GB646654A - Improvements in or relating to machines for capping bottles and like containers - Google Patents

Abstract

646,654. Capping bottles &c. CROWN CORK CO., Ltd. Sept. 26, 1947, No. 26118. [Class 125(ii)] A machine for capping bottles and like containers, in which the capping head comprises a plunger and a surrounding casing, and in which thrust, endwise of the container being capped, is applied to the casing to effect relative endwise movement of the plunger and casing after the plunger has encountered the closure on the container, which relative endwise movement causes squeezing members to apply side pressure to the container, is characterised in that a part or the whole of such endwise thrust as is applied to the container through or against the plunger is transmitted by a member which does not function to apply endwise thrust to the capping head casing in a direction to cause the latter to apply the side pressure but is capable of adjustment to control the degree of endwise thrust on the container. In one embodiment, Fig. 1, depression of lever 11 raises the container table 23 to press the container neck with closure cap thereon into engagement with a fixed plunger in a capping-head casing 39. Pressure is applied through a compression spring housed in a tube 20, the strength of the spring being adjustable by means of a screwed sleeve 31. Towards the end of the upward movement of table 23, a lost-motion connection 49, 50, 51 is taken up and a lever 33 is moved to depress the casing 39 relatively to the plunger to exert side pressure on the closure. The capping head is as described in Specification 530,899. In other embodiments, the plunger and capping head casing are both lowered onto the container but are operated independently through separate adjustable spring-loaded plungers or cams. In a further embodiment, Fig. 9, a machine member 107 moves the capping head down relative to a fixed frame member 10. As the plunger 47 engages the cap on containers 83, a light return spring 88 yields and thereafter pressure is applied through an inner cylinder 84 by springs 95, 102 which are adjustable by means of a screwed sleeve 100 and a screwed rod 103, the latter being operable from outside the top of the mechanism. Plunger 47 descends, pressing the bottle down against a resilient support, until projections 89 meet a fixed stop flange 91 on the frame 10. An outer cylinder 85 continues to descend under pressure of a spring 96 to depress casing 39 relative to plunger 47 and apply the side pressure to the closure. The capping head in this case is similar to that described in Specification 512,832. In a still further embodiment, Fig. 14, member 107 moves rod 109 down to lower the capping head. Plunger 47 engages the container cap and spring 88 yields, and thereafter the container is pressed down on an adjustably-sprung support. Sleeve 121 carrying pivoted levers 126 moves down with rod 109; when rollers 127 on levers 126 are arrested by a stop ring 119, an amplified motion is imparted to a cap member 129 which acts through telescoping cylinders 108 to impart the necessary downward movement of casing 39 relative to plunger 47. Screw plugs 114, 115 permit adjustment of the pressure control springs 110, 111 in cylinders 108.