Metal deforming – By application of fluent medium – or energy field – With actuated tool engaging work
Patent
1997-10-22
1999-05-04
Jones, David
Metal deforming
By application of fluent medium, or energy field
With actuated tool engaging work
72 57, B21D 2602, B21D 5126
Patent
active
058991042
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Metal cans are known in many embodiments. It is an object of the invention to shape a metal can, consisting substantially for instance of tin or aluminium which may or may not be provided with coatings consisting of lacquer, printing ink or the like, such that a desired form is obtained, wherein the cross-sectional form varies with the axial position.
It has been found in experiments that it is not possible to obtain desired body forms by only applying substantially radial forces to a can. Due to the stresses which occur the shaping process is very difficult to control and there is the danger of the body collapsing.
In respect of the above the invention provides a method for shaping a metal can comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a bottom such that the body acquires a cross-sectional form varying with the axial position, which method comprises the steps of:
(1) providing said can;
(2) exerting substantially radial forces on the body in the direction of the desired shaping; and
(3) exerting a substantially axial force on the body simultaneously with step (2).
Surprisingly, it has been found that by simultaneously exerting the forces acting in radial direction and exerting axial forces, the ability to shape the metal is improved considerably, whereby desired can shapes can be realized which correspond to comparatively high percentages of deformation.
With respect to the radial forces it is noted that in order to obtain a locally smaller diameter the radial forces must be exerted inwardly. When such a force is applied the can has a natural tendency to elongate. The axial auxiliary force in accordance with step (3) can be applied to the outside (tensile force) as well as to the inside (pressure force). It is also possible to start with a relatively small can which is subjected to locally outward directed radial forces. The can hereby has a natural tendency to become shorter. Also in this case the axial auxiliary force can be directed to the outside as well as to the inside.
In order to exert the said radial forces use can be made of mechanical means such as segmented pressure rings with variable diameter or a rubber press or pressure medium, for instance gas or liquid under pressure.
In order to exert radial pressure forces use can be made of simple pressing punches. To exert axial tensile forces a pressure force can be exerted on the bottom via the mouth of the can in combination with a tensile force which is applied by an annular claw on the edge zone of the mouth opening.
Particularly in the case where the desired final shape of a can displays a specific profiling, for instance a plurality of recesses, ribs, flat facets or the like, the method according to the invention can be performed such that the radial forces press a can body toward and against a shaping wall, which wall has a shape corresponding with the desired final shape of the can body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing a method as specified above for shaping a metal can comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a bottom such that the body acquires a cross-sectional form varying with the axial position, which apparatus comprises;
positioning means for positioning a can;
first means for exerting substantially radial forces on the body of a positioned can in the direction of the desired shaping; and
second means for exerting a substantially axial force on the can body simultaneously with the action of the first means.
The invention also relates to a metal can obtained by applying a method as specified above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is elucidated with reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 show schematic cross sections of apparatus for performing the method according to the invention;
FIGS. 7 and 8 show cross sections through an apparatus according to the invention in two successive operating stages; and
FIGS. 9 and 10 show cross sections throu
REFERENCES:
patent: 3564884 (1971-02-01), Hinshaw
patent: 3611768 (1971-10-01), Odagaki
patent: 3698337 (1972-10-01), Brawner et al.
patent: 4580427 (1986-04-01), Akamatsu
patent: 4722216 (1988-02-01), Fencl
patent: 5097689 (1992-03-01), Pietrobon
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 009, No. 235 for Japanese Publication No. JP60092028, Publication date May 23, 1985, 1 page.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 010, No. 388 for Japanese Publication No. JP61176433, Publication date Aug. 8, 1986, 1 page.
Brilman Gerrit Willem
Roeterdink Johan Willem
Jones David
Thomassen & Drijver-Verblifa B.V.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for shaping a can does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for shaping a can, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for shaping a can will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1861607