US2435306A - Expanding die for sizing, curling, and beading metal drums - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 3, 1948. c. c. GROTNES 2,435,306

EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CUBLING, AND BEADING METAL DRUIS Filed Dec. 20, 1945 4 SheotQ-Sheet 1 2/6 v.2 I 1 H 2. 262: L bgj,

mvcm'oa Carl C. Grotncs ATTORNEYS Sheets-Sheet 2 c. c. GROTNES Filed Dec. 20, 1945 Feb.;3, 1948.

EXPAIDIIIG DIS FOR SIZING, CURLING, AND BEADING IETAL DRUMS INVENTOR 66 3! Carl C. Grab/res w../2;w,u#w.

ATTORNEYS I Feb. 3, 1948. I c, c GRQTNES 2,435,306

EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CURLING, AND BEADING METAL DRUMS v I Filed Dec. 20, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 46 a a "f 57 INVEfiTOR Carl C. Grab/yes ATTORNEYS Feb. 3, 1948. c c. GRQTNE'S EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CURLING, AND BEADING METAL DRUMS 4 Sheds-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 20, 1945 INVENTOR Carl C. rotnes r/ 1.4 #1

"ATTORNEY-S Patented Feb. 3, 1948 EXPANDING DIE FOR SIZING, CURLING, AND READING METAL DRUMS Carl C. Grotnes, Park Ridge, 111. Application December 20, 1945, Serial No. 836,204

13 Claims.

The invention relates to metal working machines and more particularly to machines for operating on sheet metal shells or drums.

One object of the invention is to. provide an improved machine of the above general character adapted to perform a plurality of shaping operation on a sheet metal shell or drum in a single operating cycle, thereby eliminating repeated handling of the shell and reducing the number of machines as well as the time required for the production of the finished article, all of which contribute to a substantial reduction in manufacturing costs.

Another object is to provide an improved machine for operating on sheet metal shells in which the parts are arranged in a novel manner to fa.-

' cilitate the placement of the workpieces on the machine.

Another object is to provide improved means in a machine of the character set forth whereby a plurality of annular forming dies required to perform the different shaping operations on a sheet metal shell are supported and guided by a single supporting structure.

The invention also resides in the novel means provided for holding and positioning the workpieces for successive operations and for controlling the sequence and timing of such operations.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a metal working machine embodying the features of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the machine taken in a vertical plane substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing the position of the parts at the beginning of an operating cycle.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the die head similar to that shown in Fig. 2 but showing the parts in the positions occupied in the first stage of the operating cycle.

Fig. 4 is another sectional view of the die head showing the parts in the positions occupied in the second stage of the operating cycle.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the positionsv of the parts at the end of the operating cycle.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing the form and relationship of the coacting cam and follower elements for actuating the sizing die.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view through the die head of the machine taken in a horizontal plane substantially on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the die head of the machine taken in a horizontal plane substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. 5.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims.

For purposes of illustration the invention has been shown as embodied in a machine for operating on cylindrical sheet metal blanks or shells ill to form them for use in the manufacture of pails, drums, etc. The blanks or shells as supplied to the machine are plain cylinders of approximately the desired diameter. In each operating cycle of the machine a. shell is accurately sized, that is, expanded to the required diameter, trued up to circular cross section, a circumferential outwardly pressed bead i I formed therein, and one end of the shell formed with a. curled edge or head I2,

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings. the machine selected to illustrate the invention comprises generally a rigid frame or bed [5 supporting at its upper end a multiple die head l6 and a vertically movable table or platform I1 carrying an annular edge curling die l8. The frame It also supports and encloses mechanism for actuating the dies of the head I 6 and for shifting the table I! to render the curling die l8 effective, such mechanism including a horizontally disposed shaft l9 journaled in bearings 20 (Figs. 2 and 5) carried on opposite sides of the frame.

To facilitate placement of the shells I 0 thereon, the die head I8 is supported in a vertical position with its upper end free and unobstructed. This feature, together with the novel arrangement and relationship of the dies included in the head 66 and the edge curling die i8 which serve to automatically position the shell for the different forming operations, substantially reduces the labor required for operating the machine and materially increases its productive capacity.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the die head [6 includes two independently operable sets of forming dies each comprising an annular series of die elements supported and guided for radial movement by a common supporting plate 25 rigidly mounted at the top of the frame i5. In the exemplary machine the die head is provided with one set of die elements 26 (Figs. 2-5 and 8) for sizing and shaping the shell l0, and a second set of die elements 21 (Figs. 2-5 and 7) operable to form the bead l I in the shell.

As will be seen by reference to Figs. 4 and 8 of the drawings, the die elements 26 comprise rigid metal blocks segmental in cross section and elongated axially to extend from the bead II to the remote end of the shell Ill. The outer face of each die block is formed on a radius corresponding to that of the finished shell so that when the blocks are shifted radially outwardly or expanded to their limit positions the set of die blocks presents a substantially cylindrical surface of the required derstood that the width of each block is such that the entire series may be shifted radially inwardly or contracted to a diameter substantially smaller than that of the blank or shell l so that the latter may be telescoped thereover without interference.

Fixed to the upper end of each die block 26 is a segmental stop element 28 having its forward edge projecting over the face of the die block. The stop elements are dimensioned so that they project only slightly beyond the blocks 26 so as not to interfere with the placement of the shell III on the die head when the sizing die is contracted, while forming an annular abutment 29 engageable by the end of the shell when the die set is either fully or partially expanded. The abutment thus formed serves to limit the endwise movement of the shell relative to the die head for purposes to appear presently.

Support for the die blocks 26 is provided by a diameter. It will be un- Referring to Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings it will be observed that the upright sections 40 of the die block supports are segmental in cross section and that each is formed with a narrow vertically disposed inwardly tapering rib 45 adapted to fit between the upright sections 30 of a companion setof die block supports. The latter are also of relatively narrow width and taper inwardly so that ample space is provided for the installation of the two independently operating die sets on the single mounting plate 25.

Novel actuating means is provided for actuating the die sets above described in predetermined series of L-shaped supporting members each having an upright die carrying section and a horizontal base section 35. The die block is removably secured as by machine screws 32 (Fig. 8) to' the upright section of each member which is provided on its front face with an undercut shoulder 33 (Fig. 2) adapted to coact with a complemental shoulder 34 on the rear face of the die block to accurately locate the block thereon.

The base sections 3! of the supporting membars are slidably received in radially disposed guide slots 35 formed in the upper face of the plate 25. Segmental retaining plates 36 (Fig. '7) secured to the plate 25 overlap the side edges of the sections 3| to hold the parts in assembled relation, the said side edges of the sections being recessed to accommodate the retaining plates.

Means is provided for yieldably urging the die blocks 26 and their supporting members inwardly to a retracted position in which the outer faces of the die blocks present a cylindrical surface of minimum diameter. As herein shown, this means comprises a pair of annular springs 37 (Figs. 2 and 8) encircling the upright sections 30 of the supporting members. The springs are preferably spaced upright axially of seated in suitable recesses 38 formed in faces of the upright sections.

The die elements 2? of the beading die are herein located immediately below the die elements 2S and are carried by somewhat similar L.- shaped supporting members each having an upright section 46 (Figs. 2 and 7) upon which the die element is mounted and a horizontal base secthe front the members and are tion 4!. The base sections ti are slidable in radially disposed guide slots 12 in the plate. 25, such slots being interposed alternately between the guide slots 35 for the sizing die supporting members. As in the case of the base sections 3i, base sections it are recessed along their side edges for serve to hold the supports in assembled relation with the guide plate 25. An annular spring 63 encircling the upright sections 3B and seated in. recesses fit therein yieldably urges the heading die elements and their supports inwardly to the contracted position. v

' cooperation with the retaining plates 36 which timed relation. Such actuation consists in shifting the die elements radially outwardly from the retracted positions in which they are normally held by the springs 3'? and 43. The arrangement is such that the die elements 26 are first actuated to size and shape the shell [0 and are then retracted suiiiciently to free the shell for upward movement against the abutment 29 under the action of the curling die i8. Following the curling of the lower edge of the shell by the latter die, the die elements 27 are actuated to form the bead l2. Finally, all of the parts are returned to normal rest position to allow the completely formed shell to be removed from the machine.

The means for actuating the sizing and beading die sets as herein shown includes a drawbar 48 extending axially between the die block supports of the die sets and guided for vertical movement by a sleeve member 8'! carried by the supporting plate 25. The drawbar is arranged to be reciprocated by suitable power driven means herein shown as including a cam or eccentric 48' rigid with the shaft 89. r The eccentric $8 is fitted with a yoke 49 to which the lower end of the bar is pivotally secured as 'by a cross pin 50.

For actuation of the sizing die set, the bar 46 is provided with a pair of annular cams 5i spaced apart axially of the bar and adapted to coact with hardened follower plates 52 carried on the rear faces of the upright sections 30 of the die supporting members. The cams are held in vertically spaced relation on the bar by means of an annular spacer 53 interposed between them and a stop nut 53' fastened on the end of the drawbar holds the cams and spacer in assembled ly steep so that the die blocks 26 are shifted outwardly relatively rapidly as the cam surfaces ride downwardly over the follower surfaces in the initial movements of the drawbar. blocks reach their outer limit positions as the crests of the cams pass over the crests of the follower plates.

In the further movement of the drawbar, the cam surfaces 55 ride down the sloping follower surfaces 51 permitting retraction of the die blocks by their springs 31. It will be observed that the slopes of the surfaces 55 and 57 are less steep than the companion surfaces with the result that the retracting movements of the die block are effected at a slower rate than their expansion. In practice the cam and follower sur- The die I faces 65 and 51 are shaped so as to permit the die blocks to be retracted suiiiciently to free the shell ID for axial movement on the die head while maintaining the abutment 29 in position to be engaged by the end of the shell while the curling die I 8 is performing its operation.

Actuation of the beading die set is eil'ected by a cam member 58 mounted on the drawbar 46 below the bottom cam 5| and spaced therefrom by a suitable washer. To provide clearance for the upright die supports 30 of the sizing die, the body of the cam 58 is formed with a series of vertical slots 59 (Figs. 5 and 8) while the intervening portions are formed with sloping cam sur-- faces 60 (Figs. 2-5) adapted to engage hardened wear plates 6| mounted on the rear faces of the die supports 40. The slope of the cam surfaces 60 and the wear plates BI is such that the die ele ments 2! are shifted into engagement with the shell l immediately after the curling of the edge 12 of the shell is completed. Outward movement of the die blocks is continued and the blocks reach their outer limit positions substantially at the end of the downward movement of the drawbar 46 thus pressing out or expanding the bead H and completing the formation of the shell in the downward stroke of the drawbar.

As indicated above, the curling die I8 is actuated intermediate the actuation of the sizing and beading die sets. The curling die, as shown, comprises an annulus 65 having a radially projecting flange 66 at its lower end. An annular groove 6'! in the upper face of the flange closely adjacent the annulus 65 is adapted to receive the edge of the shell and, in the upward movement of the table ll, the shell is curled into a rounded bead as shown in Fig. 5. V

As previously stated, the curling die I8 is mounted on the upper face of the table IT. The table I1 is apertured as at 68 (Figs. 2 and 5) to provide clearance for the die head l6. Fixed at opposite ends of the table are depending end members 69 adapted to slide between spaced vertical guide rails (Figs. 1 and '7) rigid with the machine base. The table is thus guided in its vertical movements between the position shown in Figs. 2 and 5 of the 'drawings wherein the curling die I8 is shifted from the normal rest position to the operative position.

To coordinate the actuation of the curling die 18 with the actuation of the sizing and beading dies, provision is made for raising and lowerin the table I! through the medium of the shaft H! which actuates such dies. For this purpose, the shaft is provided at opposite ends with suitably shaped cam H adapted to coact with follower rollers 12 carried by the end members 69. As shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the lower end of each member 69 is formed with a semi-cylindrical recess or compartment 13 having spaced side walls for supporting a shaft 14 upon which the roller 72 is journaled. The rollers are arranged to rest directly on the cams H which thus provide support for the table 41 and impart the required vertical movement thereto in the rotation of the shaft l9.

Suitable means is provided for driving the shaft 19 through a single revolution in each operating cycle of the machine. In the particular machine illustrated, the shaft is arranged to be driven through a pair of gears keyed thereto on opposite sides of the eccentric 48 (Figs. 2 and 5) and meshing with pinions carriedby a drive shaft 76 (Fig. 1). Control mechanism for limiting the rotation of the shaft to a single revolution in 6 each cycle may be associated with the drive shaft .in well known manner.

In the operation of the machine a plain cylindrical shell I II to be operated on is slipped over the die head 46, passing over the contracted stop .die through the medium of the cams El and followers 52. More particularly the die blocks are forced outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3 thus shaping the shell to true circular cross section and expanding it to the required diameter. The sizing and truing operation is completed as the crests of the cams 5| pass the crests of the followers 52.

Continued movement of the drawbar 46 carries the cam faces 55 over the inclined follower surfaces 51 which, as previously explained, are inclined to permit limited retraction of the die blocks 26. This retraction is suflicient to release the shell Ill for movement axially of the die head against the abutment 29 which is maintained in blocking relation to the end of the shell during this portion of the machine cycle.

The cams II are timed so as to raise the table I1 and curling die l8 immediately after the shell I0 is released, whereby the shell is forced upwardly until blocked by the abutment 29. Continued upward movement of the curling die causes it to perform its edge curling function while the shell is held stationary, by the abutment 29.

Throughout the downward movement of the drawbar 46 the beading die elements 21 are shifted outwardly by the action of the cam 58. The extent of movement required to bring the heading die elements into engagement with the shell is such that the engagement takes place substantially upon the completion of the edge curling operation. At this time the shell is sup ported and rigidly held between the curling die l8 and the abutment 29 thus positioning the shell with a high degree of accuracy for the formation of the bead H. The final movements of the drawbar of course are effective to shift the die elements 21 outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 5 to expand the bead II in the shell.

As the shaft l9 turns through the second half of its cycle of revolution the drawbar 46 and the die element actuated thereby are returned to normal position. At the same time the table 11 and curling/die I8 are returned to their normal rest positions. At the completion of the cycle the dies of the die head are completely retracted so that the completely formed shell is released and may be lifted from the die head and replaced by a new shell to be'operated on.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the invention provides a metal working machine of novel and advantageous character particularly proved machine also embodies means for controlling v of such operations.

' radially projecting radially projecting abutment at one .ments and operative in one the movement of the table for curling the The invention also provides a novel die head construction wherein a plurality of independently operable annular die sets are supported and. guided by a common supporting member. The imnovel means for holding and positioning the workpieces orshells with respect to the die elements during the various shaping operations together with novel I claim as my invention: 1. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a sizing die comprising a plurality of axially elongated die elements arranged in a circular series and supported for radial movement, means carried by said die elements forming a abutment at one end of the die, means normally holding said die elements in a retracted position to condition the die for receiving a sheet metal shell to be operated on, an edge curling die supported adjacent the other end of said sizingdie for movement toward and from the same, and actuating means operating successively to shift said die elements radially outwardly to expand the shell to predetermined dimensions and then to force said curling die against the end of the shell to curl the edge thereof, said actuatingmeans releasing said die elements for partial retraction after the sizing operation to permit the shell to move into engagement with said abutment when engaged by saidcurling die.

2. In a machine-of the class described, in combination, a sizing die comprising a plurality of ing the shell, a die frame adjacent the otherend of said die head radially movable die elements for sizing and shapelement supported on said for movementaxially thereof against the adjacent end of the shell, abutment means adjacent the free end of said die head retractable radially to permit placement of the shell on the die head i and adapted to be moved into a position to prelo the sequence and timing vent movement of the shell relative to said die head by said axially movable die element, and cyclically operable means for actuating said die elements and positioning said abutment means. i 5. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a die head mounted on said frame with onelend unobstructed to facilitate the placement of a sheet metal shell thereon, said die head including independently operable sizing and beading dies, an edge curling die supported on said frame adjacent the other end of said die head for movement axially thereof into engagement with the end of the shell, retractable abutment means adjacent the free end of said head for holding the shell against endwi'se movement during the operation of said curling die, means for actuating said dies in predetermined "timed relation comprising a cyclically driven axially elongated die elements arranged in a circular series and supported for radial movement, means carried by said die elements forming a end of the die, means normally holding said die blocks in a retracted position to conditiorrthe die for receiving a sheet metal shell to be operated on, and actuating means for said member movable axially of the series of die eleportion of its movement to shift the die elements outwardly for expanding the shell to predetermined size and operative in another portion of its movement to permit limited retraction of the die elements whereby to release the shell therefrom while maintaining said abutment in position for engagement with the end of the shell.

3. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a generally cylindrical die head mounted in an upright position on said frame to receive a sheet metal shell in telescoping relation, a table disposed adjacent the lower end of said die head, means on said frame supporting and guiding said table for movement axially of said die head, an annular die element supported on said table in coaxial alinement with said die head, said head including a plurality of independently operable die sets for shaping the shell, and said die element being operative in edge of the shell, and radially retractable abutment means carried by said die head for holding the shell against endwise movement during the operation of said die element.

4. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a generally cylindrical die head mounted on said frame with one end free and unobstructed to facilitate the placement of a sheet metal shell thereon, said head including sizing die including a means in predetermined timed relation, and a cyclically operable shaft for driving said actuatshaft, an. actuator operable by said shaft, cams carried by said actuator for actuating said sizing and heading dies in succession and for position ing said abutment means for engagement bythe shell, andother cam means carried by said shaft for'actuating said curling die, said cam means being constructed and arranged to efiect the actuation of said curling die and the positioningof said abutment means intermediate the actuation of said sizing and heading dies.

6. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a die head mounted on said frame. with one end unobstructed to facilitate the placement ofv a sheet metal shell thereon, said die head including independently operable sizing and heading dies, an edge curling die supported on said frame adjacent the other end of said die head for movement axially thereof against-the end of the shell, retractable abutment means carried by said-head for holding the shell against endwise movement during the operation of said curling die, and means for actuating said dies and said abutment means in predetermined timed relation to first expand the shell to predetermined size, to curl one edge of the shell, to form a circumferential bead therein, and finally to release the shell for removal from the machine.

'7'. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a die head mounted on said frame with one end unobstructed to facilitate the placement of a sheet metal shell thereon, aid die head including independently operable sizing and heading dies, an edge curling die supported on said frame adjacent the other end of said die head for movement axially thereof against'the inner end of the shell, normally inactive abutment means adapted to be positioned.

for engagement by the outer end of the shell the operation of said curling die, means for actuating said dies and positioning said abutment ing means.

8. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a generally cylindrical die head including a first set of axially elongated segmental die blocks arranged in an annular series, a second set of segmental die blocks arranged in an annular series adjacent one end of said first set and coaxially alined therewith, means supporting said sets of die blocks for independent radial movement including a general-1y L-shaped supporting member for each die block, said die blocks being mounted on the upright sections of said.

members, and a supporting plate having a series of radially disposed guide slots fOr slidably receiving the base sections of said members.

9. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a plurality of generally L-shaped die supporting members arranged in a circular series, each of said members having an upright die supporting section and an outwardly projecting base section, segmental die elements mounted on the upright sections of alternate ones of said members to present a substantially continuous cylindrical surface, die elements mounted on the upright sections of the other members presenting a substantially continuous annular ridge adjacent the end of said cylindrical surface and coaxially alined therewith, and means supporting and guiding said members for independent radial movement comprising a generally circular supporting plate having a plurality of radially disposed slots for slidably receiving the base sections of said members.

10. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a generally cylindrical die head including a first set of axially elongated segmental die blocks arranged in an annular series, a second set of segmental die blocks arranged in an annular series adjacent one end of said first set and coaxially alined therewith, and a single stationary member for directly supporting and guiding each set of die blocks for independent radial movement,

11. In a machine of the class described, in combination, an annularly arranged set of sizing die elements, an annularly arranged set of head expanding die elements disposed in axial alinement with said sizing die elements, a member for supporting each die element, and a single supporting plate for directly supporting and guiding said members for independent radial movement.

12. In a machine of the class described, in

combination, a frame, a generall cylindrical die head mounted in an upright position on said frame to receive a sheet metal shell in telescoping relation, a table disposed adjacent the lower end of said die head, means'on said frame supporting and guiding said table for movement axially of said die head, an annular dle element supported on said table in coaxial alinement with saiddie head, said die element bein operative in the movement of said table to curl the edge of the shell held by said head, and means for actuating the dies of said head to block the shell against axial movement and for subsequently moving said table to effect said edge curling operation.

13. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a frame, a generally cylindrical die head mounted in an upright position on said frame to receive a sheet metal shell in telescoping relation, a table mounted on said frame adjacent the lower end of said die head, an annular die element supported on said table in coaxial alinement with said die head, and means for actuating the dies of said head and for shifting said table, said annular die acting initially to position the shell for action by the dies of said head and the dies of said head acting subsequently to position the shell for action by said circular die.

CARL C. GROTNES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES. PATENTS Number Name Date 2,113,257 Schwartz Apr, 5, 1938 1,645,971 Riegel Oct. 18, 1927 1,493,502 Riegel May 13, 1924 1,355,351 Norquist Oct. 12, 1920 2,159,900 Le Jeune et al May 23, 1939 1,011,193 Hackney Dec. 12, 1911 354,568 Norton et al Dec. 21, 1886 1,959,369 Kronquest et a1 May 22, 1934 2,211,009 Grotnes Aug. 13, 1940

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