EP2976169A1 - Procédé et appareil d'expansion d'un fond de boîte métallique hydroformé - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil d'expansion d'un fond de boîte métallique hydroformé

Info

Publication number
EP2976169A1
EP2976169A1 EP14769148.9A EP14769148A EP2976169A1 EP 2976169 A1 EP2976169 A1 EP 2976169A1 EP 14769148 A EP14769148 A EP 14769148A EP 2976169 A1 EP2976169 A1 EP 2976169A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
metal container
tool
container
fluid
bottom wall
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14769148.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Steven T. Cook
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.)
Dayton Systems Group Inc
Original Assignee
Dayton Systems Group 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 Dayton Systems Group Inc filed Critical Dayton Systems Group Inc
Publication of EP2976169A1 publication Critical patent/EP2976169A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present exemplary embodiment relates to container or can formation, and more particularly to an apparatus and process for expanding an existing container. It finds application in conjunction with a metal container, and more particularly a steel container, and will be described with reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications, and may find application in connection with other metal containers such as aluminum, or the like.
  • metal containers or cans are well known. Further, there are some features between different types of metal containers, such as steel or aluminum, that are commonly used during the manufacturing process and other features that are not universally used. Generally speaking, steel containers used in the food industry are formed from a cup shape. The cup shape has a
  • the metal container is formed in part in a cupper and then proceeds into a wall ironer.
  • the apparatus includes a holder for retaining at least a portion of the associated metal container.
  • a first tool has a first surface mounted for movement relative to the holder for selective advancement toward and dimensioned to engage at least a portion of the associated metal container.
  • the first tool includes a seal so that fluid received in the associated metal container is pressurized and the fluid
  • the first tool includes a fluid passage that communicates with a relief valve (such as a check valve) to limit the fluid pressure.
  • a relief valve such as a check valve
  • the first tool has a first end dimensioned for receipt in an open end of the associated metal container.
  • the first tool includes first and second portions that move in unison until the first portion abuts against a surface of the associated metal container. Thereafter, the second portion moves relative to the first portion and compresses the fluid in the associated metal container.
  • the seal is interposed between the first and second portions of the first tool.
  • a seal is also provided on an outer surface of a second tool in a second station that engages an inner wall surface of the associated metal container.
  • a first station includes the first tool dimensioned for receipt through an open end of the associated metal container.
  • the first tool includes a leading end that is configured for engagement with the associated metal container at a location adjacent a sidewall connection with a bottom wall of the associated metal container.
  • the first tool includes first and second portions that move in unison until the first portion abuts against a surface of the associated metal container, the second portion then moves relative to the first portion and compresses the fluid in the associated metal container, and the seal is interposed between the first and second portions of the first tool.
  • the second station includes a second tool having a seal provided on the outer surface dimensioned for sealing engagement with an inner surface of the associated metal container.
  • a metal forming surface on the second tool is configured to engage a bottom wall of the associated metal container whereby the bottom wall is expanded and formed by a combination of fluid pressure and the metal forming surface.
  • a process for expanding a wall of a metal container includes positioning at least a portion of the metal container in a holder. The process further includes providing a fluid in the metal container, advancing a tool into an interior of the metal container to retain the metal container between the tool and holder, and further advancing the tool into the metal container to pressurize fluid and thereby expand a bottom wall of the metal container.
  • the process includes using a first portion of the tool to initially engage the metal container with the holder.
  • the process includes allowing a second portion of the tool to move relative to the tool first portion after the initial engagement of the tool first portion with the metal container.
  • the process includes sealing an interior cavity of the metal container with a seal on the tool to use fluid pressure to expand the metal container wall.
  • the process further includes using fluid pressure to form an outward bubble in a bottom wall of the container.
  • the process further includes using a combination of fluid pressure and metal forming to form the bubble into a desired configuration.
  • the process includes sealing between the metal container and the first tool while forming the bubble.
  • the process includes first and second portions of the first tool configured for movement relative to one another, the first portion engaging an interior surface of the metal container at an interface between a sidewall and bottom wall of the metal container to retain the metal container.
  • the process includes a second portion of the tool moving relative to the first portion to pressurize the fluid in the metal container and form a bubble extending outwardly in the bottom wall of the metal container.
  • the process includes transferring the metal container with the bubble into a second station where a second tool advances into the open end thereof, sealingly engaging an interior surface of the metal container and forming the bubble of the bottom wall into a desired configuration with a combination of fluid pressure and a metal forming surface.
  • the process further includes providing a pressure relief valve to vent an interior cavity of the metal container if the pressure exceeds a predetermined level.
  • One advantage is the ability to advantageously increase the volume of a metal container without adding metal.
  • Another benefit is the ability to incorporate the tooling into conventional can making machinery.
  • Yet another advantage resides in the ability to more efficiently use existing material in a metal container.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a metal can after partial formation.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a first station tooling operation.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the first station showing the tooling clamping the container.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the first station at the bottom of the press stroke.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a second station tooling operation.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the second station showing the second tool advancing toward the bottom wall of the container.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the second station at the bottom of the press stroke.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a metal container after ribs and ridges are formed thereon.
  • a cup-shaped container 100 having a sidewall 102 and a bottom wall 104.
  • the sidewall 102 is a generally smooth, cylindrical surface that joins with the bottom wall 104 in a continuous fashion.
  • the cup-shaped container 100 is thus shown with an upper, open end 106.
  • the container 100 is a steel container and the sidewall 100 has a thickness of approximately 0.004 inches and the bottom wall 104 has a thickness of approximately 0.010 inches.
  • the container has the shape and such dimensions after exiting the cupper and wall ironer tooling of conventional can making machinery. It is been found that the thickness of the bottom wall 104 can be reduced, although heretofore generally deemed
  • the present disclosure describes the use of fluid to expand the bottom of the container. As a result of this expansion, the bottom wall 104 is reduced in thickness from 0.010 inches to 0.008 inches and the thickness of the sidewall 102 remains substantially unchanged.
  • Figures 2-7 illustrate a first station ( Figures 2-4) and a second station ( Figures 5-7) tooling operations that achieve this can bottom expansion. More particularly, in Figure 2, the container 100 is transferred into the press (not shown).
  • a conventional can or container shuttle system (the details of which are omitted for ease of illustration) can be used to transfer the container into the first station when upper tooling UT and lower tooling LT are sufficiently separated (Figure 2) to allow the can to be introduced therebetween.
  • the lower tooling LT includes a base 1 10 that has a recess 1 12, and a shoulder 1 14 configured to engage and receive the bottom wall 104 of the container 100 along its outer perimeter and at the connecting region with the sidewall 102.
  • the upper tooling UT includes a hollow, generally cylindrical first or lower end 120 that forms a first portion of the first tool and a second portion 122 of the first tool is received therein and spaced from the terminal end of the first portion 120 in the transfer position of Figure 2.
  • a seal 124 such as an o-ring is received in an associated groove or recess of the second portion 122 of the upper tooling.
  • a biasing member (not shown) may be used to urge the first portion 120 into the lower position shown in Figure 2.
  • the press ram then begins to move downwardly and the upper tooling UT proceeds through the open end 106 of the container ( Figure 3) and advances toward the lower tooling LT, and likewise advances toward the bottom wall 104 of the container.
  • the position shown in Figure 3 illustrates engagement of the terminal end of the first portion 120 of the first tool at the interface of the sidewall 102 and bottom wall 104 of the container. This engagement between the first portion 120 of the first tool and the shoulder 114 grips or clamps the container 100 in place. Further downward movement of the press ram advances the second portion 122 of the first tool toward the lower tooling LT.
  • Fluid F is provided in the container, typically before introduction into the first station.
  • the fluid is not intended to be a large amount, rather, as the second portion 122 of the first tool advances downwardly and the second portion moves relative to the first portion 120 from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 4, the fluid is pressurized as a result of the seal 124 between the first and second portions 120, 122.
  • the fluid is pressurized and is advantageously used to apply an expanding force to the container namely against the bottom wall 104. This fluid pressure forms a bubble represented by reference numeral 104' in Figure 4 where the bottom wall has expanded outwardly toward the surface 112 of the base 1 10 of the lower tooling LT.
  • a relief valve 130 is provided in the upper tooling.
  • the relief valve 130 is associated with passage 132 that communicates with the interior cavity of the cup shaped container 100 and particularly when the upper tooling is advanced through the upper, open end 106 of the metal container 100.
  • the relief valve 130 allows the pressure to build up to a predetermined level, for example about 2000 psi. If the pressure builds beyond this predetermined level, the relief valve 130 opens. This ensures that the desired force is imposed on the bottom wall of the container to form the bubble 104'.
  • the press ram then moves upwardly and separates the upper tooling from the lower tooling.
  • a conventional shuttle system (not shown) is used to remove the metal container with the bubble 104' that was formed in the first station of Figures 2-4 and advances the container with the bubble into the second station of Figures 5-7.
  • the upper and lower tooling LT are shown separated in Figure 5.
  • a hollow cylindrical support portion 150 closely receives the sidewall 102 of the container and the bubble 104' generally abuts or is received over a central portion of a metal forming surface 152 of the lower tooling LT.
  • the upper tooling UT (second tool 154) advances through the open end 106 of the container. There is still residual fluid F in the container 100.
  • metal forming surface 156 of the secondo tool 154 is advanced toward metal forming surface 152 of the lower tooling LT.
  • the combination of fluid pressure (as the fluid is compressed by the downwardly moving second tool 154) and the metal forming surfaces 152, 156 expands the bubble in the corner regions toward the diameter of the sidewall, and forms the final configuration of the bottom wall of the container ( Figure 7).
  • Seal 158 assures that sufficient fluid pressure is built up in the cavity of the container as the second tool 154 advances downwardly.
  • the seal 158 is preferably received in an outer groove of the tooling 154 and sealingly engages along the inner surface of the sidewall 102.
  • Passage 160 is provided in the tool 154 and communicates with the cavity in the container.
  • Relief valve 162 is provided in the passage and limits the force imposed by the pressurized fluid F. That is, the relief valve 162 opens if a preselected threshold pressure is reached.
  • the can or containers is transferred into the press, transferred between stations, and discharged out of the press with a shuttle system (not shown).
  • the shuttle system moves forward and backward every stroke of the press.
  • a set of three pneumatic grippers may be mounted to the shuttle system to carry a container. While the press ram moves up, and the container is clear (the position of the press ram is monitored to provide electrical signals, for example, to initiate the container shuttle operation) the grippers close on the containers at the infeed, in the first station, and at the second station.
  • the container shuttle system When the press ram the tooling is up high enough to clear the container (the position of the press ram is monitored to provide electrical signals, for example, to initiate the container shuttle operation), the container shuttle system will index forward. The container shuttle system continues to move forward (toward the rear of the press or discharge) until the containers are placed into tooling and discharge stations. While the press ram is moving down on the next stroke, the grippers open and the container shuttle system moves backwards (towards the front of the press were infeed). Once the press ram goes through the bottom of the stroke and back up, the container shuttle system repeats the cycle.
  • the container bottom is expanded and formed by both the hydroform process and a punch and die tooling process as described above.
  • the container bottom expansion process preferably uses, for example, two hydroform and punch and die tooling stations.
  • a metered amount of fluid is fed into the container.
  • the metered amount of fluid is used in the hydroforming process throughout tooling system.
  • the same fluid is preferably used in both stations.
  • the container with the fluid is transferred in the first station via the container shuttle system.
  • the tooling moves downward into the container.
  • the tooling makes first contact at about 0.750 inches off of bottom dead center (BDC). This first contact clamps the bottom of the container at about 0.100 inches in from the container sidewall.
  • BDC bottom dead center
  • the tooling clamp is backed up springs or a similar biasing member. The clamp clamps the material wall forming the bubble in the container bottom and seals the container while creating pressure for the hydroforming process.
  • the tooling clamp (first portion of first tool) downward motion is stopped and the inner tool (second portion of first tool) in the first station continues to move downwardly.
  • the inner tool which continues to move downwardly, contacts the fluid in the container
  • the inner tooling compresses the fluid and pressure begins to build in the container.
  • the pressure continues to build up to a preselected level, e.g. about 2000 psi.
  • a relief valve in the tooling will limit the pressure to the preselected level.
  • the internal pressure expands or hydroforms the container bottom wall downwardly into the lower die cavity, creating a bubble.
  • the tooling continues downwardly to the bottom of the stroke.
  • the tooling reverses and begins to move upwardly toward the top of the stroke. While the tooling is moving upwardly toward the top of the stroke, a tooling knockout (not shown) in the first station pushes the container off of the tooling, leading the container on the lower tool. A pad in the lower tool, for example, will lift the container to the transfer height. The tooling continues to move upwardly and the cycle repeats. The container that was formed in the first station will be transferred to the second station via the container shuttle system.
  • the container formed in the first station is transferred into the second station.
  • the fluid used in the first station will be used again in the second station.
  • the second station tooling moves downwardly into the container.
  • the tooling contacts the fluid, for example at about 0.700 inches off of bottom dead center (BDC).
  • BDC bottom dead center
  • the second station tooling compresses the fluid and pressure begins to build in the container.
  • the pressure continues to build up to a preselected level, for example about 600 psi.
  • a relief valve in the tooling limits the pressure to the preselected level.
  • the internal pressure expands or hydroforms the bubble in the container bottom, formed in the first station, outwardly to the desired container diameter.
  • the bubble that was hydroformed in the first station is expanded back out to the original diameter.
  • the tooling continues downwardly to the bottom of the stroke.
  • the countersink and bottom beads are die formed into the container bottom wall.
  • the tooling reverses and begins to move upwardly toward the top of the stroke.
  • a tooling knockout (not shown) in the second station pushes the container off of the tooling, leaving the container on the lower tool.
  • a pad in the lower tool for example, will lift the container to the transfer height.
  • the tooling continues upwardly and the cycle will repeat.
  • the container that was formed in the second station will be transferred to the discharge via the container shuttle system. Once the container is moved out of the tooling, the container will be rotated to remove any fluid left over from the hydroforming process. The leftover fluid will be filtered and returned to the fluid tank reservoir for re-use.
  • a pair of hydroforming machines producing 600 containers per minute each would be required.
  • Each machine would be configured, for example, to have a mechanical press operating speed up to at least 60 strokes per minute and capable of generating 300 tons at 0.750 inches off of bottom dead center.
  • Ten lanes of tooling for example, two stations in each lane, five container shuttle systems, each feeding first and second legs of tooling, and associated in feed and discharge

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil, et un procédé associé, qui étend une paroi d'un récipient métallique associé. L'appareil comprend un support pour maintenir au moins une partie du récipient métallique. Un premier outil a une première surface montée pour un mouvement par rapport au support en vue d'une avance sélective vers et dimensionnée pour engager au moins une partie du récipient métallique associé. Le premier outil comprend un joint d'étanchéité de telle sorte que le fluide reçu dans le récipient métallique associé est mis sous pression et utilisé pour appliquer une force d'expansion au récipient métallique associé alors que le premier outil avance dans celui-ci. Une bulle est formée dans la paroi inférieure, et dans une seconde station, la combinaison de la pression de fluide et des surfaces de formation de métal permet de former la configuration finale de la paroi inférieure.
EP14769148.9A 2013-03-21 2014-03-21 Procédé et appareil d'expansion d'un fond de boîte métallique hydroformé Withdrawn EP2976169A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361804055P 2013-03-21 2013-03-21
PCT/US2014/031506 WO2014153545A1 (fr) 2013-03-21 2014-03-21 Procédé et appareil d'expansion d'un fond de boîte métallique hydroformé

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2976169A1 true EP2976169A1 (fr) 2016-01-27

Family

ID=51581530

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14769148.9A Withdrawn EP2976169A1 (fr) 2013-03-21 2014-03-21 Procédé et appareil d'expansion d'un fond de boîte métallique hydroformé

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20150101380A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2976169A1 (fr)
WO (2) WO2014153545A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201205243D0 (en) 2012-03-26 2012-05-09 Kraft Foods R & D Inc Packaging and method of opening
GB2511560B (en) 2013-03-07 2018-11-14 Mondelez Uk R&D Ltd Improved Packaging and Method of Forming Packaging
GB2511559B (en) 2013-03-07 2018-11-14 Mondelez Uk R&D Ltd Improved Packaging and Method of Forming Packaging
WO2015126401A1 (fr) * 2014-02-20 2015-08-27 Silgan Containers Llc Station d'expansion de fond

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2592867A (en) * 1944-10-04 1952-04-15 Cuq Pierre Device for cold shaping hollow articles
US2688297A (en) * 1949-05-16 1954-09-07 Tubing Seal Cap Inc Method of making one-piece hollow doorknobs
US3040684A (en) * 1955-07-18 1962-06-26 Hillgren Mfg Co Apparatus for drawing door knobs
US3220235A (en) * 1961-09-19 1965-11-30 Nat Lock Co Method and apparatus for making bulged articles
US4183124A (en) * 1977-11-21 1980-01-15 Kisco Company Method of and apparatus for fabricating spiral wrapped cartridge cases
US4362037A (en) * 1980-10-24 1982-12-07 Emhart Industries, Inc. Hollow article internal pressure forming apparatus and method
FR2683750B1 (fr) * 1991-11-19 1995-09-01 Cmb Packaging Sa Procede pour conformer un corps de boite metallique et installation de conformation d'un tel corps de boite.
US6079244A (en) * 1996-01-04 2000-06-27 Ball Corporation Method and apparatus for reshaping a container body
US20030115923A1 (en) * 2000-01-12 2003-06-26 Veen Sjoerd Odrik Van Der Method for changing the shape of a can, and can shaped in this way
UA76459C2 (en) * 2001-05-01 2006-08-15 Alcan Int Ltd Method of forming a metal article of container type
US6802196B2 (en) * 2001-05-01 2004-10-12 Alcan International Limited Methods of and apparatus for pressure-ram-forming metal containers and the like
US7036348B2 (en) * 2003-08-26 2006-05-02 Stolle Machinery Company, Llc Method and apparatus for forming container end shells with reinforcing rib
US7191032B2 (en) * 2004-05-14 2007-03-13 Novelis Inc. Methods of and apparatus for forming hollow metal articles
DE102013109880B4 (de) * 2012-09-10 2016-11-03 National Research Council Of Canada Reibungsarmer Endennachschub beim Innenhochdruckumformen

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2014153545A1 (fr) 2014-09-25
US20150101380A1 (en) 2015-04-16
WO2016036855A1 (fr) 2016-03-10

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