US3889630A

US3889630A - High speed can printing machine

Info

Publication number: US3889630A
Application number: US399828A
Authority: US
Inventors: Wesley J Szpitalak
Original assignee: Continental Can Co Inc
Current assignee: Continental Can Co Inc
Priority date: 1972-04-07
Filing date: 1973-09-24
Publication date: 1975-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-17

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an automatic coating and printing machine wherein can bodies and like tubular members are automatically positioned on mandrels and thereafter serially presented to coating and printing blankets wherein the necessary coating and printing is effected thereon with the mandrels being rotated as the can bodies carried thereby contact the blankets of the coating and printing cylinders to transfer coating and printing materials to the can bodies. Thereafter, the appropriately coated and printed can bodies are automatically transferred from the mandrels to another conveyor. The mandrels are so mounted wherein when no can body is on a mandrel, the mandrel does not come into contact with the printing or coating blankets.

Description

United States Patent Szpitalak June 17, 1975 [54] HIGH SPEED CAN PRINTING MACHINE 3.469 70 9 1969 Cartwright 101 40 ux 75 Inventor: Wesley .I. Szpitalak, Palos Park, Ill. @1222??? :jjjj [73] Assignee; Communal can Company Inc. 3,567,043 3/1971 Sirvet 6i al. 101/40 ux New York, NlY. 3,616.778 ll/l97l Strvet et al ICU/40 UX [22] Filed: Sept 1973 Primary Examiner-Ronald Feldbaum [211 App! 399 2 Attorney Agent, or Firm-Diller, Brown, Ramik &

Related U.S. Application Data Wight [62] Division of Ser. No. 242,1l0, A ril 7, 1972, Pat No.

3,786,747, which is a division r Ser. NO. 501,372. {57] ABSTRACT Oct 22, 1965. Pat No, 3.683.799. This disclosure relates to an automatic coating and printing machine wherein can bodies and like tubular 8/239; 118/230; members are automatically positioned on mandrels 118/2 101/40 and thereafter serially presented to coating and print- [5 l] Int. Cl. B05c 11/00 ing blankets wherein the necessary coating and print- [58] Field 0f Search 1 ing is effected thereon with the mandrels being rotated 0l/4

v

38, 36 3 5. 2 98/22, 20; as the can bodies carried thereby contact the blankets 190/131 of the coating and printing cylinders to transfer coating and printing materials to the can bodies. Thereaf- [56l Reference-S Ci e ter, the appropriately coated and printed can bodies UNITED STATES PATENTS are automatically transferred from the mandrels to an- 2.746,421 5 1956 Biddulph 118/46 conveyor- The mandrels are 2,796,164 6/1957 Hakogi ll8/233 ux wherein when no can y is on a mandrelthe 2 950,805 8/[960 Heimlicher et al. H8146 X drel does not come into contact with the printing or 3,166176 1/l965 coating blankets. 3,23L06l l/l966 3279.360 10/1966 Smith 6161 101/40 6 Clam, 25 Drawing Flgures e aoiof PATENTEDJUN 1 7 I975 SHEEY wO N9 OmN SHE?

PATENTEDJUN 17 ms NNN mwm 1 HIGH SPEED CAN PRINTING MACHINE This is a division of Ser. No. 242,1 l0, filed Apr. 7, 1972, US. Pat. No. 3,786,747 which is a division of Ser. No. 501,372, filed Oct. 22, i965, now US. Pat. No. 3,683,799.

This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in printing machines, and more specificially to a novel printing machine which is particularly adapted for the high speed printing of can bodies.

Can bodies are principally formed from a flat blank which is shaped into cylindrical form and then secured together by means of a longitudinal seam. When it is desired to have the decoration directly applied to the exterior surface of such can bodies, the flat blanks can be printed in any conventional manner. However, recently there has been an increase in the demand for can bodies which are not formed from flat blanks and therefore cannot be printed or decorated in advance. There has been developed printing presses for printing on these can bodies after the formation thereof. How ever, these printing presses or machines which have been developed in the past are too slow. A customary type of printing machine is one having a plurality of mandrels carried by a turret with each mandrel being indexed sequentially into position relative to a printing drum and while the mandrel is in its indexed position, the can body carried thereby is presented to the printing drum. The cost of printing can bodies with this type of equipment is prohibitly expensive.

In view of the foregoing, it is the principal object of this invention to provide a novel high speed can printing machine which is capable of continuously printing can bodies and with the capacity of the machine being many times that of prior machines whereby the utiliza tion of the machine is economically feasible.

ln accordance with this invention it is proposed to provide a novel high speed can printing machine which includes an endless conveyor having mandrels projecting laterally therefrom, and there being provided means for automatically positioning can bodies on the mandrels and removing printed can bodies therefrom, the machine further providing novel means for presenting the moving can bodies carried by the mandrels to a printing drum whereby the necessary printing on the can bodies can be accomplished while the movement of the can bodies remains continuous.

An object of this invention is to provide a novel relationship between an endless chain having mandrels projecting therefrom and a printing drum, the chain passing around a sprocket having the same axis of rotation as the printing drum and the mandrels carried by the chain being disposed parallel to that axis and closely adjacent the printing drum whereby as the chain passes around the sprocket, can bodies carried by the mandrels are sequentially presented to the printing drum and the necessary printing is effected.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel printing apparatus which includes a shaft having mounted thereon for rotation therewith a sprocket, there also being mounted on the shaft for rotation a printing drum with the speed of rotation of the printing drum being different from that of the shaft, and there being entrained over a portion of the sprocket an endless chain conveyor having mandrels projecting laterally therefrom for positioning parallel to and closely adjacent to the printing surface of the printing drum, the relative movement of the surface of the printing drum with respect to the mandrels effecting the rotation of the can bodies carried by the mandrel and thus causing printing thereon by the surface of the printing drum.

Another object of this invention is to provide a printing apparatus of the type set forth above wherein each mandrel is automatically tilted with respect to the printing drum so as to be spaced from the printing drum and there is associated with each mandrel a support which will automatically bring the mandrel back to a position parallel to the printing drum when a can body is carried thereby in a manner so as to assure the proper printing of the can body and at the same time assuring the spacing of the mandrel from the surface of the printing drum when no can body is positioned thereon to prevent the accidental coating of the mandrel.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel endless chain and mandrel assembly for use as part of a high speed printing machine for can bodies, the endless chain having special links formed therein at regularly spaced intervals and the mandrels being carried by the special links for rotation, each of the special links having a bearing unit or hub in which the mandrel is ro tatably journalled, and there being carried by each hub a plurality of link elements whcih are mounted for limited pivotal movement whereby flexing of the chain with respect to the axis of the hub may be accom plished in opposite directions,

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel high speed can printing machine which is so constructed to occupy a minimum of space and at the same time provide for the automatic loading and discharge of can bodies and the application thereto first of a printing coating and then an overcoating of varnish.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel inking train for a printing drum which provides for the application of an even coating of ink to the printing drum, the inking train including a drum inking roll which has first applied thereto a relatively heavy coating of ink and then a relatively light coating of ink, the light coating of ink filling in and smoothing out the first applied heavy coating of ink,

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for automatically applying can bodies to a mandrel, the apparatus including a turret having pockets therein for receiving can bodies and there being provided a feed screw for positioning can bodies to be received by the pockets of the turret, and there being associated with each pocket of the turret a pusher which will push from the turret pocket a can body when the mandrel is in alignment with the turret pocket.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

IN THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the can printing machine and shows the relationship of the various components thereof.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the drive mechanism of the can printing machine and is taken from the opposite sides thereof from that of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the function of the pusher for applying a can body to a mandrel.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the apparatus for bringing a can body surface into contact with the printing blanket of the printing drum.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the details of the apparatus for bringing the printed can bodies into contact with the drum blanket of the varnisher.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing a section of the endless conveyor chain and the general details of a mandrel carried thereby.

FIGv 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6 and shows the specific details of the construction of the mandrel and the special link of the chain in which the mandrel is rotatably journalled.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a portion of a sprocket having entrained thereover the chain of FIG. 6 and shows the relationship of the special link of the chain with respect to the sprocket.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the printing machine and shows only that portion thereof appearing at the righthand half of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line I010 of FIG. 9 and shows specifically the details of the upper part of the can printing machine.

FIG. II is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sec tional view taken along the line 1III of FIG. 9 and shows specifically the details of the carrier mounting the pushers for effecting the placing of can bodies on the mandrels.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 9 and shows the specific details of the head of the pusher and the relationship thereof with respect to a can body.

FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the lower portion of the printing machine and shows specifically the details of both the printing apparatus and the varnishing apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 14l4 of FIG. 13 and shows the details of the lower half of the printing ma chine.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal seetional view taken along the line l5l5 of FIG. 13 and shows the specific details of the mounting of the supports which cooperate with the mandrels to present can bodies to the printing drum.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary tranverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 16-16 of FIG. 13 and shows the specific details of the head of the support and the relationship thereof to a can body carried by the mandrel.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 16 and shows the support of FIG. 16 having a modified form of head for engagement with can bodies of the type having integral closed ends.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 14 and shows more specifically the details of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line l9-19 of FIG. 18 and shows the specific details of the sprocket associated with the printing drum and the means carried thereby for automatically urging the mandrels away from the blanket of the printing drum.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 2020 of FIG. 19 and shows further the details of the mechanism for automatically urging the mandrels away from the printing drum.

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary schematic plan view showing the manner in which a mandrel is held away from the printing drum when there is no can body positioned thereon.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary generally elevational view taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. 14 and shows the specific details of a device for initiating the rotation of a mandrel before it presents a can body carried thereby to the blanket of the printing drum.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical view taken along the line 2323 of FIG. 22 and shows the manner in which the device of FIG. 22 may be adjusted.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view taken through the inking train for the printing drum and shows the relationship of the various inking rolls thereof.

FIG. 25 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken through the varnishing apparatus along the line 2525 of FIG. 14 and shows specifically the details thereof.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there are illustrated the details of the can printing machine, which is generally referred to by the numeral 30. The can printing machine 30 includes basically a can feed mechanism, which is generally referred to by the numeral 31, a printing mechanism or apparatus, which is generally referred to by the numeral 32, 2. varnishing apparatus, which is generally referred to by the numeral 33, and a can discharge or transfer apparatus, which is generally referred to by the numeral 34.

All of these mechanism or apparatus are connected together by an endless conveyor chain which is referred to by the numeral 35. In view of the fact that the endless conveyor chain 35 is a special chain and plays an important part in this invention, the details of the conveyor chain 35 will be set forth first.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8 in particular, it will be seen that the conveyor chain 35 is for the most part of the conventional type and is of the double row type. However, at regularly spaced intervals, the conveyor chain 35 is provided with special links which are referred to by the numeral 36. It is the constructional detail of the special links 36 which make the chain 35 a special chain.

Referring now to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be seen that the special link 36 includes a hub or bearing unit which is generally referred to by the numeral 37. The hub 37 includes a sleeve 38 which has secured in the opposite ends thereof bearing sleeves 39 of the flanged type. The sleeve 38 has journalled thereon four

special link elements

40, 41, 42 and 43. The link elements 40 and 43 are identical while the

link elements

41 and 42 are identical. However, it is to be noted that the link elements of each pair are reversely positioned on the sleeve 38. As is clear from FIG. 6, the link element 40 has a single ear 44 projecting to the right. The link element 41 has two

ears

45 and 46 projecting to the left. The link element 42 has two

cars

47 and 48 projecting to the right, and the link element 43 has a single ear 49 projecting to the left. The

ears

44 and 45 are in alignment, the

ears

46 and 47 are in alignment and the

ears

48 and 49 are in alignment and are connected to the remaining links of the chain 35 in a conventional manner.

It will be readily apparent that the link elements 40 and 42 may pivot in unison in one clockwise direction while the

link elements

41 and 43 are free to pivot in the opposite clockwise direction. Thus, the chain may pivot about the axis of the special link 36 in opposite directions in the same manner as it does with respect to any other link thereof.

It is to be noted that the two

link elements

41 and 42 have notches in the opposite faces thereof while the link elements and 43 have notches in only the inner faces thereof. The notches of the link elements are not complementary. but each notch is in excess of 180 so as to allow limited relative pivoting between the link elements to accomplish the necessary flexibility of the conveyor chain 35.

Each of the special links 36 carries a mandrel which is generally referred to by the numeral 51. Each man drel 51 includes a shaft 52 which is hollow for a purpose not part of this invention but which is utilized in the mounting and discharging of a can body from the mandrel 51. The hollow shaft 52 is rotatably journalled in the bearing sleeve 39. A hollow mandrel body 53 is secured to the left end of the shaft 52, as is viewed in FIG. 7, by means of a pin 54. The left end portion of the mandrel body 53 has a resilient cover 55 of a size to snugly fit within a can body. It is to be noted that the left end of the cover 55 is tapered as at 56 to facilitate the positioning of a can body on the mandrel 51. It is also to be noted that the right end of the cover 55 is se cured to the mandrel body 53 by means ofa set screw 57.

Each shaft 52 is provided with

spacers

58 and 59 at the opposite ends of the hub 37. The right end of the shaft 52 carries a conventional cam follower 60 which is secured in place on the shaft 52 by means ofa nut 61.

It is to be noted that the right end portion of the rnan drel body 53 is enlarged and has positioned thereon a ring 62. The ring 62 may be of any suitable wear resistant material through which the mandrel 51 may be retated by frictional engagement therewith. The purpose of the ring 62 will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 8 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a typical sprocket which for identification purposes is referred to by the numeral 63. The sprocket 63 is provided with teeth 64 arranged in two rows for normal engagement with the normal links of the chain 35. The sprocket 63 is recessed at regularly spaced intervals at 65. The recesses 65 correspond in spacing to the special links 36 and are of suffrcient size to receive the hubs 37. It will be noted from FIG. I that although the chain 35 is provided with the enlarged links 36, due to the specific construction of the links 36, the chain 35 will flex in the opposite direction in the same manner as any other conventional type of chain.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 10 in particular, it will be seen that the main portion of the can printing machine 30 is supported by a frame which is generally referred to by the numeral 66. The specific details of the frame, for the most part, form no part of this invention. However, it is to be understood that the frame 66 does include a pair of

side plates

67 and 68. The can feed mechanism 31 is mounted in the upper portion of the frame 66. The can feed mechanism 31 includes a shaft 69 which extends transversely of the frame 66 and which is rotatably journalled in suitable bearings 70 and 71 carried by the

side plates

67 and 68, respectively. The shaft 69 carries a sprocket 72 over which the chain 35 is entrained. The shaft 69 is thus driven by means of the chain 35.

The can feed mechanism 31 includes a stub shaft 73 which is carried by a housing 74 extending from the side plate 67, as is best shown in FIG. 9. The stub shaft 73 carries a sprocket 75 under which the chain 35 passes before it passes upwardly and around the sprocket 72. The sprocket 75 and the shaft 73 are driven by the chain 35.

A shaft 76 extends across the frame 66 to the left of the shaft 69. The shaft 76 has the opposite ends thereof rotatably journalled in

bearings

77 and 78 carried by the

side plates

67 and 68, respectively. The shaft 76 is driven from the stub shaft 73 by means of a drive chain 80. The drive chain 80 is entrained over a drive sprocket 81 carried by the stub shaft 73 and a driven sprocket 82 carried by the shaft 76.

The

side plates

67 and 68 are connected together at their upper left-hand corners by means of a transverse rod 83. The rod 83 supports a bracket 84 which is positioned centrally of the frame 66, as is generally shown in FIG. 9. The bracket 84, in turn, supports a vertical guide 85 for can bodies which are horizontally disposed. The vertical guide 85 is aligned with the lower end of a chute 86 through which can bodies are delivered to the guide 85. A spiral feed screw 87 is positioned adjacent the guide 85 for effecting the movement of the can bodies through the guide 85 in a predetermined spaced relation. The feed screw 87 is carried by a shaft 88 which has its upper end suitably journalled in a bearing carried by a plate 89 and its lower end suitably journalled in a bearing carried by a plate 90. The

plates

89 and 90 are carried by the bracket 84.

The bracket 84 supports a horizontal shaft 91 which is provided with a bevel gear 92 on one end thereof. The bevel gear 92, in turn, engages a bevel gear 93 secured to the lower end of the shaft 88 for effecting the rotation of the shaft 88. The opposite end of the shaft 91 is provided with a sprocket 94 which is aligned with a sprocket 95 carried by the shaft 76. A drive chain 96 is entrained over the

sprockets

94 and 95 and drivingly connects the two together so that the shaft 76 is utilized in the driving of the shaft 88. If desired. an idler sprocket 97 may be provided for the purpose of adjusting the tension of the chain 96, the idler sprocket 97 being shown in FIG. 9.

.The shaft 76 carries a turret which is generally referred to by the numeral 98. The turret 98 is formed of a pair of spaced plates 100 which are mounted on the shaft 76 for rotation therewith. The plates 100 have seats 101 formed therein for the reception of can bodies from the lower end of the guide 85. Inasmuch as the plates 100 are rotated in timed relation to the movement of the can bodies along the guide 85 by the feed screw 87, it will be seen that each can body has available a seat 101 therefor when it reaches the lower end of the guide 85.

The frame 66 also includes a transverse rod 102 which extends between the

side plates

67 and 68 and ties together the same. There is mounted on the central portion of the rod 102 a suitable bracket structure 103 which, in turn, supports a suitable guide 104. The guide 104 is of a suitable construction for retaining the can bodies within the turret 98 as they pass about the lower portion of the travel of the turret 98.

The shaft 69 carries a turret which is generally referred to by the numeral 105. The turret 105 includes a large center hub member 106 which is polygonal in outline and which carries a plurality of can body sup port shoes 107 disposed in circumferentially spaced relation. It is to be noted that the support shoes [07 are spaced both circumferentially and radially in accordance with the path of movement of mandrels 51 about the axis of the shaft 69. It is also to be noted that the spacing of the supporting shoes 107 corresponds to the spacing of the pockets 101 in the turret 98. Furthermore, it is to be noted that the timing of the rotation of the

turrets

105 and 98 is such that the pockets 101 are aligned with the support shoes 107 at the point of transfer between the two turrets whereby a can body may be readily transferred from the turret 98 to the turret 105.

It is to be understood that when a can body is transferred to the turret 105 from the turret 98, the can body is loosely seated in a support shoe 107 thereof. In order to prevent the accidental displacement of a can body radially outwardly of its associated support shoe 107, there is carried by the bracket 103 a further guide structure, which is referred to by the numeral 108. The guide structure 108 is suitably constructed to retain the can bodies in the support shoes 107 as they move upwardly and about the top of the turret 105, as viewed in FIG. 10.

As is clearly shown in FIGSv 2 and 9, the shaft 69 also carries for rotation therewith a pusher unit. which is generally referred to by the numeral 110. The pusher unit 110, as is best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, includes a hub 111 which is keyed onto the shaft 69. The hub 111 carries a pair of support wheels 112 which are spaced axially of the shaft 69. The support wheels 112, in turn. support sleeves 113 which extend parallel to the shaft 69 and which are aligned with the support shoes 107 of the turret 105. The sleeves 113 have positioned therein shafts 114 which are mounted for reciprocatory movement parallel to the shaft 69. The shafts 114 are keyed by means of keys 115 to their respective sleeves 113 so as to fix the shafts 114 against rotation.

The pusher unit 110 also includes a cam track 116 which is fixedly mounted on the side frame plate 68. The cam 116 is cylindrical in outline and is concentric about the axis of the shaft 69. The stroke of the cam 116 is longitudinally of the shaft 69.

It is to be noted that each of the shafts 114 is pro vided at the end thereof remote from the turret 105 with a cam follower 117. Each cam follower 117 has a monting fastener 118 which extends generally normal to the axis of its associated shaft 114. The cam follower of each shaft 114 rides in the cam 116 and effects the reciprocation of the respective shaft 114 in timed relation to the rotation of the pusher unit 110.

Referring now to FIG. 12 in particular, it will be seen that each of the shafts 114 is provided at the end thereof remote from the cam follower 117 thereof with a reduced end portion 119. The reduced end portion 119 has suitably secured thereon, such as by means of a threaded connection 120, a head 121. The head 121 may be locked in place by means of a set screw 122. The head 121 has a resilient cushion 123 suitably secured on the free end thereof with the cushion 123 being particularly shaped for engaging an end of a can body and exerting an axial force thereon in a manner so as to not to damage the can body in any manner whatsoever.

It will be apparent from FIG. 9 that as a can body moves about the axis of the shaft 69 in supporting relation by means of the turret 105, it is aligned with both a mandrel 51 and one of the shafts 114. This relationship is maintained through at least 360 of the rotation of a can body about the shaft 69. As the can body rotates about shaft 69, the shaft 114 associated therewith is advanced towards the aligned mandrel 51 and first comes into engagement with the adjacent end of a can body. After the head 121 of the particular shaft 114 engages the associated end of the can body, it begins to move the can body axially cut of its associated support shoe 107. The movement of the can body axially of the shaft 69 results in the can body open end freely passing over the mandrel 51 in the manner generally shown schematically in FIG. 3 and specifically in FIG. 9. The stroke of the cam 116 is such so as to effect the full seating of a can body on an associated mandrel 51. As is clearly shown in FIG. 3 diagrammatically, the shape of the cam 116 is such to provide for the automatic projection and retraction of the shafts 114 sufficient to effect the necessary transfer of can bodies from the turret to the mandrels 51 in timed relation to the rotation of the shaft 69.

After a can body has been properly positioned on a mandrel 51, it is moved towards the printing apparatus 32. As is best shown in FIG. 18, the printing apparatus 32 includes a shaft 125 which extends transversely of the frame 66 and is suitably rotatably journalled in

bearings

126 and 127 carried by the side plates 67 and 68', respectively. The shaft 125 has mounted thereon for rotation therewith a sprocket 128. The sprocket 128 is disposed adjacent the side plate 67 and has entrained thereover the chain 35 with the chain passing around the sprocket in the direction best shown in FIG. 14.

A printing drum, which is generally referred to by the numeral 130 is rotatably journalled on the central portion of the shaft 125 adjacent the sprocket 128. The printing drum 130 includes a hub 131 which is supported on the shaft for rotation by means of bearings 132. A suitable support structure 133 extends outwardly from the hub 131. Inasmuch as the support structure 133 in itself plays no part in this invention, it will not be described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the support structure 133 may be of any conventional type and is particularly adapted to support a plurality of blankets 134 which are also ofa conventional construction. The blankets 134 are separately removable and the preferred embodiment of the invention has four blankets 134 which are of like construction and which are equally spaced about the periphery of the printing drum 130.

Referring once again to FIG. 18, it will be seen that the hub 131 is provided at the end thereof adjacent the sprocket 128 wigh a drive gear 135 which is in the form of a sun gear of a planetary gear unit. It will also be seen that the sprocket 128 functions as a carrier and supports a plurality of bearing sleeves 136 in which there are rotatably journalled planetary shafts. At the inner end of each planetary shaft there is positioned a planetary gear 137 which is meshed with the sun gear 135. The outer end of each planetary shaft is provided with a planetary gear 138 which is in meshing engagement with an internal ring gear 139. The internal ring gear 139 is fixedly secured to a support plate 144 which is part of the frame 66 and is disposed adjacent to and generally parallel to the side plate 67.

It will he readily apparent that as the sprocket I28 rotates with the shaft I25. the planetary shafts carried by the hearing sleeves I36 will rotate ahout the axis of the shaft I25. As a result. the planetary gears I38 will reduce the fixed internal ring gear I3) and effect the rotation of the planetary gears I37 which, in turn. will effect the rotation ofthe printing drum I30 through the driving of the sun gear I35. It is to he understood that the printing drum I30 will rotate in the same direction and at a greater rate than the shaft I25.

It is preferred that the printing apparatus he of the multiple color type. Accordingly. there is associated with the printing drum I30 a plurality of inking trains I40. 'lhc inking traitis I40 are descrihed in tnore detail hereinafter However. it is to he noted that the printing drum I30 carries a large drive gear I4I which is engaged with a driven gear I42 carried by a main shaft I43 ofeach of the inking trains I40. The shaft I43, hy means of suitahle gearing (not shownl drives the remainder of the inking train It will he readily apparent from ll(i. I8 that the axial relationship ofthe mandrels SI and the hlankets I34 of the printing drum I30 is such that can hodies carried by the mandrels I are axially aligned with the hlankets I34 so that printing may he effected on the exterior surfaces of the can hodies hy the hlankets I34.

It will he seen from llti. I8 that the outer end ofeach mandrel 5| is supported at the time a can hody carried therehy is presented to the hlankets I34 by means of a cam track I45. 'l'he catn track I45 has received therein the cam follower 60 of each mandrel. The relationship of the cam followers 60 and the cam track I45 aids in radially positioning the mandrels 5|. However, due to the rounded configuration of the outer surface of each cam follower 60, pivoting of the mandrels 51 away from and towards the printing drum I may he accomplished.

Referring now to I"l( i8. I), 20 and 2I, it will he seen there is illustrated the details of the sprocket I28. 'lhe sprocket I28 includes a rim I46 which is supported by a plurality of spokes I47. 'lhe spokes I47 are aligned with pockets or seats I48 for the special links 36 ofthc chain 35. 'l'he rim I46 is provided with conventional teeth I50 adjacent the seat I48.

Iiaeh of the spokes I47 carries a camming memher I5l on the inner surface thereof in alignment with the associated scat I48. lhe catnming memher I5I is carried hy a rod I52 which is slidahly mounted in a guide hlock I53 for radial movement. The camming metnher I5I is spring loaded radially outwardly hy means of a spring I54. ()utward movement of the camming mem her I5I is limited hy a collar I55 carried hy the rod I52. As is clear from ll( L 2|. when one of the special liitks 36 is seated in an associated seat I48 of the sprocket I28. the special link 36 is engaged hy the asst ciated camniing memher ISI and is urged outwardly with the result that the special link 36 and the associated mandrel 5| is cocked in the direction clearly shown in I'lti. 2|. As a result. the mandrel 5I is moved away from the path of the associated hlankets I34 of the printing drum I30. This particular relationship prevents the accidental contact of the mandrel 5I With the printing hlankets in the event no can hody is disposed thereon. therehy preventing the undesired coating of the covering 55 with ink.

In order to facilitate the movement of the can hodics so that they will he engaged hy the hlankets I34. there is associated with the printing drum I30 a support as semhly which is generally referred to by the numeral I57. The support assembly I57 includes a turret struc ture I58 which is carried hy the shaft I25 for rotation therewith. The turret structure I58 includes a snitahlc huh I59 which is lixcdly secured to the shaft I25. Ilie turret structure I58 has supported in the outer portion thereof axially extending hearing sleeves I60. the hearing sleeves I60 have the same spacing as the pockets I48 of the sprocket I28 and are aligned therewith. In each hearing sleeve I60 there is positioned an inter mediate portion of a shaft I6I which is keyed relative to the hearing sleeve I60 to prevent the rotation thereof. The outer end of each of the shafts I6I is provided with a cam follower I62 which is seated in a cam track I63. 'l'he cam track I63 is fixedly: secured to the side plate 66'.

Reference is now made to FIG. I6 wherein there is illustrated the inner end of one of the shafts I6I. The inner end ofeach shaft I6I is of a tuhular construction and a snitahle hearing assembly I64 is positioned therein In the hearing assetnhly there is rotatahly iour nallcd a shaft I65 which is provided at the projecting end thereof with a head I66 particularly adapted t'oi engagement with the associated end of a can hody car ried hy one ofthe tnandrcls 5]. It is to he noted that the head I66 has a tapered surface I67 so as to permit the automatic alignment of the mandrel 5| with the shaft I6I as the head I66 enters into the end of the en hody. A suitahle thrust hearing I68 is provided at til opposite end of the shaft I65 to carry the thrust im posed upon the shaft I65 as the head I66 enters into a can hody. It is to he noted that the head I66 and the associated shaft I65 is free to rotate while the shaft I6l is fixed against rotation,

It is also to he noted that the head I66 is interchange ahly mounted on the shaft I65 and is held in place hy means of a set screw I69. In FIG. I7 there is illustrated a modified form of head which is referred to hy the nu meral I70. The head I70 has a socket type seat I7l which includes a tapered surface I72 for engaging a closed end can hody on the external surface thereof. It is to he understood that the head I70 will also function to effect the alignment ofa mandrel with the associated shaft I6I.

Reference is now made to the schematic shown llt l-'I(i. 4. It will he seen that when a can hody and than drel 5I first start movement ahout the printing drum I30. the camming memher I5I will retain the can hody in radially spaced relation with respect to the hlankets I34 ofthc printing drum. At the proper time. when the can hody is disposed hctween adjacent hlankets. the associated shaft 16] will move axially of the shaft of the printing drum and will come into engagement with the can hody carried hy the mandrel. 'lhe eo-aetion of the head I66 of the shaft I6I and the can hody will result in the radial movement of the can hody and mandrel towards the center of the printing drum I30 with the result that the can hody will come into position lot contact with the overtaking hlanket I34. Inasmuch tls the printing drum I30 is turning faster than the can hody is heing conveyed. although the can hody and the printing drum are hoth moving about the axis of the printing drum in a counterclockwise direction. the can hody will he rotated ahout its axis hy its engagement with the printing drum hlanket I34. It is to he tlndct stood that the relative movement of the hlanket I34 with respect to the can body will be such that a complete rotation of the can body will be effected while it is in contact with the printing drum. After the complete revoiution of the can body has been effected and the can body has passed off of the blanket, the shaft 161 will be withdrawn to permit the can body to pass on to the next station.

It will be readily apparent that it is preferred that the mandrels 51 be rotating as the can bodies carried thereby come into engagement with the blankets of the printing drum. As a result, there is positioned adjacent the path of the mandrels 51 as they approach the print ing drum 130 an accelerator ramp structure which is generally referred to by the numeral 175. The accelerator ramp structure 175 is carried by a support rod 176 which extends inwardly from the side plate 67, as is shown in FIG. 22. A collar 177 is mounted on the rod 176 and carries a support arm 178. The support arm 178 is adjustable about the rod 176 by means ofa shaft 179 which has one end thereof rotatably journalled in the plate 67 as at 180. The opposite end of the shaft 179 is in the form of an eccentric 181 which is journalled within the arm 178. The shaft 179 is provided with an enlarged head 182 to facilitate the rotation thereof to adjust the arm 178.

The arm 178 carries an accelerator ramp 183 which has one end thereof pivotally connected to the arm 178 by means of a pivot shaft 184. The opposite end of the accelerator ramp 183 is adjustably mounted and is carried by a rod 184 having a head 185 which is secured to the accelerator ramp 183. The rod 184 passes through a block 186 carried by the arm 178 and is retained in an adjusted position by means of lock nuts 187. It is to be understood that the accelerator ramp 183 is positioned for contact by ring members 62 of mandrels 51 to automatically effect the rotation of the mandrels as they pass along the accelerator ramp 183.

After the chain 35 passes around the sprocket 128 of the printing apparatus 32, it passes in a clockwise direction around and below a sprocket 190 which is carried by a stub shaft 191. The mounting of the stub shaft 191 and the details of the sprocket 190 play no part in this invention, and therefore, will not be more specifically described hereinafter.

The chain 35 next passes around a sprocket 192 of the varnishing apparatus 33 to effect the application of a varnish overcoat to the previously printed can bodies.

Referring now to FIG. 25 in particular, it will be seen that the varnishing apparatus 33 includes a shaft 193 which extends between the side plates 67 and 68' and is rotatably journalled in

bearings

194 and 195 carried by the side plates 67 and 68', respectively. The sprocket 192 is fixedly secured to the shaft 193 and is utilized for the purpose of driving the shaft 193 in addition to the presentation of can bodies to the varnishing apparatus 33 in timed sequence. The varnishing apparatus 33 includes a varnishing drum, gene ally referred to by the numeral 196. The varnishing drum 196 is of the same general construction as the printing drum 130 and will not be described in more detail here except to state that it does include a hub 197 which is rotatably journalled on the shaft 193 and has replaceable blankets 198 which correspond to the blankets 134.

The varnishing drum 196 is driven by a planetary gear unit from the sprocket 192 in the same manner as is the printing drum 130.

It will be seen that the varnishing drum 196 has attached thereto a sun gear 200 which is driven by planetary gears 20] which are carried by planetary shafts rotatably journalled in bearing sleeves 202 fixedly secured to the sprocket 192 functioning as a carrier. The planetary shafts have planetary gears 204 on the opposite ends thereof which are meshed with an internal ring gear 205 carried by the plate 144 of the frame 66. Further description of the manner in which the varnishing drum 196 is driven at a speed greater than the shaft 198 is believed to be unnecessary.

It is to be understood that the sprocket 192 is of the same construction as the sprocket 128 so that the mandrels 51 are normally urged away from the blankets 198 of the varnishing drum 196. Furthermore, the mandrels are positioned radially by means of a cam track 206 which has engaged therein the cam follower 60. In addition, there is associated with the varnishing drum a support unit which is generally referred to by the numeral 207 and which corresponds to the support unit 157 associated with the printing drum 130. Like the support unit 157, the support unit 207 has a cam track 208 for effecting the timed reciprocation of pusher shafts 161 carried thereby. Inasmuch as the structural details of the support unit at 207 and the function thereof is substantially the same as that of the support unit 157. the structural details thereof will be identified by the same reference numerals and further description will not be made.

Referring now to FIG. 5 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated diagrammatically the outline of the cam track 208. It will be seen that the cam track 208 is so shaped so as to effect the engagement of can bodies when the can bodies are between the blankets 198 of the varnishing drum 196 and holds them in the proper relative position with respect to the blankets 198 to effect a complete varnishing overcoat.

It is to be understood that the can bodies are rotated by the blankets 198 of the varnishing drum 196. It is however, desired that the can bodies be rotated prior to the time they are presented to the blankets 198. Accordingly, an accelerator ramp structure 210 is posi tioned adjacent the path of the can bodies as they pass from the sprocket to the varnishing drum 196. The accelerator ramp structure 210 is carried by a support rod 211 and is otherwise identical with the accelerator ramp structure 175. Accordingly, no further description of the details thereof will be made here, and like parts will be referred to by like reference numerals.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 25, it will be seen that there will be illustrated the details of a varnish supply train which is generally referred to by the numeral 212. The varnish supply train 212 includes a suitable supply pan 213 which is adjustably mounted by means of adjustable supports 214 which will not be described in de tail. A pickup roll 215 rotates within the pan 213 and transfers varnish to a roll 216 which, in turn, transfers varnish to the blankets 198 ofthe varnishing drum 196. It is to be understood that the

rolls

215 and 216 are supported by a suitable support structure 217 which also supports the pan 213.

The drive for the

rolls

215 and 216 is accomplished by means of a drive chain 218 which is entrained about a sprocket 220 carried by the shaft 193 adjacent the plate 144. The drive chain 218 passes around a driven sprocket 221 which is carried by a stub shaft 222 which is suitably supported by a bearing assembly 223 which,

Claims

1. A can body printing machine comprising an endless continuously moving conveyor chain having separately rotatable evenly spaced can body receiving mandrels projecting from one side thereof, a plurality of sprockets supporting said chain for movement about a twisting endless path, means for automatically placing can bodies on said mandrels, a printing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels for printing on the exteriors of can bodies while carried by said mandrels as the can bodies pass said printing apparatus in a first rotational direction, a varnishing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels for applying a coating of varnish over printing on can bodies as the printed can bodies pass said varnishing apparatus in a second rotational direction, and means for automatically removing printed and varnished can bodies from said mandrels.

2. The printing machine of claim 1 wherein each of said printing apparatus and said varnishing apparatus includes a shaft, means mounting said shaft for rotation, a sprocket secured to one end portion of said shaft for rotation therewith, a coating drum rotatably journalled on said shaft, a gear train coupling said shaft and sprocket to said drum for rotating said drum relative to said shaft, said chain being entrained over said sprocket for moving said mandrels around said shaft generally parallel to said shaft and adjacent said drum.

3. The printing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for placing can bodies on said mandrels includes a turret having pockets for receiving and supporting can bodies, said pockets moving in alignment with said mandrels for a portion of the mandrel travel, and pushers for pushing can bodies from said turret pockets onto said mandrels, and a feed screw for positioning can bodies in spaced relation for reception in said turret.

4. The printing apparatus of claim 1 together with chain reversing means intermediate said printing apparatus and said varnishing apparatus.

5. A can body printing machine comprising an endless continuously moving conveyor chain having evenly spaced can body receiving mandrels projecting from one side thereof, a plurality of sprockets supporting said chain for movement about a twisting endless path, means for automatically placing can bodies on said mandrels, a printing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels for printing on the exteriors of can bodies carried by said mandrels as the can bodies pass said printing apparatus, a varnishing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels for applying a coating of varnish over printing on can bodies as the printed can bodies pass said varnishing apparatus, and means for automatically removing printed and varnished can bodies from said mandrels, each of said printing apparatus and said varnishing apparatus including a shaft, means mounting said shaft for rotation, a spRocket secured to one end portion of said shaft for rotation therewith, a coating drum rotatably journalled on said shaft, a gear train coupling said shaft and sprocket to said drum for rotating said drum relative to said shaft, said chain being entrained over said sprocket for moving said mandrels around said shaft generally parallel to said shaft and adjacent said drum.

6. A can body printing machine comprising an endless continuously moving conveyor chain having evenly spaced can body receiving mandrels projecting from one side thereof, a plurality of sprockets supporting said chain for movement about a twisting endless path, means for automatically placing can bodies on said mandrels, a printing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels for printing on the exteriors of can bodies carried by said mandrels as the can bodies pass said printing apparatus, a varnishing apparatus positioned adjacent the path of said mandrels for applying a coating of varnish over printing on can bodies as the printed can bodies pass said varnishing apparatus, and means for automatically removing printed and varnished can bodies from said mandrels, said means for placing can bodies on said mandrels including a turret having pockets for receiving and supporting can bodies, said pockets moving in alignment with said mandrels for a portion of the mandrel travel, and pushers for pushing can bodies from said turret pockets onto said mandrels, and a feed screw for positioning can bodies in spaced relation for reception in said turret.