Lubrication mechanism for can processing machine

[0001] The present invention relates to a lubricating mechanism for an assembly of devices according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for lubricating an object according to the preamble of claim 11. Such a lubricating mechanism and such method is disclosed, for example, in US-A-4513595.

[0002] When processing a can in a device or assembly of devices, the can should be sufficiently lubricated to allow it to be easily moved through the assembly of devices. Conventional lubrication mechanisms are rather complicated and dirty. Lubricating mechanisms known in the art use a vacuum star wheel equipped with lubricating rollers, which are complicated and expensive. Other conventional lubricating mechanisms use a wick that contacts the can directly, which can cause dirt to accumulate on the wick, resulting in the wick having to be replaced during the life of the device assembly.

[0003] US4513595 discloses a method of necking and rolling flanges in tubular can bodies having fixed body walls. WO9011839 discloses a device and method for applying a coating of grease to at least a portion of the outer edge surface of the can body. US5242497 discloses an assembly for applying coating material to the upper edges of containers provided with a porous applicator that can be soaked with molten coating material.

SUMMARY [0004] The invention provides a lubricating mechanism for an assembly of devices according to claim 1.

[0005] The invention also provides a method for lubricating an object in an assembly of devices according to claim 11.

[0006] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended only to provide an example and explanation, not to limit the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description, the appended claims and related exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which will be briefly described below.

Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of the lubrication mechanism and loading track in which the heater is visible.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the loading and transfer wheel of the star wheel.

Fig. 3 is a perspective front view of the lubrication mechanism and loading track and the adjacent transfer star wheel.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the lubrication mechanism and loading track.

Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of the loading track mounting plate.

Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the contact surface of the outer guide of the lubricating mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the contact surface of the outer guide of Fig. 6, wherein the can is in contact with the contact surface of the outer guide.

Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the guide mounting plate illustrating the can in the loading track.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of a lubricating mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment in which the can delivery section is attached.

Fig. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a production line with a can delivery section.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a lubricating mechanism associated with a star wheel in accordance with another embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a front view of the lubricating mechanism associated with the star wheel of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a side view of the lubricating mechanism associated with the star wheel of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the lubricating mechanism associated with the star wheel of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15 is a left side view of the guide member and frame member of the lubricating mechanism associated with the star wheel according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 16 shows a right side view of the guide element and the frame element of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 shows a detailed view of the guide element and the frame element of Fig. 15, which is taken along lines 17-17.

Fig. 18 shows a detailed view of the guide element and the frame element of Fig. 15, which is taken along lines 18-18.

Fig. 19 is a detailed view of the guiding element and the frame element of Fig. 15, which is taken along lines 19-19.

Fig. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the star wheel taken along the line

20A-20A shown in Fig. 13, where the vacuum chamber and the pressure chamber are visible.

Fig. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the star wheel shown in Fig. 20A, with vacuum and pressure connections visible. Fig. 21 is a detailed view taken along detail 21 of Fig. 20A, with the air channel in the star wheel seat visible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0008] The figures show a lubrication mechanism for product treatment devices and device assemblies (or production lines) and related components. The product treatment device can process products for necking or other appropriate operations (such as flanging, flanging, etc.). The product can be a can, any suitable food or drink container, jar, bottle or any other suitable product. In the following description, the terms product and can are used interchangeably. The can has an open end, an opposite closed end, and a side wall extending from the closed end. Alternatively, the can can be open at both ends. After the molding process (s) it is possible to add a lid, lid or other closure to the can.

[0009] The following description will describe mechanisms and methods for use in cans, which is only an example. It should be understood that a different type of product (for example, as described above) may be used.

[0010] In the following reference is made to the figures.

[0011] The cans 10 are introduced into a continuously rotating loading star wheel 20A (from the loading track, lubrication loading track 100 or from the previous transfer star wheel 20, which may form part of the production line 102). As seen in the example shown in Fig. 10, loading star wheel 20A is configured to move the can 10 to a continuously rotating transfer star wheel 20 that is configured to then move the can 10 to an adjacent revolver star wheel 21, turret or shaping device 22 located in production line 102. When the can 10 is in the star revolver wheel 21, the can 10 undergoes a shaping operation (shaping, flanging, etc.). When turret star wheel 21 rotates with can 10, can 10 is then moved from revolving star wheel 21 to other transfer star wheel 20, shaping / machining revolver star wheel 21 or unloading track 130. For proper lubrication of the outer surface of the open end portion 12 (see Fig. 4) cans 10, a lubricating mechanism is used in the production line. Production line 102 is shown as an example only. It is possible to use any other suitable production line configuration.

[0012] In an embodiment, the cans 10 are held in position on this loading star wheel transfer 20A (and other star wheels or turrets) by means of an air pressure difference that will be referred to as "suction". The transfer star wheels 20 are adapted to hold the cans 10 in a suitable position by means of suction obtained at the outer surface of the can 10 through a vacuum opening 24 located in the seats 22, as can be seen in Fig. 3. The transfer star wheels 20, 20A may include any number of respective seats 22 for holding the cans 10. For example, each of the transfer star wheels 20, 20A may contain twenty slots 22. The number of slots 22 in transfer star wheels 20, 20A can be changed, if appropriate.

[0013] The lubricating mechanism 100 shown in figures 1-8 illustrates the features of the present invention. The lubricating mechanism 100 is configured to be used in necking processes with a die or other suitable applications. The lubricating mechanism applies lubricant via the lubricant flow path 115 (see, for example, Fig. 3) located on the outer guide element 210 (sometimes called rail), which ensures the reduction and reduction of impurities arising in the lubrication process. The lubricating mechanism 100 may be part of the can delivery section 120, in front of or behind it.

[0014] The lubricating mechanism 100 includes a curved track 110 (see, for example, Fig. 5) which is located in front of or behind the loading mechanism or is integrated with the loading mechanism of the can processing line (such as intended for neck cutting with a press tool). The curved track 110 of the lubricating mechanism 100 is configured so that, instead of sliding, it substantially causes the cans to roll 10 through the track section 110 on which lubricant is applied. The track radius or curvature 110 is configured to cause turning in the normal speed range of production lines.

[0015] According to the example shown in figures 1 to 8, the movement of the cans 10 to track 110 can be controlled by means of a control mechanism (which is not shown). If the degree of loading of the cans 10 on the track 110 is too high (e.g., the cans 10 are too close together), the friction between the cans 10 may stop or prevent the cans 10 from turning. The control mechanism may, for example, comprise a star wheel 20 positioned upstream of the track 110 and configured to provide cans 10 to the lubrication track 110 in such a way as to provide spacing between the cans 10 and to control their movement on the track. It is possible to use any other suitable control mechanism.

[0016] The length of the track 110 is such that the can 10 can rotate or roll for a full turn of the can 10 to apply lubricant. For example, the length of track 110 is approximately at least twice as large as the can circumference 10. Alternatively, the length of track 110 may be smaller or larger. For example, the length of the track 110 may be less than the circumference of the can 10.

[0017] The lubricating mechanism 100 includes a first 200 and a second 300 frame member (sometimes called guide mounting plates) forming a track 110. On the first frame member 200, an outer guide element 210, an inner guide element 270, and a guide / cladding plate 230 are attached.

[0018] The outer guide element 210 is placed on the radially outer part of the curved track 110, which includes a narrow contact surface 220 (sometimes called a narrow-width surface) intended to come into contact with the cans 10 near their open end 12. In other words, the width of the outer guide element 210 is so small that only the minimum required part of the upper end 12 of the can 10 comes into contact with the outer guide element 210, and thus the lubricant flow path 115, as seen in Fig. 6 and 7.

[0019] The outer guide element 210 has one or more holes or channels 214 for transporting grease from the lubricant chamber 212 to the narrow contact surface 220 in contact with the cans 10 near the open end 12 of the cans 10 moved along the track 110. The grease is configured to flow or slide down the flow path 115 of the external guide element 210 without splashing in the air. Excess grease can be directed to the container (not shown) located at the bottom of the lubricating mechanism 100. The container may be any container suitable for collecting excess grease.

[0020] The inner guide element is attached to the first frame element and away from the outer guide element. The inner guide element is spaced from the outer guide element at a distance sufficient to allow the diameter of the cans to be placed between them (and thus in the track).

[0021] As can be seen in Fig. 4, inner guide member 270 includes a profiled surface 272 with a cut out portion 274 and the outermost portion 278. The cut out portion 274 is located on the portion of the profiled surface 272 closest to the first frame element 200. The cut out portion 274 is retracted in relation to the outermost portion 278 of the profiled surface 272, so that the grease is not scraped from the can 10 during the rolling of the cans 10. The outermost part 278 of the profiled surface 272 may or may not contact the surface of the can 10 during the rolling of the can 10 along the track 110.

[0022] As best seen in Fig. 7, the guide / cladding plate 230 is positioned adjacent to the outer guide element 210 such that a small gap 280 is provided between the end of the can 10 (located at the open end 12) and the track 110 (located at the guide / cladding 230). The larger gap 290, which is visible in Fig. 4, is located between the can end 10 (located at the open end 12) and the first frame element 200. The guide / cladding plate 230 is configured to facilitate the creation of a gap 280, so that the can 10 does not contact the rest of track 110, which could increase rolling resistance through track 110.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4, a spacer 276 may be disposed between the inner guide member 270 and the first frame member 200 to position the inner guide member 270 or use the inner guide member 270 without the portion 274 being cut out. Additionally or alternatively, a spacer 240 (or heat insulator) between the outer guide element 210 and the first frame element 200 can be positioned to position the outer guide element 210 in a desired manner (e.g. depending on the size of the can 10) as shown in FIG. 4 and 7. The spacers 276, 240 can be replaced with other components with other spacers of different thicknesses to adapt them to cans 10 of different heights or apply grease in different positions relative to the can end 10.

[0024] The second frame element 300 comprises an outer guide rail 310 and an inner guide rail 370, which is best seen in Fig. 4. In the vicinity of the second frame element 300, spacers may be arranged to ensure adaptation to different heights and contours of the cans 10. A spacer 312 may be located between the second frame element 300 and the outer guide rail 310. A spacer 372 may be located between the second frame element 300 and the inner guide rail 310. The frame member 300 has an outer shape such that there is a larger gap 390 near the inner guide rail 310 and a smaller gap 380 near the outer guide rail 310.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 4 - the axial position of the can 10 can be determined (using spacers 240, 276, 312, 372, the outer and inner guide elements 210, 270 and the outer and inner rails 310, 370) so as to avoid any contact between the open end 12 cans 10 near the inner radius (inner side) of part 111A of the curved track 110, which is to better ensure the rolling of the cans 10 and not their sliding. In other words, as shown in fig. 4 and 7, at the can end 10 at the outer portion 111B of the curved centerline 111 there is a small gap 280, and at the inner portion 111A of the curved centerline 111 there is a larger gap 290. The cut surface 274 of the inner guide member 270 located on the inner radius 111A of the track 110 does not contact the cans 10 at the location where the lubricant is applied, which is achieved by the position and / or shape of the inner guide member 270.

[0026] In the lubricating mechanism 100, the lubricant is supplied to the track 110 via connectors 250 connected to the outer guide element 210 (Fig. 1 and 4). A tube or hose 255 (or other suitable device) connects the lubricant chamber (not shown) or lubricant source with fittings 250 (fig. 1). The grease flows through the connectors 250 to the path located in the outer guide element 210 and to the chamber 212 (which may contain a wick 217), which is best seen in Fig. 4. The grease is configured to then flow out through the holes or channels 214 from the outer guide element 210 and run along the track 110 along the outer surface 220 of the outer guide element 210 in the lubricant flow path 115 to lubricate the can 10 near the open end 12 cans 10.

[0027] The lubricating mechanism 100 includes a plurality of chambers 212 located along the length of the track 110. Each chamber 212 has one or more holes (or channels) 214 that connect the chamber 212 to the outside of the outer guide element 210, allow the lubricant to flow through the flow path 115 . The chamber 212 may have one or more connector holes 216 for connecting the connector 250 to the chamber 212.

[0028] The lubricating mechanism 100 may optionally include a wick 217 disposed in the lubricating chamber 212 as shown in Fig. 4. Wick 217 is configured to slow the flow of lubricant from chamber 212 to channel 214 and contact surface 220. Wick 217 can be made of felt or any other suitable material. Wick 217 is disposed in lubrication chamber 212 in such a way that wick 217 does not come in direct contact with can 10, which minimizes potential accumulation of dirt on wick 217 and reduces the need to replace wick 217.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the lubricating mechanism 100 may also include a heater 260 intended to heat and thus liquefy or reduce the viscosity of the lubricant. The heater 260 may be attached directly to the outer guide element 210. The heater 260 may be attached to the outer guide element 210 by means of glue or any other suitable means.

[0030] The lubricating mechanism 100 may also include a heat insulator 240 configured to minimize heat transfer from the heated external guide element 210 to adjacent parts such as the first 200 and second 300 frame members. The thermal insulator 240 is best seen in fig. 4. The thermal insulator 240 comprises a plastic composite or any other suitable material. The heat insulator 240 can be used as a spacer ensuring adaptation to different sizes of cans 10 located in track 110.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the outer guide element 210 may further include a recess 218 with an O-ring 219. The O-ring 219 is configured to provide a seal whereby the lubricant not leaking from chamber 212.

[0032] In Fig. 1, 3 and 8, it is best seen that the lubricating mechanism 100 can be quickly reconfigured to suit different sizes of cans 100. In order to quickly reconfigure the lubricating mechanism 100, in the disclosed embodiments of the construction, the lubricating mechanism 100 is formed of two halves (first 200 and second 300 frame element) in such a way that at least one half can be moved relative to the other. The first 200 and second 300 frame elements support each other with three rollers: two rollers (rods) 150 of the upper frame and one roller (rod) 160 of the lower frame.

[0033] As can be seen in the figures showing these embodiments, one end of each of the shafts 150, 160 is connected at the fixed end 164 to one of the first 200 and the second 300 frame members, while the other end is configured to slide via flange 154 attached to the remaining of the first 200 and second 300 frame members. The flanges are in the form of split flanges 154 containing one part attached to the housing / structural element of the frame elements 200, 300. Releasing the flanges 154 allows the frame elements 200, 300 to move along the shafts 150, 160 until the distance between them is adapted to the length of the can 10 introduced into the lubricating mechanism 100. The simple re-pressing of the split flanges 154 ensures that the first 200 and second 300 frame elements are fixed in a position suitable for inserting cans 10 into the lubricating mechanism 100. [0034] The lubricating mechanism 100 can also be adjusted to adapt it to the cans of 10 different diameters. Track parts 110 may be replaced with track components having appropriate dimensions. For example, if cans 10 of a different diameter are to be used in the device or production line, it is possible to replace the inner 270 and outer 210 of the guide element, guide / cladding plate 230, and outer rail 310 and inner 370. It is also possible to replace the heat insulator 240 and / or spacers 276, 312, 372 with an insulator or spacers of other sizes to adapt them to different can heights 10.

[0035] The lubricating mechanism 100 may be connected to the can delivery section 120. The can delivery section 120 is configured to provide cans 10 to the track

110 to apply lubrication. Fig. 9 shows one exemplary embodiment of the can delivery section 120.

[0036] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 11-19, the cans 10 are lubricated when they are supported in the seats 22 of the star wheel. The cans 10 to be lubricated are supported in separate seats 22 of the star wheel. The star wheel may be a loading star wheel 20A or any other star wheel 20 in production line 102. Lubrication mechanism 400 includes a lubrication track 414 connected or adjacent to star wheel 20.

[0037] The lubricating mechanism 400 includes a first frame element (first guide plate) 500 and a second frame element (second guide plate) 600. The first (or outer) guide element (or rail) 510 is attached to the first frame element 500 by means of screws 511 (Fig. 15 and 17) or any other suitable mechanism. The first frame element 500 may further be attached to mounting plate 515, spacer 520 and heater shell 530 as shown in Fig. 14.

[0038] The second frame element 600 is attached to the second guide element (or rail) 610 by means of screws 602 or any other suitable mechanism. As shown in Figure 11, the first frame element 500 is attached to or connected to the second frame element 600 by means of one or more attachment rods 450.

[0039] The cans 10 to be lubricated are held radially between the seats 22 of the star wheel 20 and the first and second guiding elements 510, 610. The first guide element 510 supplies the lubricant to the lubricating track 414 and cans 10 via connectors 250 connected to the first guide element 510. Tube or hose 255 (fig. 1) connects the grease source with fittings 250. The lubricant flows through the connectors 250 to the lubricant channel 115 and flows to the surface of the first guide element 510. The lubricating mechanism 400 may include a wick 217 located between the connector 250 and the passage 115 as shown in FIG. 19. Wick 217 may be made of felt or other suitable material.

[0040] The cans 10 are held axially at each end between the first and second frame elements 500, 600. In order to provide easier rotation of the cans 10 in the seats 22, the first and second frame elements 500, 600 contact the can 10 at a location or a radius greater than the center line 11 of the can travel path 10. The center line 11 of the can path 10 is shown, for example, in Fig. 12. The first and second frame elements 500, 600 are in contact with the can 10 located in the track 110 at a point outside the curve line 11 representing the center line of the can travel path 10. The first frame element 500 includes a groove 503 located near the lubricant channel opening 115 for draining excess lubricant. Near the groove 503 there is a contact guide surface 505 configured to contact the surface of the lubricated can 10.

[0041] The first guide element 510 has holes at the lubricant passage 115 through which the lubricant is deposited on the open end of the can 10. The shape of the first and second guide elements 510, 610 and the corresponding frame elements 500, 600 are selected so as to provide excess drainage. A lubricating bracket 420 is attached to mounting plate 515 by screws or other suitable mechanism. The overflow channel 422 integrated into the bracket 420 directs excess grease to the overflow container 424, which is also attached to the bracket 420. The excess grease exiting the lubricating path 414 falls into the overflow tray 422, which is inclined to direct the excess grease into the overflow container 424. The excess grease flows to the end of the first guide element 510 and then to the overflow container 424, or flows over the edges or through the grooves 503 formed in the first frame element 500, and then to the overflow tray 422 and overflow container 424.

[0042] As the can 10 moves through the lubricating mechanism 400, the can 10 rotates in its corresponding seat 22 and on the first and second guide members 510, 610, which allows grease to deposit around the diameter of the can 10. Friction is used to cause the cans to rotate in the lubricating mechanism 400. The friction can be so low that an additional rotation support mechanism can be used. For example, an air flow can be used to improve the rotation of the can 10 in the seat 22. The air flow can be introduced into the sockets 22 of the star wheel 20 through the air intake holes or channels 23 (Fig. 11 and 21) when the seats 22 (and their corresponding cans 10) are in the vicinity of the lubricating mechanism 400. The holes 23 may extend at an angle to direct the air flow so as to cause the can 10 to rotate even more. If necessary, to control the movement of the cans, the air flow can be switched on and off by means of a valve device or switched between increased air pressure and vacuum.

[0043] Increased air pressure or reduced air pressure (vacuum) is supplied to the seats 22 of the star wheel 20 through holes 23 and via two chambers (810, 820) located in the star wheel hub assembly 26 located inside the star wheel 20. One or more pressure connections 815 are connected to the pressure chamber 810 to provide air pressure. One or more vacuum connections 825 are connected to the vacuum chamber 820 to provide a vacuum. Air is blown into the seats 22 through the holes 23, which aims to cause the cans 10 enclosed in the seats 22 to rotate in the space limited by the star wheel seat 22 and the first and second guide elements 510, 610. After lubrication, a vacuum is provided to support the can 10 in the seat 22 for movement.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 12, the pressure generated by the blower acts on the cans located in the sockets 10 from point A. As the star wheel 20 rotates until the seat 22 reaches point B, the air seats are maintained at the seats 22. A negative pressure is provided at point B in the seat 22 to facilitate the movement of the can 10 in the star wheel 20. The vacuum operation is maintained until the can 10 and socket 22 reach point C. At point C, the vacuum is turned off, so that the can 10 can be transferred to an adjacent revolver or star wheel.

[0045] As can be seen in Fig. 16 and 19, the first frame element 500 may include one or more preheaters 710. Heaters 710 are attached to the first frame element 500 by means of heater clamp 715 and screws 718. In the exemplary embodiment, the heater clamp 715 supports or attaches by clamping at the first frame member 500 two heaters 710. [0046] The first frame element 500 may further include one or more heat insulators 540, 541. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 16 and heat insulator 540 is attached to the rear surface of the first frame element 500. A second heat insulator 541 is attached to the front surface of the first frame element 500. Heat insulators 540, 541 are attached to the first frame element 500 by means of a screw 511 and a washer 512 or any other suitable mechanism.

[0047] As shown in Figs. 11, 13 and 14, the star wheel 20 is connected to the transfer gearing 475 by means of a transfer housing 470.

The star wheel 20 is driven by a 475 transmission gear.

[0048] The guide elements 210, 270, 510, 610 and other components such as the guide / cladding plate 230 may contain a hard, slow-wearing surface that does not require frequent replacement. For example, chromed steel or any other suitable material can be used.

[0049] The lubricating mechanism has been found to reduce complexity and costs compared to a vacuum star wheel equipped with lubricating rollers. The lubricating mechanism eliminates the need to replace the wick due to accumulation of dirt.

[0050] As used herein, the terms "approximately", "about", "essentially" and the like should be regarded as having a broad meaning in accordance with their widespread and accepted use by those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates. Those skilled in the art familiarizing themselves with the present invention should be aware that these terms are intended to describe certain described and claimed properties without limiting the scope of these properties to the exact numerical ranges given. Therefore, these terms should be regarded as indicating that insignificant or unimpeded modifications or changes to the described and claimed subject matter should be considered as falling within the scope of the invention defined by the attached patent claims.

[0051] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" used herein to describe the various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and the term is not intended to indicate that such embodiments must be extraordinary or best examples.)

[0052] As used herein, the terms "joined", "connected", "attached" and the like refer to a direct or indirect connection of two elements with each other. Such a connection can be fixed (e.g. permanent) or movable (e.g. detachable or released). Such a connection can be obtained by means of two elements or two elements and any additional intermediate elements integrally formed with each other in the form of a single, uniform body or by means of two elements or two elements and any additional intermediate elements which are attached to each other.

[0053] The references used for the positions of the elements (e.g. "upper", "lower", "above", "below" etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may be different in other exemplary embodiments, and such changes fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] It is important to note that the design and configuration of the lubricating mechanism illustrated in various exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative. Despite the detailed description in this disclosure of only a few embodiments, specialists in this field who are familiar with this description will easily notice that many modifications are possible (e.g. changes in size, dimensions, construction, shapes and proportions of various elements, values ​​of ether parameters, mounting configurations, materials used, color orientation and the like), which do not depart from the innovative concept and advantages of the described subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of individual elements or positions may be changed or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged in alternative embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions regarding the design, operating conditions and configurations of exemplary embodiments may be made.