US3802364A - Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers - Google Patents

Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3802364A
US3802364A US00323252A US32325273A US3802364A US 3802364 A US3802364 A US 3802364A US 00323252 A US00323252 A US 00323252A US 32325273 A US32325273 A US 32325273A US 3802364 A US3802364 A US 3802364A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pusher rod
vacuum
ejector
article
pusher
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00323252A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
E Paramonoff
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sequa Corp
Standun Inc
Original Assignee
Standun Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Standun Inc filed Critical Standun Inc
Priority to US00323252A priority Critical patent/US3802364A/en
Priority to GB95474A priority patent/GB1457621A/en
Priority to JP49006939A priority patent/JPS49101975A/ja
Priority to DE2401434A priority patent/DE2401434A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3802364A publication Critical patent/US3802364A/en
Assigned to SEQUA CORPORATION reassignment SEQUA CORPORATION CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SUN CHEMICAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23D31/00—Shearing machines or shearing devices covered by none or more than one of the groups B23D15/00 - B23D29/00; Combinations of shearing machines
    • B23D31/001—Shearing machines or shearing devices covered by none or more than one of the groups B23D15/00 - B23D29/00; Combinations of shearing machines for trimming deep drawn products
    • 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
    • B21D43/18—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in pneumatic or magnetic engagement with the work
    • 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
    • B21D43/28—Associations of cutting devices therewith
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T82/00—Turning
    • Y10T82/16—Severing or cut-off
    • Y10T82/16426—Infeed means
    • Y10T82/16967—Infeed means with means to support and/or rotate work

Definitions

  • a pusher rod having an end vacuum cup is reciprocally forwardly and rearwardly movable telescoping a stationary vacuum tube for engaging the closed end of an article such as a can body with the vacuum cup at a feed station and pushing the can body, open end first, to a working or trimming station for a working or trimming operation followed by vacuum gripping withdrawal of the can body back to the feed station.
  • the pusher rod is reciprocally driven through a surrounding pneumatic cylinder which will partially collapse upon the pusher rod and can body encountering an obstructing force of sufficient magnitude during the pushing phase of the cycling, the cylinder collapse being sensed by increased pneumatic pressure therein for automatically shutting down movement of the pusher rod and exhausting the increased pressure.
  • the end of the vacuum tube within the pusher rod forms a stop engageable by an ejector within the pusher rod vacuum cup, the ejector engaging the vacuum tube stop upon full withdrawal of the pusher rod to eject a trimmed can body from vacuum cup gripping.
  • the ejector movement controls vacuum supply from the vacuum tube to the pusher rod vacuum cup opening the vacuum upon the ejector leaving the vacuum tube stop and closing the vacuum upon ejector recontact. Any continued loss of vacuum gripping of the can body is sensed for pusher rod shutdown.
  • This invention relates to a feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers, the feed mechanism being of the type operating on an automatic continuously repeating cycle to contact an article such as a can .body at a feed station of a conveyor system, transport the can body to a working in this case a trimming station, retain the can body at the trimming station during open end trimming thereof, and return the now trimmed can body to the feed station for re'conve'yance away from the feed station for feed mechanism recycling with the next can body.
  • this invention includes a pusher mechanism for automatically carrying out the article or can body feed, working or trimmer positioning and retraction cycling having means incorporated therein positioned for sensing obstructions to proper article or can body movement in the pusher mechanism feed stroke and causing a partial axial collapse of the pusher mechanism, as well as preferably a pusher mechanism shut down in the event such an obstructing force is encountered.
  • the present invention may include a particular manner of providing a vacuum supply to the pusher mechanism required for vacuum gripping of the article or can body during at least a portion of the feed, working or trimmer positioning and retraction cycling in such a manner that a ready vacuum supply will always be available without the need for an .extensive period of exhausting vacuum lines so as to provide themaximum of desired control of the article or can body during such cycling by the pusher mechanism.
  • untrimmed can bodies may be-positioned by conveyor means at a trimmer feed station and are engaged at one end thereof by the pusher mechanism for transportation, open end first to a trimming station for engagement over a trimming mandrel. A trimming operation is then performed on the can body open end with the can body ultimately being transported, preferably by vacuum gripping, back to the feed station for ultimate conveyance from the trimmer.
  • the operation of the trimmer must be at relatively high speeds which means that the operation of the pusher mechanism must likewise be at relatively high speeds.
  • the can body trimming operation is a metal trimming or cutting operation and must be performed in a relatively exacting fashion with complex and expensive metal cutting tools, the problems are further complicated by the fact that when the can body is transported to the trimming station by the pusher mechanism, the can body must be exactly and precisely telescoped over the trimmer mandrel so that the trimming operation can be successfully carried out.
  • the vacuum supply reaction must be of minimum interval implementation. This is particuarly important in modern metallic can body trimmers where the cycling is reduced to a minimum of time interval. Furthermore, by the reduction of vacuum implementation time to a minimum, it is possible to reduce the requirements of vacuum supply to a minimum so as to minimize the costs and capacity of vacuum supply equipment. Again, it is to the solution of these vacuum supply and vacuum gripping problems to which certain of the principles of the present invention are directed.
  • an object of this invention to provide a feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers wherein, according to certain of the principles of the present invention, through a unique pusher mechanism construction and related controls therefor, constant sensing for any damaging obstructing forces is maintained by inherent components of the pusher mechanism immediately upon contact of the pusher mechanism with the article or can body to be trimmed at the feed station, during such contact between the feed and working body to be trimmed by the pusher mechanism onto the trimming mandrel at the trimming station.
  • the pusher mechanism automatically partially collapses so as to aid in minimizing any possibility of damage to the pusher mechanism and other machinery or trimmer components including those at the working or trimming station.
  • a damaging obstructing force may be encountered by improper feed positioning of a particular untrimmed can body at the feed station including damaged or deformed can bodies, or such obstructing force may be created by a foreign object in the path of the pusher mechanism and untrimmed can body between the feed and trimming stations, or such obstructing force may be created by improper positioning of the untrimmed can body with the pusher mechanism causing an improper telescoping of the untrimmed can body with the trimming mandrel at the trimming station, all of which will be sensed automatically and cause the partial collapse of the pusher mechanism.
  • the collapsible pressure reacting means is a fluid, preferably pneumatic cylinder transmitting driving forces therethrough to the pusher mechanism components engaging the can body, such driving forces being transmitted directly through the gases within the pneumatic cylinder.
  • driving forces being transmitted directly through the gases within the pneumatic cylinder.
  • machinery such as metallic can body trimmers which not only senses damaging obstructing forces being encountered as hereinbefore set forth, such sensing being in the form of the pusher mechanism at least partially collapsing, but at the same time, such collapse of the pusher mechanism may be further sensed as to the increased pressure generated by such collapse.
  • the sensing and collapsing cylinder incorporated therein is a pneumatic cylinder as in the preferred form
  • the encountering of the obstructing force exceeding the determined pressure of the gas within the pneumatic cylinder will cause a collapse of the cylinder by compressing the gas to higher pressures.
  • This increase in pressure of the cylinder contained gas above a predetermined set maximum can then be further sensed to actuate appropriate controls for terminating operation of the trimming equipment while also exhausting at least the excess pressure.
  • the result is that there are no extensive vacuum lines to be exhausted at the time the vacuum gripping of the article or can body by the pusher mechanism so as to minimize the requirements of vacuum supply.
  • Furthennore minimizing the space to be evacuated in order to produce the vacuum gripping, reduces the time for such vacuum gripping actuation increasing the timed actuation control of the vacuum and increasing the overall efficiency of the trimming equipment by permitting exact timed vacuum gripping control.
  • the vacuum gripping of the can body by the pusher mechanism is implemented immediately upon the pusher mechanism contact with the untrimmed can body at the feed stacan body is returned to the feed station by the pusher mechanism and the ejector mechanism actuated, the vacuum is automatically closed off, thereby ensuring the exact timed control of the vacuum supply in performing its can body gripping function without the need for additional timing and control equipment.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a metallic can body trimmer incorporating a preferred embodiment of the principles of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view looking in the direction of the arrow 2-2 in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view looking in the directionof the arrows 3-3 in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary, horizontal sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 4-4 in FIG. 1 and showing a pusher mechanism incorporated in the trimmer of FIG. 1, the pusher mechanism being in fully withdrawn or retracted position;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrowsS-S in FIG. 4 and showing the pusher mechanism still in fully retracted position;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 6-6 in FIG. 4 and showing the pusher mechanism still in the fully retracted position, but a can body positioned for contact thereby;
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view taken from the right hand portion of FIG. 6, but showing the pusher mechanism'in fully retracted position immediately after the ejectionof a trimmed can body thereform;
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 in FIG. 2 and showing a can body positioned over the trimming mandrel by the pusher mechanism as during a trimming operation;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 99 in FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, horizontal sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 10-10 in FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 11-11 in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 12-12 in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 13-13 in FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view look ing in the direction of the arrows 14-14 in FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows 15-15 in FIG. 14;
  • FIGS. 16, 17, 18, 23 and 27 are diagrammatic views showing the pusher mechanism in various progressive stages of movement from fully retracted position through the movement thereby of an untrimmed can body at the feed station to the trimming station and DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENT CONTEMPLATED
  • an overall metallic can body trimmer assembly is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and includes an overall usual main frame generally indicated at 30 supporting and housing, in some cases, various working component assemblies necessary for an operable overall trimmer assembly.
  • the trimmer assembly will be described generally immediately below and the description will then be segregated into the individual working component assemblies for a specific description of each of these assemblies, finally followed by a general description of overall trimmer operation.
  • the individual component assemblies or sub-assemblies to be specifically described are a feed and positioning mechanism assembly generally indicated at 32, a trimming mechanism assembly generally indicated at 34 and a scrap disposal assembly generally indicated at 36.
  • main frame 30 also houses the principal electrical motor and connecting gearing systems necessary for the driving of the various component assemblies of the trimmer assembly, the operable connections therebetween being in the usual manner and as will be more clearly understood from the following specific descriptions.
  • the feed and positioning mechanism assembly 32 includes a generally vertical infeed guide 42 for feeding a continuous series of drawn and wall ironed untrimmed metallic can bodies 44 having closed ends 46 and open ends 48 downwardly for one at a time reception in pockets 50 of a rotatable star wheel 52.
  • the untrimmed can bodies 44 are, at this stage and from the formation standpoint, substantially finished except for the final wall trimming operation which trims the can bodies to desired length.
  • the untrimmed can bodies 44 are preferably formed of appropriate metals such as aluminum, tinplate and black iron, and have wall thicknesses in the order of 0.008ths inches thick, being useable for containing beverages, for instances, such as beer and soft drinks.
  • the star wheel 52 is of usual timed indexing form appropriately driven by means well known to those skilled in the art and timed for proper operation in relationship to the operation of the various other components as will be hereinafter described. As shown, the star wheel 52 rotates about a horizontal axis and moves the untrimmed can bodies 44 in timed indexing movement, counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 3 in two indexing steps to a feed station generally indicated at 54 where each particular can body is sensed by a proximity sensor 56 of usual form and in the usual manner to be sure that a can body is at the feed station for permitting operation of the other components of the assembly.
  • the particular untrimmed can body 44 at the feed station 54 is removed therefrom for trimming and then is returned as a wall trimmed can body 58 with the progressive indexing movements of the star wheel 52 in two such indexing movements releasing the trimmed can bodies 58 into the downwardly angled outfeed guide 60, where the trimmed can bodies move downwardly by gravity into an appropriate receptacle or other conveying equipment (not shown).
  • the untrimmed can bodies 44 are retained by the star wheel 52 with the cylindrical axis thereof horizontal, the closed ends 46 to the left and the open ends 48 to the right as shown.
  • a pusher mechanism generally indicated at 62 and shown in detail in FIGS. 4 through 6.
  • the pusher mechanism 62 in retracted position is fully to the left of the feed station 54 (FIGS. 2, and 6) but is movable axially to an extended position through the feed station 54 and the appropriate pocket 50 of the star wheel 52 and ultimately to a trimming station generally indicated at 64, the trimming station, as well as a trimming mandrel 66 at said station, being a part of the trimming mechanism assembly 34 to the hereinafter described.
  • the pusher mechanism 62 includes an axially extending, stationary vacuum tube 68 rigidly secured in communication with a vacuum supply tube 70 at its left hand end.
  • a vacuum cates centrally therethrough opening to the right of the ejector stop (FIG. 6).
  • a pusher tube 76 telescopes the vacuum tube 68, being axially reciprocal thereon through appropriate bearings.
  • the pusher tube 76 terminates in a radially outwardly enlarged cylinder abutment collar 78, and at the right hand end, the pusher tube terminates spaced axially beyond the right hand end of the vacuum tube 68 in a radially enlarged vacuum cup 80, open to the right.
  • a vertically upwardly extending guide 82 is secured to the cylinder abutment collar 78 and is, in turn, upwardly received into a guide block 84 slideably guided axially in a guide slot 86 for aiding and guiding the axial reciprocal movements of the pusher tube 76.
  • An ejector 88 is axially slideably mounted within the vacuum cup and the right hand end of the pusher tube 76, and includes a vacuum opening 90 therein opening axially to the right within the opening of the vacuum cup 80 and opening radially spaced from the ejector left hand end into the pusher tube 76.
  • a vacuum opening 90 therein opening axially to the right within the opening of the vacuum cup 80 and opening radially spaced from the ejector left hand end into the pusher tube 76.
  • the pusher tube 76 is telescoped by a fluid cylinder 92, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, which is spaced outwardly from the pusher tube and is appropriately sealed at opposite ends thereof on the pusher tube for axial slideable movement relative thereto.
  • a fluid cylinder 92 preferably a pneumatic cylinder
  • a fluid supply line 96 for supplying fluid, preferably gaseous fluid such as air, under pressure to the cylinder.
  • a pressure sensor 97 and a dump valve 99 Also communicating into the cylinder 92 preferably at the fluid or air supply line 96 is a pressure sensor 97 and a dump valve 99, the pressure sensor 97 being for sensing fluid or air pressure within the cylinder above a predetermined pressure and having electrical connection to the main controls of the trimmer for interrupting operation of the same upon such higher predetermined pressure being sensed, and the dump valve 99 being for exhausting air pressure from the cylinder at least above said predetermined pressure, these again being for a purpose to be hereinafter described.
  • the rearward end of the fluid or pneumatic cylinder 92 is pivotally connected at opposite sides thereof to toggle driving arms 98 arranged such that from the position shown in FIG. 4, forward pivoting of the driving arms 98 urges the cylinder 92 forwardly or to the right and opposite pivoting of the driving arms urges the cylinder rearwardly or to the left.
  • the pivotal stroke of the driving arms 98 is arranged so that with fluid, preferably air or some other gaseous fluid, in the cylinder 92 under pressure, preferably in the order of 40 pounds per square inch, forward pivoting of the driving arms 98 will move the cylinder axially forwardly and through the piston 94 and contained air pressure within the cylinder, will move the pusher tube 76 axially forwardly from its fully retracted position at the left of the-star wheel 52 forwardly to the right through the star wheel and to the trimming station 64, withopposite movement of the driving arms 98 retracting the pusher tube or rod rearwardly to the left back to fully retracted position by abutting engagement of the cylinder with the cylinder abutment collar 78 on the pusher tub or rod.
  • fluid preferably air or some other gaseous fluid
  • the reciprocal movement of the pusher tube 76 is, therefore totally through the fluid or air cushion or pressure within the cylinder 92 and if the pusher tube should meed an obstacle producing an obstructing force sufficient to exceed the pressure within the cylinder, the cylinder can collapse by compressing the air therein, that is, the cylinder being positively driven can continue forward movement to the right while the pusher tube becomes stationary causing the piston thereof to compress the air within the cylinder.
  • the entire trimmer can be automatically shut down, while at the same time, the dump valve 99 will exhaust air pressure above the predetermined higher pressure at least for cylinder pressure to stay below the predetermined higher pressure or lower.
  • the pusher tube or rod 76 is, therefore, guarded through this collapsing axial pressure reacting cylinder arrangement of the cylinder 92 against severe damage in the event an intervening obstructing force of sufficient magnitude is met during pusher rod forward movement at the feed station 54, between the feed station and the trimming station 64 or at the trimming station until the pusher rod is fully extended.
  • Such an obstructing force of sufficient magnitude could be caused by improper positioning of an untrimmed can body 44 at the feed station 54 or a damaged or deformed can body being so positioned, some obstruction accidentally entering the space between the feed and trimming stations 54and 64, some obstruction on the trimming mandrel 66 of the trimming station 64 preventing an untrimmed can body 44 being smoothly telescoped over such trimming mandrel by the pusher rod 76, or an untrimmed can body 44 being improperly positioned carried by the pusher rod 76 so that it is not positioned to be smoothly telescoped over the trimming mandrel 66 at the trimming station 64.
  • the positioning relationship between the vacuum tube 68 and the pusher tube 76 is such that when the pusher tube is fully retracted or fully to the left as shown in FIG. 7, the ejector 88 contacts the ejector stop 74 on the vacuum tube 68 and is forced forwardly or to the right relative to the vacuum cup projecting therefrom as shown.
  • the pusher tube 76 is in any extended position relative to the vacuum tube 68, that is, sufficient that the vacuum cup carries the ejector 88 away from contact with the ejector stop 74 of the vacuum tube 68, the ejector is free to move rearwardly or to the left relative to the vacuum cup and a slight resistance or rearward movement will cause such rearward movement of the ejector. This will place the ejector 88 in its rear ward position relative to the vacuum cup 80 as shown in FIG. 6.
  • this feed and positioning mechanism assembly 32 In operation of this feed and positioning mechanism assembly 32 or this portion of the trimmer, starting with the pusher tube 76 in fully retracted position as shown in FIG. 6, the star wheel 52 indexes positioning an untrimmed can body 44 at the feed station 54 already for movement to the trimming station 64 for the trimming operation on the open end 48 thereof. At this time, the vacuum cup 80 is spaced from the untrimmed can body 44 and the ejector 88 is abutting the ejector stop 73 on the end of the vacuum tube 68 closing the ejector vacuum opening and projecting axially forwardly or to the right from the vacuum cup.
  • This is the ejecting position of the ejector 88 in which the ejector was automatically placed upon the pusher tube 76 returning to its fully retracted position at the termination of the immediately preceding cycle.
  • both the vacuum cup 80 and its internal ejector 88 are slightly spaced axially rearwardly from, but exactly axial aligned with the untrimmed can body 44 that has been moved into the feed station 54.
  • Air pressure of approximately 40 psi is contained within the cylinder 92 so that an air cushion of determined pressure is maintaining the proper positioning between the cylinder and the pusher tube 76 with the rearward end of the cylinder axially abutting the cylinder abutment collar 78 on the pusher tube.
  • the driving arms 98 begin forward pivotal movement to the right as shown in FIG. 4, moving the cylinder 92 axially forward carrying the pusher tube 76 axially forward.
  • the axially projecting ejector 88 first contacts the closed end 46 of the untrimmed can body 44 and since the rearward end of the ejector has moved axially away from the ejector stop 74 of the vacuum tube 68, the resistance of the untrimmed can body moves the ejector axially rearwardly telescoping the same fully within the vacuum 80.
  • the vacuum cup 80 contacts the closed end 46 of the untrimmed can body 44 and with the ejector 88 spaced axially rearwardly relative to the vacuum cup 80, a vacuum supply is received from the vacuum tube 68 through the now open ejector vacuum openings 90 and into the vacuum cup 80, thereby vacuum gripping the untrimmed can body 44.
  • This effective vacuum action takes place virtually instantaneously with the rearward telescoping of the ejector 88 and the opening of the vacuum openings 90 since no lengthy vacuum lines are required to be exhausted in view of the vacuum control being immediately adjacent the vacuum cup 80.
  • the driving arms 98 begin to pivot rearwardly carrying the cylinder 92 rearwardly abutting the cylinder abutment collar 78 of the pusher tube 76 to likewise begin movement of the pusher tube rearwardly, this being the start of the return or retraction stroke.
  • the now trimmed can body 58 is withdrawn from the trimming mandrel 66 and the trimming station 64.
  • the pusher tube 76 thereby moves the trimmed can body 58 from the trimming station 64 back to the feed station 54 renested within the star wheel 52, the pusher tube approaching the end ofits retraction stroke and its fully retracted position.
  • the ejector 88 contacts the vacuum tube ejector stop 74 which moves the ejector forwardly relative to the vacuum cup 80 causing the ejector to contact the closed end 46 of the trimmed can body 58.
  • the ejector 88 forces the trimmed can body 58 axially from vacuum gripping by the vacuum cup 80 while simultaneously closing off the vacuum supply to the vacuum cup from the vacuum tube 68 through the relative ejector forward movement.
  • the trimmed can body 58 therefore, is now free of control by the pusher tube 76 and the star wheel 52 may be indexed to bring the next untrimmed can body 44 into the feed station 54 ready for the cycling of the mechanism.
  • the pusher tube forward movement may be stopped with the forward movement of the cylinder 92 continuing. If this obstructing force is sufiicientto overcome the 40 psi pressurew ithin the cylinder 92fthe cylinder will begin to collapse, that is, relative axial movement between the pusher tube and the cylinder, thereby increasing the cylinder internal air pressure.
  • this cylinder internal air pressure reaches a predetermined amount, say by relative movement between the pusher tube 76 and cylinder 92 to the phantom line positioning of the pusher tube piston 94 as shown at 103 in FIG. 6, the cylinder pressure sensor 97 senses this increased pressure to the predetermined pressure and automatically, through usual electrical connections, shuts down the trimming equipment while the dump valve 99 exhausts the excess air pressure. This, thereby, guards the trimming equipment against extensive damage.
  • the trimming mechanism assembly 34 is shown in general trimmer location in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is best seen in detail in FIGS. 8 through 15.
  • the prime components of the trimming mechanism assembly 34 or those components which actually perform the metal trimming of an untrimmed can body 44 are an outer annular anvil or cutter ring 104 having a radially extending cutting surface 106 and an internal trimmer knife 108 having a radially extending cutting surface 110, these components in can body trimming position being shown in FIGS. 10, 12 and'l4.
  • the cutter ring 104 is stationary, as is the untrimmed can body 44 during the trimming operation, while the trimmer knife 108 is rotatable about its central knife axis, the knife and its axis are rotatable about a central axis of the trimming mandrel 66 and the untrimmed can body 44 being trimmed, and is radially movable outwardly to the trimming position shown as well as movable radially inwardly of the walls of the untrimmed can body, all of which is accomplished by structure to be described immediately below.
  • the trimming mechanism assembly 34 includes a main drive gear 112 rotatably driving a cutter and nipper frame 114 turning on the main frame 30 and rotatable about the central axis of the trimming mandrel 66.
  • the cutter and nipper frame 114 terminates at the left as shown or at the trimming mandrel 66 first in an externally threaded scrap removal cylinder 116, a portion of which lies radially inwardly of the scrap disposal assembly 36, and finally in an end cap 118 which telescopes and journals a portion of the trimming mandrel 66 (FIGS. 10, 12 and 14).
  • the trimmer knife 108 is secured to a knife shaft 120 in a manner to be hereinafter particularly described, with the knife shaft being freely journalled within a knife frame 122, which, in turn, is pivotally connected to the cutter and nipper frame 114 by securement to an axially pivotal control rod 124 pivotal on the cutter and nipper frame 114 (FIGS. 13, 14 and 15).
  • the right end of the knife frame 122 is mounted on the right end of the control rod 124 and although the left end of the control rod is shown in FIG. 14 removed to expose other important parts of the mechanism, the left end of the knife frame 122 is similarly connected to the control rod.
  • the trimmer knife 108, knife shaft 120 and knife frame 122 are pivotally mounted on the cutter and nipper frame 114 for outward and inward and pivotal movement of the trimmer knife relative to the cutter and nipper frame about the axis of the control rod 124 which is widely offset from the central axis of the cutter and nipper frame.
  • the cutter and nipper frame 114 is rotatableabout its central axis corresponding with the central axis of the trimming mandrel 66 being driven by the main drive gear 112 and carrying the trimmer knife 108 through the knife shaft 120 and knife frame 122 in this rotatable movement about the trimming mandrel central axis.
  • the trimmer knife 108 which is freely rotatable about its own central axis may be pivoted from its inner position. inwardly of the stationary cutter ring 104 and an untrimmed can body 44 projecting through said cutter ring radially outwardly to cutting or trimming position extending radially through the untrimmed can body and against the cutter ring for rotation aboutthe cutter ring to trim the entire circumferential length of the untrimmed can body.
  • the trimmer knife 108 may be retained inwardly in its retracted position free of the cutter ring 104 while still being constantly rotated about the central axis of the trimming mandrel 66 by the main drive gear 112 and the cutter and nipper frame 114.
  • the pivotal control of the trimmer knife 108 between its inward retracted and outward cutting or trimming positions is regulated by the mechanism shown in FIGS.
  • such mechanism including a control arm 126 pivotal about the control rod 125 at one end and having a cam follower 128 rotatably mounted at the other end.
  • the cam follower 128 bears outwardly against an internal cam surface 1300f a separately rotating cam ring 132, the cam ring being constantly rotatably driven by a cam gear 134 (FIGS. 8 and 14) at a different speed than the cutter and nipper frame 114 rotation, but about the central axis of the trimming mandrel 66.
  • an axially extending wedge 136 having an angled wedge surface 138 is received axially through an appropriate notch of the control arm and bears radially inwardly against the outer circumferential surface of the knife frame 122 so that the pivotal positioning of the trimmer knife 108, knife shaft 120 and knife frame 122 about the axis of the control rod 124 is determined by the control arm cam follower 128 and the cam ring internal cam surface 130.
  • the knife frame 122 is resiliently urged and maintained against and controlled by the wedge 136 through a radially movable plunger 140 mounted on the cutter and nipper frame 114 urged radially inwardly by a coiled spring 142.
  • the cam ring 152 controls the outward and inwardly pivoting of the trimmer knife 108 while this trimmer knife is being constantly rotated about the central axis of the trimming mandrel 66 through the cutter and nipper frame 114.
  • the cam ring 132 constantly rotates two complete revolutions for every three complete revolutions of the constantly rotating cutter and nipper frame 114 about the central axis of the trimming mandrel 66 so that the trimmer knife 108 is pivoted outwardly into can body trimming position for one revolution of the cutter and nipper frame 114 and is pivoted inwardly free of any can body trimming action for two revolutions of the cutter and nipper frame. Therefore, three revolutions of the cutter and nipper frame 114 constitutes a cycle of the trimmer of the present invention.
  • the wedge 136 radially between the control arm 126 and the knife shaft 120 is connected to the end of an axially extending cam positioning rod 144, the opposite end of said rod being threadably engaged in an adjustment dial 146 rotatable in the end of the knife frame 122.
  • rotation of the adjustment dial 146 in one direction will move the wedge 136 axially in one direction relative to the control arm 126, and rotation of the adjustment dial in the opposite direction will move the wedge axially opposite relative to the control arm.
  • the trimmer knife is annular and presents the radial cutting surface thereof axially against the cutting surface 106 of the cutter ring 104, that is, to the left as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14.
  • the end of the knife shaft is provided with a mounting cap 148 having a radially extending mounting surface 150 axially facing the trimmer knife cutting surface 110.
  • the trimmer knife 108 is selectively removably tightly secured to the mounting cap 148 with the trimmer knife cutting surface 110 tightly axially abutting the mounting cap mounting surface 150, and the mounting cap 148 is, in turn, selectively removably tightly secured abutting the end surface of the knife shaft 120.
  • the knife shaft 120 although controllably movable radially inwardly and outwardly during the cycling for movement of the trimmer knife 108 between its inward retracted and outward trimming positions as hereinbefore described, always remains in a set axial positioning or always extends the same set axial distance or extent.
  • the mounting cap 148 in the assembly always tightly abutting the end surface of the knife shaft 120 and the trimmer knife cutting surface 110 in the assembly always abutting the mounting cap mounting surface 150, the important trimmer knife cutting surface 110 will always extend radially in the same axially located radial plane or at the same exact axial location. This means that with the described assembly, the trimmer knife cutting surface 110 will always be at the exact same axial location regardless of the axial thickness of the trimmer knife 108.
  • the cutting surface 110 of the trimmer knife 108 repeatedly requires surface grinding since this is the portion of the trimmer knife with the cutting surface 106 on the cutter ring 104 that is performing the can body wall metal trimming operation.
  • regrinding of the cutting surface 110 of the trimmer knife 108 it is merely necessary to remove the mounting cap 148 from the knife shaft 120, remove the trimmer knife 108 from the mounting cap 148, regrind the trimmer knife cutting surface 110, and reassemble the various components as described, which, most importantly, will position the reground trimmer knife cutting surface 110 at the exact same axial location and regardless of the trimmer knife 108 now being slightly axially narrower.
  • trimmer knife cutting surface 110 as the mounting reference surface as described through axial abutment of this trimmer knife cutting surface against a mounting surface always axially located at the exact same axial location, such mounting surface being the mounting cap mounting surface 150
  • the trimmer knife 108 in its unique assembly with the mounting cap 148 is always quickly removable and replaceable after trimmer knife cutting surface 110 grinding without the danger of altering the alignment of the trimmer knife cutting surface with the required matching cutting surface 106 of the cutter ring 104.
  • the removal and replacement of the trimmer knife 108 can, therefore, be accomplished in a minimum of time, a far less time than has heretofore been possible with prior trimmer constructions.
  • FIGS. 10 and 12 A somewhat similar unique and advantageous mounting of the stationary cutter ring 104 on the main frame 30 is also provided according to the principles of the present invention as is best seen in FIGS. 10 and 12.
  • the cutter ring 104 presents its radially extending and axial facing cutting surface 106 axially against the trimmer knife cutting surface 110 when the trimmer knife is in its outward can body wall trimming positioning.
  • the facing cutting surface 106 of the cutter ring 104 must likewise always be at an exact predetermined axial positioning.
  • the cutter ring 104 is secured axially abutting a generally L-shaped cross-section, mounting ring 152, a radially outwardly extending leg portion of the mounting ring radially outwardly of the cutter ring 104 also axially abutting a compensating spacer ring 154.
  • the compensating spacer ring 154 is, except for its abutments, axially slidcable relative to both the cutter ring 104 and the mounting ring 152 extending axially radially adjacent portions of both. lntermediate the cutter ring 104, the compensating spacer ring 154 axially abuts a register ring 156 telescoping and radially outwardly abutting an axial portion of the cutter ring 104.
  • the register ring 156 by its inward radial abutment with the cutter ring 104 radially positions the cutter ring in exact location relative to the other components at the trimmer station 64, and is, in turn, radially outwardly recess registered with the main frame 30.
  • the register ring axially abuts a register spacer ring 158 which, in turn, axially abuts the main frame 30, the register ring 156 and register spacer ring 158 being secured to the main frame 30.
  • a clamping ring 160 is secured axially abutting the main frame 30 with a portion extending radially inwardly into axial alignment with a portion of the mounting ring 152, there being radially adjustable clamping studs 162 extending axially through the clamping ring 160 and adjustable tightly axially against the mounting ring 152.
  • the cutter ring 104 will always be positioned in the exact same radial and axial location, and particularly, the cutting surface 106 of the cutter ring 104 will always be positioned in the same axial location or radial plane and relative to the cutting surface 110 of the trimmer knife 108 with which it must cooperate to accomplish the can body wall metal trimming operation.
  • the cutter ring 104 will always be retained in the same radial location by the register ring 156, but more important for purposes of the present invention, the cutter ring cutting surface 106 will always be retained in the same axial location and relative to the trimmer knife 108 by the cutter ring clamping to the mounting ring 152, the abutment of the mounting ring with the compensating spacer ring 154 and the abutment of the compensating spacer ring with the register ring 156 which is clamped in a pre-determined axial position on the main frame 30.
  • the compensating spacer ring 154 is also removed and a radially extending surface thereof is ground an exact equivalent amount.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)
  • Attitude Control For Articles On Conveyors (AREA)
  • Special Conveying (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)
US00323252A 1973-01-12 1973-01-12 Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers Expired - Lifetime US3802364A (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00323252A US3802364A (en) 1973-01-12 1973-01-12 Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers
GB95474A GB1457621A (en) 1973-01-12 1974-01-09 Feed mechanism for bm
JP49006939A JPS49101975A (US20100223739A1-20100909-C00005.png) 1973-01-12 1974-01-11
DE2401434A DE2401434A1 (de) 1973-01-12 1974-01-12 Vorrichtung zur foerderung von metalldosen in dosentiefziehmaschinen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US00323252A US3802364A (en) 1973-01-12 1973-01-12 Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3802364A true US3802364A (en) 1974-04-09

Family

ID=23258364

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00323252A Expired - Lifetime US3802364A (en) 1973-01-12 1973-01-12 Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US3802364A (US20100223739A1-20100909-C00005.png)
JP (1) JPS49101975A (US20100223739A1-20100909-C00005.png)
DE (1) DE2401434A1 (US20100223739A1-20100909-C00005.png)
GB (1) GB1457621A (US20100223739A1-20100909-C00005.png)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3899087A (en) * 1974-01-28 1975-08-12 Standun Article positioning mechanism incorporating vacuum holding and pressure ejection
US4928511A (en) * 1988-12-13 1990-05-29 Sequa Corporation Rotary cup infeed
EP0648566A1 (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-04-19 Reynolds Metals Company Improvements to methods and apparatus for trimming can bodies
US5694822A (en) * 1993-08-16 1997-12-09 Reynolds Metals Company Apparatus for trimming can bodies
US6357982B1 (en) * 1997-06-17 2002-03-19 Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Apparatus for making can bodies
US6418822B1 (en) 2000-06-27 2002-07-16 Sonoco Development, Inc. Cut-off apparatus for non-circular tubes
US20170158436A1 (en) * 2014-05-16 2017-06-08 Sluis Cigar Machinery B.V. Adjusting spaces between electronic cigarette tubes

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS52145366A (en) * 1976-05-29 1977-12-03 Kanemitsu Kk Automatic pulley fabricating line

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3033264A (en) * 1960-03-02 1962-05-08 Kaiser Aluminium Chem Corp Apparatus and method used in making a can body
US3567043A (en) * 1968-08-05 1971-03-02 Sun Chemical Corp Transfer assembly for use with container printing machines
US3628451A (en) * 1969-05-23 1971-12-21 Reynolds Metals Co Apparatus for and method of shaping workpieces
US3678725A (en) * 1970-10-19 1972-07-25 Kaiser Aluminium Chem Corp Container forming apparatus
US3704140A (en) * 1968-12-30 1972-11-28 Carnaud & Forges Sterilisation of tins
US3724162A (en) * 1971-11-23 1973-04-03 Eastman Kodak Co Misaligned end cap detecting mechanism for a capping device

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3127716A (en) * 1960-11-25 1964-04-07 Cincinnati Milling Machine Co Machine tool loader

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3033264A (en) * 1960-03-02 1962-05-08 Kaiser Aluminium Chem Corp Apparatus and method used in making a can body
US3567043A (en) * 1968-08-05 1971-03-02 Sun Chemical Corp Transfer assembly for use with container printing machines
US3704140A (en) * 1968-12-30 1972-11-28 Carnaud & Forges Sterilisation of tins
US3628451A (en) * 1969-05-23 1971-12-21 Reynolds Metals Co Apparatus for and method of shaping workpieces
US3678725A (en) * 1970-10-19 1972-07-25 Kaiser Aluminium Chem Corp Container forming apparatus
US3724162A (en) * 1971-11-23 1973-04-03 Eastman Kodak Co Misaligned end cap detecting mechanism for a capping device

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3899087A (en) * 1974-01-28 1975-08-12 Standun Article positioning mechanism incorporating vacuum holding and pressure ejection
US4928511A (en) * 1988-12-13 1990-05-29 Sequa Corporation Rotary cup infeed
EP0648566A1 (en) * 1993-08-16 1995-04-19 Reynolds Metals Company Improvements to methods and apparatus for trimming can bodies
US5694822A (en) * 1993-08-16 1997-12-09 Reynolds Metals Company Apparatus for trimming can bodies
US5697274A (en) * 1993-08-16 1997-12-16 Reynolds Metals Company Apparatus for trimming can bodies
US6357982B1 (en) * 1997-06-17 2002-03-19 Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Apparatus for making can bodies
US6418822B1 (en) 2000-06-27 2002-07-16 Sonoco Development, Inc. Cut-off apparatus for non-circular tubes
US20170158436A1 (en) * 2014-05-16 2017-06-08 Sluis Cigar Machinery B.V. Adjusting spaces between electronic cigarette tubes
US9738459B2 (en) * 2014-05-16 2017-08-22 Sluis Cigar Machinery B.V. Adjusting spaces between electronic cigarette tubes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS49101975A (US20100223739A1-20100909-C00005.png) 1974-09-26
GB1457621A (en) 1976-12-08
DE2401434A1 (de) 1974-07-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3839933A (en) Cutting mechanisms for metallic can body trimmers and the like
US3771345A (en) End forming station for metallic can body formers and the like
US3802364A (en) Feed mechanism for machinery such as metallic can body trimmers
US3881380A (en) Scrap disposal mechanism for metallic can body trimmers
US3994251A (en) Apparatus and method for trimming and deburring the edges of cylindrical metal bodies
US3802363A (en) Can trimmer device
US2397974A (en) Cutting machine
US3406648A (en) Flanging machine
US3289552A (en) Paper cup making machine
US2627921A (en) Tube cutting die
US3312098A (en) Apparatus for forming cup-shaped members
US3972299A (en) Can body trimmer
US3864995A (en) Can trimmer device
US3899087A (en) Article positioning mechanism incorporating vacuum holding and pressure ejection
US2777520A (en) Machine for cutting off lengths of tubing
CN2258313Y (zh) 电解电容器铝壳级进拉深送夹料装置
US3675460A (en) Four-slide machine with improved mandrel for producing bearings and the like
US3609276A (en) Machine for producing welded bearings and the like
US3469295A (en) Workpiece indexing and feed apparatus
US2022915A (en) Metal bending machine
EP0749788B1 (en) Fast feeder unit for an automatic machine for machining the cylindrical surface of bottle closure caps
CN110640825B (zh) 一种自动模切机设备
US2625896A (en) Rotary progressive die for presses
US3591919A (en) Four-slide machine with three rear motion devices for producing bearings and the like
CN116638336B (zh) 一种氮气弹簧加工用切割装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SEQUA CORPORATION

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:SUN CHEMICAL CORPORATION, A CORP. OF DE.;REEL/FRAME:004770/0239

Effective date: 19870507