EP2527289A1 - Method and device for applying a screw cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (2) has belt (66) that is made to contact a screw cap (4), so that screwing of a screw on opening threads of container is drivable. The belt is connected to periphery of screw cap, such that belt is partially wrapped under wrap angle. An independent claim is included for method for attaching screw cap to container.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for attaching a screw cap to a container. The present invention further relates to a method for attaching a screw cap to a container. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for attaching a screw cap with attachment.

From practice devices for attaching a screw cap to a container are known in which the screw cap is placed on an opening thread of the container. In order to screw the threaded closure placed on the opening thread with the opening thread, the known devices have a friction wheel. This friction wheel is brought with its circumference with the circumference of the screw placed on the opening thread of the container in contact and pressed transversely to the screw against the screw. By the rotation of the friction wheel, which is pressed transversely to the screw against the screw, creates a frictional force in the circumferential direction of the screw, which is then also rotated and screwed onto the opening thread of the container.

The use of the above-described friction wheels within the devices for attaching a screw cap has proven itself, but has some disadvantages. Thus, it has been found that at those points where the circumference of the friction wheel engages the circumference of the screw cap, it can cause damage or wear on the screw cap. It has also been found that it can occasionally lead to a slip between the friction wheel and the screw cap, which can prevent the reliable achievement of a predetermined end torque for screwing the screw cap.

Based on the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for attaching a screw cap to a container, by means of which the torque when screwing the screw cap with minimal slippage safely transferred to the screw and the desired end torque of the screw safely can be achieved without causing any damage to the screw cap. The present invention is also based on the object of specifying a correspondingly advantageous method and a use of the method and the device.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the patent claims 1, 12 and 15, respectively. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for attaching a screw cap to a container has a band. Under a band, for example, a belt or belt can be understood. The tape is provided on the device such that it is driven can. Moreover, the band can be brought into contact with the circumference of a screw cap placed on an opening thread of the container. If the band is driven, the frictional force between the band on the one hand and the screw cap on the other hand causes the screw cap to be turned and screwed onto the opening thread.

While the friction surface provided on the circumference of a friction wheel known from the prior art has a predetermined circular course, the belt of the device according to the invention can extend along a straight line or even buckle or bend, so that the contact surface between the belt and the screw cap is much larger than a friction wheel. Thus, the desired torque can be transmitted safely and slip-free on the brought into contact with the tape screw cap. Also, a pressing force applied transversely to the screwing direction on the screw cap can be selected to be larger, thanks to the increased contact area or contact surface, so that particularly high torques can be transmitted and very high end torques of the screw cap can be achieved. Moreover, it has been found that thanks to the use of a band instead of a friction wheel, almost no wear occurs on the screw cap, even if the screw cap is made of a relatively soft material.

In principle, any band can be used in the device according to the invention. For example, a band having two ends may be used, the band being successively rolled over one end onto a roll during operation of the apparatus and being unrolled from a roll at another end. Following this, a return could be done to the Roll off again. However, in order to keep the structure of the device particularly simple, the band in a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is an endless or closed band. Such an endless or closed belt can rotate in one of its longitudinal directions without the aforementioned return would be necessary. Consequently, one can speak in this case of a circumferential or annular band. In addition to the simplified handling in this context, the simple and space-saving installation of the tape should be mentioned.

As already mentioned, thanks to the band, a particularly large area of contact or contact between the band and the screw cap can be achieved. To make this touch or attack surface particularly large, the band can be brought in a particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention in such a contact with the circumference of the screw that the circumference by the band at least partially to achieve a wrap angle is wrapped or embraced. One could also speak of the fact that the band is flexible in the area of the desired contact surface or attack surface in order to be able to wrap the screw closure over said wrap angle. In this context, it has proven to be advantageous if the band is designed and arranged such that the wrap angle is at least 30 °, at least 40 ° or at least 50 °. The greater the said wrap angle is chosen, the greater the transmittable torque, assuming a constant contact force. Alternatively or additionally, it has been found in this embodiment to be advantageous if the maximum wrap angle, that is, the maximum achievable by the band of the device Wrap angle, can be set or changed for the same or constant outer diameter of a screw cap. This can be effected, for example, by the fact that two guides, between which the contact portion of the band which is to be brought into contact with the screw cap, can be changed or adjusted. Likewise, an interchangeable module including the guides and the strap may be provided to achieve a different maximum wrap angle by replacing the module with another module having the guides closer together or further apart. Both exemplary embodiments mentioned here will be explained in more detail later.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the band is guided over two guides. The two guides are preferably two rollers, which are particularly preferably designed as freewheeling rollers. The two guides are arranged to each other such that extends between these a contact portion of the band which is to be brought into contact with the circumference of the screw cap. In the case of an endless, closed or circulating belt, the contact section is thus that of the two sections of the belt extending between the guides, which contacts the screw cap for the purpose of screwing on. This embodiment of the device according to the invention allows targeted lateral support of the contact portion of the band by the two guides and also a targeted limitation of the expansion of the band within the device by fixing the contact portion. In this way, a particularly compact construction of the device is achieved. In this embodiment of the device, it is further preferred if the contact portion of the Bandes extending directly between the two guides. In other words, the contact portion between the two supports on the guides should not be additionally supported on a component of the device. This has the advantage that the contact section can be particularly easily adapted to the contour of the screw cap to achieve, for example, the aforementioned wrap angle without being hindered by a further support to this adjustment. In this embodiment, it is further preferred if the contact portion can be brought into contact with the screw cap with bending or / and curvature of the contact portion and / or adaptation of the contact portion to the outer contour of the circumference of the screw cap. As already mentioned above, this makes it possible to achieve a particularly large area of contact or contact between the band and the screw cap. Regardless of the particular embodiment, it has been found to be advantageous if the two guides are designed as deflection guides, pulleys or free-running pulleys, which deflect the band by at least 45 °, preferably at least 90 °, to the extent of the device in the region of Keep contact section as small as possible. As a result, not only a sufficient margin for the following container is created, but also a simpler visual monitoring of Verschraubprozesses is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the tape is guided over a drive roller for driving the tape. For example, the drive roller may have a smooth outer periphery such that the belt is driven by the friction between the drive roller and the belt. However, it is also possible and advantageous if the drive roller has an external toothing, which engages in a corresponding toothing on the belt in order to transfer particularly high torques from the drive roller to the belt without the tension of the belt must be particularly high. The drive roller can either form one of the two aforementioned guides or rollers, in which case only the other role could be designed as a free-running role, or be formed separately from the two guides. In the former alternative, a particularly simple construction would be achieved, but the drive roller acting as a guide would be adjacent to the contact section, which equally means that the drive roller would also be located relatively close to the screw cap of the container. This can lead to constructive limitations in the design of the drive roller and the associated drive, especially in the area of the contact portion a sufficient margin for subsequent screw caps and containers should be ensured. For this reason, the second-mentioned alternative is preferred in which the drive roller is formed separately from the two guides. As a result, a greater spacing of the drive roller and the components associated with the drive roller relative to the working area of the device is possible. If the drive roller is formed separately from the two guides, it is further preferred if the drive roller does not engage the contact section, especially since this could hinder or influence the adaptability of the contact section to the outer contour of the screw closure, as has already been indicated above.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the distance between the guides is adjustable or variable. In other words, by changing or setting the distance between the guides and the length of the contact portion of the band and thus the wrap angle for the same or constant outer diameter of a screw cap can be set or changed. As a result, the device is flexibly adaptable to different containers with different screw caps, in particular to different outer diameters of the screw caps. The device according to this embodiment can therefore be used particularly flexibly.

The above-described embodiment of the device according to the invention allows a particularly flexible use of the device, however, setting or changing the distance between the guides can lead to a relatively long interruption of the production process. In order to keep such a break in the production process short and still allow a particularly flexible use of the device for containers with different sized screw caps, the band, the guides and the drive roller are arranged to form a coherent module on a support member, the module interchangeable connectable or connected to the device. In order to adapt the device according to this embodiment to new containers with larger or smaller screw caps, only the one module has to be exchanged for another module, in which the contact portion is formed correspondingly larger or smaller. Thus, in this embodiment of the device according to the invention, the distance between the guides is adjusted or changed by simply replacing the existing guides with two new guides at a different distance from each other when the module is replaced. In order in this embodiment of the device, the production process directly after the connection of the new module with the device to be able to resume, the module is preferably connectable with the device to produce a rotational drive connection between the drive roller and a driven or driven part. In other words, in this embodiment, only one step is required, namely, connecting the module to the device to produce the rotary driving connection between the drive roller and the driven or driven part of the device. The named rotational drive connection is preferably a positive connection or / and a plug connection. So here, for example, a kind of spline would be conceivable. Regardless of the particular type of rotary driving connection, a further method step, which is to follow the connection of the module to the device and to ensure the rotary driving connection between the drive roller and the driven or driven part of the device, is not necessary.

As explained above, by exchanging the modules, a change in the distance between the guides and thus a change in the length of the contact portion can be effected to quickly and easily adapt the device to new containers with larger or smaller screw caps. Thus, it is generally not necessary if the guides of the single module can be adjusted relative to each other to change the distance therebetween. So it is preferred in a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, when the distance between the guides of the individual module is fixed. Alternatively, it is preferred if the distance between the guides of the individual module is variable or adjustable. This embodiment thus combines the advantages of the previously described Modular design with the advantages of the guides of the individual module whose distance is adjustable relative to each other and changeable. Thus, in this embodiment basically only two modules are required. If the size of the screw-type closure to be screwed changes, one module can be replaced by the other module without a major delay in the production process. Now, while the production process is continued with the second module, the distance between the guides of the first module can be changed or adjusted to replace the second module again against the first module, as soon as the size of the screw to be screwed changes again, this in turn leads to no significant interruption of the production process, especially since the module replacement is relatively easy and fast to carry out.

In order to ensure a secure hold of the tape on the device despite the sometimes strong forces acting on the tape, longitudinal guides are provided in a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention within which the tape in at least one width direction of the tape, preferably in both width directions of the tape, can be supported or supported. Said longitudinal guides, which may for example consist of an elongated groove or recess in which the band rests, may be provided, for example, in the drive roller and / or the guides. However, it has been found in this context to be advantageous if the guides are formed on the support part of the module. As a particularly compact and robust construction, a further preferred embodiment variant has proven in this connection, in which a longitudinal guide leads to the one guide, while another longitudinal guide leads away from the other guide. So extends the a longitudinal guide preferably between the drive roller and the one guide, while the other longitudinal guide extends between the drive roller and the other guide. Also, it has been found to be advantageous if the two guides, in particular the two guides designed as rollers, no longitudinal guide in the sense of this claim, especially since this can lead to a restriction of the working space in the region of the contact portion of the tape. A corresponding longitudinal guide on the drive roller, however, has a positive influence on the smoothness of the band.

In principle, the band in the device according to the invention could consist of the same material throughout. However, in order to adapt the band particularly well to the respective requirements, the band is formed in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention at least two layers. Thanks to the two-ply design, for example, a layer for increased friction between this layer and the screw can be designed, while the other layer is designed to achieve a particularly high strength of the strip in the longitudinal direction.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least two-layered band has a front position which can be brought into contact with the screw cap or which has a greater coefficient of friction and / or lower strength than a further layer of the band facing away from the screw cap. In other words, the front layer coming into contact with the screw cap is particularly designed to achieve a strong frictional force and / or to contribute less to the strength of the entire two- or multi-ply band, especially since the lower strength of the front ply the screw cap facing away from another position or its increased strength can be compensated. The coefficient of friction of the front layer here corresponds to the coefficient of friction between the pair of materials of the material of the front layer with the material of the screw, while the coefficient of friction of the other layer denotes the coefficient of friction of the material pairing of the material of the further layer with the material of the same screw cap.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the belt has a drive, possibly the aforementioned drive roller, contacting rear layer. The rear layer preferably has a toothing for positive connection with the drive or the drive roller, wherein the drive or the drive roller should have a corresponding counter-toothing in this case. By the teeth a particularly secure power transmission between the drive or the drive roller and the belt is achieved without a particularly high tension of the belt would be required. It is further preferred in this embodiment, when the backsheet is formed by the aforementioned further layer having a smaller coefficient of friction and / or a higher strength than the aforementioned front layer.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the band is in the screwing direction, preferably automatically, tracked or tracked. By screwing the screw cap on the opening thread of the container, the screw would - at least to a small extent - move relative to the tape in the screwing direction. This could lead to wear on the screw cap and / or on the belt. In addition, it is possible in that the relative displacement of the screw cap in the screwing direction relative to the band reduces the contact surface between the band and the screw cap. By tracking the tape in the screwing direction while screwing the screw cap on the opening thread of the container, these disadvantages are overcome, ie, the wear on the belt and / or screw is reduced and a consistently high torque is transmitted slip-free on the screw cap.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the tape can be introduced transversely to the screwing to the screw cap and brought into contact with this. In this embodiment, the tool in the form of the tape is thus introduced analogously to the screw in order to effect the contacting, while the screw is preferably designed to be stationary. In this embodiment, therefore, the container together with the screw cap need not necessarily be brought to the band, which is advantageous in that the screw cap is relatively loosely placed on the opening thread of the container prior to screwing, so that a movement of the container to a release could lead to the attached screw cap. In this embodiment, it is further preferred that the band can be brought into contact with the screw cap, while achieving a contact force between the band and the screw cap, transversely to the screwing direction. The applied in this embodiment, the contact force thus enables a high frictional force between the driven belt and the screw cap and thus the transmission of a correspondingly high torque.

Basically, the use of a single band or the creation of a single contact or attack surface when screwing the screw cap would be sufficient to transfer high torque with low slip and low wear on the screw can. However, it has proven to be advantageous if at least two bands or at least two band portions of a band are provided, which can be brought into contact with peripheral portions of the circumference of the screw cap in order to effect the screwing of the screw cap. As a result, a particularly secure screwing process is achieved. In this embodiment, it is preferred if the peripheral portions, with which the two bands or two band portions of the same band are brought into contact, arranged opposite to each other, more preferably offset by 180 ° to each other, in particular as a result of a one-sided loading of the screw cap and the container is avoided. In order to provide only slight requirements for any existing holding device for the container in this embodiment, it is further preferred if the respectively applied, preferably resulting, contact forces at the respective peripheral portions are opposite to each other. Preferably, a force compensation is achieved thereby.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least two belts, optionally their drive rollers, are each driven via a belt drive, whereby not only a safe, but also a simple-build drive is provided. In this embodiment, it is preferred if the belt drives are each assigned to a common main drive roller. Although it is mentioned here of a main drive role, it does not necessarily have to be integrally formed, but rather it is also possible to provide two separate individual roles whose rotational movements coupled together or are arranged on a common drive shaft, so that it can still be spoken of a common main drive role. In this embodiment, it is further preferred if the main drive roller is trackable or tracked when the tapes are brought to the screw closure while maintaining the belt tension. This tracking of the main drive roller is preferably effected by a mechanical coupling. Also, the trackability is preferably ensured even in the opposite movement of the bands when they are led away from the screw cap.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the feeding movements of the bands or band sections are coupled to the screw cap, preferably mechanically, more preferably by means of a toothed rack and pinion pairing. In this way, a particularly simple device can be achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, an anti-rotation device is provided for a rotationally secure reception of an attachment arranged on top of the screw cap. The anti-twist device is preferably designed such that an attachment, which protrudes in the radial direction over the screw cap and optionally is a spray head or a spray gun, can be held against rotation in the anti-twist device. The anti-twist device is preferably arranged relative to the belt in such a way that the belt can be brought into contact with the screw closure below the anti-twist device. The receptacle is preferably in this embodiment as an attachment guide formed, through which the attachment can be passed transversely to the screwing. In this way, a simple supply and removal of the container together with screw cap and attachment under rotation of the attachment is possible. It is further particularly preferred in this embodiment if the attachment guide has two end openings through which the attachment can be inserted transversely to the screwing direction into the attachment guide or can be guided out of the attachment guide. To further enhance this advantage, it is further preferred in the embodiment of the device if at least one of the end-side openings of the attachment guide is widened in the opening direction. This is particularly advantageous if the end opening widened in the opening direction is that end opening into which the attachment can be inserted or introduced transversely to the screwing direction into the attachment guide. In this way, the insertion of the attachment when feeding the container together with screw cap and attachment is simplified, also the insertion can be carried out under forced orientation of the attachment in a predetermined rotational position about a screw axis extending axis.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, a transport device is provided for the continuous or stepwise feeding or discharging of containers with associated screw closures. The transport device preferably has a conveyor belt with lateral support for the containers.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is also a holding device for temporary, preferably non-rotating, holding the screw to be screwed with the screw cap Container provided. The holding device is preferably formed by two mutually opposite, circumferential bands between which the container is clamped, wherein by driving the mutually opposite bands particularly preferably a further transport of the container is possible.

The method according to the invention is a method for attaching a screw cap to a container with an opening thread and has the following method steps. A band, which is preferably endless, closed or circumferential, is brought into contact with the circumference of a screw cap placed on an opening thread of the container. In a further method step, the belt is driven, so that the friction between the belt and the screw cap causes a screwing of the screw cap on the opening thread. The order of the two mentioned process steps is basically irrelevant, so the belt can already be driven, for example, before it is brought into contact with the screw, but it is also possible to first bring the non-driven belt in contact with the screw and only then drive the belt, which is considered to be particularly advantageous herein. With regard to the advantages of the method according to the invention and the embodiments of the method according to the invention which are described in more detail below, reference is made to the above-mentioned advantages of the device according to the invention as well as to its embodiments, which also apply correspondingly to the method and its embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the contacting of the band with the circumference of the screw closure takes place at least Partial wrap around the circumference of the screw cap. The wrap angle is in this case preferably at least 30 °, at least 40 ° or at least 50 °.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the tape is tracked during screwing, preferably automatically, in the screwing direction.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the band is brought to the, preferably stationary, screw cap and brought into contact with a contact force, which is preferably aligned transversely to the screwing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least two bands or two band sections of a band are used, which are preferably brought into contact with peripheral portions of the circumference of the screw closure which are opposite one another and which are particularly preferably offset by 180 °. In this embodiment, it is further preferred if the two bands or the two band sections apply opposing, preferably respectively resulting, contact forces.

The use according to the invention relates to the use of the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention for attaching a screw cap with attachment, which protrudes preferably in the radial direction over the screw cap and particularly preferably is a spray head or a spray gun, on a container. The container is preferably a liquid container, which is particularly preferred already a liquid, possibly a hazardous liquid is filled.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Anbringen eines Schraubverschlusses an einem Behälter,

Fig. 2

eine teilweise Unteransicht der Vorrichtung von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

die Unteransicht von Fig. 2 nach dem Inkontaktbringen des Bandes mit dem Schraubverschluss und mit den beiden Modulen in Alleinstellung,

Fig. 4

den Ausschnitt A von Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung vor dem Anbringen des Moduls an der Vorrichtung,

Fig. 5

den Ausschnitt A von Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung nach dem Anbringen des Moduls an der Vorrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine Querschnittsansicht entlang der Schnittlinie B-B aus den Fig. 4 und 5 und

Fig. 7

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Ausschnitts C von Fig. 6.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a front view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention for attaching a screw cap to a container,

Fig. 2

a partial bottom view of the device of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

the bottom view of Fig. 2 after contacting the band with the screw cap and with the two modules in isolation,

Fig. 4

the section A of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view before attaching the module to the device,

Fig. 5

the section A of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view after attaching the module to the device,

Fig. 6

a cross-sectional view along the section line BB of the 4 and 5 and

Fig. 7

an enlarged view of the section C of Fig. 6 ,

The Fig. 1 to 7 show various views of an embodiment of the device 2 according to the invention for attaching a screw cap 4 to a container 6. The device 2 is intended in particular for attaching a screw cap 4 with an attachment 8 on the container 6 serve. The attachment 8, which projects in the radial direction, that is transversely to the screwing direction, over the screw cap 4 and is preferably a spray head or a spray gun, is arranged on top of the screw cap 4. The screw cap 4 has a downwardly facing receptacle in which an internal thread is provided, which can be screwed onto an opening thread 10 of the container 6. The container 6 is preferably a liquid container, which is particularly preferably filled with a liquid, optionally a hazardous liquid.

In the figures, the opposite longitudinal directions 12, 14, the opposite transverse directions 16, 18 and the opposite height directions 20, 22 of the device 2 are indicated by corresponding arrows. The longitudinal direction 12 corresponds in the example shown at the same time the feed direction of the container 6, while the height direction 22 simultaneously forms the screwing 24, in which the screw 4 moves when screwed onto the opening thread 10 of the container 6.

The device 2 has a height guide 26 which in Fig. 1 is indicated only schematically and along which a carriage 28 in the height direction 20, 22 is arranged adjustable. On the carriage 28, the further described below components of the device 2 are arranged so that the device 2 height adjustable and thus to the respective height of the container 6 used in conjunction with the screw 4 is customizable. On the carriage 28, two substantially identical units 30, 32 are arranged, which are provided in the transverse direction 16, 18 slidably on the carriage 28, wherein the two units 30, 32 in the transverse direction 16, 18 are arranged opposite to each other. In order to enable the displacement in the transverse direction 16, 18, corresponding guide rails 34 are arranged on the upper side of the carriage 28, in particular in Fig. 2 can be seen. On the guide rails 34 corresponding guide parts 36 of the units 30, 32 are guided. The movements of the units 30 and 32 are mechanically coupled to each other, which takes place in the illustrated embodiment by means of racks 38 which are fixed on the one hand to the respective associated unit 30 and 32 and on the other hand engage in a driven gear 40 so that the Gear 40 at a rotation thereof causes a movement of the units 30 and 32 in the opposite transverse directions 16, 18. Accordingly, the Heranführbewegungen described later in more detail of the bands or band sections on the screw 4 are mechanically coupled together.

The above-mentioned units 30, 32 essentially have a tube 42, 44 which extends from top to bottom in the height direction 22 through the slide 28, an upper roller 46, 48, a shaft 50 connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the upper roller 46, 48 extends in the height direction 22 from the upper roller 46, 48 through the tube 42, 44 downwardly, the shaft 50 at least in the 4 and 5 is indicated, and a coherent module 52, 54 which is interchangeably connectable or connected below the carriage 28 with the height direction 22 downwardly facing end of the tube 42, 44. In other words, the modules 52, 54 are interchangeably connectable or connected to the device 2, wherein the structure of the modules 52, 54 below with reference to the 4 to 6 will be discussed in more detail.

In the 4 to 6 is the module 52 off Fig. 1 shown by way of example, wherein the following description also applies to the other module 54 in a corresponding manner. The module 52 has a support part 56. On the support member 56, a drive roller 58 is rotatably supported by means of a rotary or roller bearing 60 about an axis of rotation 20, 22 extending in the height direction. On the side facing the screw cap 4 two guides 62, 64 are provided, which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 12, 14 and arranged opposite one another on the support member 56. The guides 62, 64 are formed in the illustrated embodiment by two rollers, more precisely by two free-running rollers, which are each mounted rotatably about a running in the height direction 20, 22 axis of rotation on the support member 56.

In addition, the module 52 has an endless, closed and circulating belt 66. The belt 66 is guided on the one hand via the drive roller 58 and on the other hand via the guides 62, 64. In this case, in the support member 56 also longitudinal guides 68, 70 are formed, within which the band 66 in both width directions of the belt 66, which correspond to the height directions 20, 22 in the illustrated embodiment, is supported or supported, while the belt 66 in the longitudinal direction through the longitudinal guides 68, 70 can be performed. While the one longitudinal guide 68 leads from the drive roller 58 to the guide 64, the other longitudinal guide 70 leads away from the other guide 62 to the drive roller 58. It can also be said that the longitudinal guide 68 between the drive roller 58 and the guide 64, and the longitudinal guide 70 is provided between the drive roller 58 and the guide 62. In addition, from the 4 to 6 It can be seen that the belt 66 is also supported or supportable on the drive roller 58 in both widthwise directions of the belt 66, which has proven to be advantageous during operation, while such support on the guides 62, 64 itself is not provided.

The guided around the drive roller 58 and the guides 62, 64 belt 66 is formed at least two layers, as in particular from Fig. 7 shows that an enlargement of the section C from Fig. 6 shows. Thus, the band 66 has a front position 72 which can be brought into contact or brought into contact with the screw cap 4, in which case it is also possible to speak of the outer position which faces away from the guides 62, 64 and the drive roller 58. In addition, the multi-layer tape 66 has a drive roller 58 contacting rear layer 74. In the case of the rear layer 74, it is thus also possible to speak of the layer facing the guides 62, 64 and the drive roller 58. The front layer 72 is made of a material having with the material of the screw cap 4 a coefficient of friction which is greater than the coefficient of friction of a material pairing of the material of the backsheet 74 and the material of the same screw cap 4. Alternatively or additionally, the front layer 72 has a low strength than the rear layer 74. In addition, in the Fig. 7 indicated that the rear layer 74 has a toothing 76 for the positive connection of the belt 66 at least with the drive roller 58, wherein the drive roller 58 should have a corresponding counter-toothing in this case, on the representation in Fig. 6 has been omitted for simplicity.

Fig. 4 shows the module 52 prior to connection to the tube 42 of the device 2. Both the tube 42 as Also, the support member 56 of the module 52 are formed such that they can be flanged to each other in the height direction 20, 22 to the in Fig. 5 To achieve shown connection. The flanging is carried out with automatic generation of a rotary driving connection between the drive roller 58 of the module 52 and a driven or driven part 78, which is a non-rotatably connected to the shaft 50 part 78 in the illustrated embodiment. The rotary driving connection thus produced is preferably a positive connection and a plug connection in which the simple insertion or insertion of the part 78 into or onto the drive roller 58 in the height direction 20, 22 causes the generation of said, preferably form-fitting, rotational driving connection.

Are the two modules 52, 54 referred to with reference to Fig. 5 as described, connected to the device 2, the belts 66, 66 of the modules 52, 54 can be driven as described below. It is a main drive roller 80 is provided, which can be driven by a motor 82, preferably a servo motor. The main drive roller 80 is divided in the illustrated embodiment into two rollers 84, 86, the rotational movement is coupled, however, by these preferably being arranged on a common drive shaft. The roller 84 of the main drive roller 80 is connected via a belt 88 to the upper roller 46, while the roller 86 is connected via a belt 90 with the upper roller 48 in rotary driving connection. Via the upper roller 46 or 48, the shaft 50 within the tube 42 or 44, the part 78, and the drive roller 58 of the module 52 or 54, the belt 66 of the module 52 and 54 are driven in its longitudinal direction, wherein the two bands 66, 66 of the modules 52, 54 are driven in the same direction.

In order to prevent a decrease in the belt tension of the belts 88 and 90 upon movement of the units 30 and 32 in the transverse direction 16, 18 towards each other, the main drive roller 80 is maintained by maintaining a belt tension by means of an in Fig. 1 indicated mechanical coupling 92 tracked or tracked. For this purpose, the main drive roller 80 along a guide rail 94 in the longitudinal direction 12, 14 slidably disposed, as in Fig. 2 is shown. Thus, if the two units 30, 32 together with the associated modules 52, 54 in the transverse direction 16, 18 moves towards each other, the main drive roller 80 shifts in the longitudinal direction 14, while the main drive roller 80 shifts in the longitudinal direction 12 when the two units 30th , 32 together with the modules 52, 54 in the transverse direction 16, 18 are moved away from each other, in both cases, the belt tension of the belt 88 and 90 is maintained. In addition, the belt tension of the two belts 88, 90 is adjustable by means of the adjustable mechanical coupling 92.

Before the method of operation of the device 2 or the method according to the invention on which the device 2 is based is described in more detail, the method described in FIG Fig. 1 shown anti-rotation 96 will be described in more detail. The anti-rotation device 96 is arranged on the height direction 22 downwardly facing side of the carriage 28 and above the belts 66, 66 of the modules 52, 54. The anti-rotation device 96 serves to prevent the attachment 8 of the screw cap 4 from rotating when it reaches the working area of the device 2.

How out Fig. 1 As can be seen, the anti-rotation device 96 is in this embodiment as a top guide formed, can be passed through the attachment 8 transverse to the screwing 24 in the longitudinal directions 12, 14 of the device 2. The tower guide, the in Fig. 1 designated by the reference numeral 98 is limited in the transverse directions 16, 18 each by a strut 100, wherein the attachment guide 98 has two end openings through which the attachment 8 transversely to the screw 24 in the longitudinal directions 12, 14 in the attachment guide 98 insertable or can be led out of the attachment guide 98. In other words, the attachment guide 98 has an end-side insertion opening pointing in the longitudinal direction 14 and an end-side removal opening pointing in the longitudinal direction 12. At least in the longitudinal direction 14 facing end-side insertion opening widens in the longitudinal direction 14, as the Fig. 1 can be removed.

From the foregoing description, it can be seen that in the embodiment of the device 2 shown in the figures, two bands 66, 66 are used, namely the band 66 of the module 52 and the band 66 of the module 54. It should be noted at this point In principle, even more bands 66 and corresponding modules 52 or 54 can be used. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that only a single band is used, are brought by the two band sections with the screw 4 in contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the two bands 66, 66 each have a contact portion 102 which extends in the longitudinal direction 12, 14 between the two guides 62, 64, the periphery of the screw cap 4 faces and is to be brought into contact with this. Also, said contact portion 102 extends directly between the two guides 62, 64, ie, the contact portion 102 is not further between the support points on the guides 62, 64 Supported components of the module, in particular not on the drive roller 58 which engages elsewhere on the belt 66. At best, an at least partial support of the contact portion 102 in the width direction of the belt 66 on the support member 56, which should preferably also be omitted so as not to unnecessarily limit the scope for the nearby screw cap 4 or an unwanted collision with this to prevent.

Hereinafter, further features of the device 2, its operation and an embodiment of the device 2 of the underlying method according to the invention with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 explained.

The container to be screwed 6 are continuously or stepwise supplied by means of a transport device not shown or / and discharged, wherein before reaching the working area of the device 2, the screw 4 is placed with the attached thereto attachment 8 on the opening thread 10 of the container 6. By feeding the container 6 together with the screw caps, the attachment 8 passes through the end insertion opening 98 of the attachment guide 98 pointing in the longitudinal direction 14 into the attachment guide 98, so that the anti-rotation device 96 effects a rotation-proof alignment of the attachment 8 by the struts 100 Fig. 1 is shown. In the transport device, not shown, it is preferably a conveyor belt on which the container 6 are arranged, wherein preferably a lateral boundary is provided on the conveyor belt, which causes a secure guidance of the container 6.

Reached the container 6 together with the screw cap 4, the working area of the device 2, the container 6 is temporarily held by a holding device, which is also not shown in the figures. Such a holding device could for example consist in that the container 6 is clamped in the transverse direction 16, 18 between two holding elements. These holding elements could, for example, be lateral conveyor belts between which the container 6 is clamped and which, moreover, could support or effect further transport of the container 6 in the longitudinal direction 12. In any case, the holding device is designed such that the container 6 and thus also the opening thread 10 is held against rotation on the container 6.

Has the container 6 together with the screw cap 4 its in Fig. 1 achieved target position, the two bands 66, 66 are transverse to the screw 24, in this case in the transverse directions 16 and 18 brought to the screw 4. For this purpose, the two units 30, 32 are moved towards one another via their racks 38, 38, wherein the belt tension in the belts 88, 90 is maintained by moving the main drive roller 80 in the longitudinal direction 14, which is achieved by the mechanical coupling 92 becomes. The two bands 66, 66 are thus moved toward each other so far that the contact portions 102, 102 of the two bands 66, 66 are brought into contact with the circumference of the screw cap 4, as the Fig. 3 can be removed.

The two units 30, 32 are acted upon by a force such that the belt 66 of the module 52 exerts a contact force 104 transversely to the screw 24 and in the transverse direction 16 on the screw 4, while the belt 66 of the module 54, a contact force 106 across to the screw 24 and in the transverse direction 18 on the screw 4 exerts, as shown in the Fig. 3 is indicated. The two contact pressures 104 and 106 are preferably opposite to each other and can particularly preferably compensate each other in this way, so that the introduced forces do not have to be compensated by the holding device or the like. In the in the Fig. 3 shown pressing forces 104 and 106 are preferably the respective resulting contact forces. In addition, is off Fig. 3 it can be seen that the contact portions 102, 102 of the two bands 66, 66 act on peripheral portions of the circumference of the screw cap 4 which are opposite one another, preferably offset by 180 ° from one another.

The applied pressing forces 104 and 106 are so great that the contact portions 102, 102 of the bands 66, 66 are bent, arched and adapted analogously to the outer contour of the circumference of the screw cap 4. Consequently, the contact portion 102 of each band 66, 66 is brought into contact with the circumference of the screw cap 4 in such a way that the contact portion 102 wraps around the screw cap 4 in the region of a wrap angle α, as in FIG Fig. 3 can be removed. The distance a between the two guides 62, 64 and thus the length of the contact portion 102 is matched to the diameter of the screw cap 4 such that this wrap angle α is at least 30 °, at least 40 ° or at least 50 °.

In order now to effect the screwing of the screw cap 4 with the opening thread 10, the bands 66, 66 are driven by screwing the screw cap 4 on the opening thread 10. For this purpose, the motor 82 drives the main drive roller 80, the over the belts 88 and 90, the upper rollers 46 and 48, the inner shafts 50, 50, the parts 78, 78 and the drive rollers 58, 58 drive the belts 66, 66 in their longitudinal or extension direction via the guides 62, 64 and caused by the longitudinal guides 68, 70. Due to the friction between the contact portions 102, 102 of the bands 66, 66 and the circumference of the screw 4, more precisely by the static friction, frictional forces acting tangentially on the circumference are achieved, which cause the screw cap 4 to be screwed onto the opening thread 10.

By screwing the screw 4 on the opening thread 10, the screw 4 lowers in the screwing 24 and thus also in the height direction 22 downwards, which could lead to an undesirable relative movement between the screw 4 and the engaging bands 66, 66. However, in order to prevent this undesirable relative movement, the two belts 66, 66 are automatically tracked downwards in the vertical direction 22 and in the screwing direction 24, respectively. This can be done for example by tracking the carriage 28 in the height direction 22 down along the height guide 26. At the same time, this would have the advantage that the anti-twist device 96 is also tracked downwards in the screwing direction 24 or in the height direction 22, so that the attachment 8 is furthermore held against rotation. Alternatively, however, the two units 30, 32 could also be tracked downwards relative to the carriage 28 in the height direction 22, in which case the anti-rotation device 96 is preferably dimensioned such that the attachment 8 is still accommodated in the anti-rotation device 96, when the screw cap 4 and the attachment 8 has experienced its maximum reduction in the screwing direction 24 down.

In the illustrated embodiment of the device 2, the maximum possible wrap angle α for the same or constant outer diameter of a screw cap 4 is adjustable or changeable. This can be done in different ways. On the one hand, the modules 52 and 54 arranged exchangeably on the device 2 could each have guides 62, 64 whose distance a from each other can not be changed, the maximum wrap angle α being adjustable or variable in this case by the two modules 52, 54 each be replaced by another module having a greater or lesser distance a between the guides and thus a longer or shorter contact portion. Alternatively or additionally, the two guides 62, 64 may be arranged on the existing modules 52, 54 such that the distance a from one another is adjustable or changeable.

With reference to Fig. 6 Furthermore, reference is made to a preferred feature of the device 2, on the one hand a compact construction is achieved and on the other hand a collision with subsequent containers 6 or screw caps 4 can be excluded. Thus, the trained as rollers guides 62, 64 are formed as pulleys for the belt 66. The deflection angle β achieved by the deflection rollers relative to the contact section 102 is preferably at least 45 ° or, as in FIG Fig. 6 indicated - particularly preferably at least 90 °.

Although the construction shown in the figures is preferred, it should also be noted that the drive roller 58 need not necessarily be formed separately from the two guides 62, 64. For example, the drive roller 58 can equally form one of the two guides 62, 64 to provide a relative movement To achieve a simple structure, especially because of the dual function of such a drive roller 58 could be dispensed with an additional guide.

In the embodiment described above, it is further preferred that means are provided for determining the predetermined end torque of the screw cap 4, which stops screwing as soon as the determined torque on the screw cap 4 reaches or exceeds the desired or predetermined end torque with which the screw cap 4 should be tightened.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

contraption

4

screw

6

container

8th

essay

10

opening thread

12

longitudinal direction

14

longitudinal direction

16

transversely

18

transversely

20

height direction

22

height direction

24

screwing

26

height Control

28

carriage

30

unit

32

unit

34

guide rails

36

guide parts

38

racks

40

gear

42

pipe

44

pipe

46

upper roll

48

upper roll

50

wave

52

coherent module

54

coherent module

56

supporting part

58

capstan

60

Rotary or rolling bearings

62

guide

64

guide

66

tape

68

longitudinal guide

70

longitudinal guide

72

front position

74

rear position

76

gearing

78

part

80

Main drive roller

82

engine

84

role

86

role

88

belt

90

belt

92

mechanical coupling

94

guide rail

96

twist

98

top leadership

100

strut

102

Contact section

104

contact force

106

contact force

a

distance

α

Wrap angle

β

deflection

Claims (15)

Device (2) for attaching a screw cap (4) to a container (6) having a, preferably endless or closed, band (66) which is connected to the circumference of a screw cap (4) placed on an opening thread (10) of the container (6) ) can be brought into contact and driven by screwing the screw cap (4) on the opening thread (10). Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the band (66) can be brought into contact with the circumference of the screw cap (4) in such a way that the circumference can be wrapped around the band (66) at least partially while achieving a wrapping angle (α) or wrapped, wherein the band (66) is preferably formed or arranged such that the wrapping angle (α) is at least 30 °, at least 40 ° or at least 50 °, and / or the maximum wrap angle (α) preferably for the same or constant outside diameter of a screw cap (4) is adjustable or variable. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (66) via two guides (62, 64), preferably via two rollers, which are particularly preferably designed as free-running rollers, wherein one, optionally directly, between the two guides (62, 64) extending contact portion (102) of the band (66) with the circumference of the screw cap (4), preferably under deflection or / and curvature of the contact portion (102) and / or adaptation of the contact portion (102 ) to the outer contour the circumference of the screw cap (4) is brought into contact, wherein the band (66) is particularly preferably guided over a drive roller (58) for driving the belt (66), which forms either one of the two guides (62, 64) or is formed separately from the two guides (62, 64) and optionally does not engage the contact portion (102). Device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the belt (66), the guides (62, 64) and the drive roller (58) are arranged on a support part (56) to form a coherent module (52; which is interchangeably connectable or connected to the device (2), the module (52; 54) preferably providing a rotational drive connection, optionally a positive connection and / or a plug connection, between the drive roller (58) and a driven or driven part (Fig. 78) is connectable to the device (2), wherein the distance (a) between the guides (62, 64) is particularly preferably either changeable or invariable. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that longitudinal guides (68, 70) are provided, within which the band (66) in at least one widthwise direction of the band (66), preferably in both widthwise directions of the band (66), can be supported or supported, wherein the longitudinal guides (68, 70) are preferably provided on the support member (56) and particularly preferably a longitudinal guide (68) leads to the one guide (64), while another longitudinal guide (70) from the other guide (62) leads away. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (66) is formed in at least two layers, wherein the band (66) preferably has a with the screw cap (4) brought into contact or brought forward position (72), which has a greater coefficient of friction and / or a lower strength than the screw cap (4) facing away from another layer, and / or preferably a drive, optionally the drive roller (58), contacting rear layer (74), which particularly preferably a toothing (76) for positive connection with the drive or the drive roller (58) and optionally formed by the further layer. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (66) in the screwing (24), preferably automatically, is tracked or tracked and / or that the band (66) transverse to the screwing (24) to the screw cap (4) can be moved forward and, preferably while obtaining a contact pressure (104, 106) transversely to the screwing direction (24), can be brought into contact therewith. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two bands (66, 66) or at least two band portions of a band (66) are provided which, preferably with each other, preferably offset by 180 °, peripheral portions the circumference of the screw cap (4) can be brought into contact, wherein the respectively applied, preferably respectively resulting, contact forces (104, 106) particularly preferably opposite each other are. Device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the belts (66, 66), optionally their driving rollers (58, 58), each via a belt drive (84, 88, 46, 86, 90, 48) are driven, wherein the belt drives (84, 88, 46, 86, 90, 48) are preferably each assigned to a common main drive roller (80) which is particularly preferred when the belts (66, 66) are brought to the screw closure (4) while maintaining the belt tension, optionally by mechanical coupling (92), tracked or tracked, and / or Heranführbewegungen the bands (66, 66) or band sections to the screw cap (4), preferably mechanically, more preferably by means of a gear-rack pairing, coupled together. Device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an anti-rotation device (96) is provided for the rotationally secure reception of an attachment (8) arranged on top of the screw cap (4), which protrudes preferably over the screw cap (4) in the radial direction and optionally a spray head or a spray gun, wherein the rotation lock (96) is preferably a top guide (98) through which the attachment (8) transversely to the screwing (24) can be passed, and the attachment guide (98) particularly preferably two end Has openings through which the attachment (8) transversely to the screwing (24) in the attachment guide (98) insertable or from the attachment guide (98) can be brought out, wherein optionally at least one of the end-side openings in the opening direction is widened. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transport device for continuously or stepwise feeding or / and discharge of containers (6) with associated screw caps (4) is provided and / or a holding device for temporary, preferably non-rotating, holding of the with the screw cap (4) to be screwed container (6) is provided. Method for attaching a screw cap (4) to a container (6) with the method steps
Contacting a, preferably endless or closed, band (66) having the circumference of a screw cap (4) placed on an opening thread (10) of the container (6), particularly preferably with at least partially wrapping around the circumference of the screw cap (4), optionally with one Wrap angle (α) of at least 30 °, at least 40 ° or at least 50 °, and
Driving the tape (66) while screwing the screw cap (4) on the opening thread (10). A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the tape (66) during screwing in the screwing direction (24), preferably automatically, is tracked and / or in which the tape (66) to the screw cap (4) introduced and with a contact pressure ( 104, 106), which is preferably aligned transversely to the screwing direction (24), in contact is brought. Method according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that at least two bands (66, 66) or two band portions of a band (66) are used, preferably with opposite, more preferably offset by 180 ° to each other, peripheral portions of the circumference of the Screw closure (4) are brought into contact, wherein particularly preferably opposite, preferably respectively resulting, contact forces (104, 106) are applied. Use of a device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a method according to one of claims 12 to 14 for attaching a screw cap (4) with attachment (8), which preferably protrudes in the radial direction through the screw cap (4) and especially a spray head or a spray gun is preferred, on a container (6), preferably a liquid container, which is particularly preferably already filled with a liquid, optionally a hazardous liquid.

Images