EP2736834B1 - Device for closing containers - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for closing containers with several Verschließerstationen according to the preamble of claim 1, and as shown in EP 2 221 272 A2 known.

Such devices are according to the DE 10 2007 057 857 A1 as closing machines for closing bottles with screw caps, which are fastened by screwing on a bottle-side external thread in the area of the bottle mouth in various designs.

Basically, the application of the respective closure with a capper or Verschließkonus in which the bottle closure is held until applied to a bottle, and which is rotatably driven for applying the closure to the bottle or for screwing by a drive.

Throughout the sealing process, it is always necessary to change the distance between the lower edge of the closing cone and the upper edge of the bottle mouth due to the geometric conditions on a capping machine, e.g. To compensate for the resulting by the screwing change in the distance. In certain embodiments of known capper this is done by the lower edge of the capping cone remains on a height level, while the container to be closed performs all necessary movements in the height level.

As the DE 10 2007 057 857 A1 further disclosed, have known capping machines, ie screw capper and (Kron) corker on a rotating around a vertical machine axis drivable rotor several Verschließstationen each with a capper and a bottle or container carrier on the rotating rotor controlled by a lift curve up and can be moved, for feeding the respective bottle to the closing tool before closing and for separating the sealed bottle from the closing tool. However, embodiments are also known in which both the container and the closing tool each perform a part of the required movement.

Also known are closing machines in which containers are closed by means of crown corks. Even with such closing machines, there are changes in the distance, which should also be compensated. This can be done as previously described. Of course, this eliminates a screwing movement of the so-called Verschließstempels.

Accordingly, sealing machines are known which are controlled by means of mechanical lifting curves. These are subject to other disadvantages, some wear, the DE 10 2007 057 857 A1 practical way to replace such Hubkurvenabtriebe by a controlled and regulated drive to replace.

This proposal of DE 10 2007 057 857 A1 has proven itself in practice that the required height movement was freely programmable designable. For controlled or controlled linear motion, for example, a linear motor can be used. It is proposed to perform the screw of a screw capper or the Verschließstempel a (crown) corker as a runner, so these have magnets,

Also the DE 10 2009 017 109 A1 and EP 2 221 272 A2 deal with capping machines, wherein using a coupling element, which has a first, inner magnetic element and a second, outer magnetic element, the drive torque is transmitted magnetically from the drive shaft to the capper tool, which has also been preserved in practice. Here it is also known ( EP 2 221 272 A2 ) form the magnetically acting coupling element as a drive unit for a vertical movement of the closing tool.

A previously unpublished patent application of the Applicant is concerned with an ejector for ejecting unused or stuck closure or screw caps from the capper tool. The ejector has a magnetic operative element which returns an ejection element from an ejection position to an initial position.

Basically, it is therefore known to use magnetically acting elements to prevent mechanical wear. However, the respective magnetic coupling elements, so for example the linear motor of DE 10 2007 057 857 A1 arranged in the product room itself, which entails a considerable cleaning effort when, for example, in the container filled product overflows or otherwise passes outward on the respective elements.

Therefore, the invention has the object to improve a device of the type mentioned while avoiding at least the aforementioned disadvantages.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1, wherein it is advantageously provided that the respective Verschließerstation has a magnetically acting coupling element having a first, inner magnetic element and a second, outer magnetic element, one of a product space separated Drive space is formed, and which second, external magnetic element is positively driven on a linear guide and the closure tool via a driver in a required height movement also forcibly guided entrains. Between the first, inner magnetic elements and the second, outer magnetic elements, a partition wall is arranged, so that the partition wall separates the product space from the working space. In particular, the dividing wall can separate a sterile or sterilizable product space from an unsterile working space.

Relative to the vertical machine axis in the case of a rotary machine, the first, inner magnetic element is arranged closer to the vertical machine axis in the radial direction than the second, outer magnetic element. In a linear machine is in an analogous manner "inside" the drive or motor side and "outside" the space in which the containers are transported or closed.

It is expedient for the purposes of the invention if the respective magnetic element is designed as a magnetic carrier, are arranged on which magnets. The magnets can be permanent magnets or electromagnets. If permanent magnets are provided, these are each arranged alternately with alternating polarities.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the first, inner magnetic element itself is arranged on a linear guide, wherein the first, inner magnetic element is movable in the vertical direction by motor or by means of a control cam. Thus, it is advantageously achieved that the first, inner magnetic element is movable at least along the vertical machine axis. Due to the magnetic forces, the second, outer magnetic element is entrained and transmits the height movement via the already mentioned linear guide on the capper.

According to the invention, the driver is provided for transmitting the height movement of the second, outer magnetic element on the closing tool, which has at least one connecting arm, which is arranged on a guide sleeve, wherein the guide sleeve comprises a portion of the Verschließerwerkzeugs, or a portion of the shaft or attached to this. This guide sleeve may also have a number of two or more guide rods or the like, and serves, with simultaneous relative change in distance between the drive motor and the closure head, for transmitting rotational force to the closure head. If the capper tool is designed as a rotary closure tool, it must of course be rotatable. It is therefore useful if the guide sleeve is connected via such bearings with the corresponding portion of the capper that both the required height movement and a required rotation of the capper tool is possible.

In the first preferred embodiment, it is provided that the capper performs the required height movement, wherein the container is held on the container carrier seen in the vertical direction unchangeable. Appropriately in the context of the invention is therefore when the capper a Shaft having a fixed shaft part and a movable shaft part, so that a variable-length, for example, telescopic shaft is formed. Thus, the required height movement which is transmitted via the second, outer magnetic element can be performed by the capper cone or by the capper stamp.

The aim is that the partition wall is provided as a preferably rigid partition wall between the two magnetic elements, which separates the product space of the first, inner magnetic element on which the drive acts to generate the required height movement. At least in the region of the two magnetic elements, the dividing wall runs parallel to the vertical machine axis. Between the partition and the or a magnetic elements, an air gap is advantageously provided. In a further extension of the partition this can be freely designed in their course. It is conceivable embodiment in which the partition wall with a portion inclined away from the vertical axis of the machine runs oriented to then proceed to a vertical machine axis in turn parallel section. With the inclined portion, an obliquely downwardly directed drainage surface of the partition wall is formed as it were.

The partition can, at least in the region of the magnetic elements, or their possible travel of a magnetizable material, preferably of a magnetizable stainless steel, e.g. be formed with the material number 1.4112. Of course, the partition may be formed entirely of a uniform material, which is not necessarily magnetizable material is necessary. It is also conceivable if the partition wall is formed from a suitable plastic or a stainless steel.

It is expedient that with a linear displacement of the first, inner magnetic elements along the vertical axis of the machine, ie both up and down, so with a displacement of the inner magnetic elements relative to the outer magnetic elements from a pure attraction also forms a repulsive effect, which the friction is reduced in the linear guide elements of the magnetic elements, of course, the outer magnetic element accordingly is taken. Advantageously can be used as linear guide elements due to the reduced friction so even the simplest sliding bearing, of course, lower-friction ball bearings are conceivable, but this is advantageously not necessary, thereby reducing costs.

In the first possible embodiment, all components rotate together with the rotor about the vertical machine axis.

In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that the first, inner magnetic element along the vertical axis of the machine, but also in the circumferential direction, that is fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor and is designed as a lift cam, wherein the second, outer magnetic element in the normal operation to the rotates vertical machine axis and follows the course of the first, inner magnetic elements in the vertical direction.

The partition wall is in turn arranged between the two magnetic elements, but also rotates with the second, outer magnetic elements about the vertical machine axis.

It is expedient that the first, inner magnetic element is formed from a fixed carrier and magnets arranged thereon, so that a quasi-continuous, circumferentially extending around the vertical machine axis is formed. The magnets are arranged in the height direction and direction of contact on the carrier, that the second, outer magnetic element is carried along due to the magnetic forces quasi along a lift curve, this movement is transmitted in the manner previously described on the capper. It is advantageous again that the second, outer magnetic element is forcibly guided in the linear guide, and entrains the capper tool on the connecting arm or via the connecting arms and the guide sleeve in the required height movement.

The container carrier can be arranged on the linear guide of the second, outer magnetic elements, so it is immovable with respect to its altitude stored. Preferably, the container carrier may be arranged at a free, foot-side end of the linear guide.

In a further possible embodiment, the magnets can be arranged on an inner circumference of the column or the carrier, wherein the column wall could take over the function of the partition.

Instead of permanent magnets and controllable electromagnets may preferably be provided on the first, inner magnetic element, which controlled actuated electromagnets accordingly in the circumferential and vertical direction form a lift curve, which is followed by the second, outer magnetic element.

The invention thus provides a device which separates the product space, in particular a sterile or sterilizable product space, from the first, inner magnetic element due to the dividing wall. This advantageously achieves that the drive unit for the required height movement of the capper tool is separated from the product space, wherein previously arranged in the product space, other components are now separated from this. Since these are now separated from the product space, also reduces their cleaning costs. Compared to the solution according to the invention, conventional solutions such as e.g. einhausende bellows Disadvantages in terms of cleanability, but also in terms of a limited life of the protective material.

Fig. 1

eine einzelne Verschließstation in Seitenansicht als Prinzipskizze,

Fig. 2

einen Ausschnitt eines ersten und zweiten Magnetelements als Vergrößerung aus Figur 1,

Fig. 3

eine einzelne Verschließstation in Seitenansicht als Prinzipskizze in einer weiteren Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 4

eine Vergrößerte Darstellung eines Verschließerwerkzeugs mit Antrieb als Schnittzeichnung, und

Fig. 5

das Verschließerwerkzeug mit Antrieb aus Figur 4 in Seitenansicht.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims and the following description of the figures. Show it

Fig. 1

a single closing station in side view as a schematic diagram,

Fig. 2

a section of a first and second magnetic element as an enlargement FIG. 1 .

Fig. 3

a single closing station in side view as a schematic diagram in a further embodiment,

Fig. 4

an enlarged view of a capper tool with drive as a sectional drawing, and

Fig. 5

the capper tool with drive FIG. 4 in side view.

In the different figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals, which is why they are usually described only once and entered in the figures only once.

FIG. 1 shows a single capper station 1 of a device for closing containers 2. The device may also be referred to as a capping machine. The device has a plurality of closure stations 1 formed on the circumference of a rotor 16 that can be driven in rotation around the vertical machine axis X, each of which has a capper tool 3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the capper 3 is displaceable by means of a rotary drive 4 in rotational movements. In this respect shows FIG. 1 an example of a device for closing containers 2 with screw caps.

The closing tool 3 has a shaft 5, to which an active section 6 or cone 6 adjoins. The cone 6 can hold the screw cap. The shaft 5 is variable in length, for example telescopically with a fixed shaft part 7 and a relative to this movable shaft part 8 executable. The fixed shaft part 7 is connected to the rotary drive 4. The manipulable shaft part 8 is connected to the cone 6.

The respective capper station 1 has a magnetically acting coupling element 9 ( FIG. 2 ), which has a first, inner, magnetic element 10 and a second, outer, magnetic element 11, which are illustrated as merely exemplary are separated by means of a partition wall 12 arranged therebetween, and which second, outer magnetic element 11 is forcibly guided on an outer linear guide 13 and entrains the Verschließerwerkzeug 3 positively guided via a driver 14 in a required height movement as well.

The first, inner magnetic element 10 can be moved on an inner linear guide 15 along the vertical machine axis X or parallel thereto, for which purpose a drive, not shown, can be provided. The drive is controllable, and moves the first, inner magnetic element 10 according to the control signals generated for example in a control unit. The control signals correspond to the required height movement, so to speak a lift curve. In this respect, the lift curve is preferably stored in the control unit. It is also conceivable to generate a respective lift curve with corresponding measuring and receiving elements, so that a lift curve adapted to the requirements can always be achieved.

The terms inner and outer respectively refer to the vertical machine axis X, wherein the respective inner components in the plane of the drawing are arranged closer to the latter than the outer components.

With the rotor 16 of the rotary actuator 4 but also a container carrier 17 is in communication. At a connecting device 18 of the rotary drive 4 to the rotor 16, the outer linear guide 13 is arranged. The outer linear guide 13 extends from the connecting device 18 oriented in a direction parallel to the vertical machine axis X extending with its free end 19 oriented downward.

At the movable shaft part 8 of the shaft 5 of the driver 14 is provided. The driver 14 has connecting arms 20 and a guide sleeve 21. By way of example, two connecting arms 20 are shown, which should not be limiting. Also conceivable is a single connecting arm 20 or more than two. The connecting arms 20 are attached to one of the second, outer magnetic element 11 and the other to the guide sleeve 21. The guide sleeve 21 comprises the movable shaft part 8 of the shaft 5, for example, fully. The guide sleeve 21 may be fully closed or partially open. The Guide sleeve 21 further has a bearing device 22, which at the same time allows a rotational but also a translatory movement. Thus, the movable shaft part 8 of the shaft 5 can be moved along or parallel to the vertical machine axis X. The movable shaft part 8 of the shaft 5 can also rotate, and accordingly in the predetermined direction of the rotary drive 4 rotation.

The partition wall 12 is connected to the connecting device 18 on the head side, and extends beyond the free end 19 of the outer linear guide 13 in the downward direction.

As in the embodiment according to FIG. 1 illustrated, the partition wall 12 has three sections, of which a first section 23, runs rectilinearly parallel to the vertical machine axis X. The first section 23 can also be regarded as a guide section 23, since it separates the two magnetic elements 10 and 11 from one another. The first section 23 merges into a second section 24, which is oriented obliquely outwards and downwards. The second portion may also be referred to as a drain portion 24 due to its inclined outward and downward orientation. The second section 24 is adjoined by a third section 25 which again extends parallel to the vertical machine axis X.

The longitudinal extent of the first section 23 or of the guide section 23 is favorably adapted to an expected maximum amplitude of movement of the first, inner magnetic element 10 and of the second, outer magnetic element 11, respectively. The goal is to make the guide section 23 oversized in its longitudinal extent, so that a largely free adjustability or any height movement possibly required can be achieved.

Is recognizable in FIG. 1 the advantage of the partition wall 12, which virtually separates a drive space 26 from a product space 27. Thus, for example, a simplified cleaning of the components now oriented by the product space 27 but also of components arranged in the product space 27 can be achieved. In particular a sterile or sterilizable product space 27 separable from an unsterile workspace 26.

In FIG. 2 the magnetic elements 10 and 11 are shown enlarged. Between two magnetic elements 10 and 11, the partition wall 12 is arranged with its guide portion 23. Magnetic drivers 28 and 29 are respectively provided on the head end and on the foot side. Between the respective drivers 28 and 29 permanent magnets 30 are arranged. These are alternating in polarity both in the vertical direction and from the inside to the outside, which can be seen from the polarity marking shown in each permanent magnet 30.

As in FIG. 2 can be further seen, an air gap 36 is disposed between the outer magnetic element 11 and the partition wall 12.

If now the first, inner magnetic element 10 is moved relative to the second, outer magnetic element 11, the second magnetic element 11 is entrained, whereby inevitably the cone 6 is taken by forcibly.

In FIG. 3 another embodiment is shown. In this case, the container carrier 17 is arranged at the free end 19 of the outer linear guide 13.

The first, inner magnetic element 10 is in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 in the rotational or circumferential direction of the rotor 16 fixed. For this purpose, the inner magnetic element 11 has corresponding decoupling bearings 32 at its foot region 31. In the FIG. 1 shown inner linear guide is omitted.

The foot region 31 is designed in an exemplary step-like manner, and merges into a column 33 running parallel to the vertical machine axis X, which has a head region 34. At the head region 34, permanent magnets 30 are arranged on an outer catch of the head region 34.

The partition 12 extends in contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 2 completely rectilinearly towards the foot region 31, wherein a free end 35 of the partition wall 12 is spaced from the foot region 31, which makes sense with respect to the relative movement to the foot region 31, since the partition wall 12 rotates while the foot region 31 and the first, inner magnetic element 10, respectively not rotated.

An embodiment is conceivable in which the permanent magnets 30 can be arranged on an inner periphery of the column or of the head region 34.

The permanent magnets 30 are now arranged in the circumferential and vertical directions so that the vorbeirotierende second, outer magnetic element 11 is taken along virtually along a lift curve, and this required height movement as to FIG. 1 described on the capper 3 and the cone 6 transmits.

Instead of the permanent magnet 30 can also be provided controllable electromagnet. Preferably, the first, inner magnetic elements 10 would have controllable electromagnets. The electromagnets could, as already described for FIG. 1, be controlled via the control unit.

Targeting is also in the embodiment too FIG. 3 in that a product space 27 and a drive space 26 separated therefrom are formed on account of the partition wall 12. In particular, a sterile or sterilizable product space 27 is separable from an unsterile working space 26.

Of course, a Verschließerstation with closure seal as (Kron) corker can be carried out analogously. Of course, the rotary drive would be omitted.

FIG. 4 shows the capper 3 with associated rotary drive 4. The rotary drive 4 is in the embodiment according to FIG. 4 fastened with its foot housing 37 to a cover 38, wherein the cover 38 as an interior ceiling 38 can be designated. Through the base housing 38, the shaft 5, or its fixed shaft part 7, which is rotatable extends. At the shaft part 7 closes in the embodiment according to FIG. 4 the guide sleeve 21, which for example has four linear guides or linear rods 39, of which only two can be seen due to the selected representation. The guide sleeve 21 is connected on the head side to the foot end of the shaft part 7 or the shaft 5. On the foot side, the guide sleeve 21 has a suitable mounting 40. At the head end, the bearing rods 39 can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the shaft 5 in the direction of the rotary drive 4. Thus, the guide sleeve 21 is movable relative to the shaft 5 in the axial direction but also in the rotational direction and serves, with simultaneous relative change in distance between the rotary drive 4 and the closure head 6, also for transmitting torque to the closure head or cone 6. Insofern, the guide sleeve 21 with the 40 storage also the function of to the FIG. 1 taken described movable shaft part 8. The connecting arms 20 may engage the outer periphery of the bearing 40. The capper tool 3 still has an ejector 41, will not be discussed in detail. When viewing and running after FIG. 5 was provided at the previous position of the interior ceiling only a support member 42 to which the rotary drive 4 is attached. The interior protrudes up to the cover and transition plate 43, in which the outer sleeve 4.1 of the rotary drive 4 is inserted and sealed by means of an O-ring seal 44. The cover and transition plate 43 represents the bottom plate of an electrical space 45, in which the upwardly open outer sleeve 4.1 of the rotary drive 4 protrudes. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to FIG. 5 according to the embodiment FIG. 4 ,

Although in the above embodiments and figures only one capper in Rundläuferbauart has been shown and described, the mode of action and the basic principle is analogous to linear capper or linear filling and closing machines transferable. Here, the closing tools are arranged in a row next to each other.

For linear filling and closing machines that work stepwise or sequentially, comparable to DE 10 2005 032 322 A1 , are the closing tools the closing stations arranged as a group transversely and above the main conveying path of the container and are vertically movable together.

Ideally, the linear guides and magnetic carriers can be arranged in a product space and a drive space separated therefrom by a dividing wall analogously to the variants of embodiment. In particular, in this way a sterile or sterilizable product space can be separated from an unsterile work space or a room of lower purity.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Verschließerstation

2

container

3

Verschließerwerkzeug

4

rotary drive

4.1

Sleeve (outer) of 4

5

wave

6

Cone at 3

7

Fixed shaft part of 5

8th

Movable shaft part of 5

9

Magnetic coupling element

10

Inner magnet element

11

Outer magnetic element

12

partition wall

13

External linear guide

14

takeaway

15

Inner linear guide

16

rotor

17

container carrier

18

connecting device

19

Free end of 13

20

Connecting arms of 14

21

guide sleeve

22

Storage facility

23

First section of 12

24

Second section of 12

25

Third section of 12

26

drive space

27

product space

28

takeaway

29

takeaway

30

permanent magnets

31

Foot area of 10

32

decoupling stock

33

pillar

34

head area

35

Free end of 12

36

air gap

37

base housing

38

cover

39

linear rods

40

storage

41

ejector

42

supporting member

43

Cover and transition plate

44

O-ring seal

45

electrical room

Claims (10)

1. Device for closing containers (2) with a plurality of closing stations (1), which in each case comprise a closure tool (3), wherein the respective closure station (1) comprises a magnetically functioning coupling element (9), which in turn comprises a first internal magnetic element (10) and a second external magnetic element (11), wherein a drive space (26) separated from a product space (27) is formed, and the said second outer magnetic element (11) is force-guided on a linear guide (13) and the closure tool (3) is likewise force-conveyed conjointly by means of a follower (14) in a required height movement, wherein a partition wall (12) is arranged between the first internal magnetic element (10) and the second external magnetic element (11), separating the product space (27) from the working space (26), characterised in that the follower (14) comprises a guide sleeve (21) and a connecting arm (20), wherein the connecting arm (20) is connected to the second outer magnetic element (11) and by means of the outer linear guide (13) to the guide sleeve (21), wherein the guide sleeve (21) surrounds a section of the closure tool (3) or is secured to this.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first internal magnetic element (10) is arranged on an internal linear guide (15), wherein the first internal magnetic element (10) is moved in a vertical direction by a motor or by means of a control curve.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the closure tool (3) comprises a shaft (5) with a fixed shaft part (7) and a moveable shaft part (8), wherein a variable length shaft (5) is formed, such as in telescopic form.
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the partition wall (12) is configured as a rigid partition wall (12).
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that this is configured in a circulating arrangement, and comprises a rotor (16) which can be driven such as to circulate about the vertical machine axis (X), arranged on which are the plurality of closure stations (1) with a respective closure tool (3) in each case.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that the first internal magnetic element (10) is configured as fixed along the vertical machine axis (X) and also in the circumferential direction of the rotor (16) and as a lifting curve and control curve, wherein the second external magnetic element (11), when in specified operation, circulates about the vertical machine axis (X) and follows the course of the first internal magnetic element (10) in the vertical direction.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it is configured as a linear machine, and the plurality of closure stations (1) are arranged with the closure tool (3) in each case in at least one row next to one another.
8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that it is itself a linear machine or part of a linear machine, for example a filling machine or a closure machine, which operates in step manner or sequentially, wherein the plurality of closure stations (1) are arranged as a group transverse to and above the main conveying direction of the containers (2) and can be moved in common vertically.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the partition wall (12) separates a product space (27), in particular a sterile or sterilisable product space (27) from a drive space (26) or from a non-sterile working space (26).
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetic elements (10, 11) comprise permanent magnets (30), wherein at least the first internal magnetic element (10) comprises controllable electromagnets instead of the permanent magnets (30).

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