초록 ▼

An apparatus is disclosed for providing a circumferential groove in a thin-walled cylindrical metal object such as the can or container (A) for a battery cell. As each object moves along a path (51, 90) defined between guide rails (42, 44, 46, 48, 88) and star wheels (56, 58, 78), it is supported on

An apparatus is disclosed for providing a circumferential groove in a thin-walled cylindrical metal object such as the can or container (A) for a battery cell. As each object moves along a path (51, 90) defined between guide rails (42, 44, 46, 48, 88) and star wheels (56, 58, 78), it is supported on a spring-biased plunger (102-112) positioned in a rotatable support table (96-100). In the preferred embodiment, a groove-forming mandrel (132-138) is gradually inserted into the object as it moves along the path so that a radially extending shoulder (134) of the mandrel engages the lip of the open end of the object before the object is contacted by a groove-forming wheel (158, 160) which is rotated adjacent the path. A tapered surface (138) on the grooving mandrel and a radially extending flange (160) on the grooving wheel cooperate to form a circumferentially extending groove in the wall of the object while the object rotates. Following formation of the groove, the mandrel is withdrawn from the object. A corresponding method of forming such a circumferential groove also is disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved apparatus for progressively circumferentially grooving a thin-walled cylindrical object having a first axis and an open end, said apparatus comprising: a source of said objects; means for removing said objects from said source and delivering them along a circular path about a fixed secon

An improved apparatus for progressively circumferentially grooving a thin-walled cylindrical object having a first axis and an open end, said apparatus comprising: a source of said objects; means for removing said objects from said source and delivering them along a circular path about a fixed second axis in spaced relation to each other, the rate of movement of said objects along said path being essentially constant; means for supporting and for permitting rotation of each object about said first axis, as the object moves along said path; rotating means rotating about a fixed third axis for engaging each object to progressively form a radially inwardly extending, circumferential groove in the wall thereof as the object rotates while moving along said path, said second fixed axis spaced apart from said third fixed axis, said object rotating about its first axis more than one revolution while in engagement with said rotating means thereby permitting said progressive forming; and means for removing each object from said path following formation of said circumferential groove.