US20040197164A1 - Container seaming assembly - Google Patents
Container seaming assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20040197164A1 US20040197164A1 US10/410,499 US41049903A US2004197164A1 US 20040197164 A1 US20040197164 A1 US 20040197164A1 US 41049903 A US41049903 A US 41049903A US 2004197164 A1 US2004197164 A1 US 2004197164A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seaming
- cam
- shaft
- block
- cam follower
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/285—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure
- B65B7/2857—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure and the container rim
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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
- B21D43/00—Feeding, positioning or storing devices combined with, or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, apparatus for working or processing sheet metal, metal tubes or metal profiles; Associations therewith of cutting devices
- B21D43/02—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool
- B21D43/04—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in mechanical engagement with the work
- B21D43/14—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in mechanical engagement with the work by turning devices, e.g. turn-tables
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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
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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
- B21D51/30—Folding the circumferential seam
- B21D51/32—Folding the circumferential seam by rolling
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus and process for affixing a closure to a receptacle, and more particularly, to a work feeding process wherein either the end closure or the open topped container is transported or conveyed to an assembly station and further to a seaming process including curling overlapping portions of the end closure and the open ended container into a toroidal bead that lies adjacent the upstanding wall portion of the said container to thereby form an air tight joint.
- a typical container closure operation consists of an infeed conveyor 20 that feeds a constant supply of evenly-spaced, open containers 22 (e.g., metal cans) to a seaming machine 24 .
- a cover feed assembly 26 places an end closure 28 over the container opening at a position referred to herein as the “make-up point” 30 .
- the cover feed assembly 26 includes a rotating cover feed turret 32 that moves the end closures 28 along a predefined path. As shown in FIG.
- the cover feed assembly 26 is formed from a number of separate parts including dual guide sections 34 , 38 mounted on the underside of a machine plate 36 and secured with several small bolts (not shown).
- the end closures 28 are fed from a cover magazine 46 at a predefined rate.
- the container 22 has a small outwardly extending flange 48 about its upper opening.
- the end closure 28 has a similar flange 50 , called “curl”. See FIGS. 17 and 15.
- the combination enters the seaming machine 24 where one or more shaft assemblies 52 (see FIG. 2) fold the flanges 48 and 50 to form an air tight seam.
- a discharge turret 54 moves the sealed containers along a discharge conveyor 56 for further processing.
- the seaming machine 24 includes a lifter table 60 and a seaming head 62 connected to the table 60 via various supports (not shown). Both the lifter table 60 and seaming head 62 are rotatably connected to a central spindle 64 and are arranged to so rotate in unison at a predefined rate.
- An upper seaming cam 66 is provided above the seaming head 62 , though, the cam 66 does not rotate (or at least not at the same speed as the head 62 and table 60 ).
- the lifter table 60 has multiple stations 68 that each support an individual container 22 . In some embodiments, these stations include “lifters” 70 that physically lift the container 22 upward during the seaming process.
- the seaming head 62 includes multiple shaft assemblies 52 outwardly spaced about the seaming cam 66 .
- a single shaft assembly is shown for clarity of illustration only. In known machines, there may be anywhere from 1 to 18 shaft assemblies 52 spaced about the head 62 .
- the shaft assemblies 52 provide the components necessary to form a folded seam between a container 22 and its corresponding lid 28 .
- the shaft assemblies each include an upright shaft 70 that transmits a rotary motion to a pair of rollers 72 , 74 via a support block 76 .
- the head assembly also includes multiple chucks 80 , one at each container station 68 .
- an unjoined container 22 and end closure 28 are placed at a station 68 where they are held between a lifter 70 and a chuck 80 .
- conventional lids 28 include concentric rings that surround slightly sunken circular areas, the chuck contacts the upper surface of the lid, supporting the chuck wall portion of the lid and providing as such an anvil to perform the seaming operation.
- the seaming head and lifter table are rotating about the centerline of the spindle 64 during the seaming process. This allows a constant flow of containers through the seaming machine without having to stop the assembly to load and unload the open and sealed containers, respectively.
- each container 22 is rotating about its own central axis as well.
- the rollers 72 , 74 of the shaft assembly press the combined flanges 48 , 50 against the chuck 80 , causing them to deform into a desired shape.
- the rollers 72 , 74 have profiled grooves at their outer circumference that bend the flanges in a specific manner, thus ensuring a perfect seam.
- prior art shaft assembly 52 includes an upright shaft 70 that is located between adjacent container stations.
- First and second rollers, 72 and 74 are connected to the shaft 70 via block 76 .
- the first roller 72 is sized and shaped to effectuate an initial partial curling of a downstream container 82 .
- the second roller 74 is sized and shaped to effectuate a final curling of an upstream container 84 .
- the shaft assembly operates on two separate containers.
- the rollers 72 and 74 act on the containers from the stations located to each side of the shaft. Stated differently, a single container is sealed using two separate shaft assemblies.
- a single shaft is used with a single roller, with two such shaft assemblies being provided for each station.
- the rollers 72 and 74 accomplish their tasks by being pressed against the flanges while the container 22 is rotated about its longitudinally central axis.
- the position of the block 76 determines which roller will be engaged with a container.
- the block 76 is connected to the lower end of the shaft 70 .
- Rotary motion is transmitted to the block 76 via first and second cam followers 86 and 88 that are located at the upper end of the shaft 70 . See FIG. 2.
- the cam followers 86 and 88 follow the contours of the seaming cam 66 as the seaming head 62 and lifter table 60 rotate relative to the seaming cam 66 .
- the first cam follower 86 controls the position of the first roller 72 .
- the second cam follower 88 controls the position of the second roller 74 .
- a seaming machine for forming an air tight joint between a container and an end closure.
- the machine includes a seaming head with multiple shaft assemblies and a lifter table located below the seaming head and including multiple corresponding container stations.
- the lifter table and seaming head rotate in unison about a central spindle, thereby moving a stream of containers through the seaming machine.
- a single shaft assembly is provided at each station to perform a two-step seaming operation on its corresponding container.
- the shaft assembly includes first and second rollers.
- a seaming cam is mounted above a seaming head.
- the seaming head and lifter table rotate relative to the seaming cam during use.
- the shaft assembly includes first and second cam followers arranged to follow the contour of the seaming cam as the lifter table and seaming head rotate. The motion of the first and second cam followers provide rotary input to the rollers to accomplish the two-step seaming operation.
- a first cam follower acts as a master cam follower that positions the first roller to accomplish the first seaming step, the second cam follower being a slave to the first cam follower during the first seaming step.
- the second cam follower acts as a master cam follower that positions the second roller to accomplish the second seaming step, while the first cam follower is a slave to the second cam follower during the second seaming step.
- the shaft assembly includes an upright shaft having upper and lower ends.
- a block is attached to the shaft lower end.
- the first and second rollers are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the block about upright axes.
- the middle region of the block is connected to the lower end of the upright shaft and can rotate with this shaft about the centerline of that shaft.
- the block is fixed relative to the shaft during use.
- an improvement to a seaming process for affixing an end closure to a container opening is described.
- the container is located at a processing station in a container closing machine.
- the improvement includes using a shaft assembly adjacent to each processing station to perform a seaming operation on a single container during use.
- the shaft assembly includes first and second rollers. The first roller performs a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint, and the second roller performs a second seaming step resulting in final forming of the joint.
- a cover feed assembly for use in providing end closures to a seaming machine.
- the assembly includes a unitary plate having a lower surface, a shallow channel in the lower surface for holding end closures, and inwardly-extending flanges bounding the side walls of the channel.
- the channel is formed in the unitary plate by being machined out of a solid material.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view diagram of a prior art seaming process showing the general flow of filled containers through a seaming machine
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view diagram of a prior art seaming machine, though showing only a single seaming stations for illustrative purposes;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view diagram of a prior art shaft assembly performing a seaming operation on first and second containers;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view diagram of one embodiment of the present invention seaming process
- FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a shaft assembly formed in accordance with the present invention for use in the process of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is an end view taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 4;
- FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are cross-sectional side views of one embodiment of a seaming operation
- FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are cross-sectional side views of another embodiment of a seaming operation
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art channel
- FIG. 16 is a top-down plan view of one embodiment of a unitary cover plate formed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a side view of a container just prior to entering a make-up point.
- the present invention includes a number of unique features that may be used jointly in a single seaming assembly, or separately, as circumstances warrant.
- One aspect is the unique use of a single shaft assembly to perform a two-step seaming operation on a single station.
- a shaft assembly 100 includes a first roller 102 and a second roller 104 .
- the shaft assembly 100 is located radially outward of its respective station, relative to the axis of rotation of the lifter table 60 and seaming head 62 .
- the shaft assembly 100 is connected to the seaming head 62 in a manner that allows the rotary motions described below.
- the first roller 102 performs a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint
- the second roller 104 performs a second seaming step resulting in final closure of the same joint.
- the shaft assembly is dedicated to a single station, there is no need to alter the shaft assembly 100 should the total number of stations in a seaming machine be changed.
- the shaft assemblies are standardized to a particular station radius and as such are applicable to that machine regardless of the number of stations.
- one embodiment of the shaft assembly 100 includes an upright shaft 106 having upper and lower ends 108 and 110 , a block 112 having opposite ends and a middle region, and a cam assembly 114 .
- the first roller 102 and second roller 104 are rotatably connected to the opposite ends of the block 112 about upright axes.
- the middle region of the block 112 is connected to the lower end 108 of the upright shaft 106 .
- the block and shaft rotate together about the centerline of the shaft.
- the cam assembly 114 includes a first cam follower 116 and a second cam follower 118 .
- the cam followers 116 and 118 connect to a support member 119 that is attached to the upper end 108 of the shaft 106 .
- the support member 119 and shaft 106 rotate together about the centerline of the shaft.
- the cam followers 116 and 118 are located adjacent the seaming cam 66 .
- the cam followers 116 and 118 follow the contour of the seaming cam 66 and, in doing so, cause the support member 119 to pivot back and forth. This motion is transmitted through the shaft 106 and block 112 to result in the first and second rollers 102 and 104 pivoting laterally in and out in a like manner.
- Each cam follower is responsible for directing one of the rollers to perform its seaming step. When not performing this step, the cam follower simply responds in a complementary manner to the direction of the other cam follower.
- the first cam follower 116 is, at first, a master cam follower and is arranged to follow the contour of the seaming cam 66 as the lifter table 60 and seaming head 62 rotate about the spindle 64 .
- the second cam follower 118 is located below the first cam follower 116 and is, at first, a slave cam follower, designed to complement the motions of the first cam follower 116 during the first step of the seaming operation.
- the role of the cam followers (master and slave) is reversed.
- the second cam follower 118 becomes the master cam follower, while the first cam follower 116 becomes the slave cam follower. It has been found that the use of the above described arrangement is a more efficient and less expensive solution for controlling the movement of the shaft assembly than the box type cams which are currently used in known single-shaft assembly systems.
- the cam assembly may also include eccentric devices to facilitate seam setting procedures at the first and second rollers. Further, eccentric shafts may be used at the first and second cam followers to reduce fabrication tolerances at the cams. In FIG. 7, height adjustment components are provided to eliminate axial clearance.
- FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 illustrate one embodiment of a seaming operation in which the first and second rollers 102 and 104 press the combined flanges 48 , 50 against the chuck 80 , causing the flanges to deform into a desired shape.
- FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a seaming operation.
- the first and second rollers 102 and 103 have groove shapes that include a number of rounded edges.
- the cover feed assembly 120 includes a unitary plate 122 having a lower surface 124 and a shallow channel 126 in the lower surface for holding end closures 28 .
- Inwardly-extending flanges 128 bound the side walls of the channel 126 .
- the channel 126 may be formed in the unitary plate 122 by being machined out of a solid material, or alternatively, may be formed in the unitary plate 122 by being molded in the plate during formation.
- the unitary plate 122 requires only a minimal number of fixing bolts, e.g., the embodiment shown has as few as three fastener locations 130 . These particular positions are easy to access during installation, maintenance, and cleaning. In addition, various locating pins 132 help to correctly align and position the plate during installation. Referring to FIG. 17, the particular plate 122 shown has the added benefit of holding a container guide 134 that can stay attached to the plate 122 while still allowing a wide range of container heights to be handled. Since the container guide is bolted to the machine plate 122 , the guide is adjusted together with the plate during reconfigurations. In prior art configurations, a guide is mounted on a nearby frame member of the machine itself and is not easily accessed. The prior art guide must be manually adjusted whenever the machine(Plate position is altered in height in order to adjust to different container heights. A side guide infeed conveyor 136 may also be used to align containers 22 .
- a cover feed turret 138 is located below the unitary plate 122 and adapted to rotate relative to the unitary plate about an upright central axis 139 .
- the turret 138 includes a scalloped peripheral edge 140 and a number of push pins 142 spaced along this edge at predetermined locations. During use, the push pins 142 move the end closures 28 from one location to another within the shallow channel 126 .
- the present invention seaming machine and process is more efficient and less costly to manufacture than known systems.
- the use of a single shaft assembly at each station allows a manufacturer to offer customers seaming machines that have different numbers of stations without having to redesign and separately manufacture the shaft assembly, since the shaft assemblies will all be based on the same pitch circle diameter at the stations.
- Constant seaming arm lengths also provide for better seam control, thereby allowing thinner container and cover materials.
- the settings that position the rollers relative to the block can be maintained in the shaft assemblies if these need to be changed over when going from one can size to the other and back.
Abstract
Described is a seaming machine for use with a container (22) and an end closure (28). The machine includes a seaming head (62) with multiple shaft assemblies (100) and a lifter table (60) located below the seaming head (62) and including multiple container stations. During use, the lifter table (60) and seaming head (62) rotate in unison about the centerline of a spindle (64). A single shaft assembly (100) is provided at each station to perform a two-step seaming operation on its corresponding container (22). In one embodiment, a seaming cam (66) is located above the seaming head (62) for moving first and second cam followers (116), (118) in the shaft assembly (100). In another embodiment, the cam followers (116) and (118) have a master/slave relationship dependent on which step of the seaming operation is being conducted. In another embodiment, a single piece plate (122) is used in a cover feed assembly (120) and provides end closures (28) to a make-up point (30).
Description
- The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for affixing a closure to a receptacle, and more particularly, to a work feeding process wherein either the end closure or the open topped container is transported or conveyed to an assembly station and further to a seaming process including curling overlapping portions of the end closure and the open ended container into a toroidal bead that lies adjacent the upstanding wall portion of the said container to thereby form an air tight joint.
- Container seaming machines have been in use in the industry for many years. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a typical container closure operation consists of an infeed
conveyor 20 that feeds a constant supply of evenly-spaced, open containers 22 (e.g., metal cans) to aseaming machine 24. Just prior to reaching theseaming machine 24, acover feed assembly 26 places anend closure 28 over the container opening at a position referred to herein as the “make-up point” 30. Thecover feed assembly 26 includes a rotatingcover feed turret 32 that moves theend closures 28 along a predefined path. As shown in FIG. 15, thecover feed assembly 26 is formed from a number of separate parts includingdual guide sections machine plate 36 and secured with several small bolts (not shown). Theend closures 28 are fed from acover magazine 46 at a predefined rate. - The
container 22 has a small outwardly extendingflange 48 about its upper opening. Theend closure 28 has asimilar flange 50, called “curl”. See FIGS. 17 and 15. After thecontainer 22 receives anend closure 28, the combination enters theseaming machine 24 where one or more shaft assemblies 52 (see FIG. 2) fold theflanges discharge turret 54 moves the sealed containers along adischarge conveyor 56 for further processing. - In more detail and referring to FIG. 2, the
seaming machine 24 includes a lifter table 60 and aseaming head 62 connected to the table 60 via various supports (not shown). Both the lifter table 60 andseaming head 62 are rotatably connected to acentral spindle 64 and are arranged to so rotate in unison at a predefined rate. Anupper seaming cam 66 is provided above theseaming head 62, though, thecam 66 does not rotate (or at least not at the same speed as thehead 62 and table 60). The lifter table 60 hasmultiple stations 68 that each support anindividual container 22. In some embodiments, these stations include “lifters” 70 that physically lift thecontainer 22 upward during the seaming process. - The
seaming head 62 includesmultiple shaft assemblies 52 outwardly spaced about theseaming cam 66. In FIG. 2, a single shaft assembly is shown for clarity of illustration only. In known machines, there may be anywhere from 1 to 18 shaft assemblies 52 spaced about thehead 62. Theshaft assemblies 52 provide the components necessary to form a folded seam between acontainer 22 and itscorresponding lid 28. In one embodiment, the shaft assemblies each include anupright shaft 70 that transmits a rotary motion to a pair ofrollers support block 76. The head assembly also includesmultiple chucks 80, one at eachcontainer station 68. - Still referring to FIG. 2, during the closure process, an
unjoined container 22 andend closure 28 are placed at astation 68 where they are held between alifter 70 and achuck 80. Becauseconventional lids 28 include concentric rings that surround slightly sunken circular areas, the chuck contacts the upper surface of the lid, supporting the chuck wall portion of the lid and providing as such an anvil to perform the seaming operation. - As stated above, the seaming head and lifter table are rotating about the centerline of the
spindle 64 during the seaming process. This allows a constant flow of containers through the seaming machine without having to stop the assembly to load and unload the open and sealed containers, respectively. In addition, eachcontainer 22 is rotating about its own central axis as well. To close the joint, therollers flanges chuck 80, causing them to deform into a desired shape. Therollers - Referring to FIG. 3, prior
art shaft assembly 52 includes anupright shaft 70 that is located between adjacent container stations. First and second rollers, 72 and 74, respectively, are connected to theshaft 70 viablock 76. Thefirst roller 72 is sized and shaped to effectuate an initial partial curling of adownstream container 82. Thesecond roller 74 is sized and shaped to effectuate a final curling of anupstream container 84. Thus, the shaft assembly operates on two separate containers. Therollers - The
rollers container 22 is rotated about its longitudinally central axis. The position of theblock 76 determines which roller will be engaged with a container. Theblock 76 is connected to the lower end of theshaft 70. Rotary motion is transmitted to theblock 76 via first and second cam followers 86 and 88 that are located at the upper end of theshaft 70. See FIG. 2. The cam followers 86 and 88 follow the contours of theseaming cam 66 as theseaming head 62 and lifter table 60 rotate relative to theseaming cam 66. The first cam follower 86 controls the position of thefirst roller 72. The second cam follower 88 controls the position of thesecond roller 74. - The above arrangements, while adequate, have a number of disadvantages. The manufacturer must provide machines that are capable of having varying numbers of stations. Each change in the number of stations will require a separate, redesigned shaft assembly to adjust the roller arm length and roller pitch. Similarly, it is difficult and time-consuming for the customer to change the machine setup in this regard. In addition, the cover feed assembly is difficult to install. When changing from one end closure size to another, the entire assembly must be reconfigured and the three part cover guides precisely reset. This is time consuming and often requires special skills, tools, and knowledge.
- In accordance with teachings of the present invention, a seaming machine is described for forming an air tight joint between a container and an end closure. The machine includes a seaming head with multiple shaft assemblies and a lifter table located below the seaming head and including multiple corresponding container stations. During use, the lifter table and seaming head rotate in unison about a central spindle, thereby moving a stream of containers through the seaming machine. A single shaft assembly is provided at each station to perform a two-step seaming operation on its corresponding container. In preferred embodiments, the shaft assembly includes first and second rollers.
- In accordance with other aspects of this invention, in one embodiment, a seaming cam is mounted above a seaming head. The seaming head and lifter table rotate relative to the seaming cam during use. The shaft assembly includes first and second cam followers arranged to follow the contour of the seaming cam as the lifter table and seaming head rotate. The motion of the first and second cam followers provide rotary input to the rollers to accomplish the two-step seaming operation.
- In accordance with further aspects of this invention, a first cam follower acts as a master cam follower that positions the first roller to accomplish the first seaming step, the second cam follower being a slave to the first cam follower during the first seaming step. The second cam follower acts as a master cam follower that positions the second roller to accomplish the second seaming step, while the first cam follower is a slave to the second cam follower during the second seaming step.
- In accordance with other aspects of this invention, the shaft assembly includes an upright shaft having upper and lower ends. A block is attached to the shaft lower end. The first and second rollers are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the block about upright axes. The middle region of the block is connected to the lower end of the upright shaft and can rotate with this shaft about the centerline of that shaft. In one embodiment, the block is fixed relative to the shaft during use.
- In accordance with further aspects of this invention, an improvement to a seaming process for affixing an end closure to a container opening is described. The container is located at a processing station in a container closing machine. The improvement includes using a shaft assembly adjacent to each processing station to perform a seaming operation on a single container during use. The shaft assembly includes first and second rollers. The first roller performs a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint, and the second roller performs a second seaming step resulting in final forming of the joint.
- In accordance with other aspects of this invention, a cover feed assembly is described for use in providing end closures to a seaming machine. The assembly includes a unitary plate having a lower surface, a shallow channel in the lower surface for holding end closures, and inwardly-extending flanges bounding the side walls of the channel. In one embodiment, the channel is formed in the unitary plate by being machined out of a solid material.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view diagram of a prior art seaming process showing the general flow of filled containers through a seaming machine;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic side view diagram of a prior art seaming machine, though showing only a single seaming stations for illustrative purposes;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view diagram of a prior art shaft assembly performing a seaming operation on first and second containers;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view diagram of one embodiment of the present invention seaming process;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a shaft assembly formed in accordance with the present invention for use in the process of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is an end view taken along line6-6 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line7-7 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line8-8 of FIG. 4;
- FIGS. 9, 10, and11 are cross-sectional side views of one embodiment of a seaming operation;
- FIGS. 12, 13, and14 are cross-sectional side views of another embodiment of a seaming operation;
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art channel;
- FIG. 16 is a top-down plan view of one embodiment of a unitary cover plate formed in accordance with the present invention; and
- FIG. 17 is a side view of a container just prior to entering a make-up point.
- The present invention includes a number of unique features that may be used jointly in a single seaming assembly, or separately, as circumstances warrant. One aspect is the unique use of a single shaft assembly to perform a two-step seaming operation on a single station. Referring to FIG. 4, a
shaft assembly 100 includes afirst roller 102 and asecond roller 104. Theshaft assembly 100 is located radially outward of its respective station, relative to the axis of rotation of the lifter table 60 and seaminghead 62. Theshaft assembly 100 is connected to the seaminghead 62 in a manner that allows the rotary motions described below. - During use, the
first roller 102 performs a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint, and thesecond roller 104 performs a second seaming step resulting in final closure of the same joint. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, because the shaft assembly is dedicated to a single station, there is no need to alter theshaft assembly 100 should the total number of stations in a seaming machine be changed. The shaft assemblies are standardized to a particular station radius and as such are applicable to that machine regardless of the number of stations. - Referring to FIGS. 5, 6,7, and 8, one embodiment of the
shaft assembly 100 includes anupright shaft 106 having upper and lower ends 108 and 110, ablock 112 having opposite ends and a middle region, and acam assembly 114. Thefirst roller 102 andsecond roller 104 are rotatably connected to the opposite ends of theblock 112 about upright axes. The middle region of theblock 112 is connected to thelower end 108 of theupright shaft 106. During use, the block and shaft rotate together about the centerline of the shaft. - The
cam assembly 114 includes afirst cam follower 116 and asecond cam follower 118. Thecam followers support member 119 that is attached to theupper end 108 of theshaft 106. Thesupport member 119 andshaft 106 rotate together about the centerline of the shaft. During use, thecam followers cam 66. Thecam followers cam 66 and, in doing so, cause thesupport member 119 to pivot back and forth. This motion is transmitted through theshaft 106 and block 112 to result in the first andsecond rollers - Each cam follower is responsible for directing one of the rollers to perform its seaming step. When not performing this step, the cam follower simply responds in a complementary manner to the direction of the other cam follower. For example, to conduct the first step, the
first cam follower 116 is, at first, a master cam follower and is arranged to follow the contour of the seamingcam 66 as the lifter table 60 and seaminghead 62 rotate about thespindle 64. Thesecond cam follower 118 is located below thefirst cam follower 116 and is, at first, a slave cam follower, designed to complement the motions of thefirst cam follower 116 during the first step of the seaming operation. For the second step, the role of the cam followers (master and slave) is reversed. Thesecond cam follower 118 becomes the master cam follower, while thefirst cam follower 116 becomes the slave cam follower. It has been found that the use of the above described arrangement is a more efficient and less expensive solution for controlling the movement of the shaft assembly than the box type cams which are currently used in known single-shaft assembly systems. - The cam assembly may also include eccentric devices to facilitate seam setting procedures at the first and second rollers. Further, eccentric shafts may be used at the first and second cam followers to reduce fabrication tolerances at the cams. In FIG. 7, height adjustment components are provided to eliminate axial clearance.
- FIGS. 9, 10, and11 illustrate one embodiment of a seaming operation in which the first and
second rollers flanges chuck 80, causing the flanges to deform into a desired shape. FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a seaming operation. The first andsecond rollers 102 and 103 have groove shapes that include a number of rounded edges. - Referring now to FIGS. 15, 16, and17, a unique
cover feed assembly 120 is described for providingend closures 28 to the make-uppoint 30. Referring to FIG. 16, thecover feed assembly 120 includes aunitary plate 122 having alower surface 124 and ashallow channel 126 in the lower surface for holdingend closures 28. Inwardly-extendingflanges 128 bound the side walls of thechannel 126. Thechannel 126 may be formed in theunitary plate 122 by being machined out of a solid material, or alternatively, may be formed in theunitary plate 122 by being molded in the plate during formation. - Installing the
unitary plate 122 requires only a minimal number of fixing bolts, e.g., the embodiment shown has as few as threefastener locations 130. These particular positions are easy to access during installation, maintenance, and cleaning. In addition, various locatingpins 132 help to correctly align and position the plate during installation. Referring to FIG. 17, theparticular plate 122 shown has the added benefit of holding acontainer guide 134 that can stay attached to theplate 122 while still allowing a wide range of container heights to be handled. Since the container guide is bolted to themachine plate 122, the guide is adjusted together with the plate during reconfigurations. In prior art configurations, a guide is mounted on a nearby frame member of the machine itself and is not easily accessed. The prior art guide must be manually adjusted whenever the machine(Plate position is altered in height in order to adjust to different container heights. A sideguide infeed conveyor 136 may also be used to aligncontainers 22. - Referring back to FIG. 16, as installed, a
cover feed turret 138 is located below theunitary plate 122 and adapted to rotate relative to the unitary plate about an upright central axis 139. Theturret 138 includes a scallopedperipheral edge 140 and a number of push pins 142 spaced along this edge at predetermined locations. During use, the push pins 142 move theend closures 28 from one location to another within theshallow channel 126. - As will be appreciated from a reading of the above, the present invention seaming machine and process is more efficient and less costly to manufacture than known systems. The use of a single shaft assembly at each station allows a manufacturer to offer customers seaming machines that have different numbers of stations without having to redesign and separately manufacture the shaft assembly, since the shaft assemblies will all be based on the same pitch circle diameter at the stations.
- This is not the case with the prior art configuration, since modifying the number of stations in a machine leads to different lengths of seaming arms being required. Further, on their turn they have the disadvantage that the changing seaming torque causes different angle deflections on the standard size seaming shaft, which makes the proper setting-up of the seaming station more difficult and requiring more time. It can lead also to “side seam jump-over” and “seam bumps”. Stated differently, the present invention shaft assembly can be standardized for use with various machines. Since the same shaft assemblies can be used, the process is less costly in terms of tooling stock costs. In addition, using a single shaft assembly on a single container results in a simpler process and fewer setting errors.
- Constant seaming arm lengths also provide for better seam control, thereby allowing thinner container and cover materials. In addition, the settings that position the rollers relative to the block can be maintained in the shaft assemblies if these need to be changed over when going from one can size to the other and back.
- While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (27)
1. A seaming machine for forming an air tight joint between a container and an end closure, the machine comprising:
(a) a seaming head rotatably connected to a central spindle, the head including multiple shaft assemblies; and
(b) a lifter table located below the seaming head and including multiple stations, each station capable of receiving a container;
(c) wherein during use, the lifter table and seaming head rotate in unison about the centerline of the spindle, thereby moving a stream of containers through the seaming machine; and
(d) wherein a single shaft assembly is provided at each station to perform a two-step seaming operation on a single corresponding container.
2. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein the multiple shaft assemblies are located radially outward of their respective station, relative to the axis of rotation of the lifter table and seaming head.
3. The machine according to claim 2 , wherein the lifter table includes a lifter at each station and the seaming head includes a chuck at each station; and wherein during use, each container and end closure are held at a station between a lifter and a chuck.
4. The machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover feed assembly for providing end closures, the cover feed assembly including a unitary plate having a lower surface, a shallow channel in the lower surface for holding end closures, and inwardly-extending flanges bounding the side walls of the channel.
5. The seaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft assembly includes first and second rollers; the first roller for performing a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint and the second roller for performing a second seaming step resulting in final forming of the joint.
6. The machine according to claim 5 , further comprising a seaming cam, the seaming head and lifter table rotating relative to the seaming cam during use; wherein the shaft assembly includes a first and second cam follower arranged to follow the contour of the seaming cam as the lifter table and seaming head rotate about the centerline of the spindle; the motion of the first and second cam followers providing rotary input to accomplish the two-step seaming operation of the first and second rollers.
7. The machine according to claim 6 , wherein the first cam follower acts as a master cam follower that positions the first roller to accomplish the first seaming step, the second cam follower being a slave to the first cam follower during the first seaming step; and wherein the second cam follower acts as a master cam follower that positions the second roller accomplish the second seaming step, the first cam follower being a slave to the second cam follower during the second seaming step.
8. The machine according to claim 7 , wherein the shaft assembly includes an upright shaft having upper and lower ends and a block having opposite ends and a middle region; the first and second rollers being rotatably connected to the ends of the block about upright axes; the middle region of the block being connected to the lower end of the upright shaft; wherein during use, the block and shaft pivot jointly in a manner corresponding to the pivotal motion of the first and second cam followers in response to the contours of the seaming cam.
9. The machine according to claim 8 , wherein the first and second rollers are adjustably connected to the block.
10. The machine according to claim 8 , wherein the distance between the rollers and the centerline of the shaft is adjustable.
11. The machine according to claim 8 , wherein the block includes an eccentric seam setting device.
12. The machine according to claim 8 , wherein the block includes a height adjustment device.
13. The machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a seaming cam, the seaming head and lifter table rotating relative to the seaming cam during use; wherein the shaft assembly includes a first and second cam follower arranged to follow the contour of the seaming cam as the lifter table and seaming head rotate about the centerline of the spindle; wherein, during the first seaming step, the first cam follower acts as a master cam follower to position the shaft assembly to accomplish the first seaming step, the second cam follower being a slave that provides a complimentary motion to that of the first cam follower; and, during the second seaming step, the second cam follower acts as a master cam follower to position the shaft assembly to accomplish the second seaming step, the first cam follower being a slave that provides a complimentary motion to that of the second cam follower.
14. The machine according to claim 13 , wherein the shaft assembly includes first and second rollers; the first roller for performing a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint and the second roller for performing a second seaming step resulting in final forming of the joint.
15. The machine according to claim 14 , wherein the multiple shaft assemblies are located radially outward of their respective station, relative to the axis of rotation of the lifter table and seaming head.
16. The machine according to claim 14 , wherein the lifter table includes a lifter at each station and the seaming head includes a chuck at each station; during use, each container and end closure being held at a station between a lifter and a chuck; the corresponding shaft assemblies being located radially outward of their respective station, relative to the central axis.
17. The machine according to claim 14 , wherein the shaft assembly further includes an upright shaft having upper and lower ends and a block having opposite ends and a middle region; the first and second rollers being rotatably connected to the ends of the block about upright axes; the middle region of the block being connected to the lower end of the upright shaft; wherein during use, the block and shaft pivot jointly in a manner corresponding to the pivotal motion of the first and second cam followers in response to the contours of the seaming cam.
18. The machine according to claim 13 , further comprising a cover feed assembly for providing end closures to a seaming machine, the cover feed assembly including a unitary plate having a lower surface, a shallow channel in the lower surface for holding end closures, and inwardly-extending flanges bounding the side walls of the channel.
19. In a process for affixing an end closure to a container opening, the container being located at a processing station in a container closing machine; the process including a seaming operation to form an air tight joint between the end closure and the container; an improvement comprising:
using a shaft assembly adjacent to each processing station to perform a seaming operation on a single container during use; wherein the shaft assembly includes first and second rollers; the first roller for performing a first seaming step resulting in partial closure of the joint and the second roller for performing a second seaming step resulting in final forming of the same joint.
20. The improvement according to claim 19 , wherein the shaft assembly further includes an upright shaft having upper and lower ends, a block having opposite ends and a middle region, and a cam assembly; the first and second rollers being rotatably connected to the opposite ends of the block about upright axes; the middle region of the block being connected to the lower end of the upright shaft; the cam assembly causing pivoting of the block relative to the centerline of the shaft; and
wherein, during use, the cam assembly positions the block to enable the first roller to conduct the first seaming step and, once completed, pivots the block to enable the second roller to conduct the second seaming step.
21. The improvement according to claim 20 , wherein the seaming operation includes using a seaming cam and wherein each shaft assembly includes first and second cam followers located at the upper end of the shaft and in contact with the seaming cam, the cam followers adapted to transmit pivotal motion to the block to position the first and second rollers during use.
22. The improvement according to claim 21 , wherein during the first seaming step the first cam is a master cam and the second cam is a slave cam, and during the second seaming step the roles are reversed.
23. The improvement according to claim 19 , further comprising a cover feed assembly for providing end closures to a seaming machine, the cover feed assembly including a unitary plate having a lower surface, a shallow channel in the lower surface for holding end closures, and inwardly-extending flanges bounding the side walls of the channel.
24. A cover feed assembly for providing end closures to a seaming machine, the cover feed assembly comprising a unitary plate having a lower surface, a shallow channel in the lower surface for holding end closures, and inwardly-extending flanges bounding the side walls of the channel.
25. The cover feed assembly according to claim 24 , wherein the channel is formed in the unitary plate by being machined out of a solid material.
26. The cover feed assembly according to claim 24 , wherein the channel is formed in the unitary plate by being molded into the plate during formation.
27. The cover feed assembly according to claim 24 , further comprising a cover feed turret located below the unitary plate and adapted to rotate relative to the unitary plate about an upright axis, the turret including a peripheral edge and a number of push pins spaced along the periphery at predetermined locations; wherein during use, the pins move end closures from one location to another within the channel.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/410,499 US20040197164A1 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2003-04-07 | Container seaming assembly |
PCT/US2004/006099 WO2004094086A1 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2004-02-27 | Container seaming assembly |
EP04715748A EP1620214A1 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2004-02-27 | Container seaming assembly |
US11/122,615 US7125214B2 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2005-05-05 | Cover feed assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/410,499 US20040197164A1 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2003-04-07 | Container seaming assembly |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,615 Division US7125214B2 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2005-05-05 | Cover feed assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040197164A1 true US20040197164A1 (en) | 2004-10-07 |
Family
ID=33097874
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/410,499 Abandoned US20040197164A1 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2003-04-07 | Container seaming assembly |
US11/122,615 Expired - Fee Related US7125214B2 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2005-05-05 | Cover feed assembly |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,615 Expired - Fee Related US7125214B2 (en) | 2003-04-07 | 2005-05-05 | Cover feed assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20040197164A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1620214A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004094086A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1847336A1 (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-10-24 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Apparatus and method for seaming a metal can end onto a composite can |
US20080163330A1 (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2008-07-03 | General Instrument Corporation | On Screen Alert to Indicate Status of Remote Recording |
WO2013067108A1 (en) * | 2011-11-01 | 2013-05-10 | Wild Goose Engineering, LLC | A method to mechanically produce a repeatable seam in a can |
JP2014161860A (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-09-08 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Food & Packaging Machinery Co Ltd | Can seamer |
CN113386988A (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2021-09-14 | 广州市方圆机械设备有限公司 | Control method, system and device of can sealing mechanism and storage medium |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6419110B1 (en) | 2001-07-03 | 2002-07-16 | Container Development, Ltd. | Double-seamed can end and method for forming |
WO2006036934A2 (en) | 2004-09-27 | 2006-04-06 | Ball Corporation | Container end closure |
US7506779B2 (en) | 2005-07-01 | 2009-03-24 | Ball Corporation | Method and apparatus for forming a reinforcing bead in a container end closure |
US8727169B2 (en) | 2010-11-18 | 2014-05-20 | Ball Corporation | Metallic beverage can end closure with offset countersink |
US10799935B2 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2020-10-13 | Twin Monkeys Beverage Systems, Inc. | Lid seaming apparatus with small angle engagement |
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- 2004-02-27 WO PCT/US2004/006099 patent/WO2004094086A1/en active Search and Examination
- 2004-02-27 EP EP04715748A patent/EP1620214A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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US2539467A (en) * | 1946-12-05 | 1951-01-30 | American Can Co | Feeding mechanism for can ends |
US2579976A (en) * | 1949-01-24 | 1951-12-25 | Continental Can Co | High-speed cover feed |
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Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1847336A1 (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-10-24 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Apparatus and method for seaming a metal can end onto a composite can |
US20070248437A1 (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-10-25 | Michael Rudd | Apparatus and method for seaming a metal end onto a composite can |
US7357615B2 (en) | 2006-04-20 | 2008-04-15 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Apparatus and method for seaming a metal end onto a composite can |
US20080163330A1 (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2008-07-03 | General Instrument Corporation | On Screen Alert to Indicate Status of Remote Recording |
WO2013067108A1 (en) * | 2011-11-01 | 2013-05-10 | Wild Goose Engineering, LLC | A method to mechanically produce a repeatable seam in a can |
US9545656B2 (en) | 2011-11-01 | 2017-01-17 | Wild Goose Engineering, LLC | Method to mechanically produce a repeatable seam in a can |
JP2014161860A (en) * | 2013-02-22 | 2014-09-08 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Food & Packaging Machinery Co Ltd | Can seamer |
CN113386988A (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2021-09-14 | 广州市方圆机械设备有限公司 | Control method, system and device of can sealing mechanism and storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1620214A1 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
US20050207871A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
US7125214B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 |
WO2004094086A1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
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Owner name: FMC TECHNOLOGIES INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CARREIN, JOS;GIBBS, RAYMOND J.;REEL/FRAME:014432/0355;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030811 TO 20030813 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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