EP2714528B1 - Handling machine for containers - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a treatment machine for containers, for. As bottles, cans or the like, according to the preamble of claim 1, preferably a Behälterverschließmaschine, with at least one supporting column and at least one connected to the column manipulation unit for the container, and with at least one direct drive with stator and rotor between the column and the Manipulation unit to create a mutual relative movement.

A generic treatment machine is from the EP 2 174 874 A1 known.

A treatment machine with direct drive between the column and manipulation unit is, for example, in the generic DE 10 2007 025 522 A1 presented. There, it is primarily about reducing the cost, the design effort and the number of required components.

In addition, direct drives are used in turntables, which are arranged on a turntable for aligning and / or equipping containers. The relevant at this point WO 2005/115848 A2 has set itself the goal of enabling the alignment or equipment of objects with little effort and high accuracy. In this case, to drive the turntable already mentioned direct drive is used, in which no wear-prone speed-reducing transmission elements between the associated engine output shaft and the turntable are needed. This has proven itself in principle.

In addition one knows by the WO 2008/022737 A1 a drive for rotary machines with a fixed and a rotatable machine part. On the machine part a wreath with a plurality of magnets is provided circumferentially. At another machine part, at least one corresponding, only a sub-sector of the ring overlapping stator is arranged. The rotating machine part can be set in this way by a generated by the stator electric magnetic field in a defined rotation.

Quite independently, in conventional treatment machines or Behälterverschließmaschinen, as used inter alia in the EP 1 647 518 A1 are introduced, proceeded so that a central column is mechanically and force-transmitting connected to a head plate, which in turn carries individual manipulation elements. The mechanical connection between these individual machine elements means that a relatively large-scale mechanics must be realized, resulting in space and maintenance problems. An independent operation of each other is not possible with such a mechanical coupling. This is where the invention starts.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a treatment machine for containers so that an independent control of the relative movement between the column and the manipulation unit and optionally between the manipulation unit and associated manipulation elements can be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner. In addition, a compact and low-maintenance design should be created.

This technical problem is solved by a treatment machine according to claim 1.

In the context of the invention, therefore, a central direct drive is first of all realized, which is generally received in the interior of the column. In fact, it has proven useful if the column is designed as a central hollow column. Because then can be embedded in a wall of the stator or rotor of the direct drive in question. In this context, it has further proven, if the embedded in the wall stator respectively rotor flush with a wall surface and in particular an outer wall surface of the column terminates.

The manipulation unit is generally composed of a head plate and the ring connected to it at the bottom. The garland in turn may bear in its wall or flush with the inner wall surface the associated rotor or stator on the manipulation unit. The design is again and advantageously made such that the rotor or stator is flush with a wall of the ring (the inner wall).

In the treatment machine of the invention, the stator is in the wall of the column formed as a central hollow column and terminates with the outer wall surface. In contrast, the rotor is located inside the ring as part of the manipulation unit, where it typically terminates flush with the inner wall surface of the ring in question from. Due to the inevitable spacing between on the one hand the outer wall surface of the supporting central column and on the other hand, the inner wall surface of the supporting column at least partially enclosing the head ring is automatically provided the required distance between on the one hand the stator and on the other hand the rotor. This distance typically moves in the millimeter range.

In this way, a continuous field (rotating field) generated in the stator -as similar to a linear motor-can produce a rotary movement of the rotor with its iron magnets following the rotating field generated by the stator. As a result, the manipulation unit rotates about the supporting column in consideration of a rotation axis defined by the column, with a rotational speed given by the rotating field generated by the stator.

If the stator is located in or on the column and if it is designed to be stationary, then the rotor mounted in or on the rim of the manipulation unit is followed by the rotor Stator impressed on him rotary motion. In principle, however, the manipulation unit with the ring can be designed to be fixed and in this case carry the stator. Then the column is designed to rotate with the rotor or rotor therein. However, the latter variant is typically not implemented in practice, but of course is possible and is encompassed by the invention.

Of particular importance is the fact that, in addition to the already described first direct drive between the column and the manipulation unit according to the invention, a second direct drive is provided between the manipulation unit and at least one manipulation element connected thereto. The manipulation element can not be restricted to respective closing heads, by means of which, for example, a screw cap is screwed onto a bottle. The associated capper head is typically connected to a top plate. The top plate forms together with the underside of the ring connected to the manipulation unit, which may be designed in the case of a container sealing machine as a capper ring.

By using the first direct drive between column and manipulation unit and the second direct drive between manipulation unit and manipulation element or multiple manipulation elements, it is possible to design both direct drives independently. In fact, the use of respective direct drives avoids a respective mechanical connection between the column and the manipulation unit and the manipulation unit and the manipulation element (s). As a result, the two direct drives can be designed independently of each other and can be controlled independently or both together independently.

Also, the second direct drive is advantageously formed with a stator and a rotor. The stator is typically connected to the manipulation unit. In contrast, the rotor is connected to the Manipulation element or the multiple manipulation elements. In this way, the desired relative movement between on the one hand of the manipulation unit and on the other hand, the one or more manipulation elements is made available again. In principle, the procedure can also be reversed. In this case, the rotor is provided on the manipulation unit, whereas the stator can be found on the manipulation element.

So that the two direct drives described above do not influence each other, by the respectively generated electromagnetic (rotary) fields, it has proven useful if the two direct drives are arranged axially spaced from each other. In fact, the stator and the rotor of the second direct drive are also slightly spaced in matching radial plane and without intermediate power transmission elements. In other words, the design is comparable to the first direct drive. In both cases, the stator and the rotor are each arranged in a radial plane in comparison to the central column. In order to realize the already described axial spacing of the two direct drives in detail, it is provided that the two direct drives with their associated stators and rotors are each arranged radially in comparison to the central column in axially spaced-apart radial planes. The axial distance of the radial planes is typically greater than or equal to the radial distance of the respective direct drive compared to the central column designed.

That is, the stator and rotor of the respective direct drive has an associated radial distance compared to the central column. It has proven itself overall, if the radial distance of the stator and rotor of the first direct drive is less than or equal to the radial distance of the second direct drive. The axial distance between the two radial planes spanned by the direct drives is now typically greater than or equal to the (smaller) radial distance of the first direct drive.

According to another advantageous embodiment, it has proven useful if several manipulation elements are provided on the edge side of the manipulation unit. The individual manipulation elements are typically applied together along a control cam of the second direct drive. In a further advantageous embodiment, it is also conceivable that the one or more manipulation elements are each equipped with individual drives. In this case, the respective individual drive advantageously ensures a vertical movement and / or rotational movement of the associated manipulation elements.

In this way, first of all the first direct drive can act on the manipulation unit with respect to the column with a controllable / controllable relative movement. This means that the capper ring, which is usually realized at this point, can be subjected to a controllable or controllable speed with respect to the central column with the aid of the first direct drive.

Regardless of the individual manipulation elements or Verschließerköpfe can be controlled. This is done with the help of the second direct drive. This second direct drive, if appropriate in conjunction with the control cam, ensures that the individual manipulation elements are subjected to a controllable or controllable speed independently of the movement of the manipulation unit relative to the central column. Finally, then also the cam can be completely or partially replaced by the individual drives. As a result, theoretically each individual manipulation element can be regulated or controlled independently of, for example, an adjacent manipulation element with regard to its movement.

The column and the manipulation unit as well as the one or both direct drives according to the invention are each rotationally symmetrical to a common and coincident central axis. The central axis typically corresponds to the central axis of the cylindrically designed column and consequently the axis of rotation of the manipulation unit with respect to the column. In addition, a control unit is advantageously provided, which preferably serves for the independent control of on the one hand the first and on the other hand the second direct drive. In this way, the first direct drive with a Drive the circulation speed of the top plate opposite the column. With the aid of the second direct drive, independently of this, a rotational / closing speed of the associated manipulation elements or the closing heads can be predetermined. - The control unit may also control the one or more individual drives.

As a result, a treatment machine for containers is described and presented in which the first direct drive or main drive between the column and the manipulation unit rotatably connected thereto on the one hand and the drive for the manipulation elements or closing heads on the other hand are decoupled from each other. All this is possible, taking into account a structure that is not susceptible to interference, yet compact in size. In conjunction with the independent control or regulation of the direct drives used in each case, a universally operating treatment machine is provided, which has remained unprecedented in this form and consequence so far.

• Fig. 1 eine Behandlungsmaschine für Behälter in einer ersten Variante, die nicht dem Gegenstand der Erfindung entspricht,
• Fig. 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Behandlungsmaschine für Behälter, und
• Fig. 3 eine weitere Behandlungsmaschine für Behälter in einer dritten Variante, die nicht dem Gegenstand der Erfindung entspricht.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

• Fig. 1 a treatment machine for containers in a first variant, which does not correspond to the subject matter of the invention,
• Fig. 2 a treatment machine according to the invention for containers, and
• Fig. 3 a further treatment machine for containers in a third variant, which does not correspond to the subject invention.

In the figures, a treatment machine for container 1 is shown. The containers 1 may not be limited to plastic bottles and in particular PET bottles. The treatment machine is in the present case designed as a container closure machine. For this purpose, screw caps 2 are turned on the associated bottles 1. This happens with the help of manipulation elements 3, which are designed here as Verschließerköpfe 3. The manipulation elements 3 are arranged circumferentially on a top plate 4, which defines a manipulation unit 4, 5 together with a ring 5 connected to the top plate 4 on the underside.

The manipulation unit 4, 5 is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis R on a supporting column 6. In the exemplary embodiment and not limiting, the supporting column 6 remains stationary, whereas the manipulation unit 4, 5 rotates about the axis of rotation R. The same applies to the manipulation elements or Verschließerköpfe 3 and the bottles. 1

The column 6 is designed as a central hollow column and formed predominantly cylindrical. The column 6 and also the manipulation unit 4, 5 are in each case rotationally symmetrical in comparison to the rotation axis R or the coincident central axis R coinciding with the rotation axis R. This also applies to a first direct drive 7, 8 to be described in more detail below as well as a second direct drive 9, 10.

In fact, the first direct drive 7, 8 is equipped with a stator 7 and a rotor 8 and arranged between the column 6 and the manipulation unit 4, 5 in order to produce a mutual relative movement. For this purpose, the stator 7 of the first direct drive 7, 8 is arranged in the interior of the column 6, whereas the rotor 8 undergoes a placement in the interior of the pillar 6 cross-ring 5 of the manipulation unit 4, 5. In principle, the procedure can be reversed as described, but this is not shown in detail.

The stator 7 terminates flush with the outer wall surface of the column 6. On the other hand, the rotor 8 is embedded flush in the inner wall surface of the rim 5. Due to the (small) distance between on the one hand, the outer wall surface of the column 6 and on the other hand, the inner wall surface of the ring 5 of a few millimeters, the distance between the two surfaces of the one hand, the stator 7 and on the other hand, the rotor 8 predetermined. This is also in the millimeter range.

In the respective direct drive 7, 8 and 9, 10 is - as usual - to a drive that works purely on electromagnetic basis and without intermediate power transmission elements between the respective stator 7, 9 and the rotor 8, 10 or on such power transmission elements does not fall back. Rather, the stator 7 and the rotor 8 are in a matching radial plane E ₁ for the first direct drive 7, 8. Also in the second direct drive 9, 10, the local stator 9 and the rotor 10 are arranged in a matching radial plane E ₂ . Both radial planes E ₁ and E ₂ each extend along a radius with respect to the matching axis or axis of rotation R. Moreover, the stator 7, 9 and the associated rotor 8, 10 have a small (radial) distance from one another, which is typically in the millimeter range is settled.

The first direct drive 7, 8 is arranged as described between the column 6 and the manipulation unit 4, 5. By contrast, the second direct drive 9, 10 is located between the manipulation unit 4, 5 and the one or more manipulation elements 3 connected to the manipulation unit 4, 5. The two direct drives 7, 8 and 9, 10 are designed independently of each other and can be located each independently or both control. For this purpose, a control unit 11 is provided, which for applying the respective direct drives 7, 8; 9, 10 serves.

The two direct drives 7, 8; 9, 10 are arranged with their associated stators 7, 9 and rotors 8, 10 respectively radially compared to the central column 6 and radially to the axis of rotation R. In addition, the two direct drives 7, 8; 9, 10 in the axially spaced-apart radial planes E ₁ , E ₂ . In fact, the two radial planes E ₁ and E ₂ are spaced apart axially by the amount A.

This axial distance A of the two radial planes E ₁ and E ₂ is typically greater than or equal to a radial distance B ₁ , B _{2 of} the respective direct drive 7, 8; 9, 10 compared to the central column 6 and the axis of rotation R designed. In the exemplary embodiment, the radial distance B _{1 of} the first direct drive 7, 8; smaller than the radial distance B _{2 of} the second direct drive 9, 10 designed in comparison to the coincident rotation axis R. That is, it applies: $${\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\le {\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{,}$$

In addition, for the axial distance A of the radial planes E ₁ , E _{2, the} following applies: $$\mathrm{A}\ge {\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="B"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">B</figure-callout>}}_{\mathrm{1}}\mathrm{,}$$

That is, the axial distance A of the radial planes E ₁ , E ₂ is greater than or equal to the smallest radial distance B _{1 of} the associated direct drive 7, 8 designed in comparison to the central column 6 and the axis of rotation R. It is understood that the design rules reproduced above apply only by way of example to the embodiment shown and do not generally limit the invention.

The several edge side of the top plate 4 provided manipulation elements or Verschließerköpfe 3 can be acted upon by a common control cam 12. The control cam 12 is regularly - like the central pillar 6 - designed stationary. In this way, the control cam 12 is traversed, as it were, by the manipulation elements or closing heads 3 during their rotation about the axis of rotation R. Since the control cam 12 has a more or less sinusoidal course in the example case, perform the Verschließerköpfe or manipulation elements 3 a lifting movement when they are moved along the control cam 12 rotationally.

These different positions of the manipulation element 3 and the respective capper head can be seen in a comparison of the respective right and left representation in the Fig. 1 and 2 leading to different radial positions of the manipulation element or closing head 3 along the rotational movement described with respect to the control cam 12 belong. For this lifting movement is then still a screwing movement for the Verschließerköpfe or manipulation elements 3 is added, which in the context of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and 2 is generated by the fact that the closing heads 3 are driven by rotation via a gear 14 relative to the rim 5. According to the embodiment Fig. 3 a single drive 13 provides as a replacement of the control cam 12 as well as the gear 14 for a combined lifting / screwing movement of the respective capper head or manipulation element. 3

In any case, perform the Verschließerköpfe or manipulation elements 3 a combined lifting / screwing, by means of which the screw caps 2 are screwed onto the bottle 1. In this case, as an alternative to the control cam 12 according to the two embodiments of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 also in the Fig. 3 indicated respective individual drive 13 are provided. With the aid of this single drive 13, the vertical movement and / or rotational movement of the associated and associated manipulation element or closing head 3 can be controlled. All this is possible with the aid of the control unit 11 and is not shown in detail.

With the aid of the control unit 11, the first direct drive 7, 8 as well as the second direct drive 9, 10 and, of course, the individual drive 13 described last can also be controlled or regulated independently of each other. In this way, the manipulation elements 3 can perform an independent movement of the associated manipulation unit 4, 5. The same applies to the manipulation unit 4, 5 in relation to the pillar 6 carrying it, in contrast to the manipulation elements 3.

In fact, with the aid of the first direct drive 7, 8, the rotational speed of the top plate 4 is predetermined in comparison to the central column 6. As a result, perform the manipulation elements or Verschließerköpfe 3 the described lifting movement, in which the wreath 5 relative to the stationary Control cam 12 rotates. At the same time, the rotational movement of the ring 5 via the gear 14 - at least in sections - drives the associated manipulation element or the closing head 3. As a result, the manipulation elements or closing heads 3 perform the desired rotation / closure movement (cf. Fig. 1 ).

In the variant according to the invention Fig. 2 Again, the first direct drive 7, 8, the rotational speed of the top plate 4 in comparison to the central column 6 before. However, in this variant, the manipulation elements or closing heads 3 are not coupled to the movement of the ring 5 and can be acted upon independently of the desired screwing movement. That is, the lifting movement of the manipulation elements or Verschließerköpfe 3 is again - as in the case of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 - Given by the first direct drive 7, 8. On the other hand, the variant now takes care of it Fig. 2 the second direct drive 9, 10 ensure that the manipulation elements or closing heads 3 perform an independent screwing movement. The combination of the two movements, on the one hand the lifting movement by means of the first direct drive 7, 8 and on the other hand the screwing by means of the second direct drive 9, 10 leads again to the desired rotational / closing movement or rotary / screw movement of the associated manipulation element or Verschließerkopfes 3. - In the context of Fig. 2 It is alternatively conceivable that the control cam 12 is replaced by a single drive 13, not shown, which acts on the respective manipulation element or the closing head 3 with the desired linear motion. This is not shown.

The treatment machine for containers after Fig. 1 is equipped with only the first direct drive 7, 8, whereas the connection of the ring 5 with the respective associated manipulation element 3 is conventionally via an intermediate gear 14. As soon as the first direct drive 7, 8 causes the ring 5 to rotate, this rotational movement about the rotation axis R ensures that the respective manipulation element 3, which meshes with the ring 5 via the gear 14, performs a rotational movement, which in conjunction with the associated control cam 12, the desired lifting / rotating movement, so a total of the screwing movement for the screw 2 generates.

In the variant according to the invention Fig. 2 on the other hand, the rim 5 is not coupled directly to the respective manipulation element 3. Rather, the respective manipulation element 3 has its own rotary drive, which is provided by the second direct drive 9, 10. The lifting movement of the manipulation element 3, however, again generated by the first direct drive 7, 8 and defined by means of the control cam 12. In this way, the individual manipulation elements 3 can be controlled independently of the movement of the top plate 4 relative to the column 6 in their combined screw movement in the context of this embodiment.

The treatment machine for containers after Fig. 3 finally engages in addition to the cam 12 after the Fig. 1 and 2 to the respective individual drive 13 back, which is associated with the respective associated manipulation element 3. With the help of the single drive 13, the combined vertical / rotary movement of the screw cap 2 is generated, regardless of the rotational speed of the top plate 4 and also independent of the rotational movement of the capping 3.

Claims (12)

1. Handling machine for containers (1), such as bottles, cans, or the like, comprising at least one carrying column (6) and at least one manipulation unit (4, 6) for the containers (2), connected to the column (6), and comprising at least one direct drive (7, 8) on an electromagnetic basis, with stator (7) and rotor (8), and without intermediate power transfer elements between the stator (7) and the rotor (8), between the column (6) and the manipulation unit (4, 5) in order to produce a mutual relative movement, wherein the stator (7) is arranged in the interior of the column (6) and the rotor (8) is arranged in the interior of a rim (5) of the manipulation unit (4, 5), engaging over the column (6), wherein the rotor (8) and the stator (7) are located opposite one another, slightly spaced apart, in a concordant radial plane (E₁), characterised in that provided next to the first direct drive (7, 8) between the column (6) and the manipulation unit (4, 5) is a second direct drive (9, 10) on an electromagnetic basis, and without intermediate power transfer elements between a stator (9) and a rotor (10) of the second direct drive, between the manipulation unit (4, 5) and at least one manipulation element (3) connected thereto, wherein the two direct drives (7, 8; 9, 10) are arranged independently of one another and can in each case be controlled/regulated individually or both together, wherein the column (5) and the manipulation unit (4, 5), just as the two direct drives (7, 8; 9, 10), are configured in each case rotationally symmetrical to a common and concordant central axis (R).
2. Handling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the second direct drive (9, 10) is configured with a stator (9) and a rotor (10), wherein the stator (9) is connected to the manipulation unit (4, 5), and the rotor (10) is connected to the manipulation element (3) moving relative and opposite thereto, or vice-versa.
3. Handling machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the stator (9) and the rotor (10) of the second direct drive (9, 10) are located opposite one another, slightly spaced apart, in a concordant radial plane (E₂).
4. Handling machine according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the two direct drives (7, 8; 9, 10) are arranged with their stators (7, 9) and rotors (8, 10) in each case radially in comparison with the central column (6) in radial planes (E₁, E₂) which are axially spaced apart from one another.
5. Handling machine according to claim 4, characterised in that the axial spacing distance (A) of the radial planes (E₁, E₂) is arranged as greater than or equal to the radial spacing distance (B₁, B₂) of the respective direct drive (7, 8; 9, 10) in comparison with the central column (6).
6. Handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a plurality of manipulation elements (3) are provided at the side comprising the edge of the manipulation unit (4, 5), and which are subjected to load jointly along a control curve (12).
7. Handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that one or more manipulation elements (3) are equipped in each case with respective individual drives (13), which advantageously control a vertical movement and/or rotational movement of the manipulation elements (3).
8. Handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the column (6) is configured as a central hollow column with stator/rotor (7, 8) let into a wall.
9. Handling machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the stator/rotor (7, 8) let into the wall closes off flush with a wall surface, in particular an outer wall surface, of the column (6).
10. Handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the manipulation unit (4, 5) is composed of a head plate (4) and a rim (5) connected to the underside thereof.
11. Handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a control unit (11) is provided for the preferably independent actuation of, on the one hand, the first direct drive (7, 8), and, on the other, the second direct drive (9, 10).
12. Handling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that, by means of the first direct drive (7, 8), a circumferential speed of the head plate (4) in relation to the column (6) is actuated, and, by means of the second direct drive (9, 10), a rotational/closure movement of the respective manipulation elements (3).

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