Clamp for manufacturing containers with a flanged free edge
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MUCELL EXTRUSION LLC
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images
Figure CN115835946B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of clamps for curling the edges of containers. Background Technology
[0002] In standard paper containers (e.g., paper drinking cups), the free edges of the container are rolled during the edge-rolling operation to reinforce the free edges and also to give them a smooth edge.
[0003] Typically, a clamp is used to curl the upper edge of a container. A conventional clamp includes a first mold and a second mold. The container is held by the first mold while the second mold is pressed against the edge of the container that needs to be curled. The second mold has a circular groove facing the edge of the container. Typically, this groove is downward-facing, and the second mold with the groove moves downward toward the free edge of the container, which is held in the first mold below the second mold. As the second mold moves further downward, the edge of the container begins to curl. One such conventional clamp is shown in US20080029525. Another example of a conventional clamp is shown in US3065677. As disclosed in US20080029525 and US3065677, a reciprocating striking tool (the second mold) is provided with an annular groove that facilitates the curling of the cup's edge. The striking tool moves vertically downward to facilitate the curling of the edge in the annular groove. However, it has been found that the curling operation is prone to failure. If the operation fails, the container in the fixture will deform and need to be discarded.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a fixture that mitigates the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional fixtures and facilitates the crimping operation of the free edges of containers.
[0005] Purpose
[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fixture that facilitates crimping operations on the free edges of a container.
[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a clamp that supports the outside of a container during a crimping operation.
[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a clamp that accommodates a tapered container in a better manner than existing clamps.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a clamp that allows a greater amount of material to be rolled up at the upper edge compared with prior art clamps. Summary of the Invention
[0010] This disclosure discloses a jig for manufacturing a container with a rolled free edge. The jig includes a first mold arranged as a container holding device and a second mold arranged as a rolling die. The container holding device includes an opening recess configured to receive a container therein. The rolling die includes a circular groove facing the container holding device to roll the free edge of the container. The container holding device includes a first set of separate jaws that, when the container is placed in the container holding device, abut an operable outer side of the container. The jaws of the first set of separate jaws are arranged to slide along a first sliding mechanism such that the jaws slide along the operable outer side of the container during the rolling operation. The first sliding mechanism is arranged such that the jaws of the first set of separate jaws are displaced along a path angled to the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container holding device, the angle corresponding to the angle between the operable outer side of the container and the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container holding device.
[0011] In one embodiment, the crimping die includes a second set of separate jaws, in which the circular groove is arranged in separate jaws of the second set of separate jaws, the second set of separate jaws being arranged to contract during the crimping operation such that the outer periphery of the circular groove decreases during the crimping operation. In one embodiment, the circular groove is located on a closed loop arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container recess.
[0012] In one embodiment, the circular groove has a diameter D in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the container recess, and the second set of separate jaws is arranged to contract during the crimping operation, such that the diameter D decreases during the crimping operation.
[0013] In one embodiment, each of the first set of separate jaws and the second set of separate jaws is provided with a contact surface, which are abutting each other when the first set of jaws and the second set of jaws are in contact with each other. When either the crimping die or the container fixing device moves toward the other, the first set of separate jaws and the second set of separate jaws come into contact with each other, and the relative movement between the crimping die and the container fixing device causes the first set of separate jaws to shift (i.e., shift inward) due to the angle of the first sliding mechanism, thereby causing the second set of separate jaws to also shift inward.
[0014] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising / comprised of" as used in this specification is used to specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The fixture of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] Figure 1 An isometric view of the fixture of this disclosure is shown;
[0017] Figure 2 An isometric view of the crimping die of the fixture disclosed herein is shown;
[0018] Figure 3 This schematically illustrates the process before the container begins the crimping operation. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the fixture; and
[0019] Figure 4 The illustration shows the process during the crimping operation. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the fixture.
[0020] Figure 5 The illustration shows the end of the curling operation. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view of the fixture.
[0021] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation
[0022] This disclosure discloses a jig for manufacturing containers with rolled free edges. Rolling the free edges provides stiffness to the free edges of the container and provides a smooth free edge. More specifically, the jig according to the invention facilitates the rolling operation of the free edges of the container. In the rolling operation, the free edges of the container are rolled outward and downward toward the outside of the container (in typical use of the container).
[0023] The fixture 100 includes a container fixing device 110 and a crimping die 150.
[0024] exist Figures 1 to 4 The first embodiment of the clamp 100 of the present invention is shown in the figure. Figure 1 An isometric view of clamp 100 is shown. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the hemming mold. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the clamp 100 is shown before the crimping operation on the container begins. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the clamp 100 is shown during the hemming operation, and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the clamp 100 is shown at the end of the crimping operation.
[0025] The container holding device 110 has an opening recess 115 configured to receive a container (not shown) in which the free edge of the container will be curled / rolled. The recess 115 has a shape complementary to the outer surface of the container to be received. The container is received in the recess 115 such that the open end of the container with the free edge to be rolled faces the rolling die 150.
[0026] In this embodiment, the container may be a cardboard, plastic, or metal cup.
[0027] It should be noted that in the current embodiment, the container is arranged in the container recess 115 such that the free edge of the container faces downward and the "bottom" of the container faces upward. Figures 3 to 5 In the diagram, only half of the clamp is shown, so that only half of the container recess 115 is shown.
[0028] The container securing device 110 includes a hollow securing body 120 in which a recess 115 is formed. The container securing device 110 includes a first set of separate jaws 125 arranged within the securing body 120. When the container is placed in the recess, the support surfaces 127 of the jaws in the first set of separate jaws 125 abut against the operable outer surface of the container. The jaws are arranged to slide along the outer side of the container during a crimping operation. Therefore, the outer side of the container near the free edge is well supported during the crimping operation. This prevents the container from buckling / collapsed during the crimping operation, as sometimes observed in conventional clamps. In conventional clamps, the exposed upper portions of the container sidewalls are often unsupported.
[0029] By providing supports for the upper portion of the container's outer surface during the crimping operation, the crimping can be performed over a greater distance with less risk of side surface collapse because the material at the upper edge experiences less stress. Performing the crimping over a greater distance also allows more material to be placed within the crimped portion, thus permitting a stiffer and more stable edge.
[0030] The clamp 100 includes first sliding mechanisms 125 and 130, which facilitate the sliding of the first set of separate jaws 125 along the outer side of the container. More specifically, the jaws of the first set of separate jaws 125 are arranged to slide along the first sliding mechanism. The first sliding mechanism guides each jaw of the first set of separate jaws 125 along the outer side of the container. The first sliding mechanism is arranged within the fixing body 120 of the container fixing device 110 at an angle corresponding to the angle between the outer side of the container and the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess. More specifically, when the container is received in the recess 115, the angle formed by the first sliding mechanism and the vertical or horizontal axis of the clamp 100 is equal to the angle formed by the outer side of the container and the vertical or horizontal axis of the clamp 100.
[0031] In one embodiment, the first sliding mechanism includes a plurality of pins 130. The pins 130 are arranged to be fixed within the fixing body 120 of the container fixing device 110, spaced apart from the outer side of the container and evenly arranged around the circumference of a container recess. The pins 130 are arranged such that they are parallel to the outer side of the container. In one embodiment, the support surface 127 of the jaws in the first set of separate jaws 125 is arranged between the outer side of the container and the pins 130. Each jaw in the first set of separate jaws 125 is provided with a slot 126 to receive the pin 130 therein. The slot is configured such that the jaw 125 can slide along the pin 130. In one embodiment, the pin 130 is a rigid rod. In one embodiment, the pin 130 has a circular cross-section.
[0032] In addition, the support surface 127 of the jaws has a tapering angle corresponding to the angle of the outer side of the container.
[0033] In the current embodiment, the jaws are mounted on the pin and slide along the pin. However, other sliding arrangements can be used within the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art of mechanical design will be able to provide suitable designs.
[0034] The crimping die 150 includes a circular groove 155. The circular groove 155 faces the container fixing device 110 and is configured to facilitate the crimping of the free edge of the container. When viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container recess, the circular groove matches the outer periphery of the container opening. In this embodiment, the container has a circular opening, and therefore, the circular groove also has a circular shape with a diameter D.
[0035] The hemming die 150 includes a hollow die body 160. Furthermore, the hemming die 150 includes a second set of separate jaws 165 arranged within the die body 160. The second set of separate jaws 165 includes a circular groove 155. More specifically, a portion 157 of the groove 155 is disposed on each of the second set of separate jaws 165, together forming a complete circular groove 155.
[0036] The second set of separate jaws 165 are arranged to contact during the crimping operation, causing the diameter D to decrease. More specifically, the gap 167 between adjacent jaws in the second set of separate jaws 165 continues to decrease as the crimping operation proceeds, and the second set of separate jaws 165 is further displaced in the direction of the container fixing device 110.
[0037] In one embodiment, the crimping die 150 includes a second sliding mechanism 200 configured to horizontally displace the second set of separated jaws 165, thereby facilitating the retraction of the second set of separated jaws 165. The second sliding mechanism includes a plurality of springs 195 and a horizontal pin 200. More specifically, each of the second set of separated jaws 165 is slidably mounted on the horizontal pin 200 and is provided with a spring 195. The springs 195 are arranged such that they are compressed when the second set of separated jaws 165 moves inward. When the second set of separated jaws is released, they move outward due to the force exerted by the springs.
[0038] Each of the first set of separate jaws 125 and the second set of separate jaws 165 has contact surfaces 135 and 170. In an embodiment, the contact surfaces 135 and 170 of the first set of separate jaws 125 and the second set of separate jaws 165 are tapered surfaces. The tapered contact surfaces 135 and 170 have complementary tapering angles. When the first set of separate jaws 125 and the second set of separate jaws 165 contact each other, the tapered contact surfaces 135 and 170 facilitate the movement of the second set of separate jaws 165.
[0039] When the crimping die 150 is pushed toward the container fixing device 110, the tapered surface 170 of each jaw in the second set of separated jaws 165 contacts the corresponding tapered surface 135 of the jaw in the first set of separated jaws 125. These two tapered surfaces then engage. As the crimping die 150 is pushed further upward toward the container fixing device 110, the second set of separated jaws 165 is pushed upward relative to the container fixing device. This causes the first set of separated jaws 125 to also shift upward relative to the container fixing device. Because the jaws in the first set of separated jaws 125 slide on the angled pin 130, as the jaws in the first set of separated jaws 125 move upward, the jaws simultaneously move inward. Due to the connection between the first set of jaws and the second set of jaws, the jaws in the second set of jaws also shift inward.
[0040] Therefore, the two sets of jaws lock together and then move together. They move inward by the same amount, and because they have the same radius at the contact surface, they also remain engaged.
[0041] As the crimping die 150 moves away from the container holder 110, the first set of jaws 125 moves downward due to gravity, pushing the second set of jaws 165 outward. A compressed spring 195 also biases the separated jaws 165 of the second set back to their original / initial positions. When the crimping die has moved sufficiently far away from the container holder, the jaws in the first and second sets release from each other. Because the contact surfaces are tapered, the two surfaces easily release from each other.
[0042] In the open position, that is, before the crimping operation begins, the second set of separated jaws 165 are on the outside. During the crimping operation, the second set of separated jaws 165 move inward to adjust the diameter of the circular crimping groove as the container tapers. In this way, the circular groove 155 adjusts its diameter to fit the outside of the container.
[0043] In the inoperable configuration, each of the jaws in the first set of separated jaws 125 and the second set of separated jaws 165 is not adjacent to adjacent jaws in the same set, and gaps 126, 167 are provided between adjacent jaws. In the operable configuration, or as the crimping operation is performed, the gaps 126, 167 between adjacent jaws in the corresponding sets of jaws begin to decrease, and thereafter the jaws can be adjacent to adjacent jaws in the same set of jaws.
[0044] The number of jaws in each of the first set of separate jaws 125 and the second set of separate jaws 165 can vary depending on application requirements and the size and shape of the container. In one embodiment, each of the first set of separate jaws 125 and the second set of separate jaws 165 includes the same number of circumferentially arranged jaws. In another embodiment, each of the first set of separate jaws 125 and the second set of separate jaws 165 includes eight jaws.
[0045] The clamp 100 includes an actuator configured to displace either the container holding device 110 or the crimping die 150 toward the other, wherein the other remains fixed. In one embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the container holding device 110 and displaces it toward the crimping die 150. In another embodiment, the actuator is coupled to the crimping die 150 and displaces it toward the container holding device 110.
[0046] It should be noted that although the container fixing device 110 is shown as the upper part in the drawings, the entire structure of the clamp 100 can be reversed, in which the container fixing device 110 is the lower part and the crimping mold 150 is the upper part.
[0047] The jig 100 also includes a channel 190 disposed within the die body 160 of the crimping die 150. The channel 190 is configured to facilitate the flow of a lubricant (typically silicon) dripping onto a circular groove 155. The lubricant passes through the channel 190. Silicon drips slowly from the end of the channel 190 onto the circular groove 155. The lubricant reduces friction between the container and the jig 100 during the crimping operation. Because the lubricant is applied via a slow dripping process, no lubricant cloud (as is formed in prior art lubrication systems) forms near the jig 100, and the lubricant concentrates only around the circular groove 155 and not elsewhere. This prevents lubricant waste. The foregoing disclosure of the lubrication arrangement may be the subject of potential future divisional applications. For example, a clamp includes a crimping die and a container holding device. The crimping die includes a circular groove adapted to crimp the free edge of a container placed in the container holding device. The crimping die is arranged below the container holding device. The clamp includes a lubrication arrangement, whereby a lubrication outlet is provided above the circular groove, such that lubricant forced out of the lubrication outlet drips downward into the circular groove.
[0048] To perform the crimping operation, the container is placed in the opening recess 115 such that the free edge of the container faces the crimping die 150. Furthermore, one of the container fixing device 110 and the crimping die 150 is displaced toward the other to establish contact between them. Upon contact, the first set of separated jaws 125 moves along the first sliding mechanism away from the free edge of the container toward the base of the container due to the push from the second set of separated jaws 165. Additionally, the first set of separated jaws 125 begins to move inward due to the angled arrangement of the pins 130. This inward movement of the first set of separated jaws 125 allows them to slide along the tapered outer side of the container, thereby supporting the outer side during the crimping operation.
[0049] When in contact with the free edge of the container, the second set of separated jaws 165 begin to curl the free edge of the container via the circular groove 155.
[0050] Because of the contact surfaces 135 and 170, the inward movement of the first set of separated jaws 125 causes the second set of separated jaws 165 to also move inward. Therefore, a single actuator can be used to control the movement of the clamp 100.
[0051] Furthermore, the container fixing device 110 or the crimping die 150 can be heated via a heating element, causing the clamp 100 to heat up. This helps to prepare the material for the crimping operation.
[0052] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the above description have shown exemplary embodiments in a simple and illustrative manner. Since those skilled in the art should be familiar with these details, and they only unnecessarily complicate the description, many specific mechanical details are not shown. For example, specific materials and manufacturing processes are not described in detail, as it is believed that those skilled in the art will be able to find suitable materials and processes to manufacture the containers and fixtures according to the invention.
[0053] It should also be noted that the current independent claim 1 focuses on a clamp in which a first set of separate jaws is arranged to slide along the outer surface of the container during the crimping operation. In a potential divisional application, independent claim 1 could be expressed as focusing on a second set of separate jaws that contract during the crimping operation to reduce the outer periphery of the circular groove. The independent claim could be expressed as: "A clamp for manufacturing a container having a crimped free edge, the clamp comprising:
[0054] • Container securing device, the container securing device including an opening recess configured to receive a container therein;
[0055] • A crimping die, the crimping die including a circular groove facing the container fixing device, the circular groove being arranged to correspond to the free edge of a container inserted into the container fixing device to crimp the free edge of the container, the crimping die being displaceably arranged relative to the container fixing device;
[0056] The feature is that the crimping die includes a set of separate jaws having the circular groove, the second set of separate jaws being arranged to contract during the crimping operation, such that the outer periphery of the circular groove decreases during the crimping operation.
[0057] List of reference numerals
[0058] 100-clamp
[0059] 110-Container fixing device
[0060] 115-concave
[0061] 120-Fixing device body
[0062] 125 - The first set of separated jaws
[0063] 127 - Inner surface of the first set of separated jaws
[0064] 130-sales
[0065] 135 - Contact surface of container fixing device
[0066] 150-Curling Die
[0067] 155-groove
[0068] 160-Mold Body
[0069] 165 - The second set of separated jaws
[0070] 170 - Contact surface of the curling die
[0071] 190-Channel
[0072] 195-Spring
[0073] 200-Horizontal Pin.
Claims
1. A fixture for manufacturing containers with rolled free edges, the fixture comprising: A container securing device, the container securing device including an opening recess configured to receive a container therein; A crimping die, the crimping die including a circular groove facing the container fixing device, the circular groove being arranged to correspond to the free edge of a container inserted into the container fixing device to crimp the free edge of the container, the crimping die being displaceably arranged relative to the container fixing device; Its features are, The container securing device includes a first set of separate jaws that, when the container is arranged in the container securing device, are adjacent to the operable outer side of the container. The jaws of the first set of separate jaws are arranged to slide along a first sliding mechanism such that the jaws slide along the operable outer side of the container during a crimping operation. The first sliding mechanism is arranged such that the jaws of the first set of separate jaws are displaced along a path at an angle to the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container securing device, the angle corresponding to the angle between the operable outer side of the container and the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container securing device. The crimping die includes a second set of separate jaws having the circular groove, the second set of separate jaws being arranged to contract during the crimping operation, such that the outer periphery of the circular groove decreases during the crimping operation. The crimping die includes a second sliding mechanism configured to horizontally shift / contract the separated jaws of the second group; and The first set of separate jaws and the second set of separate jaws have contact surfaces, such that when either the crimping die or the container fixing device moves toward the other, the first set of separate jaws and the second set of separate jaws come into contact with each other, and the relative movement between the crimping die and the container fixing device causes the first set of separate jaws to shift longitudinally and inward due to the angle of the first sliding mechanism, thereby also causing the second set of separate jaws to shift inward.
2. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sliding mechanism includes a plurality of pins spaced apart from the operable outer side of the container, arranged around the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container fixing device and angled to the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container fixing device.
3. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surfaces of the first set of separate jaws and the second set of separate jaws are tapered surfaces with complementary tapering angles.
4. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first set of separated jaws and the second set of separated jaws includes the same number of jaws arranged circumferentially.
5. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp includes an actuator configured to move either the crimping die or the container fixing device toward the other.
6. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first set of separated jaws has an operable inner tapering surface, the tapering angle of which corresponds to the angle between the operable outer side of the container and the longitudinal central axis of the opening recess of the container fixing device.
7. The clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp is arranged such that the crimping die is positioned below the container fixing device, and the clamp includes a channel configured to facilitate the flow of lubricant dripping onto the circular groove.