Patent GB-484688-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to apparatus for applying closures to containers
IPC: B21D51/34
Filed: 1936-07-31
Abstract: 484,688. Seaming. ECKERLIN, W. July 31, 1936, No. 21290. Void. Convention date, July 31, 1935. [Class 83 (iv)] Apparatus for seaming closures on sheetmetal containers comprises a series of radially moving jaws actuated by common external means for applying pressure thereto. A can 1, Fig. 1, rests on a support 35, and a cover 2 is secured thereto by the simultaneous inward radial movement of dies 9. The dies are supported between rings 5, 7 and are spaced by members 12, Fig. 2, projecting from one of the rings. The inward movement of the dies is produced by relative rotation between the rings 5, 7 and a ring 8, by the scissors action of handles pivoted to the rings at 10, 11. The relative motion may be converted into radial movement of the dies by one of the alternative mechanisms shown in Fig. 2. Ball-ended links 15 are rocked into a radial position on movement of the rings, the jaws 9c thereby being moved to the inner position. Cam surfaces 16 may engage bevelled members 17 on the dies 9d, and balls 18 may be used to transmit the pressure. In a further modification, members 22 engage the dies 9e by a pin-and-slot connection 20, 22, the members 22 carrying teeth in engagement with teeth 19 on the ring 8, so that they may be rocked upon relative movement of the rings to cause inward movement of the dies. The ring 5 has an extension 6 which engages over the flanged edges of the container 1 and closure 2, and a clamping effect is produced by swinging a loop-shaped member 27 through 180‹ so that its cranked ends 28 turn from the position shown at the left of Fig. 1 to that shown at the right, whereby members 29 are raised against the action of springs 33. The pressure of the springs may provide the sole clamping pressure, or, as shown, perforated extensions 30<1> may engage a hook 36<1> integral 'with the base 35 to provide a positive clamping action. The dies may be of a shape and length to seal non-circular cans, the operating members being of ring shape as for circular cans. Alternatively, the apparatus may conform to the shape of the can bodies, and the ring 8 be composed of a number of articulated sections, each operating on one edge of the container. A chain may replace the ring 8, which engages the teeth of the members 21 directly. The tool may be associated with devices for automatically feeding and removing the containers, and may be operated mechanically. A modified apparatus comprises a support 35<1>, Fig. 6, for the container 1, and an upper plate bearing on the closure member 2, and having an extension 6<1> in which works a plunger 42 against the action of a spring 44. On downward movement of the plunger 42, levers 40, 39 are rocked to produce inward movement of the dies 9<1>, which are formed with double conical holes to receive the lower ends of levers 39. A further central plunger within the plunger 42 may hold the closure 2 on the can 1 before descent of the tool. A further modified tool comprises members 56, 62, Fig. 7, of frustoconical form which effect the movement of the dies upon their vertical movement produced by rotation of a screwed shaft 53. In a further modification a tool is pressed down on to the closure by rotation of a transverse shaft carrying a pinion which engages rack teeth on a vertical rod, a locking device being provided.