Manufacturing method of a metallic container

Description

1 / 28 METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A METAL CONTAINER

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a metal container from sheet material. The container is in particular a part of a can, in particular a part of a beverage can. In particular, the can comprises at least two parts, first the container and, secondly, a lid region that is joined to the container, for example, by a stitched gasket (folded gasket).

[0002] The container is produced at least by deep drawing or stretch and slide drawing along an axial direction. At one end, the container has a base region that closes at least partially, in particular completely, the first end and, adjacent to this, a wall region that extends along the axial direction to a second end and is formed circumferentially in a circumferential direction.

[0003] In particular, a lid or a lid region may be attached to the second end. The lid may, in particular, have a closure through which contents can be removed from the container closed by the lid.

[0004] The container may, for example, be part of a beverage container, in particular a (metal) beverage can. The beverage container is used to store a liquid content, so the beverage container in the closed state (initial state) may be under an overpressure relative to the environment or relative to an atmospheric pressure of approximately 1 bar.

[0005] Two-piece containers or cans closed by a lid have a base region with an adjacent cylindrical wall region, which determines the volume of the container, and are produced in a single piece in a single operation by deep drawing and / or stretch and slip drawing. The wall thickness of the base region in these containers is, for example, on the order of approximately 0.080 mm [millimeters] to approximately 0.160 mm, with greater thickness in the connection area. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 12 / 80 2 / 28 subsequent with the lid, while the wall thickness of the base region is on the order of approximately 0.220 mm to approximately 0.350 mm. A lid can be placed on the side of the wall region (properly prepared) opposite the base region. The lid is joined to the can wall area in the usual way, for example, by means of a so-called double-fold seam. The wall thickness of the lid is, in particular, on the order of 0.180 mm to approximately 0.230 mm.

[0006] Containers of this type are used in significant quantities, mainly for beverages of all kinds, as disposable packaging, with a large part of the can material being made from recycled material. Considering the large market volume, a significant amount of material is needed (mainly tinplate - i.e., steel material coated with tin or aluminum). Even a relatively small amount of material that can be saved in a single container during its manufacture would represent, in relation to the total annual consumption of about five billion cans in the Federal Republic of Germany alone, a considerable and, in any case, not negligible saving of material.

[0007] In particular, in the case of cans of carbonated beverages, the beverage container may be under an internal pressure of up to 6.2 bar before being opened for the first time. For this reason, the base region in particular must be dimensionally stable and have sufficient wall thickness.

[0008] Any reduction in the amount of material required for a container already has a significant effect, mainly in terms of material costs, due to the large batch size. For this reason, there is a constant need to further reduce the thickness of the container wall. However, a greater reduction in wall thickness involves the risk of material failure, especially during the additional forming operations of the base region that are sometimes necessary and / or due to the maximum compressive load that occurs. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 13 / 80 3 / 28

[0009] And thus, the objective of the invention is to solve, at least partially, the existing problems in relation to the prior art and, in particular, to provide a method for manufacturing a container by means of which a reproducible quality of thin-walled containers, manufactured with the thinnest possible starting material, can be guaranteed.

[0010] These objectives are achieved by a method according to the characteristics of claim 1 and by a sheet material according to the characteristics of claim 13. Other advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in a technologically useful manner and define other embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features indicated in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, in which other preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

[0011] A method is proposed for manufacturing a metal container from sheet material. The container, which is produced at least by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing along an axial direction, has at one end a base region that at least partially closes the first end and, adjacent to the base region, a wall region that extends along the axial direction to a second end and is circumferentially formed in a circumferential direction. The method comprises at least the following steps: a) supply of sheet metal; b) contact of the sheet material in a first annular area with a first punch; and c) subsequent deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing of the sheet material to form the base region and the wall region.

[0012] Between steps a) and b), in step a1), the sheet material is at least partially formed in a second area, the second area comprising by Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 14 / 80 4 / 28 less partially the first area. A material thickness / wall thickness of the sheet material present in this second area is reduced by the forming and, in this way, at least one yield stress Rp0.2 of the sheet material is increased.

[0013] In the known production of a container, a (circular) sheet section is first cut from a flat continuous material and (immediately) then formed. This forming initially comprises, in particular, deep drawing where a (second) punch, which may be moved mainly along the axial direction, shapes the sheet material or the sheet section into a cup-shaped container. The cup-shaped container is then fed to another forming station, where the cup-shaped container is further formed by deep drawing and / or by stretch and slip drawing. In particular, a first punch, which may be moved mainly along the axial direction, strikes the base region of the cup-shaped container and shapes the sheet material by means of a die (possibly a multi-stage die).In the process, the base region and the wall region of the container are at least partially formed, in particular by stretch and slip stamping. However, as a result of the impact of the first punch on the base region of the cup-shaped container, the sheet material is locally damaged in the first area where the first punch comes into contact with the sheet material, and the wall thickness is locally reduced.

[0014] In other forming processes, particularly in the base region, this damage can be displaced, for example, in a more inward radial direction. In this way, it is precisely this damaged area that may eventually be subject to further forming, so that additional damage may occur or even a material failure or a critical point of weakness may be formed. In particular, the locally reduced wall thickness is further reduced during subsequent forming, resulting in a wall thickness that is too thin for the intended use of the vessel. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 15 / 80 5 / 28

[0015] Pre-treatment of the first area may result in the reduction or prevention of damage that occurs as a result of the first puncture contact and, if necessary, at least reduction or complete suppression of additional damage that occurs as a result of subsequent shaping.

[0016] This is achieved in particular by at least partially forming the sheet material in a second area in step a1), the second area comprising at least partially or completely the first area. A material thickness of the sheet material present in this second area is reduced by forming and thus at least a yield stress Rp0,2 of the sheet material is increased.

[0017] This increase in yield strength and / or work hardening of the sheet material obtained by the forming process means that the impact of the first punch causes only minor deformation of the first area. It is further obtained that the sheet material in this second area is not deformed further, or is only deformed to a lesser extent in subsequent forming operations due to work hardening. In particular, when adjacent areas are formed, there is no subsequent flow of sheet material from this second area, but there is from other areas. This prevents further reduction in material thickness from occurring in this second area.

[0018] In particular, a deliberate reduction in the thickness of a material in the second area (an associated solidification of the sheet material) prevents or reduces a further reduction in the thickness of the material at a later stage.

[0019] This allows sheet materials with a smaller material thickness to be supplied for container manufacturing without causing material failure during container manufacturing or during subsequent predetermined container use.

[0020] In particular, the second area is ring-shaped or ring-segment shaped. In particular, the second ring-segment shaped area (or a plurality of second ring-segment shaped regions) Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 16 / 80 6 / 28 arranged together within a second imaginary ring-shaped region) comprises along a circumferential direction an angular band of (together) at least 180 degrees, in particular at least 270 degrees. In particular, the individual ring segments each extend into the angular bands being identical, but possibly also angular bands being different from each other, for example, by at least 5 degrees in each case or by at least 25 degrees in each case.

[0021] In particular, the second area is in the shape (segment) of a circular ring.

[0022] In particular, the first area is in the shape of a circular ring and corresponds (at least in particular) to the contact surface or the impact surface of the first punch on the sheet material.

[0023] In particular, the second area is arranged coaxially with the first area.

[0024] In particular, the first annular area is bounded by a first (smaller) inner diameter and a first (larger) outer diameter. In particular, the second ring-shaped area or ring segment is bounded by a second (smaller) inner diameter and a second (larger) outer diameter. In particular, the second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter.

[0025] In particular, each inner diameter is parallel and coaxial with the outer diameter of the same area.

[0026] In particular, a second inner diameter is parallel and coaxial with the first inner diameter.

[0027] In particular, the second outer diameter is larger than the first outer diameter.

[0028] The first diameters are determined in particular on the flat, undeformed sheet section or sheet material, for example, also based on the first punch. The second diameters can be determined and specified as a function of the first diameters.

[0029] In particular, between steps a) and b) in a step a2), the sheet material is brought into contact with a second punch and stamped by stamping. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 17 / 80 7 / 28 deep. The second puncture has a larger outer diameter than the first puncture.

[0030] As explained above, in the known production of a container, a sheet metal section (circular) is first cut from a flat continuous material and (immediately) then formed. This forming initially comprises, in particular, deep drawing, with a second punch forming the sheet metal or sheet metal section into a cup-like container. This forming into the cup-like container is carried out in particular before step b) in step a2).

[0031] In particular, step a2) occurs after step a1), that is, it is performed later. However, step a1) can also occur after step a2), but before step b).

[0032] In particular, the thickness of the material in the second area (as a result of the shaping of the second area) is reduced by at least 3%, preferably at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 6%, and the yield stress Rp0.2 is increased by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 15% or even at least 17%.

[0033] In experiments conducted on an aluminum alloy, a reduction in material thickness in the second area from 245 μm [microns] to 230 μm (i.e., a reduction of 6.1%) and, at the same time, a strain hardening of a yield stress Rp0.2 from 276 MPa [megapascals] to 325 MPa (i.e., an increase of 17.75%) were determined.

[0034] In particular, step c) is carried out at least partially with the first punch, whereby during or subsequent to step c), in a step c1), the forming of the base region is carried out by a third punch, which may be fixed in place. A third area of ​​sheet material located inside the first punch, as observed in a radial direction, is formed by the third punch along the axial direction towards the second end. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 18 / 80 8 / 28

[0035] In particular, the first punch is designed as a hollow punch, with the third punch entering at least partially into a hollow section of the first punch along the axial direction towards the end of step c1). In particular, the third punch has a convex contact surface relative to the base region, such that a concave shape is formed in the base region as observed from the outside.

[0036] In particular, as a result of the further shaping of the base region according to step c1), the second area is shifted inward in the radial direction such that, after further shaping, the second area is arranged along the radial direction between the first punch and the third punch.

[0037] Shaping the base region according to step c1) leads in particular to a further increase in the surface area of ​​the sheet material in the base region. This further reduces the thickness of the material in the base region. In particular, the sheet material in adjacent regions is also displaced inwards in the radial direction as a result of the shaping.

[0038] In particular, the second area is also displaced inwards in the radial direction from the contact zone with the first puncture, such that the second pre-treated area is now located between the first puncture and the third puncture.

[0039] Due to the convex shape of the third punch, the second area is arranged in particular in a section of the third area wall that extends substantially along the axial direction.

[0040] In particular, after step c) and after step c1), in an additional step d), further shaping of the base region occurs, where a wall section of the third region, which extends at least along the axial direction, is formed outward in the radial direction in a fourth area.

[0041] This additional shaping is conducted to increase the dimensional stability of the base region, especially considering the high overpressures of a beverage container. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 19 / 80 9 / 28

[0042] In particular, the fourth area at least partially comprises the second area. In particular, the fourth region is arranged at least along the axial and / or radial direction within the second region. In particular, the second region is arranged at least along the axial and / or radial direction within the fourth region.

[0043] In particular, the sheet material supplied in step a) is in a flat state and, between steps a) and b), a sheet section is cut from the sheet material in step a3), such that in step c) the sheet section is stamped by deep drawing and / or formed by stretch and slip drawing. Step a1) occurs before or after step a3). Step a2) is preferably carried out after step a3), but may in particular be carried out at least partially simultaneously with step a3).

[0044] A sheet material is further proposed. The sheet material has a width and a length which together encompass a flat surface having a material thickness. The sheet material includes on the flat surface a plurality of second annular or ring segment shaped areas having a reduced material thickness relative to the rest of the surface.

[0045] In particular, the sheet material is designed to be suitable for the production of a container by the proposed method. In particular, the sheet material has already been the subject of forming operations carried out in step a1). These (de)formations that form the secondary areas can be produced, for example, by a pressing device, i.e., by at least one punch, or by a rolling device, in which a rolling tool is guided along the surface in order to form the secondary areas.

[0046] In particular, other processes can be used, however in any case the objective is to obtain work hardening of the second area, that is, in order to locally increase the yield stress Rp0,2 of the sheet material. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 20 / 80 10 / 28

[0047] An apparatus for manufacturing a metal container from sheet material is further proposed. The apparatus is suitably designed to carry out the described method for producing the described sheet material. The apparatus comprises at least a first punch for forming the sheet material at least by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing, a support for positioning the sheet material relative to the first punch, and a device for forming the sheet material in the second area, i.e., for reducing the thickness of the material and increasing the yield strength Rp0.2 of the sheet material in the second area.

[0048] A container is further proposed, made of sheet material at least by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing along an axial direction. The container comprises, at least at a first end, a base region at least partially closing the first end, joining the base region to a wall region extending along the axial direction to a second end and formed in a circumference in a circumferential direction, and a lid region at least partially closing the second end.

[0049] The container is at least partially manufactured by the method described. Alternatively or additionally, the container is at least partially made from the sheet material described. Alternatively or additionally, the container is at least partially manufactured by the apparatus described.

[0050] The container is used in particular as a beverage container. As such, it comprises a housing with a base region, a lid region and a wall region connecting the base region to the lid region. In particular, the beverage container comprises a chamfered core extending circumferentially in the circumferential direction (or in the base region) between the base region and the wall region, and possibly also a chamfered core (or in the lid region) between the lid region and the wall region. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 21 / 80 11 / 28 The beverage container has a volume that is at least partially fillable or filled with a liquid. In the lid region and along a radial direction within the chamfered core (if present), a particular closure is provided, by means of which the liquid can be removed from the volume in the open state.

[0051] The chamfered core is in particular a groove in the base region (or lid region) which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction and whose deepest point (along the axial direction) is formed in particular by the first punch. The groove comprises a width in the radial direction and a depth in the axial direction. The volume extends into the groove. The groove is bounded at its axial end (first end of the container) with respect to the radial direction by an inner wall (third area or fourth area of ​​the container) which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction, and an outer wall which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction.

[0052] Beverage containers are regularly cylindrical in shape and, in this way, are rotationally symmetrical around a central axis that extends along the axial direction.

[0053] In particular, the beverage container is a beverage can.

[0054] In a closed initial state, the beverage container is in particular under a pressure, for example, of at least 2.5 bar, which is greater than ambient pressure (in particular, ambient pressure is at most 1.1 bar).

[0055] The volume of the beverage container is in particular between 0.1 and 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, particularly preferably a maximum of 1 liter.

[0056] The beverage container extends in particular from the base region to the lid region along an axial direction. The axial direction preferably runs parallel to the wall region. In particular, the beverage container is essentially cylindrical and (apart from structures, for example, in Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 22 / 80 12 / 28 lid region, for example, for opening / closing the volume) has an axis of rotation or symmetry which extends parallel to the axial direction.

[0057] In particular, the comments on the method apply equally to sheet metal, apparatus and container and beverage container and vice versa.

[0058] The use of indefinite articles (a, an), particularly in claims and the description that reproduces them, should be understood as such and not as number words. Similarly, terms or components introduced with these should be understood in such a way that they are present at least once and, in particular, however, they may also be present multiple times.

[0059] As a precaution, it should be noted that the number words used here (first, second, third, ...) serve primarily (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, variables, or methods, that is, in particular, they do not necessarily specify a dependency and / or sequence of these objects, variables, or methods in relation to each other. If a dependency and / or sequence is required, this is explicitly stated here or obviously results to the person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described embodiment.

[0060] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly shown otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components found in the present description and / or figures. Identical reference signs designate identical objects, such that explanations of other figures may be used as a supplement if necessary. It is shown schematically: Fig. 1: a container in a side view; Fig. 2: a device and a sheet metal material in a plan view; Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 23 / 80 13 / 28 Fig. 3: a side view of a method immediately after step a); Fig. 4: the method according to Fig. 3 immediately after step a3) and during step a2), in a side view; Fig. 5: the method according to Figs. 3 and 4 immediately after steps a2) and a3), in a side view; Fig. 6: the process according to Figs. 3 to 5, in which the leftmost step a1) is shown first, the state immediately after steps a2) and a3) is shown in the center, and the conformation from the state immediately after step a2) to step c1) is shown on the right; in each case in a side view; Fig. 7: the workpiece according to Fig. 5 and a diagram; Fig. 8: the method during steps b) and c) in a side section view; Fig. 9: the method at the end of step c) in a side section view; Fig. 10: the workpiece immediately before step c1) of the method in a side section view and a diagram; Fig. 11: the workpiece immediately after step c1) of the method in a side view in section and a diagram; and Fig. 12: the workpiece after step d) of the method in a side section view.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a container 1 in a side view. The container (1) is made of a sheet material (2), at least by deep drawing and / or drawing by stretching and sliding along an axial direction (3). The container (1) comprises at a first end (4) a base region (5) that closes the first end (4), joining to it a wall region (8) that extends along the axial direction (3) to a second end (6) and formed circumferentially in a circumferential direction (7) and a lid region (37) at least partially closing the second end (6). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 24 / 80 14 / 28

[0062] The container (1) is at least partially (i.e., wall region (8) and base region (5)) manufactured by the described method. Alternatively or additionally, the container (1) is at least partially (i.e., wall region (8) and base region (5)) made of the sheet material (2) described. Alternatively or additionally, the container (1) is at least partially (i.e., wall region (8) and base region (5)) manufactured by the described apparatus (29).

[0063] The container (1) is used as a beverage container. The beverage container has a chamfered core (38) that extends circumferentially along the circumferential direction (7) (in the base region (5), respectively) between the base region (5) and the wall region (8). The beverage container has a volume (39) that is at least partially fillable or filled with a liquid. A closure may be disposed of in the lid region (37), by means of which, for example, a liquid may be removed from the volume (39) in the open state.

[0064] The chamfered core (38) is a groove in the base region (5), which extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction (7) and whose deepest point (along the axial direction (3)) is formed by the first punch (10) (see Figs. 8 and 9). The volume (39) extends into the groove. The groove is bounded at its axial end (first end (4) of the container (1)) in relation to the radial direction (21) by an inner wall (third area (22) and fourth area (24) of the container (1), respectively) that extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction (7) and an outer wall that extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction (7).

[0065] The beverage container extends from the base region (5) to the lid region (37) along an axial direction (3). The axial direction (3) runs parallel to the wall region (8). The beverage container is essentially cylindrical and (apart from structures, for example, in the lid region (37), for example, for opening / closing the volume (39)) has an axis of rotation or symmetry or a central axis (40) which extends parallel to the axial direction (3). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 25 / 80 15 / 28

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a device (29) and a sheet material (2) in a plan view. The arrows indicate the feed direction (32) of the sheet material (2) through the device (29). The sheet material (2) supplied in step a) is in a planar state. The sheet material (2) has a width (transverse to the feed direction (32) and to the path of travel of the second punch (18)) and a length (parallel to the feed direction (32)), which together cover a planar surface (26) with a material thickness / wall thickness (12) (in the direction of travel of the second punch (18)).

[0067] The apparatus (29) is suitably designed to carry out at least part of the described method and for the production of the described sheet material (2). The apparatus (29) comprises a device (31) for forming the sheet material (2) in the second area (11), i.e., for reducing the thickness of the material (12) and increasing the yield strength Rp0.2 of the sheet material (2) in the second area (11). The apparatus (29) further comprises a plurality of second molds (18) for simultaneously forming the sheet material (2) at least by deep drawing in a plurality of sheet sections (25) and a support (30) for positioning the sheet material (2) in relation to the second molds (18).

[0068] Between step a), that is, the supply of sheet material (2) and step a2), in which contact of sheet material (2) with the second punches (18) and subsequent deep drawing occurs, at least partial forming of the sheet material (2) in the second area (11) is carried out in a step a1). The second area (11) comprises or at least partially covers a first annular area (9) of sheet material (2), which is brought into contact by a first punch (10) in a subsequent second step b) of the process (see Figs. 8 and 9). A material thickness (12) of the sheet material (2) present in this second area (11) is reduced by forming according to step a1) and, in this way, at least one yield stress Rp0.2 of the sheet material (2) is increased. the second annular or shaped area (11) Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 26 / 80 The 16 / 28 ring segment is bounded by a second inner diameter (16) (smaller) and a second outer diameter (17) (larger).

[0069] Before step a2), or at least partially simultaneously with it, a sheet metal section (25) is cut from sheet metal material (2) in step a3). Step a1) occurs before step a3).

[0070] Thus, before the second punches (18) act on the sheet material (2), the sheet material (2) already comprises, on the flat surface (26), a plurality of annular or ring segment shaped second areas (11) having a reduced material thickness (12) compared to the rest of the surface (26). These deformations that form the second areas (11) can be produced, for example, by a pressing device, that is to say, at least one punch, or by a rolling device in which the rolling tool is guided along the surface (26) in order to form the second areas (11).

[0071] The second area (11) respectively formed is in ring shape or ring segment shape. The second ring segment shaped area (11) (or the plurality of second ring segment shaped areas (11) arranged together within an imaginary second ring-shaped area (11)) comprises an angular strip (13) of together at least 180 degrees along a circumferential direction (7). The individual ring segment shaped segments each extend over equal angular strips (13).

[0072] The second areas (11) are in the shape of a circular ring (segment).

[0073] The metal sheet sections (25) formed in steps a1), a2) and a3) are then fed for further processing in steps b), c), c1) and d).

[0074] Fig. 3 shows a side view of a method immediately after step a). Fig. 4 shows the method according to Fig. 3 immediately after step a3) and during step a2), in a side view. Fig. 5 shows the method according to Figs. 3 and 4 immediately after steps a2) and a3), in a side view. Figs. 3 to 5 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations of Figs. 1 and 2. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 27 / 80 17 / 28

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a part of the apparatus (29) with a second punch (18). The apparatus (29) is designed for, at least partially, simultaneous execution of steps a2) and a3), that is, for cutting a sheet section (25) from sheet material (2) according to step a3) and for contacting the sheet material (2) with the second punch (18) and subsequent deep drawing according to step a2). In Fig. 3, the second punch (18) is moved along the axial direction (3) to the sheet material (2). In Fig. 4, step a3) has already been carried out and the sheet section (25) now present is contacted by the second punch (18) and stamped by deep drawing. In Fig. 5, step a2) is completed and the second punch (18) is moved back to its starting position.

[0076] As in the known manufacture of a container (1), a sheet metal section (25) (circular or contoured) is first cut from a continuous flat sheet material (2) and (immediately) formed thereafter. This forming comprises deep drawing, wherein a second punch (18) forms the sheet material (2) or the sheet metal section (25) into a cup-like container (1). This forming for the cup-like container (1) is carried out before step b) in step a2).

[0077] Fig. 6 shows the method according to Figs. 3 to 5, with step a1) shown on the left first, in the center of the state immediately after steps a2) and a3) (see also Fig. 5) and the transformation from the state immediately after step a2) to step c1) on the right; in each case in a side view. Reference is made to the explanations of Figs. 1 to 5.

[0078] According to step a), the sheet material (2) is supplied (see figure to the left of Fig. 6). According to step b), the sheet material (2) is placed in contact with a first annular area (9) with a first punch (10) (see figure to the right of Fig. 6) and according to step c), the sheet material (2) is subsequently stamped by deep drawing and / or extruded to form the base region (5) and the wall region (8) (see Figs. 8 and 9). Between steps a) and b), in a step a1), a forming at least Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 28 / 80 18 / 28 partial of the sheet material (2) occurs in a second area (11) (see figure to the left of Fig. 6), the second area (11) comprising at least partially the first area (9). A thickness of the sheet material (12) present in this second area (11) is reduced by the forming and, in this way, at least one yield stress Rp0.2 of the sheet material (2) is increased.

[0079] The central image of Fig. 6 shows that a circular sheet metal section (25) is cut from the flat sheet metal material (2) and immediately formed thereafter. This forming comprises deep drawing, where a second punch (18) forms the sheet metal material (2) or the sheet metal section (25) into a cup-like container (1). This forming for the cup-like container (1) is carried out before step b) in step a2).

[0080] After step a2), the cup-like container (1) is fed to an additional forming station where the cup-like container (1) is further formed by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing (step c). In step b), a first punch (10), which can be moved along the axial direction (3), strikes the base region (5) of the cup-like container (1) and, in step c), produces the sheet material (2) by means of a die (see Figs. 8 and 9). In this process, the base region (5) and the wall region (8) of the container (1) are at least partially formed.As a result of the impact of the first punch (10) on the base region (5) of the cup-like container (1), the sheet material (2) is damaged locally in the first area (9) where the first punch (10) first contacts the sheet material (2) (if no prior forming has occurred according to step a1)) and the thickness of the material (12) is reduced locally.

[0081] In further forming processes, particularly in the base region (5), this damage can be displaced, for example, in a radial direction (21) further inward (see arrow in the figure to the right of Fig. 6). In this way, only this damaged area can be subjected to further forming, if necessary, so that further damage or even failure of the sheet material (2) can occur. In particular, the locally reduced material thickness (12) is Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 29 / 80 19 / 28 reduced even further during additional shaping, such that it results or may result in a material thickness (12) that is too thin for the intended application of the container (1).

[0082] Pre-treatment of the first area (9) may result in the reduction or prevention of damage as a result of contact with the first puncture (10) and, if necessary, at least reduction or complete suppression of further damage as a result of further shaping.

[0083] This is achieved by the fact that in step a1) the sheet material (2) is at least partially formed in a second area (11), the second area (11) at least partially or (as shown here) completely enveloping or covering the first area (9). A thickness of the material (12) of the sheet material (2) present in this second region (11) is reduced by the forming and, in this way, at least a yield stress Rp0.2 of the sheet material (2) is increased.

[0084] This increase in yield strength and / or work hardening of the sheet material (2) obtained by the forming process means that the impact of the first punch (10) causes only a minor deformation of the first area (9). It is further obtained that the sheet material (2) present in this second area (11) is not further deformed or is only further deformed to a lesser extent in subsequent forming operations due to work hardening. In particular, during the forming of adjacent areas, there is a greatly reduced or even no subsequent flow of sheet material (2) from this second area (11), but only from other areas. This prevents (or greatly reduces) any further reduction in the thickness of the material (12) that occurs in this second area (11).

[0085] The first area (9) is in the shape of a circular ring and corresponds to the contact surface or impact surface of the first punch (10) on the sheet material (2). The second area (11) is arranged coaxially with the first area (9).

[0086] The first annular area (9) is bounded by a first inner diameter (14) (smaller) and a first outer diameter (15) (larger). The second area in Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 30 / 80 20 / 28 ring shape or ring segment shape (11) is bounded by a second (smaller) inner diameter (16) and a second (larger) outer diameter (17). The second inner diameter (16) is smaller than the first inner diameter (14).

[0087] Each inner diameter (14, 16) is parallel and coaxial with the outer diameter (15, 17) of the same area (9, 11). All diameters (14, 15, 16, 17) are arranged coaxially with each other. The second outer diameter (17) is larger than the first outer diameter (15).

[0088] Between steps a) and b), the sheet material (2) is placed in contact with a second punch (18) and subsequently stamped by deep drawing in step a2). The second punch (18) has a larger outer punch diameter (19) than the first punch (10).

[0089] Fig. 7 shows the workpiece, the bowl-like container (1), according to Fig. 5 and a diagram. Reference is made to the explanations in Figs. 1 to 6.

[0090] This shaping for the bowl-like container (1) is carried out before step b) in step a2) with the second punch (18).

[0091] On the horizontal axis of the diagram, the distance (33) of the points on the surface of the container (1) along the surface from the central axis (40) of the container (1) is plotted. On the vertical axis, the thickness of the material (12) of the container (1) is plotted in millimeters.

[0092] It can be observed that the thickness of the material (12) in the base region (5) is relatively constant at 242 μm. In the area of ​​the outer diameter of the punch (19) of the second punch (18) there is a minimum of the material thickness at approximately 235 μm. The part of the sheet section (25) that extends along the axial direction (3) shows an increase in the thickness of the material (12) along the axial direction (3), which is up to approximately 300 μm.

[0093] Fig. 8 shows the method during steps b) and c) in a side section view. Fig. 9 shows the method at the end of step c) in a side section view. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 31 / 80 Section 21 / 28. Figures 8 and 9 are described together below. Reference is made to the explanations of Figures 1 to 7.

[0094] The cup-shaped container (1), which is present according to steps a1), a2) and a3), is arranged in an apparatus (29). This apparatus (29) comprises a retaining device (41), a support (42) and a first punch (10). According to step b), the cup-shaped container (1) is placed in contact in a first annular area (9) with the first punch (10) (see also figure to the right of Fig. 6) and, according to step c), the cup-shaped container (1) is subsequently stamped by deep drawing and / or extruded in order to form the base region (5) and the wall region (8). In step b), a first punch (10), which is movable along the axial direction (3), reaches the base region (5) of the cup-shaped container (1) and produces the sheet material (2) successively by means of a mold or an opening in the support (42) in step c).In this process, the base region (5) and the wall region (8) of the container (1) are at least partially formed. As a result of the impact of the first punch (10) on the base region (5) of the cup-like container (1), the material thickness (12) of the sheet material (2) is locally reduced in the first area (9) where the first punch (10) first contacts the sheet material (2). As a result of performing step a1), i.e., forming the second area (11), the reduction in material thickness (12) due to the impact of the first punch (10) is now smaller.

[0095] Starting from the position of the first punch (10) according to Fig. 9, a further shaping of the bottom area (5) by a third punch (20) (see Fig. 11), which can be arranged in a non-movable way, for example, by an additional displacement of the first punch (10) along the axial direction (3), can occur during or subsequent to step c) in a step c1).

[0096] A third area (22) of sheet material (2) disposed inside the first hollow cylindrical punch (10), as seen in a radial direction (21), Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 32 / 80 22 / 28 is formed by the third punch (20) along the axial direction (3) to the second end (6) (see Fig. 11).

[0097] The first punch (10) is designed as a hollow punch, with the third punch (20) entering at least partially into a hollow section of the first punch (10) along the axial direction (3) at the end of step c1). The third punch (20) has a convex contact surface relative to the base region (5), such that a concave shape as observed from the outside is formed in the base region (5) (see Fig. 11).

[0098] After step c) and after step c1), a further shaping of the base region (5) is carried out in a further step d), wherein a wall section (23) of the third area (22) extending at least along the axial direction (3) is formed in the radial direction (21) outwards in a fourth area (24) (see Fig. 12).

[0099] Figs. 10 to 12 below illustrate the problems of the prior art. Figs. 10 to 12 are also used to explain the advantages now obtained.

[0100] Fig. 10 shows the workpiece immediately before step c1) of the method in a side section view and a diagram (see also the shape of the base region (5) of the container (1) in Fig. 9). Reference is made to the explanations in Figs. 1 to 9.

[0101] On the left side of Fig. 10, the path of the container wall (1) from the central axis (40) is shown. The measurement points are distributed along the wall.

[0102] On the horizontal axis of the diagram are shown the measurement points and the distance (33). The distance (33) indicates the distance of a point on the surface of the container (1) from the central axis (40) along the surface of the container (1). On the vertical axis is shown the material thickness (12) of the sheet material (2) of the container (1). In the diagram, three paths (34, 35, 36) of the material thickness (12) of the sheet material (2) are shown at distances (33) and at the measurement points, respectively.

[0103] The first path (34) connects the maximum thicknesses of the material (12) measured in a plurality of containers (1). The second path (35) Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 33 / 80 23 / 28 connects the average values ​​of the material thicknesses (12) measured in a plurality of containers (1). The third path (36) connects the minimum of the material thicknesses (12) measured in a plurality of containers (1). It can be observed that paths (34, 35, 36) each have a minimum that is in the range of measurement points 10 to 12. These measurement points 10 and 12 are located in the first area (9), which is circular in shape and corresponds to the contact surface or impact surface of the first punch (10) on the sheet material (2) in step b). Material thickness values ​​(12) up to 222 μm are obtained.

[0104] These low values ​​of material thickness (12) can be increased by pre-treating the sheet material (2) according to step a1) of the process. A second area (11) created in this way then extends over the first area (9) shown here.

[0105] Fig. 11 shows the workpiece immediately after step c1) of the method in a side section view and a diagram (see also figure to the right of Fig. 6). Reference is made to the explanations in Figs. 1 to 10.

[0106] On the left side of Fig. 11, the path of the container wall (1) from the central axis (40) is shown. The measurement points are distributed along the wall.

[0107] On the horizontal axis of the diagram, the measurement points and the distance (33) are shown. The distance (33) indicates the distance from a point on the surface of the container (1) from the central axis (40) along the surface of the container (1). On the vertical axis, the material thickness (12) of the sheet material (2) of the container (1) is shown. In the diagram, three paths (34, 35, 36) of the material thickness (12) of the sheet material (2) are shown at distances (33) and over the measurement points, respectively.

[0108] The first path (34) connects the maximum thicknesses of the material (12) measured in a plurality of containers (1). The second path (35) connects the average values ​​of the thicknesses of the material (12) measured in a plurality of containers (1). The third path (36) connects the minimum of Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, p. 34 / 80 24 / 28 material thicknesses (12) measured in a plurality of containers (1). It can be observed that the paths (34, 35, 36) each have a minimum that is in the range of measurement points 10 to 12.

[0109] A third area (22) of sheet material (2) disposed within the first hollow cylindrical punch (10), as observed in a radial direction (21), is formed by the third punch (20) along the axial direction (3) to the second end (6). The first punch (10) is drawn with a hollow punch, with the third punch (20) entering at least partially into a hollow section of the first punch (10) along the axial direction (3) to the end of step c1). The third punch (20) has a convex contact surface relative to the base region (5), such that a concave shape is formed in the base region (5) as observed from the outside.

[0110] As a result of this, starting from the container shape (1) according to Fig. 10, the additional shaping of the base region (5) according to step c1), the first area (9) (and in the case of pre-treatment corresponding to the second area (11)) is displaced inwards in the radial direction (21), in such a way that after the additional shaping the first area (9) (or the second area (11); or the measurement points (10, 12) of Fig. 10) is arranged along the radial direction (21) between the first punch (9) and the third punch (20).

[0111] Due to the convex shape of the third punch (20), the first area (9) (or the second area (11)) is disposed in a wall section (23) of the third area (22) that extends substantially along the axial direction (3).

[0112] Shaping the base region (5) according to step c1) leads to an additional increase in the surface area of ​​the sheet material (2) in the base region (5). As a result, the thickness of the material (12) in the base region (5) is further reduced (see paths (34, 35, 36) of the diagrams in Figs. 10 and 11).

[0113] The displacement of the first area (9) into the additionally formed base region (5) and the further reduction in the thickness of the resulting material (12) as a consequence of the additional shaping mean that values Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 35 / 80 25 / 28 of the material thickness (12) up to 218 μm are now obtained (i.e., without pretreatment according to step a1)).

[0114] In further forming processes of the base region (5), this damage in the first area (9) can, in this way, be displaced further inward in a radial direction (21). In this case, it is precisely this damaged area (9) that can be the subject of further forming, in this case according to step c1), such that further damage or even failure of the material can occur. In particular, the locally reduced material thickness (12) is further reduced in the path of further forming, resulting in a material thickness (12) that is too thin for the intended use of the container (1).

[0115] The second area (11) (namely the area of ​​measurement points 10 to 12) resulting from a pre-treatment according to step a1) and extending over the first area (9) will be located between the first punch (10) and the third punch (20), as described above for the first area (9).

[0116] Pre-treating the first area (9) as part of step a1) can result in damage as a result of the contact of the first puncture (10) being reduced or prevented, and in this way, additional damage as a result of further shaping can be at least reduced or completely suppressed.

[0117] Fig. 12 shows a side sectional view of the workpiece after step d) of the method. Reference is made to the explanations in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0118] After step c) and after step c1), a further shaping of the base region (5) is carried out in a further step d), where a wall section (23) of the third area (22) extending at least along the axial direction (3) is formed outwards into a fourth area (24) in the radial direction (21). This further shaping is carried out in particular to increase the dimensional stability of the base region (5), especially in view of the high overpressures of a beverage container.

[0119] This fourth area (24) includes the first area (9) and, precisely for that reason, can lead to failure of the sheet material (2) previously damaged, which is additionally reduced in thickness of the material (12). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 36 / 80 26 / 28

[0120] Pre-treating the first region (9) as part of step a1) can result in the fourth area (24) now comprising the second pre-treated area (11), such that additional damage as a result of further shaping can be at least reduced or completely suppressed.

[0121] This increase in yield strength and / or work hardening of the sheet material (2) obtained by forming as a result of performing step a1) means that the impact of the first punch (10) causes only a minor deformation of the first area (9). Furthermore, it is obtained that the sheet material (2) present in this second area (11) is not further deformed or is only further deformed to a lesser extent in the additional forming operations due to solidification. In particular, there is no subsequent flow of sheet material (2) from this second area (11) during the forming of adjacent areas, but from other areas. This prevents a further reduction in the thickness of the material (12) from occurring in this second area (11). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 37 / 80 27 / 28 List of reference marks for sheet metal container: axial direction, first end, base region; second end, circumferential direction, wall region; first area, first punch; second area, material thickness / wall thickness, angle range; first inner diameter, first outer diameter; second inner diameter, second outer diameter; second punch, outer diameter of the punch; third punch; radial direction; third area, wall section; fourth area, sheet metal section; surface width. Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 38 / 80 28 / 28 length device support device direction of feed distance first path second path third path cover region chamfered core volume central axis retaining device support Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 39 / 80

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Method for producing a metal container (1) from sheet metal material (2), the container (1) being produced at least by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing conducted along an axial direction (3), having at a first end (4) a base region (5) which at least partially closes the first end (4) and joining the base region (5) a wall region (8) which extends along the axial direction (3) to a second end (6) and is circumferentially formed in a circumferential direction (7); comprising at least the following steps: a) supplying the sheet metal material (2); b) contact of the sheet material (2) in a first annular area (9) with a first punch (10) and c) subsequent deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing of the sheet material (2) in order to form the base region (5) and the wall region (8);characterized by the fact that between steps a) and b) in a step a1) at least partial forming of the sheet material (2) occurs in a second area (11), by the fact that the second area (11) at least partially comprises the first area (9), by the fact that a thickness of material (12) of the sheet material (2) present in this second area (11) is reduced by the forming and, in this way, at least one yield stress Rp0.2 of the sheet material (2) is increased.; 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second area (11) is in the shape of a ring or ring segment; in that the second ring segment area (11) comprises an angle band (13) of at least 180 degrees along the circumferential direction (7). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 70 / 80 2 / 3 3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first annular area (9) is bounded by a first inner diameter (14) and a first outer diameter (15); in that the second area (11) is bounded by a second inner diameter (16) and a second outer diameter (17); in that the second inner diameter (16) is smaller than the first inner diameter (14).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the second outer diameter (17) is larger than the first outer diameter (15).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between steps a) and b) in a step a2) the sheet material (2) comes into contact with a second punch (18) and subsequent deep drawing occurs; in that the second punch (18) has an outer punch diameter (19) larger than that of the first punch (10).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that step a2) occurs after step a1).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the material (12) in the second area (11) is reduced by at least 3% as a result of the shaping of the second area (11) and the yield stress Rp0.2 is increased by at least 5%.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that step c) is carried out at least partially with the first punch (10); in that during or subsequent to step c) in a step c1) an additional shaping of the base region (5) is carried out by a third punch (20); in that a third area (22) of sheet material (2) disposed within the first punch (10) in relation to a radial direction (21) is formed by the third punch (20) along the axial direction (3) to the second end (6). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, page 71 / 80 3 / 3 9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that, as a result of the further shaping of the base region (5) according to step c1), the second part (11) is displaced inwards in the radial direction (21) such that, after further shaping, the second area (11) is disposed along the radial direction (21) between the first punch (10) and the third punch (20).

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims 8 and 9, characterized in that after step c) and after step c1) in an additional step d) an additional shaping of the base region (5) occurs, in that a wall section (23) of the third area (22), which extends at least along the axial direction (3), is formed outwards in the radial direction (21) in a fourth area (24).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the fourth area (24) at least partially comprises the second area (11).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet material (2) provided in step a) is present in a flat state and between steps a) and b) in step a3) a sheet section (25) is cut from the sheet material (2) such that in step c) the sheet section (25) is stamped by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide stamping; in that step a1) occurs before or after step a3).

13. Apparatus (29) for producing a metal container (1) from sheet material (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one first punch (10) for shaping the sheet material (2) at least by deep drawing and / or stretch and slide drawing, a support (30) for positioning the sheet material (2) in relation to the first punch (10) and a device (31) for shaping the sheet material (2) in the second area (11), i.e., for reducing the thickness of the material (12) in the second area (11). Petition 870260053173, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 72 / 80

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