EP3444222A1 - Device and method for closing a container opening with a closing cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for closing a container opening (4) with a closure cap (8) comprises means (10) for conveying containers (6) each having a container opening (4) in a conveying direction (F) and means (12) for feeding a closure cap ( 8) to each container opening (4). Furthermore, a pressing element (17) for pressing the closure cap (8) on the container opening (4) is provided. In a closing direction (V) of the closure cap (8), which is perpendicular to the conveying direction (F) of the containers (6), the pressing element (17) can be moved in such a way that a surface section of the closure cap (8) has a closing direction (V). acting pressure force is applied to partially push the cap (8) on the container opening (4). In addition, the pressing element (17) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (D1) extending in the closing direction (V) such that the pressing element (17) partially closes the closing cap (8) in the closing direction (V ) acting pressure force to press the cap (8) for closing the container (6) completely on the container opening (4).

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for closing a container opening with a closure cap.

Containers, e.g. Bottles, such as those used in the pharmaceutical industry for storing tablets or pills, are usually closed with push-on caps. The caps must meet a certain elasticity requirement in order to be able to put them over the container openings.

Especially with very soft caps can cause problems due to the low dimensional stability, if you press them as usual from above the container openings. Certain caps are also provided with a tamper-evident closure, such as a tear-off ring to be released when first opened. In the case of mechanical application, damage, such as the premature detachment of the tear-off rings, could not previously be ruled out.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for closing a container opening with a cap, with the pressing of the cap can be particularly gentle and reliable, and to provide a corresponding method for closing a container opening with a cap.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1 and of claim 13.

According to the invention, the device for closing a container opening with a closure cap comprises means for conveying containers, each of which has a container opening, in a conveying direction and means for feeding a closure cap to each container opening. Furthermore, the device comprises a pressing element for pressing the closure cap onto the respective container opening. The pressing element is movable in a closing direction of the closure cap, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the container, such that a surface portion of the closure cap is acted upon by a pressing force acting in the closing direction in order to partially press the closure cap onto the container opening. The pressure element is a first Rotary axis which extends in the closing direction, rotatable such that the pressure element under completion of a rotating rotary motion, the cap partially applied with a force acting in the closing direction pressing force to completely push the cap to close the container to the container opening.

As a result, the closure cap is pressed onto the container opening successively, without overstressing the material of the closure cap. In this case, only a small surface portion of the cap is acted upon at any time with a pressing force.

Preferably, the pressure element has at least one roller, which is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation, which extends transversely to the closing direction. The at least one roller has the advantage that it rolls with the application of a pressing force on the upper surface of the cap with low friction and thus can gently roll the cap on the container opening. The roller leaves no abrasion marks on the surface of the cap at the completion of the rotating rotary motion.

Preferably, the at least one roller made of steel or a hard plastic. It can also be gummed on its lateral surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing direction is substantially vertical and the second axis of rotation is substantially horizontal. As a result, during the rolling of the closure cap, the pressing force also acts in the vertical closing direction. This is useful for the closing process.

Furthermore, a movement unit for moving the pressing element is provided. The movement unit is preferably controllable such that the pressure element is moved back and forth in the closing direction and is rotated about the first axis of rotation.

With further advantage, the movement unit is controllable such that the pressure element performs a helical movement about the first axis of rotation. In this case, accomplish the pressing element a combined movement, which consists of the translational movement in the closing direction and from the rotational movement about the first axis of rotation.

The device further preferably has at least one suction element, which faces the container, and furthermore at least one connection for connecting an external vacuum source to the at least one suction element. The suction member has the advantage that it can hold the elastic closure caps without deforming them, so that damage when feeding the caps to the container openings are avoided.

In an advantageous embodiment, the suction element is in operative connection with the movement unit such that the suction element is rotated together with the pressure element about the first axis of rotation. Thus, the facilities for sucking and pressing are very compact and space-saving installed.

Furthermore, the at least one suction element can be in operative connection with the movement unit such that the at least one suction element is rotated together with the pressure unit about the first axis of rotation. In this way, the at least one suction element and the pressure unit are coupled in one unit.

Preferably, the at least one suction element is attached to a sleeve which is displaceable relative to the pressing element against the closing direction. As a result, the pressing element can be further moved in the closing direction, while the sleeve is already supported on the edges of the closure cap and pushed upwards.

In a preferred embodiment, a cavity in the bottom surface of the sleeve is formed and the pressing member is arranged in the cavity. The structure of the device is characterized very compact. In this arrangement, the movement of sleeve and pressure element in the closing direction can initially be done together without the suction function is impaired by the embedded pressure element.

In a preferred embodiment, the movement unit comprises a spindle element, which is movable in the closing direction and rotatable about its own longitudinal axis.

At one end of the spindle element, the pressing element is preferably fastened by means of a strut extending transversely to the closing direction.

• Heranfördern eines Behälters mit einer Behälteröffnung in einer Förderrichtung;
• Anordnen einer Verschlusskappe an der Behälteröffnung des Behälters;
• Bewegen eines Andrückelements in einer Verschließrichtung der Verschlusskappe, die senkrecht zur Förderrichtung des Behälters ist, und Beaufschlagen eines Flächenabschnitts der Verschlusskappe mit einer in Verschließrichtung wirkenden Andrückkraft, um die Verschlusskappe teilweise auf die Behälteröffnung aufzudrücken; und
• Bewegen des Andrückelements in einer umlaufenden Drehbewegung um eine erste Drehachse, die sich in Verschließrichtung erstreckt, und dabei abschnittsweises Beaufschlagen der Verschlusskappe mit einer in Verschließrichtung wirkenden Andrückkraft, um die Verschlusskappe zum Verschließen des Behälters vollständig auf die Behälteröffnung aufzudrücken.

The method according to the invention for closing a container opening with a closure cap comprises the following steps:

• Conveying a container with a container opening in a conveying direction;
• Placing a closure cap on the container opening of the container;
• Moving a pressing element in a closing direction of the closing cap, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the container, and acting on a surface portion of the closure cap with a pressing force acting in the closing direction to partially press the closure cap onto the container opening; and
• Moving the pressing member in a circumferential rotational movement about a first axis of rotation which extends in the closing direction, while applying in sections the closure cap with a pressing force acting in the closing direction to fully press the closure cap for closing the container to the container opening.

This ensures a gentle and reliable closing of a container opening with a cap.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1

shows a schematic view in longitudinal section of a device according to the invention for closing a container opening with a closure cap in a first phase of a closing operation;

Fig. 2A

shows a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device Fig. 1 in a second phase of a closing process;

Fig. 2B

shows a rotated through 180 ° cross-sectional view of essential parts of the device Fig. 2A ;

Fig. 3

shows a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device Fig. 1 in a third phase of a closing process;

Fig. 4

shows a schematic view in longitudinal section of the device Fig. 1 in a fourth phase of a closing process;

Fig. 5

shows a perspective sectional view of the device Fig. 4 ; and

Fig. 6

shows a perspective view of essential parts of the device Fig. 1 from underneath.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention for closing a container opening 4 of a container 6 with a closure cap 8. The closure caps 8 are formed of relatively soft material and preferably provided with a tear-off to be solved when first opened. In addition, a collar for unfolding and a hinge on the opposite side of the cap 8 are provided. The invention is also applicable to simpler designed caps 8.

Reference numeral 2 denotes the actual closing unit, which is designed here in the form of a closure head. Furthermore, in Fig. 1 Means 10 for conveying containers 6 in a conveying direction F and means 12 for feeding sealing caps 8 to the container openings 4 shown. The closing direction V is generally perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

For the means 10 for conveying containers 6 in the conveying direction F, a large number of implementations are conceivable. For example, conventional conveyor belts, suction belts, rotary conveyors with gripping members driven by conventional motors or linear motor drive devices, etc. may be used. Preferably, the means 10 are operated clocked for conveying containers. But it is also conceivable to operate them continuously. In the latter case, the closing unit 2 must be moved during the closing operation with the container 6 in the conveying direction F.

The means 12 for feeding the closure caps 8 are, as in Fig. 1 to see in the form of two L-shaped gripping elements whose short, horizontal legs 14, 16 facing inwardly and toward each other. The means 12 for feeding the caps 8 are here horizontally and vertically movable. Alternatively, other feeding devices are conceivable. In particular, the closure caps 8 can also be transported by the closing unit 2 itself via the container openings 4.

In the Fig. 1 The closing unit 2 shown comprises a pressing element 17 and a movement unit 18. The movement unit 18 in the preferred embodiment has a spindle element 19 which is rotatable about a vertical first axis of rotation D1. In the region of the lower end portion of the spindle member 19, a horizontal leg 20 is attached to one end of which the pressing member 17 is arranged. The pressing member 27 is realized in the form of two rollers 22, 24, which are rotatably mounted side by side about a horizontal second axis of rotation D2 on the leg 20. The spindle element 19 and the leg 20 are rigidly connected to each other. Upon rotation of the spindle element 19, the leg 20 describes a horizontal rotational movement about the vertical first axis of rotation D1. The pressure element 17 can also consist of only one roller, or it can be used other, movable or rigidly connected to the movement unit 18 components, such as a swash plate or a Andruckstößel.

The size and shape of the closing unit 2 are preferably designed such that a large number of different formats of closing caps 8 can be applied to the corresponding containers 6 with this closing unit 2. Also, the pressing member 17 itself can be chosen so that it can be used for several formats.

Furthermore, the closing unit 2 comprises two integrated suction elements 26 (see FIG Fig. 2B ), which are formed in the form of two diametrically opposed Saugnoppen. In Fig. 1 Due to the selected view, only one suction element 26 can be seen. The suction elements 26 have (see Fig. 6 ) each have a central suction opening 52. The suction openings 52 are either via corresponding passage openings or passage lines in the closing unit 2 with at least one terminal 56 (FIG. Fig. 6 ) for connecting an in Fig. 2B shown external negative pressure source 60 connected. The suction elements 26 can also be constructed and / or arranged differently. In particular, more or fewer than two suction elements 26 may be present.

The closing unit 2 comprises a sleeve 27 with a sleeve section 28 of larger cross section and a sleeve section 30 of smaller cross section. A the sleeve section 30 associated first cavity 32 serves to receive the spindle member 19, while a sleeve portion 28 associated with the second cavity 34 for receiving the leg 20 with the pressing member 17 is used. The first cavity 32 overlies the second cavity 34 and the cavities 32, 34 are interconnected. On both sides of the second cavity 34 are the suction elements 26th

The sleeve 27 is connected to the movement unit 18 such that a rotational movement of the movement unit 18 also causes a rotational movement of the sleeve 27. On the other hand, the sleeve 27 is displaceable in the vertical direction to the movement unit 19.

In the transition region to the second cavity 34, the first cavity 32 is provided with an enlarged cavity section with an enlarged cross-section. Thus, the first cavity 32 has a stepped inner surface. Corresponding to this, the spindle element 19 has a peripheral around the outer circumference flange 38. The due to their weight downwardly aspiring sleeve 27 is stopped by stop on the flange 38. With free movement of the movement unit 18 downwards or upwards, the sleeve 27 is thus moved on the flange element 38 in a resting manner.

Referring to Fig. 6 The sleeve 27 has a bottom surface 43 composed of an annular edge portion 48 and an inner circular portion 50. In the bottom surface 43 of the second cavity 34 is formed, in which the leg 20 is arranged with the rollers 22, 24.

The cavity 34 extends within the circular edge portion 48 once transversely substantially over the diameter of the inner portion 50. Also arranged in the cavity 34 leg 20 extends transversely across the diameter of the inner portion 50, so that the leg 20 during rotation of the spindle member 19th acts as a driver for the sleeve 27 and the suction elements 26 integrated therein.

The following is based on the FIGS. 1 to 5 the operation of the device for closing a container opening with a cap described in more detail.

In Fig. 1 was moved by the means 10 for conveying containers, a container 6 in the conveying direction F and provided under the closing device 2. Also was through the means 12 for supplying closure caps, a closure cap 8 at the bottom of the closure unit 2 is provided. In the phase shown, the closure cap 8 is sucked by the suction elements 26, while the means 12 for feeding the closure caps have just been moved slightly away from the closure cap 8. The closure cap 8 is now held by the suction force of the suction elements 26.

In the in Fig. 1 shown upper end position of the movement unit 18, the sleeve 27 rests on the flange member 38. In this arrangement, the pressing member 17 is in the second cavity 34th

In Fig. 2A were, starting from the representation in Fig. 1 , the means 12 for feeding and placing of caps moved further in the outward and downward direction, and still the cap 8 is held by the suction force of the suction elements 26. In the cross-sectional representation of Fig. 2B (without container) both suction elements 26 can be seen. The suction elements 26 engage diametrically opposite to the flat cover surface of the closure cap 8. Again referring to Fig. 2A It can be seen that the pressing element 17 is at least partially over the peripheral edge portion of the closure lid 8.

In Fig. 3 the movement unit 18 has been moved downwards in the closing direction V until the closure cap 8 rests on the web surrounding the container opening 4. In this state, a lateral lower edge portion of the sleeve 27 touches the closure cap 8. However, the sleeve 27 continues to rest on the flange element 38. The pressure element 17 does not exert any force on the closure cap 8.

In Fig. 4 was finally, starting from the representation in Fig. 3 , the pressing member 17 further moves in the closing direction V down and thereby a portion of the cap 8 is pressed onto a running around the container opening 4 web. It is advantageous, although not mandatory, that the negative pressure at the suction elements 26 is switched off at this time.

Due to the support of the sleeve 27 on the support member 17 diametrically opposite side of the cap 8, the sleeve 27, the movement of the pressing member 17 in the closing direction V not follow and thus remains substantially in place. In other words, only the pressing member 17 is moved relative to the sleeve 27 in the closing direction V, thereby emerging from the cavity 34 and exerts a pressing force on the underlying portion of the cap 8 from.

Starting from the illustration in Fig. 4 Now, the pressing member 17 can be rotated about the rotation axis D1 in rotation and continuously rolls the peripheral edge portion of the closure cap 8 on completion of a, for example, 360 ° circumferential movement on the edge of the container opening 4. In this case, the pressing element 17 preferably rotates about the second axis of rotation D2. This rolling process is particularly gentle on the cap 8 and provides a safe method for the application of the cap 8 to the container opening 4. During the circumferential movement, the sleeve 27 is preferably rotated. At the end of the orbital rolling process, the pressing member 17 is again in the position according to Fig. 4 ,

As in the perspective view in Fig. 5 Thus, both a translatory movement in the closing direction V (arrow T) and a rotational movement (arrows D) of the pressing element 17 for the application of the closure cap 8 take place. This can be done successively, as described so far, but the movements can also be combined into a helically downward movement of the pressing member 17.

In the illustrated embodiment, the suction members 26 and the pressing member 17 are integrated together in a head of a device. The two components can also be arranged in separate heads. Then the head with the suction element 26 in the conveying direction F upstream of the head with the pressing member 17 is arranged.

In the preferred embodiment, the movement unit 18 comprises two servomotors, a servo motor for generating the vertical translational movement of the pressure element 17 and a further servomotor for generating the rotational movement of the pressure element 17 about the first axis of rotation D1. The sleeve 27 with the suction elements 26 has no own drive. Likewise, an additional drive for the sleeve 27 may be provided.

In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve 27 is inevitably rotated during a rotation of the pressing member 17. It is also conceivable, the structure of the device so to make that the sleeve 27 remains immobile during rotation of the pressing member 17.

The spindle element 19 described so far is only one possibility for generating the movements of the pressing element 17. Many further embodiments are conceivable for the person skilled in the art which ensure the translational movement and the rotational movement of the pressing element 17.

The expired by the pressing member 17 angle may also be slightly less than 360 °. Also, the angle can be arbitrarily more than 360 °, in particular, the pressure element 17 can make two full turns.

Claims (13)

Device for closing a container opening (4) with a closure cap (8), the device comprising: Means (10) for conveying containers (6), each having a container opening (4), in a conveying direction (F); Means (12) for supplying a closure cap (8) to each container opening (4); and a pressing element (19) for pressing the closure cap (8) onto the respective container opening (4), wherein the pressing member (17) is movable in a closing direction (V) of the cap (8) perpendicular to the conveying direction (F) of the containers (6), such that a surface portion of the cap (8) is closed in the closing direction (V ) acting pressing force is applied to the closure cap (8) partially on the container opening (4), and wherein the pressing element (17) about a first axis of rotation (D1) extending in the closing direction (V) is rotatable so that the pressure element (17) under completion of a rotating rotary motion, the closure cap (8) in sections in the closing direction (V ) acting pressure force to press the cap (8) for closing the container (6) completely on the container opening (4). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing element (17) has at least one roller (22, 24) which is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation (D2) which extends transversely to the closing direction (V). Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the closing direction (V) is substantially vertical and the second axis of rotation (D2) extends substantially horizontally. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movement unit (18) for moving the pressing element (17) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement unit (18) is controllable such that the pressing member (17) in the closing direction (V) is moved back and forth and about the first axis of rotation (D1) is rotated. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the movement unit (19) is controllable such that the pressure element (17) performs a helical movement about the first axis of rotation (D1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one suction element (26) which faces the container (6), and further at least one connection (56) for connecting an external negative pressure source (60) to the at least one Suction element (26) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 7, depending on claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one suction element (26) with the movement unit (18) is operatively connected in such a way that the at least one suction element (26) together with the pressure element (17) the first axis of rotation (D1) is set in rotation. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one suction element (26) on a sleeve (27) is fixed, which is displaceable relative to the pressing element (17) against the closing direction (V). Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a cavity (34) in the bottom surface (43) of the sleeve (27) is formed and the pressing element (17) in the cavity (34) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the movement unit (18) comprises a spindle element (19), which in the closing direction (V) is movable and rotatable about its own longitudinal axis. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that at one end of the spindle element (19), the pressing element (17) by means of a transverse to the closing direction (V) extending leg (20) is fixed. Method for closing a container opening (4) with a closure cap (8), comprising the following steps: Conveying a container (6) with a container opening (4) in a conveying direction (F); Placing a closure cap (8) on the container opening (4) of the container (6); Moving a pressing element (17) in a closing direction (V) of the closure cap (8), which is perpendicular to the conveying direction (F) of the container (6), and acting on a surface portion of the closure cap (8) with a pressing force acting in the closing direction (V) to partially press the closure cap (8) onto the container opening (4); and Moving the pressing element (17) in a circumferential rotational movement about a first axis of rotation (D1) which extends in the closing direction (V), thereby subjecting the closing cap (8) in sections to a pressing force acting in the closing direction (V) in order to open the closing cap (D1). 8) for closing the container (6) completely on the container opening (4).

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