JPH05305374A - Method for forming neck to container - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To manufacture a container with a high speedy device by moving a punch at a faster speed than that of the container and deforming the end of the container in the method for forming a neck to a thin wall container having an open end. CONSTITUTION: Neck forming work is performed during the arc-like movement span of about 100 deg. of a turret along a circular path, and the turret begins to move upward along an increasing curve from just after 0 deg. point to 50 deg. point. As shown clearly by the curve 240 expressing the movement of a punch, the punch does not move vertically and a valve means is held at the closed position during the initial 15 deg. of rotational movement, the punch moves upward at a slower speed than the moving speed of the container and the valve means is opened at 15 deg. point, and the container is completely pressurized. The rising of the punch becomes equal to or larger than the rising movement of the container and the speed of the punch becomes larger than the speed of the container wall at the rotating point of 29 deg..

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for making a container having a small diameter end near the open end and having an outwardly facing flange thereon. In particular, it relates to a modular device that can be easily adapted to modify the small diameter end.

[0002]

The most common type of metal container used in the beer and liquor industry is what is commonly referred to as a two-piece can. The two pieces are a first piece made of a cylindrical can body whose one end is closed by an integral end wall, and
After the filling process, a so-called double seam process with a separately formed end plate attached to the top of the container. In the case of a cylindrical body, the double seam process creates a seam that extends beyond the circumference of the container body. In such cases, recently, a neck-in portion has been formed near the open end of the container body so that the double seam between the container body and the end plate is located at the peripheral boundary surface of the cylindrical container body. It is becoming common to do so. This makes the packaging of the container more compact, which saves on overall shipping and storage costs.

Since the demand for this neck-in type container is gradually increasing, great efforts are made to develop a device capable of quickly and reliably reducing the thickness of the neck portion and the peripheral edge of the container body. Came. With increasing material costs, it is desirable to minimize material usage while maintaining container integrity. What the manufacturer has learned about where to reduce the amount of material used to make the final packaging container is to reduce the wall thickness of the container sidewall. Efforts have been made to reduce the thickness of the initial material that is drawn and ironed into the final container, but the wall thickness of the cylindrical portion of the container is also reduced during this drawing and ironing process. The thickness of the side wall of the can body can be reduced to about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch), but in the case of beer and liquor containers, the end of the body is 0.3 to 0.33 mm. (0.01
2 to 0.013 inches) remains normal thickness.

[0004]

When reducing the metal thickness of the can body in this manner, a conventional annular neck forming die is used to essentially press the container against the annular die or the open end of the container or the container. There is an inherent problem in manufacturing the neck-in container by reducing the size of the neck-in portion at the open end of the. This is especially true when producing containers on high speed equipment.

A container which has been subjected to pulling and iron treatment,
Various devices have been proposed for producing containers having a single neck-in portion, a double neck-in portion, or a triple neck-in portion. These proposals are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,812,696.
Nos. 3,687,098, 3,983,729 and 4,070,888.

Due to the reduced wall thickness, another problem inherently occurs in shaping the container body during the neck forming process. Various proposals have been suggested to date, one of which is the use of pressurized fluid inside the container to increase the load bearing capacity of the container sidewall during the neck formation process. These processes present certain problems at high production rates.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a novel modular apparatus for making neck-in type containers comprises a plurality of substantially identical modules, each module comprising a plurality of modules. Two stations, each having a station, and each station being moved toward and away from each other by cam means to produce a container having either a single neck, a double neck or a triple neck of various diameters. It has a movable member. It will be appreciated that one module can be added to provide a flange to a single, double or triple necked container. Numerous effects are achieved by treating the container in a vertical orientation. These effects include the fact that the neck is secured perpendicular to the container body, the transmission of gravity, and the ease of operation when the jam has to be released. It is not limited. Different functions are performed in separate parts of each module.

One important feature of the present invention is that the cam means used to engage the container with the neck forming die is segmented such that one segment can be removed and replaced with another segment in minutes. It is possible that the neck forming operation can be modified to form a container with a single neck, a double neck or a triple neck without changing any other parts of the neck forming device.

Each module forming a neck on the container is
Preferably, it comprises a turret rotatable about a fixed axis, the turret having a plurality of the same neck forming stations around it, each neck forming station comprising a fixed neck forming die and a fixed turret. It has a punch reciprocally movable along an axis parallel to the axis, and also a platform movable along said axis, said punch and platform being movable by a cam and a cam follower.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the cam and cam follower are directly engaged with each other by a pressurizing means which is either a pressurized air fluid, a pressurized hydraulic fluid or a combination of the two. Is always maintained. Also, the pressure means for maintaining the cam and cam follower in engagement provide a centering action between the movable base and the neck forming die, thereby reducing the risk of misalignment of these two parts. It

According to yet another feature of the invention, the apparatus for forming a neck on a container also includes means for delivering a pressurized fluid to the container prior to making a substantial deformation of the metal. The pressing means for the container preferably comprises a holding chamber located close to the necking die so that the container is fully pressurized before entering the necking die. The pressurizing means is
A valve is also defined between the neck forming die and the embossing punch to deliver pressurized fluid to the container to fully pressurize the container prior to entering the actual neck forming operation. This valve is preferably an integral part of the instrument and is an annular valve that can quickly pressurize the can to increase the working speed of the machine. The holding chamber is also preferably annular so that a large amount of fluid can be fed into the container in a short time to further increase the production rate.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention can be implemented in many different forms,
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and described in detail below. It should be understood that the disclosure herein is illustrative of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the invention to these examples.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown in plan view an overall neck and flanging apparatus designed to produce a container having a triple neck and an outwardly facing flange. Such containers are now popular because they reduce the amount of thick metal required to form the ends. The completed triple necked container is shown in FIG.

The neck and flanging device comprises a container feeder, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, which feeds the container to a first transfer wheel, indicated generally by the reference numeral 22. Supply. The first transfer wheel 22 feeds the container to a first neck forming module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 24, where the container is formed with a first neck, as described below. The first necked container is then fed to a second transfer wheel 26 which feeds the container to a second neck forming module 28 where the container is formed with a second neck. , To the third transfer wheel 30. The container is then sent to the third necking station 32 by a pair of transfer wheels 34 and 36. A third neck is formed in this third neck forming module 32 and the container is then conveyed by a further transfer wheel 38 to a flanging module 40 where an outwardly facing flange is formed on the container. , And is sent to a transfer wheel 42 and sent to a discharge conveyor (not shown).

According to one feature of the invention, all movable members of the neck and flanging device are driven by a single drive means 44, which is connected to an output transmission 46. Is equipped with. The output transmission has an output shaft (not shown) to which gears are attached. Each of the transfer wheel, neck forming module and flanging module has a centrally located drive means and gears that mesh with each other to form a synchronized continuous drive mechanism between all parts on either side of it. ing.

The variable speed drive mechanism allows the speed of the module to be automatically increased and decreased to match the quantity of containers flowing through the module with the quantity of containers flowing to other parts of the container manufacturing line. Also, the variable speed drive mechanism allows the operator to accurately indicate the manufacturing unit. The neck and flanging device also has suitable arcuate guide elements 48 and 49 associated with each station and each transfer wheel.

According to one feature of the invention, each of the modules 24, 28, 32 and 40 has substantially the same structure of the frame and is therefore interchangeable with each other and the container to be formed. It can be added or removed depending on the format. Further, each neck forming module has a plurality of individual, identical neck forming stations that are circumferentially spaced, and 15 of these stations are shown in FIG. 1, but this number can be further increased. May decrease or decrease. Each neck forming station will be described in detail below. Each module (FIG. 14) has a container receiving section, a shaping section, a removing section, a rest / sort section, and a container discharge section, as described below.

The modular approach and C-shaped device configuration has a number of advantages. Since the frame structure of each module is the same, the inventory of parts can be significantly reduced. Further, the transfer wheels are all the same in structure, so that the inventory of parts can be further reduced. Due to the C-shaped floor layout, if there is only one operator at the center, all modules can be seen without moving.

Frame Structure As mentioned above, each module is identical in structure and comprises a framework generally indicated at 50 in FIG. The framework 50 comprises a lower frame member 52 and an upper frame 54, shown in plan view in FIG. 1, interconnected by columns 56.

The framework 50 is suitably supported on the manufacturing line as needed. The post 56 is suitably connected to the frame members 52 and 54 so that a solid structure is formed that ensures the alignment accuracy of the various moving parts, as described below.

During manufacture, each pair of lower and upper frame members 52 and 54 ensures an absolutely precise alignment between the frame members when they are assembled with a post and a rotary turret, shown generally at 70. The corresponding sets are machined and punched together as described. This precision of the equipment is very important for consistently producing high quality, uniform groove wall vessels.

The rotary turret assembly framework structure 50 forms a support for the rotary turret assembly 70. The rotary turret assembly 70 holds a plurality of identical neck forming stations 72 in fixed relation to each other around its periphery. As shown in FIG. 2, the turret assembly includes a lower turret 74 and an upper turret 76. The lower turret 74 is in the form of a hollow central drive shaft which extends through openings 80 and 82 in the frame members 52 and 54 and is rotatably supported by suitable bearing means, such as bearing means 84. The upper turret 76 is extendable and retractable with respect to the lower turret 74, and has a wedge mechanism 86.
Held in the adjusted position by. For example, if it is desired to change the mechanism to form a neck on containers of different heights, the telescoping lower and upper turrets will change the alignment of the neck forming station. You can reposition these turrets accurately without. Upper hub means 110
Form the upper support means of the neck forming station and extend radially from the upper turret 76. Similarly,
The lower hub means 112 extends radially outward from the lower turret 82 and supports the lower portion of the neck forming station 72. The hub means has alignment portions on its outer circumference, which are machined in corresponding pairs to ensure alignment accuracy between the upper and lower portions of the neck forming station 72.

Neck Forming Station The neck forming station is shown in detail in FIGS. This station includes a lower container lifting portion, generally indicated by reference numeral 130, and a reference numeral 132.
It can be seen that it has an upper shaping or neck forming portion, generally indicated in FIG. The lower container lifting portion 130 comprises an outer cylindrical member or sleeve 140, which generally has a circular opening 14.
Have two. A ram or piston 144 reciprocates within this opening 142. The lower end of the ram 144 has a cam follower 146 (FIG. 2) that follows the cam 148 supported by the lower frame member 52. Lamb 1
The upper end of 44 is a container base 150, which cooperates with the sleeve 140 to form a fluidic centering mechanism generally indicated by the reference numeral 154.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper neck forming portion 132 is a fixed neck forming die element 1.
A die neck device 1 having 60
The 60 is secured to the hollow cartridge 166 by a threaded cap 164. Cartridge 166
Has an opening 168 in which plunger 170 is reciprocally mounted. An embossing punch or internal shaping member 172 is supported at the lower end of the plunger 170.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plunger 170
At its upper end, a cam follower 180 is rotatably supported, which constantly engages the upper cam 182, a plot of which is shown at 240 in FIG.

Vessel Pressing Mechanism According to one feature of the invention, the neck forming apparatus of the present invention provides for automatically and completely pressurizing the container prior to substantial metal deformation in the neck forming operation. Equipped with unique container pressurizing means. As shown in FIG. 4, the annular sleeve 162 has a large groove 200 and a sleeve 202 associated therewith, which are annular chambers 2.
Work together to define 04. The annular chamber 204 communicates with a supply chamber 208 formed in the hub means 110 of the turret assembly 70 via a conduit 206.

The annular upper edge of the neck forming die 160 cooperates with the upper peripheral edge of the embossing punch 172 to form the annular valve means 2
Define 10. This annular valve means, as shown in FIG. 4, includes a horizontal upper edge 212 of the neck forming die 160, which is an elastic gasket received in an annular groove 216 provided in the upper edge of the embossing punch 172. Collaborate with 214. The embossing punch 172 has one or more flow passages 218 so that the interior of the neck forming die is in communication with the open end of the container when the valve forming means 210 is opened. Therefore, when the elements 212 and 214 are in the position shown in FIG.
04 is sealed to prevent fluid from flowing into the flow path 218.

The operation sequence of the container pressurizing means is shown in FIG.
Best understood by describing FIGS. 5 and 6. In the first position shown in FIG. 4, the container C is at the lowest position relative to the neck forming die 160 and is remote from the die 160. On the other hand, the valve means 210 is closed, and the annular chamber 204 is pressurized with a predetermined amount of air kept at a predetermined pressure, and the predetermined pressure is such that the pressurized air fluid flows from the annular chamber 204 into the container C. Sufficient pressure to establish a predetermined pressure in the container when pumped into. The platform 150 is then lifted by a suitably shaped cam 148, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 13, and the container engages the tapered lower end of the neck forming die 160 to the left of FIG. It is moved upwards a sufficient distance to move towards the indicated position. After the top edge of the container has passed through the tapered portion of the neck forming die 160,
The embossing punch is moved upwards a short distance to open the valve means 210 in the position shown on the left side of FIG. After all this has been done, the metal around the open upper end of the container C is significantly deformed. During this time, an air seal is formed on the inner surface of the neck forming die 160 and the outer surface of the container C. Since the pressurized air fluid holding chamber 204 is annular, all the fluid rapidly flows into the container,
During the first operation, the container is fully pressurized before any substantial metal deformation takes place.

In practice, this pressure must be sufficient to provide adequate column strength for the thin side walls of the container. With the current wall thickness, about 0.7 to 1.26 kg / cm ² (10
Pressures of up to 18 psi are sufficient.

When the container and embossing punch are in the position shown in the left part of FIG. 5, both the embossing punch and the container are generally moved upwards to the position shown in the right part of FIG. Here, the neck forming work is started. At this time, the container is fully pressurized and the thin walls of the container are able to withstand the large axial loads experienced during the actual neck forming operation. In more detail, the container reaches its maximum pressure before a substantial column load occurs on the sidewall.

The container and punch are then moved, generally as a unit, from the position shown in the right part of FIG. 5 to the position of the left part of FIG. 6, where the first part
The staged necked container is completed. The container and embossing punch are then moved in the opposite direction from the position shown in the left part of FIG. 6 to the position shown in its right part and the container is removed from the neck forming die. Thus, the container is kept under pressure throughout this working stage until it is actually removed from the embossing punch by any suitable means such as pressurized air. The relative movement of the punch and container will be discussed in more detail below when describing the cam configuration between the platform and the embossing punch.

After the first neck forming operation is completed, the container is transported by the transfer wheel 26 (FIG. 1) to the next module, where the second neck forming operation is performed, and FIG.
The double-necked container shown in FIG. This double-necked container is then fed by a transfer wheel 30, 34 and 36, which is part of the drive module, to a third neck-forming module 32 and, as shown in FIG.
Neck is formed. The sequence of container wall deformation and flanging is shown in FIG.

The triple-necked container is then fed by the transfer wheel 38 to a flanging module 40, where the outwardly facing flange is formed, FIG.
It will be the final container shown in.

CAM STRUCTURE AND SHAPE As stated above, the cam 148 ensures proper functioning of the unit so that the container is not distorted during the neck forming operation.
The shape and structure of 182 and 182 are important. As will be appreciated, both cams 148 and 182 extend the entire circumference of the circular path of each neck forming station 72 and are configured to provide the desired movement of the container and / or embossing punch during each cycle or rotation. It has an exposed surface.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cam 148
And 182 are shaped such that the movement of the container and punches pulls the metal at the open upper end of container C towards the die and / or stretches around the embossing punch during the neck forming operation. This operation reduces the shaping load on the thin wall of the container and prevents the side wall from collapsing during shaping. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the movement of the embossing punch during the first neck forming operation, represented by the curve generally designated by the reference numeral 240.

Further, as is clear from the graph of FIG.
All necking operations are performed during the approximately 100 ° arcuate motion span of the turret along the circular path. Furthermore, FIG.
As indicated by the curve 242 in FIG.
Immediately after the ° point, to the point of about 50 ° on the turret, it begins to move upwards along a ramp curve with a substantially constant slope. On the other hand, the curve 24 representing the movement of the internal shaping device 172
As is clear from 0, the first about 1 of its rotational movement
During 5 °, the punch 172 does not move vertically, so that the upper edge of the container is just beyond the tapered portion of the neck forming die 160 as shown in the left portion of FIG. The valve means 210 is held in the closed position until the upper edge of the container is in a position to form an air seal between the and the inner surface of the neck forming die.

At a point of about 15 °, the embossing punch 17
The 2 is moved slightly upward at a rate substantially lower than the rate of movement of the container at this point to open the valve means 210 and fully pressurize the container prior to further deformation. Note that at a rotation point of about 29 °, the lift of the punch is equal to or slightly greater than the lift movement of the container, so the punch moves upwards at a slightly faster rate than the container. In other words, the velocity (V1) of the embossing punch is higher than the velocity (V2) of the container wall. The required pressure can be reduced by the difference between these speeds. This is because the metal on the side wall is stretched and the side wall of the container is pulled upward. Thereby, the part of the container which is now being deformed is not actually shaped inward during this neck forming operation, but is actually due to the relative upward movement of the embossing punch relative to the upper end of the container. Pulled towards. This reduces the risk of the sidewalls collapsing and other imperfections. This constitutes the neck forming station.

When the neck forming work is completed, the embossing punch reaches a position where it approaches the container but does not contact it.
Move towards the container, during which the container is at rest. The container and punch then both move at the same rate, which is maintained until the container is removed from the die. During this removal, the pressurized air in the container pushes the container from the embossing punch against the platform until the container is disengaged from the embossing punch.

According to one important feature of the invention, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, at least the lower cam 148 (FIG. 2), which describes a 360 ° circular pattern for each neck forming station 72, allows different forms of neck forming operation to be performed on a given neck forming device. It has a small section that can be easily removed and replaced quickly. As an example (though not limited to this), with particular reference to FIG.
8 has a section encompassing about 110 ° of rotation of the turret, which section can be easily removed and replaced.
It is held in place by a single securing means 149 (Fig. 2). Therefore, as will be described in more detail below, if a different neck shape is desired at the top of the container, the securing means 14
It is only necessary to remove 9 and replace the cam section with a cam section of the desired shape, which is not a necking operation, but a pause for that section. Also, because the sections are removable and are held by several screws, the cams can be removed and replaced in a matter of minutes, thereby changing from one cam shape to another. The time required to change is minimized.

Referring to FIG. 14, all necking is done during approximately one-third of the rotation cycle and another one-third.
Is the rest time during which the chamber is pressurized and is loaded and unloaded during about another third.

FIG. 13 shows the cam geometry for all modules based on the required neck geometry. Thus, the cam 242 will have a 3 when the triple neck configuration is desired.
Used in all three modules, the cam 244 is used in two of the three modules when double necking is performed.
One of the three modules (a dwell cam is used for the third module) and the cam 246 is used for one of the three modules when in the single neck formation mode (the other two are used). A rest cam is used for the module).

FIG. 16 illustrates, by way of example, the cams required for each module for each combination of necks desired for the container. Therefore, when the neck shape of the container is selected, the cams required for it are listed. Figure 1
As is clear from 7, it is possible to manufacture a large number of necked containers of various body diameters without changing the instrument of the module. For example, referring to the top row of FIG.
To form a single neck with a diameter cam (2 11/16 "), a 211-209 single neck cam is installed in the first module and rest cams are installed in the second and third modules. , 207.5 diameter cam (2
If it is desired to form a single neck at 15/32 "), a rest cam is attached to the first and second modules and a single neck cam is attached to the third module. In the example, the single neck cam used for the third module is in fact the same as the one used for the first module to form a single neck with the 211 cams. , Double neck cam and triple neck cam can be replaced.Actual cam replacement can be done in minutes, minimizing production line cam replacement time.Quick release fixture 149 Is further shortened.

Lubrication, Pressurization and Centering Means According to yet another feature of the invention, the neck and flanging device of the invention maintains all parts axially aligned with one another while at the same time providing a cam follower with its associated parts. A new and unique lubrication that keeps the cams engaged at all times, yet eliminates the second set of cam followers previously required to properly move the cam followers relative to the cams. Equipped with pressure and centering mechanism. The lubrication and self-centering means will be described with reference to FIG. 10 together with the lower base assembly described above.

In particular, referring to FIG. 10, the circular opening 142 for the cylindrical member or cylinder 144 has a small diameter portion 310 at its upper end and a slightly larger portion 312 at its lower end. An annular recess 314 is arranged at the lower end of the small diameter portion 310. A gasket seal 316 is disposed in the annular recess, dividing the small diameter portion 310 into a single chamber and the large portion 312.
Is divided into a second chamber. Yet another suitable seal 320
And 322 are located at the upper and lower ends of the opening 142, respectively, to engage the piston 144 and thus the opening is divided into two chamber sections.

Pressurized air is delivered from a suitable source to a valve mechanism 330 at the upper end of the turret 70, which mechanism is aligned with the shaft 74 and has a stationary portion and a rotating portion. Therefore, the pressurized air is sent to the plurality of conduits 334 as many as the number of stations of the turret 70 through the annular chamber 332. The lower end of the conduit 334 has an opening 33 extending through the lower hub means 112.
6 and communicates with the small diameter portion 310 of the opening 142. Similarly, the piston or plunger 144 has a portion 340 of slightly smaller diameter, which defines a shoulder located in the upper chamber 310.

The rotary valve 330 has a hollow shaft 7
4 also controls the hydraulic fluid flowing in the axial opening 343 aligned in the center of the four, which is in communication with the conduit 344, which is hydraulically connected to the opening 346 located in the lower hub means 112 of the turret. Supply fluid.
The opening 346 communicates with a small annular chamber defined between the plunger or outer peripheral surface of the piston 144 and the large opening 312.

In the configuration extended above, the conduit 334
A continuous supply of pressurized air through the shoulder 342 exerts a downward force continuously, maintaining constant contact between the cam followers 146 and 148 regardless of the position of the turret relative to the cam. Similarly, conduit 334, opening 3
A continuous flow of pressurized air fluid through 36 forms a centering means for constantly centering the piston or plunger 144 with respect to its outer cylinder 140.
In this regard, the continuous flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid through conduit 344 and opening 346 provides a continuous centering action between the lower end of piston 144 and cylinder 140. The air fluid centering means also acts as an air spring to absorb the impact of the downward movement end of the container. In other words, the pressurized hydraulic fluid and the pneumatic fluid form a pressure jacket around the piston and are not subject to mechanical alignment.

The same lubrication system used as a self-centering mechanism for the upper and lower pistons can likewise be used as an automatic lubrication means for the various parts of the system. For example, an annular opening 350 may be provided in the plunger or piston 144 to allow the large portion 31 of the opening 142 to
By communicating with the small annular chamber formed by 2, it is possible to lubricate the cam follower and the cam at a continuous flow rate.

Flanging Assemblies Flanging assemblies or units 40 can take many different forms, but with the same basic frame as they replace the other frame structures of the assembly shown in FIG. A structured type is preferable. The flanging assembly does not form a part of the present invention, and thus the particular flanging assembly will not be described in detail. However, for purposes of illustration, a flanging assembly referred to as Model 760 Necker-Necker-Flanger can be readily incorporated into the neck and flanging assembly of the present invention.

Alternative Basic Device Since the device is modular, the device is configured to produce containers with a single neck-in portion, double neck-in portion or triple neck-in portion. can do.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the flexibility of the device of the present invention, which is a module of substantially the same construction with a single drive as the power source for the entire device. Composed.

Comparing FIG. 11 with FIG. 1, the apparatus shown in plan view in FIG. 1 is designed to produce a container having a flange and a triple neck with a single drive means 44. . The entire system of modules can be reconfigured to perform a single neck forming and flanging operation as shown in FIG. For example, but not limiting of, using two modules and placing the drive unit 44 between the modules, the first module being the neck forming module 28 and the second module being the flanging module 40, a single neck. The device can first be configured to manufacture the container. In such operation, a single neck container can be readily formed using two modules constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Similar to the first module 28, except for the shape of the cam, so that additional capital investment can be saved by establishing economic conditions, so that a double necked container can be formed with the same basic equipment. The single neck former shown in FIG. 12 can easily be changed to the double neck former shown in FIG. 11 by purchasing another module 24 of FIG. If at some point it is required to manufacture a single necked container for a short period of time, then FIG.
Change the module 24 shown in to a dormant module,
It is possible to change from the production of double necked containers to the production of single necked containers. Similarly, the triple necked container manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 can be replaced by a single neck container manufacturing operation, a dual necked container manufacturing operation within a few minutes at any time by simply replacing the single cam section of each module. It can be modified for a neck container manufacturing operation or a triple neck container manufacturing operation.

Although the present invention has been described above with respect to single, double, and triple neck formations, the principles of the invention disclosed herein are readily achievable with five or more reductions or shapings. It will be appreciated that it can be extended.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 illustrates a neck and flange forming device incorporating the modular features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing two neck forming stations provided in one module shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one neck forming station.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a neck forming die assembly.

5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the stages when the container is moved to a neck forming die.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing a container with a neck formed.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the container after the second neck forming operation.

8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the container after the third neck forming operation.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a triple-necked and flanged finished container.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a centering mechanism for a container support member at a station.

FIG. 11 shows a neck and flange forming device for forming a double neck and flange on a container.

FIG. 12 illustrates a neck and flanging device for forming a single neck and flange on a container.

FIG. 13 is a graph plotting the movement of the container support member and the internal shaping device.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the functions performed during movement of the container around the functional area of the neck forming turret.

FIG. 15 shows the steps of forming a triple necked and flanged container.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing flexibility in the idea of modules.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing three neck forming operations performed on the upper end of the container.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 Container Supply Device 22 First Transfer Wheel 24 First Neck Forming Module 26 Second Transfer Wheel 28 Second Neck Forming Module 30 Third Transfer Wheel 32 Third Neck Forming Module 34, 36, 38 Transfer Wheel 40 Flanging Module 42 Transfer Wheel 44 Single Drive Means 46 Transmission 48,49 Guide Element 50 Frame 54 Frame 56 Pillar 70 Rotary Turret Assembly 74 Lower Turret 76 Upper Turret 84 Bearing Means 86 Wedge Mechanism 130 Lower Container Lifting Part 132 Upper Shaping or Neck forming part 140 Sleeve 144 Piston 146 Cam follower 150 Container base 154 Centering mechanism 160 Neck forming die element 166 Cartridge 170 Plunger 172 Press punch 180 cam follower 210 valve means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A method of forming a neck in a thin-walled container having an open end, wherein the container is positioned such that the open end is directed at a relatively stationary neck forming die and a punch movable within the neck forming die. Moving to engage the wall of the container between the punch and the die and move the punch in the same direction as the container substantially simultaneously so that the punch moves at a faster speed than the container. A method characterized by deforming the edges of the. 2. A method of forming a neck on a container as claimed in claim 1 wherein a seal is provided between the open end of the container and the die and the container is pressurized prior to significant deformation of the container wall. 3. The method of forming a neck on a container according to claim 2, wherein a predetermined amount of fluid at a predetermined pressure is accumulated in the immediate vicinity of the neck forming die and the fluid is released by an initial movement of the punch. 4. The method of forming a neck on a container according to claim 1, wherein the deformation comprises stretching the container wall. 5. The method of forming a neck on a container according to claim 1, wherein the deformation comprises pulling on the container wall. 6. The deformation comprises pulling the container wall toward the neck forming die by a punch.
A method of forming a neck on a container according to.