EP4271648A1 - Dispositif et procédé de fermeture d'un contenant au moyen d'une fermeture à vis - Google Patents

Dispositif et procédé de fermeture d'un contenant au moyen d'une fermeture à vis

Info

Publication number
EP4271648A1
EP4271648A1 EP22700055.1A EP22700055A EP4271648A1 EP 4271648 A1 EP4271648 A1 EP 4271648A1 EP 22700055 A EP22700055 A EP 22700055A EP 4271648 A1 EP4271648 A1 EP 4271648A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
torque
screw cap
pulses
container
pulse
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22700055.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Markus Schoenfelder
Maximilian Landstorfer
Lutz Kampmann
Simon Gebendorfer
Daniel Ludwig
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.)
Krones AG
Original Assignee
Krones AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Krones AG filed Critical Krones AG
Publication of EP4271648A1 publication Critical patent/EP4271648A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/26—Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/20—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps
    • B67B3/2013—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps by carousel-type capping machines
    • B67B3/2033—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps by carousel-type capping machines comprising carousel co-rotating capping heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/20—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps
    • B67B3/2073—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps comprising torque limiting means
    • B67B3/2093—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps comprising torque limiting means whereby the applied torque limit is varied

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device and a method for closing a container with a screw cap, for example for closing a beverage container with a screw cap in a beverage bottling plant.
  • Mechanical systems offer no possibility of feedback or process monitoring with regard to the angle of rotation of the screw cap or with regard to the torque applied to the screw cap. In addition, mechanical systems only allow a fixed torque curve that is predetermined by their physical design.
  • devices which have an electric motor, for example a servo motor, for applying the screwing torque to the screw cap.
  • an electric motor for example a servo motor
  • the speed, direction of rotation and torque can be changed or adapted to the respective application.
  • a modification or conversion of the device can be reduced compared to mechanical systems or even omitted entirely. This leads to shorter cleaning times in aseptic applications, for example.
  • a device for closing a container with a screw cap preferably for closing a beverage container with a screw cap in a beverage bottling plant, with the features of claim 1.
  • a device for closing a container with a screw cap preferably for closing a beverage container with a screw cap in a beverage bottling plant, comprising a container holder for holding a container to be closed and a closing unit that can be displaced in an application direction relative to the container holder, wherein the closing unit has an electric motor for applying a torque about the direction of application to a screw cap received by the closing unit, and a control/regulating device for controlling/regulating the electric motor.
  • the control/regulating device is set up to control/regulate the electric motor in such a way that the screw cap can be subjected to a plurality of successive torque pulses of a predetermined level.
  • the control/regulating device is set up to control/regulate the electric motor in such a way that the screw cap can be subjected to a plurality of successive torque pulses of a predetermined level
  • an improved sealing result can be achieved compared to conventional devices.
  • the closing torque of the screw cap at the end of the capping cycle corresponds particularly precisely to a specified value.
  • the plurality of successive torque pulses of a predetermined magnitude correspond to a repeated application of a torque impact to the screw closure.
  • the effect of an "electronic ratchet" can be provided by the plurality of consecutive torque pulses.
  • the plurality of consecutive torque pulses corresponds to here the repeated retightening of the screw cap up to a specified torque or up to a torque of a specified amount in Nm.
  • this electronic ratchet can also be regarded as a kind of torque wrench.
  • the proposed device can reduce the probability of incorrect closures in comparison to conventional devices, so that the percentage of containers with incorrectly closed closures that are rejected is lower.
  • the proposed device can be used to ensure that the desired unscrewing torque for the respective container closure is achieved independently of any short-term resistance during the screwing-on process - for example due to adhesions or irregularities or tolerances in the shape and dimensioning of the thread on the container mouth or in the closure so that a product-safe closure is achieved.
  • control/regulating device is set up to provide for the application of the plurality of successive torque pulses to the screw cap when a predetermined condition of a process of screwing the screw cap onto the container is reached, and/or to provide for the device to be switched off in response to a switch-off command.
  • the predetermined condition of the screwing-on process corresponds to reaching a predetermined angle of rotation of the electric motor and/or the screw cap.
  • the specified condition of the screwing process can correspond to the achievement of a specified final torque, with the first torque pulse of the plurality of torque pulses preferably corresponding to the achievement of the final torque.
  • the control/regulating device is preferably designed to determine the angle of rotation, preferably by means of an angle of rotation sensor.
  • control/regulation device can be designed to determine the torque curve of the electric motor, preferably based on the determination of a Actual current value of the electric motor, the control/regulating device preferably being designed to control/regulate the electric motor as a function of the angle of rotation.
  • the predefined level of at least the first torque pulse corresponds to a predefined final torque of a screwing-on process.
  • the further pulses can then be applied at different and/or variable and, for example, lower torques.
  • the number of torque pulses can preferably be set, with the plurality of torque pulses preferably corresponding to at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 torque pulses.
  • a predetermined pulse duration is provided between two consecutive torque pulses, with the pulse duration preferably being the same between all of the respective consecutive torque pulses.
  • the pulse duration is preferably adjustable, with the pulse duration preferably being 10 ms to 0.1 s, particularly preferably 20 ms to 70 ms, particularly preferably 40 ms to 60 ms and very particularly preferably 50 ms.
  • each torque pulse is followed by a torque drop of a predetermined level, with the torque drop preferably corresponding to 10% to 40%, particularly preferably 20% to 35%, very particularly preferably 25% to 30% of the predetermined level of the torque pulses, or the torque drop corresponds to a complete drop to zero.
  • a surging load or a surging torque curve can be provided by the plurality of torque pulses and the torque drop provided in between.
  • the torque drop can be greater than the specified magnitude of the torque pulses.
  • each torque pulse is followed by a load change, and therefore a change to a torque that is negative in relation to the sign of the torque pulses.
  • the level of the negative torque is preferably 2% to 10% of the predetermined level of the torque pulses.
  • control/regulation device is set up in such a way that at least the torque pulses following the first torque pulse are applied suddenly and/or the control/regulation device is set up in such a way that the curve of the increase in torque increases exponentially or linearly or obeying another increasing function at least in the torque pulses following the first torque pulse before a torque pulse.
  • a method for closing a container with a screw cap preferably for closing a beverage container with a screw cap in a beverage bottling plant, comprising lowering a screw cap onto a container to be closed in an application direction, applying a torque about the application direction to the screw cap .
  • the screw cap is subjected to a plurality of successive torque pulses of a predetermined magnitude.
  • the screw cap is acted upon by the plurality of successive torque pulses when a predetermined condition of a process of screwing the screw cap onto the container is reached, and/or in response to a switch-off command.
  • the predetermined condition of the screwing-on process corresponds to reaching a predetermined angle of rotation of an electric motor and/or the screw cap.
  • the predetermined condition of the screwing process corresponds to reaching a predetermined final torque at the end of a process of screwing the screw cap onto the container, with the first torque pulse of the plurality of torque pulses preferably corresponding to reaching the final torque.
  • the angle of rotation of the screw cap or an electric motor providing the torque required for screwing on is determined, preferably by means of a angle of rotation sensor.
  • the torque curve of the electric motor can be determined, preferably based on the determination of an actual current value of the electric motor, with the electric motor preferably being controlled/regulated as a function of the angle of rotation.
  • the predetermined level of at least the first torque pulse corresponds to a predetermined final torque of a screwing process.
  • the further pulses can then be applied at different and/or variable and, for example, lower torques.
  • the number of torque pulses can also advantageously be set, with the plurality of torque pulses preferably corresponding to at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 torque pulses.
  • a predetermined pulse duration is provided between two consecutive torque pulses, with the pulse duration preferably being the same between all consecutive torque pulses, with the pulse duration preferably being adjustable, with the pulse duration preferably being 10 ms to 0.1 s, particularly preferably 20 ms to 70 ms, particularly preferably 40 ms to 60 ms and very particularly preferably 50 ms.
  • each torque pulse is followed by a torque drop of a predetermined level, with the torque drop preferably corresponding to 10% to 40%, particularly preferably 20% to 35%, very particularly preferably 25% to 30% of the predetermined level of the torque pulses, or the torque drop corresponds to a complete drop to zero.
  • the drop in torque can also be greater than 100% of the specified level of the torque pulses, so that the screw closure is subject to alternating loads.
  • At least the torque pulses following the first torque pulse are applied suddenly.
  • the course of the increase in torque increases exponentially or linearly or obeying another increasing function, at least in the case of the torque pulses following the first torque pulse before a torque pulse.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device for closing a container with a screw cap according to a preferred embodiment
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a beverage bottling plant, comprising a device according to FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a torque curve for a method for closing a container with a screw cap according to a first embodiment
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows a torque curve for a method for closing a container with a screw cap according to a further embodiment
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows a torque curve for a method for closing a container with a screw cap according to a further embodiment
  • FIG. 6 schematically shows a torque curve for a method for closing a container with a screw cap according to a further embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device 1 for closing a container 8 with a screw cap 11 according to a preferred embodiment.
  • the device comprises a container holder 3 for holding the container 8 to be closed and a closing unit 2 that can be displaced in an application direction 12 relative to the container holder 3, the closing unit 2 having an electric motor 13, presently in the form of a servo motor, for applying a torque about the application direction 12 a screw cap 11 accommodated by the capping unit 2 .
  • the screw cap 11 is accommodated in a cap receptacle 14 of the capping unit 2 which is rotatably coupled to the electric motor 13 .
  • the device 1 also includes a control/regulation device 4 for controlling/regulating the electric motor 13, which is set up to control/regulate the electric motor 13 in such a way that the screw cap 11 is subjected to a plurality of successive torque pulses of a predetermined level, as described below in Explained in more detail with regard to FIG.
  • the screw cap 11 is applied by lowering the closing unit 2 towards the container 8 until the screw cap 11 comes into contact with a thread 10 arranged on the container mouth 9 .
  • the rotary motion introduced via the electric motor 13 onto the closure receptacle 14 causes the screw closure 11 to be screwed onto the thread 10.
  • control/regulating device 4 is set up to provide for the loading of the screw cap 11 with the plurality of successive torque pulses when a predetermined condition of a screwing process of the screw cap 11 onto the container 8 is reached, which in the present case corresponds to the achievement of the Final torque corresponds to the end of the actual screwing process.
  • the screw closure 11 can be acted upon by the plurality of successive torque pulses in response to a switch-off command for switching off the device 1 .
  • the control/regulating device 4 is optionally designed to determine the angle of rotation of the electric motor 13 and/or the screw cap 11, preferably with a rotation angle sensor, not shown here. In addition, the control/regulation device 4 can determine the torque curve of the electric motor 13, in this case based on the determination of an actual current value of the electric motor 13. The control/regulation device 4 can optionally be designed to control/regulate the electric motor 13 as a function of the angle of rotation.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a beverage bottling plant 5, which includes a capper carousel 6 in a rotary design, on which a multiplicity of devices 1 according to FIG. 1 are arranged.
  • the closing carousel 6 comprises a closing area 7 in which the closing of the containers 8 by the devices 1 is provided.
  • the sealing area 7 extends in the direction of the table angle ⁇ t> of the sealing carousel, seen from a beginning TA of the sealing area 7 to an end TE of the sealing area 7.
  • FIG. 3 shows schematically a torque curve M for a method for closing a container 8 with a screw cap 11 according to a first embodiment, as is used in the device 1 according to FIG. 1 and FIG.
  • FIG. 3 shows a diagram in which the ordinate shows the torque M in Nm and the abscissa shows the time t in seconds or equivalently the table angle ⁇ t> in degrees.
  • the screwing of the screw cap 11 onto the thread 10 begins (see FIG. 1).
  • the torque M initially increases successively from the starting point in time TA until it reaches the end torque Mend provided for the closing process. Reaching the final torque Mend corresponds to the end of a conventional screwing process.
  • the screw cap 11 is now subjected to a plurality of successive torque pulses P of a predetermined magnitude Mp, with the first torque pulse P representing the achievement of the final torque Mend.
  • the torque curve M experiences a reduction in the amount of a predetermined torque drop AM via the control device 4 . This is followed by a renewed increase in torque M up to the specified level Mp, which represents the next torque pulse P.
  • the predefined level Mp of the torque M of a torque pulse P corresponds to the level of the final torque Mend.
  • the number of torque pulses P can preferably be set via the control device 4 .
  • the final torque Mend is 1.3 Nm and the torque drop AM is 30% of the specified height Mp of the torque pulses P, and consequently 30% of the final torque Mend.
  • Every two consecutive torque pulses P are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined pulse duration Tp, with the pulse duration Tp in the present case between each consecutive torque pulses P is equal. According to this embodiment, it is 50 ms.
  • the time duration of the pulse duration Tp can preferably be set via the control device 4 .
  • the torque pulses P following the first torque pulse P are applied almost suddenly.
  • the progression of the torque increase in the torque pulses P following the first torque pulse P before a torque pulse P is exponential in each case.
  • the profile can also be designed to increase linearly or be designed to obey another increasing function.
  • the unscrewing ends at the end time TE.
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows a torque curve M for a method for closing a container 8 with a screw cap 11 according to a further embodiment.
  • the method essentially corresponds to that described for FIG. 3, in which case, in contrast to the method according to FIG. 3, the torque drop AM is 100% of the specified level Mp. In other words, after each torque pulse P, the screw closure 11 is essentially completely relieved.
  • the torque drop AM can also be greater than 100% of the specified height Mp of the torque pulses P.
  • a negative torque is then applied to the screw cap 11, for example at a level of ⁇ 5% of the specified level Mp of the torque pulses P.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows a torque curve M for a method for closing a container 8 with a screw cap 11 according to a further embodiment.
  • the method essentially corresponds to that from FIG. 3, with the torque curve M being designed here in accordance with a screw cap 11 with a guarantee band (not shown).
  • the torque curve M has a local maximum MG, which represents a torque that occurs when the guarantee strip of the screw cap 11 is pushed over a ring (not shown) correspondingly provided on the container mouth 9 for fixing the anti-tamper strip occurs, as further detailed in EP 2 203 377 B1.
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic of a torque curve M for a method for closing a container 8 with a screw cap 11 according to a further embodiment, which essentially corresponds to that described for FIG the final torque Mend or the specified height Mp of the torque pulses P.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif (1) pour fermer un contenant (8) au moyen d'une fermeture à vis (11), de préférence pour fermer un contenant à boisson au moyen d'une fermeture à vis (11) dans une installation d'emballage de boisson (5), le dispositif comprenant : un support de contenant (3) destiné à maintenir un contenant (8) à fermer ; et une unité de fermeture (2) qui peut être déplacée dans une direction d'application (12) par rapport au support de contenant (3), l'unité de fermeture (2) comprenant un moteur électrique (13) pour appliquer un couple (M) dans la direction d'application (12) à une fermeture à vis (11) reçue par l'unité de fermeture (2) ; et un dispositif de commande en boucle ouverte/boucle fermée (4) pour la commande en boucle ouverte/boucle fermée du moteur électrique (13), le dispositif de commande en boucle ouverte/boucle fermée (4) étant conçu pour commander le moteur électrique (13) de telle sorte qu'une pluralité d'impulsions de couple (P) successives d'un niveau spécifié (MP) puissent être appliquées à la fermeture à vis (11). L'invention concerne également un procédé correspondant.
EP22700055.1A 2021-01-04 2022-01-04 Dispositif et procédé de fermeture d'un contenant au moyen d'une fermeture à vis Pending EP4271648A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102021100028.9A DE102021100028A1 (de) 2021-01-04 2021-01-04 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Schraubverschluss
PCT/EP2022/050057 WO2022144459A1 (fr) 2021-01-04 2022-01-04 Dispositif et procédé de fermeture d'un contenant au moyen d'une fermeture à vis

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4271648A1 true EP4271648A1 (fr) 2023-11-08

Family

ID=79288100

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22700055.1A Pending EP4271648A1 (fr) 2021-01-04 2022-01-04 Dispositif et procédé de fermeture d'un contenant au moyen d'une fermeture à vis

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4271648A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN116783138A (fr)
DE (1) DE102021100028A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2022144459A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002308380A (ja) * 2001-04-13 2002-10-23 Shibuya Kogyo Co Ltd キャッピング方法とその装置
DE10245879A1 (de) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-08 Elau Elektronik Automations Ag Vorrichtung zum Anbringen von Schraubverschlüssen
DE102007047742A1 (de) 2007-10-05 2009-04-09 Krones Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältnissen
DE102019127450A1 (de) * 2019-10-11 2021-04-15 Krones Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Verschließen eines Behälters mit einem Schraubverschluss

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102021100028A1 (de) 2022-07-07
CN116783138A (zh) 2023-09-19
WO2022144459A1 (fr) 2022-07-07

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