EP2958848B1 - Unit and machine for closing of containers - Google Patents
Unit and machine for closing of containers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2958848B1 EP2958848B1 EP14701910.3A EP14701910A EP2958848B1 EP 2958848 B1 EP2958848 B1 EP 2958848B1 EP 14701910 A EP14701910 A EP 14701910A EP 2958848 B1 EP2958848 B1 EP 2958848B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- closing
- drive
- container
- shaft
- head
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
- B67B3/20—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps
- B67B3/2013—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps by carousel-type capping machines
- B67B3/2033—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps by carousel-type capping machines comprising carousel co-rotating capping heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B2201/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional features of closing machines
- B67B2201/08—Aseptic features
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
- B67B3/26—Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
- B67B3/268—Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery devices for avoiding damage to the closing machine
Definitions
- the invention relates to a closing element according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a closing machine according to the preamble of claim 7.
- Closing elements for closing bottles or similar containers, in particular with container closures in the form of screw caps are known.
- closure elements each consist of a closing head or Versch45konus for receiving the respective container closure, which placed with the capping on the respective container in a feed movement or in a delivery stroke in the region of its container mouth (joining) and then under pressure against the container on this by An - Is screwed or screwed.
- the capping head is for this purpose in a vertical Verschgreselementachse with a lifting movement in a joining or Zustubhub (Spindelhub) axially movable between a raised and a lowered position and about the Verschauselementachse (VA) for fixing or tightening the container closure rotatable on the container (rotary or screwing).
- the closing thus comprises the feeding or joining and the subsequent fixing of the container closure, e.g. by screwing on or on the container.
- a motor drive (electric spindle drive) is provided for the rotating and screwing movement, while the feed stroke is usually generated by lifting curves.
- the disadvantage here is that the stroke curves must be replaced to adapt the delivery and Anpresshubes or the lifting movement to different container closures or height of container closures.
- a further disadvantage is that often for the feed stroke and the locking head bearing shaft or spindle must be moved with and that known closing a variety of moving parts, guides, bearings, possibly also gears, etc., which include hard to reach areas such as corners , Columns, etc., with the risk of microbial contamination and functionally located in a room in which the Verschrudpositionen and thus the initially still open containers are arranged. As a result, there is a high microbiological risk for the just filled and still open container.
- a closing element according to the preamble of claim 1 is characterized by DE 10 2007 057 857 A1 disclosed.
- a further disadvantage of the known closing elements or closing machines is that they are still very limited for use in sterile, clean or ultra-clean rooms. This limited usability results from the fact that these known elements always have a combination of a rotational movement with an axial movement, which can be entered by the axial movement always contaminants and / or germs from the environment in the room with special purity requirements, thereby ultimately a contamination The bottled products can not be completely excluded.
- the object of the invention is to show a closure element, which has a simplified and compact design and in which the contamination risk described above is at least significantly reduced.
- a closing element according to the patent claim 1 is formed.
- a capping machine is the subject of patent claim 7.
- the closing element according to the invention is characterized i.a. in that not only for fixing or screwing the respective closure onto the container, i. for generating the rotational and screwing movement required for this purpose, but also for the vertical lifting movement (spindle stroke) a drive arranged for each closing element of a closing machine is provided.
- These drives are further designed such that at least the drive member of a drive and thereby preferably at least the drive for the rotational and screwing movement with respect to the Verschesseelementachse when closing, i. performs no axial movement when joining and fixing the container closure, but is formed as rotatably driven by its drive spindle or shaft.
- the rotational movement a shaft is thereby converted via a lifting or spindle gear in the axial stroke movement, which is then generated as well as the rotation and screwing by a corresponding control of the two drives relative to each other.
- the lifting or spindle gear which can be made very compact or small volume and structurally simple, is for example arranged directly above the capping head or in the space in which the containers also move at least with their container opening.
- FIGS. 1 to 6 each showing in simplified representation and partly in section closing elements in different versions together with a container in the form of a bottle, explained in more detail.
- FIGS. 7 and 8th a variant of the closing element is shown, in which the axis of the drive for the controlled lifting movement is not arranged concentrically to the axis of the drive for the controlled rotational movement of the closing head, but offset parallel thereto.
- each in general with 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e or 1f designated closing elements is each part of a capping machine 2 (capper) of rotating design and is together with a plurality of similar closure elements 1a - 1f on the circumference of a vertical Machine axis MA circumferentially driven rotor 3 is provided.
- Each closing element 1a-1f forms on the circumference of the rotor 3 a closing position 4 for closing containers 5 in the form of bottles, each with a cap-like container closure 6, which acts as a screw cap on the container Turning is fixed on a provided in the container opening container thread.
- the containers 5 are in this case held on a container carrier 7 with a container or mouth flange hanging under the respective closing element 1a - 1f co-axially with a vertical Verschewedelementachse VA, in principle, the container can also stand on the ground.
- Each closing element 1a-1f is formed with a closing cone or head 8.
- the closing cone or head 8 receives the respective container closure 6 at a closure loading position of the closing machine 2, so that it is then held in the downwardly open recess of the closing head 8 in a suitable manner, for example by a press fit.
- the capping head 8 executes a lifting movement A, with which the respective container closure 6 is lowered onto the container opening of the container 5 to be closed and then attached to the container 5 by rotation about the closing element axis VA by rotation on the container 5 ,
- the lifting movement A is such that it represents a, relative to the Verschmirroredelementachse VA axial joining or Zustellhub.
- the closing head 8 releases the container closure 6 by an axial, upward return stroke.
- the drive 10 which is provided in the illustrated embodiment above the drive 11 and is designed as a lifting drive or lifting element, acts on the upper end of a guide device 12 which consists of two parallel to Verschgreselementachse VA and radially offset from this guide rods 13, the are guided in the rotor 3 in local guides 14 axially displaceable.
- the two guide rods 13 are interconnected by a cross member 15, to which the drive 10 acts.
- the two guide rods 13 are interconnected by a cross member 16, in which a shaft 17 is rotatably mounted about the Verschmirroredelementachse VA.
- the drive 11 is designed as a rotary drive or as an electric rotary or servo drive, with a spindle or shaft 18 a, which is arranged coaxially with the Verschmirroredelementachse VA and through a bore of the rotor. 3 passed and, for example, is rotatably mounted in the housing of the drive 11, so that the shaft 18a when closing, ie when joining and fixing the container closure 5 relative to the Verschmirroredelementachse VA is not moved axially.
- the drive 11 remote end of the shaft 18 is designed as a hollow shaft, in the recess 19, the shaft 17 extends with its upper portion, in such a way that the shaft 17 within the recess 19 relative to the shaft 18 a axially the feed and return stroke of the lifting movement A is movable.
- the shaft 17 for the rotational movement B is drivingly connected to the closing element axis VA with the shaft 18a.
- the passage of the guide rods 13 through the rotor 3 is sealed with a respective only schematically indicated bellows seal 22 or a suitable other seal.
- FIG. 2 shows a non-inventive closing element 1b, which in turn has designed as a lifting drive drive 10 and formed as a rotary drive or electric servo drive 11
- the drive 10 acts in this embodiment on the upper end of a coaxially arranged with the Verschotteelementachse VA lifting rod 23rd a, which is provided at its on the underside of the rotor 3 projecting area with a collar 23.1, on which a guide piece 24 is supported.
- the latter is part of a coaxial with the Verschotteelementachse VA arranged hollow shaft 25, at the lower end of the closing head 8 is fixed.
- the guide piece 24 is axially displaceably guided with respect to the Verschotteelementachse VA guide rods 26 which are arranged parallel to Verschewedelementachse VA and radially offset from this.
- the guide rods 26 are frontally mounted with its upper end to the shaft 18b of the drive 11, which is designed as a hollow shaft. With her lower ends, the guide rods 26 are connected to each other via a ring 27.
- the closing element 1 b in turn has a pressure spring designed as a compression spring and surrounding the lifting rod 23 for the closing contact pressure, which acts between the guide piece 24 and an upper on the lifting rod 23 above the guide piece 24 formed collar 23.2.
- the shaft 18b forms the rotor of the drive 11 and is not only rotatably mounted in the housing of this drive, but also has the cooperating with an outer stator or with an outer stator winding 28 rotor elements 29, for example, from a rotor winding or are preferably formed by a plurality of permanent magnets.
- the controlled lifting movement A of the capping head 8 is possible via the lifting rod 23.
- the rotational movement B of the closing head with the drive 11 is possible.
- the FIG. 2 Furthermore, shows the lifting rod 23 via the lower collar 23.1 with a partial length.
- This partial length is chosen so that the lower end of the lifting rod 23 is formed as a plunger 23.3, which extends with the capping head 8 raised through an opening 8.1 in this capping 8 and thereby ejects a possibly remaining in the capping container closure 6. Even with the closing element 1 b, the shaft 18 b of the drive 11 during closing, that is not moved axially during joining and fixing.
- closing element 1c in turn has the two concentric or coaxially arranged drives 10 and 11 above the top of the rotor 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive 10 above the drive 11.
- the drive 10 is also designed as a rotary drive, namely with a spindle or shaft 30 c, which is enclosed by the shaft 18 c formed as a hollow shaft of the drive 11. Both shafts 18c and 30c are arranged coaxially with each other.
- the shaft 30c is formed at its lower end as a threaded spindle with a thread 31 which engages in a threaded sleeve 32 arranged coaxially with the VA.
- a ring 33 is provided, on the underside of the closing head 8 is attached.
- the co-operating with the internal thread of the threaded sleeve 32 thread 31 forms a lifting or spindle gear 34, which converts the rotational movement of the shaft 30c in the stroke A movement.
- This ring 33 is guided relative to the Verschmirroredelementachse VA axially displaceable at the lower end of the shaft 18c.
- the ring 33 is also movable relative to the threaded sleeve 32 by a smaller stroke in the direction of the closing element axis VA, but this threaded sleeve is secured against rotation relative to the ring 33 by means of guide pins 35.1.
- This relative movement between the threaded sleeve 32 and the ring 33 makes it possible for the contact pressure spring 9 to produce the closing contact pressure necessary when closing the container 5.
- the threaded sleeve 32 surrounding and designed as a compression spring pressure spring 9 acts for this purpose between a collar at the upper end of the threaded sleeve 32 and the top of the ring 33rd
- both drives 10 and 11 are designed as rotary actuators, for example, as electric servo drives that on the shafts 18c and 30c, which are respectively mounted in the housing of the drives 10 and 11, the rotor of the Actuators forming and cooperating with the respective stator winding 28 rotor elements 29 (rotor winding or permanent magnets) are provided.
- Both shafts 18c and 30c are closed at closure, i. during the joining and fixing of the container closure 5 is not moved axially, whereby the sealing of a closing position 4 forming sterile space relative to the environment simplified.
- the lifting movement A and the rotational movement B is achieved by controlling the relative movement of the two drives 10 and 11 to each other or the waves 18c and 30.
- the drives 10 and 11 simultaneously to control so that their rotational movements and behavior to each other set .
- different rotational behavior of the drives 10 and 11 at their shafts 30c and 18c inevitably lead to a rotation angle offset each other. This offset is converted via the pitch of the thread 31 in the stroke movement A.
- FIG. 4 shows as a further embodiment, a closing element 1 d, which differs from the closing element 1 c essentially only in that the provided on the shaft 30 d of the drive 10 thread 31 engages in an internal thread which on an axially guided on the guide rods 35 ring 37th is provided so that this ring and the thread 31 form the lifting or spindle gear 34.
- the guide rods 35 are connected at their upper ends fixed to the lower end of the turn executed as a hollow shaft 18 d of the drive 11.
- the shaft 18d encloses the shaft 30d. Both shafts 18d and 30d are arranged coaxially with the closing element axis VA and are not moved axially when closing, ie during the joining and fixing of the container closure 5.
- the lower ends of the guide rods 35 are connected to each other via a ring 38.
- the ring 37 is part of a hollow shaft 39 which is arranged coaxially with the Verschmirroredelementachse VA arranged at its lower end the capping 8. This performs by controlled rotation of the shafts 18d and 30d relative to each other via the lifting or spindle gear 34, the lifting movement A and on the guide rods 35, the rotational movement B from. Also in this embodiment, the closing head 8 with the lifting movement A can be raised so far that the lower end of the shaft 30 d for the ejection of any remaining container closures 6 enters through the opening 8.1 in the capping 8.
- FIG. 5 shows as a further embodiment, a closing element 1 e, which differs from the closing element 1 d essentially only in that the closing head 8 is provided at the lower end of a hollow shaft 40 having an upper portion relative to the Verschmirroredelementachse VA axially or telescopically in the formed as a hollow shaft shaft 18 e of the drive 11 is slidably disposed.
- the shaft 18e encloses the shaft 30e. Both shafts 18e and 30e are arranged coaxially with the closing element axis VA and are not moved axially when closing, ie during the joining and fixing of the container closure 5.
- the thread 31 of the shaft 30 engages in an internal thread, which is formed at the upper end of the hollow shaft 40 accommodated in the shaft 18e, so that this internal thread together with the thread 31 form the lifting or spindle gear 34.
- the shaft 18e is in the direction of Verschewedelementachse VA extending slots 41 provided in the driver 42 of the hollow shaft 40 engage, so that while this relative to the shaft 18e is axially displaceable, but with the shaft 18e is rotated.
- the lifting movement A and the rotational movement B of the closing head 8 are again achieved by controlled relative movement of the drives 10 and 11 or their shafts 18e and 30e.
- FIG. 6 Finally shows a closing element, which initially differs from the closing elements 1c - 1e in that in the closing element 1f the drive 11 is provided above the drive 10 and that designed as a hollow shaft shaft 30f of the drive 10, the shaft 18f of the drive 11 encloses.
- Both drives 10 and 11 and their shafts 18f and 30f are again arranged concentrically or coaxially with the closing element axis VA and the shafts 18f and 30f and are not moved axially when closing, ie during the joining and fixing of the container closure 5.
- the shaft 30f is provided in the region of its lower end with an internal thread 43 into which the external thread of a threaded piece 44 engages, which forms the lifting or spindle gear 34 together with the thread 43.
- a threaded piece 44 engages, which forms the lifting or spindle gear 34 together with the thread 43.
- the guide pins 45 are connected with their lower, over the threaded portion 44 downwardly projecting ends with the closing head 8, so that this is also rotated for the rotation and screwing B with the shaft 18f.
- On each guide pin 45 a pin surrounding this and is provided on the closing head 8 and the threaded portion 44 supporting pressure spring 9 is provided for the closing contact pressure.
- both shafts 18f and 30f turn are part of the rotor of the drives 10 and 11, ie these waves carry the rotor-side rotor elements 29 cooperating with the stator winding 28.
- each of the axis of the drive for the controlled lifting movement is not arranged concentrically to the axis of the drive for controlled rotational movement of the capping, but this has been offset in parallel, namely offset radially inward, the arrangement of course, a this different analog arrangement is possible, esp. A reverse drive arrangement.
- the drives could be arranged radially and offset in the circumferential direction.
- FIG. 7 shows a non-inventive closure element 1 g, which comparable to the closing element 1 a has a lifting rod 48, at the lower end a facing in the direction of the capper axis VA arm 49 is arranged.
- the bearing 50 at the free end of the arm 49 is used for rotatably supporting and receiving the guide rods 26, analogous to the aforementioned embodiments, in particular the closing elements 1 a and 1 b, so that the bearing 50 takes over the traverse 16 and the ring 27 analogous function ,
- the lifting rod 48 is arranged coaxially with the Hubantriebsachse HA of the drive 10 for the controlled lifting and lowering of the capping head 8 and offset parallel to Verschewedelementachse VA.
- the lifting rod 48, the arm 49 and the bearing 50 and the shaft 18 with the guide rods 26 in an insulator 51 which is formed by a fixed non-rotating wall 51.1 and rotating boundaries.
- a diffuser plate 52 As a lower, also rotating boundary is a diffuser plate 52.
- the upper insulator space 51 has one or more inlets 54, which via a common channel 53 or a plurality of supply lines (not shown), with a gas, i.d.R. sterile air, can be supplied.
- the closing head 8 or the supporting shaft is guided through the diffuser plate 52 into the lower insulator space 51.2, so that a calmed gas flow can be formed in the region of the container closure 6 or the container mouth (insulator space 51.2).
- the lifting rod 48 is further sealed with a bellows 55 and the coupling of the lifting rod 48 with the lifting rod 56 of the drive 10 via a coupling element 57, which ensures a defined contact force of Verschnovkopfes 8 by means of a spring element 9, analogous to the function of the pressure spring 9 of the closing element 1 b, for example.
- Spring element 9 and coupling element 57 are arranged in a space 58 on the rotor of the closing machine 2, on or above which the drive 10 is placed.
- the space 58 may also be supplied with a sterile gas or sterilant (not shown).
- the isolator chamber 51 with the corresponding inlets and outlets is shown by way of example only for the closing element 1 g, but can advantageously be provided in an analogous manner for the other embodiments of the closing elements described.
- FIG. 8 shows a closing element 1 h, which differs from the embodiment of the closing element 1g essentially in that the drive 10 has a shaft 59 which comprises a Gewindeabschitt 59.1 at the lower end.
- the arm 49 has a mating thread 60, in which the threaded portion 59.1 is received and guided. Depending on the direction of rotation, rotation of the shaft 59 causes a raising or lowering of the bearing 50 and thereby of the closing head 8.
- a dashed bellows shown 55 (optional), the entire shaft 59 and a portion of the arm 49 is enclosed in the illustrated embodiment.
- an isolation space can additionally be provided.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Sealing Of Jars (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verschließelement gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 1 sowie auf eine Verschließmaschine gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 7.The invention relates to a closing element according to the preamble of
Verschließelemente zum Verschließen von Flaschen oder dergleichen Behältern, insbesondere mit Behälterverschlüssen in Form von Schraubverschlüssen sind bekannt. Grundsätzlich bestehen derartige Verschließelemente aus jeweils einem Verschließkopf oder Verschließkonus zur Aufnahme des jeweiligen Behälterverschlusses, der mit dem Verschließkopf auf dem jeweiligen Behälter in einer Zustellbewegung oder in einem Zustellhub im Bereich seiner Behältermündung aufgesetzt (Fügen) und dann unter Anpressen gegen den Behälter auf diesen durch An- oder Aufschrauben fixiert wird. Der Verschließkopf ist hierfür in einer vertikalen Verschließelementachse mit einer Hubbewegung in einem Füge- oder Zustellhub (Spindelhub) axial zwischen einer angehobenen und einer abgesenkten Position bewegbar sowie um die Verschließelementachse (VA) zum Fixieren bzw. Festschrauben des Behälterverschlusses am Behälter drehbar (Dreh- oder Schraubbewegung). Das Verschließen umfasst somit das Zustellen oder Fügen und das anschließende Fixieren des Behälterverschlusses, z.B. durch An- oder Aufschrauben an oder auf den Behälter.Closing elements for closing bottles or similar containers, in particular with container closures in the form of screw caps are known. Basically, such closure elements each consist of a closing head or Verschließkonus for receiving the respective container closure, which placed with the capping on the respective container in a feed movement or in a delivery stroke in the region of its container mouth (joining) and then under pressure against the container on this by An - Is screwed or screwed. The capping head is for this purpose in a vertical Verschließelementachse with a lifting movement in a joining or Zustubhub (Spindelhub) axially movable between a raised and a lowered position and about the Verschließelementachse (VA) for fixing or tightening the container closure rotatable on the container (rotary or screwing). The closing thus comprises the feeding or joining and the subsequent fixing of the container closure, e.g. by screwing on or on the container.
Bei bekannten Verschließelementen oder Verschließmaschinen ist für die Dreh- und Schraubbewegung jeweils ein motorischer Antrieb (elektrischer Spindelantrieb) vorgesehen, während der Zustellhub üblicherweise durch Hubkurven erzeugt wird. Nachteilig ist hierbei, dass zur Anpassung des Zustell- und Anpresshubes bzw. der Hubbewegung an unterschiedliche Behälterverschlüsse bzw. Höhe von Behälterverschlüssen die Hubkurven ausgetauscht werden müssen. Nachteilig ist weiterhin, dass vielfach für den Zustellhub auch die den Verschließkopf tragende Welle oder Spindel mit bewegt werden muss und dass bekannte Verschließelemente eine Vielzahl von beweglichen Teilen, Führungen, Lager, eventuell auch Zahnräder usw. aufweisen, die u.a. schwer zugängliche Bereiche, wie Ecken, Spalten usw. mit der Gefahr einer Verkeimung bilden und sich funktionsbedingt in einem Raum befinden, in dem die Verschließpositionen und damit auch die anfänglich noch offenen Behälter angeordnet sind. Hierdurch besteht ein hohes mikrobiologisches Risiko für die gerade befüllten und noch offenen Behälter.In known closing or closing machines, a motor drive (electric spindle drive) is provided for the rotating and screwing movement, while the feed stroke is usually generated by lifting curves. The disadvantage here is that the stroke curves must be replaced to adapt the delivery and Anpresshubes or the lifting movement to different container closures or height of container closures. A further disadvantage is that often for the feed stroke and the locking head bearing shaft or spindle must be moved with and that known closing a variety of moving parts, guides, bearings, possibly also gears, etc., which include hard to reach areas such as corners , Columns, etc., with the risk of microbial contamination and functionally located in a room in which the Verschließpositionen and thus the initially still open containers are arranged. As a result, there is a high microbiological risk for the just filled and still open container.
Ein Verschließelement gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 wird dabei durch
Nachteilig ist bei den bekannten Verschließelementen oder Verschließmaschinen weiterhin, dass sich diese noch sehr beschränkt für die Anwendung in Steril-, Reinoder Ultraclean-Räumen eignen. Diese nur eingeschränkte Nutzbarkeit resultiert daraus, dass diese bekannten Elemente stets eine Kombination einer Rotationsbewegung mit einer axialen Bewegung aufweisen, wobei durch die axiale Bewegung stets Verschmutzungen und/oder Keime aus der Umgebung in den Raum mit besonderen Reinheitsanforderungen eingetragen werden können, wodurch letztlich eine Kontamination der abgefüllten Produkte nicht völlig ausgeschlossen werden kann.A further disadvantage of the known closing elements or closing machines is that they are still very limited for use in sterile, clean or ultra-clean rooms. This limited usability results from the fact that these known elements always have a combination of a rotational movement with an axial movement, which can be entered by the axial movement always contaminants and / or germs from the environment in the room with special purity requirements, thereby ultimately a contamination The bottled products can not be completely excluded.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verschließelement aufzuzeigen, welches sich durch eine vereinfachte und kompakte Bauweise aufweist und bei welchem das oben beschriebene Kontaminationsrisiko zumindest erheblich vermindert ist.The object of the invention is to show a closure element, which has a simplified and compact design and in which the contamination risk described above is at least significantly reduced.
Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist ein Verschließelement entsprechend dem Patenanspruch 1 ausgebildet. Eine Verschließmaschine ist Gegenstand des Patentanspruchs 7.To solve this problem, a closing element according to the
Das erfindungsgemäße Verschließelement zeichnet sich u.a. dadurch aus, dass nicht nur für das Fixieren bzw. Aufschrauben des jeweiligen Verschlusses auf den Behälter, d.h. zur Erzeugung der hierfür erforderlichen Dreh- und Schraubbewegung, sondern auch für die vertikale Hubbewegung (Spindelhub) ein für jedes Verschließelement einer Verschließmaschine eingeständiger Antrieb vorgesehen ist. Diese Antriebe sind weiterhin so ausgebildet, dass zumindest das Antriebsglied eines Antriebs und dabei vorzugsweise zumindest der Antrieb für die Dreh- und Schraubbewegung in Bezug auf die Verschließelementachse beim Verschließen, d.h. beim Fügen und Fixieren des Behälterverschlusses keine axiale Bewegung ausführt, sondern als durch seinen Antrieb drehbar angetriebene Spindel oder Welle ausgebildet ist. Hierdurch besteht die Möglichkeit, die Antriebe außerhalb bzw. oberhalb des Raumes anzuordnen, in dem sich die Verschließköpfe und Behälter bewegen, und dabei eine vereinfachte wirksame Abdichtung für das axial nicht bewegte Antriebsglied am Durchtritt in diesen Raum vorzusehen.The closing element according to the invention is characterized i.a. in that not only for fixing or screwing the respective closure onto the container, i. for generating the rotational and screwing movement required for this purpose, but also for the vertical lifting movement (spindle stroke) a drive arranged for each closing element of a closing machine is provided. These drives are further designed such that at least the drive member of a drive and thereby preferably at least the drive for the rotational and screwing movement with respect to the Verschließelementachse when closing, i. performs no axial movement when joining and fixing the container closure, but is formed as rotatably driven by its drive spindle or shaft. This makes it possible to arrange the drives outside or above the space in which the Verschließköpfe and containers move, while providing a simplified effective seal for the axially non-moving drive member at the passage in this space.
Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist das Antriebsglied des Antriebs für die Hubbewegung und das Antriebsglied des Antriebs für die Dreh- und Schraubbewegung jeweils eine drehbar gelagerte, aber axial nicht bewegte Spindel oder Welle, wobei diese Wellen dann bevorzugt achsgleich miteinander angeordnet und hierfür zumindest eine Welle als Hohlwelle ausgebildet ist. Die Drehbewegung einer Welle wird dabei über ein Hub- oder Spindelgetriebe in die axiale Hubbewegung umgesetzt, die dann ebenso wie die Dreh- und Schraubbewegung durch eine entsprechende Ansteuerung der beiden Antriebe relativ zueinander erzeugt wird. Das Hub- oder Spindelgetriebe, welches sehr kompakt bzw. kleinvolumig und konstruktiv einfach ausgeführt werden kann, ist beispielsweise unmittelbar über dem Verschließkopf bzw. in dem Raum angeordnet, in dem sich auch die Behälter zumindest mit ihrer Behälteröffnung bewegen.In a preferred embodiment, the drive member of the drive for the lifting movement and the drive member of the drive for the rotating and screwing each rotatably mounted, but not axially moving spindle or shaft, said waves then preferably arranged coaxially with each other and for this purpose at least one shaft is designed as a hollow shaft. The rotational movement a shaft is thereby converted via a lifting or spindle gear in the axial stroke movement, which is then generated as well as the rotation and screwing by a corresponding control of the two drives relative to each other. The lifting or spindle gear, which can be made very compact or small volume and structurally simple, is for example arranged directly above the capping head or in the space in which the containers also move at least with their container opening.
Der Ausdruck "im Wesentlichen" bzw. "etwa" bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung Abweichungen vom jeweils exakten Wert um +/- 10%, bevorzugt um +/- 5% und/oder Abweichungen in Form von für die Funktion unbedeutenden Änderungen.The expression "essentially" or "approximately" in the sense of the invention means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.
Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und aus den Figuren.Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.
Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der
Das in den
Jedes Verschließelement 1a - 1f ist mit einem Verschließkonus oder -kopf 8 ausgebildet. Bei umlaufendem Rotor 3 nimmt der Verschließkonus oder -kopf 8 an einer Verschlussaufgabeposition der Verschließmaschine 2 den jeweiligen Behälterverschluss 6 auf, sodass dieser dann in der nach unten hin offenen Ausnehmung des Verschließkopfes 8 in geeigneter Weise, beispielsweise durch Klemmsitz gehalten ist.Each
Mit weiterer Rotation des Rotors 3 führt der Verschließkopf 8 eine Hubbewegung A aus, mit welcher der jeweilige Behälterverschluss 6 auf die Behälteröffnung des zu verschließenden Behälters 5 abgesenkt und anschließend mit der Drehbewegung B durch Drehen um die Verschließelementachse VA durch Aufschrauben auf dem Behälter 5 befestigt wird. Vorzugsweise erfolgt die Hubbewegung A derart, dass diese einen, bezogen auf die Verschließelementachse VA axialen Füge- oder Zustellhub darstellt.With further rotation of the
Anschließend gibt der Verschließkopf 8 den Behälterverschluss 6 durch einen axialen, nach oben gerichteten Rückhub wieder frei.Subsequently, the
Hierfür sind wenigstens zwei Bewegungen des Verschließkopf 8 erforderlich, nämlich die Hubbewegung A für den Zustellhub nach unten und Rückhub nach oben sowie die Drehbewegung B um die Verschließelementachse VA zum Aufschrauben des jeweiligen Behälterverschlusses 6 auf einen Behälter 5. Weiterhin ist es auch erforderlich, eventuell im Verschließkopf 8 verbliebene Behälterverschlüsse 6, d.h. solche Behälterverschlüsse 6, die nicht auf einen Behälter 5 aufgebracht wurden, vor der Aufnahme eines weiteren Behälterverschlusses 6 aus dem Verschließkopf 8 auszustoßen. Diese grundsätzlichen Merkmale sind allen Verschließelementen 1a - 1f gemeinsam. Weiterhin ist es erforderlich, den jeweiligen Behälterverschluss 6 während des Aufschraubens auf das Behältergewinde gegen den Behälter 5 axial anzudrücken (Verschlussanpressdruck). Im Detail sind die Verschließelemente 1a - 1f hierfür in der nachstehend beschriebenen Weise ausgeführt. Aus Gründen der vereinfachten Darstellung, ist in den
Das in der
Der Antrieb 10, der bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform oberhalb des Antriebes 11 vorgesehen und als Hubantrieb oder Hubelement ausgebildet ist, wirkt auf das obere Ende einer Führungseinrichtung 12 ein, die aus zwei parallel zur Verschließelementachse VA angeordneten und gegenüber dieser radial versetzten Führungsstangen 13 besteht, die in dem Rotor 3 in dortigen Führungen 14 axial verschiebbar geführt sind. An ihren oberen, über den Rotor 3 und den Antrieb 11 vorstehenden Enden sind die beiden Führungsstangen 13 durch eine Traverse 15 miteinander verbunden, auf die der Antrieb 10 einwirkt. An den unteren, über die Unterseite des Rotors 3 vorstehenden Enden sind die beiden Führungsstangen 13 durch eine Traverse 16 miteinander verbunden, in der eine Welle 17 um die Verschließelementachse VA drehbar gelagert ist. Am unteren, über die Unterseite der Traverse 16 vorstehenden Ende der Welle 17 ist der achsgleich mit dieser Welle und mit der Verschließelementachse VA angeordnete Verschließkopf 8 vorgesehen. Durch eine zwischen der Traverse 16 und der Oberseite des Verschließkopf 8 wirkende, die Welle 17 umschließende Druck- oder Anpressfeder 9 ist der Verschließkopf 8 zur Erzeugung des Verschlussanpressdruckes in eine untere Stellung vorgespannt.The
Der Antrieb 11 ist als Drehantrieb oder als elektrischer Dreh- oder Servo-Antrieb ausgebildet, und zwar mit einer Spindel oder Welle 18a, die achsgleich mit der Verschließelementachse VA angeordnet ist und durch eine Bohrung des Rotors 3 hindurchgeführt und z.B. im Gehäuse des Antriebs 11 drehbar gelagert ist, so dass die Welle 18a beim Verschließen, d.h. beim Fügen und Fixieren des Behälterverschlusses 5 bezogen auf die Verschließelementachse VA axial nicht bewegt wird.The
An ihrem unteren, dem Antrieb 11 entfernt liegenden Ende ist die Welle 18 als Hohlwelle ausgeführt, in deren Ausnehmung 19 die Welle 17 mit ihrem oberen Bereich hineinreicht, und zwar derart, dass die Welle 17 innerhalb der Ausnehmung 19 relativ zu der Welle 18a axial um den Zustell- und Rückhub der Hubbewegung A bewegbar ist. Durch mindestens einen Mitnehmer 21, der in einen Schlitz 20 der Welle 18a eingreift, ist die Welle 17 für die Drehbewegung B um die Verschließelementachse VA antriebsmäßig mit der Welle 18a verbunden. Der Durchtritt der Führungsstangen 13 durch den Rotor 3 ist mit jeweils einer nur schematisch angedeuteten Faltenbalgdichtung 22 oder einer geeigneten anderen Dichtung abgedichtet.At its lower, the
Da die Welle 18a beim Verschließen, d.h. beim Fügen und Fixieren des Behälterverschlusses 5 keine axiale Bewegung durchführt, ist das Abdichten des Durchtritts dieser Welle durch den Rotor 3 mit relativ einfachen Dichtungen zuverlässig möglich, sodass insgesamt ein dichter Abschluss des sterilen Raums der Verschließpositionen 4 gegenüber der äußeren Umgebung oberhalb des Rotors 3 erreicht werden kann, und zwar bei außerhalb des sterilen Raumes angeordneten Antrieben 10 und 11.Since the
Die
Wie die
Das in der
Die Besonderheit des Verschließelementes 1 c besteht darin, dass beide Antriebe 10 und 11 als Drehantriebe beispielsweise als elektrische Servo-Antriebe ausgebildet sind, dass auf den Wellen 18c und 30c, die jeweils im Gehäuse der Antriebe 10 und 11 gelagert sind, die den Rotor der Antriebe bildenden und mit der jeweiligen Statorwicklung 28 zusammenwirkenden Rotorelemente 29 (Rotorwicklung oder Permanentmagnete) vorgesehen sind. Beide Wellen 18c und 30c werden beim Verschließen, d.h. beim Fügen und Fixieren des Behälterverschlusses 5 axial nicht bewegt, wodurch sich das Abdichten eines die Verschließpositionen 4 bildenden sterilen Raumes gegenüber der Umgebung vereinfacht.The peculiarity of the
Die Hubbewegung A sowie die Drehbewegung B wird durch Steuerung der Relativbewegung der beiden Antriebe 10 und 11 zueinander bzw. der Wellen 18c und 30 erreicht. Um die gewünschte Bewegung des Verschließkopfes 8 zu erzielen ist vorgesehen, die Antriebe 10 und 11 gleichzeitig so anzusteuern, dass sich deren Drehbewegungen und -verhalten zueinander einstellen.. Dabei ist festzuhalten, dass unterschiedliche Drehverhalten der Antriebe 10 und 11 bei ihren Wellen 30c und 18c zwangsläufig zu einem Drehwinkelversatz zueinander führen. Dieser Versatz wird über die Steigung des Gewindes 31 in die Hubbewegung A umgesetzt.The lifting movement A and the rotational movement B is achieved by controlling the relative movement of the two
Hierbei ist es insbesondere auch möglich, den Ring 33 durch entsprechende Steuerung der Relativbewegungen der Antriebe 10 und 11 soweit anzuheben, dass das untere Ende der Welle 30c durch die Öffnung 8.1 in den Verschließkopf 8 eintritt, und zwar zum Ausstoßen eines eventuell dort verbliebenen Behälterverschlusses 6. Die Welle 30c ist bei 36 in der Welle 18c gelagert.In this case, it is also possible, in particular, to raise the
Die
Die
Die
Die Welle 30f ist im Bereich ihres unteren Endes mit einem Innengewinde 43 versehen, in welches das Außengewinde eines Gewindestücks 44 eingreift, das zusammen mit dem Gewinde 43 das Hub- oder Spindelgetriebe 34 bildet. Über parallel zur Verschließelementachse VA angeordnete und gegenüber dieser Achse radial versetzte Führungsstifte 45, die in Führungsbohrungen 46 der Welle 18f eingreifen, ist das Gewindestück 44 bezogen auf die Verschließelementachse VA axial verschiebbar, aber antriebsmäßig (rotativ) mit der Welle 18f verbunden.The
Die Führungsstifte 45 sind mit ihren unteren, über das Gewindestück 44 nach unten wegstehenden Enden mit dem Verschließkopf 8 verbunden, sodass auch dieser für die Dreh- und Schraubbewegung B mit der Welle 18f mitgedreht wird. Auf jedem Führungsstift 45 ist eine diesen Stift umschließende und sich am Verschließkopf 8 sowie am Gewindestück 44 abstützende Anpressfeder 9 für den Verschlussanpressdruck vorgesehen. Wie
Mit 47 ist ein Stößel bezeichnet, der achsgleich mit der Verschließelementachse VA axial nicht verschiebbar angeordnet und von der als Hohlwelle ausgebildeten Welle 18f umschlossen ist. In der angehobenen Position des Verschließkopfes 8 dient dieser Stößel 47 wiederum zum Ausstoßen von eventuell im Verschließkopf 8 verbliebenen Behälterverschlüssen 6.47 designates a plunger which is axially non-displaceably arranged coaxially with the closing element axis VA and is enclosed by the
Allen vorbeschriebenen Ausführungsformen ist u.a. gemeinsam, dass zumindest die Welle 18a - 18f für die Drehbewegung B, aber bei den Verschließelementen 11c - 1f auch die Wellen 30c - 30f für die Hubbewegung A des jeweiligen Verschließkopf 8 drehbar, aber axial nicht beweglich vorgesehen sind, wodurch sich eine wirksame aber vereinfachte Abdichtung des Durchtritts der betreffenden Welle durch den Rotor 3 oder eine andere Trennwand bzw. in den die Verschließposition 4 aufweisenden Raum erreichen lässt, insbesondere die Verschließelemente 1c - 1f sind damit solche ohne Hubbewegung und eignen sich in besonderem Maße als aseptische Verschließelemente;
dass die beiden Antriebe 10 und 11 achsgleich miteinander und auch achsgleich mit der Verschließelementachse VA angeordnet und fest mit dem Rotor 3 verbunden sind und damit beim Verschließen, d.h. beim Fügen und Fixieren der Behälterverschlüsse in der Verschließelementachse VA nicht bewegt werden;
dass sich die Antriebe 10 und 11 außerhalb des die Verschließpositionen 4 aufweisenden Raumes befinden;
dass für die Hubbewegung A ein für jedes Verschließelement der Verschließmaschine eigenständiger Antrieb vorgesehen ist;
dass die als Wellen ausgebildeten Antriebsglieder des jeweiligen Drehantriebes, d.h. die Wellen 18a - 18c sowie auch die Wellen 30c - 30f unmittelbar, also ohne ein zwischen geschaltetes Getriebe, zugleich auch Teil des jeweiligen Rotors des elektromotorischen Antriebes sind. Somit sind die Wellen 18a bis 18f und 30c bis 30f direkt ohne Zwischenanpassungsglieder mit den Rotoren der jeweiligen Antriebe 10 oder 11 fest verbunden.All the above-described embodiments have in common, inter alia, that at least the
that the two
that the
in that for the lifting movement A a separate drive is provided for each closing element of the closing machine;
that formed as waves drive members of the respective rotary drive, ie the
In den
Die
In der gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ragen u.a. die Hubstange 48, der Arm 49 und die Lagerung 50 sowie die Welle 18 mit den Führungsstangen 26 in einen Isolatorraum 51, der durch eine feststehenden nicht rotierende Wand 51.1 und rotierenden Begrenzungen gebildet wird. Als untere, ebenfalls rotierende Begrenzung dient eine Diffusorplatte 52. Der obere Isolatorraum 51 weist einen oder mehrere Einlässe 54 auf, welche über einen gemeinsamen Kanal 53 oder eine Vielzahl von Zuleitungen (nicht dargestellt), mit einem Gas, i.d.R. steriler Luft, versorgt werden können. Der Verschließerkopf 8 bzw. die tragende Welle ist durch die Diffusorplatte 52 hindurch in den unteren Isolatorraum 51.2 geführt, so dass in dem Bereich des Behälterverschlusses 6 bzw. der Behältermündung (Isolatorraum 51.2) eine beruhigte Gasströmung ausbildbar ist.In the embodiment shown, u.a. the lifting
Die Hubstange 48 ist weiterhin mit einem Faltenbalg 55 abgedichtet und die Kopplung der Hubstange 48 mit der Hubstange 56 des Antriebes 10 erfolgt über eine Kopplungselement 57, welches mittels eines Federelementes 9 eine definierte Anpresskraft des Verschließkopfes 8 sicherstellt, analog der Funktion der Anpressfeder 9 des Verschließelementes 1 b bspw.. Federelement 9 und Kopplungselement 57 sind in einem Raum 58 auf dem Rotor der Verschließmaschine 2 angeordnet, auf oder oberhalb von welchem der Antrieb 10 platziert ist. Der Raum 58 kann ebenfalls mit einem sterilen Gas oder eine Sterilisierungsmittel versorgt werden (nicht dargestellt).The lifting
Der Isolatorraum 51 mit den entsprechenden Ein- und Auslässen, ist exemplarisch nur für das Verschließelement 1 g dargestellt, kann aber in analoger Weise aus für die anderen Aufführungsformen der beschriebenen Verschließelemente vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen werden.The
Die
Eine zu einem der vorstehenden Ausführungsformen vergleichbare Kopplung und/oder Anpressfeder zur Festlegung und Begrenzung der Anpresskraft des Verschließerkopfes 8, ist nicht dargestellt, kann aber analog vorgesehen werden. Mittels eines gestrichelt dargestellten Faltenbalges 55 (optional) wird im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel die gesamte Welle 59 sowie ein Abschnitt des Armes 49 umschlossen. Wie vorstehend ausgeführt, kann zusätzlich ein Isolationsraum vorgesehen werden.A comparable to one of the preceding embodiments coupling and / or pressure spring for determining and limiting the contact force of the
Ein Vorteile dieser Ausführungen gemäß den
Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend für Rotationsmaschinen erwähnt und beschrieben, wobei diese aber prinzipiell ebenfalls in Linearmaschinen bzw. Reihenverschließern einsetzbar ist.The invention has been mentioned and described above for rotary machines, but in principle this can also be used in linear machines or series closers.
- 1a - 1f1a-1f
- Verschließelementclosing
- 22
- Verschließmaschinesealing
- 33
- Rotor der VerschließmaschineRotor of the capping machine
- 44
- Verschließpositionclosing position
- 55
- Behältercontainer
- 66
- Behälterverschlusscontainer closure
- 77
- Behälterträgercontainer carrier
- 88th
- Verschließkopfseaming
- 8.18.1
- Öffnungopening
- 99
- Anpressfederpressure spring
- 10, 1110, 11
- Antriebdrive
- 1212
- Führungselementguide element
- 1313
- Führungsstangeguide rod
- 1414
- Führungguide
- 15, 1615, 16
- Traversetraverse
- 17, 1817, 18
- Wellewave
- 1919
- Ausnehmungrecess
- 2020
- Schlitzslot
- 2121
- Mitnehmertakeaway
- 2222
- Dichtungpoetry
- 2323
- Hubstangelifting rod
- 23.1, 23.223.1, 23.2
-
Bund der Hubstange 23Collar of the lifting
rod 23 - 23.323.3
-
Stößel der Hubstange 23Plunger of the lifting
rod 23 - 2424
- Führungsstückguide piece
- 2525
- Hohlwellehollow shaft
- 2626
- Führungsstangeguide rod
- 2727
- Ringring
- 2828
- Statorwicklungstator
- 2929
- Motorelementmotor element
- 30c - 30f30c - 30f
- Wellewave
- 3131
- Gewindethread
- 3232
- Gewindehülsethreaded sleeve
- 3333
- Ringring
- 3434
- Hub- oder SpindelgetriebeLifting or spindle gear
- 3535
- Führungsstangeguide rod
- 35.135.1
- Führungsstiftguide pin
- 3636
- Lagercamp
- 37, 3837, 38
- Ringring
- 39, 4039, 40
- Hohlwellehollow shaft
- 4141
- Schlitzslot
- 4242
- Mitnehmertakeaway
- 4343
- Innengewindeinner thread
- 4444
- Gewindestückthreaded piece
- 4545
- Führungsstiftguide pin
- 4646
- Führungsbohrungguide bore
- 4747
- Stößeltappet
- 4848
- Hubstangelifting rod
- 4949
- Armpoor
- 5050
- Lagerungstorage
- 5151
- Isolatorraum (oberer)Isolator room (upper)
- 51.151.1
- Wand des Isolatorraumes, feststehendWall of isolator room, fixed
- 51.251.2
- Isolatorraum (unterer)Isolator room (lower)
- 5252
- Diffusorplattediffuser plate
- 5353
- Kanalchannel
- 5454
- Einlassinlet
- 5555
- Faltenbalgbellow
- 5656
- Hubstangelifting rod
- 5757
- Kopplungselementcoupling element
- 5858
- Raumroom
- 5959
- Wellewave
- 59.159.1
- Gewindeabschnittthreaded portion
- 6060
- Gegengewindemating thread
- AA
- axiale Hubbewegung des Verschließkopfsaxial lifting movement of the capping head
- BB
-
Dreh- und Schraubbewegung des Verschließkopfs 8Turning and screwing the
capping 8 - VAVA
- VerschließelementachseVerschließelementachse
- MAMA
- Maschinenachsemachine axis
- HAHA
- Antriebsachse für HubbewegungDrive axle for lifting movement
Claims (8)
- Closing element for closing bottles or similar containers (5) by placing container closures (6) onto the respective container (5) in a closing-element axis (VA) and by fastening the container closures (6) to the respective container (5), preferably by screwing the container closures onto a container thread, by means of a closing head (8) for holding the container closure (6) during the placing and fastening, with a first drive (10) with a first drive element (30c-30f) for producing an axial lift movement (A) of the closing head (8) for the joining of the container closures (18c - 18f), which is connected on the drive side to the closing head (8) for the fastening of the container closures (6) to the containers (5), wherein the first drive element of the first drive (10) and the second drive element of the second drive (11) are in each case a shaft (30c-30f; 18c-18f), driven by their drive (10, 11) about an axis parallel to the closing-element axis (VA), preferably about the closing-element axis (VA), wherein the shaft (30c-30f) of the first drive (10) is connected to the closing head, for the purposes of drive, by a raising gear unit (34), converting a rotational movement into the raising movement, preferably by means of a spindle gear, characterised in that, during the closing, the shafts (30c-30f; 18c-18f) are not moved axially together with the axial raising movement (A) of the closing head (8).
- Closing element according to claim 1, characterised in that the shafts (30c-30f; 18c-18f) forming the first and second drive elements are arranged with their axes coaxial to one another and preferably also coaxial to the closing element axis (VA).
- Closing element according to claim 2, characterised in that at least one shaft (18c-18d; 30f) is configured as a hollow shaft surrounding the other shaft (30c-30d, 18f).
- Closing element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one plunger (23.3, 47), which, in a raised position of the closing head (8), extends into the said head in order to eject any container closure (6) which may still be remaining.
- Closing element according to claim 4, characterised in that the plunger (23.3) is formed from the lower end of the shaft (30c-30d) forming the drive element of the first or second drive (10, 11) or from a plunger (47) arranged coaxially with the closing element axis (VA).
- Closing element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is a constituent part of a system for the aseptic filling and closing of containers.
- Closing machine for closing bottles or similar containers (5) with container closures (6), preferably in the form of screw closures, with a plurality of closing elements (1a-1f) provided at a circulating transport element, such as, for example, a rotor (3) driven about a vertical machine axis (MA), characterised in that the closing elements (1a-1f) are configured in accordance with one of the preceding claims.
- Closing machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the drives (10, 11) of the closing elements (1a-1f) are arranged outside a space in which the closing heads (8) and containers (5) are located, for example on the upper side of the rotor (3), and that only the drive elements (30c-30f; 18c-18f) extend into this space, preferably in a sealed manner.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SI201430098A SI2958848T1 (en) | 2013-02-21 | 2014-01-16 | Unit and machine for closing of containers |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102013101716.9A DE102013101716A1 (en) | 2013-02-21 | 2013-02-21 | Closing element for closing containers and closing machine with such closing elements |
PCT/EP2014/000107 WO2014127878A1 (en) | 2013-02-21 | 2014-01-16 | Closing element and closing machine for closing containers |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2958848A1 EP2958848A1 (en) | 2015-12-30 |
EP2958848B1 true EP2958848B1 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
Family
ID=50030235
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP14701910.3A Not-in-force EP2958848B1 (en) | 2013-02-21 | 2014-01-16 | Unit and machine for closing of containers |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150375980A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2958848B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102013101716A1 (en) |
SI (1) | SI2958848T1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014127878A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2889260B1 (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2016-03-09 | Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico | Unit for carrying out an operation on a container fillable with a pourable product |
IT201600115892A1 (en) * | 2016-11-16 | 2018-05-16 | Gea Procomac Spa | DEVICE FOR APPLICATION OF A CLOSURE ON A POCKET OF A CONTAINER |
DE102017112218B3 (en) * | 2017-06-02 | 2018-08-09 | Khs Gmbh | Capping machine of circumferential design |
DE102017130770A1 (en) * | 2017-12-20 | 2019-06-27 | Khs Gmbh | Spindle shaft unit for a device for twist-closing containers with a screw cap |
EP3750845B1 (en) * | 2019-06-10 | 2024-08-28 | Sidel Participations, S.A.S. | Capping machine for applying capsules on respective containers in aseptic or ultraclean conditions |
IT201900020730A1 (en) * | 2019-11-11 | 2021-05-11 | Kuma S R L | CAPPING MACHINE |
DE102020114904A1 (en) | 2020-06-04 | 2021-12-09 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Device for closing containers with magnetic closure ejection |
DE102020114806B3 (en) * | 2020-06-04 | 2021-07-01 | Khs Gmbh | Device for closing containers |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4295320A (en) * | 1980-01-09 | 1981-10-20 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Closure conversion apparatus for existing closure applicating machines |
ITBO20030432A1 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-01-18 | Azionaria Costruzioni Acma Spa | CAPPING UNIT FOR CLOSING CONTAINERS THROUGH |
US7322170B2 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2008-01-29 | Mediatech, Inc. | Apparatus and method of sterile filling of containers |
DE102008056242A1 (en) * | 2008-11-06 | 2010-05-12 | Krones Ag | Closure device for containers with sterile space |
-
2013
- 2013-02-21 DE DE102013101716.9A patent/DE102013101716A1/en not_active Ceased
-
2014
- 2014-01-16 US US14/769,590 patent/US20150375980A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-01-16 WO PCT/EP2014/000107 patent/WO2014127878A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-01-16 EP EP14701910.3A patent/EP2958848B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2014-01-16 SI SI201430098A patent/SI2958848T1/en unknown
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SI2958848T1 (en) | 2017-01-31 |
EP2958848A1 (en) | 2015-12-30 |
DE102013101716A1 (en) | 2014-08-21 |
WO2014127878A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
US20150375980A1 (en) | 2015-12-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP2958848B1 (en) | Unit and machine for closing of containers | |
EP2217523B1 (en) | Device for closing containers | |
EP2221272B1 (en) | Device for locking containers with contactless torque generation | |
EP2186770B1 (en) | Capping device for containers | |
EP2479136A2 (en) | Locking device | |
EP2674390B1 (en) | Closing machine for containers | |
EP2344410B1 (en) | Closing device for containers having a sterile space | |
WO2010118806A2 (en) | Lock for screw caps or closures | |
EP2882678B1 (en) | Multiple filling element for a filling system or a filling machine and filling machine | |
EP1834923A1 (en) | Screw capper for bottles or similar | |
EP2724976B1 (en) | Capper for containers | |
EP3595999B1 (en) | Capping machine | |
EP1655264A2 (en) | Filling machine of the rotary type | |
EP2736834B1 (en) | Device for closing containers | |
EP2328829A1 (en) | Passage and container treatment machine having passages of said kind | |
EP1630125A1 (en) | Device for closing bottles or similar | |
EP3728102B1 (en) | Spindle shaft unit for a device for the rotary closing of containers with a screw closure | |
EP2714528A1 (en) | Handling machine for containers | |
EP2376364B1 (en) | Device and method for closing containers having a closure | |
EP0616971A1 (en) | Filling machine | |
EP3313776B1 (en) | Filling system for filling of containers | |
EP3494082A1 (en) | Aseptic treatment apparatus and actuation device having a rotating and lifting movement | |
DE202015106572U1 (en) | Lift-turn axis with room separation | |
EP2958849B1 (en) | Filling system and machine | |
EP2724979B1 (en) | Capper for containers |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20150921 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20160713 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 841632 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20161115 Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502014001859 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20161102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170203 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170202 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170302 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170302 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170131 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502014001859 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170202 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20170803 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170131 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170131 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170116 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20170131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170116 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20180122 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20180129 Year of fee payment: 5 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20180119 Year of fee payment: 5 Ref country code: SI Payment date: 20171227 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20180116 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180116 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20140116 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 502014001859 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SI Ref legal event code: KO00 Effective date: 20190926 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190117 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190131 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190801 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190116 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MM01 Ref document number: 841632 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190116 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190116 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20161102 |