U.S. patent application number 10/160598 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-17 for method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can making.
This patent application is currently assigned to Crown Cork. Invention is credited to Aschberger, Anton A., Heiberger, Joseph M., Jones, Floyd Arnold.
Application Number | 20020148266 10/160598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22646926 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020148266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heiberger, Joseph M. ; et
al. |
October 17, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for closely coupling machines used for can
making
Abstract
A system for performing sequential operations on a can body,
such as necking the open end of the can body, in which two or more
machines, such as die necking machines are, are coupled by a
transfer module. The transfer module comprises a multi-pocket wheel
that receives can bodies from a multi-pocket discharge wheel of the
first necking machine and discharges them to a multi-pocket input
wheel of the second die necking machine. The drive motor of one of
the necking machines is eliminated, while the drive motor on the
other machine is enlarged. A gear on the transfer module couples
the gear trains on the first and second necking machines into a
common gear train. Thus, the transfer module gear train transfers
power from the necking machine having the enlarged drive motor to
the necking machine for which the drive motor was eliminated. This
enables a single drive motor to entire drive train for both
machines.
Inventors: |
Heiberger, Joseph M.;
(Downers Grove, IL) ; Aschberger, Anton A.;
(Downers Grove, IL) ; Jones, Floyd Arnold;
(Wheaton, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP
ONE LIBERTY PLACE, 46TH FLOOR
1650 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Crown Cork
|
Family ID: |
22646926 |
Appl. No.: |
10/160598 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10160598 |
May 31, 2002 |
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09838464 |
Apr 19, 2001 |
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09838464 |
Apr 19, 2001 |
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09558128 |
Apr 25, 2000 |
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6240760 |
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09558128 |
Apr 25, 2000 |
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09177036 |
Oct 22, 1998 |
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6085563 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
72/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B21D 51/2692
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
72/94 |
International
Class: |
B21D 051/26 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A necking system for successively reducing the diameter of the
end of a can in a plurality of discrete steps, comprising: a) a
first necking machine, said first necking machine comprising (i) a
first input feed wheel for receiving a can having an end having a
diameter, (ii) first necking means for reducing said diameter of
said can end so as to produce a partially necked can, (iii) a first
discharge wheel for discharging said partially necked can, and (iv)
a first gear train, said first gear train comprising a first gear,
said first discharge wheel driven by said first gear; b) a second
necking machine, said second necking machine comprising (i) a
second input feed wheel for receiving said partially necked can,
(ii) second necking means for further reducing said diameter of
said partially necked can end so as to produce a further necked
can, (iii) a second discharge wheel for discharging said further
necked can, and (iv) a second gear train, said second gear train
comprising a second gear, said second input feed wheel driven by
said second gear; and c) a transfer module coupling said first and
second necking machines, said transfer module comprising (i) a
transfer wheel located to receive said partially necked can from
said first discharge wheel of said first necking machine and to
deliver said partially necked can to said second input feed wheel
of said second necking machine, and (ii) a third gear, said
transfer wheel driven by said third gear, said third gear driving
one of said first and second gears and driven by the other one of
said first and second gears.
2. The necking system according to claim 1, wherein said third gear
drives said second gear and is driven by said first gear, and
further comprising a motor driving said first gear train of said
first necking machine.
3. The necking system according to claim 1, wherein said third gear
drives said first gear and is driven by said second gear, and
further comprising a motor driving said second gear train of said
second necking machine.
4. The necking system according to claim 1, wherein said first and
second input feed wheels and said first and second discharge wheels
turn in a first direction, and wherein said transfer wheel turns in
an opposite direction.
5. The necking system according to claim 1, wherein said first and
second necking means each comprises a sequential array of necking
modules, an intermediate module disposed between each of said
necking modules for carrying said can body from one of said modules
in said array to the next module in said array.
6. The necking system according to claim 5, wherein said first and
second gear trains each comprise a plurality of fourth gears
driving said necking modules and said intermediate modules, and
wherein said first and second gear trains and said third gear of
said transfer module and said plurality of fourth gears form a
common gear train for said necking system.
7. The necking system according to claim 1, wherein said first
discharge wheel and said second input feed wheel are driven in a
first direction by said first and second gears, respectively, and
wherein said third gear drives said transfer wheel in a second
direction opposite to said first direction.
8. The necking system according to claim 7, further comprising: d)
means for applying a suction to first portions of the circumference
of said first discharge wheel and said second input feed wheel, and
for releasing said suction from second portions of the
circumference of said first discharge wheel and said second input
feed wheel; e) means for applying a suction to a first portion of
the circumference of said transfer wheel that is disposed opposite
to said first portions of said circumference of said discharge
wheel and said second input feed wheel and for releasing said
suction from a second portion of said circumference of said
transfer wheel that is disposed opposite to said second portions of
said circumference of said first discharge wheel and said second
input feed wheel.
9. The necking system according to claim 8, wherein said first
portions of said circumference of said first discharge wheel and
said second input feed wheel comprise lower portions thereof, and
wherein said first portion of said circumference of said transfer
wheel comprises an upper portion thereof.
10. The necking system according to claim 1, wherein said transfer
wheel forms a plurality of can body retaining pockets thereon, and
further comprising means for applying and then releasing suction
over a portion of said pockets, said suction applying and releasing
means comprising: (i) first and second annular passages disposed
under said pockets, (ii) a port in each of said pockets, each of
said ports placing its respective pocket into flow communication
with said first annular passage, (iii) an opening placing said
first and second annular passage in flow communication with each
other, and (iv) a second opening placing said second annular
passage in flow communication with a vacuum source.
11. A system for successively performing operations on a can in a
plurality of discrete steps, comprising: a) a first machine for
performing a portion of said operations on said can, said first
machine comprising (i) first rotating means for performing at least
one of said operations on said can so as to produce a partially
operated upon can, and (ii) a first gear train driving said first
rotating operation performing means; b) a second machine for
performing a portion of said operations on said can, said second
machine comprising (i) second rotating means for performing at
least a second of said operations on said can so as to produce a
further operated upon can, (ii) a second gear train driving said
second rotating operation performing means; and c) transfer means
for (i) transferring said partially operated upon can from said
first machine to said second machine, (ii) transferring power
between said first and second gear trains, and (iii) synchronizing
the operation of said first and second rotating operating
performing means.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said first machine
further comprises a discharge wheel for discharging said partially
operated upon can, and wherein said second machine further
comprises an input feed wheel for receiving said partially operated
upon can from said first machine, and wherein said transfer means
comprises a transfer wheel located between said discharge wheel of
said first machine and said input feed wheel of said second machine
so as to transfer said partially operated upon can bodies from
discharge wheel to said input feed wheel.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein said transfer means
further comprises a gear, said gear meshing with said first and
second gear trains.
14. A method for directly coupling first and second necking
machines for successively reducing the diameter of the end of a can
in a plurality of discrete operations, said first necking machine
comprising (i) at least a first necking module for partially
reducing said diameter of said can end, (ii) a discharge wheel for
discharging said partially necked can, and (iii) a first gear
train, sadi first gear train comprising a first gear driving said
discharge wheel, said second necking machine comprising (i) an
input feed wheel for receiving said partially necked can, (ii) at
least a second necking module for further reducing said diameter of
said can end, and (iii) a second gear train, said second gear train
comprising a second gear driving said input feed wheel, said
coupling method comprising the steps of: a) installing a transfer
wheel between said discharge wheel of said first necking machine
and said input feed wheel of said second necking machine so that
said transfer wheel receives said partially necked cans from said
discharge wheel and delivers said cans to said input feed wheel;
and b) installing a third gear so as to mesh with said first and
second gears, said third gear driving said transfer wheel.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said first and second
necking machines each have a motor, said motor of said first
necking machine driving said first gear train, said motor of said
second necking machine driving said second gear train, and wherein
said coupling method comprises the further step of eliminating one
of said motors so that the other of said motors drives both said
first and second gear trains as well as said third gear.
16. A method for directly coupling first and second machines for
successively performing operations on a can in a plurality of
discrete operations, said first machine comprising (i) at least a
first module for performing at least a first operation on said can
so as to produce a partially operated upon can, (ii) a discharge
wheel for discharging said partially operated upon can, and (iii) a
first gear train, said first gear train comprising a first gear
driving said discharge wheel, said second machine comprising (i) an
input feed wheel for receiving said partially operated upon can,
(ii) at least a second module for performing at least a second
operation on said can, and (iii) a second gear train, said second
gear train comprising a second gear driving said input feed wheel,
said coupling method comprising the steps of: a) installing a
transfer wheel between said discharge wheel of said first machine
and said input feed wheel of said second machine so that said
transfer wheel receives said partially operated upon cans from said
discharge wheel and delivers said cans to said input feed wheel;
and b) installing a third gear so as to mesh with said first and
second gears, said third gear driving said transfer wheel.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said first and second
machines each have a motor, said motor of said first machine
driving said first gear train, said motor of said second machine
driving said second gear train, and wherein said coupling method
comprises the further step of eliminating one of said motors so
that the other of said motors drives both said first and second
gear trains as well as said third gear.
18. A method for directly coupling a first necking module to a
necking machine, said necking machine comprising (i) at least a
second necking module, said necking module having means for
partially reducing the diameter of a can end, (ii) a discharge
wheel for discharging said partially necked can, and (iii) a first
gear train, said first gear train comprising a first gear driving
said discharge wheel, said first necking module comprising (i) an
input feed wheel for receiving said partially necked can, (ii)
means for further reducing said diameter of said can end, and (iii)
a second gear driving said input feed wheel, said coupling method
comprising the steps of: a) installing a transfer wheel between
said discharge wheel of said necking machine and said input feed
wheel of said first necking module so that said transfer wheel
receives said partially necked cans from said discharge wheel and
delivers said cans to said input feed wheel; and b) installing a
third gear so as to mesh with said first and second gears, said
third gear driving said transfer wheel.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said necking machine
has a motor, said motor driving said first gear train, said first
gear train driving said third gear.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The current invention is directed to a method and apparatus
for closely coupling machines, such as multi-stage necking
machines, used to perform successive operations on cans.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Two piece cans are conventionally used to package beverages,
such as beer and carbonated soft drinks. Such cans are often made
from aluminum and are formed by attaching a circular lid to a
generally cylindrical can body formed by a drawing and ironing
process. Typically, the diameter of the open end of the can body is
reduced prior to attaching the lid in order to enable reducing the
diameter of the lid. The reduction in the diameter of the can end
is accomplished in a series of operations referred to as
"necking."
[0003] In order to avoid wrinkling or otherwise undesirably
distorting the can end, necking is performed in a number of
incremental steps, with the diameter of the open end being reduced
only slightly in each step. FIG. 1 shows the open end 3 of a can
body 2 as it undergoes successive necking operations. Although, for
simplicity, only three discrete necking operations are shown in
FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that a larger number necking
operations will frequently be utilized. A variety of methods have
been employed to perform the necking operation. In one approach,
referred to as die necking and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,755,130 (Tung et al.); 4,519,232 (Traczyk et al.) and 4,774,839
(Caleffi et al.), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety, the open end of the can body is forced into a die
having an inwardly tapered surface that permanently deforms the
metal inward. Another approach, referred to as "spin necking,"
involves reducing the can end diameter by pressing the can end
against a rotating tool.
[0004] A variety of machines have been developed for necking can
ends. One such machine 6, which employs a die necking process, is
shown in FIGS. 2-5. Such machines are available from Belvac
Production Machinery of Lynchburg, Va., as model 595 6N/8. As shown
best in FIGS. 1 and 2, such machines typically comprise a plurality
of modules, designated 11, 17, 19, and 21, attached to a unitary
base 5. An input chute 8 directs the can bodies 2 to an input
module 11--specifically, to one of the pockets of a multi-pocket
input feed wheel 10 that forms a portion of the input module. The
input feed wheel 10 is constructed similar to the intermediate
wheels 18, discussed below, except that its pockets have a saw
tooth geometry that aids in picking cans from the input chute 8.
The input feed wheel 10 carries the can body counterclockwise, when
viewed from the front, approximately 210.degree. and deposits it
into a first necking module 17--specifically, into one of the
pockets of a multi-pocket rotary necking station 16 that forms a
portion of the necking module.
[0005] Using techniques well known in the art, in the necking
station 16, the open end of the can body 2 is brought into contact
with a die so as to reduce its diameter slightly, as previously
discussed. The rotary necking station 16 carries the partially
necked can body clockwise and deposits it into a first intermediate
module 19--specifically to one of the pockets of a multi-pocket
intermediate wheel 18 that forms a portion of the intermediate
module. As discussed further below, the intermediate wheel 18
carries the can body counterclockwise and deposits it into one of
the pockets of the next multi-pocket rotary necking station 16,
which further reduces the diameter of the can end. Thus, a
intermediate wheel 18 is disposed between each pair of necking
stations 16 and carries the can body from the each necking station
to the next down stream necking station. The necking process is
repeated in each necking station 16 of the machine 2 so as to
gradually reduce the diameter of the can end 3. As many as nine
necking stations 16 may be incorporated into a single machine
2.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 3, each intermediate module 19 comprises a
base plate 64 that supports a bearing housing 60 and rear support
plate 62 that, in turn, support the drive shaft 32 for the
intermediate module. The drive shaft 32 is driven by a gear 24,
affixed to its rear end, as discussed further below. The shaft 32
has a hub 90 at its front end that supports the intermediate wheel
18. As previously discussed, the intermediate wheel 18 has a
plurality of pockets 56 formed on its rim 94. Circumferentially
extending front and rear stationary plates 92 and 93, respectively,
project outward from the hub 90 and extend to just below the
rotating rim 94 so as to form an annular passage 95. A pair of
baffles (not shown) divide the annular passage into upper and lower
halves 95' and 95", respectively.
[0007] Piping 88 conveys suction 99 from a vacuum source 84 to a
valve 86. A manifold 87 directs the suction from the valve 86 to
the lower portion 95" of the annular passage via openings 97 in the
lower half of plate 93. From the lower portion 95" of the annular
passage, the suction 99 is directed to each of the pockets 56 in
the lower half of the wheel 18 via the vacuum ports 58. The upper
portion 95' of the annular passage is vented to atmosphere via an
opening 96 in the upper half of plate 93. Thus, suction 99 is
applied to the pockets 56 as they rotate counterclockwise past the
lower portion 95" of the annular passage and is released as they
rotate past the upper portion 95' of the annular passage--that is,
suction is applied to each of the pockets 56 from about the 3
o'clock location, at which time the they receive a can body 2 from
the upstream necking module 17, to about the 9 o'clock location, at
which time they discharge the can body to the downstream necking
module.
[0008] A set of upper and lower guide plates 66 and 70,
respectively, are located in front of the intermediate wheel 18. In
addition, another set of upper and lower guide plates 68 and 72 are
located behind the transfer wheel. The guide plates are supported
from a bracket 78 by spacers 74, 76, 80 and 82. The guide plates
ensure that the can bodies maintain their position along the flow
path formed by the intermediate module 18.
[0009] Returning to FIG. 2, the last necking module 16 deposits the
can body 2 to a discharge module 21--specifically to one of the
pockets in a discharge wheel 20 that forms a portion of the
discharge module. The discharge wheel 20, which is constructed
similar to the intermediate wheels 18, carries the can body
counterclockwise and deposits it into a discharge chute 22.
Although the can body 2 is carried circumferentionally by the
wheels 10, 18 and 20 and necking stations 16, the general flow path
of the can body through the machine is along a linear, horizontally
oriented path from left to right as viewed in FIG. 2.
[0010] The input feed module 10 and the discharge module 21 each
employ a suction system for retaining and releasing can bodies of
the type describe above with reference to the intermediate module
19.
[0011] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the input feed wheel 10,
intermediate wheels 18, and discharge wheel 20 are each driven by a
shaft 31 that is, in turn, driven by a gear 24. The necking
stations 16 are also driven by a shaft 34 driven by a gear 24. The
gears 24 are indexed and meshed so that the pockets of one
component are in registration with the pockets of the adjacent
components. One of the gears 24' is driven through a gear box 26 by
a motor 28 using a belt drive 30. The gear 24' then drives the two
immediately adjacent gears 24, which, in turn, drive the next
gears, and so on. Thus, the gear train for the necking machine
comprises a row of gears each of which engages the adjacent gear.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gear 24' that is driven directly the
gear box is part of the intermediate module 19' is located in the
center of the machine.
[0012] In order to fully neck the can body 2, it is generally
necessary to perform more than the eight or nine necking operations
available in conventional necking machines of the type shown in
FIGS. 2-5. In the past, additional necking operations were
performed by connecting two necking machines via a conveyor 40, as
shown in FIG. 6, so that the second machine was downstream of the
first machine and received partially necked can bodies from the
first machine. The second machine then performed further necking
operations on the can end.
[0013] Unfortunately, use of the conveyor 40 to couple the necking
machines 6 has several drawbacks, including damage to the cans
during conveyance and jamming of the cans in the conveyor, which
requires a stoppage of the machines. Also, since the conveyor mixes
the can from each necker, all of the components must be checked
when a problem is detected in a can from one of the neckers.
[0014] Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a method and
apparatus for reliably transferring can bodies between two machines
that perform operations sequentially on can bodies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an object of the current invention to provide a method
and apparatus for reliably transferring can bodies between two
machines that perform operations sequentially on can bodies. This
and other objects is accomplished in a system for successively
performing operations on a can in a plurality of discrete steps,
comprising a first machine for performing a first portion of the
operations on the can and a second machine for performing a second
portion of the operations.
[0016] The first machine comprises first rotating means for
performing at least one of the operations on the can, such as
necking operations, so as to produce a partially operated upon can,
and a first gear train driving the first rotating operation
performing means. The first machine may also comprise an input feed
wheel and a discharge wheel. The first gear train preferably
includes a first gear that drives the discharge wheel of the first
machine.
[0017] The second machine comprises second rotating means for
performing at least a second of the operations on the can, such as
an additional necking operation, so as to produce a further
operated upon can, and a second gear train driving the second
rotating operation performing means. The second machine may also
comprise an input feed wheel and a discharge wheel. The second gear
train preferably includes a second gear that drives the input wheel
of the second machine.
[0018] The system also includes a transfer means for (i)
transferring the partially operated upon can from the first machine
to the second machine, (ii) transferring power between the first
and second gear trains, and (iii) synchronizing the operation of
the first and second rotating operating performing means. The
transfer means preferably includes a transfer wheel and a third
gear. The transfer wheel is located to receive the partially
operated upon can from the discharge wheel of the first machine and
to deliver the can to the input feed wheel of the second machine.
The transfer wheel is driven by the third gear, while the third
gear drives one of the first and second gears and is driven by the
other one of the first and second gears.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the open end of a can after
each successive necking operation according to the prior art.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view of a machine for necking can ends
according to the prior art, with some of the guide plates removed
for clarity.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section through the
intermediate module shown in FIG. 2 taken along line III-III shown
in FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view, partially schematic, of the necking
machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the prior art.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear view, partially schematic, of the necking
machine shown in FIG. 2 according to the prior art.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a front view, partially schematic, of a system for
necking can ends, as shown in FIG. 1, employing two necking
machines of the type shown in FIGS. 2-5 that are connected by a
conveyor according to the prior art.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front view, partially schematic, of a system for
necking can ends employing two necking machines closely coupled by
a transition module according to the current invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a top view, partially schematic, of the necking
system shown in FIG. 7 according to the current invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a rear view, partially schematic, of the necking
system shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the current
invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a detailed front view of the necking system shown
in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the
current invention, with some of the guide plates removed for
clarity.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a detailed rear view of the necking system shown
in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the
current invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a detailed top view of the necking system shown
in FIG. 7 in the vicinity of the transition module according to the
current invention.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section through the
transition module shown in FIGS. 7-12 taken along line XIII-XIII
shown in FIG. 12.
[0032] FIG. 14 is a transverse cross-section through the transition
module shown in FIGS. 7-13 taken along line XIV-XIV shown in FIG.
13.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] A system 50 for necking can ends according to the current
invention is shown in FIGS. 7-9. The system 50 comprises upstream
and downstream necking machines 6' and 6" that are substantially
the same as the necking machine 6 described above except for
certain modifications discussed below. According to the current
invention, the necking machines 6' and 6" are directly and closely
coupled by a transfer module 52. As discussed in detail below, the
transfer module 52 (i) transfers partially necked can bodies 2 from
the first machine 6' to the second machine 6" for completion of the
necking operation, (ii) transfers power from the gear train of one
machine to the gear train of the other machine, and (iii)
synchronizes the rotation of the two machines.
[0034] For simplicity, each of the necking machines 6' and 6" shown
in FIGS. 7-9 has been depicted as having four necking stations 16.
However, the necking machines 6' and 6" will often have more than
four necking stations 16 and, in fact, as previously discussed,
according to current practice, as many as nine necking stations may
be incorporated into each necking machine.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 7-10, the first necking machine 6' has
been modified by (i) removing the discharge chute 22, and (ii)
replacing the motor 28 with a larger motor 28'. The second necking
machine 6" has been modified by (i) replacing the input feed wheel
10 with an input feed wheel 10', which is substantially identical
to the intermediate wheel 18, and (ii) eliminating the motor 28,
gear box 26 and associated components. In addition, any piping or
electrical conduits in the area to be occupied by the transfer
module 52 must be relocated.
[0036] The structure of transfer module 52 is similar to that of
the intermediate modules 18, discussed above, except for certain
important differences, discussed immediately below. As shown best
in FIGS. 13 and 14, three circumferentially extending stationary
plates--a rear plate 100, a front plate 104, and an intermediate
plate 102--extend from the hub 90 to just below the periphery 94 of
a rotary transfer wheel 54. The rear and intermediate plates 100
and 102, respectively, form a rear annular chamber 106 that is in
flow communication with the vacuum ports 58 formed in the pockets
56.
[0037] Baffles 112 and 114 extending between the rear and
intermediate plates 100 and 102 divide the rear annular chamber 106
into upper and lower halves 106' and 106", respectively. The
intermediate and front plates 102 and 104, respectively, form a
front annular chamber 108. Openings 111 in the upper portion of
intermediate plate 102 place the upper portion 106' of the rear
annular chamber into flow communication with the front annular
chamber 108. An opening 110 in the lower portion of the
intermediate plate 102 places the front annular chamber 108 into
flow communication with the vacuum manifold 87', which extends
through the lower portion 106" of the rear annular passage. Thus,
the front annular chamber 108 serves as a passage between the upper
portion 106' of the rear annular chamber and the vacuum manifold
87. An opening 118 in the rear plate 100 vents the lower portion
106" of the rear annular chamber to atmosphere.
[0038] As shown best in FIG. 14, in operation, the transfer wheel
54--which rotates in an opposite direction from the intermediate
wheels 18, the input feed wheels 10, 10' and discharge wheel
20--receives partially necked can bodies 2 from the pockets of the
discharge wheel 20 of the upstream necking machine 6' and delivers
them into the pockets of the input feed wheel 10' of the downstream
necking machine 6". Specifically, as the transfer wheel 54 rotates
clockwise, the pockets 56 are successively conveyed past the baffle
112 from the lower portion 106" of the rear annular chamber to the
upper portion 106'. When this happens, a suction 99' is applied to
the pockets 56 via a flow path formed between the holes 58 in the
rim 94 and the vacuum manifold 87'. This flow path is formed by the
upper portion 106' of the rear annular chamber, the holes 110 and
111 in the intermediate plate 102, and the front annular chamber
108.
[0039] When the pockets 56 rotate sufficiently far to pass the
baffle 114 and reach the lower portion 106" of the rear annular
chamber, which is vented to atmosphere, the suction 99' is
released. Thus, suction 99' is applied to the pockets 56 as they
rotate past the upper portion of the transfer module 52 and is
released as they rotate past the lower portion--that is, suction is
applied to each of the pockets 56 from about the 9 o'clock
location, at which time the they receive a can body 2 from the
upstream discharge module 20, to about the 2:30 o'clock location,
at which time they discharge the can body to the input wheel 10' of
the downstream necking module.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 12, a gear 25 is formed on the shaft 32 of
the transfer module 52 and drives the rotation of the transfer
wheel 54. As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, the transfer module drive
gear 25 meshes with and is indexed with the gear 24 for the
discharge module 21 of the upstream necking machine 6' as well as
the gear 24 for the feed module 11' of the down stream necking
machine 6". Thus, the gear 25 serves to synchronize the two
machines--causing the two machines to operate at the same speed and
the pockets 56 of the transfer wheel 54 to be in registration with
the pockets of both the discharge wheel 20 of the upstream machine
6' and the input feed wheel 10' of downstream machine 6", for
example, by aligning timing marks when the module 54 is coupled to
the two necking machines.
[0041] As previously discussed, according to the current invention,
the motor and gear box for one of the necking machines is
eliminated when the machines are coupled. Although as shown in the
drawings, the motor and gear box for second necking machine 6" has
been eliminated, the invention could be practiced by eliminating
the motor and gear box for the first necking machine 6' instead. In
any event, according to the current invention, both necking
machines 6' and 6" are driven by a single motor 28' that is,
preferably, of larger capacity that the motor 28 conventionally
used. As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 11, the drive gear 25 for the
transfer module 52 essentially integrates the gear trains of the
two machines into a common gear train driven by a single motor 28'
and gear box 26'. Although as shown in FIG. 8, the motor 28' drives
the gear 24' for the central intermediate module 17 of the first
necking machine 6', it could be connected so as to drive any of the
other gears 24, 25 within the common gear train.
[0042] The incorporation of the drive gear 25 for the transfer
module 52 into the gear train for the machines 6' and 6" according
to the current invention allows the transfer module to not only
transfer can bodies between the two necking machines, but also to
both transfer power from one machine to the other and synchronize
one machine to the other. This arrangement allows precise timing of
the two machines to ensure proper registration of the pockets and a
smooth and continuous flow of can bodies through the system.
[0043] Thus, a succession of necking operations greater than that
permitted on a single necking machine can be performed, without the
drawbacks associated with the use of conventional conveyor systems,
by closely and directly coupling two necking machines according to
the current invention. Coupling two necking machines of type
discussed above permits a total of as many as eighteen or more
successive necking operations to be preformed on the can bodies. In
the event that a somewhat lesser number of necking operations are
required--for example, twelve operations--some of the necking
stations 16 in one or both of the machines 6' and 6" could be
replaced by conventional intermediate modules 17, as is well known
in the prior art.
[0044] Many variations in the invention described above will be
apparent to one skilled in the art armed with the teachings of the
current invention. For example, although the invention has been
described with reference to coupling necking machines, each of
which comprises a number of modules attached to a unitary base 5,
the invention could also be practiced by coupling two or more
necking machines one or both of which was comprised of a number of
discrete modules, each having its own base and joined together into
a single machine. Moreover, although the invention has been
described with reference to coupling two complete, existing necking
machines, the invention could also be practiced by coupling one or
more discrete necking modules to an existing necking machine.
Further, although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to coupling multi-stage die necking machines, the
invention could also be practiced by coupling multi-stage spin
necking machines or other machines that sequentially operate on a
can body, such as flanging machines. The invention could also be
practiced by coupling two machines that perform different types of
operations on the can, such as a necking machine and a flanging
machine. Moreover, although the invention has been described by
reference to coupling two machines together, the invention could
also be practiced by coupling three or more machines together in
sequential fashion. Consequently, the present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit
or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should
be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing
specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
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