EP0521637B2 - Apparatus and method for reshaping containers - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for reshaping containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0521637B2 EP0521637B2 EP92305604A EP92305604A EP0521637B2 EP 0521637 B2 EP0521637 B2 EP 0521637B2 EP 92305604 A EP92305604 A EP 92305604A EP 92305604 A EP92305604 A EP 92305604A EP 0521637 B2 EP0521637 B2 EP 0521637B2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- mold
- double seam
- reshaping
- end member
- 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
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Classifications
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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
- B21D26/00—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces
- B21D26/02—Shaping without cutting otherwise than using rigid devices or tools or yieldable or resilient pads, i.e. applying fluid pressure or magnetic forces by applying fluid pressure
- B21D26/033—Deforming tubular bodies
- B21D26/049—Deforming bodies having a closed end
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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
- B21D51/2669—Transforming the shape of formed can bodies; Forming can bodies from flattened tubular blanks; Flattening can bodies
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
- B65D83/38—Details of the container body
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for, and a method of, reshaping containers.
- CH-A-388887 describes an apparatus for reshaping a hollow container comprising a body member having first and second ends, at least one of said first and second ends being open, said apparatus comprising mold having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accomodating the container, first holding means for holding the container at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, second holding means for holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold means for sealing the or each open end of the container, and means for supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container so as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold.
- an apparatus for reshaping a hollow container comprising a body member having first and second ends; at least one of said first and second ends being open, and at least one end member being joined to the body member by a double seam
- said apparatus comprising a mold having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accommodating the container, means for sealing the or each open end of the container, and means for supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container such as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold, characterised by first holding means for holding the container at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, second holding means for holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold; said first and second holding means being separate one from the other, and clamping means for gripping the or each double seam to prevent deformation thereof during expansion of the container; the clamping means comprising a first member for supporting one side of the or each double seam, and a second member for supporting the opposite side of the or each double seam.
- a method of reshaping a hollow container comprising a body member having first and second ends, at least one of said first and second ends being open, said container comprising at least one end member joined to the body member by a double seam
- said method comprising the steps of placing the container in a mold having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accommodating the container, holding the container at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold, sealing the or each open end of the container, supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container so as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold, and gripping the or each double seam to prevent deformation during expansion of the container.
- FIG. 1 and 2 there is shown an apparatus for reshaping a container.
- the apparatus comprises a mold 10 and this is shown together with a container 12.
- the container 12 is shown, respectively, before and after reshaping.
- the container 12 comprises a hollow cylindrical body member 14, a closed dome-shaped member 16 joined to the lower end of the body member 14 by a double seam 17 and an open cone-shaped end member 18 joined to the upper end of body member 14 by a double seam 19.
- the body member 14 is formed from a rectangular piece of steel sheet which is welded, in well known manner, into a cylindrical shape.
- the end members 16 and 18 are both formed from steel sheet.
- the various parts of the container 12 may be coated with stretchable lacquer or paint or polymer coating prior to reshaping.
- the container 12 is destined to form part of an aerosol dispensing container. In later stages of manufacture of the container, a valve cup is crimped to the upper end of the end member 18, a valve is clinched in place inside the valve cup and the container is filled with a product to be dispensed and a suitable propellant.
- the mold 10 is of the split type.
- the mold 10 comprises an upper sleeve 22, an outer sleeve 24, an inner sleeve 26 and a liner 28.
- the inner surface 29 of liner 28 defines both a chamber to receive the container 12 and also the eventual desired outer shape of the container 12 after reshaping.
- the container 12 expands outwardly through the cavity 30 onto the inner surface 29 of liner 28.
- the apparatus also includes a mandrel 34 which has a head 36 and a shaft 38 located inside the mold.
- a passage 40 extends through the mandrel 34 along an axis 42 which is central both to the mandrel 34 and the mold 10.
- the single passage 40 may be replaced by several, for example three, passages.
- a deep groove 44 is formed in the head 36 adjacent the upper end of the shaft 38 and this groove 44 is arranged to receive the end member 18.
- the apparatus further includes a lower clamping member 48 for clamping the lower end of the container 12 to the mold 10, and a pair of upper clamping members 50,52 for clamping the upper end of container 12 to the mold.
- the upper sleeve 22 and the upper clamping members 50,52 are arranged so that they can slide axially with respect to the mandrel 34 and the inner sleeve 26. In order to limit their axial movement, there is provided a spacer ring 54.
- the upper sleeve 22 and the upper clamping members 50,52 may slide freely or, preferably, be caused to slide in a controlled manner by a cam mechanism.
- the apparatus At its lower end, the apparatus includes a support member 58, the upper surface of which is complementary to the outer surface of the dome-shaped member 16 and which is brought into engagement therewith.
- the lower clamping member 48 engages the outer side of the double seam 17 and the support member 58 engages the inner side of the double seam 17.
- the double seam 17 is gripped between the lower clamping member 48 and the support member 58.
- the lower clamping member 48 has an inwardly directed rib 49 which engages the outer part of the root of the double seam 17. Consequently, the root of the double seam 17 is gripped between the lower clamping member 48 and the support member 58.
- the support member 58 prevents the dome-shaped end member 16 from deforming during reshaping.
- the apparatus also includes a pair of sealing rings 60,62 which together serve to seal the upper end of the container 12.
- the clamping member 50 and the sealing ring 62 engage the container 12 at the double seam 19 between the body member 14 and the end member 18.
- the end member 18 and the double seam 19 are prevented from deforming during reshaping.
- the mold 10 is of the split type.
- the upper sleeve 22, the outer sleeve 24, the inner sleeve 26 and the liner 28 are each formed in two halves.
- the lower clamping member 48, the upper clamping members 50,52 and the spacer ring 54 are also each formed in two halves. The two halves of the mold 10 together with the associated components are mounted so that they can open to receive the container 12 and then close and lock together.
- the two halves of the mold 10 are opened and the container 12 is placed on the mandrel 34.
- the two halves of the mold are then closed.
- the two halves are locked together by a locking mechanism and the locking mechanism provides the clamping force which is necessary to clamp the container 12 in position.
- Air under pressure is then supplied from an air supply system through the passage 40 to the interior of the container 12. This creates a pressure difference across the wall of the body member 14. Consequently, the container 12 is reshaped because the body member 14 expands outwardly into engagement with the inner surface of liner 28.
- the upper sleeve 22 and the clamping members 50,52 together with the sealing rings 60,62 slide downwardly (freely or in a controlled manner) until the clamping member 52 engages the spacer ring 54.
- the liner 28 and clamping member 48 are arranged so as to leave a cavity 66 after reshaping. The presence of the shaft 38 of mandrel 34 inside the container 12 during reshaping reduces the amount of air that has to be supplied.
- the reduction in the height of the container reduces thinning of the material of the body member 12 in the vicinity of its ends during reshaping. It also ensures that the body member 12 is not drawn out of the clamping members 48,50 and 52.
- the reduction in height (negative axial strain) together with wall thinning (negative body material thickness strain) enables greater diameter expansion (positive hoop strain). Consequently, there is a saving in material.
- Containers having a relatively large diameter can be formed by reshaping containers made from relatively thin material and with relatively small diameter ends.
- the reduction in material thinning during reshaping also makes it easier to use anisotropic materials as well as materials with grain direction oriented axially along the wall of the body member.
- the amount of energy required to reshape the container is reduced because the energy is expended only in circumferential stretching of the container body and not on axial stretching.
- the apparatus described in Figures 1 and 2 also makes it possible to produce reshaped containers of various sizes and shapes from the same size and shape of container before reshaping. There is also a reduction in the number of parts that have to be changed when modifying the apparatus from producing one type of reshaped container to another type. Furthermore, stock holding of a variety of types of reshaped containers can be eliminated in favour of stock holding of a limited number of types of containers before reshaping.
- FIGs 3 and 4 there is shown another apparatus for reshaping containers which is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 and like parts are denoted by the same reference numerals preceded by number "1".
- the apparatus is shown in Figures 3 and 4 with a container 12, respectively, before and after reshaping.
- the upper sleeve 122 and the outer sleeve 124 are formed integrally. Consequently, the upper end of body member 14 does not move during reshaping.
- the clamping member 48 of Figure 1 is replaced by clamping members 150 and 152 which are arranged for sliding axial movement inside the lower end of the inner sleeve 126. Their axial movement is limited by a spacer ring 154.
- the lower end of the outer sleeve 124 is provided with a bearing sleeve 170 and the support member 158 is arranged to move axially inside the bearing sleeve 170 and the inner sleeve 126.
- the support member 158 and the clamping members 150,152 may slide freely or, preferably, be caused to slide in a controlled manner by a cam mechanism.
- the double seam 17 is gripped between the support member 158 and the clamping member 150.
- FIGs 5 and 6 there is shown a further and preferred apparatus for reshaping containers.
- the apparatus shown in Figures 5 and 6 is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 and like parts are denoted by the same reference numerals preceded by number "2".
- the apparatus is shown in Figures 5 and 6 with a container 12, respectively, before and after reshaping.
- the upper sleeve 222 and the upper clamping members 250,252 slide along the inner surface of the liner 228.
- the axial movement of the upper sleeve 222 is limited by a spacer ring 270.
- a lower clamping member 272 which is guided for axial sliding movement by the outer sleeve 224 and the inner surface 229 of the liner 228.
- the support member 258 is arranged to move together with the lower clamping member 258.
- the double seam 17 is gripped between the lower clamping member 272 and the support member 258.
- the lower clamping member 272 has an inwardly directed rib 274 and the root of the double seam 17 is gripped between the rib 274 and the support member 258.
- the upper clamping members 250,252 and the lower clamping member 272 move inwardly and towards each other during reshaping of the container 12.
- each apparatus may be used to reshape a container of the type comprising a hollow container body having a rectangular cross-section, a closed end member, and an open end member which is provided with a screwthread for receiving a threaded cap.
- Each apparatus may be used for reshaping a container of the type in which the closed end member and the body member are formed integrally by a drawing process.
- the air supply system comprises a three stage compressor 300 which supplies compressed air to an accumulator 302.
- the output of the accumulator 302 is connected through an adjustable restrictor 304, a solenoid operated valve 306 and a one-way valve 308 to the mandrel 34.
- the mandrel is also connected through a one-way valve 310 and a solenoid operated valve 312 to the input of compressor 300.
- valve 306 is opened and the container 12 is subjected to a pressure of, for example 50-60 bar, so that it takes up its shape inside the mold 10.
- the valve 306 is then closed and the valve 312 is opened so as to return the compressed air to the compressor 300.
- Air represents a particularly convenient type of fluid for reshaping containers. However, it is to be appreciated other types of fluid may be used in place of air.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Heating, Cooling, Or Curing Plastics Or The Like In General (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
- Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
- Shaping Of Tube Ends By Bending Or Straightening (AREA)
- Closing Of Containers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an apparatus for, and a method of, reshaping containers.
- It is an object of this invention to provide a new or improved apparatus for, and a method of, reshaping a container.
- CH-A-388887 describes an apparatus for reshaping a hollow container comprising a body member having first and second ends, at least one of said first and second ends being open, said apparatus comprising mold having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accomodating the container, first holding means for holding the container at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, second holding means for holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold means for sealing the or each open end of the container, and means for supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container so as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold.
- According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided an apparatus for reshaping a hollow container comprising a body member having first and second ends; at least one of said first and second ends being open, and at least one end member being joined to the body member by a double seam, said apparatus comprising a mold having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accommodating the container, means for sealing the or each open end of the container, and means for supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container such as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold, characterised by first holding means for holding the container at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, second holding means for holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold; said first and second holding means being separate one from the other, and clamping means for gripping the or each double seam to prevent deformation thereof during expansion of the container; the clamping means comprising a first member for supporting one side of the or each double seam, and a second member for supporting the opposite side of the or each double seam.
- According to a second aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of reshaping a hollow container comprising a body member having first and second ends, at least one of said first and second ends being open, said container comprising at least one end member joined to the body member by a double seam, said method comprising the steps of placing the container in a mold having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accommodating the container, holding the container at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold, sealing the or each open end of the container, supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container so as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold, and gripping the or each double seam to prevent deformation during expansion of the container.
- This invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first apparatus for reshaping a container embodying this invention, the apparatus being shown with a container before reshaping;
- Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the container after reshaping;
- Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second apparatus for reshaping a container embodying the invention, the apparatus being shown with a container before reshaping;
- Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 3 with the container after reshaping;
- Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a third and preferred apparatus for reshaping a container embodying the invention, the apparatus being shown with a container before reshaping;
- Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 5 with the container after reshaping; and
- Figure 7 shows an air supply system which may form part of any one of the apparatuses of Figures 1 to 6.
- Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an apparatus for reshaping a container. The apparatus comprises a
mold 10 and this is shown together with acontainer 12. In Figures 1 and 2 thecontainer 12 is shown, respectively, before and after reshaping. - The
container 12 comprises a hollowcylindrical body member 14, a closed dome-shaped member 16 joined to the lower end of thebody member 14 by adouble seam 17 and an open cone-shaped end member 18 joined to the upper end ofbody member 14 by adouble seam 19. Thebody member 14 is formed from a rectangular piece of steel sheet which is welded, in well known manner, into a cylindrical shape. Theend members container 12 may be coated with stretchable lacquer or paint or polymer coating prior to reshaping. Thecontainer 12 is destined to form part of an aerosol dispensing container. In later stages of manufacture of the container, a valve cup is crimped to the upper end of theend member 18, a valve is clinched in place inside the valve cup and the container is filled with a product to be dispensed and a suitable propellant. - The
mold 10 is of the split type. Themold 10 comprises anupper sleeve 22, anouter sleeve 24, aninner sleeve 26 and aliner 28. Theinner surface 29 ofliner 28 defines both a chamber to receive thecontainer 12 and also the eventual desired outer shape of thecontainer 12 after reshaping. As may be seen in Figure 1, there is a cavity 30 between thecontainer 12 before reshaping and the inner surface of theliner 28. As will be explained, during reshaping thecontainer 12 expands outwardly through the cavity 30 onto theinner surface 29 ofliner 28. - The apparatus also includes a
mandrel 34 which has ahead 36 and ashaft 38 located inside the mold. Apassage 40 extends through themandrel 34 along anaxis 42 which is central both to themandrel 34 and themold 10. By way of modification, thesingle passage 40 may be replaced by several, for example three, passages. Adeep groove 44 is formed in thehead 36 adjacent the upper end of theshaft 38 and thisgroove 44 is arranged to receive theend member 18. - The apparatus further includes a
lower clamping member 48 for clamping the lower end of thecontainer 12 to themold 10, and a pair ofupper clamping members container 12 to the mold. Theupper sleeve 22 and theupper clamping members mandrel 34 and theinner sleeve 26. In order to limit their axial movement, there is provided aspacer ring 54. Theupper sleeve 22 and theupper clamping members - At its lower end, the apparatus includes a
support member 58, the upper surface of which is complementary to the outer surface of the dome-shaped member 16 and which is brought into engagement therewith. - As may be observed in Figures 1 and 2, the
lower clamping member 48 engages the outer side of thedouble seam 17 and thesupport member 58 engages the inner side of thedouble seam 17. Thus, thedouble seam 17 is gripped between thelower clamping member 48 and thesupport member 58. Also, thelower clamping member 48 has an inwardly directedrib 49 which engages the outer part of the root of thedouble seam 17. Consequently, the root of thedouble seam 17 is gripped between thelower clamping member 48 and thesupport member 58. As a result of gripping thedouble seam 17 in this manner, it is prevented from deforming during reshaping. Furthermore, thesupport member 58 prevents the dome-shaped end member 16 from deforming during reshaping. - The apparatus also includes a pair of
sealing rings container 12. - As may be observed in Figures 1 and 2, the
clamping member 50 and thesealing ring 62 engage thecontainer 12 at thedouble seam 19 between thebody member 14 and theend member 18. As will be explained below, as a result of clamping and sealing thecontainer 12 at thedouble seam 19, theend member 18 and thedouble seam 19 are prevented from deforming during reshaping. - As mentioned above, the
mold 10 is of the split type. Thus, theupper sleeve 22, theouter sleeve 24, theinner sleeve 26 and theliner 28 are each formed in two halves. Likewise, thelower clamping member 48, theupper clamping members spacer ring 54 are also each formed in two halves. The two halves of themold 10 together with the associated components are mounted so that they can open to receive thecontainer 12 and then close and lock together. - In operation, the two halves of the
mold 10 are opened and thecontainer 12 is placed on themandrel 34. The two halves of the mold are then closed. After the two halves are closed, they are locked together by a locking mechanism and the locking mechanism provides the clamping force which is necessary to clamp thecontainer 12 in position. Air under pressure is then supplied from an air supply system through thepassage 40 to the interior of thecontainer 12. This creates a pressure difference across the wall of thebody member 14. Consequently, thecontainer 12 is reshaped because thebody member 14 expands outwardly into engagement with the inner surface ofliner 28. As thebody member 14 expands outwardly, theupper sleeve 22 and the clampingmembers sealing rings member 52 engages thespacer ring 54. Thus, the height ofcontainer 12 is reduced during reshaping. In order to ensure that the height ofcontainer 12 is reduced by the desired amount, theliner 28 andclamping member 48 are arranged so as to leave acavity 66 after reshaping. The presence of theshaft 38 ofmandrel 34 inside thecontainer 12 during reshaping reduces the amount of air that has to be supplied. - The reduction in the height of
container 12 provides various advantages as will now be explained. - The reduction in the height of the container reduces thinning of the material of the
body member 12 in the vicinity of its ends during reshaping. It also ensures that thebody member 12 is not drawn out of theclamping members - The reduction in material thinning during reshaping also makes it easier to use anisotropic materials as well as materials with grain direction oriented axially along the wall of the body member.
- By permitting an end of the container to move axially inwardly during reshaping, the amount of energy required to reshape the container is reduced because the energy is expended only in circumferential stretching of the container body and not on axial stretching.
- The apparatus described in Figures 1 and 2 also makes it possible to produce reshaped containers of various sizes and shapes from the same size and shape of container before reshaping. There is also a reduction in the number of parts that have to be changed when modifying the apparatus from producing one type of reshaped container to another type. Furthermore, stock holding of a variety of types of reshaped containers can be eliminated in favour of stock holding of a limited number of types of containers before reshaping.
- Because the
container 12 is clamped and sealed at thedouble seam 19 between thebody member 12 and theend member 18, the air pressures on the inside and outside ofend member 18 during reshaping are equal and this prevents deformation of theend member 18 anddouble seam 19. - Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown another apparatus for reshaping containers which is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 and like parts are denoted by the same reference numerals preceded by number "1". The apparatus is shown in Figures 3 and 4 with a
container 12, respectively, before and after reshaping. - In the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4, the
upper sleeve 122 and theouter sleeve 124 are formed integrally. Consequently, the upper end ofbody member 14 does not move during reshaping. - Also, in the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4, the clamping
member 48 of Figure 1 is replaced by clampingmembers inner sleeve 126. Their axial movement is limited by aspacer ring 154. The lower end of theouter sleeve 124 is provided with abearing sleeve 170 and thesupport member 158 is arranged to move axially inside thebearing sleeve 170 and theinner sleeve 126. Thesupport member 158 and the clamping members 150,152 may slide freely or, preferably, be caused to slide in a controlled manner by a cam mechanism. Thedouble seam 17 is gripped between thesupport member 158 and the clampingmember 150. - Thus, in operation, in the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4, the lower end of the
container body 14 moves upwardly, thereby providing a reduction in the height ofcontainer 12. - Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown a further and preferred apparatus for reshaping containers. The apparatus shown in Figures 5 and 6 is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 and like parts are denoted by the same reference numerals preceded by number "2". The apparatus is shown in Figures 5 and 6 with a
container 12, respectively, before and after reshaping. - In the apparatus of Figures 5 and 6, the
upper sleeve 222 and the upper clamping members 250,252 slide along the inner surface of theliner 228. The axial movement of theupper sleeve 222 is limited by aspacer ring 270. - In place of the clamping
member 48 of Figure 1, there is provided alower clamping member 272 which is guided for axial sliding movement by theouter sleeve 224 and theinner surface 229 of theliner 228. Thesupport member 258 is arranged to move together with thelower clamping member 258. Thedouble seam 17 is gripped between thelower clamping member 272 and thesupport member 258. Thelower clamping member 272 has an inwardly directedrib 274 and the root of thedouble seam 17 is gripped between therib 274 and thesupport member 258. - In operation, the upper clamping members 250,252 and the
lower clamping member 272 move inwardly and towards each other during reshaping of thecontainer 12. - In the apparatus shown in Figure 1, before reshaping of the
container 12 there is agap 70 between the clampingmember 52 and thespacer ring 54. There is a risk that the wall of thecontainer body 14 might expand into thisgap 70. Careful design is needed to minimize this risk. In the apparatus of Figure 5, the clamping members 250,252,272 slide along theinner surface 229 of the liningmember 228 and there is no gap corresponding to thegap 70 of the apparatus of Figure 1. Consequently, the risk just described in relation to the apparatus of Figure 1 does not exist in the apparatus of Figure 5. - The apparatuses of Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6 may be modified for reshaping other types of container.
- For example, each apparatus may be used to reshape a container of the type comprising a hollow container body having a rectangular cross-section, a closed end member, and an open end member which is provided with a screwthread for receiving a threaded cap. Each apparatus may be used for reshaping a container of the type in which the closed end member and the body member are formed integrally by a drawing process.
- There will now be described a system for supplying air under pressure to the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 or the apparatus or Figures 3 and 4 or the apparatus of Figures 5 and 6. The system will be described with reference to the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.
- Referring now to Figure 7, the air supply system comprises a three
stage compressor 300 which supplies compressed air to anaccumulator 302. The output of theaccumulator 302 is connected through anadjustable restrictor 304, a solenoid operatedvalve 306 and a one-way valve 308 to themandrel 34. The mandrel is also connected through a one-way valve 310 and a solenoid operatedvalve 312 to the input ofcompressor 300. - In operation, the
valve 306 is opened and thecontainer 12 is subjected to a pressure of, for example 50-60 bar, so that it takes up its shape inside themold 10. Thevalve 306 is then closed and thevalve 312 is opened so as to return the compressed air to thecompressor 300. - Air represents a particularly convenient type of fluid for reshaping containers. However, it is to be appreciated other types of fluid may be used in place of air.
Claims (12)
- An apparatus for reshaping a hollow container (12) comprising a body member (14) having first and second ends (16,18); at least one (18) of said first and second ends being open, and at least one end member (16,18) being joined to the body member (14) by a double seam (17,19), said apparatus comprising a mold (10) having an inner surface (29) which defines a chamber for accommodating the container (12), means (60,62) for sealing the or each open end of the container, and means (34) for supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container such as to expand the container outwardly onto the inner surface (29) of the mold, characterised by first holding means (50,52) for holding the container (12) at said first end thereof with respect to the mold, second holding means (48) for holding the container at said second end thereof with respect to the mold; said first and second holding means being separate one from the other, and clamping means (50,62; 48,58) for gripping the or each double seam (17,19) to prevent deformation thereof during expansion of the container (12); the clamping means comprising a first member (22,48) for supporting one side of the or each double seam, and a second member (36,58) for supporting the opposite side of the or each double seam.
- An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, including means (58) for supporting the external surface of a closed end member (16) joined to the container so as to prevent deformation of said closed end member as the container (12) expands outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold (10).
- An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which at least one of said first and second holding means is arranged to move inwardly towards the other holding means as the container expands.
- An apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, in which both holding means are arranged to move inwardly towards each other as the container (12) expands outwardly.
- An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which at least one of said first and second holding means is arranged to slide inwardly along the inner surface of the mold (29) towards the other holding means as the container expands outwardly.
- An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, in which both holding means are arranged to slide inwardly along the inner surface of the mold (29) towards each other as the container (12) expands outwardly.
- An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a mandrel (34) located in the chamber and having a passage (40) formed therein to supply fluid to the interior of the container.
- A method of reshaping a hollow container (12) comprising a body member (14) having first and second ends (16,18), at least one (18) of said first and second ends being open, said container (12) comprising at least one end member joined to the body member (14) by a double seam (17,19), said method comprising the steps of placing the container in a mold (10) having an inner surface which defines a chamber for accommodating the container (12), holding the container (12) at said first end thereof with respect to the mold (10), holding the container (12) at said second end thereof with respect to the mold (10), sealing the or each open end of the container (12), supplying a fluid under pressure to the interior of the container (12) such as to expand the container (12) outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold (10), and gripping the or each double seam to prevent deformation during expansion of the container.
- A method of reshaping a hollow container as claimed in Claim 8, in which said at least one end member of the container (12) includes an open end member (18) joined to the body member (14) by a double seam (17,19) at said first end of the container, and, in said steps of holding and sealing said first end of the container (12), the container (12) is clamped and sealed in the vicinity of the double seam (17,19) between said open end member (18) and the container body (14) so as to perform thereby said step of gripping the double seam (17,19) between said open end member (18) and the container body (14) to prevent deformation during expansion of the container.
- A method of reshaping a hollow container as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, in which said at least one end member of the container includes a closed end member (16) joined to the body member (14) by a double seam (49) at said second end of the container, and, in said step of holding said second end of the container, the walls of the double seam (49) between said closed end member (16) and the container body (14) are gripped together so as to perform thereby said step of gripping the double seam (49) between said closed end member (16) and the container body (14) to prevent deformation during expansion of the container (12).
- A method as claimed in Claim 10, including the step of supporting the external end surface of said closed end member (16) of the container so as to prevent deformation of said closed end member (16) as the container expands outwardly onto the inner surface of the mold (10).
- A method as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 11, including the step of permitting at least one end of the mold (10) to move inwardly towards the other end as the container (12) expands onto the inner surface of the mold (10).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB919114444A GB9114444D0 (en) | 1991-07-04 | 1991-07-04 | Apparatus and method for reshaping containers |
GB9114444 | 1991-07-04 | ||
GB9212687A GB2257073B (en) | 1991-07-04 | 1992-06-15 | Apparatus and method for reshaping containers |
GB9212687 | 1992-06-15 | ||
SG137394A SG137394G (en) | 1991-07-04 | 1994-09-27 | Apparatus and method for reshaping containers |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0521637A1 EP0521637A1 (en) | 1993-01-07 |
EP0521637B1 EP0521637B1 (en) | 1994-08-10 |
EP0521637B2 true EP0521637B2 (en) | 1997-09-03 |
Family
ID=27265748
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP92305604A Expired - Lifetime EP0521637B2 (en) | 1991-07-04 | 1992-06-18 | Apparatus and method for reshaping containers |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0521637B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE109695T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69200315T3 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0521637T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2057961T5 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2257073B (en) |
GR (1) | GR3025278T3 (en) |
HK (1) | HK136394A (en) |
SG (1) | SG137394G (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5832766A (en) * | 1996-07-15 | 1998-11-10 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Systems and methods for making decorative shaped metal cans |
WO1997012704A1 (en) * | 1995-10-02 | 1997-04-10 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Systems and methods for making decorative shaped metal cans |
US5746080A (en) * | 1995-10-02 | 1998-05-05 | Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. | Systems and methods for making decorative shaped metal cans |
US5829290A (en) * | 1996-02-14 | 1998-11-03 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Reshaping of containers |
DE19606055A1 (en) * | 1996-02-19 | 1997-08-28 | Luckhardt Ohg | Method and device for producing a holder on a sheet metal part made of thin sheet metal |
US5938389A (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1999-08-17 | Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation | Metal can and method of making |
GB9621831D0 (en) * | 1996-10-19 | 1996-12-11 | Metal Box Plc | Reshaping of containers |
GB9623364D0 (en) * | 1996-11-09 | 1997-01-08 | Metal Box Plc | Reshaping of drawn and wall ironed containers |
SI1586393T1 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2008-02-29 | Impress Group Bv | Method of shaping container bodies and corresponding apparatus |
EP2359953B1 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2017-08-09 | Ardagh MP Group Netherlands B.V. | Process for blow forming a precontainer into a blow formed metal container |
EP2366472A1 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2011-09-21 | Impress Group B.V. | Metal precontainer, a blow formed metal container |
EP2592011A1 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2013-05-15 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc | Container and cap |
EP2859966A1 (en) * | 2013-10-08 | 2015-04-15 | Ardagh MP Group Netherlands B.V. | Shaped metcal container and a method for making a shaped metal container |
RU2684130C1 (en) * | 2017-12-06 | 2019-04-04 | федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Иркутский национальный исследовательский технический университет" (ФГБОУ ВО "ИРНИТУ") | Forming method of elastic medium sheet components with elements of “undercutting” type |
RU2733613C1 (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2020-10-05 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Иркутский национальный исследовательский технический университет" | Method for pneumatic thermal molding of sheet billet |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BE628946A (en) * | 1962-02-28 | |||
US3335590A (en) * | 1964-08-07 | 1967-08-15 | Boeing Co | Accurate control system for axial load bulge forming |
DE2131811A1 (en) * | 1971-06-23 | 1972-12-28 | Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh | Device for deep drawing tubular workpieces |
US4519230A (en) * | 1982-02-02 | 1985-05-28 | Fiziko-Tekhnichesky Institut Akademii Nauk Belorusskoi Ssr | Apparatus for sizing of tubes |
GB8820585D0 (en) * | 1988-08-31 | 1988-09-28 | Metal Box Plc | Pneumatic reshaping of cans |
-
1992
- 1992-06-15 GB GB9212687A patent/GB2257073B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-06-18 DE DE69200315T patent/DE69200315T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-06-18 AT AT92305604T patent/ATE109695T1/en active
- 1992-06-18 EP EP92305604A patent/EP0521637B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-06-18 DK DK92305604.8T patent/DK0521637T3/en active
- 1992-06-18 ES ES92305604T patent/ES2057961T5/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-09-27 SG SG137394A patent/SG137394G/en unknown
- 1994-12-01 HK HK136394A patent/HK136394A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1997
- 1997-11-05 GR GR970402916T patent/GR3025278T3/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69200315T3 (en) | 1997-11-27 |
GB2257073A (en) | 1993-01-06 |
DE69200315T2 (en) | 1994-12-01 |
DE69200315D1 (en) | 1994-09-15 |
DK0521637T3 (en) | 1994-09-26 |
GR3025278T3 (en) | 1998-02-27 |
SG137394G (en) | 1995-01-13 |
EP0521637B1 (en) | 1994-08-10 |
ES2057961T5 (en) | 1997-10-16 |
ES2057961T3 (en) | 1994-10-16 |
EP0521637A1 (en) | 1993-01-07 |
ATE109695T1 (en) | 1994-08-15 |
GB2257073B (en) | 1994-02-23 |
GB9212687D0 (en) | 1992-07-29 |
HK136394A (en) | 1994-12-09 |
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