EP2285725B1 - Apparatus for closing containers with a screw closure - Google Patents

Apparatus for closing containers with a screw closure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2285725B1
EP2285725B1 EP09761353A EP09761353A EP2285725B1 EP 2285725 B1 EP2285725 B1 EP 2285725B1 EP 09761353 A EP09761353 A EP 09761353A EP 09761353 A EP09761353 A EP 09761353A EP 2285725 B1 EP2285725 B1 EP 2285725B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
screw
caps
screwing
container
head
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP09761353A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2285725A1 (en
Inventor
Georg Zepf
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Krones AG
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Krones AG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Krones AG filed Critical Krones AG
Priority to SI200930336T priority Critical patent/SI2285725T1/en
Publication of EP2285725A1 publication Critical patent/EP2285725A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2285725B1 publication Critical patent/EP2285725B1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/26—Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
    • B67B3/262—Devices for controlling the caps
    • B67B3/264—Devices for controlling the caps positioning of the caps

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for closing containers with a screw cap explained in the preamble of claim 1 Art.
  • Such a device is for example from the EP 1 834 923 known.
  • the known device has a screw capper, which has a plurality of screw heads driven in rotation about a vertical axis and synchronously rotationally driven holders for a plurality of containers.
  • the screw heads are designed so that they come into contact with a feeder for screw caps in a region of their orbit and take over the screw caps from this.
  • the holders for the containers are adapted to receive at a predetermined range of their orbit the unclosed containers and return the sealed containers.
  • To close container and screw head perform a relative movement to each other in the vertical direction, wherein preferably the screw head is guided under rotation about its own axis down and up.
  • Each screw head is further associated with a height-fixed ejector rod, which dips when returning the screw head after screwing the screw in the screw head and possibly there hangs hanging screw caps ejects.
  • a further monitoring device can be provided in the area of the supply device for the screw closures and ensure there that the screw caps are arranged in the correct position for acceptance by the screw head and for screwing onto the container, ie with the cover surface facing upwards and the screw rim pointing downwards , Since the fasteners must be removed from the screw head up out of the feeder, the closures in the feeder are supported only from below and to the side.
  • the invention has for its object to ensure a structurally simple way that misoriented screw caps that have entered the screw head, can be detected.
  • the senor monitors a location in the circular orbit of the screw head on which the screw head has already begun to unscrew the closure on the container, so that the distance between the container and screw head moves below the axial length of the container. If, during the passage of a screw head through this position, no screw head detected at this point, or it is determined that in the correct operation still necessary relative movement between the container and closing head has slowed down or come to a standstill, it is closed, so that the closure oriented incorrectly from Screw head was added and no screwing is possible.
  • the deepest point is preferred of the screw head, ie the smallest possible distance between screw head and container, monitored in the vertical screwing movement.
  • the monitoring position with respect to height in the axial direction and the position in the circular orbit of the screw head about the machine axis can be specifically adjustable and selectable closure.
  • the sensor preferably works without contact with conventionally known means.
  • the usual monitoring devices in the area of the supply device and / or in the region of the screw head (ejection rod) can be provided which switch off other sources of error or error sources that can be detected in good time, without the entire system having to be shut down in this case.
  • Fig. 1 shows a screw capper 1 in an exemplary representation.
  • the screw capper 1 corresponds to the inventively provided, described below details the screw capper after EP 1 834 923 so that reference may be made to this document for further details.
  • the screw capper 1 is set up for unscrewing closures in the form of screw caps K on beverage bottles F made of plastic.
  • the invention is also suitable for screw cappers for turning lids or bayonet locks on bottles or jars.
  • the closures have in a conventional manner an upper top surface and a protruding from the top surface, cylindrical and in his Inside with a threaded or provided with bayonet lock units screw on.
  • the screw capper 1 contains a stationary frame 2, in which by means of a flange stopper 3, a hollow shaft 4 with a vertical axis of rotation D is rotatably mounted in the direction of arrow A. At the lower end of the hollow shaft 4, a ring gear 5 is fixed, via which the hollow shaft 4 can be driven.
  • a rotor 6 On the hollow shaft 4, a rotor 6 is fixed, which essentially comprises three horizontal circular disks 7, 8 and 9 and rotates about the axis of rotation D.
  • a plurality of closing means 10 are provided, which are formed in a conventional manner, i. u. a. a closing head 11, an ejector 12 and a rotary drive 13 for the closing head 11 included.
  • the rotary drive 13 contains, for each closing device 10, a motor 13a (servomotor) and a gear element 13b (pinion).
  • each closure head 11 is associated with a respective bottle carrier 14.
  • the bottle carrier 14 and the closing head 11 are movable relative to each other in the vertical direction along the double arrow B, on the one hand to lower the cap K on the bottle F and then, with the help of the rotary drive 13, the cap K unscrew with further lowering the bottle F.
  • the bottles F are additionally held by a stationary guide bow 15, which is fastened on the frame 2.
  • the vertical movement in the direction of the double arrow B is effected by lifting rods 16, wherein for each closing unit 10 each have a lifting rod 16 is provided.
  • each lifting rod 16 At the lower end of each lifting rod 16, a bearing block 17 is attached to the radially outwardly facing side of a cam roller 18 is mounted with a horizontal axis of rotation.
  • the cam rollers 18 of all lifting rods 16 engage in an inwardly open, self-contained groove curve 19, which is formed in a cam ring 20 which is fixed concentrically to the rotation axis D rigidly on the frame 2.
  • the lifting rods 16 through the formed by the cam groove 19 and the cam rollers 18 positive control of a defined vertical upward and downward movement in the direction of B from.
  • the closing head 11 is rotatably supported via a bearing body 16a with a vertical axis.
  • the closing head 11 is provided in a conventional manner with retaining elements for the closure K and has a central bore into which the height-fixed to the upper circular disk 9 mounted ejector 12 engages for unprocessed fasteners K.
  • the screw capper 1 is part of a device 30 for closing a container F, which is shown schematically in FIG Fig. 2 is shown.
  • the device 30 contains, in addition to the screw capper 1, a delivery device 31 for closures K, a delivery device 32 for the container F and a discharge conveyor 33 for the containers closed with the closures.
  • the delivery devices 31, 32 and the discharge conveyor 33 can have conventional constructions, for example the delivery device 31 for the closures K is designed as a pick & place station or wheel in which the closures K are correctly aligned, sorted and in the correct position controlled in a feed trough run.
  • a device 34 for detecting misalignments of reached in the screw heads 11 closures K.
  • the device 34 contains a sensor 35 and a suitable control device 36.
  • the sensor 35 operates without contact and may be, for example, a camera, an approach initiator or the like.

Abstract

An apparatus (30) for closing a container (F) with a closure (K) is described, the apparatus having a screw closer (1) which comprises at least one screw head (11) for the screwing on of the closure (K). The screw head (11) revolves around an axis (D) over a controlled path (A) and is guided in a vertical screwing movement (B) relative to the container (F). The apparatus (30) contains respective supply apparatuses (31, 32) for the closures (K) and the containers (F). In order, in a structurally simple manner, to prevent the apparatus (30) from being obstructed or damaged by closures (K) entered into the screw head (11) in a misaligned manner, it is proposed to arrange a device (34) in the region of the screw closer (1) to determine closures (K) which have been supplied in a misaligned manner.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältern mit einem Schraubverschluss der im Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 erläuterten Art.The invention relates to a device for closing containers with a screw cap explained in the preamble of claim 1 Art.

Eine derartige Vorrichtung ist beispielsweise aus der EP 1 834 923 bekannt. Die bekannte Vorrichtung weist einen Schraubverschließer auf, der eine Mehrzahl um eine senkrechte Achse rotierend angetriebener Schraubköpfe und synchron rotierend angetriebener Halterungen für eine Mehrzahl von Behältern aufweist. Die Schraubköpfe sind so ausgebildet, dass sie in einem Bereich ihrer Umlaufbahn mit einer Zuführeinrichtung für Schraubverschlüsse in Kontakt treten und von dieser die Schraubverschlüsse übernehmen. Die Halterungen für die Behälter sind so ausgebildet, dass sie an einem vorbestimmten Bereich ihrer Umlaufbahn die unverschlossenen Behälter aufnehmen und die verschlossenen Behälter wieder abgeben. Zum Verschließen führen Behälter und Schraubkopf eine Relativbewegung zueinander in senkrechter Richtung aus, wobei bevorzugt der Schraubkopf unter Drehung um seine eigene Achse nach unten und oben geführt wird. Jedem Schraubkopf ist weiterhin eine höhenfixierte Auswerferstange zugeordnet, die beim Zurückführen des Schraubkopfes nach dem Aufschrauben des Schraubverschlusses in den Schraubkopf eintaucht und dort eventuell hängen gebliebene Schraubverschlüsse auswirft. Eine weitere Überwachungseinrichtung kann im Bereich der Zufuhreinrichtung für die Schraubverschlüsse vorgesehen sein und dort sicherstellen, dass die Schraubverschlüsse in der korrekten Position zum Übernehmen durch den Schraubkopf und zum Aufschrauben auf den Behälter, d.h. mit nach oben weisender Deckfläche und nach unten weisendem Schraubrand, angeordnet werden. Da die Verschlüsse vom Schraubkopf nach oben aus der Zufuhreinrichtung herausgenommen werden müssen, sind die Verschlüsse in der Zufuhreinrichtung lediglich von unten und seitlich unterstützt. Dabei kann es, insbesondere bei den heutzutage immer leichtgewichtigeren Verschlüssen, passieren, beispielsweise durch Maschinenvibrationen, dass sich ein Verschluss trotz korrekter Ausrichtung wieder umdreht, d.h. nunmehr mit dem Schraubrand nach oben und der Deckfläche nach unten dem Schraubkopf zugeführt wird. Übernimmt der Schraubkopf einen derart verkehrt herum liegenden Verschluss, so kann er diesen nicht auf den Behälter aufschrauben. Die Auswerferstange erreicht jedoch den fehlerhaft im Schraubkopf verbliebenen Verschluss nicht mehr, da sie in das Innere des Schraubverschlusses eintaucht und nicht bis zur Deckfläche reicht. Beim nächsten Aufnehmen und Aufschrauben wird der nicht ausgeworfene Verschluss gequetscht, wobei die Kräfte so stark sind, dass Teile der Verschließvorrichtung brechen können (z.B. Laufrollen, Zahnräder, usw.) oder verbogen werden und die Maschine instandgesetzt werden muss. Dies führt zu Produktionsausfall, Ersatzteilkosten und Reparaturkosten.Such a device is for example from the EP 1 834 923 known. The known device has a screw capper, which has a plurality of screw heads driven in rotation about a vertical axis and synchronously rotationally driven holders for a plurality of containers. The screw heads are designed so that they come into contact with a feeder for screw caps in a region of their orbit and take over the screw caps from this. The holders for the containers are adapted to receive at a predetermined range of their orbit the unclosed containers and return the sealed containers. To close container and screw head perform a relative movement to each other in the vertical direction, wherein preferably the screw head is guided under rotation about its own axis down and up. Each screw head is further associated with a height-fixed ejector rod, which dips when returning the screw head after screwing the screw in the screw head and possibly there hangs hanging screw caps ejects. A further monitoring device can be provided in the area of the supply device for the screw closures and ensure there that the screw caps are arranged in the correct position for acceptance by the screw head and for screwing onto the container, ie with the cover surface facing upwards and the screw rim pointing downwards , Since the fasteners must be removed from the screw head up out of the feeder, the closures in the feeder are supported only from below and to the side. It can happen, especially in the now increasingly lightweight closures, for example, by machine vibrations that a shutter turns around again despite correct orientation, ie now with the Screw edge upwards and the top surface is fed down the screw head. If the screw head takes over such an inverted closure, it can not be screwed onto the container. However, the ejector bar does not reach the faulty remaining in the screw head closure, because it dips into the interior of the screw cap and does not reach the top surface. The next time you pick it up and screw it on, the non-ejected closure will be squeezed, and the forces will be so strong that parts of the sealer may break (eg rollers, gears, etc.) or become bent and the machine must be repaired. This leads to production loss, spare parts costs and repair costs.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, auf konstruktiv einfache Weise sicherzustellen, dass falsch orientierte Schraubverschlüsse, die in den Schraubkopf gelangt sind, erkannt werden können.The invention has for its object to ensure a structurally simple way that misoriented screw caps that have entered the screw head, can be detected.

Die Aufgabe wird durch die im Anspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmale gelöst.The object is solved by the features specified in claim 1.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung kann direkt am Schraubverschließer, wo die Verschlüsse bereits lagefixiert sind, festgestellt werden, ob der vom Schraubkopf erfasste Verschluss korrekt ausgerichtet ist. Dazu ist lediglich ein einziger, zusätzlicher Sensor notwendig, der eine prägnante Stelle im Schraubverschließer überwacht.As a result of the configuration according to the invention, it is possible to determine directly at the screw capper, where the caps are already fixed in position, whether the closure captured by the screw head is correctly aligned. For this purpose, only a single, additional sensor is necessary, which monitors a concise place in the screw capper.

Bevorzugt überwacht der Sensor eine Stelle in der kreisförmigen Umlaufbahn des Schraubkopfes, an der der Schraubkopf bereits begonnen hat, den Verschluss auf den Behälter aufzuschrauben, so dass sich der Abstand zwischen Behälter und Schraubkopf unter die axiale Länge des Behälters bewegt. Wird beim Durchlauf eines Schraubkopfes durch diese Position kein Schraubkopf an dieser Stelle festgestellt, bzw. wird festgestellt, dass eine im korrekten Betrieb noch notwendige Relativbewegung zwischen Behälter und Schließkopf verlangsamt oder zum Stillstand gekommen ist, so wird geschlossen, so dass der Verschluss fehlerhaft orientiert vom Schraubkopf aufgenommen wurde und kein Aufschrauben möglich ist.Preferably, the sensor monitors a location in the circular orbit of the screw head on which the screw head has already begun to unscrew the closure on the container, so that the distance between the container and screw head moves below the axial length of the container. If, during the passage of a screw head through this position, no screw head detected at this point, or it is determined that in the correct operation still necessary relative movement between the container and closing head has slowed down or come to a standstill, it is closed, so that the closure oriented incorrectly from Screw head was added and no screwing is possible.

Um Fehlerquellen, insbesondere bei einem kurzen Gewinde oder bei Bajonettverschlüssen oder dergleichen auszuschalten, wird bevorzugt die tiefste Stelle des Schraubkopfes, d.h. der geringstmögliche Abstand zwischen Schraubkopf und Behälter, in der senkrechten Schraubbewegung überwacht. Die Überwachungsposition hinsichtlich Höhe in axialer Richtung und der Stelle in der kreisförmigen Umlaufbahn des Schraubkopfes um die Maschinenachse kann Verschluss spezifisch einstellbar und auswählbar sein.In order to eliminate sources of error, in particular with a short thread or with bayonet locks or the like, the deepest point is preferred of the screw head, ie the smallest possible distance between screw head and container, monitored in the vertical screwing movement. The monitoring position with respect to height in the axial direction and the position in the circular orbit of the screw head about the machine axis can be specifically adjustable and selectable closure.

Wird ein fehlerhaft orientierter Schraubverschluss festgestellt, so werden zumindest die Zufuhreinrichtungen und ggf. auch die Abfülleinrichtung stillgelegt, um weiteren Schäden vorzubeugen.If a faulty oriented screw is detected, so at least the feeders and possibly also the filling are shut down to prevent further damage.

Der Sensor arbeitet bevorzugt berührungslos mit herkömmlich bekannten Mitteln.The sensor preferably works without contact with conventionally known means.

Zusätlich zur erfindungsgemäßen Feststelleinrichtung können die üblichen Überwachungseinrichtungen im Bereich der Zufuhreinrichtung und/oder im Bereich des Schraubkopfes (Auswurfstange) vorgesehen sein, die andere Fehlerquellen bzw. rechtzeitig feststellbare Fehlerquellen ausschalten, ohne dass in diesem Falle die gesamte Anlage stillgesetzt werden muss.In addition to the locking device according to the invention, the usual monitoring devices in the area of the supply device and / or in the region of the screw head (ejection rod) can be provided which switch off other sources of error or error sources that can be detected in good time, without the entire system having to be shut down in this case.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
einen senkrechten Schnitt durch einen Schraubverschließer, und
Fig. 2
eine Draufsicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in stark schematisierter Darstellung.
An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
a vertical section through a screw capper, and
Fig. 2
a plan view of the device according to the invention in a highly schematic representation.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen Schraubverschließer 1 in beispielhafter Darstellung. Der Schraubverschließer 1 entspricht bis auf die erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen, weiter unten beschriebenen Einzelheiten dem Schraubverschließer nach der EP 1 834 923 , so dass für weitere Einzelheiten auf diese Druckschrift verwiesen werden kann. Der Schraubverschließer 1 ist zum Aufdrehen von Verschlüssen in Form von Schraubkappen K auf Getränkeflaschen F aus Kunststoff eingerichtet. Die Erfindung ist jedoch auch bei Schraubverschließern zum Aufdrehen von Deckeln oder Bajonettverschlüssen auf Flaschen oder Gläser geeignet. Die Verschlüsse weisen in üblicher Weise eine obere Deckfläche und einen von der Deckfläche wegstehenden, zylindrischen und in seinem Inneren mit einem Gewinde oder mit Bajonettverschlusseinheiten versehenen Schraubflansch auf. Fig. 1 shows a screw capper 1 in an exemplary representation. The screw capper 1 corresponds to the inventively provided, described below details the screw capper after EP 1 834 923 so that reference may be made to this document for further details. The screw capper 1 is set up for unscrewing closures in the form of screw caps K on beverage bottles F made of plastic. However, the invention is also suitable for screw cappers for turning lids or bayonet locks on bottles or jars. The closures have in a conventional manner an upper top surface and a protruding from the top surface, cylindrical and in his Inside with a threaded or provided with bayonet lock units screw on.

Der Schraubverschließer 1 enthält ein stationäres Gestell 2, in dem mittels eines Flanschlagers 3 eine Hohlwelle 4 mit senkrechter Drehachse D in Pfeilrichtung A drehbar gelagert ist. Am unteren Ende der Hohlwelle 4 ist ein Zahnkranz 5 befestigt, über den die Hohlwelle 4 angetrieben werden kann.The screw capper 1 contains a stationary frame 2, in which by means of a flange stopper 3, a hollow shaft 4 with a vertical axis of rotation D is rotatably mounted in the direction of arrow A. At the lower end of the hollow shaft 4, a ring gear 5 is fixed, via which the hollow shaft 4 can be driven.

Auf der Hohlwelle 4 ist ein Rotor 6 befestigt, der im Wesentlichen drei horizontale Kreisscheiben 7, 8 und 9 umfasst und sich um die Drehachse D dreht. An der oberen Kreisscheibe 9 sind eine Vielzahl Verschließeinrichtungen 10 vorgesehen, die in üblicher Weise ausgebildet sind, d.h. u. a. einen Schließkopf 11, eine Auswerferstange 12 und einen Drehantrieb 13 für den Schließkopf 11 enthalten. Der Drehantrieb 13 enthält für jede Verschließeinrichtung 10 einen Motor 13a (Servomotor) und ein Getriebeelement 13b (Ritzel).On the hollow shaft 4, a rotor 6 is fixed, which essentially comprises three horizontal circular disks 7, 8 and 9 and rotates about the axis of rotation D. On the upper circular disc 9 a plurality of closing means 10 are provided, which are formed in a conventional manner, i. u. a. a closing head 11, an ejector 12 and a rotary drive 13 for the closing head 11 included. The rotary drive 13 contains, for each closing device 10, a motor 13a (servomotor) and a gear element 13b (pinion).

In der mittleren Kreisscheibe 8 sind eine Vielzahl von Behälter- bzw. Flaschenträgern 14 in Form von U-förmigen Ausnehmungen vorgesehen, wobei jedem Schließkopf 11 jeweils ein Flaschentäger 14 zugeordnet ist. Der Flaschenträger 14 und der Schließkopf 11 sind relativ zueinander in vertikaler Richtung entlang des Doppelpfeils B bewegbar, um einerseits die Kappe K auf die Flasche F abzusenken und dann, mit Hilfe des Drehantriebes 13, die Kappe K unter weiterem Absenken auf die Flasche F aufzuschrauben. Im eigentlichen Verschließbereich, d.h. im Bereich des Aufschraubvorganges, werden die Flaschen F zusätzlich durch einen stationären Führungsbogen 15, der auf dem Gestell 2 befestigt ist, gehalten.In the middle circular disc 8, a plurality of container or bottle carriers 14 are provided in the form of U-shaped recesses, each closure head 11 is associated with a respective bottle carrier 14. The bottle carrier 14 and the closing head 11 are movable relative to each other in the vertical direction along the double arrow B, on the one hand to lower the cap K on the bottle F and then, with the help of the rotary drive 13, the cap K unscrew with further lowering the bottle F. In the actual closure area, i. in the screwing process, the bottles F are additionally held by a stationary guide bow 15, which is fastened on the frame 2.

Die vertikale Bewegung in Richtung des Doppelpfeils B wird durch Hubstangen 16 bewirkt, wobei für jede Verschließeinheit 10 jeweils eine Hubstange 16 vorgesehen ist.The vertical movement in the direction of the double arrow B is effected by lifting rods 16, wherein for each closing unit 10 each have a lifting rod 16 is provided.

Am unteren Ende jeder Hubstange 16 ist ein Lagerklotz 17 befestigt, an dessen radial nach außen weisender Seite eine Kurvenrolle 18 mit horizontaler Drehachse gelagert ist. Die Kurvenrollen 18 aller Hubstangen 16 greifen in eine nach innen offene, in sich geschlossene Nutkurve 19 ein, die in einem Kurvenring 20 ausgebildet ist, der konzentrisch zur Drehachse D starr am Gestell 2 befestigt ist. Bei einer Rotation des Rotors 6 in Richtung des Pfeils A führen die Hubstangen 16 durch die von der Nutkurve 19 und den Kurvenrollen 18 gebildete Zwangssteuerung eine definierte, vertikale Auf- und Abwärtsbewegung in Richtung B aus.At the lower end of each lifting rod 16, a bearing block 17 is attached to the radially outwardly facing side of a cam roller 18 is mounted with a horizontal axis of rotation. The cam rollers 18 of all lifting rods 16 engage in an inwardly open, self-contained groove curve 19, which is formed in a cam ring 20 which is fixed concentrically to the rotation axis D rigidly on the frame 2. During a rotation of the Rotor 6 in the direction of arrow A lead the lifting rods 16 through the formed by the cam groove 19 and the cam rollers 18 positive control of a defined vertical upward and downward movement in the direction of B from.

Am oberen Ende jeder Hubstange 16, das aus der mittleren Kreisscheibe 8 nach oben herausragt, ist über einen Lagerkörper 16a der Schließkopf 11 mit senkrechter Achse drehbar gelagert. Der Schließkopf 11 ist in üblicher Weise mit Halteelementen für den Verschluss K versehen und weist eine zentrale Bohrung auf, in die die höhenfest an der oberen Kreisscheibe 9 befestigte Auswerferstange 12 für nicht verarbeitete Verschlüsse K eingreift.At the upper end of each lifting rod 16, which protrudes upward from the central circular disc 8, the closing head 11 is rotatably supported via a bearing body 16a with a vertical axis. The closing head 11 is provided in a conventional manner with retaining elements for the closure K and has a central bore into which the height-fixed to the upper circular disk 9 mounted ejector 12 engages for unprocessed fasteners K.

Der Schraubverschließer 1 ist Teil einer Vorrichtung 30 zum Verschließen eines Behälters F, die schematisch in Fig. 2 dargestellt ist. Die Vorrichtung 30 enthält neben dem Schraubverschließer 1 eine Zuliefervorrichtung 31 für Verschlüsse K, eine Zuliefervorrichtung 32 für Behälter F und einen Abförderer 33 für die mit den Verschlüssen verschlossenen Behälter. Die Zuliefervorrichtungen 31, 32 und der Abförderer 33 können herkömmliche Konstruktionen aufweisen, beispielsweise ist die Zuliefereinrichtung 31 für die Verschlüsse K als Pick & Place-Station bzw. -Rad ausgebildet, in der die Verschlüsse K korrekt ausgerichtet, sortiert und auf die richtige Lage hin kontrolliert in einer Zuführrinne laufen.The screw capper 1 is part of a device 30 for closing a container F, which is shown schematically in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. The device 30 contains, in addition to the screw capper 1, a delivery device 31 for closures K, a delivery device 32 for the container F and a discharge conveyor 33 for the containers closed with the closures. The delivery devices 31, 32 and the discharge conveyor 33 can have conventional constructions, for example the delivery device 31 for the closures K is designed as a pick & place station or wheel in which the closures K are correctly aligned, sorted and in the correct position controlled in a feed trough run.

Um auszuschließen, dass fehlorientierte Verschlüsse, deren Fehlorientierung erst nach der Kontrolle und Einordnung in die Zuliefereinrichtung 31 auftritt, Schäden am Schraubverschließer 1 verursachen, ist eine Einrichtung 34 zum Feststellen von Fehlorientierungen von in die Schraubköpfe 11 gelangten Verschlüssen K vorgesehen. Die Einrichtung 34 enthält einen Sensor 35 und eine geeignete Steuereinrichtung 36. Der Sensor 35 arbeitet berührungslos und kann beispielsweise eine Kamera, ein Näherungsinitiator oder dergleichen sein. Zum Feststellen der Fehlorientierung in den Schließköpfen 11 ist lediglich ein einziger Sensor 35 für alle Schließköpfe 11 des Schraubverschließers 1 notwendig, wenn dieser so platziert ist, dass er eine Position des jeweiligen Schließkopfes 11 überwacht, die dieser nur bei korrekt eingesetzten Verschlüssen K erreichen kann. Bevorzugt ist dies die tiefste Position des Schließkopfes 11 bei dessen Bewegung entlang des Pfeils B relativ zum Behälter F. Es kann jedoch auch jede andere Stellung, nach Beginn des Aufschraubvorganges, die nur im korrekten Betrieb erreicht wird, überwacht werden. Auch andere nur bei einer Fehlausrichtung der Verschlüsse K im Schraubkopf 11 auftretenden Merkmale, zum Beispiel ein Stillstand oder eine Verlangsamung der Bewegung des Schließkopfes entlang B vor Ende des Verschließvorgangs, wenn er korrekt ablaufen würde, können überwacht werden. Wird ein derartig fehl ausgerichteter Verschluss K festgestellt, beispielsweise ein Verschluss, der mit seiner Deckfläche in Richtung auf den Behälter weist, so werden über die Steuerung 36 wesentliche Teile der Vorrichtung 30 gestoppt, also beispielsweise die Zuliefervorrichtungen 31 und 32 und der Schraubverschließer 1 stillgesetzt. Je nach Größe des Schadens, die ein solcher nicht aufschraubbarer Verschluss im System verursachen kann, können auch die Abfüllanlage oder nachfolgende Anlagebereich stillgesetzt werden.To rule out that misoriented closures whose misorientation occurs only after checking and classification in the feeder 31 cause damage to the screw capper 1, a device 34 is provided for detecting misalignments of reached in the screw heads 11 closures K. The device 34 contains a sensor 35 and a suitable control device 36. The sensor 35 operates without contact and may be, for example, a camera, an approach initiator or the like. To determine the misalignment in the closing heads 11, only a single sensor 35 is necessary for all closing heads 11 of the screw capper 1, when it is placed so that it monitors a position of the respective closing head 11, which can only reach K when the caps K are correctly inserted. This is preferably the lowest position of the closing head 11 during its movement along the arrow B relative to the container F. However, it can Any other position, after the start of Aufschraubvorganges, which is achieved only in the correct operation to be monitored. Other features occurring only in the event of misalignment of the closures K in the screw head 11, for example a stoppage or slowing down of the movement of the closing head along B before the end of the closing operation, if it were to proceed correctly, can be monitored. If such a misaligned closure K is detected, for example, a closure which points with its top surface in the direction of the container, so 36 essential parts of the device 30 are stopped by the controller, so for example, the delivery devices 31 and 32 and the screw capper 1 shut down. Depending on the size of the damage that such a non-screw-on closure can cause in the system, the filling line or the following area can also be shut down.

In Abwandlung des beschriebenen und gezeichneten Ausführungsbeispiels können Schraubverschließer abweichender Konstruktion eingesetzt werden. Statt den Sensor auf den Schraubkopf zu richten, können andere, direkt mit der vertikalen Hubbewegung verbundene Bauteile überwacht werden.In a modification of the described and illustrated embodiment Schraubverschließer deviating construction can be used. Instead of directing the sensor onto the screw head, other components directly connected to the vertical lifting motion can be monitored.

Claims (7)

  1. Apparatus (30) for closing a container (F) with a cap (K), comprising a screw capper (1) which comprises at least one screwing head (11) for screwing on the cap (K), wherein the screwing head (11) circulates along a controlled path (A) about an axis (D) and in the process is guided in a vertical screwing movement (B) relative to the container (F), and comprising a respective feed device (31, 32) for the caps (K) and the containers (F), characterised by a device (34) arranged in the region of the screw capper (1) for detecting caps (K) that have been fed in a misaligned manner.
  2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the device (34) for detecting caps (K) that have been fed in a misaligned manner contains a sensor (35) which is arranged at a point along the path (A) of the screwing head (11) about the axis (D) which is after the start of contact between the cap (K) and the container (F) in the vertical screwing movement (B).
  3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the device (34) for detecting caps (K) that have been fed in a misaligned manner monitors the lowest position of the screwing head (11) in the vertical screwing movement (B).
  4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the device (34) for detecting caps (K) that have been fed in a misaligned manner contains a control device (36) which stops at least the feed device (31, 32).
  5. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the device (34) for detecting caps (K) that have been fed in a misaligned manner contains a sensor (35) which operates in a contactless manner, such as for example a proximity sensor or a camera.
  6. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised by a further monitoring device for monitoring the correct feeding of the caps (K), which is assigned to the region of the feed device (31).
  7. Method for closing a container (F) with a cap (K), wherein the container (F) and the cap (K) are fed to a screw capper (1) which comprises at least one screwing head (11) for screwing on the cap (K), which screwing head circulates along a controlled path (A) about an axis (D) and in the process is guided in a vertical screwing movement (B), characterised in that caps (K) that have been fed to the screwing head (11) in a misaligned manner are detected by a device (34) arranged in the region of the screw capper (1) and the feeding of the caps (K) and of the containers (F) is stopped.
EP09761353A 2008-06-11 2009-04-23 Apparatus for closing containers with a screw closure Not-in-force EP2285725B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI200930336T SI2285725T1 (en) 2008-06-11 2009-04-23 Apparatus for closing containers with a screw closure

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102008027866A DE102008027866A1 (en) 2008-06-11 2008-06-11 Device for closing containers with a screw cap
PCT/EP2009/002968 WO2009149790A1 (en) 2008-06-11 2009-04-23 Apparatus for closing containers with a screw closure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2285725A1 EP2285725A1 (en) 2011-02-23
EP2285725B1 true EP2285725B1 (en) 2012-06-20

Family

ID=40887904

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09761353A Not-in-force EP2285725B1 (en) 2008-06-11 2009-04-23 Apparatus for closing containers with a screw closure

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2285725B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102066235B (en)
DE (1) DE102008027866A1 (en)
SI (1) SI2285725T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009149790A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102935991A (en) * 2012-07-20 2013-02-20 海门市金昊自动化科技有限公司 Full-automatic intelligent numerical control cap screwing machine
CN103896194A (en) * 2014-04-04 2014-07-02 中山长健医药包装技术有限公司 Torsion transmission mechanism of packaging pipe packager

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2689647A (en) * 1952-09-02 1954-09-21 Purex Corp Ltd Bottle cap position detector
DE4022939A1 (en) * 1990-07-19 1992-01-23 Bosch Gmbh Robert DEVICE FOR SCREWING ON SCREW CAPS ON CONTAINER
DE4115264C2 (en) * 1991-05-10 1994-03-31 Rudolf Zodrow Inspection machine for swing top bottles
JPH09169392A (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-30 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Image type capping state tester
DE19946951A1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2001-04-05 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Ring-type bottling plant capper system extends holddown and positioned cap for cap presence checks by reflecting light scanner to maintain smooth line flow.
DE10124659A1 (en) * 2001-05-18 2002-12-05 Krones Ag Device for screwing screw caps onto containers
EP1270433B1 (en) * 2001-06-20 2011-02-23 Japan Crown Cork Co. Ltd. Method of inspecting a cap wrap-fitted to a neck of a bottle and apparatus therefor
DE102005054076A1 (en) * 2005-11-12 2007-06-06 Alcoa Deutschland Gmbh Closing device e.g. for applying screw tops to containers, has coupling which transmits torque from driver to screw top with driver having drive rotor and output rotor
DE202006003975U1 (en) 2006-03-14 2007-07-19 Krones Ag Screw capper for bottles or the like.
CN1935625A (en) * 2006-10-18 2007-03-28 苏继辉 On-line positioned product monitoring system for filling capping/sealing functional equipment and its realizing method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SI2285725T1 (en) 2012-10-30
WO2009149790A1 (en) 2009-12-17
CN102066235A (en) 2011-05-18
DE102008027866A1 (en) 2009-12-17
EP2285725A1 (en) 2011-02-23
CN102066235B (en) 2013-01-23

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