US3780551A

US3780551A - Apparatus and method of forming an article displaying a self-maintaining and self-monitoring quality feature

Info

Publication number: US3780551A
Application number: US00207066A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Lind; M Cobb
Original assignee: Ball Corp
Current assignee: Ball Corp
Priority date: 1971-12-13
Filing date: 1971-12-13
Publication date: 1973-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 1990-12-25

Abstract

An article forming apparatus having a self-maintaining and selfmonitoring quality feature and a method of forming an article is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes two reciprocally moving die faces which cooperate with each other in shaping a portion of an article in a predetermined manner. In this regard, one open end portion of an open ended passage or opening provided through one of the two die faces may be utilized in the aforesaid shaping operation. This passage or opening is provided with a flow of gas under pressure, preferably concurrently with the shaping operation of the apparatus, so as to prevent various foreign particles such as, for example, chips or scraps, from lodging or accumulating within or adjacent the passage, which particles might otherwise create an obstruction to the shaping operation, thereby adversely effecting the predetermined shape desired. In addition, the gas pressure within the passage is monitored, preferably continuously, so that, in the event of an obstruction, a signal is produced for terminating operation of the forming apparatus and/or providing an indication to the operator.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Lind et a1.

[ APPARATUS AND METHOD OF FORMING AN ARTICLE DISPLAYING A SELF-MAINTAINING AND SELF-MONITORING QUALITY FEATURE [75] Inventors: Archie L. Lind, Lakewood; Mack R.

Cobb, Wheatridge, both of C010.

[73] Assignee: Ball-Corporation, Muncie, Ind.

[22] Filed: Dec. 13, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 207,066

[52] U.S. C1 72/4, 72/39, 72/344 [51] Int. Cl. B21c 43/00, B21d 45/00, B2ld 55/00 [58] Field of Search 72/1, 8, 26, 39, 72/45, 344, 345,346; 425/136, 137, 153

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 634,412 10/1899 Henderson 72/344 2,679,175 5/1954 Davis 72/39 3,541,640 11/1970 Stefaniak et al. 425/136 3,552,164 1/1971 Properzi 72/45 3,526,115 9/1970 Armstrong et 72/45 3,568,229 3/1971 Moore 10/155 A 3,568,229 3/1971 Moore et al. 10/155 A 3,605,473 9/1971 Lyon et a1 72/201 2,347,102 4/1944 Hartmann 72/346 3,527,073 9/1970 Wintriss 72/4 3,678,725 7 1972 Langewis 72/344 Dec. 25, 1973 Primary ExaminerCharles W. Lanham Assistant ExaminerE. M. Combs me. t.E-..Alb9rs1ins [5 7 ABSTRACT An article forming apparatus having a self-maintaining and self-monitoring quality feature and a method of forming an article is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes two reciprocally moving die faces which cooperate with each other in shaping a portion of an article in a predetermined manner. In this regard, one open end portion of an open ended passage or opening provided through one of the two die faces may be utilized in the aforesaid shaping operation. This passage or opening is provided with a flow of gas under pressure, preferably concurrently with the shaping operation of the apparatus, so as to prevent various foreign particles such as, for example, chips or scraps, from lodging or accumulating within or adjacent the passage, which particles might otherwise create an obstruction to the shaping operation, thereby adversely effecting the predetermined shape desired. 1n addition, the gas pressure within the passage is monitored, preferably continuously, so that, in the event of an obstruction, a signal is produced for terminating operation of the forming apparatus and/or providing an indication to the operator.

10 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTED mes ms 3780.551

1 N VENTORS.

ARCHIE L. LIND MACK R.COBB

Rams M AT TORNEY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF FORMING AN ARTICLE DISPLAYING A SELF-MAINTAINING AND SELF-MONITORING QUALITY FEATURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an article forming apparatus and more particularly to such an apparatus having a self-maintaining and self-monitoring quality feature.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, various types of article forming machines have been developed, some more complicated than others. In any case, many of these machines are utilized for providing, at least in part, a raised surface such as, for example, what is commonly referred to as a button in an otherwise flat portion of an article. For example, the ring tab provided with a beverage container lid is, in many cases, secured to the lid by such a button or raised portion.

One typical way in which the aforedescribed raised portion or button is produced or shaped is by utilizing a press having cooperating male and female die components. This, however, has presented, and continuously presents, a problem, especially when the opening in the female die is small in cross section and when the press is operated in an unclean environment such as a typical factory having chips, scraps and other such foreign particles which tend to accumulate around the press. Specifically, the chips, scraps and other environmental particles tend to settle around and lodge within the opening provided in the female die which, in many instances, prevents the dies from cooperating in the manner intended, thereby degrading the quality of the raised portion or button formed, especially where close tolerances are required. This problem can, of course, be costly when considering the large number of malformed lids or other articles which could be produced before discovery of the'problem. In this regard, there is always danger of stamping the chips into the article and, in the case of container lids, there is always the possibility that the chips will contaminate the contained substance.

Another problem presents itself, especially where the article forming operation is a high speed operation such as in the production of beverage container lids. Specifically, the high speed operation makes quality monitoring quite difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, which provides heretofore unavailable improvements in article forming apparatus, includes a quality self-maintaining and self-monitoring feature which eliminates many of the foregoing deficiencies of the prior art as well as other deficiencies thereof.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved article forming apparatus including a self-maintaining and self-monitoring quality feature.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved article forming apparatus having a form contributing component which may be continuously cleansed of foreign particles during the forming operation of an article so as to minimize the possibility of producing a malformed article otherwise caused by accumulation of the foreign particles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved article forming apparatus having a form contributing component which may be continuously monitored for the presence of foreign particles during the forming operation of an article so as to minimize the possibility of producing a malformed article otherwise caused by the presence of such particles.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved article forming apparatus, the forming operation of which is automatically terminated in response to the presence of certain particles which contribute to article malformation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved article forming apparatus which is provided with an uncomplicated and economically providable self-monitoring and self-maintaining quality feature.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an article forming apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view'taken generally along line 2-2 in FIG. I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the instant invention, an article forming apparatus is provided for forming articles of manufacture such as, for example, metal beverage container lids having snap-off ring tabs from, for example, disc shaped blanks. As will be described hereinafter, the apparatus includes .male and female die components or portions which cooperate with each other and with each of the blanks for producing in the latter a raised portion such as, for example, a button adapted to fasten a ring tab or the like to the ultimately formed lid.

Forming apparatus of the type described are often located in factories or other environments where matter such as chips, scraps orother foreign particles is prevalent. It has been found that these foreign particles tend to accumulate around and/or lodge within the form contributing opening defined by the female die component, especially ,where the opening is a blind accumulation thereof and therefore maintaining quality in the forming operation.

However, there may be times when the forming area is so obstructed so as to obstruct the passage and particularly the form contributing end thereof to a sufficient degree so as to prevent suitable formation of the aforedescribed button. When this happens, the air pressure in the passage and in the air line leading to the passage will increase. According to the instant invention, this pressure is monitored, preferably throughout the forming operation, by, for example, a pressure sensitive switch which may be utilized as part of a circuit to warn the operator of the existing obstruction and/or terminate operation of the forming apparatus so that the obstruction can be eliminated. However, as will be seen hereinafter, the apparatus of the present invention is designed so that the switch will not be affected by momentary closure of the opening during forming operations. In this manner, the apparatus takes an uncomplicated and economical approach in maintaining and monitoring the quality of at least partial article formation. In fact, from the teachings of the instant invention, as set forth in more detail hereinafter, existing article forming apparatus utilizing cooperating male and female dies can be economically modified to include the aforedescribed quality maintaining and quality monitoring feature.

Turning now to the drawings, FlG. 1 illustrates an article forming apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus includes a stationary article support or platform 12 which is mounted to an upstanding base 14 and which may be separated around its top surface into a plurality of designated circumferentially spaced form contributing die portions 16. An index disc 18 displaying circumferentially spaced pockets 20 extending radially inwardly from its outer periphery is held contiguous with the top surface of platform 12 so as to surround the die portions 16, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The index disc is suitably mounted in fixed relationship to the free end of a shaft 22 so as to rotate therewith and so as to be positioned in the aforestated contiguous manner. The shaft extends downwardly into base 14 and, by appropriate conventional means (not shown), is adapted to rotate the index disc in incremental steps so that the pockets 20 move to successive form contributing die portions.

Article forming apparatus also includes a crosshead assembly 24 comprising part of, for example, a conventional minister press. For purposes of clarity and brevity only the cross-head assembly of the press is illustrated. The cross-head assembly, which by conventional means (not shown) is adapted to vertically reciprocate in synchronism with the incremental rotation of index disc 20, includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced cross-heads 26 depending from a support 28 and in vertical alignment with the respective die portions 16. Each of these cross-heads and corresponding vertically aligned die portions constitute opposing die portions or components in providing a specific forming operation in the overall formation of an article.

operationally, work pieces such as, for example, disc shaped blanks 30 are conveyed from a suitable conveyor mechanism 31 to a receiving area 32 comprising a designated segment of the index discs top surface, the receiving area being surrounded by one of the pockets as illustrated in PK]. 1. The index disc is then rotated by drive shaft 22 in the direction of arrow 34 so that the blanks are indexed to successive: forming stations which comprise the area between corresponding cross-heads and aligned form contributing die portions. Upon receipt of the blanks or partially processed blanks at the various forming stations, rotation of the index disc is terminated for a brief period so that each of the cross-heads, which is synchronized to reach the bottom of its reciprocating stroke at that time, can engage and, along with the appropriately designed surface making up the die portion, work on a respective blank or partial blank positioned thereunder. The blank or partially formed blank is thereafter moved in incremental steps to the remaining successive forming stations where it is ultimately formed into an article 36 such as the aforedescribed metal container lid having, for example, a snap-off ring tab. After the blanks are formed into articles 36, they are moved to a designated exit 38 and thereafter transferred by conventional means (not shown) from the exit area to a second suitable conveyor mechanism 40 which transfers the articles to, for example, a packaging station.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, one of the cross-heads 26 and vertically aligned form contributing die portions 16 may be utilized for forming a raised portion or button in the disc shaped blank 30. Accordingly, that particular cross-head may be designed as a male die component displaying, for example, a flat downwardly facing surface 42 with a downwardly projecting portion 44 extending therefrom. 0n the other hand, the corresponding die portion 16, may be designed as a female die component and, in accordance with the present invention, includes an open ended passage 46 extending from the top form contributing surface of the plateform l2 and entirely through the platform. In this regard, the passage, that is, at least the top form contributing end thereof, is designed to cooperate with the projecting portion 44 of the cross-head when the latter is at the bottom of its reciprocating stroke so as to form the aforestated button.

In accordance with the present invention, a pressurized air supply 48, housed in, for example, a control panel 50, is provided for supplying air or other suitable gas under constant pressure of, for example, 5 psi through the passage 46. The air or other gas is directed from the supply to the bottom open end of the passage by a suitable conduit 52 which is appropriately con nected and sealed at opposite ends to the air supply and the bottom of platform 12 respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and which is larger in cross-sectional diameter than the passage for purposes to be described hereinafter. The air supply is opened to the-passage by, for example, an on-off switch 54 and preferably continuously maintained opened during the article forming operation, but may, for example, by conventional means (not shown), be automatically intermittently opened and closed in a predetermined manner. In this way, the air flows upwardly through the passage for cleansing the forming area, passage and particularly the top form contributing end thereof of many foreign particles which might otherwise lodge within the passage and/or around the forming area and cause malformation of the articles during forming operation. Accordingly, the quality in which the buttons are formed may be maintained during operation of the apparatus.

However, there may be an occasion where foreign matter lodges within passage 46 and particularly at its form contributing end. If left unnoticed, this, of course, could cause the production of many malformed articles Accordingly, apparatus 10 is provided with a pressure switch 56 which comprises part of an electrical circuit (not shown) and which may be of the conventional type such as, for example, one which energizes a relay or relays when actuated by a predetermined pressure. The switch is positioned, for example, in the line with conduit 52 for monitoring the pressure within the conduit and passage 46. In the event that the passage is obstructed to a degree sufficient to raise the pressure therein to a predetermined level such as, for example, from 5 psi to psi, the pressure switch, which is appropriately adjusted, will actuate. In this regard, the air supply 48 would be providing at its output a pressure of, for example, to psi so that blockage of passage 46 will allow a pressure build-up therein of at least 10 psi.

The electrical circuit incorporating the switch may include suitable indicating means such as an indicator light 58 which is adapted to light up or flash if the pressure switch is actuated or a sounding means (not shown) which is adapted to sound an alarm if the switch is actuated. In addition thereto or in lieu thereof, the electrical circuit incorporating the pressure switch may be appropriately connected through, for example,

conduits

60 and 62 and emergency stop circuits (not shown) to coventional breaking means 61 and 63 for terminating operation of the apparatus. When the pressure within the passage and conduit 60 returns to normal operating pressure, the pressure switch can be manually returned to its initial unactuated operating position or may be of the type which automatically returns to this position.

In the foregoing manner, apparatus 10 is continuously quality monitored throughout its operation. In this regard, it should be noted that the passage 46 will be periodically blocked by the cross-head 26 when the latter is in an article engaging position. However, this blockage is of such a short duration that the pressure in the passage will not generally build up enough to actuate the switch 56. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cross-sectional diameter of conduit 52 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of passage 46. Hence, the larger conduit acts as a reservoir so that short durational blockages of the passage will not cause an immediate build-up in pressure from, for example, 5 psi to 10 ps1.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular typed of article forming apparatus illustrated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the particular design of passage 46 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2 but may be of any suitable design so long as air under pressure may be directed therethrough so as to both cleanse the passage of various foreign matter as well as monitor the passage for possible obstructions.

Although a single embodiment of'the present invention has been illustrated and described, it is anticipated that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An article forming apparatus having a selfmaintaining and self-monitoring quality feature, said apparatus comprising: a forming die arrangement adapted to form at least a portion of an article into a predetermined shape at a forming area, said arrangement including a component having an open ended passage extending therethrough; quality selfmaintaining and self-monitoring means including a pneumatic pressure source connected to said passage by means of a conduit of a cross-sectional diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of said passage for automatically preventing retention of undesired particles in the forming area and pressure responsive means in communication with said pressure source to indicate pressure increases within said passage above a threshold value resulting from continuing obstruction of said passage due to the retention of said particles in the forming area.

2. An article forming apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said forming arrangement includes a second component, at least one of said first-mentioned and second components being adapted for movement between a first position away from the other component and a second position adjacent said other component, said second component cooperating with one open end of the gas receiving passage of said first-mentioned component for producing said predetermined design in said article when the latter is positioned between said components and when said components are in said adjacent positions.

3. An article forming apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said second component includes a projection adapted to enter into a portion of said passage through the cooperating open end of said gas receiving passage when said components are in said adjacent position whereby to form a projection in a substantially flat article. I

4. An article forming apparatus having a combination quality maintaining and quality monitoring feature, said apparatus comprising: first and second members, at least one of which is adapted-for movement between a first position away from the other member and a second position adjacent said other member, said first member having an open ended passage extending therethrough and at least a portion of said second member being adapted to cooperate with said first member and one open end of said passage when said members are adjacent each other for forming an article in a predetermined fashion; means providing a supply of gas through said passage for minimizing the accumulation of foreign particles within said passage whereby to maintain the quality in whichsaid article is formed; and switch means cooperating with said last-mentioned means for providing an indication of a predetermined air pressure buildup in said passage greater than the intermittent air pressure buildup resulting from temporary closure of said passage by said second member or said article whereby possible obstruction of the cooperating open end of said passage due to the accumulation of said particles therein can be monitored for monitoring the quality in which material is being formed.

5. An apparatus for forming a projecting portion in a substantially flat article, said apparatus comprising:

first and second cooperating forming members, at least one of which is adapted for movement between a first position away from the other member and a second position adjacent said other member, said first member having an open ended passage extending therethrough and said second member having an outwardly projecting portion designed to enter into at least a portion of said passage from one open end thereof when said forming members are in said adjacent positions whereby to form a projecting portion in a substantially flat surface of an article; an.air supply; conduit of a cross-sectional diameter greater than the crosssectional diameter of the opening of said passage for providing air under pressure from said supply to said passage at the other open end thereof whereby to cleanse said passage of various foreign particles and thereby minimize obstruction to the entry into said passage; and means cooperating with said air supply and said air providing means for providing an indication in the event that the air pressure within said passage reaches a predetermined value greater than that caused by intermittent closure of said passage opening during the forming operation whereby to monitor a possible obstruction in said passage due to the retention of said particles therein, said air providing means and air pressure indication means being adapted for continuous operation during operation of the apparatus whereby to maintain and simultaneously monitor the quality in which said projecting portion is formed.

6. An apparatus according to claim wherein said air pressure indicating means includes means for terminating operation of said apparatus in the event air pressure in said passage reaches said predetermined value.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said air pressure indicating means includes a perceptibility device for indicating the presence of a pressure buildup in said passage equal to said predetermined value.

8. A method of forming an article from an article forming apparatus having a form contributing component including an open ended passage extending therethrough, said method comprising the steps of: positioning an article adjacent the portion of said component defining one open end of said passage; at least momentarily placing said component portion and said article into engaging relationship with each other, flowing a stream of gas through said passage to automatically cleanse said passage of various foreign particles and monitoring the pressure of said gas in said passage to determine pressure increases above a predetermined value greater than the pressure increase resulting from momentary closure of said passage resulting from said article being positioned into engagement with said component, to indicate a possible obstruction in said passage due to the retention of said particles therein.

9. A method of forming an article from an article forming apparatus having a form contributing component including an open ended passage extending therethrough, said method comprising the steps of: positioning an article adjacent the portion of said component defining one open end of said passage; at least momentarily placing said component portion and said article in engaging relationship with each other; passing gas under pressure through said passage to automatically cleanse said passage of various foreign particles; monitoring the pressure within said passage; and actuating a switch means, in the event that the gas pressure within said passage reaches a predetermined value greater than the pressure resulting from momentary closure of said opening during the forming operation, to provide an indication of a possible obstruction of said passage due to the retention of said particles therein.

10. A method according to claim 9 including the step of terminating operation of said apparatus in the event that the gas pressure in said passage reaches said predetermined value.

Claims

1. An article forming apparatus having a self-maintaining and self-monitoring quality feature, said apparatus comprising: a forming die arrangement adapted to form at least a portion of an article into a predetermined shape at a forming area, said arrangement including a component having an open ended passage extending therethrough; quality self-maintaining and selfmonitoring means including a pneumatic pressure source connected to said passage by means of a conduit of a cross-sectional diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of said passage for automatically preventing retention of undesired particles in the forming area and pressure responsive means in communication with said pressure source to indicate pressure increases within said passage above a threshold value resulting from continuing obstruction of said passage due to the retention of said particles in the forming area.

3. An article forming apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said second component includes a projection adapted to enter into a portion of said passage through the cooperating open end of said gas receivinG passage when said components are in said adjacent position whereby to form a projection in a substantially flat article.

4. An article forming apparatus having a combination quality maintaining and quality monitoring feature, said apparatus comprising: first and second members, at least one of which is adapted for movement between a first position away from the other member and a second position adjacent said other member, said first member having an open ended passage extending therethrough and at least a portion of said second member being adapted to cooperate with said first member and one open end of said passage when said members are adjacent each other for forming an article in a predetermined fashion; means providing a supply of gas through said passage for minimizing the accumulation of foreign particles within said passage whereby to maintain the quality in which said article is formed; and switch means cooperating with said last-mentioned means for providing an indication of a predetermined air pressure buildup in said passage greater than the intermittent air pressure buildup resulting from temporary closure of said passage by said second member or said article whereby possible obstruction of the cooperating open end of said passage due to the accumulation of said particles therein can be monitored for monitoring the quality in which material is being formed.

5. An apparatus for forming a projecting portion in a substantially flat article, said apparatus comprising: first and second cooperating forming members, at least one of which is adapted for movement between a first position away from the other member and a second position adjacent said other member, said first member having an open ended passage extending therethrough and said second member having an outwardly projecting portion designed to enter into at least a portion of said passage from one open end thereof when said forming members are in said adjacent positions whereby to form a projecting portion in a substantially flat surface of an article; an air supply; conduit of a cross-sectional diameter greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the opening of said passage for providing air under pressure from said supply to said passage at the other open end thereof whereby to cleanse said passage of various foreign particles and thereby minimize obstruction to the entry into said passage; and means cooperating with said air supply and said air providing means for providing an indication in the event that the air pressure within said passage reaches a predetermined value greater than that caused by intermittent closure of said passage opening during the forming operation whereby to monitor a possible obstruction in said passage due to the retention of said particles therein, said air providing means and air pressure indication means being adapted for continuous operation during operation of the apparatus whereby to maintain and simultaneously monitor the quality in which said projecting portion is formed.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said air pressure indicating means includes means for terminating operation of said apparatus in the event air pressure in said passage reaches said predetermined value.