DE102017105509A1 - sealing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a capping machine of rotating design for closing containers with crown caps. This has a stationary central column extending along a vertical center axis of the closing machine, on which at least one motor-driven driveable gyro with several punch devices and below the gyroscope a motor circumferentially drivable carrier ring are arranged with a plurality of container carriers, wherein the relative distance between the gyro and the Support ring along the vertical center axis of the capping machine by moving the gyroscope and / or the carrier ring along the central column is adjustable. Here, the stationary central column is provided for receiving a closing force against directed compensating force, and between the gyro and the central column and / or the carrier ring and the central column at least one controlled clamping device is provided by means of the gyro and / or the carrier ring in the at least two controlled at different distances on the central column can be fixed.

Description

The present invention relates to a circumferential type capping machine for capping containers such as bottles or the like with bottle caps.

Treatment machines for containers typically serve for example to equip the container in question with a label (labeling machine), to clean the container (cleaning machine), to fill it (filling machine) or to provide it with a closure, for example a screw cap or crown cap (sealing machine) are also other types of treatment machines possible and conceivable. For example, in the prior art according to the DE 297 24 886 U1 a treatment machine for containers described, in which both a transporter and vessel transport elements are driven by their own engines. These motors are synchronous motors with a rotor excited by a permanent magnet. In this way, high manufacturing and assembly costs are to be avoided and experience associated with a previously realized power transmission noise minimization.

From the publication EP 1 647 518 B1 is a sealing machine of rotating design, in which, inter alia, the stationary central column is formed free of elements for mechanical power transmission. In this way, the central column can receive lines for kinetic energy and / or for present in electrical or optical form control information and / or fluids. As a result, a simple and inexpensive construction is realized.

In fact, such capping machines are typically placed in close proximity to previous filling machines. For this purpose, the sealing machine in question undergoes, for example, an arrangement on a pre-table of the relevant filling machine. An independent design of the closing machine is conceivable. In this case, the capping machine must be connected with, for example, conveyor belts to the preceding filling machine or subsequent plant components.

With the help of the capping machine to be closed containers are typically equipped with a screw cap or a bottle cap and then transported off the container. The supply and removal of the containers or bottles is usually carried out with the help of two transfer elements, on the one hand for the supply and on the other hand, the removal of the respective container. The transfer element in question may be a conveyor belt or a transport star or transfer star.

Also known are closing machines which close the container to be closed with crown corks. In a simplified view, crown corkers and screw cappers essentially differ in that the screw units are replaced by deformation units which deform the crown corks during the closing operation in such a way that they seal the containers airtight. In addition, crown corkers in most cases have a central height adjustment, which allows the capping machine to be delivered to different container heights, i. H. Container formats, adapt. This is necessary in order to be able to transport the containers always at a height through the entire filling plant, regardless of their respective container format. In the prior art, the height adjustment of the capping machine takes place manually during a format change of the container, ie manually by opening a clamp fastened with screws to an outer support column and closing it again after the height adjustment of the capping machine to the new container format. The outer support column is necessary in order to intercept, that is to absorb, the closing forces that arise during the closing operation.

The object of the invention is to provide a capping machine revolving design for closing containers such as bottles or the like with crown corks, which allows a comparison with the prior art structurally simplified height adjustment with a simultaneous waiver of the outer support column. To solve this problem, a capping machine according to the features of claim 1 is formed. The subclaims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The essential aspect of the invention is to provide a sealing machine of circumferential design for closing containers such as bottles or the like with crown cork, with a along a vertical center axis of the closing machine extending stationary central column, on the at least one motor circumferentially driven gyro with a plurality of lowerable and liftable punch devices and below the gyroscope a motor circumferentially drivable carrier ring are arranged with a plurality of container carriers, the relative distance between the gyroscope and the carrier ring along the vertical center axis of the capping machine by moving the gyro and / or the carrier ring along the central column adjustable is at the between the gyro and the Supporting a plurality of container closure positions are each formed with at least one closing device, wherein a closing device in their respective Verschließposition each having at least one arranged on the gyro punch device for applying a corresponding crown cork of standing on the associated container carrier container with a Verschließkraft, wherein the stationary central column for receiving one of the Verschließkraft against directed compensating force is provided, and at least one controlled clamping device is provided between the centrifugal and the central column and / or the carrier ring and the central column, controlled by means of the gyroscope and / or the carrier ring in the at least two different distances the central column can be fixed.

Thus, a central idea of the invention consists in the fact that in the case of the circulating sealing machine, apart from the central column and the elements supported by it, no further supporting column or supporting structure is provided. In particular, no support column or supporting structure on which the control cam is arranged directly or indirectly and / or to which the forces acting on the control cam forces, in particular the tilting or torque and the vertical closure forces, are forwarded during normal operation.

This advantageously provides a closing machine in which the format is adapted to different containers without having to manually tighten the clamping, since the fixing of the gyroscope relative to the carrier ring can be controlled by means of the clamping device provided according to the invention. Also, contrary to the previously known state of the art for the clamping no separate, outer support column more technically necessary, since the Verschließkraft against directed compensating force is derived in the central column. Consequently, both functionalities, ie both the clamping and the power dissipation, can thus be realized via the central column provided according to the invention in cooperation with the clamping device, which leads to an enormous constructive simplification of the closing machine.

This is to be understood by a carrier ring generally a support element for the circulating and upright transport of containers, including a plate, wheel or star shape or the like. Particularly advantageously, the at least one controlled clamping device may have a clamping position and / or a release position.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one clamping device may have at least one annular clamping section which forms at least one elastically deformable system section with which the clamping device clamps in its clamping position on the outer lateral surface of the central column.

Furthermore preferably, it can be provided that the at least one clamping device has at least one first and one second clamping section with a corresponding first and second system section. Further advantageously, the first and second clamping portion may be provided spaced from each other along the central axis.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second clamping portion may each have an annular circumferential fluid channel, which opens fluid-tightly into a common supply channel, wherein the common supply channel in turn may be associated with a valve device.

Again preferably, it can be provided that the at least one clamping device is formed hydraulically or mechanically. In an advantageous embodiment, this can be controlled and / or regulated. The clamping device ideally has a metallic abutment surface, which forms at least a portion of a wall of the hydraulic line and can be elastically deformed by the selected inner / fluid pressure, so as to realize the clamping on the central column. The pressures to be provided are in the range of 60 to 100 bar. Of course, it is also conceivable that a clamping device is operated with a pneumatic system, which is due to the high pressures required usually but for security reasons will not provide.

The permanent sliding property can be improved in all system, if at least in the plant section to the central column a piston guide belt is arranged, for example, as a Teflon sliding band, made of the compound PTFE carbon or PTFE bronze, with other materials are possible.

Also, the at least one clamping device may preferably be fixedly arranged on an underside of a top plate.

In this case, in an advantageous embodiment, the sealing machine will have at least one clamping device which has at least one annular clamping section or a clamping section with a positive locking contour. The form-fitting contour can be, for example, a polygon, with, for example, a hexagonal or hexagonal cross-sectional area or contour. In this case, the clamping portion has at least one elastically deformable plant section, with which the Clamping device can be clamped in its clamping position on the outer circumferential surface of the central column.

According to yet another embodiment variant, the closing machine has at least lifting and lowering means, by means of which the distance of the gyro relative to the carrier ring along the central column is adjustable. Preferably, the lifting and lowering device can be fixedly arranged on an upper side of the top plate. But this fixed arrangement can also be done in a pure positive connection via suitable centering and centering feet. In this case, the lifting and lowering device may preferably be designed as a spindle drive device.

Alternatively, however, a hydraulic device can be provided with a suitable position control.

The term "essentially" in the context of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5%, and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

• 1 eine beispielhafte Ausführungsvariante einer erfindungsgemäßen Verschließmaschine in einer schematischen seitlichen Schnittansicht,
• 2 eine beispielhafte seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten Klemmvorrichtung an einer nur abschnittsweise dargestellten Zentralsäule in einer Klemmposition;
• 3 eine weitere beispielhafte seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten Klemmvorrichtung an einer nur abschnittsweise dargestellten Zentralsäule in einer Freigabeposition.
• 4 die seitliche Schnittdarstellung gemäß 2 oder 3 zur Darstellung der Bemaßung.
• 5 eine weitere beispielhafte vertikale Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten mechanischen Kegelklemmvorrichtung.
• 6 eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten mechanischen Klemmvorrichtung in Form einer Spannring.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of an embodiment. Show it:

• 1 an exemplary embodiment of a closing machine according to the invention in a schematic side sectional view,
• 2 an exemplary side sectional view of an exempt clamping device on a central column shown only in sections in a clamping position;
• 3 a further exemplary side sectional view of an exempt clamping device on a central column only partially shown in a release position.
• 4 the lateral sectional view according to 2 or 3 to display the dimension.
• 5 a further exemplary vertical sectional view of an exempt mechanical cone clamping device.
• 6 a horizontal sectional view of an exempt mechanical clamping device in the form of a clamping ring.

The capping machine generally designated 1 in the figures is such a circumferential design for closing containers 2 such as bottles or the like with a bottle cap 3 which is also referred to as crown crown.

Usually, in such a closing machine 1 in the transport direction TR upstream of a not shown in detail in the figures filling machine for filling the container 2 provided with a liquid product in close proximity. The then filled by the filling machine container 2 are conveyed via transport devices, such as conveyor belts, to the capping machine 1 and here on the input side of transfer elements also not shown in detail, for example, an infeed star, to the actual capping machine 1 to hand over. After passing through the closing machine 1 in the manner explained in more detail below, ie the closing of the individual containers 2 each with a crown cap 3, the then then sealed container 2 on the output side of the capping machine 1 from another not shown and in the transport direction on the capping machine 1 hereinafter provided transfer element, such as an outlet star, taken over and transported away in a manner known to those skilled in the art. For clarity, the supply and provision of the individual bottle caps is 3 to the sealing machine according to the invention 1 not shown in the figures, since these can also be done in a known per se manner.

The sealing machine 1 has one along a vertical central axis MA extending stationary central column 4 on, on the at least one motor-driven rotary top 5 with several stamping devices 6 as well as below the roundabout 5 a motor-driven rotatable carrier ring 7 with several container carriers 8th are arranged. The two motor drives of the gyroscope 5 and 7 are synchronized via a controller.

Of course, alternative engine arrangements are conceivable, but they are not shown here. In particular, the rotating gyroscope 5 and 7 be driven jointly and synchronously by a common motor and via suitable power transmission units.

The central column 4 is for example on a machine base 9 arranged, in particular with this firmly connected, wherein the machine base 9 on the opposite side of the central column 4 makes contact with the hall floor and is thus designed as a base. However, the scope of the present invention is not abandoned even if the central column 4 directly or indirectly on the hall floor or a base frame or a housing is attached.

In particular, the central column 4 be made of a metallic material, such as a stainless Cr or CrNi steel and formed tubular. In this case, the central column 4 be made of a solid material or hollow inside. In addition, the central column 4 have a plurality of central column sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, which may differ in their respective outer diameters. Preferably, the central column 4 may have a first central column section 4.1 have, with its first free end fixed to the machine base 9 is connected, while at the first side opposite the free end face immediately adjacent and contact-connected to the first central column section 4.1 the second central column section 4.2 connects. Again immediately adjacent to the second central column section 4.2 is firmly connected to this or with this the third central column section 4.3 provided by contact. In this case, the central column 4 with its example three Zentralsäulenabschnitten 4.1 4.3 be formed in one piece or multiple parts. However, the individual central column sections 4.1... 4.3 are always firmly connected to one another. Preferably, the outer diameter of the first central column section 4.1 be set larger than that of the second central column section 4.2 and this in turn is larger than that of the third central column section 4.3 , so that a stepped with respect to the respective outer diameter structure of the central column 4 is formed.

Above the carrier wreath 7 is located on the stationary central column 4 circumferentially mounted on this arranged the top 5 , which is designed to be motor driven and thereby relative to the stationary central column 4 rotates. According to one embodiment of the invention, the gyroscope 5 not directly, but indirectly on the support column 4 arranged as between the roundabout 5 and the central column 4 a controlled clamping device 10 may be arranged, the operation of which will be explained in more detail below. The controlled clamping device 10 is located in the in 1 shown embodiment variant in its clamping position KP in which they are the stationary central column 4 frictionally clamps, so in particular with the gyroscope 5 not with turns. Outer peripheral side of the central column 4 sleeve-shaped clamping enclosing clamping device 10 is at this circulating stored the gyroscope 5 provided, thus ultimately relative to the stationary central column 4 and at this in its clamping position KP clamped provided clamping device 10 rotates. In particular, the gyroscope 5 arranged on the clamping device 10 such that the gyro 5 although in a horizontal plane around the clamping device 10 can rotate circumferentially, but with a vertical displacement of the clamping device 10 along the central axis 4 with the clamping device 10 moved, that is moved vertically with.

At the the carrier wreath 7 remote from the free end face of the sleeve-shaped clamping device 10 can at which clamping device 10 a headstock 11 fastened, for example screwed be. The headstock 11 is designed to at least a first drive motor 12 take, for example, on a top 11.1 the top plate 11 is attached. The first drive motor 12 is to initiate the rotary motion on the gyroscope 5 set up, and designed, for example, as a servo or synchronous motor. In the context of the present application is understood by servo or synchronous motor any type of drive motor, which can be operated in a regulated manner, wherein individually or in any combination, for example, rotation angle, direction of rotation, angular velocity and torque of the drive motor by a control device, such as a host specified achieved Actual values are determined by sensors, compared with the target values and any deviations corrected by automatic countermeasures.

The first drive motor 12 engages peripherally at the top 5 at. For this purpose, the gyro has 5 over a the central column 4 at least partially cylindrical enclosing extension 13 , The circle 4 or in particular its extension 13 is on the head side with an external toothing 14 equipped, in which a pinion 15 on an output shaft of the first drive motor 12 intervenes. In other words, so does the extension 13 a frictional connection between the external teeth 14 and the actual gyro 5 ago. Not shown, an internal toothing or similar solutions can be used in an analogous manner.

The first drive motor 12 is in this in 1 illustrated embodiment of the invention at the top 11.1 the top plate 11 connected to the upper end of the central column 4. Like the central column 4 , so is the connected via the clamping device 10 with this head plate 11 during operation of the capping machine 1 , in particular in the clamping position KP the clamping device 10, formed stationary. The same applies to the the head plate 11 fasten the first drive motor 12 , Rotations of the drive shaft of the first drive motor 12 be over the pinion 15 on the external teeth 14 and from here on the extension 13 on the roundabout 5 transferred so that the gyroscope 5 opposite the stationary central column 4 rotates. In principle, the first drive motor 12 can also have a roller, a rubber roller, etc. on the outer peripheral side of the gyroscope 5 attack and roundabout 5 set in rotation, which is not shown in more detail in the figures.

Furthermore, in the sealing machine according to the invention 1 between the gyro 5 and the carrier ring 7 several container closure positions BP each with at least one closing device 17 educated. In this case, each of the plurality of closing devices comprises 17 in their respective container closing position BP at least one at the roundabout 5 arranged vertically and stroke movable punch device 6 for applying a corresponding crown cork 3 on the associated container carrier 8th standing recorded container 2 with a closing force, which is formed in particular contact force. Here is the stationary central column 4 provided for receiving a closing force against directed balancing force. Here is the stationary central column 4 provided for receiving a closing force against directed balancing force.

Through the fixed cam 16 the capping machine 1 and the lowering area is defined angle range in which the pressing and the closure takes place. This is the load on the control cam 16 always at the same local or angular range and a permanent tilting moment is in the central column 4 initiated. The clamping device 10 However, reliably prevents deflection in this angular range and in the respective format-dependent altitude of the central column 4 , wherein the clamping device 10 still on the lifting and lowering device 30 is supported. The lifting and lowering device 30 In this case, for example, the spindle column comprises 31 and the spindle drive 32 , and is ideally stored without play on two corresponding nuts and abortable. For a lifting and lowering movement of the stamp devices 6 is located on an underside 11.2 the top plate 11 at least one control curve 16 fixedly arranged along which, for example, to the respective stamping device 6 Rolling arranged rollers on both sides and thus positively driven in their altitude, so that ultimately a lifting and lowering movement of the respective stamping device 6 can be generated.

The below the gyro 5 also at the central column 4 arranged and circumferentially mounted around this carrier ring 7 , For example, can be supported on a support ring 19, which is formed by the transition of the first to the second central column section 4.1, 4.2, in particular by their different outer diameter. For example, the carrier ring 7 on its underside 7.1 an external toothing 20 have that with a pinion 21.1 a drive shaft of a second drive motor 21 is in meshing engagement. The second drive motor 21 may preferably be on the machine base 9 fixed, for example, be bolted to this, and be also designed as a servo or synchronous motor.

It is in the closing machine according to the invention 1 the relative distance between the gyro 5 and the carrier rim 7 along the vertical center axis MA by moving the gyro 5 relative to the carrier ring 7 adjustable along the central column 4. For this purpose, the closing device 1 a motor-driven lifting and lowering device 30 have, by means of the distance of the gyroscope 5 relative to the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 changeable, that is adjustable, is. This can be done in the context of the present invention by a shift of the gyroscope 5 and / or the carrier wreath 7 along the central column 4 will be realized. The embodiment of the shows 1 a variant, in the gyroscope 5 along the central column 4 is displaceable while the carrier rim 7 is provided in a fixed horizontal plane. Therefore, this is between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4 and / or the carrier ring 7 and the central column 4 at least one controlled clamping device 10 provided by means of the gyro 5 and / or the carrier rim 7 controlled in the at least two different distances at the central column 4 can be fixed, in particular fixable, is.

The variant of the 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, in which only between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4 a clamping device 10 is provided. However, in the context of the invention, it is also possible to use an in 1 not shown further, ie additional, clamping device 10 between the carrier ring 7 and the central column 4 provide, so arranged to be. In this context, it may be advantageous if the first and the second central column section 4.1 . 4.2 have the identical or approximately identical outer diameter.

As well as in the 2 and 3 recognizable, the clamping device 10 hence the central column 4 preferably enclose cylindrical, so be sleeve-shaped. Particularly advantageous extends the clamping device 10 while coaxial with the central axis MA along the longitudinal extent of the central column 4 ,

Preferably, the clamping device extends 10 in their longitudinal extent along the central column 4 from the bottom 11.2 the top plate 11 - The at the free end face of the clamping device 10 is attached - to over the top of the roundabout 5 spanned horizontal plane downwards. In other words, so exceeds the clamping device 10 preferably the bottom of the gyroscope 5 in the direction of the carrier wreath 7 ,

In addition, the clamping device 10 at least one annular clamping portion 10.1, 10.2. Preferably, the clamping device 10 a first and a second annular clamping portion 10.1 . 10.2 on, wherein the first clamping portion 10.1 to the second clamping portion 10.2 along the central axis MA is provided spaced. The clamping sections 10.1 . 10.2 include, respectively, in each case form a plant section 10:11 . 10:21 out in the clamping position KP , shown in 3 , comes to the outer clamping surface of the central column 4 by clamping to the plant, while the respective plant section 10.11, 10.21 in a release position FP , shown in 2 , from the outer circumferential surface of the central column 4 comes free, so it is radially spaced from this. This is the respective section of the system 10:11 . 10:21 the corresponding clamping section 10.1 . 10.2 made of an elastic material, for example a membrane, formed and elastically deformable.

The at least one annular clamping portion 10.1 . 10.2 points in its release position FP an inner diameter which is formed by a few, preferably 1/100 to 10/100 millimeters larger than the outer diameter of the central column 4 in the central column section 4.1 ... 4.3, in which the clamping device 10 is provided; So in the embodiment shown the 1 the third central column section 4.3 , In the area of plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 is each a piston guide band 35 arranged to improve the sliding properties.

Thus, the clamping device 10 for example, via the central machine control of the capping machine 1 designed controllable and / or adjustable. In particular, the clamping device 10 while hydraulically controlled and regulated trained. In this case, each clamping section advantageously has 10.1 . 10.2 an annular fluid channel 10:12 . 10:22 on, which are fluid-tightly connected to each other via a common supply channel 10.3. The annular fluid channels 10.12, 10.22 are in the region of the respective plant section 10:11 . 10:21 in the associated clamping section 10.1 . 10.2 provided circumferentially, and via the common supply channel 10.3 with a fluid, in particular a hydraulic fluid acted upon. In particular, a first fluid channel is thereby 10:12 the first clamping portion 10.1 and a second fluid channel 10:22 the second clamping portion 10.2 assigned. The plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 in each case form the radially inner wall of the associated fluid channel 10:12 . 10:22 and is formed of a metallic material such as Cr or CrNi steel, ideally the plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 formed from the same metallic material, as the other clamping portion. On the input side, the supply channel 10.3 a valve device 10.4 have, for example, is formed as a fluid pressure valve and simultaneous connection of a pressure supply, not shown. The clamping device 10 can be controlled and / or controlled by the fluid and thus ultimately in its clamping position KP and / or release position FP operate.

In particular, the clamping device 10 thereby designed, when exposed to a suitably incompressible fluid from 70 to 100 bar, in their plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 in the clamping position KP a suitable clamping pressure on the central column 4 train. In the case of the use of a compressible gas, such as compressed air, advantageously a suitable pressure booster is used.

The 1 shows a variant in which the gyroscope 5 and all the components arranged thereon, in particular the multiple stamping device 6 , the headstock 11 attached to the headstock 11 arranged control cam 16 as well as between the roundabout 5 and the central column 4 arranged clamping device 10 by means of the lifting and lowering device 30 along the central column 4 are designed to be displaceable, thereby ultimately the distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier rim 7 adjust. It is understood that the clamping device 10 according to the invention during the displacement, ie change in the relative distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier rim 7 , in their release position FP in which they are with their respective plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 from the outer circumferential surface of the central column 4 comes free (shown in 2 ).

Preferably, the lifting and lowering device 30 at the top 11.1 the head plate 11 provided, in particular fixedly arranged on this. In this case, the lifting and lowering device 30 may be formed as a spindle drive device and a coiled spindle column 31 and a spindle drive 32 exhibit. The spindle column 31 can be at the upper free end of the central column 4 be attached and along the upwardly extended central axis MA extend. In particular, the spindle column 31 with the central column 4 be bolted. The spindle drive 32 can preferably be designed as a hollow shaft motor drive having an inside lying mother drives, which is in rotary engagement with the spindle column 31 and at a corresponding rotational movement of the mother in cooperation with the spindle column 31 in a lifting and / or lowering movement of the lifting and lowering device 30 transforms. To transfer the lifting and / or lowering movement to the gyroscope 5 has the lifting and lowering device 30 a frame 33, the fixed to the top 11.1 the top plate 11 and is attached to the spindle drive 31, which forms a kind of spindle slide. Depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle drive 32 Thus, a lifting and / or lowering movement of the lifting and Senkreinrichtung 30 and thus ultimately an adjustment of the distance between the gyro 5 and the carrier rim 7 , It goes without saying that after a corresponding adjustment of the relative distance of the gyroscope 5 to the carrier wreath 7 the clamping device 10 again in its clamping position KP is operated and thus ultimately takes over the holder of all arranged on her components, in frictional connection with the aforementioned components.

In the 2 and 3 is in the respective plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 in each case a piston guide band on the circumference of the central column 4 arranged, which in the present case is designed as a Teflon sliding band. Alternatively, in the respective plant sections 10.11. 10.21 also be arranged two or more piston guide bands of the same or different materials.

In the example chosen, the dimensions are as follows 4 dimensioned to allow flexible stretching of the metallic abutment sections 10:11 . 10:21 to realize at a hydraulic internal pressure of about 80 bar. The inner diameter D _i of the clamping device 10 is 104 mm, the inner channel height D _K is 40 mm and the wall thickness D _W the metallic plant sections 10:11 . 10:21 about 4.5 mm.

In the 5 shows in a section of the second clamping portion 10.2 , which is designed as a cone clamping ring and by means of at least two hydraulic cylinders 34 is clamped. This is about the central column 4 a support ring 36.1 arranged on which the one end of the hydraulically driven cylinder 34 are stored. The free end of the working piston of the cylinder 34 is on a flange 37 an opposite conical sleeve 36.2 attached. Between the support ring 36.1 and the cone sleeve 36.2 is a cone-shaped clamping ring 36.3 arranged with the plant section 10.21 on the surface of the central column 4 frictionally applied. An optionally provided piston guide band 35 is not shown. By pressing the cylinder 34 over the wires 39 can support ring 36.1 and conical sleeve 36.2 be moved relative to each other and so the clamping force on the clamping ring 36.3 on the central column 4 be resolved or increased.

The cone sleeve 36.2 is only shown with one end. The other end can be constructed analogously and cooperate with another support ring and corresponding cylinders. In a simple embodiment, that is not shown end of the conical sleeve 36.2 attached directly to a headstock. Advantageously, the displaceable support ring 36.1 a sliding ring 38 on or it is on the central column 4 in the region of the support ring 36.1 such a sliding ring 38 intended.

A very simple mechanical embodiment is in the 6 shown. By means of a clamping ring 45 becomes the central column 4 enclosed. The clamping ring 45 has at least a partial length a first closure portion 45.1 and a slightly spaced opposite second closure portion 45.2. The closure element 46 has one as a knob 47 on and is, for example, in holes of the closure sections 45.1 . 45.2 taken, with one end of the closure element 46 a threaded portion 48 in a corresponding female thread of the second closure portion 45.2 is screwed. By screwing the closure element 46, the closure sections 45.1 . 45.2 approximated while the clamping ring 45 around the central column 4 curious; excited. An optionally provided piston guide band 35 in the area of the clamping ring 45 is not shown.

For clarity, are in the 2 to 6 the mounted on the respective clamping device 10 and / or fastened elements, such as for 1 shown in detail and executed, not shown.

Of course, it is within the scope of the present invention also possible, the carrier ring 7 with a previously described lifting and lowering device 30 along the central column 4 relative to the gyro 5 traversable train.

The invention has been described above by means of an embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

sealing

2

container

3

Capsules

4

Central column

4.1

first central column section

4.2

second central column section

4.3

third central column section

5

roundabout

6

stamping device

7

support crown

8th

container carrier

9

machine base

10

clamping device

10.1

first clamping section

10:11

first plant section

10:12

first fluid channel

10.2

second clamping section

10:21

second plant section

10:22

second fluid channel

10.3

supply channel

10.4

valve means

11

headstock

11.1

top

11.2

bottom

12

first drive motor

13

extension

14

external teeth

15

pinion

16

cam

17

closing

19

Support ring

20

external teeth

21

second drive motor

21.1

pinion

30

Lifting and lowering device

31

spindle column

32

spindle drive

33

frame

34

cylinder

35

Wear ring

36.1

support ring

36.2

cone sleeve

36.3

clamping ring

37

flange

38

sliding ring

39

management

45

clamping ring

45.1

Closure section (first)

45.2

Closure section (second)

46

closure element

47

clamping arm

48

threaded portion

BP

Behälterverschließposition

D _i

Inner diameter

D _K

channel height

D _W

Wall thickness

FP

release position

MA

central axis

TR

transport direction

KP

clamping position

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 29724886 U1 [0002]
• EP 1647518 B1 [0003]

Claims (16)

Circling machine (1) of circumferential design for closing containers (2) such as bottles or the like with crown corks (3), with a stationary central column (4) extending along a vertical center axis (MA) of the closing machine (1), at least a motor-driven rotatable gyroscope (5) with a plurality of lowerable and liftable punch devices (6) and below the gyroscope (5) a motor circumferentially drivable carrier ring (7) with a plurality of container carriers (8) are arranged, wherein the relative distance between the gyro ( 5) and the carrier ring (7) along the vertical center axis (MA) of the capping machine (1) by moving the gyro (5) and / or the carrier ring (7) along the central column (4) is adjustable, in which a plurality of container closure positions (BP) are formed between the gyro (5) and the carrier ring (7), each with at least one closing device (17), wherein a closing device (17) in its respective Behälterverschließposition (BP) in each case at least one on the gyroscope (5) arranged stamping device (6) for applying a corresponding crown cork (3) of standing on the associated container carrier (8) container (2) with having a closing force, wherein the stationary central column (4) is provided for receiving a closing force against directed compensation force, and wherein between the gyro (5) and the central column (4) and / or the carrier ring (7) and the central column (4) at least one clamping device (10) is provided, by means of the gyro (5) and / or the carrier ring (7) in the at least two different distances on the central column (4) can be fixed. Closing machine after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) has a clamping position (KP) and / or a release position (FP). Closing machine after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) at least - an annular clamping portion (10.1, 10.2) or a clamping portion having a positive locking contour, such as a polygon, which forms at least one elastically deformable system section (10.11, 10.21), with which clamps the clamping device (10) in its clamping position (KP) on the outer circumferential surface of the central column (4). Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) has at least one first and one further, second clamping section (10.1, 10.2) with a corresponding first and second installation section (10.11, 10.21). Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the further, second clamping portion (10.1, 10.2) along the central axis (MA) spaced from each other are provided. Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one clamping section (10.1, 10.2) each having at least one annular circumferential fluid channel (10.12, 10.22), the fluid-tight manner in at least one supply channel (10.3) opens, Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plant sections (10.11, 10.21) at least partially form the radially inner wall of the associated fluid channel (10.12, 10.22) and are formed of a metallic material. Closing machine after Claim 7 , characterized in that the plant section (10.11, 10.21) is formed from a Cr or CrNi steel, ideally formed from the same metallic material, as the other clamping portion (10.1, 10.2). Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) is formed hydraulically. Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) is formed pneumatically or mechanically. Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) is controllable and / or adjustable. Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one clamping device (10) is fixedly arranged on an underside (11.2) of a top plate (11). Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one lifting and lowering device (30), by means of which the distance of the gyro (5) relative to the carrier ring (7) along the central column (4) is adjustable. Closing machine after Claim 9 , characterized in that the lifting and lowering device (30) on a top side (11.1) of the top plate (11) is fixedly arranged. Closing machine after Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that the lifting and lowering device (30) is designed as a spindle drive device or hydraulic device with position control. Closing machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the central column (4) and the elements carried by it no further support column or support structure is provided, on which the control cam (16) is arranged directly or indirectly and / or to which in the intended Operation on the control cam (16) acting closure forces are forwarded.

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