise a plurality of actuators, each actuator of the plurality being coupled to a corresponding cam bolt of the plurality of cam bolts. [0014] The redraw assembly may further comprise a position sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the position sensor is structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the position of one or more of the ram, a punch disposed on the ram, and/or a portion of the toolpack, and the controller may be structured to dynamically adjust the position of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in response to the number of signals. [0015] The aspect may comprise the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. The redraw assembly may further comprise a number of load cells positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body and in communication with the controller, wherein each load cell may be structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the force applied by the redraw sleeve to the controller, and the controller may be structured to adjust the force. [0016] The redraw assembly may further comprise: an airbag positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body, the airbag structured to contain a quantity of a gas within the airbag; and a pressure regulator in communication with the controller, the pressure regulator structured to regulate a pressure of the gas within the airbag, wherein the controller is structured to control operation of the pressure regulator to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. [0017] The redraw assembly may further comprise: a number of hydraulic actuators positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body; and a source of hydraulic pressure in fluid communication with each hydraulic actuator and in electrical communication with the controller, and the controller may be structured to control the source of hydraulic pressure to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. [0018] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the disclosed concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: [0019] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0020] Figure 1 is a side elevation, partially schematic view of a bodymaker; [0021] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a portion of the interior of a bodymaker including a redraw assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept; [0022] Figure 3 is an end elevation view of the portion of the bodymaker of Figure 2; [0023] Figure 4 is a partially schematic sectional view of the portion of the bodymaker of Figure 2 taken along line A-A of Figure 2; [0024] Figure 5 is a partially schematic detail view of the portion of the sectional view of Figure 4 as indicated at B in Figure 4; [0025] Figure 6 is a sectional view of a portion of the reformer assembly of Figure 5 taken along line C-C of Figure 5; [0026] Figure 7 is a detail view of the portion of the sectional view of Figure 5 as indicated at D in Figure 5; [0027] Figure 8 is a partially schematic further detail view of the portion of the detail sectional view of Figure 7 as indicated at E in Figure 7; [0028] Figure 9 is a sectional view, similar to Figure 5, of a portion of the interior of a bodymaker including a redraw assembly in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept; [0029] Figure 10 is a sectional view of a portion of the reformer assembly of Figure 9 taken along line E-E of Figure 9; and [0030] Figure 11 is a partially schematic detail view of a portion of the sectional view of Figure 9 as indicated at F in Figure 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: [0031] Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. [0032] As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0033] As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. [0034] As used herein, “engage,” when used in reference to gears or other components having teeth, means that the teeth of the gears interface with each other and the rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate as well. When used in reference to components other than gears, “engage” means that two or more parts or components exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. [0035] As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. [0036] As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. [0037] As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. [0038] As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. [0039] As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). [0040] Figure 1 is a side elevation, partially schematic view of a can bodymaker 10 (such as described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.2021/0229155, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein) that is structured to convert a cup 2 into a can body 3. The cup 2 is assumed to be substantially circular. It is understood, however, that the cup 2, as well as the resulting can body 3 and elements that interact with the cup 2 or can body 3, may have a shape other than substantially circular. A cup 2 has a bottom member with a depending sidewall defining a substantially enclosed space (none shown). The end of the cup 2 opposite the bottom is open. The can bodymaker 10 includes a reciprocating ram 12, a drive mechanism 14, a toolpack 16, a redraw assembly 18 and a cup feeder 20 (shown schematically). That is, the drive mechanism 14 is coupled to the ram 12 (which is slidably coupled to a frame, not numbered, of the bodymaker 10) and structured to impart a reciprocating motion to the ram 12. As is known, in each cycle the cup feeder 20 positions a cup 2 in front of the toolpack 16 with the open end facing the ram 12. When the cup 2 is in position in front of the toolpack 16, a redraw sleeve assembly 40, biases the cup 2 against a redraw die 42. The ram 12 has an elongated, substantially circular ram body 30 with a proximal end 32, a distal end 34, and a longitudinal axis 36. The distal end 34 of the ram body 30 includes a punch 38. The proximal end 32 of the ram body 30 is coupled to the drive mechanism 14. The drive mechanism 14 provides a reciprocal motion to the ram body 30 causing the ram body 30 to move back and forth along its longitudinal axis 36. That is, the ram body 30 is structured to reciprocate between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. In the first, retracted position, the ram body 30 is spaced from the toolpack 16. In the second, extended position, the ram body 30 extends through the toolpack 16. Thus, the reciprocating ram 12 advances forward (to the left as shown) passing through the redraw sleeve assembly 40 and engaging the cup 2. The cup 2 is moved through the redraw die 42 and a number of ironing dies (not shown) within the toolpack 16. The cup 2 is converted into a can body 3 within the toolpack 16 and then removed therefrom. It is understood that, as used herein, a “cycle” means the cycle of the ram 12 which begins and ends with the ram 12 in the first, retracted position. [0041] Generally, the redraw assembly 18 includes a movable redraw sleeve assembly 40 and a redraw die 42. The redraw die 42 is disposed within the toolpack 16 adjacent the redraw sleeve assembly 40. That is, the redraw die 42 is the first die in the toolpack 16. Meanwhile, the redraw sleeve assembly moves, in a reciprocating manner, to and from the redraw die to clamp a cup against the redraw die 42 for a predetermined time, move away from the redraw die 42 to allow for a new cup to be positioned, and then move back toward the redraw die to clamp the new cup into position. U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2021/0229155 further describes a number of improvements to such general arrangement. [0042] Figures 2-4 show a portion of a can bodymaker 110 employing an improved redraw assembly 118 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept that further improves upon conventional redraw assemblies (e.g., without limitation, the redraw assemblies described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Pub. No.2021/0229155). More specifically, Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a portion of the interior of the bodymaker 110 (shown with the housing removed) including the redraw assembly 118, Figure 3 is an end elevation view of the portion of the bodymaker 110 (also shown with the housing removed), and Figure 4 is a sectional view of the portion of the bodymaker 110 taken along line A-A of Figure 2 shown with a schematic representation of a drive mechanism 114. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept are not limited to use with a particular drive mechanism or mechanisms but instead may be employed with one or more drive mechanisms of various design. Hence, drive mechanism 114 is shown schematically and not discussed in further detail herein. It is also to be appreciated that in at least one non- limiting embodiment, the improved redraw assembly 118 may be provided in the form of a retrofit kit for use with an existing bodymaker, however, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the improved redraw assembly 118 may be incorporated into a new bodymaker at the time of initial manufacture and thus provided as a portion of the bodymaker. [0043] Continuing to refer to Figures 2-4, and additionally to the detail view of Figure 5, similar to the bodymaker 10 previously discussed, the bodymaker 110 also includes: a frame 111; a toolpack 116 having a redraw die (not numbered) coupled to the frame 111; a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve 140 provided as a portion of, and structured to be biased against the aforementioned redraw die by, the redraw assembly 118; and a ram 12 slidably coupled to the frame 111. The ram 12 (such as previously described) includes, inter alia, an elongated, substantially circular ram body 30 coupled to the drive mechanism 114 (Figure 4). The drive mechanism 114 provides a reciprocal motion to the ram body 30 causing the ram body 30 to move back and forth along its longitudinal axis 36 between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position in a manner such as generally known in the art (and previously discussed in regard to the arrangement of claim 1). In the first, retracted position, the ram body 30 is spaced from the toolpack 116. In the second, extended position, the ram body 30 extends through the toolpack 116. Figure 5 generally shows examples of such different positionings with the fully sectional version of punch 38 shown when ram body 30 is positioned in the first, retracted position, while the partially sectional version of punch 38 shows the ram body 30 generally in the second, extended position. [0044] Continuing to refer to Figures 2-5, the redraw assembly 118 includes a hold down body 150 to which the redraw sleeve 140 (through which the punch 38/portion of the ram body 30 passes such as previously discussed) is adjustably coupled, as discussed in further detail below. The hold down body 150 is slidably coupled to the frame 111 of the bodymaker 110 so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the frame 111 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 36 of the ram body 30. In the example embodiment shown, the hold down body 150 is slidably coupled to the frame 11 via a plurality (two are shown in the example illustrated) of push rods 152 that are also coupled to the drive mechanism 114 such that the drive mechanism 114 provides a reciprocal motion to the hold down body 150. Such reciprocal motion of the hold down body 150, and thus redraw sleeve 140 adjustably coupled thereto, causes the redraw sleeve 140 to move into engagement with a cup held against the redraw die of the toolpack 116 by the redraw sleeve 140, and subsequently move away from the redraw die of the toolpack 116 such that another cup can be positioned at the redraw die of the toolpack 116 generally as previously discussed. It is to be appreciated that the coupling arrangement among the hold down body 150, frame 111 and drive mechanism 114 may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. [0045] As mentioned above, the redraw sleeve 140 is adjustably coupled to the hold down body 150. More particularly, the redraw sleeve 140 is adjustably coupled to the hold down body 150 in a manner such that one or more aspects (i.e., a number of aspects) of the redraw sleeve 140 with respect to the hold down body 150 is/are dynamically adjustable during operation of the bodymaker 110 at the direction of a controller 154 (shown schematically in Figures 4 and 5), which is provided as an element of the redraw assembly 118. The controller 154 utilizes a programmable logic circuit (PLC) and stored algorithm(s) to analyze signals from one or more sensors (discussed below) and from such analysis provide control signals to arrangements (also discussed below) for selectively adjusting the number of aspects of the redraw sleeve 140 with respect to the hold down body 150. Although shown as a stand-alone component, it is to be appreciated that the controller 154 may be a control device employed for other operations related to the bodymaker 110. It is also to be appreciated that controller 154 may be any suitable control device for carrying out at least the functionality described herein without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. [0046] The example redraw assembly 118 shown in Figures 2-5 illustrates one example embodiment in which a plurality of aspects of the redraw sleeve 140 with respect to the hold down body 150 are dynamically adjustable at the direction of the controller 154 during operation of the bodymaker 110. As one such adjustable aspect, the vertical and/or lateral positioning of the redraw sleeve 140 relative to the hold down body 150 is adjustable via a plurality of cam bolts 156 provided as one or more elements of the redraw assembly 118. Each cam bolt 156 is positioned among the redraw sleeve 140 and the hold down body 150 in a manner such that rotation of a respective cam bolt 156 selectively adjusts the relative positioning of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in a predetermined manner/direction. A more detailed description of such cam bolts and the functionality thereof is provided in U.S. Patent Application No.18/233,045, filed August 11, 2023, by the same inventors and Applicant as the present application, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. As shown in the sectional view of Figure 6, the cam bolts 156 may be positioned selectively about the opening (not numbered) in the redraw sleeve 140 in order to provide for adjustment of the redraw sleeve 140 in the desired directions. [0047] In order for the cam bolts 156 such as described above to be dynamically adjustable during operation of the bodymaker 110, the redraw assembly 118 further includes a number of actuators 158, with each actuator 158 coupled with, and structured to selectively rotate, a corresponding cam bolt 156. Each actuator 158 is in communication (e.g., via any suitable means) with the controller 154 so as to be selectively actuatable via the controller 154. In example embodiments of the disclosed concept electrical and pneumatic actuators have been employed, however, it is to be appreciated that other suitable actuators may be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. In order to assist in adjusting the positioning of the redraw sleeve 140 with respect to the hold down body 150 (as well as to the ram body 30) the redraw assembly 118 may further include a number of position sensors 160 (shown schematically) in communication with the controller 154, with each position sensor 160 being structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the absolute and/or relative position of one or more components of the bodymaker 110 such as, without limitation, redraw sleeve 140, hold down body 150, ram body 30, punch 38 positioned on ram body 30, toolpack 116, or any other related elements depending on the application, with which the particular sensor(s) 160 are associated for monitoring. From the signals produced by such position sensor(s) 160, controller 154 can dynamically adjust the positioning of the redraw sleeve 140 as needed. [0048] As another adjustable aspect, the clamping force that the redraw sleeve 140 is structured to apply to a cup positioned against the redraw die of the toolpack 116 when the hold down body 150 is positioned accordingly is selectively adjustable. In order to provide for such adjustability, the redraw assembly 118 further includes a force adjustment arrangement 170. In the example arrangement shown in Figures 2-5, the force adjustment arrangement 170 includes an airbag 172 positioned between the redraw sleeve 140 and the hold down body 150. The airbag 172 defines an inner space 174 that is structured to contain a quantity of a gas within the airbag 172. Pressure of the gas contained within the airbag 172 is controlled via an electronic pressure regulator 176 (positioned between a pressure source, not shown, and the inner space 174) that is in communication with, and controlled by, the controller 154. By adjusting/controlling the pressure in the airbag 172 electronically according to the most optimal forming loads for a given application, the clamping force exerted by the redraw sleeve 140 can be selectively adjusted. Figures 9-11 illustrate another example arrangement similar to that shown in in Figures 2-5 except such example employs a force adjustment arrangement 170 in the form of a hydraulic clamping system that includes a number of hydraulic actuators 180 positioned between the redraw sleeve 140 and the hold down body 150. In such example, the plurality of hydraulic actuators 180 are spaced circumferentially (e.g., see FIG.10), however, it is to be appreciated that one or more of the quantity and/or positioning of the hydraulic actuators 180 may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. Pressure of a hydraulic fluid 182 (Figure 11) contained within the hydraulic actuator(s) 180 is controlled via an electronic pressure regulator 184 (Figure 11, shown schematically) positioned between a pressure source (not shown) and the hydraulic actuator 180 that is in communication with, and controlled by, the controller 154. Similar to the previous example, the force exerted by the redraw sleeve 140 on a cup positioned against the redraw die can be selectively varied/adjusted by adjusting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid 182 in the hydraulic actuators 180. [0049] Redraw assembly 118 may further include a number of load cells 190 in communication with the controller 154 and positioned between the redraw sleeve 140 and the hold down body 150. Each load 190 is structured to communicate a number of signals indicative of the force applied by the redraw sleeve 140 to the controller 154 for use by the controller 154 in determining adjustments to the force adjustment arrangement 170. In the example arrangement shown in Figures 6-8, a plurality of circumferentially-spaced load cells 190 are employed. Such spacing not only provides feedback as to the magnitude of the force applied by the redraw sleeve 140 but also provides an indication as to whether the force is being applied symmetrically. [0050] From the foregoing it is thus to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept provide for dynamic adjustments of the redraw sleeve to be carried out while the bodymaker is operating (e.g., during normal can forming operations). Embodiments in accordance with the disclosed concept have the ability to auto-align the redraw sleeve with the toolpack and/or with other components of the bodymaker as desired. Further, or instead, embodiments of the disclosed concept also have the ability to selectively adjust the amount of clamping force applied to the can material (i.e., the cup) during the forming process by the redraw sleeve. By adjusting the clamping dynamically during the draw process, work hardening effects can be reduced along with the height of peaks, thus requiring less material to be trimmed off the top of the container and thus reducing the amount of aluminum required to make the container. [0051] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof. [0052] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A redraw assembly (118) for use with a can bodymaker (110), the redraw assembly comprising: a hold down body (150) structured to be slidably coupled to a frame (111) of the bodymaker; a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve (140) adjustably coupled to the hold down body and structured to apply a force to a cup engaged with a toolpack (116) of the bodymaker; and a controller (154) structured to dynamically adjust an aspect of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body while the bodymaker is in operation forming a can body. 2. The redraw assembly of claim 1, wherein the aspect comprises one or more of the vertical and/or lateral positioning of the redraw sleeve relative to the hold down body. 3. The redraw assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a number of cam bolts (156), each cam bolt positioned among the redraw sleeve assembly and the hold down body in a manner such that rotation of the cam bolt selectively adjusts the relative positioning of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in a predetermined manner; and a corresponding number of actuators (158), each actuator coupled with a corresponding cam bolt, wherein each actuator is selectively actuatable via the controller and structured to selectively rotate the corresponding cam bolt as directed by the controller. 4. The redraw assembly of claim 3, wherein each actuator of the corresponding number of actuators is an electrical actuator or a pneumatic actuator. 5. The redraw assembly of claim 3, wherein the number of cam bolts comprises a plurality of cam bolts, and wherein the corresponding number of actuators comprises a plurality of actuators, each actuator of the plurality being coupled to a corresponding cam bolt of the plurality of cam bolts. 6. The redraw assembly of claim 1, further comprising a position sensor (160) in communication with the controller, wherein the position sensor is structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the position of one or more components of the can bodymaker, and wherein the controller is structured to dynamically adjust the position of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in response to the number of signals. 7. The redraw assembly of claim 1, wherein the aspect comprises the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. 8. The redraw assembly of claim 7, further comprising a number of load cells (190) positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body and in communication with the controller, wherein each load cell is structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the force applied by the redraw sleeve to the controller, and wherein the controller is structured to adjust the force. 9. The redraw assembly of claim 7, further comprising: an airbag (172) positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body, the airbag structured to contain a quantity of a gas within the airbag; and a pressure regulator (176) in communication with the controller, the pressure regulator structured to regulate a pressure of the gas within the airbag, wherein the controller is structured to control operation of the pressure regulator to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. 10. The redraw assembly of claim 7, further comprising: a number of hydraulic actuators (180) positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body; and a source of hydraulic pressure in fluid communication with each hydraulic actuator and in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the controller is structured to control the source of hydraulic pressure to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. 11. A bodymaker (110) comprising: a frame (111); a ram (12) slidably coupled to the frame; a toolpack (116) coupled to the frame; a drive mechanism (114) coupled to the ram and structured to impart a reciprocating motion to the ram to reciprocate between a first retracted position, wherein the ram is spaced from the toolpack, and a second extended position, wherein the ram extends through the toolpack; and a redraw assembly (118) comprising: a hold down body (150) slidably coupled to the frame; a redraw sleeve assembly having a redraw sleeve (140) adjustably coupled to the hold down body and structured to apply a force to a cup engaged with the toolpack; and a controller (154) structured to dynamically adjust an aspect of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body during operation of the bodymaker. 12. The bodymaker of claim 11, wherein the aspect comprises one or more of the vertical and/or lateral positioning of the redraw sleeve relative to the hold down body. 13. The bodymaker of claim 12, further comprising: a number of cam bolts (156), each cam bolt positioned among the redraw sleeve assembly and the hold down body in a manner such that rotation of the cam bolt selectively adjusts the relative positioning of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in a predetermined manner; and a corresponding number of actuators (158), each actuator coupled with a corresponding cam bolt, wherein each actuator is selectively actuatable via the controller and structured to selectively rotate the corresponding cam bolt as directed by the controller. 14. The bodymaker of claim 13, wherein each actuator of the corresponding number of actuators is an electrical actuator or a pneumatic actuator. 15. The bodymaker of claim 13, wherein the number of cam bolts comprises a plurality of cam bolts, and wherein the corresponding number of actuators comprises a plurality of actuators, each actuator of the plurality being coupled to a corresponding cam bolt of the plurality of cam bolts. 16. The bodymaker of claim 11, wherein the redraw assembly further comprises a position sensor (160) in communication with the controller, wherein the position sensor is structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the position of one or more of the ram, a punch disposed on the ram, and/or a portion of the toolpack wherein the controller is structured to dynamically adjust the position of the redraw sleeve with respect to the hold down body in response to the number of signals. 17. The bodymaker of claim 11, wherein the aspect comprises the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. 18. The bodymaker of claim 17, wherein the redraw assembly further comprises a number of load cells (190) positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body and in communication with the controller, wherein each load cell is structured to provide a number of signals indicative of the force applied by the redraw sleeve to the controller, and wherein the controller is structured to adjust the force. 19. The bodymaker of claim 17, wherein the redraw assembly further comprises: an airbag (172) positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body, the airbag structured to contain a quantity of a gas within the airbag; and a pressure regulator (176) in communication with the controller, the pressure regulator structured to regulate a pressure of the gas within the airbag, and wherein the controller is structured to control operation of the pressure regulator to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply. 20. The bodymaker of claim 17, wherein the redraw assembly further comprises: a number of hydraulic actuators (180) positioned between the redraw sleeve and the hold down body; and a source of hydraulic pressure in fluid communication with each hydraulic actuator and in electrical communication with the controller, and wherein the controller is structured to control the source of hydraulic pressure to selectively vary the force that the redraw sleeve is structured to apply.