EP3595999B1 - Capping machine - Google Patents

Capping machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3595999B1
EP3595999B1 EP18702249.6A EP18702249A EP3595999B1 EP 3595999 B1 EP3595999 B1 EP 3595999B1 EP 18702249 A EP18702249 A EP 18702249A EP 3595999 B1 EP3595999 B1 EP 3595999B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
capping
clamping
central column
gyroscope
section
Prior art date
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Application number
EP18702249.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3595999A1 (en
Inventor
Matthias Naaber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
Original Assignee
KHS GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by KHS GmbH filed Critical KHS GmbH
Priority to SI201830767T priority Critical patent/SI3595999T1/en
Publication of EP3595999A1 publication Critical patent/EP3595999A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3595999B1 publication Critical patent/EP3595999B1/en
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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67BAPPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/28Mechanisms for causing relative movement between bottle or jar and capping head

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rotary type capping machine for capping containers such as bottles or the like with crown caps.
  • Treatment machines for containers are typically used, for example, to equip the container in question with a label (labeling machine), to clean the container (cleaning machine), to fill it (filling machine) or to provide it with a closure, for example a screw cap or crown cap (sealing machine), of course other types of treatment machines are also possible and conceivable.
  • labeling machine labeling machine
  • cleaning machine cleaning machine
  • filling machine fill it
  • closure for example a screw cap or crown cap (sealing machine
  • a sealing machine of rotary design is known in which, among other things, the stationary central column is designed without elements for mechanical power transmission.
  • the central column can accommodate lines for kinetic energy and/or for control information and/or fluids present in electrical or optical form. As a result, a simple and cost-effective construction is realized.
  • capping machines are typically located in close proximity to preceding filling machines.
  • the capping machine in question is arranged, for example, on a front table of the filling machine in question.
  • An independent design of the capping machine is also conceivable.
  • the capping machine must be included For example, conveyor belts are connected to the preceding filling machine or subsequent system components.
  • the containers to be closed are typically equipped with a screw cap or a crown cap and the closed containers are then transported away.
  • the containers or bottles are usually transported in and out with the help of two transfer elements, on the one hand for the infeed and on the other hand for the removal of the respective container.
  • the relevant transfer element can be a conveyor belt or also a transport star or transfer star.
  • crown caps and screw cappers differ essentially in that the screw units are replaced by deformation units, which deform the crown caps during the closing process in such a way that they seal the containers airtight.
  • crown caps have a central height adjustment, which allows the capping machine to be adapted to different container heights, i. H. Container formats to adapt. This is necessary in order to always be able to transport the containers at the same height through the entire filling plant, regardless of their respective container format.
  • the height of the capping machine is adjusted manually when the container format is changed, i.e. by hand, by opening a clamp attached to an outer support column with screws and then closing it again after the capping machine has been adjusted in height to the new container format.
  • the outer support column is necessary in order to absorb the closing forces generated during the closing process.
  • the DE 2147 770 discloses a capping machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a capping machine of a rotating type for capping containers such as bottles or the like with crown caps, which has a height adjustment that is structurally simplified compared to the prior art while at the same time dispensing with the external support column allows.
  • a capping machine is designed according to the features of patent claim 1.
  • the dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiment variants of the invention.
  • the essential aspect of the invention is to be seen in the provision of a capping machine of rotary design for capping containers such as bottles or the like with crown caps, with a stationary central column extending along a vertical central axis of the capping machine, on which at least one motor-driven rotary rotor with several stamping devices that can be lowered and lifted and below the gyroscope a carrier ring that can be driven by a motor and has several container carriers are arranged, with the relative distance between the gyroscope and the carrier ring being adjustable along the vertical central axis of the sealing machine by moving the gyroscope and/or the carrier ring along the central column is, in which several container closing positions are formed between the gyroscope and the carrier ring, each with at least one closing device, with a closing device in its respective closing liableposition has at least one stamping device arranged on the gyroscope for applying a closing force to a corresponding crown cap of the container held standing on the associated container carrier, with the stationary central
  • a central idea of the invention is that, apart from the central column and the elements carried by it, no further supporting column or supporting structure is provided in the rotating closing machine.
  • carrier ring is to be understood very generally as a carrying element for the circulating and standing transport of containers, ie also a plate, wheel or star shape or the like.
  • the at least one controlled clamping device can particularly advantageously have a clamping position and/or a release position.
  • the at least one clamping device can have at least one annular clamping section that forms at least one elastically deformable contact section with which the clamping device clamps in its clamping position on the outer lateral surface of the central column.
  • the at least one clamping device has at least a first and a second clamping section with a corresponding first and second system section. Further advantageously, the first and second clamping sections can be provided spaced apart from one another along the central axis.
  • first and second clamping section can each have an annular fluid channel which opens fluid-tight into a common supply channel, wherein the common supply channel in turn can in turn be associated with a valve device.
  • the clamping device ideally has a metal contact surface that forms a wall of the hydraulic line at least in sections and can be elastically deformed by the selected internal/fluid pressure in order to realize clamping on the central column.
  • the pressures to be provided are in the range from 60 to 100 bar.
  • a clamping device to be operated with a pneumatic system, which, however, is generally not provided for safety reasons because of the high pressures required.
  • the permanent sliding properties can be improved in all systems if a piston guide band is arranged around the central column at least in the system section, which is designed, for example, as a Teflon sliding band, made of the compound PTFE-carbon or PTFE-bronze, although other materials are also possible.
  • the at least one clamping device can also preferably be arranged fixedly on an underside of a top plate.
  • the closing machine will have at least one clamping device, which has at least one ring-shaped clamping section or one clamping section with a positive-locking contour.
  • the form-fitting contour can be, for example, a polygon, for example with a quadrilateral or hexagonal cross-sectional area or contour.
  • the clamping section has at least one elastically deformable system section which the clamping device can be clamped in its clamping position on the outer surface of the central column.
  • the closing machine has at least one lifting and lowering device, by means of which the distance between the gyroscope and the carrier ring along the central column can be adjusted.
  • the lifting and lowering device can preferably be fixedly arranged on an upper side of the top plate. However, this fixed arrangement can also take place in a purely form-fitting manner via suitable centering points and centering feet.
  • the lifting and lowering device can preferably be designed as a spindle drive device.
  • a hydraulic device with a suitable position control can also be provided.
  • substantially in the context 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.
  • the capping machine denoted generally by 1 in the figures is of a rotary design for capping containers 2 such as bottles or the like with a crown cap 3, which is also referred to as a crown cap.
  • a filling machine for filling the container 2 with a liquid filling material is usually provided in close proximity to such a closing machine 1 in the transport direction TR.
  • the containers 2 then filled by means of the filling machine are conveyed to the closing machine 1 via transport devices, for example conveyor belts, and are transferred here on the input side to the actual closing machine 1 by transfer elements, for example an infeed star wheel, which are also not shown in detail.
  • transfer elements for example an infeed star wheel
  • the sealing machine 1 has a stationary central column 4 that extends along a vertical central axis MA, on which at least one motorized rotary drive 5 with a plurality of stamping devices 6 and below the rotary motor 5 a motorized rotary drive ring 7 with a plurality of container carriers 8 are arranged.
  • the two motor drives of the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7 are synchronized via a controller.
  • the revolving rotors 5 and 7 can be driven jointly and synchronously by a common motor and via suitable power transmission units.
  • the central column 4 is arranged, for example, on a machine base 9, in particular firmly connected to it, the machine base 9 making contact with the hall floor on the side opposite the central column 4 and thus being designed as a base.
  • the scope of the present invention is not left if the central column 4 is fastened directly or indirectly to the hall floor or a base frame or a housing.
  • the central column 4 can be made of a metallic material, for example a stainless Cr or CrNi steel, and be tubular.
  • the central column 4 can be made of a solid material or can also be hollow on the inside.
  • the central column 4 can have several central column sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, which can differ in their respective outer diameters.
  • the Central column 4 has a first central column section 4.1, which is firmly connected to the machine base 9 with its first free end face, while the second central column section 4.2 adjoins the first central column section 4.1 directly adjacent to and in contact with the free end face opposite the first side.
  • the third central column section 4.3 is provided in a contact-locking manner on it or firmly connected to it.
  • the central column 4 with its, for example, three central column sections 4.1 . . . 4.3 can be designed in one piece or in several parts. However, the individual central column sections 4.1...4.3 are always firmly connected to one another.
  • the outer diameter of the first central column section 4.1 can preferably be set larger than that of the second central column section 4.2, and this in turn larger than that of the third central column section 4.3, so that the central column 4 has a stepped structure with regard to the respective external diameter.
  • the gyroscope 5 is located on the stationary central column 4 , which is mounted circumferentially thereon and is designed to be driven by a motor and thereby rotates relative to the stationary central column 4 .
  • the gyroscope 5 is not arranged directly, but indirectly on the support column 4, since a controlled clamping device 10 is arranged between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4, the functioning of which will be explained in more detail below.
  • the controlled clamping device 10 is located in the in figure 1 shown embodiment variant in its clamping position KP, in which it clamps the stationary central column 4 in a non-positive manner, ie in particular does not rotate with the gyroscope 5 .
  • the gyroscope 5 On the outer circumference of the clamping device 10 enclosing the central column 4 in a sleeve-like clamping manner, the gyroscope 5 is mounted circumferentially thereon, which ultimately rotates relative to the stationary central column 4 and the clamping device 10 provided for clamping in its clamping position KP.
  • the gyroscope 5 is arranged on the clamping device 10 in such a way that the gyroscope 5 can rotate in a horizontal plane around the clamping device 10, but in a Vertical displacement of the clamping device 10 along the central axis 4 moves with the clamping device 10, so is moved vertically with.
  • a top plate 11 can be fastened to the clamping device 10 , for example screwed on, to the free end face of the sleeve-shaped clamping device 10 facing away from the carrier ring 7 .
  • the top plate 11 is designed to accommodate at least one first drive motor 12, which is fastened, for example, to an upper side 11.1 of the top plate 11.
  • the first drive motor 12 is set up to initiate the rotary movement on the gyroscope 5 and is designed, for example, as a servo or synchronous motor.
  • a servo or synchronous motor is understood to mean any type of drive motor that can be operated in a controlled manner, with the angle of rotation, direction of rotation, angular velocity and torque of the drive motor being specified individually or in any combination by a control device, e.g Actual values are determined by sensors, compared with the target values and any deviations are corrected by automatic countermeasures.
  • the first drive motor 12 acts on the gyroscope 5 on the peripheral side.
  • the gyroscope 5 has an extension 13 that at least partially encloses the central column 4 in a cylindrical manner.
  • the gyroscope 5 or in particular its extension 13 is equipped on the head side with external teeth 14, in which a pinion 15 on an output shaft of the first drive motor 12 engages.
  • the extension 13 creates a frictional connection between the external teeth 14 and the actual gyroscope 5 .
  • Internal teeth or similar solutions can also be used in an analogous manner, not shown.
  • the first drive motor 12 is in this in figure 1 illustrated embodiment of the invention at the top 11.1 of the head plate 11 at the upper end of the central column 4 connected.
  • the head plate 11 connected to it via the clamping device 10 is also the same during the operation of the closing machine 1, in particular in the clamping position KP Clamping device 10, formed stationary.
  • the same also applies to the first drive motor 12 attached to the head plate 11. Rotations of the drive shaft of the first drive motor 12 are transmitted via the pinion 15 to the external toothing 14 and from here via the extension 13 to the gyroscope 5, so that the gyroscope 5 is opposite to the stationary central column 4 rotates.
  • the first drive motor 12 can also act on the outer circumference of the gyroscope 5 via a roller, a rubber roller, etc. and cause the gyroscope 5 to rotate, although this is not shown in detail in the figures.
  • a plurality of container closing positions BP are formed between the rotor 5 and the carrier ring 7.
  • Each of the several closing devices 17 in its respective container closing position BP comprises at least one lowering and lifting movable stamping device 6 arranged on the rotor 5 for applying a closing force to a corresponding crown cap 3 of the container 2 standing on the associated container carrier 8, which in particular is the pressing force is trained.
  • the stationary central column 4 is provided for absorbing a compensating force directed against the closing force.
  • the stationary central column 4 is provided for absorbing a compensating force directed against the closing force.
  • a fixed cam 16 of the closing machine 1 and a lowering range define an angular range in which the pressing and the closing take place.
  • the load on the cam 16 is therefore always in the same local or angular range and a permanent tilting moment is introduced into the central column 4 .
  • the clamping device 10 reliably prevents deflection in this angular range and in the respective, format-dependent height of the central column 4, with the clamping device 10 being supported by a lifting and lowering device 30.
  • the lifting and lowering device 30 in the present case comprises, for example, a spindle column 31 and a spindle drive 32, and is ideally mounted without play via two corresponding nuts and can be driven off.
  • At least the control cam 16 is fixedly arranged on an underside 11.2 of the head plate 11, along which rollers arranged, for example, on the respective stamping device 6 roll on both sides and are therefore positively guided in their height position, so that ultimately a lifting and lowering movement of the respective stamping device 6 can be generated.
  • the carrier ring 7, which is also arranged below the gyroscope 5 on the central column 4 and is mounted all around it, can be supported, for example, on a support ring 19, which is formed by the transition from the first to the second central column section 4.1, 4.2, in particular by their different outer diameters.
  • the carrier ring 7 can have external teeth 20 on its underside 7.1, which is in toothed engagement with a pinion 21.1 of a drive shaft of a second drive motor 21.
  • the second drive motor 21 can preferably be fixedly arranged on the machine base 9, for example screwed to it, and can also be designed as a servo or synchronous motor.
  • the relative distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7 along the vertical central axis MA can be adjusted by displacing the gyroscope 5 relative to the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 .
  • the closing device 1 can have the motor-controlled lifting and lowering device 30, by means of which the distance of the gyroscope 5 relative to the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 can be changed, ie adjusted. This can be realized within the scope of the present invention by shifting the gyroscope 5 and/or the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 .
  • FIG. 1 It shows the embodiment of figure 1 a variant embodiment in which the gyroscope 5 is slidable along the central column 4, while the supporting crown 7 is provided in a fixed horizontal plane. Consequently, at least the controlled clamping device 10 is provided between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4 and/or the support ring 7 and the central column 4, by means of which the gyroscope 5 and/or the support ring 7 in at least two different distances controlled on the central column 4 can be fixed, in particular fixed.
  • the variant of the figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a clamping device 10 is provided only between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4 .
  • an in figure 1 not shown provide further, so additional, clamping device 10 between the support ring 7 and the central column 4, so arranged, be.
  • the first and the second central column section 4.1, 4.2 have the identical or approximately identical outside diameter.
  • the clamping device 10 can therefore preferably enclose the central column 4 in a cylindrical manner, that is to say it can be designed in the form of a sleeve.
  • the clamping device 10 particularly advantageously extends coaxially with the central axis MA along the longitudinal extension of the central column 4.
  • the clamping device 10 preferably extends in its longitudinal extent along the central column 4 from the underside 11.2 of the top plate 11 - which is attached to the free end face of the clamping device 10 - to beyond the horizontal plane spanned by the gyroscope 5 downwards. In other words, the clamping device 10 preferably protrudes beyond the underside of the gyroscope 5 in the direction of the carrier ring 7.
  • the clamping device 10 has at least one annular clamping section 10.1, 10.2.
  • the clamping device 10 preferably has a first and a second annular clamping section 10.1, 10.2, the first clamping section 10.1 being provided at a distance from the second clamping section 10.2 along the central axis MA.
  • the clamping sections 10.1, 10.2 each comprise or form a system section 10.11, 10.21 which, in the clamping position KP, shown in figure 3 , clamped to the outer lateral surface of the central column 4, while the respective system section 10.11, 10.21 is in a release position FP, shown in figure 2 , from the outer lateral surface of the central column 4 is free, so is spaced radially from this.
  • the respective system section 10.11, 10.21 of the corresponding clamping section 10.1, 10.2 is made of an elastic material, for example a membrane, and is elastically deformable.
  • the at least one ring-shaped clamping section 10.1, 10.2 has an inside diameter that is a few, preferably 1/100 to 10/100 millimeters larger than the outside diameter of the central column 4 in the central column section 4.1 - 4.3 in which the clamping device 10 is provided; So in the embodiment shown figure 1 of the third central column section 4.3.
  • a piston guide band 35 is arranged in order to improve the sliding properties.
  • the clamping device 10 is designed such that it can be controlled and/or regulated, for example via the central machine control of the closing machine 1 .
  • the clamping device 10 is designed so that it can be controlled and regulated hydraulically.
  • Each clamping section 10.1, 10.2 advantageously has an annular fluid channel 10.12, 10.22, which are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner via a common supply channel 10.3.
  • the annular fluid channels 10.12, 10.22 are provided circumferentially in the area of the respective system section 10.11, 10.21 in the associated clamping section 10.1, 10.2, and can be acted upon by a fluid, in particular a hydraulic fluid, via the common supply channel 10.3.
  • a first fluid channel 10.12 is assigned to the first clamping section 10.1 and a second fluid channel 10.22 to the second clamping section 10.2.
  • the system sections 10.11, 10.21 each form the radially inner wall of the associated fluid channel 10.12, 10.22 and is made of a metallic material, such as Cr or CrNi steel other clamping section.
  • the supply channel 10.3 can have a valve device 10.4, which is designed, for example, as a fluid pressure valve and simultaneous connection of a pressure supply, not shown in detail.
  • the clamping device 10 can are acted upon in a controlled and/or regulated manner by means of the fluid and are thus ultimately operated in their clamping position KP and/or release position FP.
  • the clamping device 10 is designed to form a suitable clamping pressure on the central column 4 in its system sections 10.11, 10.21 in the clamping position KP when it is acted upon by an appropriately incompressible fluid of 70 to 100 bar. If a compressible gas such as compressed air is used, a suitable pressure intensifier is advantageously used.
  • the figure 1 shows a variant in which the gyroscope 5 and all of the components arranged thereon, such as in particular the multiple stamping device 6, the head plate 11, the control cam 16 arranged on the head plate 11 and the clamping device 10 arranged between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4, by means of the stroke - And lowering device 30 along the central column 4 are designed to be displaceable, thereby ultimately adjusting the distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7.
  • the clamping device 10 is in its release position FP during the displacement, i.e. the change in the relative distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7, in which it is free with its respective system sections 10.11, 10.21 from the outer lateral surface of the central column 4 comes (shown in figure 2 ).
  • the lifting and lowering device 30 is preferably provided on the upper side 11.1 of the head plate 11, in particular arranged firmly on it.
  • the lifting and lowering device 30 can be designed as a spindle drive device and have the coiled spindle column 31 and the spindle drive 32 .
  • the spindle column 31 can be attached to the upper free end face of the central column 4 and can extend along the central axis MA, which is extended upwards. In particular, the spindle column 31 can be screwed to the central column 4 .
  • the spindle drive 32 can preferably be designed as a hollow shaft motor drive that drives an internal nut that is in rotational engagement with the Spindle column 31 is stationary and converts it into a lifting and/or lowering movement of the lifting and lowering device 30 with a corresponding rotary movement of the nut in cooperation with the spindle column 31 .
  • the lifting and lowering device 30 has a frame 33 which is firmly attached to the upper side 11.1 of the top plate 11 and to the spindle drive 31, which forms a type of spindle carriage.
  • a piston guide strip is arranged on the circumference of the central column 4 in the respective contact sections 10.11, 10.21, which is designed here as a Teflon sliding strip.
  • the respective plant sections 10.11. 10.21 two or more piston guide bands made of the same or different materials can also be arranged.
  • the dimensions are as follows in the figure 4 dimensioned in order to realize a flexible expansion of the metallic contact sections 10.11, 10.21 at an internal hydraulic pressure of approx. 80 bar.
  • the inner diameter D i of the clamping device 10 is 104 mm
  • the inner channel height D K is 40 mm
  • the wall thickness D W of the metal contact sections 10.11, 10.21 is approximately 4.5 mm.
  • FIG 5 shows a section of the second clamping section 10.2, which is designed as a conical clamping ring and can be clamped by means of at least two hydraulic cylinders 34.
  • a support ring 36.1 is arranged around the central column 4, on which one end of the hydraulically drivable cylinder 34 is mounted.
  • the free end of the working piston of the cylinder 34 is at a flange 37 a opposite conical sleeve 36.2 attached.
  • a conical clamping ring 36.3 is arranged between the support ring 36.1 and the conical sleeve 36.2, which rests with the system section 10.21 on the surface of the central column 4 in a non-positive manner.
  • a possibly provided piston guide band 35 is not shown.
  • the conical sleeve 36.2 is only shown with one end. The other end can be constructed analogously and interact with another support ring and corresponding cylinders. In a simple embodiment, the end of the conical sleeve 36.2, which is not shown, is attached directly to a head plate.
  • the displaceable support ring 36.1 advantageously has a slide ring 38, or such a slide ring 38 is provided on the central column 4 in the region of the support ring 36.1.
  • a very simple mechanical embodiment is in the figure 6 shown.
  • the central column 4 is enclosed by means of a clamping ring 45 .
  • the clamping ring 45 has at least a partial length of a first closure section 45.1 and a slightly spaced, opposite second closure section 45.2.
  • the closure element 46 has a turning knob 47 and is accommodated, for example, in bores of the closure sections 45.1, 45.2, one end of the closure element 46 having a threaded section 48 which is screwed into a corresponding nut thread of the second closure section 45.2.
  • the closure sections 45.1, 45.2 are brought closer together and the clamping ring 45 is clamped around the central column 4.
  • a possibly provided piston guide band 35 in the area of the clamping ring 45 is not shown.
  • the carrier ring 7 it is of course also possible within the scope of the present invention to design the carrier ring 7 to be movable along the central column 4 relative to the rotor 5 with a lifting and lowering device 30 as described above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Jars (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine VerschlieƟmaschine umlaufender Bauart zum VerschlieƟen von BehƤltern wie zum Beispiel Flaschen oder dergleichen mit Kronkorken.The present invention relates to a rotary type capping machine for capping containers such as bottles or the like with crown caps.

Behandlungsmaschinen fĆ¼r BehƤlter dienen typischerweise dazu, den fraglichen BehƤlter beispielsweise mit einem Etikett auszurĆ¼sten (Etikettiermaschine), den BehƤlter zu reinigen (Reinigungsmaschine), zu befĆ¼llen (FĆ¼llmaschine) oder auch mit einem Verschluss, beispielsweise einem Schraubverschluss oder Kronkorken zu versehen (VerschlieƟmaschine), SelbstverstƤndlich sind auch noch andere Typen von Behandlungsmaschinen mƶglich und denkbar. Beispielsweise wird im Stand der Technik nach der DE 297 24 886 U1 eine Behandlungsmaschine fĆ¼r BehƤlter beschrieben, bei welcher sowohl ein Transporteur als auch GefƤƟtransportelemente durch eigene Motoren antreibbar sind. Bei diesen Motoren handelt es sich um Synchronmotoren mit durch einen Permanentmagnet erregtem Rotor. Auf diese Weise sollen hohe Herstellungs- und Montagekosten vermieden werden und auch mit einer bisher realisierten LeistungsĆ¼bertragung verbundene GerƤusche eine Minimierung erfahren.Treatment machines for containers are typically used, for example, to equip the container in question with a label (labeling machine), to clean the container (cleaning machine), to fill it (filling machine) or to provide it with a closure, for example a screw cap or crown cap (sealing machine), of course other types of treatment machines are also possible and conceivable. For example, in the prior art after the DE 297 24 886 U1 describes a treatment machine for containers, in which both a conveyor and container transport elements can be driven by their own motors. These motors are synchronous motors with a rotor excited by a permanent magnet. In this way, high manufacturing and assembly costs are to be avoided and noises associated with a previously implemented power transmission are also to be minimized.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 1 647 518 B1 ist eine VerschlieƟmaschine umlaufender Bauart bekannt, bei welcher unter anderem die ortsfeste ZentralsƤule frei von Elementen zur mechanischen LeistungsĆ¼bertragung ausgebildet ist. Auf diese Weise kann die ZentralsƤule Leitungen fĆ¼r Bewegungsenergie und/oder fĆ¼r in elektrischer oder optischer Form vorliegende Steuerungsinformationen und/oder Fluide aufnehmen. Dadurch wird ein einfacher und kostengĆ¼nstiger Aufbau realisiert.From the pamphlet EP 1 647 518 B1 a sealing machine of rotary design is known in which, among other things, the stationary central column is designed without elements for mechanical power transmission. In this way, the central column can accommodate lines for kinetic energy and/or for control information and/or fluids present in electrical or optical form. As a result, a simple and cost-effective construction is realized.

TatsƤchlich werden solche VerschlieƟmaschinen typischerweise in unmittelbarer rƤumlicher NƤhe zu vorhergehenden FĆ¼llmaschinen angeordnet. Dazu erfƤhrt die betreffende VerschlieƟmaschine beispielsweise eine Anordnung auf einem Vortisch der betreffenden FĆ¼llmaschine. Auch eine eigenstƤndige Auslegung der VerschlieƟmaschine ist denkbar. In diesem Fall muss die VerschlieƟmaschine mit beispielsweise TransportbƤndern an die vorhergehende FĆ¼llmaschine bzw. nachfolgende Anlagenbestandteile angebunden werden.In fact, such capping machines are typically located in close proximity to preceding filling machines. For this purpose, the capping machine in question is arranged, for example, on a front table of the filling machine in question. An independent design of the capping machine is also conceivable. In this case, the capping machine must be included For example, conveyor belts are connected to the preceding filling machine or subsequent system components.

Mit Hilfe der VerschlieƟmaschine werden die zu verschlieƟenden BehƤlter typischerweise mit einem Schraubverschluss oder einem Kronkorken ausgerĆ¼stet und die dann verschlossenen BehƤlter abtransportiert. Der Zu- und Abtransport der BehƤlter bzw. Flaschen erfolgt meistens mit Hilfe von zwei Transferelementen, einerseits fĆ¼r die Zufuhr und andererseits die Abfuhr des jeweiligen BehƤlters. Bei dem betreffenden Transferelement kann es sich um ein Transportband oder auch einen Transportstern oder Transferstern handeln.With the help of the closing machine, the containers to be closed are typically equipped with a screw cap or a crown cap and the closed containers are then transported away. The containers or bottles are usually transported in and out with the help of two transfer elements, on the one hand for the infeed and on the other hand for the removal of the respective container. The relevant transfer element can be a conveyor belt or also a transport star or transfer star.

Ebenfalls bekannt geworden sind VerschlieƟmaschinen, welche die zu verschlieƟenden BehƤlter mit Kronenkorken verschlieƟen. Bei vereinfachter Betrachtungsweise unterscheiden sich Kronkorker und SchraubverschlieƟer im Wesentlichen dadurch, dass die Schraubeinheiten durch Verformungseinheiten ersetzt werden, welche die Kronenkorken wƤhrend des VerschlieƟvorganges derart umformen, dass diese die BehƤlter luftdicht verschlieƟen. ZusƤtzlich weisen Kronkorker in den meisten FƤllen eine zentrale Hƶhenverstellung auf, welche es gestattet, die VerschlieƟmaschine an unterschiedliche BehƤlterhƶhen, d. h. BehƤlterformate, anzupassen. Dies ist notwendig, um die BehƤlter unabhƤngig von ihrem jeweiligen BehƤlterformat stets auf einer Hƶhe durch die gesamte AbfĆ¼llanlage befƶrdern zu kƶnnen. Im Stand der Technik erfolgt dabei die Hƶhenverstellung der VerschlieƟmaschine bei einem Formatwechsel der BehƤlter manuell, also hƤndisch, indem eine mit Schrauben an einer ƤuƟeren StĆ¼tzsƤule befestigte Klemmung geƶffnet und nach entsprechender Hƶhenanpassung der VerschlieƟmaschine an das neue BehƤlterformat wieder verschlossen wird. Die ƤuƟere StĆ¼tzsƤule ist dabei notwendig, um die wƤhrend des VerschlieƟvorgangs entstehenden VerschlieƟkrƤfte abzufangen, also aufzunehmen.Closing machines which close the containers to be closed with crown caps have also become known. From a simplified point of view, crown caps and screw cappers differ essentially in that the screw units are replaced by deformation units, which deform the crown caps during the closing process in such a way that they seal the containers airtight. In addition, in most cases, crown caps have a central height adjustment, which allows the capping machine to be adapted to different container heights, i. H. Container formats to adapt. This is necessary in order to always be able to transport the containers at the same height through the entire filling plant, regardless of their respective container format. In the prior art, the height of the capping machine is adjusted manually when the container format is changed, i.e. by hand, by opening a clamp attached to an outer support column with screws and then closing it again after the capping machine has been adjusted in height to the new container format. The outer support column is necessary in order to absorb the closing forces generated during the closing process.

Die DE 2147 770 offenbart eine VerschlieƟmaschine gemƤƟ dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.the DE 2147 770 discloses a capping machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, eine VerschlieƟmaschine umlaufender Bauart zum VerschlieƟen von BehƤltern wie zum Beispiel Flaschen oder dergleichen mit Kronkorken aufzuzeigen, die eine gegenĆ¼ber dem Stand der Technik konstruktiv vereinfachte Hƶhenverstellung bei einem gleichzeitigen Verzicht auf die ƤuƟere StĆ¼tzsƤule ermƶglicht. Zur Lƶsung dieser Aufgabe ist eine VerschlieƟmaschine entsprechend den Merkmalen des Patentanspruches 1 ausgebildet. Die UnteransprĆ¼che betreffen dabei besonders vorteilhafte AusfĆ¼hrungsvarianten der Erfindung.The object of the invention is to provide a capping machine of a rotating type for capping containers such as bottles or the like with crown caps, which has a height adjustment that is structurally simplified compared to the prior art while at the same time dispensing with the external support column allows. To solve this problem, a capping machine is designed according to the features of patent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiment variants of the invention.

Der wesentliche Aspekt der Erfindung ist darin zu sehen, eine VerschlieƟmaschine umlaufender Bauart zum VerschlieƟen von BehƤltern wie zum Beispiel Flaschen oder dergleichen mit Kronkorken vorzusehen, mit einer sich entlang einer vertikalen Mittelachse der VerschlieƟmaschine erstreckenden ortsfesten ZentralsƤule, an der wenigstens ein motorisch umlaufend antreibbarer Kreisel mit mehreren senk- und hubbeweglichen Stempelvorrichtungen sowie unterhalb des Kreisel ein motorisch umlaufend antreibbarer TrƤgerkranz mit mehreren BehƤltertrƤgern angeordnet sind, wobei der relative Abstand zwischen dem Kreisel und dem TrƤgerkranz entlang der vertikalen Mittelachse der VerschlieƟmaschine durch Verschieben des Kreisels und/oder des TrƤgerkranzes entlang der ZentralsƤule einstellbar ist, bei der zwischen dem Kreisel und dem TrƤgerkranz mehrere BehƤlterverschlieƟpositionen mit jeweils zumindest einer VerschlieƟeinrichtung ausgebildet sind, wobei eine VerschlieƟeinrichtung in ihrer jeweiligen VerschlieƟposition jeweils zumindest eine an dem Kreisel angeordnete Stempelvorrichtung zum Beaufschlagen eines entsprechenden Kronkorkens des auf dem zugehƶrigen BehƤltertrƤger stehend aufgenommenen BehƤlters mit einer VerschlieƟkraft aufweist, wobei die ortsfeste ZentralsƤule zur Aufnahme einer der VerschlieƟkraft gegen gerichteten Ausgleichskraft vorgesehen ist, und bei der zwischen dem Kreisel und der ZentralsƤule und/oder dem TrƤgerkranz und der ZentralsƤule zumindest eine gesteuerte Klemmvorrichtung vorgesehen ist, mittels der der Kreisel und/oder der TrƤgerkranz in zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen AbstƤnden gesteuert an der ZentralsƤule festlegbar ist. ErfindungsgemƤƟ weist die wenigstens eine Klemmvorrichtung eine Klemmposition und eine Freigabeposition auf.The essential aspect of the invention is to be seen in the provision of a capping machine of rotary design for capping containers such as bottles or the like with crown caps, with a stationary central column extending along a vertical central axis of the capping machine, on which at least one motor-driven rotary rotor with several stamping devices that can be lowered and lifted and below the gyroscope a carrier ring that can be driven by a motor and has several container carriers are arranged, with the relative distance between the gyroscope and the carrier ring being adjustable along the vertical central axis of the sealing machine by moving the gyroscope and/or the carrier ring along the central column is, in which several container closing positions are formed between the gyroscope and the carrier ring, each with at least one closing device, with a closing device in its respective closing ieƟposition has at least one stamping device arranged on the gyroscope for applying a closing force to a corresponding crown cap of the container held standing on the associated container carrier, with the stationary central column being provided for absorbing a compensating force directed against the closing force, and with the between the gyroscope and the At least one controlled clamping device is provided for the central column and/or the support ring and the central column, by means of which the gyroscope and/or the support ring can be fixed in a controlled manner on the central column at at least two different distances. According to the invention, the at least one clamping device has a clamping position and a release position.

Damit besteht auch ein zentraler Gedanke der Erfindung darin, dass bei der umlaufenden VerschlieƟmaschine auƟer der ZentralsƤule und den von ihr getragenen Elementen keine weitere TragsƤule oder Tragstruktur vorgesehen ist. Insbesondere keine TragsƤule oder Tragstruktur, an welcher eine Steuerkurve direkt oder mittelbar angeordnet ist und/oder an welche beim bestimmungsgemƤƟen Betrieb die auf eine Steuerkurve wirkenden KrƤfte, insb. das Kipp- oder Drehmoment und die vertikalen VerschlusskrƤfte, weiterleitbar sind.A central idea of the invention is that, apart from the central column and the elements carried by it, no further supporting column or supporting structure is provided in the rotating closing machine. In particular, no support column or support structure on which a control cam is arranged directly or indirectly and/or on which the intended Operation, the forces acting on a control cam, esp. The tilting or torque and the vertical locking forces, can be passed on.

Besonders vorteilhaft wird dadurch eine VerschlieƟmaschine geschaffen, bei der die Formatanpassung an unterschiedliche BehƤlter erfolgt, ohne dabei ein hƤndisches Aufschrauben der Klemmung vornehmen zu mĆ¼ssen, da die Fixierung des Kreisels relativ zu dem TrƤgerkranz mittels der erfindungsgemƤƟ vorgesehenen Klemmvorrichtung gesteuert vorgenommen werden kann. Auch ist entgegen dem bisher bekannten Stand der Technik fĆ¼r die Klemmung keine separate, ƤuƟere AbstĆ¼tzsƤule mehr technisch notwendig, da die der VerschlieƟkraft gegen gerichtete Ausgleichskraft in die ZentralsƤule abgeleitet wird. Mithin sind somit beide FunktionalitƤten, also sowohl die Klemmung als auch die Kraftableitung, Ć¼ber die vorgesehene ZentralsƤule im Zusammenwirken mit der Klemmvorrichtung realisierbar, was zu einer enormen konstruktiven Vereinfachung der VerschlieƟmaschine fĆ¼hrt.This particularly advantageously creates a sealing machine in which the format is adapted to different containers without having to unscrew the clamp manually, since the gyroscope can be fixed in a controlled manner relative to the carrier ring by means of the clamping device provided according to the invention. Also, contrary to the previously known state of the art, a separate, outer support column is no longer technically necessary for the clamping, since the compensating force directed against the closing force is diverted into the central column. Consequently, both functionalities, ie both the clamping and the dissipation of force, can be implemented via the central column provided in cooperation with the clamping device, which leads to an enormous structural simplification of the closing machine.

Dabei soll unter TrƤgerkranz ganz allgemein ein Tragelement fĆ¼r den umlaufenden und aufstehenden Transport von BehƤltern verstanden werden, also auch eine Platten-, Rad- oder Sternform oder dergleichen. Besonders vorteilhaft kann die wenigstens eine gesteuerte Klemmvorrichtung eine Klemmposition und/oder eine Freigabeposition aufweisen.In this context, carrier ring is to be understood very generally as a carrying element for the circulating and standing transport of containers, ie also a plate, wheel or star shape or the like. The at least one controlled clamping device can particularly advantageously have a clamping position and/or a release position.

In einer bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante kann die wenigstens eine Klemmvorrichtung zumindest einen ringfƶrmigen Klemmabschnitt aufweisen, der wenigstens einen elastisch verformbaren Anlagenabschnitt ausbildet, mit welchem die Klemmvorrichtung in ihrer Klemmposition an der AuƟenmantelflƤche der ZentralsƤule klemmt.In a preferred embodiment variant, the at least one clamping device can have at least one annular clamping section that forms at least one elastically deformable contact section with which the clamping device clamps in its clamping position on the outer lateral surface of the central column.

Weiterhin bevorzugt kann dabei vorgesehen sein, dass die wenigstens eine Klemmvorrichtung zumindest einen ersten sowie einen zweiten Klemmabschnitt mit einem entsprechenden ersten und zweiten Anlagenabschnitt aufweist. Ferner vorteilhaft kann der erste und zweite Klemmabschnitt entlang der Mittelachse beabstandet zueinander vorgesehen sein.Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the at least one clamping device has at least a first and a second clamping section with a corresponding first and second system section. Further advantageously, the first and second clamping sections can be provided spaced apart from one another along the central axis.

In einer nochmals bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante kann der erste und zweite Klemmabschnitt jeweils einen ringfƶrmig umlaufenden Fluidkanal aufweisen, der fluiddicht in einen gemeinsamen Versorgungskanal mĆ¼ndet, wobei dem gemeinsamen Versorgungskanal seinerseits wiederum eine Ventileinrichtung zugeordnet sein kann.In a further preferred embodiment variant, the first and second clamping section can each have an annular fluid channel which opens fluid-tight into a common supply channel, wherein the common supply channel in turn can in turn be associated with a valve device.

Nochmals bevorzugt kann dabei vorgesehen sein dass die wenigstens eine Klemmvorrichtung hydraulisch oder mechanisch ausgebildet ist. In einer vorteilhaften AusfĆ¼hrungsform kann diese steuer- und/oder regelbar sein. Die Klemmvorrichtung weist dabei idealerweise eine metallische AnlageflƤche auf, die mindestens Abschnittsweise eine Wand der Hydraulikleitung bildet und durch den gewƤhlten Innen-/Fluiddruck elastisch verformt werden kann, um so das Klemmen auf der ZentralsƤule zu realisieren. Die bereitzustellenden DrĆ¼cke liegen dabei im Bereich von 60 bis 100 bar. NatĆ¼rlich ist es auch denkbar, dass eine Klemmvorrichtung mit einem pneumatischen System betrieben wird, was man wegen der hohen erforderlichen DrĆ¼cke in der Regel aber aus SicherheitsgrĆ¼nden nicht vorsehen wird.Provision can again preferably be made for the at least one clamping device to be designed hydraulically or mechanically. In an advantageous embodiment, this can be controlled and/or regulated. The clamping device ideally has a metal contact surface that forms a wall of the hydraulic line at least in sections and can be elastically deformed by the selected internal/fluid pressure in order to realize clamping on the central column. The pressures to be provided are in the range from 60 to 100 bar. Of course, it is also conceivable for a clamping device to be operated with a pneumatic system, which, however, is generally not provided for safety reasons because of the high pressures required.

Die dauerhafte Gleiteigenschaft kann bei allen System dadurch verbessert werden, wenn mindestens im Anlagenabschnitt um die ZentralsƤule ein KolbenfĆ¼hrungsband angeordnet ist, das beispielsweise als Teflon-Gleitband, aus dem Compound PTFE-Kohle oder PTFE-Bronze ausgebildet ist, wobei auch andere Werkstoffe mƶglich sind.The permanent sliding properties can be improved in all systems if a piston guide band is arranged around the central column at least in the system section, which is designed, for example, as a Teflon sliding band, made of the compound PTFE-carbon or PTFE-bronze, although other materials are also possible.

Auch kann die wenigstens eine Klemmvorrichtung bevorzugt fest an einer Unterseite einer Kopfplatte angeordnet sein.The at least one clamping device can also preferably be arranged fixedly on an underside of a top plate.

Die VerschlieƟmaschine wird dabei bei einer vorteilhaften AusfĆ¼hrungsform wenigstens eine Klemmvorrichtung aufweisen, die zumindest einen ringfƶrmigen Klemmabschnitt oder einen Klemmabschnitt mit einer Formschlusskontur aufweist. Die Formschlusskontur kann beispielsweise ein Vieleck sein, mit beispielsweise vier- oder sechseckigen QuerschnittsflƤche oder Kontur. Dabei weist der Klemmabschnitt wenigstens einen elastisch verformbaren Anlagenabschnitt auf, mit welchem die Klemmvorrichtung in ihrer Klemmposition an der AuƟenmantelflƤche der ZentralsƤule verklemmt werden kann.In an advantageous embodiment, the closing machine will have at least one clamping device, which has at least one ring-shaped clamping section or one clamping section with a positive-locking contour. The form-fitting contour can be, for example, a polygon, for example with a quadrilateral or hexagonal cross-sectional area or contour. The clamping section has at least one elastically deformable system section which the clamping device can be clamped in its clamping position on the outer surface of the central column.

GemƤƟ einer nochmals weiteren AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante weist die VerschlieƟmaschine eine zumindest Hub- und Senkeinrichtung auf, mittels der der Abstand des Kreisels relativ zu dem TrƤgerkranz entlang der ZentralsƤule einstellbar ist. Bevorzugt kann die Hub- und Senkreinrichtung an einer Oberseite der Kopfplatte fest angeordnet sein. Diese feste Anordnung kann aber auch in einen reinen Formschluss Ć¼ber geeignete Zentrierstellen und ZentrierfĆ¼ĆŸe erfolgen. Dabei kann die Hub- und Senkeinrichtung bevorzugt als Spindelantriebseinrichtung ausgebildet sein.According to yet another embodiment variant, the closing machine has at least one lifting and lowering device, by means of which the distance between the gyroscope and the carrier ring along the central column can be adjusted. The lifting and lowering device can preferably be fixedly arranged on an upper side of the top plate. However, this fixed arrangement can also take place in a purely form-fitting manner via suitable centering points and centering feet. The lifting and lowering device can preferably be designed as a spindle drive device.

Alternativ kann aber auch eine Hydraulikeinrichtung mit einer geeigneten Lageregelung vorgesehen werden.Alternatively, however, a hydraulic device with a suitable position control can also be provided.

Der Ausdruck "im Wesentlichen" bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung Abweichungen von jeweils exakten Wert um +/- 10%, bevorzugt um +/- 5% und/oder Abweichungen in Form von fĆ¼r die Funktion unbedeutenden Ƅnderungen.The expression "substantially" in the context 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 Anwendungsmƶglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispielen und aus den Figuren.Further developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an einem AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel nƤher erlƤutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine beispielhafte AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante einer erfindungsgemƤƟen VerschlieƟmaschine in einer schematischen seitlichen Schnittansicht,
Fig. 2
eine beispielhafte seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten Klemmvorrichtung an einer nur abschnittsweise dargestellten ZentralsƤule in einer Klemmposition;
Fig. 3
eine weitere beispielhafte seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten Klemmvorrichtung an einer nur abschnittsweise dargestellten ZentralsƤule in einer Freigabeposition.
Fig. 4
die seitliche Schnittdarstellung gemƤƟ Figur 2 oder 3 zur Darstellung der BemaƟung.
Fig. 5
eine weitere beispielhafte vertikale Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten mechanischen Kegelklemmvorrichtung.
Fig. 6
eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung einer freigestellten mechanischen Klemmvorrichtung in Form einer Spannring.
The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the figures. Show it:
1
an exemplary embodiment of a sealing machine according to the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view,
2
an exemplary lateral sectional view of an optional clamping device on a central column only partially shown in a clamping position;
3
a further exemplary lateral sectional view of an exempt clamping device on a central column, only partially shown, in a release position.
4
the lateral sectional view according to figure 2 or 3 to display the dimension.
figure 5
Figure 12 is another exemplary vertical sectional view of an optional mechanical cone clamp.
6
a horizontal sectional view of an optional mechanical clamping device in the form of a clamping ring.

Die in den Figuren allgemein mit 1 bezeichnete VerschlieƟmaschine ist dabei eine solche umlaufender Bauart zum VerschlieƟen von BehƤltern 2 wie zum Beispiel Flaschen oder dergleichen mit einem Kronkorken 3, der auch als Kronenkroken bezeichnet wird.The capping machine denoted generally by 1 in the figures is of a rotary design for capping containers 2 such as bottles or the like with a crown cap 3, which is also referred to as a crown cap.

Ɯblicherweise ist bei einer derartigen VerschlieƟmaschine 1 in Transportrichtung TR vorgeschaltet eine in den Figuren nicht nƤhergehend dargestellte FĆ¼llmaschine zum BefĆ¼llen der BehƤlter 2 mit einem flĆ¼ssigen FĆ¼llgut in rƤumlicher NƤhe vorgesehen. Die dann mittels der FĆ¼llmaschine befĆ¼llten BehƤlter 2 werden Ć¼ber Transporteinrichtungen, beispielsweise TransportbƤnder, an die VerschlieƟmaschine 1 befƶrdert und hier eingangsseitig von ebenfalls nicht nƤhergehend dargestellten Transferelementen, beispielweise einem Einlaufstern, an die eigentliche VerschlieƟmaschine 1 Ć¼bergeben. Nach dem Durchlaufen der VerschlieƟmaschine 1 in der nachfolgend noch nƤhergehend erlƤuterten Art und Weise, also dem VerschlieƟen der einzelnen BehƤlter 2 mit jeweils einem Kronkorken 3, werden die dann solcherart verschlossenen BehƤlter 2 ausgangsseitig der VerschlieƟmaschine 1 von einem weiteren nicht dargestellten und in Transportrichtung auf die VerschlieƟmaschine 1 nachfolgend vorgesehenen Transferelement, beispielsweise einem Auslaufstern, Ć¼bernommen und auf den Fachmann bekannte Art und Weise abtransportiert. Aus ƜbersichtlichkeitsgrĆ¼nden ist auch die ZufĆ¼hrung und Bereitstellung der einzelnen Kronkorken 3 an die erfindungsgemƤƟe VerschlieƟmaschine 1 nicht in den Figuren dargestellt, da diese ebenfalls auf an sich bekannte Art und Weise erfolgen kann.A filling machine, not shown in detail in the figures, for filling the container 2 with a liquid filling material is usually provided in close proximity to such a closing machine 1 in the transport direction TR. The containers 2 then filled by means of the filling machine are conveyed to the closing machine 1 via transport devices, for example conveyor belts, and are transferred here on the input side to the actual closing machine 1 by transfer elements, for example an infeed star wheel, which are also not shown in detail. After passing through the closing machine 1 in the manner explained in more detail below, i.e. the closing of the individual containers 2 with a crown cap 3 each, the containers 2 on the output side of the capping machine 1 by a further transfer element (not shown) provided downstream of the capping machine 1 in the transport direction, for example an outlet star wheel, and transported away in a manner known to those skilled in the art. For reasons of clarity, the supply and provision of the individual crown caps 3 to the closing machine 1 according to the invention is also not shown in the figures, since this can also take place in a manner known per se.

Die VerschlieƟmaschine 1 weist dabei eine sich entlang einer vertikalen Mittelachse MA erstreckende ortsfeste ZentralsƤule 4 auf, an der wenigstens ein motorisch umlaufend antreibbarer Kreisel 5 mit mehreren Stempelvorrichtungen 6 sowie unterhalb des Kreisels 5 ein motorisch umlaufend antreibbarer TrƤgerkranz 7 mit mehreren BehƤltertrƤgern 8 angeordnet sind. Wobei die beiden motorischen Antriebe des Kreisels 5 und des TrƤgerkranzes 7 Ć¼ber eine Steuerung synchronisiert sind. Dabei sind natĆ¼rlich alternative Motoranordnungen denkbar, die aber hier nicht abgebildet sind. Insbesondere kƶnnen die umlaufenden Kreisel 5 und 7 von einem gemeinsamen Motor und Ć¼ber geeignete KraftĆ¼bertragungseinheiten gemeinsam und synchron angetrieben werden.The sealing machine 1 has a stationary central column 4 that extends along a vertical central axis MA, on which at least one motorized rotary drive 5 with a plurality of stamping devices 6 and below the rotary motor 5 a motorized rotary drive ring 7 with a plurality of container carriers 8 are arranged. The two motor drives of the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7 are synchronized via a controller. Of course, alternative motor arrangements are conceivable, but they are not shown here. In particular, the revolving rotors 5 and 7 can be driven jointly and synchronously by a common motor and via suitable power transmission units.

Die ZentralsƤule 4 ist beispielsweise auf einem Maschinensockel 9 angeordnet, insbesondere mit diesem fest verbunden, wobei der Maschinensockel 9 auf der der ZentralsƤule 4 gegenĆ¼berliegenden Seite den Kontakt mit dem Hallenboden herstellt und damit als StandfuƟ ausgebildet ist. Der Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung wird aber auch dann nicht verlassen, wenn die ZentralsƤule 4 direkt oder indirekt auf dem Hallenboden oder einem Grundgestell oder einem GehƤuse befestigt wird.The central column 4 is arranged, for example, on a machine base 9, in particular firmly connected to it, the machine base 9 making contact with the hall floor on the side opposite the central column 4 and thus being designed as a base. However, the scope of the present invention is not left if the central column 4 is fastened directly or indirectly to the hall floor or a base frame or a housing.

Insbesondere kann die ZentralsƤule 4 aus einem metallischen Werkstoff, beispielsweise einem nichtrostenden Cr- oder CrNi-Stahl hergestellt und rohrfƶrmig ausgebildet sein. Dabei kann die ZentralsƤule 4 aus einem Vollmaterial oder auch innen hohl ausgebildet sein. Zudem kann die ZentralsƤule 4 mehrere ZentralsƤulenabschnitte 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 aufweisen, die sich in ihren jeweiligen AuƟendurchmessern unterscheiden kƶnnen. Vorzugsweise kann dabei die ZentralsƤule 4 einen ersten ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.1 aufweisen, der mit seiner ersten freien Stirnseite fest mit dem Maschinensockel 9 verbunden ist, wƤhrend sich an der der ersten Seite gegenĆ¼berliegenden freien Stirnseite unmittelbar benachbart sowie kontaktschlĆ¼ssig an den ersten ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.1 der zweite ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.2 anschlieƟt. Wiederum unmittelbar benachbart zu dem zweiten ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.2 ist an diesem bzw. mit diesem fest verbunden der dritte ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.3 kontaktschlĆ¼ssig vorgesehen. Dabei kann die ZentralsƤule 4 mit ihren beispielweise drei ZentralsƤulenabschnitten 4.1...4.3 einstĆ¼ckig oder mehrteilig ausgebildet sein. Dabei sind die einzelnen ZentralsƤulenabschnitte 4.1...4.3 jedoch stets fest miteinander verbunden. Bevorzugt kann der AuƟendurchmesser des ersten ZentralsƤulenabschnittes 4.1 grĆ¶ĆŸer eingestellt sein, als der des zweiten ZentralsƤulenabschnittes 4.2 und dieser wiederum seinerseits grĆ¶ĆŸer, als der des dritten ZentralsƤulenabschnittes 4.3, so dass sich ein bezĆ¼glich des jeweiligen AuƟendurchmessers gestufter Aufbau der ZentralsƤule 4 ausbildet.In particular, the central column 4 can be made of a metallic material, for example a stainless Cr or CrNi steel, and be tubular. In this case, the central column 4 can be made of a solid material or can also be hollow on the inside. In addition, the central column 4 can have several central column sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, which can differ in their respective outer diameters. Preferably, the Central column 4 has a first central column section 4.1, which is firmly connected to the machine base 9 with its first free end face, while the second central column section 4.2 adjoins the first central column section 4.1 directly adjacent to and in contact with the free end face opposite the first side. Again directly adjacent to the second central column section 4.2, the third central column section 4.3 is provided in a contact-locking manner on it or firmly connected to it. The central column 4 with its, for example, three central column sections 4.1 . . . 4.3 can be designed in one piece or in several parts. However, the individual central column sections 4.1...4.3 are always firmly connected to one another. The outer diameter of the first central column section 4.1 can preferably be set larger than that of the second central column section 4.2, and this in turn larger than that of the third central column section 4.3, so that the central column 4 has a stepped structure with regard to the respective external diameter.

Oberhalb des TrƤgerkranzes 7 befindet sich an der ortsfesten ZentralsƤule 4 umlaufend an dieser gelagert angeordnet der Kreisel 5, der motorisch antreibbar ausgebildet ist und sich dabei relativ zu der ortsfesten ZentralsƤule 4 dreht. Der Kreisel 5 ist dabei nicht unmittelbar, sondern mittelbar an der TragsƤule 4 angeordnet, da zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und der ZentralsƤule 4 eine gesteuerte Klemmvorrichtung 10 angeordnet ist, deren Funktionsweise nachfolgend noch nƤhergehend erlƤutert wird. Die gesteuerte Klemmvorrichtung 10 befindet sich dabei in der in Figur 1 gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante in ihrer Klemmposition KP, in der sie die ortsfeste ZentralsƤule 4 kraftschlĆ¼ssig klemmt, also sich dabei insbesondere mit dem Kreisel 5 nicht mit dreht. AuƟenumfangsseitig der die ZentralsƤule 4 hĆ¼lsenfƶrmig klemmend umschlieƟenden Klemmvorrichtung 10 ist an dieser umlaufend gelagert der Kreisel 5 vorgesehen, der sich damit letztlich relativ zu der ortfesten ZentralsƤule 4 sowie der an dieser in ihrer Klemmposition KP klemmend vorgesehenen Klemmvorrichtung 10 dreht. Insbesondere ist der Kreisel 5 derart an der Klemmvorrichtung 10 angeordnet, dass sich der Kreisel 5 zwar in einer horizontalen Ebene um die Klemmvorrichtung 10 umlaufend drehen kann, jedoch bei einer vertikalen Verschiebung der Klemmvorrichtung 10 entlang der Zentralachse 4 mit der Klemmvorrichtung 10 mitbewegt, also vertikal mit verschoben wird.Above the carrier ring 7 , the gyroscope 5 is located on the stationary central column 4 , which is mounted circumferentially thereon and is designed to be driven by a motor and thereby rotates relative to the stationary central column 4 . The gyroscope 5 is not arranged directly, but indirectly on the support column 4, since a controlled clamping device 10 is arranged between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4, the functioning of which will be explained in more detail below. The controlled clamping device 10 is located in the in figure 1 shown embodiment variant in its clamping position KP, in which it clamps the stationary central column 4 in a non-positive manner, ie in particular does not rotate with the gyroscope 5 . On the outer circumference of the clamping device 10 enclosing the central column 4 in a sleeve-like clamping manner, the gyroscope 5 is mounted circumferentially thereon, which ultimately rotates relative to the stationary central column 4 and the clamping device 10 provided for clamping in its clamping position KP. In particular, the gyroscope 5 is arranged on the clamping device 10 in such a way that the gyroscope 5 can rotate in a horizontal plane around the clamping device 10, but in a Vertical displacement of the clamping device 10 along the central axis 4 moves with the clamping device 10, so is moved vertically with.

An der dem TrƤgerkranz 7 abgewandten freien Stirnseite der hĆ¼lsenfƶrmigen Klemmvorrichtung 10 kann an der Klemmvorrichtung 10 eine Kopfplatte 11 befestigt, beispielweise angeschraubt, sein. Die Kopfplatte 11 ist dabei dazu ausgebildet, wenigstens einen ersten Antriebsmotor 12 aufzunehmen, der beispielsweise an einer Oberseite 11.1 der Kopfplatte 11 befestigt ist. Der erste Antriebsmotor 12 ist zur Einleitung der Drehbewegung auf den Kreisel 5 eingerichtet, und dabei beispielsweise als Servo- oder Synchronmotor ausgebildet. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Anmeldung wird unter Servo- oder Synchronmotor jede Art von Antriebsmotor verstanden, welcher geregelt betrieben werden kann, wobei einzeln oder in beliebiger Kombination beispielsweise Drehwinkel, Drehrichtung, Winkelgeschwindigkeit und Drehmoment des Antriebsmotors von einer Steuereinrichtung, z.B. einem Leitrechner vorgegeben, die erreichten IstWerten durch Sensoren ermittelt, mit den Soll-Werten verglichen und eventuelle Abweichungen durch automatische GegenmaƟnahmen korrigiert werden.A top plate 11 can be fastened to the clamping device 10 , for example screwed on, to the free end face of the sleeve-shaped clamping device 10 facing away from the carrier ring 7 . The top plate 11 is designed to accommodate at least one first drive motor 12, which is fastened, for example, to an upper side 11.1 of the top plate 11. The first drive motor 12 is set up to initiate the rotary movement on the gyroscope 5 and is designed, for example, as a servo or synchronous motor. In the context of the present application, a servo or synchronous motor is understood to mean any type of drive motor that can be operated in a controlled manner, with the angle of rotation, direction of rotation, angular velocity and torque of the drive motor being specified individually or in any combination by a control device, e.g Actual values are determined by sensors, compared with the target values and any deviations are corrected by automatic countermeasures.

Der erste Antriebsmotor 12 greift dabei umfangsseitig an dem Kreisel 5 an. Zu diesem Zweck verfĆ¼gt der Kreisel 5 Ć¼ber einen die ZentralsƤule 4 zumindest teilweise zylindrisch umschlieƟenden Fortsatz 13. Der Kreisel 5 bzw. insbesondere dessen Fortsatz 13 ist kopfseitig mit einer AuƟenverzahnung 14 ausgerĆ¼stet, in welche ein Ritzel 15 auf einer Ausgangswelle des ersten Antriebsmotors 12 eingreift. In anderen Worten stellt also der Fortsatz 13 einen Kraftschluss zwischen der AuƟenverzahnung 14 und dem eigentlichen Kreisel 5 her. Nicht dargestellt kƶnnen in analoger Weise auch eine Innenverzahnung oder Ƥhnliche Lƶsungen zur Anwendung gelangen.The first drive motor 12 acts on the gyroscope 5 on the peripheral side. For this purpose, the gyroscope 5 has an extension 13 that at least partially encloses the central column 4 in a cylindrical manner. The gyroscope 5 or in particular its extension 13 is equipped on the head side with external teeth 14, in which a pinion 15 on an output shaft of the first drive motor 12 engages. In other words, the extension 13 creates a frictional connection between the external teeth 14 and the actual gyroscope 5 . Internal teeth or similar solutions can also be used in an analogous manner, not shown.

Der erste Antriebsmotor 12 ist in dieser in Figur 1 dargestellten AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante der Erfindung an der Oberseite 11.1 der Kopfplatte 11 am oberen Ende der ZentralsƤule 4 angeschlossen. Wie die ZentralsƤule 4, so ist auch die Ć¼ber die Klemmvorrichtung 10 mit dieser verbundene Kopfplatte 11 wƤhrend des Betriebs der VerschlieƟmaschine 1, insbesondere in der Klemmposition KP der Klemmvorrichtung 10, ortsfest ausgebildet. Selbiges gilt auch fĆ¼r den an der Kopfplatte 11 befestigen ersten Antriebsmotor 12. Rotationen der Antriebswelle des ersten Antriebsmotors 12 werden Ć¼ber das Ritzel 15 auf die AuƟenverzahnung 14 und von hier Ć¼ber den Fortsatz 13 auf den Kreisel 5 Ć¼bertragen, so dass der Kreisel 5 gegenĆ¼ber der ortsfesten ZentralsƤule 4 rotiert. GrundsƤtzlich kann der erste Antriebsmotor 12 auch Ć¼ber eine Rolle, eine Gummiwalze etc. auƟenumfangsseitig am Kreisel 5 angreifen und den Kreisel 5 in Rotation versetzen, was allerdings in den Figuren nicht nƤhergehend dargestellt ist.The first drive motor 12 is in this in figure 1 illustrated embodiment of the invention at the top 11.1 of the head plate 11 at the upper end of the central column 4 connected. Like the central column 4, the head plate 11 connected to it via the clamping device 10 is also the same during the operation of the closing machine 1, in particular in the clamping position KP Clamping device 10, formed stationary. The same also applies to the first drive motor 12 attached to the head plate 11. Rotations of the drive shaft of the first drive motor 12 are transmitted via the pinion 15 to the external toothing 14 and from here via the extension 13 to the gyroscope 5, so that the gyroscope 5 is opposite to the stationary central column 4 rotates. In principle, the first drive motor 12 can also act on the outer circumference of the gyroscope 5 via a roller, a rubber roller, etc. and cause the gyroscope 5 to rotate, although this is not shown in detail in the figures.

Weiterhin sind bei der erfindungsgemƤƟen VerschlieƟmaschine 1 zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und dem TrƤgerkranz 7 mehrere BehƤlterverschlieƟpositionen BP mit jeweils zumindest einer VerschlieƟeinrichtung 17 ausgebildet. Dabei umfasst eine jede der mehreren VerschlieƟeinrichtungen 17 in ihrer jeweiligen BehƤlterverschlieƟposition BP jeweils zumindest eine an dem Kreisel 5 angeordnete senk- und hubbewegliche Stempelvorrichtung 6 zum Beaufschlagen eines entsprechenden Kronkorkens 3 des auf dem zugehƶrigen BehƤltertrƤger 8 stehend aufgenommenen BehƤlters 2 mit einer VerschlieƟkraft, die insbesondere Anpresskraft ausgebildet ist. Dabei ist die ortsfeste ZentralsƤule 4 zur Aufnahme einer der VerschlieƟkraft gegen gerichteten Ausgleichskraft vorgesehen. Dabei ist die ortsfeste ZentralsƤule 4 zur Aufnahme einer der VerschlieƟkraft gegen gerichteten Ausgleichskraft vorgesehen.Furthermore, in the case of the closing machine 1 according to the invention, a plurality of container closing positions BP, each with at least one closing device 17, are formed between the rotor 5 and the carrier ring 7. Each of the several closing devices 17 in its respective container closing position BP comprises at least one lowering and lifting movable stamping device 6 arranged on the rotor 5 for applying a closing force to a corresponding crown cap 3 of the container 2 standing on the associated container carrier 8, which in particular is the pressing force is trained. The stationary central column 4 is provided for absorbing a compensating force directed against the closing force. The stationary central column 4 is provided for absorbing a compensating force directed against the closing force.

Durch eine feststehende Steuerkurve 16 der VerschlieƟmaschine 1 und einem Absenkungsbereich ist ein Winkelbereich festgelegt, in welchem die Pressung und der Verschluss erfolgt. Damit ist die Belastung der Steuerkurve 16 immer am gleichen Orts- bzw. Winkelbereich und ein permanentes Kippmoment wird in die ZentralsƤule 4 eingeleitet. Die Klemmvorrichtung 10 verhindert allerdings zuverlƤssig ein Ausschlagen in diesem Winkelbereich und in der jeweiligen, formatabhƤngigen Hƶhenlage der ZentralsƤule 4, wobei die Klemmvorrichtung 10 noch Ć¼ber eine Hubund Senkeinrichtung 30 gestĆ¼tzt wird. Die Hub- und Senkeinrichtung 30 umfasst vorliegend beispielsweise eine SpindelsƤule 31 und einen Spindelantrieb 32, und ist idealerweise spielfrei Ć¼ber zwei entsprechende Muttern gelagert und abtreibbar.A fixed cam 16 of the closing machine 1 and a lowering range define an angular range in which the pressing and the closing take place. The load on the cam 16 is therefore always in the same local or angular range and a permanent tilting moment is introduced into the central column 4 . However, the clamping device 10 reliably prevents deflection in this angular range and in the respective, format-dependent height of the central column 4, with the clamping device 10 being supported by a lifting and lowering device 30. The lifting and lowering device 30 in the present case comprises, for example, a spindle column 31 and a spindle drive 32, and is ideally mounted without play via two corresponding nuts and can be driven off.

FĆ¼r eine Hub- und Senkbewegung der Stempelvorrichtungen 6 befindet sich dabei an einer Unterseite 11.2 der Kopfplatte 11 zumindest die Steuerkurve 16 fest angeordnet entlang derer sich beispielsweise an der jeweiligen Stempelvorrichtung 6 angeordnete Rollen beidseitig abrollen und damit in ihrer Hƶhenlage zwangsgefĆ¼hrt sind, so dass dadurch letztlich eine Hub- und Senkbewegung der jeweiligen Stempelvorrichtung 6 erzeugbar ist.For a lifting and lowering movement of the stamping devices 6, at least the control cam 16 is fixedly arranged on an underside 11.2 of the head plate 11, along which rollers arranged, for example, on the respective stamping device 6 roll on both sides and are therefore positively guided in their height position, so that ultimately a lifting and lowering movement of the respective stamping device 6 can be generated.

Der unterhalb des Kreisels 5 ebenfalls an der ZentralsƤule 4 angeordnete und umlaufend um diese gelagerte TrƤgerkranz 7 kann sich beispielweise an einem Auflagering 19 abstĆ¼tzen, der durch den Ɯbergang des ersten zum zweiten ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.1, 4.2, insbesondere durch deren unterschiedliche AuƟendurchmesser, gebildet ist. Beispielweise kann der TrƤgerkranz 7 an seiner Unterseite 7.1 eine AuƟenverzahnung 20 aufweisen, die mit einem Ritzel 21.1 einer Antriebswelle eines zweiten Antriebsmotors 21 in Verzahnungseingriff steht. Der zweite Antriebsmotor 21 kann dabei bevorzugt an dem Maschinensockel 9 fest angeordnet, beispielweise mit diesem verschraubt, sein und dabei ebenfalls als Servo- oder Synchronmotor ausgebildet sein.The carrier ring 7, which is also arranged below the gyroscope 5 on the central column 4 and is mounted all around it, can be supported, for example, on a support ring 19, which is formed by the transition from the first to the second central column section 4.1, 4.2, in particular by their different outer diameters. For example, the carrier ring 7 can have external teeth 20 on its underside 7.1, which is in toothed engagement with a pinion 21.1 of a drive shaft of a second drive motor 21. The second drive motor 21 can preferably be fixedly arranged on the machine base 9, for example screwed to it, and can also be designed as a servo or synchronous motor.

Dabei ist bei der erfindungsgemƤƟen VerschlieƟmaschine 1 der relative Abstand zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und dem TrƤgerkranz 7 entlang der vertikalen Mittelachse MA durch Verschieben des Kreisels 5 relativ zu dem TrƤgerkranz 7 entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 einstellbar. HierfĆ¼r kann die VerschlieƟeinrichtung 1 die motorisch gesteuerte Hub- und Senkeinrichtung 30 aufweisen, mittels der der Abstand des Kreisels 5 relativ zum TrƤgerkranz 7 entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 verƤnderbar, also einstellbar, ist. Dies kann im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung durch eine Schiebung des Kreisels 5 und/oder des TrƤgerkranzes 7 entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 realisiert werden. Dabei zeigt die AusfĆ¼hrungsform der Figur 1 eine AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante, bei der Kreisel 5 entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 verschiebbar ist, wƤhrend der TrƤgerkranz 7 in einer feststehenden horizontalen Ebene vorgesehen ist. Mithin ist hierfĆ¼r zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und der ZentralsƤule 4 und/oder dem TrƤgerkranz 7 und der ZentralsƤule 4 zumindest die gesteuerte Klemmvorrichtung 10 vorgesehen, mittels der der Kreisel 5 und/oder der TrƤgerkranz 7 in zumindest zwei unterschiedlichen AbstƤnden gesteuert an der ZentralsƤule 4 festlegbar, insbesondere fixierbar, ist.In the closing machine 1 according to the invention, the relative distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7 along the vertical central axis MA can be adjusted by displacing the gyroscope 5 relative to the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 . For this purpose, the closing device 1 can have the motor-controlled lifting and lowering device 30, by means of which the distance of the gyroscope 5 relative to the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 can be changed, ie adjusted. This can be realized within the scope of the present invention by shifting the gyroscope 5 and/or the carrier ring 7 along the central column 4 . It shows the embodiment of figure 1 a variant embodiment in which the gyroscope 5 is slidable along the central column 4, while the supporting crown 7 is provided in a fixed horizontal plane. Consequently, at least the controlled clamping device 10 is provided between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4 and/or the support ring 7 and the central column 4, by means of which the gyroscope 5 and/or the support ring 7 in at least two different distances controlled on the central column 4 can be fixed, in particular fixed.

Die AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante der Figur 1 zeigt dabei eine AusfĆ¼hrungsform der Erfindung, bei der nur zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und der ZentralsƤule 4 eine Klemmvorrichtung 10 vorgesehen ist. Es kann jedoch im Rahmen der Erfindung auch noch eine in Figur 1 nicht dargestellte weitere, also zusƤtzliche, Klemmvorrichtung 10 zwischen dem TrƤgerkranz 7 und der ZentralsƤule 4 vorsehen, also angeordnet, sein. In diesem Zusammenhang kann es vorteilhaft sein, wenn der erste und der zweite ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.1, 4.2 den identischen oder nƤherungsweise identischen AuƟendurchmesser aufweisen.The variant of the figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in which a clamping device 10 is provided only between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4 . However, within the scope of the invention, an in figure 1 not shown provide further, so additional, clamping device 10 between the support ring 7 and the central column 4, so arranged, be. In this context, it can be advantageous if the first and the second central column section 4.1, 4.2 have the identical or approximately identical outside diameter.

Wie auch in den Figuren 2 und 3 erkennbar, kann die Klemmvorrichtung 10 mithin die ZentralsƤule 4 vorzugsweise zylinderfƶrmig umschlieƟen, also hĆ¼lsenfƶrmig ausgebildet sein. Besonders vorteilhaft erstreckt sich die Klemmvorrichtung 10 dabei koaxial der Mittelachse MA entlang der LƤngserstreckung der ZentralsƤule 4.As also in the figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, the clamping device 10 can therefore preferably enclose the central column 4 in a cylindrical manner, that is to say it can be designed in the form of a sleeve. The clamping device 10 particularly advantageously extends coaxially with the central axis MA along the longitudinal extension of the central column 4.

Bevorzugt erstreckt sich die Klemmvorrichtung 10 in ihrer LƤngserstreckung entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 von der Unterseite 11.2 der Kopfplatte 11 - die an der freien Stirnseite der Klemmvorrichtung 10 befestigt ist - bis Ć¼ber die von dem Kreisel 5 aufgespannte Horizontalebene nach unten hinaus. In anderen Worten Ć¼berragt also die Klemmvorrichtung 10 vorzugsweise die Unterseite des Kreisels 5 in Richtung des TrƤgerkranzes 7.The clamping device 10 preferably extends in its longitudinal extent along the central column 4 from the underside 11.2 of the top plate 11 - which is attached to the free end face of the clamping device 10 - to beyond the horizontal plane spanned by the gyroscope 5 downwards. In other words, the clamping device 10 preferably protrudes beyond the underside of the gyroscope 5 in the direction of the carrier ring 7.

Zudem weist die Klemmvorrichtung 10 zumindest einen ringfƶrmigen Klemmabschnitt 10.1, 10.2 auf. Vorzugsweise weist die Klemmvorrichtung 10 einen ersten sowie einen zweiten ringfƶrmigen Klemmabschnitt 10.1, 10.2 auf, wobei der erste Klemmabschnitt 10.1 zu dem zweiten Klemmabschnitt 10.2 entlang der Mittelachse MA beabstandet vorgesehen ist. Die Klemmabschnitte 10.1, 10.2 umfassen, bzw. bilden dabei jeweils einen Anlagenabschnitt 10.11, 10.21 aus, der in der Klemmposition KP, gezeigt in Figur 3, an der AuƟenmantelflƤche der ZentralsƤule 4 klemmend zur Anlage gelangt, wƤhrend der jeweilige Anlagenabschnitt 10.11, 10.21 in einer Freigabeposition FP, gezeigt in Figur 2, von der AuƟenmantelflƤche der ZentralsƤule 4 frei kommt, also von dieser radial beabstandet ist. HierfĆ¼r ist der jeweilige Anlagenabschnitt 10.11, 10.21 des entsprechenden Klemmabschnittes 10.1, 10.2 aus einem elastischen Material, beispielweise einer Membran, ausgebildet und elastisch verformbar.In addition, the clamping device 10 has at least one annular clamping section 10.1, 10.2. The clamping device 10 preferably has a first and a second annular clamping section 10.1, 10.2, the first clamping section 10.1 being provided at a distance from the second clamping section 10.2 along the central axis MA. The clamping sections 10.1, 10.2 each comprise or form a system section 10.11, 10.21 which, in the clamping position KP, shown in figure 3 , clamped to the outer lateral surface of the central column 4, while the respective system section 10.11, 10.21 is in a release position FP, shown in figure 2 , from the outer lateral surface of the central column 4 is free, so is spaced radially from this. For this purpose, the respective system section 10.11, 10.21 of the corresponding clamping section 10.1, 10.2 is made of an elastic material, for example a membrane, and is elastically deformable.

Der wenigstens eine ringfƶrmige Klemmabschnitt 10.1, 10.2 weist dabei in seiner Freigabeposition FP einen Innendurchmesser auf, der um wenige, vorzugsweise 1/100 bis 10/100 Millimeter grĆ¶ĆŸer ausgebildet ist, als der AuƟendurchmesser der ZentralsƤule 4 in dem ZentralsƤulenabschnitt 4.1 - 4.3, in dem die Klemmvorrichtung 10 vorgesehen ist; also in der gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante der Figur 1 des dritten ZentralsƤulenabschnittes 4.3. Im Bereich der Anlagenabschnitte 10.11, 10.21 ist jeweils ein KolbenfĆ¼hrungsband 35 angeordnet, um die Gleiteigenschaften zu verbessern.In its release position FP, the at least one ring-shaped clamping section 10.1, 10.2 has an inside diameter that is a few, preferably 1/100 to 10/100 millimeters larger than the outside diameter of the central column 4 in the central column section 4.1 - 4.3 in which the clamping device 10 is provided; So in the embodiment shown figure 1 of the third central column section 4.3. In the area of the system sections 10.11, 10.21, a piston guide band 35 is arranged in order to improve the sliding properties.

Mithin ist die Klemmvorrichtung 10 beispielsweise Ć¼ber die zentrale Maschinensteuerung der VerschlieƟmaschine 1 steuer- und/oder regelbar ausgebildet. Insbesondere ist die Klemmvorrichtung 10 dabei hydraulisch steuerund regelbar ausgebildet. Vorteilhaft weist dabei ein jeder Klemmabschnitt 10.1, 10.2 einen ringfƶrmigen Fluidkanal 10.12, 10.22 auf, die Ć¼ber einen gemeinsamen Versorgungskanal 10.3 fluiddicht miteinander verbunden sind. Die ringfƶrmigen FluidkanƤle 10.12, 10.22 sind dabei im Bereich des jeweiligen Anlagenabschnittes 10.11, 10.21 in dem zugehƶrigen Klemmabschnitt 10.1, 10.2 umlaufend vorgesehen, und Ć¼ber den gemeinsamen Versorgungskanal 10.3 mit einem Fluid, insbesondere einer HydraulikflĆ¼ssigkeit, beaufschlagbar. Insbesondere ist dabei ein erster Fluidkanal 10.12 dem ersten Klemmabschnitt 10.1 und ein zweiter Fluidkanal 10.22 dem zweiten Klemmabschnitt 10.2 zugeordnet. Die Anlagenabschnitte 10.11, 10.21 bilden dabei jeweils die radial innere Wandung des zugehƶrigen Fluidkanals 10.12, 10.22 und ist aus einem metallischen Werkstoff gebildet, wie einem Cr- oder CrNi-Stahl, idealerweise sind die Anlagenabschnitte 10.11, 10.21 aus demselben metallischen Werkstoff gebildet, wie der sonstige Klemmabschnitt. Eingangsseitig kann der Versorgungskanal 10.3 eine Ventileinrichtung 10.4 aufweisen, die beispielsweise als Fluiddruckventil und gleichzeitiger Anschluss einer nicht nƤher dargestellten Druckversorgung ausgebildet ist. Die Klemmvorrichtung 10 kann hierbei gesteuert und/oder geregelt mittels dem Fluid beaufschlagt werden und damit letzten Endes in ihrer Klemmposition KP und/oder Freigabeposition FP betrieben werden.Consequently, the clamping device 10 is designed such that it can be controlled and/or regulated, for example via the central machine control of the closing machine 1 . In particular, the clamping device 10 is designed so that it can be controlled and regulated hydraulically. Each clamping section 10.1, 10.2 advantageously has an annular fluid channel 10.12, 10.22, which are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner via a common supply channel 10.3. The annular fluid channels 10.12, 10.22 are provided circumferentially in the area of the respective system section 10.11, 10.21 in the associated clamping section 10.1, 10.2, and can be acted upon by a fluid, in particular a hydraulic fluid, via the common supply channel 10.3. In particular, a first fluid channel 10.12 is assigned to the first clamping section 10.1 and a second fluid channel 10.22 to the second clamping section 10.2. The system sections 10.11, 10.21 each form the radially inner wall of the associated fluid channel 10.12, 10.22 and is made of a metallic material, such as Cr or CrNi steel other clamping section. On the input side, the supply channel 10.3 can have a valve device 10.4, which is designed, for example, as a fluid pressure valve and simultaneous connection of a pressure supply, not shown in detail. The clamping device 10 can are acted upon in a controlled and/or regulated manner by means of the fluid and are thus ultimately operated in their clamping position KP and/or release position FP.

Insbesondere ist die Klemmvorrichtung 10 dabei dazu ausgebildet, bei einer Beaufschlagung mit einem zweckmƤƟig inkompressiblen Fluid von 70 bis 100 bar, in ihren Anlagenabschnitten 10.11, 10.21 in der Klemmposition KP einen geeigneten Klemmdruck an der ZentralsƤule 4 auszubilden. Im Falle der Nutzung eines kompressiblen Gases, wie Druckluft, wird vorteilhafterweise ein geeigneter DruckĆ¼bersetzer verwendet.In particular, the clamping device 10 is designed to form a suitable clamping pressure on the central column 4 in its system sections 10.11, 10.21 in the clamping position KP when it is acted upon by an appropriately incompressible fluid of 70 to 100 bar. If a compressible gas such as compressed air is used, a suitable pressure intensifier is advantageously used.

Die Figur 1 zeigt eine AusfĆ¼hrungsvariante, bei der der Kreisel 5 und sƤmtliche daran angeordneten Bauteile, wie insbesondere die mehreren Stempelvorrichtung 6, die Kopfplatte 11, die an der Kopfplatte 11 angeordnete Steuerkurve 16 sowie die zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und der ZentralsƤule 4 angeordnete Klemmvorrichtung 10 mittels der Hub- und Senkeinrichtung 30 entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 verschiebbar ausgebildet sind, um dadurch letztlich den Abstand zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und dem TrƤgerkranz 7 einzustellen. Es versteht sich, dass sich die Klemmvorrichtung 10 wƤhrend der Verschiebung, d.h. VerƤnderung des relativen Abstandes zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und dem TrƤgerkranz 7, in ihrer Freigabeposition FP befindet, in der sie mit ihren jeweiligen Anlagenabschnitten 10.11, 10.21 von der AuƟenmantelflƤche der ZentralsƤule 4 frei kommt (gezeigt in Figur 2).the figure 1 shows a variant in which the gyroscope 5 and all of the components arranged thereon, such as in particular the multiple stamping device 6, the head plate 11, the control cam 16 arranged on the head plate 11 and the clamping device 10 arranged between the gyroscope 5 and the central column 4, by means of the stroke - And lowering device 30 along the central column 4 are designed to be displaceable, thereby ultimately adjusting the distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7. It goes without saying that the clamping device 10 is in its release position FP during the displacement, i.e. the change in the relative distance between the gyroscope 5 and the carrier ring 7, in which it is free with its respective system sections 10.11, 10.21 from the outer lateral surface of the central column 4 comes (shown in figure 2 ).

Bevorzugt ist die Hub- und Senkeinrichtung 30 an der Oberseite 11.1 der Kopfpatte 11 vorgesehen, insbesondere fest an dieser angeordnet. Dabei kann die Hub- und Senkreinrichtung 30 als Spindelantriebseinrichtung ausgebildet sein und die gewendelte SpindelsƤule 31 sowie die Spindelantrieb 32 aufweisen. Die SpindelsƤule 31 kann dabei an der oberen freien Stirnseite der ZentralsƤule 4 befestigt sein und sich entlang der nach oben hin verlƤngerten Mittelachse MA erstrecken. Insbesondere kann die SpindelsƤule 31 mit der ZentralsƤule 4 verschraubt sein. Der Spindelantrieb 32 kann bevorzugt als Hohlwellenmotorantrieb ausgebildet sein, der eine innen liegende Mutter antreibt, die in Dreheingriff mit der SpindelsƤule 31 steht und bei eine entsprechende Drehbewegung der Mutter im Zusammenwirken mit der SpindelsƤule 31 in eine Hub- und/oder Senkbewegung der Hub- und Senkeinrichtung 30 umwandelt. Zur Ɯbertragung der Hub- und/oder Senkbewegung auf den Kreisel 5 weist die Hub- und Senkreinrichtung 30 ein Gestell 33 auf, das fest an der Oberseite 11.1 der Kopfplatte 11 sowie mit dem Spindelantrieb 31 befestigt ist, der eine Art Spindelschlitten ausbildet. In AbhƤngigkeit der Drehrichtung des Spindelantriebs 32 erfolgt somit eine Hubund/oder Senkbewegung der Hub- und Senkreinrichtung 30 und somit letztlich eine Einstellung des Abstandes zwischen dem Kreisel 5 und dem TrƤgerkranz 7. Es versteht sich dabei ebenfalls, dass nach einer entsprechenden Einstellung des relativen Abstandes des Kreisels 5 zum TrƤgerkranz 7 die Klemmvorrichtung 10 wieder in ihrer Klemmposition KP betrieben wird und damit letztlich die Halterung sƤmtlicher an ihr angeordneter Bauteile Ć¼bernimmt, im Kraftschluss mit den vorgenannten Bauteilen.The lifting and lowering device 30 is preferably provided on the upper side 11.1 of the head plate 11, in particular arranged firmly on it. The lifting and lowering device 30 can be designed as a spindle drive device and have the coiled spindle column 31 and the spindle drive 32 . The spindle column 31 can be attached to the upper free end face of the central column 4 and can extend along the central axis MA, which is extended upwards. In particular, the spindle column 31 can be screwed to the central column 4 . The spindle drive 32 can preferably be designed as a hollow shaft motor drive that drives an internal nut that is in rotational engagement with the Spindle column 31 is stationary and converts it into a lifting and/or lowering movement of the lifting and lowering device 30 with a corresponding rotary movement of the nut in cooperation with the spindle column 31 . To transmit the lifting and/or lowering movement to the gyroscope 5, the lifting and lowering device 30 has a frame 33 which is firmly attached to the upper side 11.1 of the top plate 11 and to the spindle drive 31, which forms a type of spindle carriage. Depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle drive 32, there is a lifting and/or lowering movement of the lifting and lowering device 30 and thus ultimately an adjustment of the distance between the rotor 5 and the carrier ring 7. It is also understood that after a corresponding adjustment of the relative distance of the gyroscope 5 to the carrier ring 7, the clamping device 10 is operated again in its clamping position KP and thus ultimately takes over the holding of all components arranged on it, in frictional connection with the aforementioned components.

In den Figuren 2 und 3 ist in den jeweiligen Anlageabschnitten 10.11, 10.21 jeweils ein KolbenfĆ¼hrungsband auf dem Umfang der ZentralsƤule 4 angeordnet, das vorliegend als Teflon-Gleitband ausgebildet ist. Alternativ kƶnnten in den jeweiligen Anlageabschnitten 10.11. 10.21 auch zwei oder mehrere KolbenfĆ¼hrungsbƤnder aus demselben oder unterschiedlichen Materialien angeordnet sein.In the figures 2 and 3 a piston guide strip is arranged on the circumference of the central column 4 in the respective contact sections 10.11, 10.21, which is designed here as a Teflon sliding strip. Alternatively, in the respective plant sections 10.11. 10.21 two or more piston guide bands made of the same or different materials can also be arranged.

In dem gewƤhlten Beispiel sind die Dimensionen wie folgt in der Figur 4 bemessen, um eine flexible Dehnung der metallischen Anlageabschnitte 10.11, 10.21 bei einem hydraulischen Innendruck von ca. 80 bar zu realisieren. Der Innendurchmesser Di des Klemmvorrichtung 10 betrƤgt dabei 104 mm, die innere Kanalhƶhe DK betrƤgt 40 mm und die Wanddicke DW der metallischen Anlageabschnitte 10.11, 10.21 ca. 4,5 mm.In the example chosen, the dimensions are as follows in the figure 4 dimensioned in order to realize a flexible expansion of the metallic contact sections 10.11, 10.21 at an internal hydraulic pressure of approx. 80 bar. The inner diameter D i of the clamping device 10 is 104 mm, the inner channel height D K is 40 mm and the wall thickness D W of the metal contact sections 10.11, 10.21 is approximately 4.5 mm.

In der Figur 5 zeigt in einem Ausschnitt den zweiten Klemmabschnitt 10.2, die als Kegelspannring ausgefĆ¼hrt ist und mittels mindestens zwei hydraulischen Zylindern 34 verspannbar ist. Dazu ist um die ZentralsƤule 4 ein Tragring 36.1 angeordnet, an dem das eine Ende der hydraulisch antreibbaren Zylinder 34 gelagert sind. Das freie Ende des Arbeitskolbens des Zylinders 34 ist an einem Flansch 37 einer gegenĆ¼berliegenden KonushĆ¼lse 36.2 befestigt. Zwischen dem Tragring 36.1 und der KonushĆ¼lse 36.2 ist ein kegelfƶrmiger Klemmring 36.3 angeordnet, der mit dem Anlagenabschnitt 10.21 auf der OberflƤche der ZentralsƤule 4 kraftschlĆ¼ssig anliegt. Ein gegebenenfalls vorgesehenes KolbenfĆ¼hrungsband 35 ist nicht dargestellt. Durch das BetƤtigen des Zylinders 34 Ć¼ber die Leitungen 39 kƶnnen Tragring 36.1 und KonushĆ¼lse 36.2 relativ zueinander bewegt werden und so die Spannkraft Ć¼ber den Klemmring 36.3 auf die ZentralsƤule 4 gelƶst oder erhƶht werden.In the figure 5 shows a section of the second clamping section 10.2, which is designed as a conical clamping ring and can be clamped by means of at least two hydraulic cylinders 34. For this purpose, a support ring 36.1 is arranged around the central column 4, on which one end of the hydraulically drivable cylinder 34 is mounted. The free end of the working piston of the cylinder 34 is at a flange 37 a opposite conical sleeve 36.2 attached. A conical clamping ring 36.3 is arranged between the support ring 36.1 and the conical sleeve 36.2, which rests with the system section 10.21 on the surface of the central column 4 in a non-positive manner. A possibly provided piston guide band 35 is not shown. By actuating the cylinder 34 via the lines 39, the support ring 36.1 and the conical sleeve 36.2 can be moved relative to one another and the clamping force on the central column 4 can thus be released or increased via the clamping ring 36.3.

Die KonushĆ¼lse 36.2 ist nur mit einem Ende dargestellt. Das andere Ende kann analog aufgebaut und mit einem weiteren Tragring und entsprechenden Zylindern zusammenwirken. In einer einfachen AusfĆ¼hrungsform ist das nicht dargestellt Ende \der KonushĆ¼lse 36.2 direkt an einer Kopfplatte befestigt. Vorteilhafterweise weist der verschiebbare Tragring 36.1 einen Gleitring 38 auf oder es ist auf der ZentralsƤule 4 im Bereich des Tragringes 36.1 ein solcher Gleitring 38 vorgesehen.The conical sleeve 36.2 is only shown with one end. The other end can be constructed analogously and interact with another support ring and corresponding cylinders. In a simple embodiment, the end of the conical sleeve 36.2, which is not shown, is attached directly to a head plate. The displaceable support ring 36.1 advantageously has a slide ring 38, or such a slide ring 38 is provided on the central column 4 in the region of the support ring 36.1.

Eine sehr einfache mechanische AusfĆ¼hrungsform ist in der Figur 6 dargestellt. Mittels eines Spannringes 45 wird die ZentralsƤule 4 umschlossen. Der Spannring 45 weist mindestens auf einer TeillƤnge einen ersten Verschlussabschnitt 45.1 und einen geringfĆ¼gig beabstandeten, gegenĆ¼berliegenden zweiten Verschlussabschnitt 45.2 auf. Das Verschlusselement 46 weist einen als Drehknauf 47 auf und ist bspw. in Bohrungen der Verschlussabschnitte 45.1, 45.2 aufgenommen, wobei ein Ende des Verschlusselementes 46 einen Gewindeabschnitt 48 aufweist, der in einem entsprechenden Muttergewinde des zweiten Verschlussabschnittes 45.2 eingeschraubt ist. Durch Einschrauben des Verschlusselementes 46 werden die Verschlussabschnitte 45.1, 45.2 angenƤhert und dabei der Spannring 45 um die ZentralsƤule 4 gespannt. Ein gegebenenfalls vorgesehenes KolbenfĆ¼hrungsband 35 im Bereich der Spannringes 45 ist nicht dargestellt.A very simple mechanical embodiment is in the figure 6 shown. The central column 4 is enclosed by means of a clamping ring 45 . The clamping ring 45 has at least a partial length of a first closure section 45.1 and a slightly spaced, opposite second closure section 45.2. The closure element 46 has a turning knob 47 and is accommodated, for example, in bores of the closure sections 45.1, 45.2, one end of the closure element 46 having a threaded section 48 which is screwed into a corresponding nut thread of the second closure section 45.2. By screwing in the closure element 46, the closure sections 45.1, 45.2 are brought closer together and the clamping ring 45 is clamped around the central column 4. A possibly provided piston guide band 35 in the area of the clamping ring 45 is not shown.

Aus ƜbersichtlichkeitsgrĆ¼nden sind in den Figuren 2 bis 6 die an der jeweiligen Klemmvorrichtung 10 gelagerten und/oder befestigten Elemente, wie beispielsweise zur Figur 1 im Detail gezeigt und ausgefĆ¼hrt, nicht dargestellt.For reasons of clarity are in the Figures 2 to 6 the mounted on the respective clamping device 10 and / or attached elements, such as for figure 1 shown and executed in detail, not illustrated.

SelbstverstƤndlich ist es im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung auch mƶglich, den TrƤgerkranz 7 mit einer wie vorgehend beschriebenen Hub- und Senkeinrichtung 30 entlang der ZentralsƤule 4 relativ zu dem Kreisel 5 verfahrbar auszubilden.It is of course also possible within the scope of the present invention to design the carrier ring 7 to be movable along the central column 4 relative to the rotor 5 with a lifting and lowering device 30 as described above.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
VerschlieƟmaschinecapping machine
22
BehƤltercontainer
33
Kron korkenCrown cork
44
ZentralsƤulecentral column
4.14.1
erster ZentralsƤulenabschnittfirst central column section
4.24.2
zweiter ZentralsƤulenabschnittsecond central column section
4.34.3
dritter ZentralsƤulenabschnittthird central column section
55
Kreiselspinning top
66
Stempelvorrichtungstamping device
77
TrƤgerkranzcarrier wreath
88th
BehƤltertrƤgercontainer carrier
99
Maschinesockelmachine base
1010
Klemmvorrichtungclamping device
10.110.1
erster Klemmabschnittfirst clamping section
10.1110.11
erster Anlagenabschnittfirst plant section
10.1210.12
erster Fluidkanalfirst fluid channel
10.210.2
zweiter Klemmabschnittsecond clamping section
10.2110.21
zweiter Anlagenabschnittsecond plant section
10.2210.22
zweiter Fluidkanalsecond fluid channel
10.310.3
Versorgungskanalsupply channel
10.410.4
Ventileinrichtungvalve device
1111
Kopfplatteheadstock
11.111.1
Oberseitetop
11.211.2
Unterseitebottom
1212
erster Antriebsmotorfirst drive motor
1313
Fortsatzextension
1414
AuƟenverzahnungexternal teeth
1515
Ritzelpinion
1616
Steuerkurvecam
1717
VerschlieƟeinrichtungsealing device
1919
Auflageringsupport ring
2020
AuƟenverzahnungexternal teeth
2121
zweiter Antriebsmotorsecond drive motor
21.121.1
Ritzelpinion
3030
Hub- und Senkeinrichtunglifting and lowering device
3131
SpindelsƤulespindle column
3232
Spindelantriebspindle drive
3333
Gestellframe
3434
Zylindercylinder
3535
KolbenfĆ¼hrungsbandpiston guide band
36.136.1
Tragringcarrying ring
36.236.2
KonushĆ¼lsecone sleeve
36.336.3
Klemmringclamping ring
3737
Flanschflange
3838
Gleitringsliding ring
3939
LeitungManagement
4545
Spannringclamping ring
45.145.1
Verschlussabschnitt (erster)breech section (first)
45.245.2
Verschlussabschnitt (zweiter)closure section (second)
4646
Verschlusselementclosure element
4747
Spannarmclamping arm
4848
Gewindeabschnittthreaded section
BPbp
BehƤlterverschlieƟpositioncontainer capping position
DiTue
Innendurchmesserinner diameter
DKDK
Kanalhƶhechannel height
DWDW
WandstƤrkeWall thickness
FPFP
Freigabepositionrelease position
MAMA
Mittelachsecentral axis
TRTR
Transportrichtungtransport direction
KPCP
Klemmpositionclamping position

Claims (15)

  1. Capping machine (1) with a circulating design for capping containers (2) such as bottles or the like with crown caps (3), with a stationary central column (4) which extends along a vertical central axis (MA) of the capping machine (1), arranged at which are at least one motor-driven circulating gyroscope (5) with multiple punch devices (6) which can be lowered and raised, and, beneath the gyroscope (5) a motor-driven circulating support ring (7) with multiple container supports (8),
    wherein the relative spacing between the gyroscope (5) and the support ring (7) can be adjusted along the vertical central axis (MA) of the capping machine (1) by moving the gyroscope (5) and/or the support ring (7) along the central column (4),
    wherein multiple container capping positions (BP), each with at least one capping device (17), are formed between the gyroscope (5) and the support ring (7),
    wherein a capping device (17), in its respective container capping position (BP), comprises in each case at least one punch device (6) arranged at the gyroscope (5), for imposing a capping force onto a corresponding crown cap (3) of the container (2) standing on the container carrier (8) assigned to it,
    wherein the stationary central column (4) is designed to absorb a compensation force directed against the capping force,
    and wherein, between the gyroscope (5) and the central column (4) and/or the support ring (7) and the central column (4) at least one clamping device (10) is provided, by means of which the gyroscope (5) and/or the support ring (7) can be secured in at least two different spacing intervals from the central column (4), characterised in that
    the at least one clamping device (10) exhibits a clamping position (KP) and a release position (FP).
  2. Capping device according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one clamping device (10) comprises
    a ring-shaped clamping section (10.1, 10.2) or a clamping section with a positive-fit contour, such as a polygon, which forms at least one elastically deformable contact section (10.11, 10.21) with which the clamping device (10) in its clamping position (KP) clamps to the outer
    casing surface of the central column (4).
  3. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping device (10) comprises at least one first clamping section, as well as a further second clamping section (10.1, 10.2) with a corresponding first and second contact section (10.11, 10.21).
  4. Capping device according to claim 3, characterised in that the first and the further second clamping sections (10.1, 10.2) are provided along the central axis (MA) spaced at a distance from one another.
  5. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, characterised in that at least one of the clamping sections (10.1, 10.2) comprises in each case one ring-shaped circulating fluid channel (10.12, 10.22), which opens in a fluid-tight manner into at least one supply channel (10.3).
  6. Capping device according to claim 5, characterised in that the contact sections (10.11, 10.21) form at least in sections the radial inner wall of the associated fluid channel (10.12, 10.22), and are formed from a metallic material.
  7. Capping device according to claim 6, characterised in that the contact section (10.11, 10.21) is formed from a Cr or CrNi steel, ideally of the same metallic material as the other clamping section (10.1, 10.2).
  8. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping device (10) is configured as hydraulic.
  9. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least one claming device (10) is configured as pneumatic or mechanical.
  10. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping device (10) is configured as being capable of being controlled or regulated.
  11. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping device (10) is arranged secured to an under side (11.2) of a head plate (11).
  12. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one raising and lowering device (30), by means of which the distance spacing of the gyroscope (5) can be adjusted relative to the support ring (7) along the central column (4).
  13. Capping device according to claims 11 and 12, characterised in that the raising and lowering device (30) is arranged on an upper side (11.1) of the head plate (11).
  14. Capping device according to claims 12 or 13, characterised in that the raising and lowering device (30) is configured as a spindle drive device or hydraulic device with position regulating.
  15. Capping device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, apart from the central column (4) and the elements carried by it, no further support column or support structure is provided, at which a control curve (16) is directly or indirectly arranged, and/or onto which, during operation in the specified manner, the capping forces taking effect onto a control curve (16) can be transferred.
EP18702249.6A 2017-03-15 2018-01-29 Capping machine Active EP3595999B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI201830767T SI3595999T1 (en) 2017-03-15 2018-01-29 Capping machine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017105509.6A DE102017105509A1 (en) 2017-03-15 2017-03-15 sealing
PCT/EP2018/052043 WO2018166690A1 (en) 2017-03-15 2018-01-29 Capping machine

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Publication Number Publication Date
EP3595999A1 EP3595999A1 (en) 2020-01-22
EP3595999B1 true EP3595999B1 (en) 2022-09-14

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EP (1) EP3595999B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110402232B (en)
DE (1) DE102017105509A1 (en)
SI (1) SI3595999T1 (en)
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WO2018166690A1 (en) 2018-09-20
DE102017105509A1 (en) 2018-09-20
CN110402232B (en) 2021-05-04
EP3595999A1 (en) 2020-01-22
CN110402232A (en) 2019-11-01
SI3595999T1 (en) 2022-11-30

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