US20020148266A1 - Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making Download PDFInfo
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- US20020148266A1 US20020148266A1 US10/160,598 US16059802A US2002148266A1 US 20020148266 A1 US20020148266 A1 US 20020148266A1 US 16059802 A US16059802 A US 16059802A US 2002148266 A1 US2002148266 A1 US 2002148266A1
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- necking
- wheel
- gear
- machine
- input feed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
- B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
- B21D51/26—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects cans or tins; Closing same in a permanent manner
- B21D51/2692—Manipulating, e.g. feeding and positioning devices; Control systems
Definitions
- the current invention is directed to a method and apparatus for closely coupling machines, such as multi-stage necking machines, used to perform successive operations on cans.
- Two piece cans are conventionally used to package beverages, such as beer and carbonated soft drinks.
- Such cans are often made from aluminum and are formed by attaching a circular lid to a generally cylindrical can body formed by a drawing and ironing process.
- the diameter of the open end of the can body is reduced prior to attaching the lid in order to enable reducing the diameter of the lid.
- the reduction in the diameter of the can end is accomplished in a series of operations referred to as “necking.”
- FIG. 1 shows the open end 3 of a can body 2 as it undergoes successive necking operations. Although, for simplicity, only three discrete necking operations are shown in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that a larger number necking operations will frequently be utilized.
- a variety of methods have been employed to perform the necking operation. In one approach, referred to as die necking and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
- FIGS. 2 - 5 A variety of machines have been developed for necking can ends.
- One such machine 6 which employs a die necking process, is shown in FIGS. 2 - 5 .
- Such machines are available from Belvac Production Machinery of Lynchburg, Va., as model 595 6N/8.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 such machines typically comprise a plurality of modules, designated 11 , 17 , 19 , and 21 , attached to a unitary base 5 .
- An input chute 8 directs the can bodies 2 to an input module 11 —specifically, to one of the pockets of a multi-pocket input feed wheel 10 that forms a portion of the input module.
- the input feed wheel 10 is constructed similar to the intermediate wheels 18 , discussed below, except that its pockets have a saw tooth geometry that aids in picking cans from the input chute 8 .
- the input feed wheel 10 carries the can body counterclockwise, when viewed from the front, approximately 210° and deposits it into a first necking module 17 —specifically, into one of the pockets of a multi-pocket rotary necking station 16 that forms a portion of the necking module.
- the open end of the can body 2 is brought into contact with a die so as to reduce its diameter slightly, as previously discussed.
- the rotary necking station 16 carries the partially necked can body clockwise and deposits it into a first intermediate module 19 —specifically to one of the pockets of a multi-pocket intermediate wheel 18 that forms a portion of the intermediate module.
- the intermediate wheel 18 carries the can body counterclockwise and deposits it into one of the pockets of the next multi-pocket rotary necking station 16 , which further reduces the diameter of the can end.
- a intermediate wheel 18 is disposed between each pair of necking stations 16 and carries the can body from the each necking station to the next down stream necking station.
- the necking process is repeated in each necking station 16 of the machine 2 so as to gradually reduce the diameter of the can end 3 .
- As many as nine necking stations 16 may be incorporated into a single machine 2 .
- each intermediate module 19 comprises a base plate 64 that supports a bearing housing 60 and rear support plate 62 that, in turn, support the drive shaft 32 for the intermediate module.
- the drive shaft 32 is driven by a gear 24 , affixed to its rear end, as discussed further below.
- the shaft 32 has a hub 90 at its front end that supports the intermediate wheel 18 .
- the intermediate wheel 18 has a plurality of pockets 56 formed on its rim 94 .
- Circumferentially extending front and rear stationary plates 92 and 93 respectively, project outward from the hub 90 and extend to just below the rotating rim 94 so as to form an annular passage 95 .
- a pair of baffles (not shown) divide the annular passage into upper and lower halves 95 ′ and 95 ′′, respectively.
- Piping 88 conveys suction 99 from a vacuum source 84 to a valve 86 .
- a manifold 87 directs the suction from the valve 86 to the lower portion 95 ′′ of the annular passage via openings 97 in the lower half of plate 93 .
- the suction 99 is directed to each of the pockets 56 in the lower half of the wheel 18 via the vacuum ports 58 .
- the upper portion 95 ′ of the annular passage is vented to atmosphere via an opening 96 in the upper half of plate 93 .
- suction 99 is applied to the pockets 56 as they rotate counterclockwise past the lower portion 95 ′′ of the annular passage and is released as they rotate past the upper portion 95 ′ of the annular passage—that is, suction is applied to each of the pockets 56 from about the 3 o'clock location, at which time the they receive a can body 2 from the upstream necking module 17 , to about the 9 o'clock location, at which time they discharge the can body to the downstream necking module.
- a set of upper and lower guide plates 66 and 70 are located in front of the intermediate wheel 18 .
- another set of upper and lower guide plates 68 and 72 are located behind the transfer wheel.
- the guide plates are supported from a bracket 78 by spacers 74 , 76 , 80 and 82 .
- the guide plates ensure that the can bodies maintain their position along the flow path formed by the intermediate module 18 .
- the last necking module 16 deposits the can body 2 to a discharge module 21 —specifically to one of the pockets in a discharge wheel 20 that forms a portion of the discharge module.
- the discharge wheel 20 which is constructed similar to the intermediate wheels 18 , carries the can body counterclockwise and deposits it into a discharge chute 22 .
- the can body 2 is carried circumferentionally by the wheels 10 , 18 and 20 and necking stations 16 , the general flow path of the can body through the machine is along a linear, horizontally oriented path from left to right as viewed in FIG. 2.
- the input feed module 10 and the discharge module 21 each employ a suction system for retaining and releasing can bodies of the type describe above with reference to the intermediate module 19 .
- the input feed wheel 10 , intermediate wheels 18 , and discharge wheel 20 are each driven by a shaft 31 that is, in turn, driven by a gear 24 .
- the necking stations 16 are also driven by a shaft 34 driven by a gear 24 .
- the gears 24 are indexed and meshed so that the pockets of one component are in registration with the pockets of the adjacent components.
- One of the gears 24 ′ is driven through a gear box 26 by a motor 28 using a belt drive 30 .
- the gear 24 ′ then drives the two immediately adjacent gears 24 , which, in turn, drive the next gears, and so on.
- the gear train for the necking machine comprises a row of gears each of which engages the adjacent gear.
- the gear 24 ′ that is driven directly the gear box is part of the intermediate module 19 ′ is located in the center of the machine.
- the first machine comprises first rotating means for performing at least one of the operations on the can, such as necking operations, so as to produce a partially operated upon can, and a first gear train driving the first rotating operation performing means.
- the first machine may also comprise an input feed wheel and a discharge wheel.
- the first gear train preferably includes a first gear that drives the discharge wheel of the first machine.
- the second machine comprises second rotating means for performing at least a second of the operations on the can, such as an additional necking operation, so as to produce a further operated upon can, and a second gear train driving the second rotating operation performing means.
- the second machine may also comprise an input feed wheel and a discharge wheel.
- the second gear train preferably includes a second gear that drives the input wheel of the second machine.
- the system also includes a transfer means for (i) transferring the partially operated upon can from the first machine to the second machine, (ii) transferring power between the first and second gear trains, and (iii) synchronizing the operation of the first and second rotating operating performing means.
- the transfer means preferably includes a transfer wheel and a third gear. The transfer wheel is located to receive the partially operated upon can from the discharge wheel of the first machine and to deliver the can to the input feed wheel of the second machine. The transfer wheel is driven by the third gear, while the third gear drives one of the first and second gears and is driven by the other one of the first and second gears.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the open end of a can after each successive necking operation according to the prior art.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of a machine for necking can ends according to the prior art, with some of the guide plates removed for clarity.
- FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section through the intermediate module shown in FIG. 2 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a top view, partially schematic, of the necking machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the prior art.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view, partially schematic, of the necking machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the prior art.
- FIG. 6 is a front view, partially schematic, of a system for necking can ends, as shown in FIG. 1, employing two necking machines of the type shown in FIGS. 2 - 5 that are connected by a conveyor according to the prior art.
- FIG. 7 is a front view, partially schematic, of a system for necking can ends employing two necking machines closely coupled by a transition module according to the current invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view, partially schematic, of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 according to the current invention.
- FIG. 9 is a rear view, partially schematic, of the necking system shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the current invention.
- FIG. 10 is a detailed front view of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the current invention, with some of the guide plates removed for clarity.
- FIG. 11 is a detailed rear view of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the current invention.
- FIG. 12 is a detailed top view of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the current invention.
- FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section through the transition module shown in FIGS. 7 - 12 taken along line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 12.
- FIG. 14 is a transverse cross-section through the transition module shown in FIGS. 7 - 13 taken along line XIV-XIV shown in FIG. 13.
- FIGS. 7 - 9 A system 50 for necking can ends according to the current invention is shown in FIGS. 7 - 9 .
- the system 50 comprises upstream and downstream necking machines 6 ′ and 6 ′′ that are substantially the same as the necking machine 6 described above except for certain modifications discussed below.
- the necking machines 6 ′ and 6 ′′ are directly and closely coupled by a transfer module 52 .
- the transfer module 52 (i) transfers partially necked can bodies 2 from the first machine 6 ′ to the second machine 6 ′′ for completion of the necking operation, (ii) transfers power from the gear train of one machine to the gear train of the other machine, and (iii) synchronizes the rotation of the two machines.
- each of the necking machines 6 ′ and 6 ′′ shown in FIGS. 7 - 9 has been depicted as having four necking stations 16 .
- the necking machines 6 ′ and 6 ′′ will often have more than four necking stations 16 and, in fact, as previously discussed, according to current practice, as many as nine necking stations may be incorporated into each necking machine.
- the first necking machine 6 ′ has been modified by (i) removing the discharge chute 22 , and (ii) replacing the motor 28 with a larger motor 28 ′.
- the second necking machine 6 ′′ has been modified by (i) replacing the input feed wheel 10 with an input feed wheel 10 ′, which is substantially identical to the intermediate wheel 18 , and (ii) eliminating the motor 28 , gear box 26 and associated components.
- any piping or electrical conduits in the area to be occupied by the transfer module 52 must be relocated.
- transfer module 52 is similar to that of the intermediate modules 18 , discussed above, except for certain important differences, discussed immediately below.
- the rear and intermediate plates 100 and 102 respectively, form a rear annular chamber 106 that is in flow communication with the vacuum ports 58 formed in the pockets 56 .
- Baffles 112 and 114 extending between the rear and intermediate plates 100 and 102 divide the rear annular chamber 106 into upper and lower halves 106 ′ and 106 ′′, respectively.
- the intermediate and front plates 102 and 104 respectively, form a front annular chamber 108 .
- Openings 111 in the upper portion of intermediate plate 102 place the upper portion 106 ′ of the rear annular chamber into flow communication with the front annular chamber 108 .
- An opening 110 in the lower portion of the intermediate plate 102 places the front annular chamber 108 into flow communication with the vacuum manifold 87 ′, which extends through the lower portion 106 ′′ of the rear annular passage.
- the front annular chamber 108 serves as a passage between the upper portion 106 ′ of the rear annular chamber and the vacuum manifold 87 .
- An opening 118 in the rear plate 100 vents the lower portion 106 ′′ of the rear annular chamber to atmosphere.
- the transfer wheel 54 which rotates in an opposite direction from the intermediate wheels 18 , the input feed wheels 10 , 10 ′ and discharge wheel 20 —receives partially necked can bodies 2 from the pockets of the discharge wheel 20 of the upstream necking machine 6 ′ and delivers them into the pockets of the input feed wheel 10 ′ of the downstream necking machine 6 ′′.
- the pockets 56 are successively conveyed past the baffle 112 from the lower portion 106 ′′ of the rear annular chamber to the upper portion 106 ′.
- a suction 99 ′ is applied to the pockets 56 via a flow path formed between the holes 58 in the rim 94 and the vacuum manifold 87 ′.
- This flow path is formed by the upper portion 106 ′ of the rear annular chamber, the holes 110 and 111 in the intermediate plate 102 , and the front annular chamber 108 .
- suction 99 ′ is released.
- suction 99 ′ is applied to the pockets 56 as they rotate past the upper portion of the transfer module 52 and is released as they rotate past the lower portion—that is, suction is applied to each of the pockets 56 from about the 9 o'clock location, at which time the they receive a can body 2 from the upstream discharge module 20 , to about the 2:30 o'clock location, at which time they discharge the can body to the input wheel 10 ′ of the downstream necking module.
- a gear 25 is formed on the shaft 32 of the transfer module 52 and drives the rotation of the transfer wheel 54 .
- the transfer module drive gear 25 meshes with and is indexed with the gear 24 for the discharge module 21 of the upstream necking machine 6 ′ as well as the gear 24 for the feed module 11 ′ of the down stream necking machine 6 ′′.
- the gear 25 serves to synchronize the two machines—causing the two machines to operate at the same speed and the pockets 56 of the transfer wheel 54 to be in registration with the pockets of both the discharge wheel 20 of the upstream machine 6 ′ and the input feed wheel 10 ′ of downstream machine 6 ′′, for example, by aligning timing marks when the module 54 is coupled to the two necking machines.
- the motor and gear box for one of the necking machines is eliminated when the machines are coupled.
- the motor and gear box for second necking machine 6 ′′ has been eliminated, the invention could be practiced by eliminating the motor and gear box for the first necking machine 6 ′ instead.
- both necking machines 6 ′ and 6 ′′ are driven by a single motor 28 ′ that is, preferably, of larger capacity that the motor 28 conventionally used.
- the drive gear 25 for the transfer module 52 essentially integrates the gear trains of the two machines into a common gear train driven by a single motor 28 ′ and gear box 26 ′.
- the motor 28 ′ drives the gear 24 ′ for the central intermediate module 17 of the first necking machine 6 ′, it could be connected so as to drive any of the other gears 24 , 25 within the common gear train.
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Abstract
Description
- The current invention is directed to a method and apparatus for closely coupling machines, such as multi-stage necking machines, used to perform successive operations on cans.
- Two piece cans are conventionally used to package beverages, such as beer and carbonated soft drinks. Such cans are often made from aluminum and are formed by attaching a circular lid to a generally cylindrical can body formed by a drawing and ironing process. Typically, the diameter of the open end of the can body is reduced prior to attaching the lid in order to enable reducing the diameter of the lid. The reduction in the diameter of the can end is accomplished in a series of operations referred to as “necking.”
- In order to avoid wrinkling or otherwise undesirably distorting the can end, necking is performed in a number of incremental steps, with the diameter of the open end being reduced only slightly in each step. FIG. 1 shows the
open end 3 of acan body 2 as it undergoes successive necking operations. Although, for simplicity, only three discrete necking operations are shown in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that a larger number necking operations will frequently be utilized. A variety of methods have been employed to perform the necking operation. In one approach, referred to as die necking and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,755,130 (Tung et al.); 4,519,232 (Traczyk et al.) and 4,774,839 (Caleffi et al.), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the open end of the can body is forced into a die having an inwardly tapered surface that permanently deforms the metal inward. Another approach, referred to as “spin necking,” involves reducing the can end diameter by pressing the can end against a rotating tool. - A variety of machines have been developed for necking can ends. One
such machine 6, which employs a die necking process, is shown in FIGS. 2-5. Such machines are available from Belvac Production Machinery of Lynchburg, Va., as model 595 6N/8. As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, such machines typically comprise a plurality of modules, designated 11, 17, 19, and 21, attached to aunitary base 5. An input chute 8 directs thecan bodies 2 to aninput module 11—specifically, to one of the pockets of a multi-pocketinput feed wheel 10 that forms a portion of the input module. Theinput feed wheel 10 is constructed similar to theintermediate wheels 18, discussed below, except that its pockets have a saw tooth geometry that aids in picking cans from the input chute 8. Theinput feed wheel 10 carries the can body counterclockwise, when viewed from the front, approximately 210° and deposits it into afirst necking module 17—specifically, into one of the pockets of a multi-pocketrotary necking station 16 that forms a portion of the necking module. - Using techniques well known in the art, in the
necking station 16, the open end of thecan body 2 is brought into contact with a die so as to reduce its diameter slightly, as previously discussed. Therotary necking station 16 carries the partially necked can body clockwise and deposits it into a firstintermediate module 19—specifically to one of the pockets of a multi-pocketintermediate wheel 18 that forms a portion of the intermediate module. As discussed further below, theintermediate wheel 18 carries the can body counterclockwise and deposits it into one of the pockets of the next multi-pocketrotary necking station 16, which further reduces the diameter of the can end. Thus, aintermediate wheel 18 is disposed between each pair ofnecking stations 16 and carries the can body from the each necking station to the next down stream necking station. The necking process is repeated in eachnecking station 16 of themachine 2 so as to gradually reduce the diameter of the can end 3. As many as ninenecking stations 16 may be incorporated into asingle machine 2. - As shown in FIG. 3, each
intermediate module 19 comprises abase plate 64 that supports abearing housing 60 andrear support plate 62 that, in turn, support thedrive shaft 32 for the intermediate module. Thedrive shaft 32 is driven by agear 24, affixed to its rear end, as discussed further below. Theshaft 32 has ahub 90 at its front end that supports theintermediate wheel 18. As previously discussed, theintermediate wheel 18 has a plurality ofpockets 56 formed on itsrim 94. Circumferentially extending front and rearstationary plates hub 90 and extend to just below therotating rim 94 so as to form anannular passage 95. A pair of baffles (not shown) divide the annular passage into upper andlower halves 95′ and 95″, respectively. -
Piping 88 conveyssuction 99 from avacuum source 84 to avalve 86. Amanifold 87 directs the suction from thevalve 86 to thelower portion 95″ of the annular passage viaopenings 97 in the lower half ofplate 93. From thelower portion 95″ of the annular passage, thesuction 99 is directed to each of thepockets 56 in the lower half of thewheel 18 via thevacuum ports 58. Theupper portion 95′ of the annular passage is vented to atmosphere via an opening 96 in the upper half ofplate 93. Thus,suction 99 is applied to thepockets 56 as they rotate counterclockwise past thelower portion 95″ of the annular passage and is released as they rotate past theupper portion 95′ of the annular passage—that is, suction is applied to each of thepockets 56 from about the 3 o'clock location, at which time the they receive acan body 2 from theupstream necking module 17, to about the 9 o'clock location, at which time they discharge the can body to the downstream necking module. - A set of upper and
lower guide plates intermediate wheel 18. In addition, another set of upper andlower guide plates bracket 78 byspacers intermediate module 18. - Returning to FIG. 2, the
last necking module 16 deposits thecan body 2 to adischarge module 21—specifically to one of the pockets in adischarge wheel 20 that forms a portion of the discharge module. Thedischarge wheel 20, which is constructed similar to theintermediate wheels 18, carries the can body counterclockwise and deposits it into adischarge chute 22. Although thecan body 2 is carried circumferentionally by thewheels necking stations 16, the general flow path of the can body through the machine is along a linear, horizontally oriented path from left to right as viewed in FIG. 2. - The
input feed module 10 and thedischarge module 21 each employ a suction system for retaining and releasing can bodies of the type describe above with reference to theintermediate module 19. - As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the
input feed wheel 10,intermediate wheels 18, anddischarge wheel 20 are each driven by a shaft 31 that is, in turn, driven by agear 24. Thenecking stations 16 are also driven by ashaft 34 driven by agear 24. Thegears 24 are indexed and meshed so that the pockets of one component are in registration with the pockets of the adjacent components. One of thegears 24′ is driven through agear box 26 by amotor 28 using abelt drive 30. Thegear 24′ then drives the two immediatelyadjacent gears 24, which, in turn, drive the next gears, and so on. Thus, the gear train for the necking machine comprises a row of gears each of which engages the adjacent gear. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thegear 24′ that is driven directly the gear box is part of theintermediate module 19′ is located in the center of the machine. - In order to fully neck the
can body 2, it is generally necessary to perform more than the eight or nine necking operations available in conventional necking machines of the type shown in FIGS. 2-5. In the past, additional necking operations were performed by connecting two necking machines via aconveyor 40, as shown in FIG. 6, so that the second machine was downstream of the first machine and received partially necked can bodies from the first machine. The second machine then performed further necking operations on the can end. - Unfortunately, use of the
conveyor 40 to couple thenecking machines 6 has several drawbacks, including damage to the cans during conveyance and jamming of the cans in the conveyor, which requires a stoppage of the machines. Also, since the conveyor mixes the can from each necker, all of the components must be checked when a problem is detected in a can from one of the neckers. - Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for reliably transferring can bodies between two machines that perform operations sequentially on can bodies.
- It is an object of the current invention to provide a method and apparatus for reliably transferring can bodies between two machines that perform operations sequentially on can bodies. This and other objects is accomplished in a system for successively performing operations on a can in a plurality of discrete steps, comprising a first machine for performing a first portion of the operations on the can and a second machine for performing a second portion of the operations.
- The first machine comprises first rotating means for performing at least one of the operations on the can, such as necking operations, so as to produce a partially operated upon can, and a first gear train driving the first rotating operation performing means. The first machine may also comprise an input feed wheel and a discharge wheel. The first gear train preferably includes a first gear that drives the discharge wheel of the first machine.
- The second machine comprises second rotating means for performing at least a second of the operations on the can, such as an additional necking operation, so as to produce a further operated upon can, and a second gear train driving the second rotating operation performing means. The second machine may also comprise an input feed wheel and a discharge wheel. The second gear train preferably includes a second gear that drives the input wheel of the second machine.
- The system also includes a transfer means for (i) transferring the partially operated upon can from the first machine to the second machine, (ii) transferring power between the first and second gear trains, and (iii) synchronizing the operation of the first and second rotating operating performing means. The transfer means preferably includes a transfer wheel and a third gear. The transfer wheel is located to receive the partially operated upon can from the discharge wheel of the first machine and to deliver the can to the input feed wheel of the second machine. The transfer wheel is driven by the third gear, while the third gear drives one of the first and second gears and is driven by the other one of the first and second gears.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the open end of a can after each successive necking operation according to the prior art.
- FIG. 2 is a front view of a machine for necking can ends according to the prior art, with some of the guide plates removed for clarity.
- FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section through the intermediate module shown in FIG. 2 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a top view, partially schematic, of the necking machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the prior art.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view, partially schematic, of the necking machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the prior art.
- FIG. 6 is a front view, partially schematic, of a system for necking can ends, as shown in FIG. 1, employing two necking machines of the type shown in FIGS.2-5 that are connected by a conveyor according to the prior art.
- FIG. 7 is a front view, partially schematic, of a system for necking can ends employing two necking machines closely coupled by a transition module according to the current invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view, partially schematic, of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 according to the current invention.
- FIG. 9 is a rear view, partially schematic, of the necking system shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the current invention.
- FIG. 10 is a detailed front view of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the current invention, with some of the guide plates removed for clarity.
- FIG. 11 is a detailed rear view of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the current invention.
- FIG. 12 is a detailed top view of the necking system shown in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the current invention.
- FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section through the transition module shown in FIGS.7-12 taken along line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 12.
- FIG. 14 is a transverse cross-section through the transition module shown in FIGS.7-13 taken along line XIV-XIV shown in FIG. 13.
- A
system 50 for necking can ends according to the current invention is shown in FIGS. 7-9. Thesystem 50 comprises upstream anddownstream necking machines 6′ and 6″ that are substantially the same as the neckingmachine 6 described above except for certain modifications discussed below. According to the current invention, thenecking machines 6′ and 6″ are directly and closely coupled by atransfer module 52. As discussed in detail below, the transfer module 52 (i) transfers partially necked canbodies 2 from thefirst machine 6′ to thesecond machine 6″ for completion of the necking operation, (ii) transfers power from the gear train of one machine to the gear train of the other machine, and (iii) synchronizes the rotation of the two machines. - For simplicity, each of the
necking machines 6′ and 6″ shown in FIGS. 7-9 has been depicted as having four neckingstations 16. However, thenecking machines 6′ and 6″ will often have more than four neckingstations 16 and, in fact, as previously discussed, according to current practice, as many as nine necking stations may be incorporated into each necking machine. - As shown in FIGS.7-10, the
first necking machine 6′ has been modified by (i) removing thedischarge chute 22, and (ii) replacing themotor 28 with alarger motor 28′. Thesecond necking machine 6″ has been modified by (i) replacing theinput feed wheel 10 with aninput feed wheel 10′, which is substantially identical to theintermediate wheel 18, and (ii) eliminating themotor 28,gear box 26 and associated components. In addition, any piping or electrical conduits in the area to be occupied by thetransfer module 52 must be relocated. - The structure of
transfer module 52 is similar to that of theintermediate modules 18, discussed above, except for certain important differences, discussed immediately below. As shown best in FIGS. 13 and 14, three circumferentially extending stationary plates—arear plate 100, afront plate 104, and anintermediate plate 102—extend from thehub 90 to just below theperiphery 94 of arotary transfer wheel 54. The rear andintermediate plates annular chamber 106 that is in flow communication with thevacuum ports 58 formed in thepockets 56. - Baffles112 and 114 extending between the rear and
intermediate plates annular chamber 106 into upper andlower halves 106′ and 106″, respectively. The intermediate andfront plates annular chamber 108.Openings 111 in the upper portion ofintermediate plate 102 place theupper portion 106′ of the rear annular chamber into flow communication with the frontannular chamber 108. Anopening 110 in the lower portion of theintermediate plate 102 places the frontannular chamber 108 into flow communication with thevacuum manifold 87′, which extends through thelower portion 106″ of the rear annular passage. Thus, the frontannular chamber 108 serves as a passage between theupper portion 106′ of the rear annular chamber and thevacuum manifold 87. Anopening 118 in therear plate 100 vents thelower portion 106″ of the rear annular chamber to atmosphere. - As shown best in FIG. 14, in operation, the
transfer wheel 54—which rotates in an opposite direction from theintermediate wheels 18, theinput feed wheels discharge wheel 20—receives partially necked canbodies 2 from the pockets of thedischarge wheel 20 of theupstream necking machine 6′ and delivers them into the pockets of theinput feed wheel 10′ of thedownstream necking machine 6″. Specifically, as thetransfer wheel 54 rotates clockwise, thepockets 56 are successively conveyed past thebaffle 112 from thelower portion 106″ of the rear annular chamber to theupper portion 106′. When this happens, asuction 99′ is applied to thepockets 56 via a flow path formed between theholes 58 in therim 94 and thevacuum manifold 87′. This flow path is formed by theupper portion 106′ of the rear annular chamber, theholes intermediate plate 102, and the frontannular chamber 108. - When the
pockets 56 rotate sufficiently far to pass thebaffle 114 and reach thelower portion 106″ of the rear annular chamber, which is vented to atmosphere, thesuction 99′ is released. Thus,suction 99′ is applied to thepockets 56 as they rotate past the upper portion of thetransfer module 52 and is released as they rotate past the lower portion—that is, suction is applied to each of thepockets 56 from about the 9 o'clock location, at which time the they receive acan body 2 from theupstream discharge module 20, to about the 2:30 o'clock location, at which time they discharge the can body to theinput wheel 10′ of the downstream necking module. - As shown in FIG. 12, a
gear 25 is formed on theshaft 32 of thetransfer module 52 and drives the rotation of thetransfer wheel 54. As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, the transfermodule drive gear 25 meshes with and is indexed with thegear 24 for thedischarge module 21 of theupstream necking machine 6′ as well as thegear 24 for thefeed module 11′ of the downstream necking machine 6″. Thus, thegear 25 serves to synchronize the two machines—causing the two machines to operate at the same speed and thepockets 56 of thetransfer wheel 54 to be in registration with the pockets of both thedischarge wheel 20 of theupstream machine 6′ and theinput feed wheel 10′ ofdownstream machine 6″, for example, by aligning timing marks when themodule 54 is coupled to the two necking machines. - As previously discussed, according to the current invention, the motor and gear box for one of the necking machines is eliminated when the machines are coupled. Although as shown in the drawings, the motor and gear box for
second necking machine 6″ has been eliminated, the invention could be practiced by eliminating the motor and gear box for thefirst necking machine 6′ instead. In any event, according to the current invention, both neckingmachines 6′ and 6″ are driven by asingle motor 28′ that is, preferably, of larger capacity that themotor 28 conventionally used. As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 11, thedrive gear 25 for thetransfer module 52 essentially integrates the gear trains of the two machines into a common gear train driven by asingle motor 28′ andgear box 26′. Although as shown in FIG. 8, themotor 28′ drives thegear 24′ for the centralintermediate module 17 of thefirst necking machine 6′, it could be connected so as to drive any of theother gears - The incorporation of the
drive gear 25 for thetransfer module 52 into the gear train for themachines 6′ and 6″ according to the current invention allows the transfer module to not only transfer can bodies between the two necking machines, but also to both transfer power from one machine to the other and synchronize one machine to the other. This arrangement allows precise timing of the two machines to ensure proper registration of the pockets and a smooth and continuous flow of can bodies through the system. - Thus, a succession of necking operations greater than that permitted on a single necking machine can be performed, without the drawbacks associated with the use of conventional conveyor systems, by closely and directly coupling two necking machines according to the current invention. Coupling two necking machines of type discussed above permits a total of as many as eighteen or more successive necking operations to be preformed on the can bodies. In the event that a somewhat lesser number of necking operations are required—for example, twelve operations—some of the necking
stations 16 in one or both of themachines 6′ and 6″ could be replaced by conventionalintermediate modules 17, as is well known in the prior art. - Many variations in the invention described above will be apparent to one skilled in the art armed with the teachings of the current invention. For example, although the invention has been described with reference to coupling necking machines, each of which comprises a number of modules attached to a
unitary base 5, the invention could also be practiced by coupling two or more necking machines one or both of which was comprised of a number of discrete modules, each having its own base and joined together into a single machine. Moreover, although the invention has been described with reference to coupling two complete, existing necking machines, the invention could also be practiced by coupling one or more discrete necking modules to an existing necking machine. Further, although the invention has been described in detail with reference to coupling multi-stage die necking machines, the invention could also be practiced by coupling multi-stage spin necking machines or other machines that sequentially operate on a can body, such as flanging machines. The invention could also be practiced by coupling two machines that perform different types of operations on the can, such as a necking machine and a flanging machine. Moreover, although the invention has been described by reference to coupling two machines together, the invention could also be practiced by coupling three or more machines together in sequential fashion. Consequently, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/160,598 US20020148266A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2002-05-31 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/177,036 US6085563A (en) | 1998-10-22 | 1998-10-22 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US09/558,128 US6240760B1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2000-04-25 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US09/838,464 US20020029599A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2001-04-19 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US10/160,598 US20020148266A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2002-05-31 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/838,464 Continuation US20020029599A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2001-04-19 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20020148266A1 true US20020148266A1 (en) | 2002-10-17 |
Family
ID=22646926
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/177,036 Expired - Lifetime US6085563A (en) | 1998-10-22 | 1998-10-22 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US09/558,128 Expired - Lifetime US6240760B1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2000-04-25 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US09/838,464 Abandoned US20020029599A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2001-04-19 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US10/160,598 Abandoned US20020148266A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2002-05-31 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/177,036 Expired - Lifetime US6085563A (en) | 1998-10-22 | 1998-10-22 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US09/558,128 Expired - Lifetime US6240760B1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2000-04-25 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US09/838,464 Abandoned US20020029599A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2001-04-19 | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US6085563A (en) |
AR (1) | AR020933A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1120600A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000023212A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
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US20050193796A1 (en) * | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Heiberger Joseph M. | Apparatus for necking a can body |
US20090266128A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Apparatus for rotating a container body |
US20090269172A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Daniel Egerton | Adjustable transfer assembly for container manufacturing process |
US20090266130A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Distributed Drives for a Multi-Stage Can Necking Machine |
US20090266131A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | High Speed Necking Configuration |
US10934104B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-03-02 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Infeed assembly quick change features |
US11097333B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-08-24 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Process shaft tooling assembly |
US11117180B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-09-14 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Quick change tooling assembly |
US11208271B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-12-28 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Quick change transfer assembly |
US11370015B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2022-06-28 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Drive assembly |
US11420242B2 (en) | 2019-08-16 | 2022-08-23 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Reformer assembly |
US11534817B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2022-12-27 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Infeed assembly full inspection assembly |
US11565303B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2023-01-31 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Rotary manifold |
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US6085563A (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2000-07-11 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US6178797B1 (en) | 1999-06-25 | 2001-01-30 | Delaware Capital Formation, Inc. | Linking apparatus and method for a can shaping system |
US6698265B1 (en) | 2002-09-06 | 2004-03-02 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Method for closely coupling machines used for can making |
US6886682B2 (en) | 2002-09-16 | 2005-05-03 | Delaware Capital Formation Inc. | Link system |
US7310983B2 (en) * | 2004-11-18 | 2007-12-25 | Belvac Production Machinery, Inc. | Quick change over apparatus for machine line |
ITMI20050397A1 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2006-09-12 | Frattini Costr Mecc | DEVICE FOR EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS OF DEFORMATION LOCALIZED E-OR EXTENDED IN CONTINUOUS METAL CONTAINERS |
US7726165B2 (en) * | 2006-05-16 | 2010-06-01 | Alcoa Inc. | Manufacturing process to produce a necked container |
US7934410B2 (en) * | 2006-06-26 | 2011-05-03 | Alcoa Inc. | Expanding die and method of shaping containers |
US7757527B2 (en) * | 2007-03-07 | 2010-07-20 | Ball Corporation | Process and apparatus for manufacturing shaped containers |
US7770425B2 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2010-08-10 | Crown, Packaging Technology, Inc. | Container manufacturing process having front-end winder assembly |
US7784319B2 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2010-08-31 | Crown, Packaging Technology, Inc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a can necking process |
US8375759B2 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2013-02-19 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Bridge turret transfer assembly |
BR112013004004B1 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2020-11-10 | Alcoa Usa Corp | molded metal container, and process for forming it |
US9327338B2 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2016-05-03 | Alcoa Inc. | Knockout for use while necking a metal container, die system for necking a metal container and method of necking a metal container |
US11440078B2 (en) * | 2020-09-15 | 2022-09-13 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Drive assembly |
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US4519232A (en) * | 1982-12-27 | 1985-05-28 | National Can Corporation | Method and apparatus for necking containers |
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US5231926A (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1993-08-03 | Sequa Corporation | Apparatus and method for substantially reducing can spacing and speed to match chain pins |
US5282375A (en) * | 1992-05-15 | 1994-02-01 | Reynolds Metals Company | Spin flow necking apparatus and method of handling cans therein |
US5433098A (en) * | 1994-01-31 | 1995-07-18 | Belgium Tool And Die Company | Method and apparatus for inside can base reforming |
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US6085563A (en) | 1998-10-22 | 2000-07-11 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making |
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- 1998-10-22 US US09/177,036 patent/US6085563A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-10-18 WO PCT/US1999/024297 patent/WO2000023212A1/en active Application Filing
- 1999-10-18 AU AU11206/00A patent/AU1120600A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-10-22 AR ARP990105332A patent/AR020933A1/en unknown
-
2000
- 2000-04-25 US US09/558,128 patent/US6240760B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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2001
- 2001-04-19 US US09/838,464 patent/US20020029599A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2002
- 2002-05-31 US US10/160,598 patent/US20020148266A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (21)
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US20050193796A1 (en) * | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Heiberger Joseph M. | Apparatus for necking a can body |
US9308570B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2016-04-12 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | High speed necking configuration |
US20090269172A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Daniel Egerton | Adjustable transfer assembly for container manufacturing process |
US20090266130A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Distributed Drives for a Multi-Stage Can Necking Machine |
US20090266131A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | High Speed Necking Configuration |
US7997111B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2011-08-16 | Crown, Packaging Technology, Inc. | Apparatus for rotating a container body |
US8245551B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2012-08-21 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Adjustable transfer assembly for container manufacturing process |
US8464567B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2013-06-18 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Distributed drives for a multi-stage can necking machine |
US9968982B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2018-05-15 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | High speed necking configuration |
US9290329B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2016-03-22 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Adjustable transfer assembly for container manufacturing process |
US20090266128A1 (en) * | 2008-04-24 | 2009-10-29 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Apparatus for rotating a container body |
US8601843B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2013-12-10 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | High speed necking configuration |
US10751784B2 (en) | 2008-04-24 | 2020-08-25 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | High speed necking configuration |
US11097333B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-08-24 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Process shaft tooling assembly |
US10934104B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-03-02 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Infeed assembly quick change features |
US11117180B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-09-14 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Quick change tooling assembly |
US11208271B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-12-28 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Quick change transfer assembly |
US11370015B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2022-06-28 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Drive assembly |
US11534817B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2022-12-27 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Infeed assembly full inspection assembly |
US11565303B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2023-01-31 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Rotary manifold |
US11420242B2 (en) | 2019-08-16 | 2022-08-23 | Stolle Machinery Company, Llc | Reformer assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020029599A1 (en) | 2002-03-14 |
WO2000023212A1 (en) | 2000-04-27 |
US6240760B1 (en) | 2001-06-05 |
AU1120600A (en) | 2000-05-08 |
AR020933A1 (en) | 2002-06-05 |
WO2000023212A9 (en) | 2000-08-24 |
US6085563A (en) | 2000-07-11 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN CORK & SEAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, ILLINO Free format text: CROSS-REFERENCE OF ASSIGNMENT FILED IN UNITED STATES APPLICATION NO. 09/838464, RECORDED ON APRIL 19,2001 AT REEL NO. 011746 AND FRAME NO. 0850.;ASSIGNORS:HEIBERGER, JOSEPH M.;ASCHBERGER, ANTON A.;JONES, FLOYD A.;REEL/FRAME:012965/0316 Effective date: 19981015 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CROWN CORK & SEAL TECHNOLOGIES, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK;REEL/FRAME:013798/0522 Effective date: 20030226 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |