EXPANSION METHOD FOR FORMING METALLIC TWO-PART CONTAINERS, AND EQUIPMENT FOR IMPLEMENTING THE EXPANSION METHOD FOR FORMING METALLIC TWO-PART CONTAINERS

Abstract

 lo t is dedicated, preferably, the manufacture of two-piece cans, comprising body and cover, with the most varied shapes of bodies, enabling expansion by means of various processes through the specific tooling, that expands the format desired to be obtained. The body of the can (1) is transported (2) for equipment (3) and, via a transport system with endless screw (4), which rotates synchronously, by means of gears (5), with the star input (6) via cardan shaft (14) and angled gearbox (15).By means of gears (8), the can body (1) is transferred to the expansion station (7), input by the star (6), where the expansion takes place the can body in two parts (1). Using this same type of synchronism, by means of gears (10 and 11), the can body is transferred expanded, the station (7) for a conveyor belt exit (13) by means of a star outlet (9).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] This descriptive report refers to an EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, which are designed more specifically for the production of two-piece cans, composed of body and lid, with the most varied shapes of bodies, also allowing material savings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, proposed herein, may be used in the production of two-piece cans for several purposes, such as, food, beverages and others, and may employ various materials such as steel and aluminum.

[0003] The EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, proposed herein, enables the expansion of the can body in two parts, allowing the conformation of can in various forms and enabling the use of the various expansion processes employing mandrel, nuts, rulers, calipers, compressed air, water, oil, among others, mostly placed on the can body, which expands until it obtains the format desired, always with increasing initial diameter of the can body, in order to increase the volumetric capacity of the can and generating material savings.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] Already known to the state of the art are some types of processes for obtaining expanded bodies of tins, with or without narrowing their ends, for example, process of the type "expansion by mandrel " "spin flow shaping", " hydro forming or Pascal "," blow forming "," rheoforming " and others, however, no expansion process was employed to date in the expansion of two-piece cans, comprising body and cover, for high speeds.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In order to overcome all the difficulties associated with techniques, was idealized the present EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, which refers to an extremely simple, efficient and economical process.

[0006] The EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, now proposed, consists in to enabling the expansion of metal packaging in two parts and provide the creation of various forms and conformations of the can body in two parts.

[0007] Among the advantages offered by this EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, we highlight the material savings because it allows smaller diameter from the body of the can and expand shaping of the can body generating material savings of about 3%.These savings may vary up or down depending on the conformation of the can body in two parts.

[0008] The EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, now proposed, can be adapted for various types of expansion processes, and can use the isolated or integrated operator station into the production line of the two parts can, enabling the production of the most varied shapes and sizes of bodies of two-piece cans, irrespective of the raw material used to manufacture the can.

[0009] The EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, proposed herein, enables, through the expansion of the body of the can, creating countless ways for two parts cans, which until now was not possible. This is an innovation, especially for beverages in general, such as beer and soft drinks and other commodities packaged in two pieces cans that are becoming increasingly similar. The expanded two parts can, will be an important tool to distinguish them through new forms (shape), layout and design. A feature that will differentiate one brand from another, placing an attractive to the brand and increase its value through its identity.

[0010] Among the innovative features of the EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, now proposed for conformation, by expanding the body of the can, there is the fact the process being done at a station, which may be performed prior to tin refile, or cutting the surplus from top of the can, and refile or after the formation of the neck and flange the can.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to allow clear visualization of the differentiation between the conventional process of producing a tin of two pieces of steel or aluminum and tin this same conformation of two parts, the relatively EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, proposed herein, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which the production process of the conventional two-piece tin is represented by the letter "A", the expansion process, sometimes proposed for forming the can body of two parts, before refile tin, represented by the letter "B"; the production process of the conventional two piece canister is represented by the letter "C" and the process of expanding and forming the two parts tin body, and formation refile after the neck and flange of the can, is represented by the letter "D".

Figure 1A - illustrates the feeding coil and cutting and stamping the cup;

Figure 2A - illustrates the stage of embossing tin and formation background;

Figure 3A - illustrates the stage with the bottom of the can already formed;

Figure 4A - illustrates the stage of cutting the surplus refile the top of the can;

Figure 5A - illustrates the stage of the can after the cutting operation and refile of the top of the can;

Figure 6A - illustrates the stage where decoration in the can is printed;

Figure 7A - shows the stage of forming the neck and flange in a can and the end of the manufacturing process of a conventional two-piece can;

Figure 1B - illustration of the power coils and cutting and stamping the cup;

Figure 2B - illustrates the stage of embossing tin and background formation;

Figure 3B - illustrates the stage with the bottom of the can already formed;

Figure 4B - illustrates the stage of expansion process for forming the can body of two parts, before refile the top of the can.

Figure 5B - illustrates the stage of cutting the surplus refile the top of the can;

Figure 6B - shows the stage of the can after the cutting operation and refile the top of the can;

Figure 7B - shows the stage where the can is printed decoration;

Figure 8B - shows the stage of forming the neck and flange in a can and the end of the manufacturing process of an expanded can with the can body forming two parts;

Figure 1C - illustration of the power coils and cutting and stamping the cup;

Figure 2C - illustrates the stage of embossing tin and background formation;

Figure 3C - illustrates the stage with the bottom of the can already formed;

Figure 4C - illustrates the stage of cutting the surplus refile the top of the can;

Figure 5C - illustrates the stage of the can after the cutting operation and refile the top of the can;

Figure 6C - shows the stage where the can is printed decoration;

Figure 7C - illustrates the stage of forming the neck and flange in a can and the end of the manufacturing process of a conventional two-piece can;

Figure 1D - illustrating the power coils and cutting and stamping the cup;

Figure 2D - illustrates the stage of embossing tin and formation background;

Figure 3D - illustrates the stage with the bottom of the can already formed;

Figure 4D - illustrates the stage of cutting the surplus refile the top of the can;

Figure 5D - illustrates the stage of the can after the cutting operation and refile the top of the can;

Figure 6D - illustrates the stage where the can is printed decoration;

Figure 7D - illustrates the stage of forming the neck and flange in a can and the end of the manufacturing process of a conventional two-piece can;

Figure 8D - illustrates the stage of expansion process for forming the can body of two parts, after refile the top of the can and formation of neck and flange in a can.

Figure 9B - shows a schematic view of a frame of production stages and expansion of tin two parts, before the refile of the upper container;

Figure 9D - shows a schematic view of a frame of production stages and expansion of tin two parts, and formation refile after the neck and flange in a can;

Figure 10 - shows a side view of the star transfer responsible for displacement of the can body in two parts along the expansion station and conformation.

Figure 11 - illustrates a side view of the kinematic chain of the machine expander bodies of two-piece cans illustrated in Figure 10;

Figure 12 - shows a view in detail of the conveyor drive worm station conformation;

INVENTION PREFERRED CONSTRUCTIVENESS

[0012] Figures 1A - 7A and 1C - 7C illustrate the stages of usual processes already known in the art for the manufacture of two-piece cans, while Figures 1B - 8B and 1D - 8D illustrate the processes for manufacturing two pieces cans that adopt the EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, proposed herein, which can prove the savings generated by the adoption of the expansion process illustrated in Figures 1B - 8B and 1D - 8D, when compared to the conventional process shown in Figures 1A - 7A and 1C - 7C, with respect to the use and economy of raw material, which has on the order of approximately 3%, which is considerable, if the measured absolute number of cans produced, and this economy is due to the increased volume of the can bodies after expansion.

[0013] Among the innovative features of this process, illustrated in Figures 1B - 8B and 1D - 8D we highlight the possibility of creating many ways to form two-piece cans, which until now was not possible. This diversification of forms and presentations will enable the creation and exposure of the identity of the product in the market, enabling print marks, signs and other forms of low or high relief that identify the product in the shape of the tin.

[0014] Another feature is the ability to create reliefs and indicative for the visually impaired, which may be guided by embossing or by the identity of the product, through the forms adopted in the body of the can.

[0015] The processes illustrated in Figures 1B - 8B and 1D - 8D use expansion systems, which may be through mandrel, nuts, ruler, calipers, compressed air, water and oil among others, which obtain the expanded can, together with the production of two parts can is performed in six stages or operations, using specific equipment for expansion operation, which may be interconnected or not in the production.

[0016] The first stage, which is feeding the coils and cutting and stamping the tin cup, as shown in (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D) are the same for all processes.
The second stage, which occurs the tin stamping and background formation, shown in (Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D), are also the same for all processes. After forming the bottom of the can (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), the processes are distinguished, namely, in the conventional process represented by Figures 1A - 7A in the third stage is the cutting of the excess top of the can which the tin refile is made (Fig. 4A).

[0017] In the third stage of the process 1B - 8B starts the process of expansion of the can body in two parts, the system chosen (fig. 4B), this operation is not envisaged in the process 1A - 7A.

[0018] In the fourth stage of the process 1A - 7A is done the decoration of the can (fig. 6A), while in 1B - 8B occurs the cutting of the excess top of the can which tin refile is made (fig. 5B).

[0019] In the fifth stage of the process 1A-7A is performed the process of forming the neck and flange in a can (fig. 7A), finishing operations, while in case 1B - 8B is done decoration of the can (fig. 7B).

[0020] In the sixth process stage 1B - 8B is performed the process of forming the neck and flange in a can (fig. 8B), finishing operations.

[0021] In the process 1C - 7C, the third stage is intended to cut the surplus from top of the can, i.e. the tin refile (fig.4C), and the process 1D-8D, the third stage also occurs tin refile (fig.4D).

[0022] The fourth process stage 1C - 7C, the decoration of tin is made (fig. 6C), whereas in case 1D - 8D in the fourth stage is also made the decoration (fig. 6D).

[0023] In the fifth stage of the process 1C - 7C performs the formation of the neck and the can flange (fig. 7C), finishing operations.

[0024] In the fifth stage of the process 1D - 8D is also performed forming of neck and flange of the can (fig. 7D), and then sent to the expansion station.

[0025] In the sixth stage of the process 1D - 8D starts the process of expansion of the can body in two parts (fig. 8D) chosen by the system, this operation is not under process 1C - 7C.

[0026] After performing the first and second stage, where there are cutting, printing and embossing operations of the cup of the can and the can body formatting of two parts in case 1B - 8B, shown by (fig. 4B), and occur after the fifth stage, operation and formation of the neck flange in the can in case 1D - 8D, demonstrated by (fig. 8D), the can body (1) is transported via the transport system (2) to the entrance of the machine (3).

[0027] From this stage, begins the process of expansion of the can body (1), through the chosen system, which enters the machine through a system of transport auger (4), which rotates synchronously by means of gears (5) with the inlet star (6) via cardan shaft (14) and angled gearbox (15), and through this timing, the can body (1) is transferred from the auger (4) to the inlet star (6) which are lined up one being accepted by a machine, and through this same timing, by means of gears (8), the can body (1) is transferred to the expansion station (7), this transfer occurs from the inlet star (6) to the expansion station (7) accurately, both of which rotate around its own axis, which allows the admission of the can body individually and continuously, and this station (7) expansion occurs where the can body acquires its final shape, which can vary depending on the system used and tooling (12), and, through this same type of synchronism, by means of gears (10 and 11), the can body is transferred expanded, the station (7) for a conveyor belt exit (13) by means of a star outlet (9) which revolves around its own axis but in the opposite direction to the station (7), which allows the removal of the can body, properly shaped, in a continuous, individual, continuing the process of manufacturing cans through stages successors.

[0028] The timing system used in the equipment consists of wheels on the bottom or side of each of the corresponding axes, and to the worm (4) corresponds the gear (5); to the inlet star (6) gear (8); for expansion station (7) a gear (10) to the outlet star (9) gear (11), which are driven by an electric gear motor which engages in its gear shaft (5), transmits movement through the intermediate gear (16), which can be the side or bottom of the machine base, and this timing works submerged in an oil bath, lubricating all equipment.

[0029] As shown, the station (7) is responsible for the expansion of the can body and its conformation, which occurs through specific tooling for this purpose.

[0030] We emphasize that all sets and existing devices onto this device can be arranged both vertically and horizontally, which allows the entire processing of the can body from its transport, occurs vertically or horizontally.

[0031] Although detailed the invention, it is important to stress that it does not limit its application to the details and stages described. The invention is capable of other modes and being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. The terminology used has the scope of mere discretion and not limitation.

Claims

1. EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, will aim primarily at manufacturing two-piece cans, composed of body and cover, with the most varied shapes of bodies that can be employed in the production of two-piece cans intended for various purposes such as food and beverages in general and others and may employ various materials such as steel or aluminum, enabling the expansion mandrel by processes which employ , nuts, rulers, tweezers, compressed air, water, oil, among others, characterized by the fact of this expansion process of two-piece cans through the tooling into the body of the can, which expands until it reached the desired format , always with increasing initial diameter of the body discharge in order to increase the volumetric capacity of the can.

2. The process according to claim 1, characterized by the fact of generating material savings therefore enables starting with the smaller diameter of the can body and expand shaping the can body, in various geometric forms, seeking to increase the volumetric capacity of the can.

3. The process according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact of generating an economy in the use of sheets of steel or aluminum, since it allows from smaller diameter of the can body and expand shaping the can body generating savings of Material on the order of about 3%.

4. The process according to claims 1, 2 characterized by the fact of generating, by expanding the can body, creating numerous ways for two-piece cans, allowing print marks, signs and other forms of low or Raised in identifying the product's own format and can create reliefs indicative for the visually impaired.

5. The process according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, the expansion process being performed in an independent station, which may be performed prior to refile tin two parts, in the third process stage 4B, or refile and after the formation of the neck and flange of the can of two parts in the sixth process stage 8D.

6. The process according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, the expansion process of can of two parts, using an expansion system chosen where achievement of expanded can associated with the production of tin two parts is performed in six stages or operations, using specific equipment for expansion operation, interconnected or not production.

7. EXPANSION PROCESS FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, AND EXPANSION PROCESS EQUIPMENT FOR CONFORMATION OF TWO PARTS METAL PACKS, characterized by the fact that the body of the can (1) is transported through the system transport (2) to the entrance of the machine (3), which enters the expansion device through a transport system with endless screw (4), which rotates synchronously by means of gears (5), the inlet star (6) via cardan shaft (14) and angled gearbox (15).

8. Equipment according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the can body in two parts (1) is transferred from system auger (4), for the star inlet (6) through a synchronized system where bodies are lined tin, being accepted by the machine one by one.

9. Equipment according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that through this same timing, by means of gears (8), the can body (1) is transferred to the expansion station (7), and this transfer occurs from the inlet star (6) to the expansion station (7) accurately, both of which rotate around its own axis, which allows the admission of the can body in a continuous and individual, or one by one.

10. Equipment according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that this station (7) occurs the expansion of the can body in two parts (1) through the expansion system chosen, where the can body acquires its shape Finally, which can vary depending on the system used and tooling (12).

11. Equipment according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that, using this same type of synchronism, by means of gears (10 and 11), the can body expanded is transferred from the station (7) for a the output conveyor (13), through an outlet star (9) which revolves around its own axis, but in opposite direction to the expansion station (7), which allows the removal of the can body, as suitably shaped, in a continuous, individual, continuing the process of manufacturing cans through succeeding stages.

12. Equipment according to claims 8, 9, 10 and 11, characterized by the fact that the synchronism system used in the equipment consists of wheels on the bottom or side of each of the corresponding axes, and that for the worm (4) corresponds gear (5); to the inlet star (6) a gear (8) for the expansion station (7) a gear (10) to the outlet star (9) gear (11), which are driven by a electric gearmotor which engages a gear on its shaft (5), transmits movement through the intermediate gear (16), which can be the side or bottom of the a machine base, work and this timing submerged in an oil bath, lubricating all equipment.

13. Equipment according to claim 8 and following, characterized by the fact that all sets of devices existing in this equipment may be arranged both vertically and horizontally, which allows all processing of the can body since its initial transportation to the final occur vertically or horizontally, and can even this equipment, operating alone or coupled to the production line of various expansion processes known.

Drawing