EP1099660A1 - Apparatus for opening swing-stopper bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine has a rotary table (1) after an input star (2) and before an output star (3), each with peripheral bottle holding points and coupled for transporting bottles (5). Each rotary table bottle holding point has an opening element. A rotary alignment system (6) is arranged in the input star so bottles are transferred to the table holding points in a position in which the clamp yoke lies on the side of the bottle facing away from the table.

Description

The invention relates to a machine for opening Swing top bottles with a turntable, one Rotary table upstream inlet star and one Rotary table downstream discharge star, each on Outer circumference receiving places for the swing top bottles have and for the passage of this U-lock bottles with each other in terms of drive are coupled, each receiving location of the turntable an opening element for a closed Bow lock is assigned and where a sealed swing top bottles in their Alignment correcting system in Direction of flow of the bottles the place of opening Opening elements is arranged.

Machines of this type are known (DE 3432947 C2). The Throughput of such machines is not special large because the rotary orientation in the rotary table is large Route claimed so that the means for opening there is not much distance left, if not the Turntable should have a large diameter, which is a lot Requires floor space. Beyond that only closed bottles with this machine to process. But since in practice the return of empty ones Bottles closed by the consumer as well unsealed bottles are mixed, it is required to pre-sort the bottles.

The invention has for its object a machine to open the swing top bottles to create the with a comparatively small footprint a high one Throughput.

This task is the beginning of a machine mentioned type in that the alignment system in Inlet star is provided and is designed such that the Swing top bottles in a rotary position in the Recording locations of the turntable are handed over in the the clamps on the side facing away from the turntable of the swing top bottles.

Because of the alignment of the swing top bottles already in Inlet star stands for the opening of the clip locks the entire path of the swing top bottles in the turntable available, which is beneficial to the Throughput of the machine and one if possible compact design affects. In addition, the Admission places with only one kind of Functional elements are equipped, be it with Alignment elements, be it with opening elements, so that it also taking into account a desired compact Construction no problems with accommodating this Elements there.

To both closed and open To be able to process swing top bottles without Pre-sorting is required after one Embodiment of the invention, the alignment system in this way designed that it was only on locked Swing top bottles appeal, each Opening element depending on the test result one of the swing top bottles on "closed" or "Not closed" sensor system only checking the test result "closed" by a control can be activated. In the machine according to the invention thus provided that already in the inlet star between locked and unlocked A distinction is made between swing top bottles. The individual test results for each bottle then solve for this bottle in the turntable the control of the Opening element from while for not closed bottle the associated opening element is not activated.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the Opening element with a voltage tester for the Closing force of the bow lock can be combined. The The result of the closing force test can then be behind the Spout star used to mean Discharge agent with a non-locking bottle with sufficient closing force.

According to a further embodiment of the invention An alignment system is assigned to the outlet star, which the Swing top bottles in a rotating position with am Bottleneck adjacent to the outlet star or facing stopper of the bow lock brings in an inspection system the plug and / or a bottle label checked for errors. Also this test result can be used by means of defective swing top bottles eject. In this case, under "faulty" such swing top bottles are understood to be the one foreign label on the bottle or logo wear the plug and therefore not for Bottling your own drinks should be used.

Preferably, the alignment system of the inlet star one acting on each swing top bottle Rotary drive and a each recording place assigned, using a curve control with Fixed curve on the head of the swing top bottle lowerable and with the clasp in 180 ° non-rotatable locking positions, that of a controllable pawl only to snap into place released or only released from the locked position, if it is of the responsive to the clip closure Sensor system with the bottle mouth Plug or in the case of incorrect rotational position of the Closure bottle with a corresponding control command receives. The locking member can be a spring-loaded ring with diametrically opposed locking grooves for the Be the top bracket of the clip lock.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the Invention, as the other features below the invention independent inventive meaning comes, the opening element consists of a radial Pre-controllable against the clamp of the clip lock Fork and one downstream in the pilot direction, ejector that can be piloted against the plug. there can be used to pilot the opening element Curve control provided with a fixed curve be, the pilot control by one of the sensor system Controlled pawl only with the test result "open" is blocked.

Throwing off the plug can be done gently perform when the pre-steerable fork at their further advance the bow lock on the joint of Clamping bracket and top bracket engages under the The stopper lifts off the bottle mouth before the ejector can take effect.

Since often the stopper with its rubber seal stick the bottle mouth and therefore problems with Can prepare to throw is another Embodiment of the invention provided that the fork by stepping back and forth on the Closure plug exerts a repeated lifting movement. Around however, it does not overload either To let fork of the plug stop come the fork resilient in the stroke direction of the plug be supported.

In a further embodiment, each can move in the opposite direction the clamp of the clasp can be pilot controlled Opening element to check the closing force of the Clasp be resiliently supported, the Spring force to a sufficiently large closing force is coordinated. The transport route is then the Swing top bottles in the turntable immediately behind the location of the closing force test Arresting appealing sensor arranged at insufficient closing force on the discharge means a signal to remove the defective Closure bottle supplies.

Fig. 1

eine Maschine zum Öffnen von Bügelverschlußflaschen in schematischer Darstellung in Aufsicht,

Fig. 2

einen Einlaufstern der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 im Axialschnitt,

Fig. 3a bis c

den Einlaufstern gemäß Fig. 2 im axialen Teilschnitt für drei verschiedene Phasen der Drehausrichtung der Bügelverschlußflaschen,

Fig. 4a bis g

den Drehtisch gemäß Fig. 1 im axialen Teilschnitt in verschiedenen Phasen des Öffnens des Bügelverschlusses,

Fig. 5

einen Auslaufstern der Maschine gemäß Fig. 1 im Axialschnitt und

Fig. 6a bis c

den Auslaufstern im axialen Teilschnitt in verschiedenen Phasen der Drehausrichtung

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which represents an exemplary embodiment. In detail show:

Fig. 1

a machine for opening strap closure bottles in a schematic representation in supervision,

Fig. 2

2 shows an inlet star of the machine according to FIG. 1 in axial section,

3a to c

2 in axial partial section for three different phases of the rotational alignment of the swing top bottles,

4a to g

1 in axial partial section in different phases of opening the clip lock,

Fig. 5

an outlet star of the machine according to FIG. 1 in axial section and

6a to c

the outlet star in the axial partial section in different phases of the rotational alignment

The machine shown in Figure 1 consists of essentially from a turntable 1, an upstream Inlet star 2 and a downstream outlet star 3. Turntable 1, inlet star 2 and outlet star 3 and one separating screw 4 arranged upstream of inlet star 2 are coupled in terms of drive such that the arriving in series in any order locked and unlocked Swing top bottles 5 inlet star 2, turntable 1 and Go through outlet star 3. Both the inlet star 2 and also the turntable 1 and the spout 3 have on the outer circumference reception spaces 2a, 1a, 3a for the to treating bottle top 5 on. The Swing top bottles 5 are in these receiving places 2a, 1a, 3a by driven endless belts 6, 7, 8 held. While the endless belt 7 synchronized with the Rotating table 1 places la, the Bands 6 and 8 on the inlet star 2 and outlet star 3 in their rotational speed regardless of the Orbital speed of the reception spaces 2a, 3a. The means that the in the recording places la des Rotary table 1 held bottles 5 rotatably while the bottles 5 are in the receiving spaces 2a, 3a of the inlet star 2 and the outlet star 3 around their Axes are rotatable. The rotational mobility is thereby relieved that the bottles here on rollers 2b, 3b are supported. Another special feature of the revolving bands 6, 8 is that the Bands 6, 8 approximately in the middle of the inlet star 2 and the Outlet star 3 facing area by pulleys 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b, 10c and the bottles 5 on a short section 11, 12 do not stop and so are relieved of the drive, what for the alignment process is advantageous, as will be explained below becomes.

Pass the bottles 5 leaving the outlet star 3 Discharge means 13 which, as in detail, are still too describe the bottles from previous ones Test results on different volumes 14, 15, 16 for faultless own bottles, foreign bottles and give faulty bottles.

In the entry star, the closed or not sealed bottle top bottles 5 checked for whether a closure plug 18 sits on the bottle mouth or not. If on the swing top bottle 5 a Sealing plug 18 sits, finds a rotational alignment the swing top bottle 5 so that the Swing top bottle 5 in a rotary position in the Receiving places la of the turntable 1 arrives, in which the Clamp 24 of the clasp on the turntable 1 side facing away from the swing top bottle 5 itself located. As FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show first by means of one at the inlet of the inlet star 2 arranged sensor 17 determined whether on the A bottle stopper 18 sits in the bottle mouth. On the then further transport route up to area 11 one guided in a fixed curve 19 on one Swivel arm 20 held locking member 21 in the form of a Ring with diametrically opposite grooves 21a in Direction of the plug 18 or the mouth of the bottle 5 rotated by belt 6 lowered. There is no plug 18 on the Bottle mouth, then nothing happens, i.e. the bottle 5 is rotated further by the band 6. But if one Sealing plug 18 sits on the bottle mouth, snaps the upper bracket 22 into the grooves 21a, and the Self-rotation of the swing top bottle 5 is blocked. By another in the non-driven section 11 Fixed sensor 23 is then non-contact the rotational position of the clip closure, in particular the Checked clamp 24. Is the tension bracket 24 on the the inlet star 2 facing away from the Swing top bottle 5, then a control signal is on an actuator 25 on the fixed cam 19 given so that with a on scanning rollers 26 of Control cam 16 acting plunger 27, the locking member 21st raised from its blocking position, but immediately is put back again. The swing top bottle 5 is then on its way through that again effective band 6 rotated again to in a by 180 ° through the lowered position Locking member 21 can be blocked again. The Disengaging the locking member 21 is facilitated in that in the unpowered section 11 by the Swing top bottle 5 acting on the locking member 21 Torque is temporarily canceled.

With this alignment system according to the invention in Entry star 2 is achieved that in any case Swing top bottle 5 with on the turntable 1 opposite side of the swing top bottle 5 in the Receiving place 1a of the turntable 1 arrives. Swing top bottles that are not on the Bottle stopper in the Entry star 2 arrive, on the other hand, by the Alignment system is not hindered in its own rotation and get into the at random rotation Recording places la of the turntable 1. In any case the test result "locked" or "not locked" bottle or receiving place related for more Tax duties in a not shown Control device saved.

The test result "locked" or "not locked" is used primarily for activation by the individual Recording places la assigned to the turntable 1 Opening elements 30 used. Like Figures 4a to 4g show, each receiving location la is an opening element 30 assigned that radially towards the head of the bottle 5 is taxable. The opening element 30 is a Swivel arm 31 mounted above the bottles 5 worn, the pivoting movement by means of a Fixed curve 32 scanning roller 33 controlled becomes. The scanning roller 33 is countered by a spring 34 the cam 32 pressed. The swivel arm 31 is one Pawl 35 assigned by a spring 36 in Unlocked position is preloaded. Using one of an actuator 38 of those already mentioned, but not shown by the sensor 17 with a corresponding Test result supplied control device pre-controllable Tappet 39, the pawl 35 in the in Figure 4a shown position are held in which Opening element 30 can not be controlled. This Situation occurs when the test result in Inlet star 2 was "not closed". Is this Test result, however, "closed", then corresponding to the course of curve 32 when unlocked Swivel arm 31, the opening element 30 radially outwards piloted against the head of the swing top bottle 5, as shown in Fig. 4b.

The opening element 30 comprises two functional elements,, and a fork 30a and an ejector 30b in the form of a Role. The fork 30a acts on the clamping bracket 24, and on the hinge 24a in the unlocking direction, like is shown in Figure 4c, and reaches under simultaneous lifting of the plug 18, as in Figure 4e is shown before the ejector 30b at further pilot control the plug 18 from the Bottle mouth drops, as in Figure 4f and g is shown.

The fork 30a is on a spring in the pilot control direction 30a * supported. The support force of this spring 30a * is on sufficient closing force of the clasp Voted. Is the tension of the clasp the sealed bottle 5 too small, then the spring 30a * during the pilot control movement of the opening element 30 practically not compressed. That means that the Bow lock already, as shown in Figure 4d, on one Place of the path of the bottle that is unlocked in front of the Point is where the unlocking one with sufficient closing force of the closed bottle is unlocked. By means of an upstream Place non-contact, stationary working Sensor 40, which is based on the position of the clip, in particular the clamping bracket 24 addresses, can thus check that the bottle has sufficient closing force is locked or not. This test result too can be used to make a bottle Reject signal to the reject means 13 for faulty swing top bottles to the closing tension give.

From the turntable 1 then only not get closed swing top bottles 5 in the Recording locations 3a of the discharge star 3, the im Turntable 1 only opened 5-inch swing top bottles a certain rotational position in the outlet star 3 get into the machine while not locked incoming bottle top bottles 5 in any Get the rotary position into the outlet star 3. in the Outlet star 3, however, it depends on the rotational position of the Passed bottle top 5 not because here all swing top bottles 5 in their rotational position be aligned. The direction of rotation in the outlet star 3 is only necessary if the Swing top bottles 5 regarding their origin should be checked. Such a check is then required if the plug 18 Clasp closures the logo of a specific bottler wear, because when filling again only such Bottles should be filled that have your own logo wear.

The alignment means for the rotary alignment of the Swing top bottles 5 in the outlet star 3 are in the Principle similar to that of the inlet star 2. They exist at each location 3a from one towards the Head of the swing top bottle 5 swiveling fork 43, with locking grooves 43a in the correct rotational position in the opposite sides of the lower bracket of the The latch lock engages and its pivoting movement is determined by a control curve 44 by a Scanning roller 45 is scanned. The alignment tools also consist of a bottleneck in the area of Breech plug 18 sensing probe 46, the on the side assigned to the outlet star 3 Swing top bottles 5 one from curve 44 released pivoting movement of the locking fork 43 in Blocked direction of the bow lock, as in Figure 6b is shown. On the other hand, is the Closure plug 18 on the outlet star 3 opposite side of the swing top bottle 5, or in Direction of rotation of the swing top bottle 5 in front, then the locking fork 43 released for snapping, as in Figure 6c is shown.

It is understood that as an alternative to the physical Padlock sensing sensor 46 as in Inlet star 2 a non-contact sensor 46a can be arranged in the non-driven section 12, whose test result to control a Swivel movement of the fork 43 influencing actuator is used.

The described new alignment system in the inlet star 2 and / or in the outlet star 3 is not only for Machine equipment of an opening machine for Swing top bottles suitable. A conceivable one Areas of application would be labeling machines. But others too Applications are conceivable.

If the bottle with the position shown in Figure 6c of the plug 18 leaves the outlet star 3, then it passes a stationary one at the outlet Inspection device 47, with which the plug 18 in particular on an existing specific logo and / or the presence of a logo corresponding label can be checked. Dependent on of this test result and, if applicable, the test results of the upstream sensor 40 for the closing voltage and a further sensor 48 on the turntable 1 for the Check z. B. not because of an alignment error opened swing top bottles 5 get the Discharge means 13 a signal to discharge the as swing bottle 5 not recognized correctly the secondary belts 15, 16 for foreign bottles or faulty Bottles.

With the machine according to the invention it is therefore possible unsorted arriving, closed or not sealed bottles run through the machine and only allow the unsealed bottles to open. The machine also allows it to different places of treatment of the continuous Bottles determined test results for the sorting to use the bottles at the outlet of the outlet star, so that the operator of the machine only own bottles Can give cleaning and refilling while he the make other bottles available to other bottlers can.

Claims (14)

Machine for opening swing top bottles (5) with a turntable (1), the turntable (1) upstream inlet star (2) and one on the turntable (1) downstream outlet star (3), each on Outer circumference reception places (1a, 2a, 3a) for the Have swing top bottles (5) and for the Passage of these swing top bottles (5) in terms of drive are coupled with each other, each recording place (1a, 2a, 3a) of the turntable (1) an opening element (30) for a closed clip lock (18, 22, 24) is assigned and where one is the locked Swing top bottles (5) in their rotating position corrective alignment system (6, 19-21, 23, 25-27) in Direction of travel of the swing top bottles (5) The opening location of the opening elements (30) is arranged upstream, characterized in that the alignment system (6, 19-21, 23, 25-27) provided in the inlet star (2) and such is designed that the swing top bottles (5) in a rotary position in the recording positions (la) of the Turntable (1) are passed in the clamping bracket (24) on the side of the rotary table facing away from (1) Swing top bottles (5). Machine according to patent claim 1, characterized in that the alignment system (6, 19-21, 23, 25-27) is designed such that it only responds to closed swing top bottles (5), and that each opening element (30) in dependence on the Test result of a sensor system (17) which checks the swing top bottles (5) for "closed" or "not closed" can only be activated by a control when "closed". Machine according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
each opening element (30) is combined with a tension tester (30a *, 40) for the closing force of the clip lock (18, 22, 24). Machine according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
an alignment system (43-46) is assigned to the outlet star (3), which brings the swing top bottles (5) into a rotational position with the stopper (18) of the swing top fitting, located on the bottle neck, facing or facing away from the outlet star (3), in which an inspection system (47) the stopper (18) and / or a bottle label checked for certain criteria. Machine according to claim 3 and / or 4,
characterized in that
discharge means (13) are arranged behind the discharge star (3) and discharge defective clip-on closure bottles (5) as a function of at least one test result. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
the alignment system (6, 19-21, 23, 25-27) of the infeed star (2) has a rotary drive (6) acting on each swing top bottle (5) and a curve control (19, 26) assigned to each receiving location (2a) With a fixed curve (19) on the head of the swing top bottle (5) lowerable and with the swing lock (18, 22, 24) in 180 ° rotated rotational positions latching locking member (21) which has a controllable pawl (25, 26) to Locking is only released or released from the locked position if there is a corresponding one from the sensor system (23) which responds to the clip closure (18, 22, 24) when the stopper plug (18) is seated on the bottle mouth or if the clip bottle (5) is rotated incorrectly Receives control command. Machine according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the latching member (21) is a spring-loaded ring with diametrically opposite latching grooves (21a) for the upper bracket (22) of the latch lock. Machine according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that
the opening element (30) consists of a fork (30a) which can be piloted radially against the clamping bracket (24) of the clip lock (18, 22, 24) and a ejector (30b) which is downstream in the pilot control direction and which can be piloted against the plug (18). Machine according to claim 8,
characterized in that
A curve control (32-34) with a fixed curve (32) is provided for pilot control of the opening element (30), the pilot control being blocked by a pawl (35) controlled by the sensor system (17) only when the test result is "open". Machine according to claim 8 or 9,
characterized in that
the precontrollable fork (30a), during its further advance movement, engages under the clip closure (18, 22, 24) on the joint (24a) of the clamping bracket (24) and the upper bracket (22) and thereby lifts the closure plug (21) from the bottle mouth before the ejector (30b) can take effect. Machine according to claim 10,
characterized in that
a repeated lifting movement is exerted by repeatedly stepping the fork (30a) back and forth on the closure plug (18). Machine according to claim 10 or 11,
characterized in that
the fork (30a) is resiliently supported in the stroke direction of the closure plug (18). Machine according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that
Each opening element (30) which can be piloted in the radial direction against the tensioning bracket (24) of the bracket closure (18, 22, 24) is spring-supported for checking the closing force of the bracket closure (18, 22, 24), the spring force being matched to a sufficiently large closing force and that on the transport path of the swing top bottles (5) in the turntable (1) at or immediately behind the location of the closing force check a sensor (40) is arranged which is responsive to the swing top closure (18, 22, 24) and which, if the closing force is insufficient, to the Discharge means (13) delivers a signal to discharge the faulty swing top bottle (5) Machine according to one of claims 1 to
13, characterized in that the
Alignment system as a rotary drive for the swing top bottles (5) has a driven strap (6, 8) which holds the swing top bottles (5) in their receiving places (2a, 3a) and is only interrupted on a short section (11, 12).

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