EP1236645B1 - Method and apparatus for closing a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for sealing a lid (12) on a container (8) using a sealing ring (2) and clamp (6) comprises a carriage (38) which is biased against the lid by a spring (44). A roller (24) is mounted on levers (54, 60) attached to the carriage and can be moved to deform the lower edge of the sealing ring under the rim of the container to seal it. An Independent claim is included for a method for sealing the container using the device.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for closing a a container provided with a lid by means of a clamping ring Clamping closure. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for Performing this procedure.

Clamping rings are known from the prior art, which consist of an annular Element for reaching around the edge of the lid and container and one Tension lock exist with which the diameter of the tension ring is reduced can be, so that the clamping ring around the lid and the edge of the container can be excited.

A possible embodiment of the tension lock is from GB 705 759 known. This latch includes a locking element at one end of the annular element, which has a recess at the opposite end of the annular element is assigned. To close or close the clamping ring clamp, only the locking element must be brought into the recess.

Another tension lock is known from EP 0 471 911 A2, whereby this One-way latch at one end of the annular member hinged tension lever and a connecting lever, the latter on the one hand at the other end of the annular element and on the other hand at the Clamping lever is articulated. One also speaks of one Toggle latch. To tighten the clamping ring, only the Clamping levers are flipped, whereby the loosening of the clamping ring by a opposite movement takes place.

The clamping rings described can be manually with or without involvement of special tools attached to the lidded containers become. In this case, the application of the opened ones has proven to be particularly effective Clamping rings on the lid and container rim as complicated and time consuming. For this reason, attempts have been made to apply it mechanically and to be carried out fully automatically.

EP 1 028 066 A2 describes an automatic method for closing bucket-shaped containers by means of lids and clamping rings disclosed, in which Clamping rings with a toggle lock are used. In which known methods, the lid is first placed on the container in order then place the clamping ring with a U or V-shaped cross-section. In the course of feeding the tension ring, the tension ring is opened so that this pushed over the edge area of the lid and the container edge can be. Subsequently, the clamping ring is exerted by applying a force tensioned or closed on the tensioning lever so that the container is secure is closed. As with the manual application of the clamping ring, it is even with this automated process, the clamping ring must be closed first open and then close, which takes a lot of time. About that In addition, a large amount of equipment is necessary to close the clamping ring exactly position.

To overcome the problems mentioned above, DE 28 13 517 A1 proposes a method by which the hoop is already tensioned onto the container is applied. To make this possible, the hoop has a cross-section a first leg overlapping the edge of the lid, one the edge of the Cover and the container surrounding the second leg and one over the Edge of the container on the third leg projecting downward. The smallest diameter enclosed by the third leg is so large that the Ready to be placed on the container from above in a tensioned state can. Following this, the third leg is under the edge of the container bent so that the container is closed. Like deforming the third Is to be performed, is not specified. The well-known process enables the container to be closed quickly and easily Automation. The present invention takes up this prior art and sets itself the goal of improving it.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for Closing a container by means of a tension ring with a tension lock indicate that is particularly safe to carry out and for different Clamping rings is suitable. The invention is also based on the object To create device by means of which the closure of a container safely can be carried out and which is suitable for different clamping rings.

This object is achieved on the basis of claims 1 and 3 specified characteristics. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are Subject of the subclaims.

The containers to be closed must have a radially outward opening have protruding circumferential edge, for example under the edge a border or a radially outwardly curved edge of the opening can be understood. The outward edge should Ensure accessibility through the clamping ring. The container can already be provided with the lid or the lid can only in the course of the following Process steps placed on the container together with the clamping ring become.

In the first method step, a clamping ring is provided, which is in the Cross section of a first leg overlapping the edge of the lid, one the second edge enclosing the edge of the lid and the edge of the container Leg and a third projecting down over the edge of the container Has thighs. The turnbuckle protrudes down over the second Thighs out. This is the case, for example, with toggle locks that are in usually arranged on the second leg of the clamping ring and wider than these are so that the latch is down over the second leg protrudes. By placing the third leg down over the edge of the container protrudes, the closed clamping ring can over the lid and container edge be pushed without the third leg on the edge of the lid or of the container. This is the case if the smallest of the third Leg enclosed inner diameter larger than the outer diameter the edge of the container and the lid. The second leg can be very small be trained, i.e. this can only be in one bend, for example exist between the first and third leg. The second and third Legs can be aligned one behind the other or also over a Bending point to be connected.

In the second process step, the tension lock of the tension ring curious; excited. As a latch, for example, the one described at the beginning Toggle lock or a snap lock can be used. About that In addition, all turnbuckles can be used to tension and relax the Allow clamping ring.

After tensioning the tension ring, the tensioned or closed Clamping ring placed on the lid in the third process step. As before Mentioned above, either the clamping ring can be on the lid first and the lid then together with the clamping ring on the container or the clamping ring on the already placed on the container clamping ring. by virtue of the clamping ring can already be in its final position when it is put on placed on the container.

In the fourth process step, the third leg, which over the edge of the Container protrudes downward, deformed so that the third leg of the edge of the container. The fourth method step thus final shape of the clamping ring, whereas the clamping ring in the previous process steps was only formed as a semi-finished product.

The method according to the invention - like that from DE 28 13 517 A1 known method - the advantage that it is not when applying the clamping ring it is necessary to first open the clamping ring and then to close it. In addition, it turns out to be very easy to put on, because the tensioned or closed clamping ring can only be pushed onto the cover from above got to. In this way, a large amount of time is saved by the subsequent deformation of the third leg is only slightly reduced. The method thus makes it easy and quick to close one Container made possible by means of a tension ring with a tension lock.

In the method according to the invention, the third leg is by means of deformed at least one rotating roller against the third leg suppressed. The roller can be driven or freely rotating and the third leg orbit while being essentially radially inward Exerts pressure on the third leg, so that this continuously under the Edge of the container is pressed to reach under it.

To deform the third leg, the roles are during the Rotated pivoted under the edge of the container so that the over second leg protruding turnbuckle is touched without contact. The pivoting of the role ensures that the role against the can press the third leg and deform it without it becoming one Contact between the roller and the downward protruding end of the Tension lock comes. Such a touch would inevitably become one Damage to the latch or instability of the procedure during the deformation of the third leg. Without the non-contact It would have to go under in favor of a more stable method of use of clamping rings with protruding beyond the second leg Tension locks are dispensed with. The invention thus enables Use of different clamping rings.

A particularly stable process when deforming the third leg is achieved by achieved a preferred embodiment of the method in which two, preferably three and particularly preferably five roles are used, wherein the roles are arranged symmetrically. In this way, they can focus on the third leg and thus forces applied to the container essentially compensate so that the container only has to be slightly tightened.

The inventive device for closing a lid provided container, the opening side a radially projecting outward has peripheral edge, by means of a tension ring with a tension lock, the clamping ring in cross-section overlapping the edge of the cover first leg, one the edge of the lid and the edge of the container enclosing second leg and one over the edge of the container has third leg protruding below and the tension lock down protrudes beyond the second leg, has a tensioning device Tighten the container with the lid and clamping ring. Under one Clamping device is to be understood here as a device that holds the container in a position that tightens despite the subsequent external loads is maintained. The tensioning device can for example be made up of several the container pressing jaws or similar. Through the Clamping device is the container with lid and clamping ring on one Central axis fixed, the central axis usually the central axis of the Corresponds to the container. The device according to the invention also has at least a role, which is arranged on a roller axis, the Roller axis in turn moved on a circular path around the central axis. Regardless of the rotational position of the roller axis with respect to the central axis the roller axis can also be pivoted in a plane in which the Central axis is arranged. This allows the roles depending on the Swiveling position of the roller axis a circular path with a larger or Describe a smaller radius as soon as the roller axis rotates around the central axis.

The roller axis is pivotable such that the roller axis from a first Position in which the container can be clamped in the clamping device in a second position can be pivoted, in which the role of the third leg deformed and the third leg engages under the edge of the container, the non-contact protruding from the second leg of the at least one role is accessible. The transition from the first to the second position can be done evenly, so that the third leg of the Clamping ring can be continuously deformed.

The main advantage of the device according to the invention is that it when using large-width turnbuckles where the Clamp protrudes downward beyond the second leg, not to one Contact between the roller and the toggle comes, resulting in the above would lead to the disadvantages described. Due to the pivotability of the Rather, the roller axis ensures that the roller has the third leg deform and can reach under the tension lock without contact.

To prevent the roll from touching the tension lock even more securely to be able to, the face of the clamping ring when reaching under has the In a particularly preferred embodiment, a rotating one Deepening and / or a circular approach. Under the end faces are to understand the two sides of a role. The circumferential deepening ensures that even with a wide turnbuckle that down protruding end while rotating the roll around the central axis and during the swiveling of the roller axis does not touch the end face, because that protruding end can protrude into the recess. The cross-sectional shape is included irrelevant as long as the function, namely the contactless recording of the downward end of the tension lock is guaranteed. Analogous this can also be a circumferential approach on the facing the clamping ring Be provided. This should be in the area of contact between the roll and the third leg. The correspondingly lower one the area behind is then used for contactless recording the downward end of the turnbuckle. The deepening and the Approaches can be used both alternatively and cumulatively.

The cross section of the roller is preferably designed such that it is in radial direction tapers, so that the force transmission on the clamping ring on one small area remains limited. In addition, the risk of a Collision of the rollers with the container in other places due to Manufacturing tolerances can be reduced.

This is a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention characterized in that the cross section of the roller is nose-shaped. For example, the end face of the roller facing away from the clamping ring can be radial fall outwards, that is essentially conical, while in the the clamping ring facing the end of the roller a circumferential recess contactless recording of the downward projecting end of the Tension lock is provided.

In the device according to the invention, the movement of the tensioning device preferably mechanically coupled with the pivoting movement of the roller axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the tensioning device has a plate that can be pressed against the lid of the container. The plate should in doing so, press both on the cover and on the clamping ring to secure them to fix. The plate can continue to serve the container below the Center clamping device. In the tensioning device designed in this way forms the bottom on which the container stands, such as an assembly line, the counter bearing.

To the described with reference to the inventive method To achieve process stability are in a preferred embodiment of the at least two, preferably three and particularly preferred according to the invention five rollers arranged symmetrically around the central axis.

The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment Reference to the accompanying figures explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung des ersten und zweiten Verfahrensschrittes des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung des dritten Verfahrensschrittes des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung des vierten Verfahrensschrittes des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens,

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in geschnittener Darstellung mit der Rollenachse in einer ersten Position,

Fig. 5

die Vorrichtung von Fig. 4 mit der Rollenachse in einer zweiten Position,

Fig. 6

den Ausschnitt I von Fig. 4 in vergrößerter Darstellung mit gegen den dritten Schenkel verschwenkter Rolle,

Fig. 7

den Ausschnitt von Fig. 6 mit weiter verschwenkter Rolle und

Fig. 8

den Ausschnitt II von Fig. 5 in vergrößerter Darstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a schematic representation of the first and second process step of the process according to the invention,

Fig. 2

2 shows a schematic representation of the third step of the method according to the invention,

Fig. 3

2 shows a schematic representation of the fourth method step of the method according to the invention,

Fig. 4

the device according to the invention in a sectional view with the roller axis in a first position,

Fig. 5

4 with the roller axis in a second position,

Fig. 6

4 is an enlarged view of section I of FIG. 4 with the roller pivoted against the third leg,

Fig. 7

the section of Fig. 6 with further pivoted roller and

Fig. 8

the section II of Fig. 5 in an enlarged view.

1 to 3 show the method steps of the method according to the invention in a schematic representation. Fig. 1 shows the first and second Process step.

The clamping ring 2, which is shown in section in Fig. 1, comprises an annular Element 4 and a latch 6.

The container 8 to be closed is shown in the lower region of FIG. 1. The container 8 has an edge 10 pointing radially outward on the opening side on, which in the present case is formed by a border. In the after The top opening of the container 8 is a cup-shaped cover 12 used, which has a lid edge 14. The lid edge 14 is also as Edge trim formed and rests on the edge 10 of the container 8.

The annular element 4 of the clamping ring 2 has a first in cross section Leg 16, which is able to overlap the lid edge 14. To the The first leg 16 is followed by a second leg 18, which the edge 10 of the Containers 8 and the lid rim 14 from the outside when the clamping ring 2nd is arranged on the container 8. The second leg 18 closes again a third leg 20 which extends over the edge 10 of the container 8 protrudes below when the clamping ring 2 is placed on the container 8. In the The illustrated embodiment of the clamping ring 2 is the third leg 20 slightly angled relative to the second leg 18 and radially inward inclined, but it is also possible to use the second and third legs 18, 20 to be aligned one after the other. The slight slope of the third leg 20 has the advantage that the kink between the second and third Leg 18.20 can act as a predetermined bending point in the further process.

Despite the inclination of the third leg 20, it must be ensured that the smallest circle enclosed by the third leg 20 has a diameter a which is larger than the outer diameter b of the edge 10 of the container 8 and the lid edge 14, so that the third shown in Fig. 2 Process step can be carried out. In the third step, the in the second process step tensioned ring 2 on the lid 12 in Attached in the direction of arrow A. However, it should be noted that the Tension ring 2 can also be placed on the separate cover 12 first then cover 12 together with clamping ring 2 onto container 8 sit up. 2 shows in particular that the first leg 16 the Cover rim 14 overlaps after the clamping ring 2 has been placed on it, during the second leg 18 the lid edge 14 and the edge 10 of the container 8 encloses and the third leg 20 down over the edge 10 of the container 8 stands out. With the third process step, the clamping ring 2 is thus in its brought final position on the container 8.

In the fourth process step, which is shown in Fig. 3, the third leg 20 deformed such that it engages under the edge 10 of the container 10. In the The embodiment of the method shown is the third leg 20 in Bent in the direction of arrows B, with the kink between the second leg 18 and the radially inwardly inclined third leg 20 as a predetermined bending point acts. With the help of this predetermined bending point, the final shape of the Clamping ring 2 can be largely determined beforehand.

The third leg is deformed by means of rotating rollers, as will be the case later 4 and 5, wherein the rollers during circulating under the rim of the container can be pivoted like this is also indicated by the arrows B. Since the latch 6 is wider than the second leg 18 and thus wider than that after deforming finished clamping ring 2 is formed, part of the chip lock 6 protrudes downward over the second leg 18. By the invention Swiveling the role ensures that the role against the third Press leg 20 and deform it without touching it between the roll and the downward protruding end of the Tension lock 6 comes.

Fig. 4 shows the device according to the invention in a sectional view. The The device according to the invention comprises a tensioning device 22 and three rollers 24, of which only one is shown for reasons of clarity. The Clamping device 22 is arranged on a central axis 26, which at the same time the Central axis of the container 8 represents the bottom in Fig. 4 together with the Cover 12 is shown. The tensioning device 22 is along the central axis 26 movable, as shown by arrow C, and points in essentially a frame 28, a carriage 30 and a plate 32.

The plate 32 is on the lid 12 and the clamping ring 2 of the container 8 attachable and is rotatable via a shaft 34 in the frame 28 of the Clamping device 22 mounted, this in the present embodiment via a roller bearing 36. The frame comprises a lower part 38 in which the shaft 34 is supported, a plurality of webs 40, only one of which is shown and which, starting from the lower part 38, is parallel to the central axis 26 extend upward, and an annular plate 42 which completes the forms upper ends of the webs 40. The carriage 30 of the jig 22 is Slidably mounted on the webs 40 and thus between the lower part 38 and the annular plate 42 of the frame 28 slidably arranged. Between the upward side of the lower part 38 and the lower part 38 facing side of the carriage 30 is also a compression spring 44, so that the carriage 30 by the compression spring 44 against the annular plate 42nd is depressed when the tensioning device 22 is relaxed. On the carriage 30 facing side of the lower part 38 is also a stop element 46 arranged, which is adjustable in height along the central axis 26 and as Stop for the carriage 30 is used. A portion of the carriage 30 extends through the annular plate 42 and is firmly connected to a drive shaft 48, wherein the drive shaft 48 can be rotated about the central axis 26 like this is indicated by the arrow D.

On the lower part 38 of the frame 28 are struts 50 pointing radially outwards attached, of which in turn only one is shown and which on their Each end have a fork 52. There is a first lever 54 in the fork 52 pivoted, the end pointing in the direction of the plate 32 receives the roller 24 which is rotatable on the first by means of a roller bearing 56 Lever 54 is arranged. The first lever 54 thus extends in the direction of the Roller axis 58 and can be pivoted in a plane in which the Central axis 26 lies. At the end of the first lever facing away from the roller 24 54, a second lever 60 is articulated, the other end of which is connected to the slide 30 the tensioning device 22 is articulated.

The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, the shaft 48 is in one direction of arrow D rotates. This rotation is transmitted via the carriage 30 and the Web 40 on the frame 28. The plate 32 also takes place despite the roller bearing the rotational movement after, but this is only due to the frictional forces within the Roller bearing 36 can be attributed and is meaningless for the further process. In addition, the roller axes 58 also rotate by transmitting the rotation about the struts 50 and the second lever 60 about the central axis, so that the Rollers 24 describe a circular path.

Following this, the tensioning device 22 is opened in the direction of arrow C. the container 8 lowered, causing the plate 32 on the clamping ring 2 and Cover 12 comes to rest, as shown in Fig. 4. The plate 32 is designed such that the container 8 is below the clamping device 22nd centered. As soon as the plate 32 is placed on the container 8, its rotation prevented so that only the carriage 30 and the frame 28 of the Continue to rotate the jig. A transfer of the rotation to the Container 8 is excluded due to the roller bearing 36.

In order to clamp the container with the necessary stability, the shaft 26 moved further in the direction of the container 8. Since the plate 32 but already on the container 8 rests is a displacement of the entire clamping device 22 no longer possible, so that only by moving the shaft 26 further the slide 30 slidingly guided on the webs 40 against the force of the Compression spring 44 can be moved further. The resulting Restoring force of the compression spring 44 also acts on the lower part 38 of the frame 28 and via the shaft 34 on the plate 32, so that the container 8 with a predetermined force is tightened. The displacement of the carriage 30 in Direction of the lower part 38 of the frame 28 also causes Swiveling the first lever 54 by the articulated on the carriage 30 second lever 60. Thus, roller 24 is also against third leg 20 of the clamping ring 2 described with reference to FIG. 1 and pushes the slide 30 further towards the lower one Part 38 against the third leg 20 to deform it. The single ones Phases of this deformation process are shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 to be discussed in more detail later.

The carriage 30 is in the direction of the lower part 38 of the frame 28 moved until it strikes the stop element 46. This position is in Fig. 5 shown, the roller by pivoting the roller axis 58 below has reached the edge 10 of the container 8 and the third leg 20 completely deformed or bent under the edge 10. The closing process is thus ended and the clamping device 22 can be moved back again, whereby the above-described movements of the device are reversed. Fig. 5 illustrates that by pivoting the roller axis 58 of the Tension lock 6 of the tension ring 2 can be reached without contact, so that the device securely closes the container 8 without collision Rollers 24 with the latch 6 allows.

6 to 8 are intended to illustrate that the safe closing of the container 8th by means of the clamping ring 2 with a latch 6 also on the special design of the cross section of the rollers 24 is based. The figures show the individual phases of the deformation process of the third leg 20 of the tension ring 2. In FIG. 6, the roller 24 is already against the third leg 20 pivoted. 7, the roller 24 is still further against the third leg 20 pivots and engages under the edge 10 of the container, so that the third Leg 20 is bent radially inwards. 8 shows section II of FIG Fig. 5, d. H. the third leg 20 is bent to the bottom of the edge 10, and the clamping ring 2 has thus assumed its final shape. The in the 6 to 8 shown roller 24 has a cross section that is nose-like is trained. The end face of the roller 24 facing away from the clamping ring 2 falls radially outwards, so it is essentially conical. The one Clamping ring 2 facing end of the roller 24 has a circumferential recess 62 on that of the contactless recording of the downward projecting end the latch 6 serves. This can be seen in particular in FIG. 8. Together with the pivotability of the roller axis 58, this enables special design of the roller 24 thus a collision-free operation of the device according to the invention.

Claims (9)

1. Method for closing a container (8), provided with a lid (12), by means of a clamping ring (2) having a clamping closure (6), the container (8) having, at the opening end, a circumferential rim (10) which projects outwards radially, the method having the following steps:

   providing a clamping ring (2) which has, in cross-section, a first limb (16) which fits above the rim of the lid (12), a second limb (18) which surrounds the rim of the lid and the rim of the container, and a third limb (20) which projects downwards beyond the rim of the container, the clamping closure projecting downwards beyond the second limb (18),

   clamping the clamping closure of the clamping ring,

   fitting the clamped clamping ring onto the lid and

   deforming the third limb (20) in such a way that the third limb fits under the rim of the container,

   characterised in that the third limb is deformed at least by means of one roller (24) which runs round in a circle and applies pressure to the third limb, the at least one roller (24) being pivoted under the rim of the container, while running round in a circle, in such a way that, without being in contact therewith, it fits under the clamping closure (6) which projects beyond the second limb (18).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the third limb (20) is deformed by means of at least two, and preferably three, and particularly preferably five, rollers which are symmetrically arranged.
3. Apparatus for closing a container (8) provided with a lid (12), which container has, at the opening end, a circumferential rim which projects outwards radially, by means of a clamping ring (2) having a clamping closure (6), the clamping ring having, in cross-section, a first limb which fits above the rim of the lid, a second limb which surrounds the rim of the lid and the rim of the container, and a third limb which projects downwards beyond the rim of the container, and the clamping closure projecting downwards beyond the second limb, the apparatus having
   a clamping arrangement (22) for clamping the container (8), together with the lid (12) and clamping ring (2), solidly in place on a centre axis (26) and characterised in that
   at least one roller (24), which is arranged on a roller axis (58) able to be rotated about the centre axis (26), which roller axis (26) is able to be pivoted in a plane in which the centre axis (26) is arranged,
   the roller axis (58) is able to be pivoted from a first position in which the container (8) can be solidly clamped in place in the clamping arrangement (22) to a second position in which the roller (24) deforms the third limb, thus causing the third limb to fit under the rim of the container, said at least one roller being able to fit under the clamping closure projecting beyond the second limb without being in contact therewith.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that that end-face of the roller (24) which, at the time of the fitting below, is adjacent the clamping ring (2) has, extending round on it, a depression (62) and/or a projection.
5. Apparatus according to either of claims 3 and 4, characterised in that the cross-section of the roller (24) tapers in the radial direction.
6. Apparatus according to either of claims 4 and 5, characterised in that the cross-section of the roller (24) is of a nose-like configuration.
7. Apparatus according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the movement of the clamping arrangement (22) is mechanically coupled to the pivoting movement of the roller axis (58).
8. Apparatus according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterised in that the clamping arrangement (22) has a disc (32) which is able to be pressed against the lid (32) of the container (8).
9. Apparatus according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that at least two, and preferably three, and particularly preferably five, rollers (24) are provided, symmetrically arranged about the centre axis (26).

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