EP4011819A1 - Device and method for closing a container with a container closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for closing a container (9, 9') with a container closure (8, 8'), preferably for closing a beverage container (9, 9') with a container closure (8, 8') in a beverage bottling plant, comprising a transport unit (2) that can be moved in a transport direction (T) with a closing unit (3) that can be moved on the transport unit (2) transversely to the transport direction (T) for the selectable application of a first type of closure (8) to a container opening of a first type of container (9) and a second type of closure (8') on a container opening of a second type of container (9'), with a guide curve (4) for specifying a position of the closing unit (3) transverse to the transport direction (T) with the closing unit (3) in Is engaged, wherein the guide curve (4) has a first guide section (41) for guiding the closure unit (3) for applying the first closure type (8) and in the transport direction (T) the second guide section (42) downstream of the first guide section (41) for guiding the closure unit (3) for applying the second type of closure (8').

Description

technical field

The present invention relates to a device and a method for closing a container with a container closure, for example for closing a beverage container with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant.

State of the art

It is known to close beverage containers, such as bottles, with container closures. Among other things, it is known in this regard to close bottles with plastic screw caps by screwing the respective screw cap onto a container mouth or bottle mouth provided with an external thread by means of a capper.

Furthermore, it is known for bottles to be closed with a press-on closure, which is pressed onto the container mouth by applying pressure from the head. Such closures are crown caps, for example. Certain plastic closures are also pressed on.

In both variants, in order to apply a closure to a container opening, a closure unit is lowered in the direction of a container held in a container receptacle until a closure held by the closure unit comes into contact with the container opening. The position of the capping unit is predetermined by a guide cam that engages with the capping unit.

In order to use a capper in a bottling plant both for applying screw caps and for applying press-on caps, it has hitherto been necessary to exchange both the respective capping elements and to change the guide curves, by means of which the capping elements are forced to be lowered and raised along the capping curve becomes. Press-on closures generally require very quick application with a steep guide curve and high head pressure, whereas screw caps require a comparatively high level of pressure low head pressure and a slow application and thus flat guide curve is required.

Accordingly, different head pressures are required for the application of screw caps and the application of press-on caps. In order to change over from the processing of one type of closure to the other type of closure, either the head pressure on the closure unit must be readjusted, which involves a great deal of effort. Alternatively, it is known to replace the entire capping unit on the capper when changing over. This is also expensive, and double the number of closing units has to be produced and the closing units that are not required in each case have to be stored.

Furthermore, cappers are known which have two different, parallel guide curves, which are installed one above the other in the capper. Depending on the type of cap to be processed, the roller of the capping unit is either hooked into one guide curve or the other. Since cappers generally include a large number of capping units, such a changeover is particularly time-consuming.

Presentation of the invention

Proceeding from the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a beverage container with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant.

The object is achieved by a device for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a beverage container with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant, with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

Accordingly, a device for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a beverage container with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant, is proposed, comprising a transport unit that can be moved in a transport direction and has a transport unit that is transverse to the transport unit Closing unit that can be moved in the transport direction for selectably applying a first type of closure to a container opening of a first type of container and a second type of closure to a container opening of a second type of container, with a guide cam for specifying a position of the closing unit transverse to the direction of transport being in engagement with the closing unit. The device is characterized in that the guiding curve comprises a first guiding section for guiding the closing unit for applying the first type of closure and a second guiding section downstream of the first guiding section in the transport direction for guiding the closing unit for applying the second type of closure.

In other words, the first guide section and the second guide section are sections of the same guide curve. Consequently, only one continuous guide curve is provided, which includes both guide sections. The closing unit is consequently guided along the guide curve both along the first and the second guide section during each closing process or each transport in the transport direction. In other words, the first guide section and the second guide section are always traversed one after the other.

Due to the fact that the guide curve comprises a first guide section for guiding the closing unit for applying the first type of closure and a second guiding section, which is downstream of the first guiding section in the transport direction, for guiding the closing unit for applying the second type of closure, it is not necessary when changing the processing Closure type on the other closure types to carry out a manual conversion of the closing unit or the guide curve or the coupling between the closing unit and the guide curve. In particular, there is no need to "rehang" the roller of the closing units from one guide curve to another guide curve.

The guide curve is preferably designed as a closed guide curve.

Alternatively, the guide curve can be designed as an open guide curve, comprising a start and an end in which and from which an optional guide element of the closing device, such as a roller, a carriage or a pin, which interacts with the guide curve, is engaged or disengaged can be.

An intermediate section can preferably be arranged between the first guide section and the second guide section, which is preferably provided to provide a predetermined constant head pressure on a container closure of the first closure type applied to a container of the first container type when passing through the first guide section. During transport along the intermediate section, the closing unit is preferably at a substantially constant distance relative to the container accommodated in the device and closed with a container closure via the closing unit. Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if a holding section for providing a predetermined constant head pressure is arranged downstream of the second guide section, viewed in the direction of transport.

The device is preferably designed in a rotary design. The transport unit then corresponds to a carousel which can be rotated about an axis of rotation in the transport direction relative to a base frame.

It has proven to be advantageous if the transport direction is oriented essentially perpendicular to the acceleration due to gravity and/or the closing unit is arranged on the transport unit so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction, thus essentially parallel to the acceleration due to gravity.

The closing unit preferably comprises a guide element which engages with the guide curve, preferably a guide roller, a guide pin or a guide carriage, which is guided through or in the guide curve.

Furthermore, the closing unit preferably comprises a closure receiving part, which can be displaced transversely to the transport direction relative to the guide element, for receiving a closure. Preferably, the closure receiving part can also be designed to be able to accommodate both closure types with one closure receptacle.

Alternatively, the closure unit can have a first closure receptacle, which is designed to receive a container closure of the first closure type, and a second closure receptacle, which is designed to receive a container closure of the second closure type. Preferably, the first and the second closure receptacle can be changed or exchanged between a working position and a storage position. If container closures of the first closure type are to be processed, the first closure receptacle is in the working position and the second closure receptacle is in the storage position, and vice versa.

The positions of the closure receptacles can preferably be changed automatically, ie without manual retooling being necessary.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the transport unit comprises a container holder arranged below the closing unit and assigned to the closing unit for receiving a container to be closed by the closing unit, preferably a container holder for receiving the container at its neck area. In other words, the container holder can be designed as a neck-handling container holder. Alternatively, the container receptacle can be designed to receive the container at its bottom. In other words, the container holder can be designed as a neck-handling container holder. Particularly in the case of the last-mentioned embodiment, it can be advantageous to guide the container in its neck area. For this purpose, the container receptacle can have a guide. Alternatively, a separate container guide can be provided. A distance transverse to the transport direction between the guide curve and the container receptacle can preferably be changed.

The container receptacle and/or the closing unit can be height-adjustable in order to enable the device to process different containers or container types.

The term "below" is to be understood here in relation to the acceleration due to gravity. An object arranged below the closing unit is therefore at least partially closer to the center of the earth or at least partially has a lower height level than the closing unit.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the container receptacle and the guide curve can be displaced relative to one another transversely to the transport direction between a first position at a first distance relative to one another and a second position at a second distance relative to one another.

The device preferably has a locking arrangement by which the first position and the second position can be locked. In this way, the distance between the guide curve and the container receptacle can be adjusted in a simple manner with two latching points, with the aforementioned parts preferably being able to be displaced relative to one another via a drive, preferably a servo motor.

In the first position, the container receptacle and the guide curve are preferably arranged relative to one another such that a container of the first container type held in the container receptacle is positioned for application of a closure of the first closure type when passing through the first guide section. In the second position, the container receptacle and the guide curve are preferably arranged corresponding to one another such that a container of the second container type held in the container receptacle is positioned for application of a closure of the second closure type when passing through the second guide section.

It has proven to be advantageous if the second distance is greater than the first distance by at least a first stroke of the closing unit, which it experiences in the first guide section transversely to the transport direction. The second distance preferably corresponds to the sum of the first stroke of the closing unit, which it experiences in the first guide section transversely to the transport direction, and the first distance.

In other words, the distance between the guide curve and the container receptacle can be changed by a predetermined amount of length, this length amount corresponding at least to the amount of the stroke which the closing unit experiences transversely to the transport direction as predetermined by the guide curve in the first guide section. The second distance is consequently greater than the first distance at least by the stroke of the closing unit, which is provided by the first guide section.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one spring element for applying a head pressure required for applying a closure is arranged between the guide element and the closure receptacle, wherein the at least one spring element is arranged to be supported on one side on the guide element and on the other side on the to support the locking device. A head pressure necessary for the application of the respective container closure can be provided by the at least one spring element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the closing unit comprises a first spring element and a second spring element, with the first spring element preferably being designed to apply a head pressure required for applying the first type of closure, and/or the second spring element to apply a pressure required for applying the second type of closure required head pressure is formed.

It has proven to be advantageous if the first and second spring element are arranged in such a way that when the closing device is lowered onto a container to be closed, the second spring element first experiences a spring deflection, and from a predetermined first spring deflection path of the second spring element, the first spring element also experiences a spring deflection experiences deflection.

Alternatively or additionally, the first spring element can be shorter than the second spring element.

The first spring element preferably has a greater spring stiffness than the second spring element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first spring element and the second spring element are formed integrally with one another. In other words, the first spring element and the second spring element can be formed by a spring element which, starting from a predetermined compression, generates a different spring force than at the beginning of the compression.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one locking unit is provided in order to preload one or more of the spring elements and thereby provide a higher force at least in the first guide section or in the second guide section.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first guide section provides a first stroke of the closing unit in the direction of the container receptacle, and/or the second guide section provides a second stroke of the closing unit in the direction of the container receptacle, with the first stroke preferably being greater than the second stroke, with the first stroke preferably being greater than the predefined first spring deflection, with the first stroke preferably being equal to or greater than a sum of the predefined first spring deflection and a predefined further spring deflection of the first and second spring element, and/or preferably the second stroke is equal to or less than the predetermined first spring deflection.

Correspondingly, in the first position of the guide curve and container receptacle relative to one another, the second spring element initially deflects, which preferably has a lower spring stiffness than the first spring element. However, the compression point of the first spring element is also reached and exceeded, so that the container closure of the first closure type, which is preferably a press-on closure, can be applied to the container opening with the comparatively high head pressure required for this.

In the second position of the guide roller and container receptacle relative to one another, and therefore with an increased distance, the spring elements in the first guide section do not experience any deflection. In addition, the second stroke provided in the second guide section, which essentially corresponds to the current compression travel of the second spring element, is no longer sufficient to cause the first spring element to compress as well. The screw cap is thus only pressed onto the container mouth with the spring force of the weaker second spring element.

The first guide section is preferably designed in such a way that in the first position at the starting point of the first guide section the second spring element has no deflection and the deflection of the second spring element begins, and/or the second guide section is designed in such a way that in the second position at the starting point of the second guide section, the second spring element has no deflection and the deflection of the second spring element begins.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the transport unit and the guide curve are designed to be height-adjustable together by a predetermined amount in relation to a base frame transversely to the transport direction. Alternatively, the guide curve is designed to be adjustable in height relative to the transport unit transversely to the transport direction by a predetermined amount. In both cases, the predetermined amount preferably corresponds to the amount of the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

Preferably, the capper comprises an upper part, which is arranged to be movable, preferably rotatable, about a base frame. In this case, the upper part preferably has the guide curve and the transport unit together with the container receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the guide curve can be arranged on the upper part so that it can be displaced transversely to the transport direction. Alternatively, the container holder can be arranged on the upper part so that it can be displaced transversely to the transport direction, in which case the upper part is then preferably arranged so that it can be displaced relative to the base frame transversely to the transport direction, so that a height offset resulting from the displacement of the container holder transversely to the transport direction with regard to a height level of one of the closers seen in the transport direction upstream container feed or a container takeover downstream of the capper can be compensated for by a corresponding displacement of the upper part.

Preferably, seen in the direction of transport, a pick-up point at which a container to be closed is picked up by the container pick-up is located in front of the first guide section. Furthermore, a delivery point at which the closed container is removed from the container receptacle is located downstream of the second guide section.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first type of closure is a press-on closure and/or the second type of closure is a screw-on closure. Accordingly, the closing unit is then designed for the selectable application of a press-on closure to a container opening of a first container type and a screw-on closure to a container opening of a second container type, the first guide section for guiding the closing unit for applying the press-on closure and the second guide section downstream of the first guide section in the transport direction designed to guide the closure unit for applying the screw-on closure.

The transport direction is preferably arranged essentially orthogonally to the acceleration due to gravity. In other words, the transport direction extends essentially horizontally. Correspondingly, the direction transverse to the transport direction is oriented essentially in the direction of gravitational acceleration or extends essentially vertically.

The above object is also achieved by a method for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a beverage container with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant, having the features of claim 12. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

Accordingly, a method for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a beverage container with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant, is proposed, comprising the steps of transporting a container to be closed along a transport direction in a transport unit, and optionally applying a first type of closure a container opening of a first container type and a second type of closure to a container opening of a second container type by means of a closing unit that can be moved transversely to the transport direction, wherein the position of the closing unit transversely to the transport direction is specified by a guide curve that engages with the closing unit. The method is characterized in that the guide curve includes a first guide section in which the closing unit for the Application of the first type of closure is performed, and comprises a second guide section downstream of the first guide section in the transport direction, in which the closing unit for the application of the second type of closure is guided.

The advantages and effects described with regard to the device can be achieved in an analogous manner by the method.

According to a further embodiment, the transport unit comprises a container holder arranged below the closing unit for receiving a container to be closed by the closing unit, preferably a container holder for receiving the container in its neck region and/or on its container bottom, with a distance preferably transverse to the transport direction between the guide curve and the container receptacle is set depending on the type of closure to be applied.

According to a further embodiment, to adjust the distance, the container receptacle and the guide cam are displaced relative to one another transversely to the transport direction between a first position at a first distance relative to one another and a second position at a second distance relative to one another.

According to a further embodiment, in the first position the container receptacle and the guide curve are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a container of the first container type held in the container receptacle is positioned for application of a closure of the first closure type when passing through the first guide section, with the Container receptacle and the guide curve are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a container of the second container type held in the container receptacle is positioned when passing through the second guide section for an application of a closure of the second closure type.

According to a further embodiment, the second distance is greater than the first distance by at least a first stroke of the closing unit, which it experiences in the first guide section transversely to the transport direction.

According to a further embodiment, the closure unit comprises a first spring element and a second spring element, with a head pressure required for applying the first closure type preferably being applied via the first spring element, and/or a pressure for the Applying the second type of closure required head pressure is applied by the second spring element.

According to a further embodiment, when the closing device is lowered onto a container to be closed, the second spring element first experiences a spring deflection, and from a predetermined first spring deflection path of the second spring element, the first spring element also experiences a spring deflection, and/or the first spring element is shorter than that second spring element and/or the first spring element has a greater spring stiffness than the second spring element.

According to a further embodiment, the closing unit in the first guide section undergoes a first stroke in the direction of the container receptacle, and/or the closing unit in the second guide section undergoes a second stroke in the direction of the container receptacle, with the first stroke preferably being greater than the second stroke, with the first stroke is preferably greater than the specified first spring deflection, with the first stroke preferably being equal to or greater than a sum of the specified first spring deflection and a specified further spring deflection of the first spring element and the second spring element, and/or the second stroke is preferably the same or less than the specified first spring deflection.

According to a further embodiment, the height of the transport unit and the guide curve is adjusted jointly relative to a base frame transversely to the transport direction by a specified amount and/or the guide curve is adjusted in height relative to the transport unit transversely to the transport direction by a specified amount, with the specified amount preferably being equal to the amount of the difference corresponds to the first distance and the second distance.

According to a further embodiment, the first type of closure is a press-on closure and/or the second type of closure is a screw-on closure.

Brief description of the figures

Figur 1

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Behälterverschluss;

Figur 2

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Behälterverschluss gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Verschließeinheit der Vorrichtung aus Figur 1 in drei unterschiedlichen Positionen;

Figur 4

schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Verschließeinheit der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in zwei unterschiedlichen Positionen;

Figur 5

schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Verschließeinheit einer Vorrichtung zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Behälterverschluss gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform in zwei unterschiedlichen Positionen;

Figur 6

schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Verschließeinheit der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in zwei unterschiedlichen Positionen;

Figur 7

schematisch eine Seitenansicht der Verschließeinheit einer Vorrichtung zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Behälterverschluss gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform in zwei unterschiedlichen Positionen;

Figur 8

schematisch eine Draufsicht einer Vorrichtung zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Behälterverschluss gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 9

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Verschließeinheit gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 10

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Verschließeinheit gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 11

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Verschließeinheit gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform; und

Figur 12

schematisch eine Seitenansicht einer Verschließeinheit gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. show:

figure 1

schematically shows a side view of a first embodiment of a device for closing a container with a container closure;

figure 2

schematically shows a side view of a device for closing a container with a container closure according to a further embodiment;

figure 3

schematically shows a side view of a closing unit of the device figure 1 in three different positions;

figure 4

schematically shows a side view of the closing unit of the device according to FIG figure 1 in two different positions;

figure 5

schematically shows a side view of the closing unit of a device for closing a container with a container closure according to a further embodiment in two different positions;

figure 6

schematically shows a side view of the closing unit of the device according to FIG figure 1 in two different positions;

figure 7

schematically shows a side view of the closing unit of a device for closing a container with a container closure according to a further embodiment in two different positions;

figure 8

schematically a plan view of a device for closing a container with a container closure according to a further embodiment;

figure 9

schematically a side view of a closing unit according to a further embodiment;

figure 10

schematically a side view of a closing unit according to a further embodiment;

figure 11

schematically a side view of a closing unit according to a further embodiment; and

figure 12

schematically a side view of a closing unit according to a further embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Elements that are the same, similar or have the same effect are provided with identical reference symbols in the different figures, and a repeated description of these elements is sometimes dispensed with in order to avoid redundancies.

In figure 1 a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a device 1 for closing a container with a container closure is shown, which is presently designed for closing beverage containers with a container closure in a beverage bottling plant.

The device 1 comprises a transport unit 2 that can be moved in a transport direction T, with a plurality of closure units 3 that can be displaced on the transport unit 2 in a direction R transversely to the transport direction T, which are designed for the selectable application of a first closure type 8 to a container opening of a first container type 9 and a second type of closure 8' on a container opening of a second type of container 9' (the latter not shown in this view). In figure 1 only one of the closure units 3 is shown schematically as an example.

The transport unit 2 also includes a plurality of container receptacles 20 for receiving a container 9 to be sealed by the closing unit 3, one container receptacle 20 being assigned to a closing unit 3 and being arranged correspondingly below it. In figure 1 only one of the container receptacles 20 is shown schematically as an example.

The closing unit 3 includes a guide element 30 which is guided in a guide curve 4 to specify a position of the closing unit 3 transversely to the transport direction T. Corresponding to the shape of the guide curve 4, the guide element 30 is guided along the guide curve 4 when a closing unit 3 is transported in the transport direction T. The closing unit 3 thus experiences a displacement in the direction R transverse to the transport direction T.

The transport unit 2 and the guide curve 4 are arranged on a common upper part 10 of the device 1, the upper part 10 relative to a base frame 11 transverse to the transport direction T, thus in the direction R transverse to the transport direction T, adjustable in height is trained. The known height adjustment 14 or height adjustment device provided for this purpose is in figure 1 only indicated schematically.

The transport unit 2 includes a height adjustment 21, by which a distance A of the container receptacle 20 relative to the guide curve 4 can be changed. By moving the transport unit 2 or the container receptacle 20, the container receptacle 20 and the guide cam 4 can be moved transversely to the transport direction T relative to one another between a first position, as in figure 1 shown, with a first distance A1 relative to each other and a second position with a second distance A2 relative to each other. The first position and the second position represent latching points in which the container receptacle 20 can be locked. The difference D between the first distance A1 and the second distance A2 corresponds to a predetermined amount.

By lowering the container receptacles 20 into the second position with the distance A2, as in FIG figure 1 indicated below right, the container receptacles 20 experience an offset in terms of their height position or in terms of their height level H with regard to the gravitational acceleration G. However, since the height level H must be kept constant, so that a container feed upstream of the device 1 for feeding in containers 9 and to be sealed a container pick-up downstream of the device 1 for picking up closed containers 9 (both not shown) does not also have to be adjusted in its height position H, the height offset of the amount of the difference D caused by the lowering of the container pick-up 20 is due to the upper part 10 being raised in relation to the Base frame 11, also to be compensated for in the amount of the difference D, as in figure 1 indicated in the middle above.

The guide curve 4 comprises a first guide section 41 for guiding the closing unit 3 for applying the first closure type 8 and a second guide section 42 downstream of the first guide section 41 in the transport direction T for guiding the closing unit 3 for applying the second closure type 8'.

In the first position, the container receptacle 20 and the guide curve 4 are arranged relative to one another such that a container 9 of the first container type held in the container receptacle 20 is positioned for application of a closure 8 of the first closure type when passing through the first guide section 41. In the second position, the container receptacle 20 and the guide curve 4 are arranged relative to one another such that a container of the second container type 9' held in the container receptacle 20 is positioned for application of a closure 8' of the second closure type when passing through the second guide section 42.

In the present case, the first type of closure 8 is a press-on closure and the second type of closure 8' is a screw-on closure.

The closure unit 3 comprises a closure receiving part 33 which is designed here to be able to receive both a closure of the first closure type 8 and a closure of the second closure type. Alternatively, the closure receiving part 33 can also include two closure receptacles, which can be changed either into a working position or into a storage position. Alternatively, the lock receiving part 33 can also be changed. A change preferably takes place by a handover at a position specified for this purpose.

figure 2 shows schematically a further embodiment of a device 1 for closing a container 9 with a container closure 8. The device 1 essentially corresponds to that of FIG figure 1 , wherein the transport unit 2 and the container receptacle 20 have a constant height level H. In other words, the transport unit 2 has no height adjustment 21 as in figure 1 shown on.

In the embodiment according to figure 2 the guide cam 4 is designed to be displaceable on the base frame 11 in the direction R transverse to the transport direction T via a height adjustment indicated by reference number 43 relative to the transport unit 2 . In figure 2 the guide curve 4 and the transport unit 2 or the container receptacle 20 are arranged relative to one another in the first position, in which they have the first distance A1 from one another. By raising the guide curve 4 into the position indicated by the reference numeral 4', the container receptacle 20 and the guide curve 4 can be shifted into the second position relative to one another with the second distance A2 from one another, correspondingly figure 1 by the amount or the difference D.

The closure unit 3 comprises a first spring element 31 and a second spring element 32, with the first spring element 31 being designed to apply a head pressure required for applying the first closure type 8, and the second spring element 32 corresponding to applying a pressure required for applying the second closure type 8 'Required head pressure is formed, as in terms of Figures 3 to 7 explained in detail.

figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the closing unit 3 of the device 1 figure 1 in three different positions (AC). The spring elements 31, 32 are between the Guide element 30 or a guide element-side support 34 connected to the guide element 30 is arranged on one side and the closure receiving part 33 . The second spring element 32 is longer than the first spring element 31. Accordingly, the second spring element 32 has a spring length in the unloaded state 320, which is longer than the spring length in the unloaded state 310 of the first spring element 31. Furthermore, the spring stiffness of the first spring element 31 (hereinafter: "first spring stiffness c1") greater than the spring stiffness of the second spring element 32 (hereinafter: "second spring stiffness c2").

in the in figure 3 In the position (A) shown on the left, the first spring element 31 and the second spring element 32 are in an unloaded state, with the distance between the support 34 on the guide element side and the lock receiving part 33 corresponding to the spring length 320 of the second spring element 32 .

The cap receiving part 33 has a cap 8 accommodated therein which is in contact with a container opening of a container 9 .

When the guide element 30 is lowered in the direction of the container 9, initially only the second spring element 32 experiences a deflection or compression. With a predetermined first spring deflection E1 of the second spring element 32, as in figure 3 represented centrally by position (B), the lower, free end of the first spring element 31 comes into contact with the closure receiving part 33 . From this point on, the first spring element 31 also undergoes deflection, as shown in FIG figure 3 represented by position (C) on the right. The entire compression travel E3 of the second spring element 32, as shown in position (C), is made up of the first compression travel E1 and a further compression travel E2. The spring deflection of the first spring element 31 in position (C) corresponds only to the further spring deflection E2.

Thus, in position (A), the closure unit 3 exerts essentially no force on the closure 8 . Between positions (A) and (B), only the second spring element 32 exerts a spring force on the closure 8, corresponding to the product of the second spring stiffness c2 and the current compression travel (E) of the second spring element 32: $$f=\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}2\ast E$$

In position (B), the spring force F of the second spring element 32 is as follows: $$f=\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}2\ast \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="E"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">E</figure-callout>}1$$

Furthermore, in position (B), the first spring element 31 provides essentially no force since it is essentially unloaded.

In the position (C) according to figure 3 the resulting spring force F is made up of the forces exerted by the first spring element 31 and the second spring element 32: $$f=\left(\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}2\ast \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="E"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">E</figure-callout>}1+\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="E"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">E</figure-callout>}2\right)+\left(\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="1"\; label="c"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}1\ast \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="E"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">E</figure-callout>}2\right)$$

figure 4 shows schematically the closing unit 3 of the device 1 according to FIG figure 1 at the beginning of the first guide section 41 (position (A)) and at the end of the first guide section 41 (position (B)) when the guide curve 4 and the container receptacle 20 are in the first position relative to one another.

At the beginning of the guide section 41, the closing units 3 are located according to the Figure 3 (A) described arrangement. Consequently, the container closure 8 accommodated in the closure receiving part 33 is in contact with the container opening of the associated container 9 without head pressure being applied to the container closure 8 by the second spring element 32 .

When passing through the first guide section 41, the closure unit 3 experiences a first stroke H1, which is greater than the first compression travel E1, as with regard to FIG figure 3 described. In the present case, the first stroke H1 corresponds to the sum of the first spring deflection E1 and the further spring deflection E2, and therefore to the entire spring deflection E3 as with regard to FIG figure 3 described. Accordingly, the first spring element 31 is compressed by the further spring deflection E2, so that a head pressure is applied in particular via the first spring element 31 to the container closure 8 . The second spring element 33 also provides a spring force and therefore a component of the head pressure on the container closure 8 which, however, is comparatively small due to the lower second spring stiffness c2 compared to the first spring stiffness c1. The two spring elements 31, 32 both have in figure 4 Position (B) shown on the right shows the current remaining spring length 35.

In the present case, the container closure 8 is designed as a press-on closure. Accordingly, the head pressure provided by the closure units 3 at the end of the first guide section 41 is designed for applying press-on closures.

When the closing unit 3 is then driven through the second guide section 42, it is lowered further and thus the spring elements 31, 32 are lowered further compression. However, this compression and the associated increase in the head pressure on the container closure 8 is unproblematic since the container closure 8 has already been correctly applied to the container 9 after the first guide section 41 .

figure 5 shows schematically the closing unit 3 of the device 1 according to a further embodiment at the beginning of the first guide section 41 (position (A)) and at the end of the first guide section 41 (position (B)) when the guide curve 4 and the container receptacle 20 are positioned towards one another in the are located in the first position, with the arrangement of the closing units 3 and the guide curve 4 being essentially in relation to figure 4 described. In contrast to figure 4 However, the closing unit 3 is not in contact with the container 9 at the beginning of the first guide section 41 . Rather, the container closure 8 held by the closure receiving part 33 is still at a distance from the container 9, namely by an additional distance 37. Accordingly, the stroke H1' has to additionally encompass this additional distance 37. It is therefore made up of the first spring deflection E1, the further spring deflection E2 and the additional distance 37.

figure 6 shows schematically the closing unit 3 of the device 1 according to FIG figure 1 at the beginning of the second guide section 42 (position (A)) and at the end of the second guide section 42 (position (B)), when the guide cam 4 and the container receptacle 20 are in the second position relative to one another, in which the device 1 for applying Container closures 8 'of the second type of closure is set up. Due to the second distance A2 increased by the difference D, the container closure 8' held by the closure units 3 does not come into contact with the container opening of the container 9' of the second container type while passing through the first guide section 41, but only comes into contact at the beginning of the second guide section 42 onto the container 9', as in figure 6 represented by position (A) on the left. When passing through the second guide section 42, the closing unit 3 experiences a second stroke H2, which is smaller than the first one, a spring deflection E1, in this case by a predetermined amount, which is the in figure 6 gap 36 shown on the right by position (B) between the free end of the first spring element 31 and the closure receiving part 33 corresponds.

Accordingly, only the second spring element 32 exerts a spring force on the container closure 8' depending on the second stroke H2, according to: $$f=\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="c"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">c</figure-callout>}2\ast \mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="H"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">H</figure-callout>}2$$

As a result, the closure unit 3 exerts head pressure on the container closure 8', as is required for applying a screw-on closure 8'.

figure 7 shows schematically the closing unit 3 of the device 1 according to a further embodiment at the start of the second guide section 42 (position (A)) and at the end of the second guide section 42 (position (B)) when the guide curve 4 and the container receptacle 20 are positioned towards one another in the second position are located, wherein the arrangement of the closure units 3 and the guide curve 4 is substantially in view of figure 6 described. In contrast to figure 4 the closing unit 3 is not in contact with the container 9' at the start of the second guide section 42. Rather, the container closure 8 ′ held by the closure receiving part 33 is spaced apart from the container 9 ′ by the additional distance 37 . Accordingly, the stroke H2′ has to additionally include this additional distance 37 . It is thus made up of the required deflection travel of the second spring element 32 and the additional distance 37 . In other words, the height of the stroke H2' corresponds to the sum of the stroke H2 figure 4 and the additional distance 37.

To ensure that the sealing unit 3 as per the figures 4 and 6 described when passing through the guide sections 41, 42, the second distance A2 is greater than the first distance A1 by the first stroke H1 of the closing unit 3, which it experiences in the first guide section 41 transversely to the transport direction T. Consequently, the difference D essentially corresponds to the first stroke H1.

figure 8 shows schematically a plan view of a device 1 for closing a container with a container closure according to a further embodiment. In contrast to the devices 1 from the figures 1 and 2 the device is 1 in figure 8 designed in a rotary design. The guide curve 4 is analogous to the figures 1 and 2 closed, it extends analogously to the figures 1 and 2 , but with respect to a central axis of rotation 15 of the transport unit 2 in the circumferential direction. Analogously to what has been described above, the guide curve 4 has the first guide section 41 and then the second guide section 42 .

Viewed in the transport direction T, the second guide section 42 is followed by a return area 45 in which the closing unit 3 is returned to an initial position. In the return area 45 there is a pick-up point 12, at which a container to be closed is picked up by the transport unit 2, and a delivery point 13, at which a container closed by the device 1 with a container closure is delivered to a downstream device (not shown). . The first A closure receiving region 44 extends in front of the guide region 41, in which the closure unit 3 receives a container closure to be applied from a closure feed device (not shown).

The devices 1 of figures 1 and 2 presently have the optional closure receiving area 44 and the optional return area 45 .

the Figures 9 to 12 show side views of further preferred embodiments of the closing unit 3.

In the figure 9 Closing unit 3 shown essentially corresponds to closing unit 3 figure 4 , wherein here the support 34 on the guide element side comprises a recess 340 into which the upper part of the second guide element 32 extends. Accordingly, the upper end of the second guide member 32 and the upper end of the first guide member 31 are not located at the same level.

In the figure 10 Closing unit 3 shown essentially corresponds to closing unit 3 figure 9 , Here, the first spring element 31 and the second spring element 32 have the same spring length in the unloaded state and also have the same spring stiffness. Due to a recess 340 in the support 34 on the guide element side, when the closure units 3 are lowered, analogously to the embodiments described above, the first spring element 31 only begins to deflect from a later point in time, which corresponds to the depth of the recess 340.

In the figure 11 Closing unit 3 shown essentially corresponds to the closing unit figure 4 , in which case the first spring element 31 is arranged on the side of the closure receiving part 33 .

In the figure 12 Closing unit 3 shown essentially corresponds to that in figure 10 shown, wherein here a plurality of first spring elements 31 are arranged regularly around the centrally arranged second spring element 32 in relation to a central longitudinal axis 38 of the closure unit 3 in the circumferential direction.

As far as applicable, all individual features that are presented in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and/or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference character list

1

contraption

10

top

11

base frame

12

pickup point

13

delivery point

14

height adjustment

15

axis of rotation

2

transport unit

20

container pickup

21

height adjustment

3

capping unit

30

guide element

31

First spring element

310

Spring length in the unloaded state

32

Second spring element

320

Spring length in the unloaded state

33

bolt receiving part

34

Guide member side support

340

recess

35

spring length

36

gap

37

Extra distance

38

longitudinal axis

4.4'

guide curve

41

First guide section

42

Second section of leadership

43

height adjustment

44

Shutter Shooting Area

45

return area

A1

First distance

A2

second distance

D

difference

H1

First stroke

H2

Second stroke

E1

First compression travel

E2

More compression travel

E3

Total compression travel

8th

First type of closure

8th'

Second type of closure

9

First container type

9'

Second container type

T

transport direction

R

Direction

G

acceleration due to gravity

H

elevation level

Claims (15)

Device (1) for closing a container (9, 9') with a container closure (8, 8'), preferably for closing a beverage container (9, 9') with a container closure (8, 8') in a beverage bottling plant, comprising a Transport unit (2) that can be moved in a transport direction (T) with a closing unit (3) that can be moved on the transport unit (2) transversely to the transport direction (T) for the selectable application of a first type of closure (8) to a container opening of a first container type (9) and one second type of closure (8') on a container opening of a second type of container (9'), wherein a guide cam (4) for specifying a position of the closing unit (3) transversely to the transport direction (T) is in engagement with the closing unit (3),
characterized in that
the guide curve (4) has a first guide section (41) for guiding the closing unit (3) for applying the first type of closure (8) and a second guide section (42) downstream of the first guide section (41) in the transport direction (T) for guiding the closing unit (3) for applying the second type of closure (8'). Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transport unit (2) comprises a container receptacle (20) arranged below the closing unit (3) for receiving a container (9, 9') to be closed by the closing unit (3), preferably a container receptacle (20) for receiving the container (9, 9') in its neck area and/or on its container bottom, with preferably a distance (A) transverse to the transport direction (T) between the guide curve (4) and the container receptacle (20 ) is changeable. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the container receptacle (20) and the guide curve (4) transverse to the transport direction (T) relative to each other between a first position with a first distance (A1) relative to each other and a second position with a second distance (A2) are displaceable relative to each other. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in the first position the container holder (20) and the guide curve (4) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that a container (9) of the first container type held in the container holder (20) passing through the first guide section (41) for an application of a closure (8) of the first closure type, wherein in the second position the container receptacle (20) and the guide curve (4) are arranged relative to one another such that in the container receptacle (20) held container (9') of the second type of container is positioned for application of a closure (8') of the second type of closure when passing through the second guide section (42). Device (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the second distance (A2) is at least a first stroke (H1) of the closing unit (3), which it experiences in the first guide section (41) transversely to the transport direction (T), is greater than the first distance (A1). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing unit (3) comprises a first spring element (31) and a second spring element (32), the first spring element (31) preferably being used for applying a for the application of the first Closure type (8) required head pressure is formed, and / or the second spring element (32) for applying a for the application of the second closure type (8 ') required head pressure is formed. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first spring element (31) and the second spring element (32) are arranged in such a way that when the closing device (3) is lowered onto a container (9, 9') to be closed first the second spring element (32) experiences a deflection (E), and from a predetermined first deflection path (E1) of the second spring element (32) the first spring element (31) also experiences a deflection (E), and/or that the first spring element (31) is shorter than the second spring element (32) and/or that the first spring element (31) has a greater spring stiffness than the second spring element (32). Device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first guide section (31) has a first stroke (H1) of the closing unit (3) in towards the container receptacle (20), and/or the second guide section (32) provides a second stroke (H2) of the closing unit (3) towards the container receptacle (20), the first stroke (H1) preferably being greater than the second stroke (H2), with the first stroke (H1) preferably being greater than the specified first spring deflection (E1), with the first stroke (H1) preferably being equal to or greater than a sum of the specified first spring deflection (E1) and a predetermined additional spring deflection (E2) of the first spring element (31) and the second spring element (32), and/or preferably the second stroke (H2) is equal to or smaller than the predetermined first spring deflection (E1). Device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the transport unit (2) and the guide curve (4) are designed to be height-adjustable together with respect to a base frame (11) transversely to the transport direction (T) by a predetermined amount and/or the guide curve (4) is adjustable in height relative to the transport unit (2) transversely to the transport direction (T) by a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount preferably corresponding to the amount of the difference (D) between the first distance (A1) and the second distance (A2). . Device (1) according to one of Claims 2 to 9, characterized in that viewed in the transport direction (T) a pick-up point (12) at which a container (9, 9') to be closed is picked up by the container receptacle (20) is dem is upstream of the first guide section (41), and a delivery point (13), at which a closed container (9, 9') is removed from the container receptacle (20), is downstream of the second guide section (42). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first type of closure (8) is a press-on closure and/or the second type of closure (8') is a screw-on closure. Method for closing a container (9, 9') with a container closure (8, 8'), preferably for closing a beverage container (9, 9') with a container closure (8, 8') in a beverage bottling plant, comprising the transporting steps a container (9, 9') to be closed along a transport direction (T) in a transport unit (2), and applying optionally a first type of closure (8) to a container opening of a first type of container (9) and a second type of closure (8') on a container opening of a second container type (9') by means of a closing unit (3) that can be moved transversely to the transport direction (T), the position of the closing unit (3) transversely to the transport direction (T) being specified by a guide curve (4) that engages with the closing unit (3). ,
characterized in that
the guide curve (4) comprises a first guide section (41), in which the closure unit (3) for applying the first closure type (8) is guided, and a second guide section (42 ) includes, in which the closure unit (3) for the application of the second type of closure (8 ') is performed. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the transport unit (2) comprises a container receptacle (20) arranged below the closing unit (3) for receiving a container (9, 9') to be closed by the closing unit (3), preferably a container receptacle ( 20) for picking up the container (9, 9') in its neck area and/or on its bottom, with preferably a distance (A) transverse to the transport direction (T) between the guide curve (4) and the container receptacle (20) depending on the application Closure type (8, 8 ') is set, wherein for setting the distance (A) the container receptacle (20) and the guide curve (4) transverse to the transport direction (T) preferably relative to each other between a first position with a first distance (A1) relative to each other and a second position with a second distance (A2) relative to each other. Method according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the closure unit (3) comprises a first spring element (31) and a second spring element (32), with a head pressure required for applying the first closure type (8) preferably being applied via the first spring element ( 31) is applied, and/or a head pressure required for applying the second type of closure (8') is applied by the second spring element (32). Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that when the closing device (3) is lowered onto a container (9, 9') to be closed, the second spring element (32) first experiences a deflection (E), and from a predetermined first spring deflection (E1) of the second spring element (32), the first spring element (31) also experiences a spring deflection (E), and/or that the first spring element (31) is shorter than the second spring element (32) and/or that the first spring element (31) has a greater spring stiffness than the second spring element (32).

Images