DE202011107657U1 - Machine for applying removable closure devices to appropriate containers - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1, 1 ', 1' ') for applying removable closure devices (2, 2') to corresponding containers (3, 3 '), said machine (1, 1', 1 '') comprising: - supporting means (4, 4 '); and - working means (5, 5 ', 5' ') carried by the support means (4, 4') and in turn provided with carousel-shaped conveying means (6, 6 '), around the containers (3, 3') a predetermined distance (P, P ') to advance successively about an axis (A) and with a plurality of application members (7, 7') which are advanced about the axis (A) and at least in a direction parallel to the axis (A) ( B, B ') can be selectively displaced to apply the respective closure devices (2, 2') to the respective containers (3, 3 '); characterized in that the support means (4, 4 ') comprise a self-supporting base housing (8), which in turn forms first interface means (9), and in that the working means comprise at least two different types of working modules (5, 5', 5 ''). ), the respective second interface means ...

Description

The present innovation relates to a machine or apparatus for applying removable closure devices such as prefabricated screw caps or crown corks on appropriate containers such as plastic, glass or aluminum bottles, the following description of which explicitly refers to it, without loosing its general character ,

As is known, many liquid or powdered products, including not only foods such as milk, fruit juices or beverages in general, but also mineral lubricating oils or detergents, are sold in bottles having different shapes, dimensions and materials of manufacture and at the end of the production cycle undergo a closing operation with corresponding machines, commonly referred to as cork or capsule machines.

In the first case, the bottles (made of glass or aluminum) are closed with crown corks which are applied with pressure; in the case of capsule machines, however, the bottles (made from plastic) are closed with prefabricated screw caps which are screwed onto the neck of the bottles.

The traditional corking and capsule machines generally consist of carousels rotatable about a vertical axis and comprising, at the edge, a plurality of seats for accommodating respective bottles and a plurality of applicators arranged and selectively activatable in vertical alignment with the respective peripheral seats to apply an associated closure device to each bottle.

The seats for accommodating the bottles and the applicators are distributed evenly around the vertical axis of the machine and are brought by the carousel to rotate about this axis. The applicators are also provided with a descending / ascending motion to carry out the operations of applying the closure devices to the respective bottles during the movement of the carousel; more specifically, in the case of crown corks, the ascending / descending movement of the applying members is a translational movement parallel to the axis of the carousel; on the other hand, in the case of prefabricated screw caps, the ascending / descending movement of the applying members is a rotational displacement, that is, a movement having a displacement component parallel to the axis of the carousel and a rotational component about its own axis.

The bottles to be closed and the closure devices are supplied to the carousel by appropriate transport members, such as star wheels and / or linear conveyors; Similarly, the sealed bottles with other transport organs are pulled out of the machine and removed, which also in this case typically consist of starwheels and / or linear conveyors.

The described machines and associated transport means are traditionally mounted and supported on a single large table which provides considerable strength to the plant thus formed, but at the same time presents problems of accessibility to the individual components thereof, thus reducing maintenance and repair costs Cleaning work very difficult.

To remedy these drawbacks, more flexible solutions have been presented in which the table has been replaced by support structures made of tubes consisting of vertical and horizontal elements which are connected and secured together and carry the transporting elements at the top, and the corking machines are self-supporting machines has become, whose support structure is attached to the support structure of the transport organs.

The described cork and capsule machines are available on the market in various designs and dimensions to best meet the different production requirements. This, especially with the implementation of the self-supporting solutions, has led to the development of a considerable number of different support structures associated with the various machine types available on the market, resulting in high inventory management costs for these dedicated support structures.

The object of the present invention is to provide a machine for applying removable closure devices on respective containers, which allows in a simple and economical manner to counteract the above-mentioned disadvantage.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by the present invention since it relates to a machine for applying detachable sealing devices to respective containers as defined in claim 1.

For a better understanding of the present invention, some preferred embodiments will now be described, given by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 in perspective view and parts removed for clarity, a first example of a machine according to the present invention for applying removable closure devices on respective containers;

2 in a perspective view and with parts removed for clarity, a second example of a machine according to the present invention for applying removable closure devices on respective containers;

3 a component of the supporting structure of the machines of 1 and 2 in a perspective view from above represents;

4 the component of 3 in perspective view from below represents;

5 in a perspective view and with the sake of clarity removed parts a working unit of the machine of 1 represents;

6 in a perspective view and with the sake of clarity removed parts a possible variant of the working unit of 5 which deals with the component of 3 and 4 such that it forms a third example of a machine for applying removable closure devices to respective containers according to the present invention;

7 in a perspective view and with the sake of clarity removed parts a working unit of the machine of 2 represents;

8th in perspective, partially shown in cross-section view and on an enlarged scale a detail of the machine of 1 represents; and

9 in perspective, partially shown in cross-section view and on an enlarged scale a detail of the machine of 2 represents;

With reference to 1 and 2 are with 1 and 1' presented two different machines in their entirety, which are made according to the information of the present innovation.

With reference to 1 is the device or machine 1 in particular, a corking machine for applying removable closure devices 2 under pressure, for example crown corks, on appropriate containers 3 For example, glass or aluminum bottles.

The machine 1 has a vertical axis A and substantially comprises a support structure 4 , which can be set up as a warehouse on the ground, and a work unit 5 standing vertically on the support structure 4 is appropriate.

The work unit 5 includes carousel-shaped conveyor 6 to the containers 3 gradually conveyed along a distance P about the axis A, and several Aufbringorgane 7 which have axes A parallel to the axis A and are also conveyed about the axis A and can be selectively moved along their axes B, around the closure devices 2 on appropriate containers 3 applied.

With reference to 2 is the machine 1' a capsule machine for applying removable closure devices 2 ' for screwing, for example prefabricated screw caps, on appropriate containers 3 ' For example, glass or plastic bottles.

Similar to the machine 1 instructs the machine 1' a vertical axis A and substantially comprises a support structure 4 ' , which can be set up as a warehouse on the ground, and a work unit 5 ' vertical to the support structure 4 ' is appropriate.

The work unit 5 ' includes carousel-shaped conveyor 6 ' to the containers 3 ' gradually conveyed along a distance P 'about the axis A, and several Aufbringorgane 7 ' the axes B 'parallel to the axis A, and are also conveyed about the axis A and can be selectively moved individually in a rotational displacement movement with respect to their axis B' to the closure devices 2 ' on appropriate containers 3 ' applied.

Advantageously, the support structures 4 . 4 ' a same base housing 8th ( 1 - 4 . 8th and 9 ), the first interface means 9 forms, and the work units 5 . 5 ' , the corresponding second interface means 10 . 10 ' which alternate with the interface means 9 of the base housing 8th can be connected to the machines 1 respectively 1' to build.

With particular reference to 1 - 4 . 8th and 9 has the base housing 8th a box-shaped configuration and comprises a flat base wall 11 , which is perpendicular to the axis A, a flat top wall 12 parallel to the base wall 11 is, and a curved Side wall 13 which the ground wall 11 and the top wall 12 at the edge connects.

The interior of the base housing 8th stands with the outside area via two through openings 14 . 15 in connection, which are coaxial to the axis A and in an intermediate position in the base wall 11 or in the upper wall 12 are created.

More specifically, include the base wall 11 and the top wall 12 each a disc-shaped body 20 with round profile with axis A and an extension 21 that is radial from the main part 20 projects.

Accordingly, the sidewall includes 13 a cylindrical body 22 with axis A, the circumferential lines of the disc-shaped main parts 20 the base wall 11 and the upper wall 12 connects, and a lateral extension 23 that protruding from the bulkhead 22 protrudes and the edges of the appendages 21 combines.

How out 3 . 4 . 8th and 9 shows, the opening points 15 the upper wall 12 a larger diameter than that of the opening 14 the base wall 11 on.

Besides, the basic wall is 11 with two further through openings 24 . 25 provided with different diameter, on opposite lateral parts of the opening 14 are arranged.

From the upper wall 12 are at right angles projecting two annular projections 26 . 27 with a cylindrical film with axis A to the outside, one of which ( 26 ) radially further out than the other ( 27 ) is arranged.

The base housing 8th is also on the outside of the main body 22 its sidewall 13 with several noses 28 equipped, which are arranged at the same distance from each other angularly about the axis A and down with corresponding support legs 29 on the ground can connect on the support structures 4 . 4 ' are set up.

The extensions 21 the base wall 11 and the upper wall 12 are with corresponding through openings 30 equipped, which are coaxial to an axis A parallel to the axis C and a cylindrical sleeve member 31 can absorb, the lower end part with another leg 29 can connect to the support on the ground and its upper end part with a vertical anti-rotation bar 32 connected with the work units 5 . 5 ' can be connected in the manner described below.

In the case presented, the interface means exist 9 from one edge 33 the opening 14 leading to the interior of the base housing 8th turned, and the annular projection 26 ,

With reference to 1 . 5 and 8th includes the work unit 5 a central tubular cylindrical shaft 34 on which the funding 6 and a group 35 for holding and moving the Aufbringorgane 7 are rotatably mounted.

As in 5 and 8th recognizable, is the shaft 34 coaxial with its lower end with an annular disc element 36 provided in the interior of the base housing 8th can attach and for example with screws 37 coaxial at the edge 33 the opening 14 can be fixed; in this way, the shaft becomes 34 coaxial with the base body 8th attached and is partially housed in the interior.

The disc element 36 therefore forms part of the interface means 10 which also has an annular plate 40 have, which rotatably on the shaft 34 attached and sliding with the annular projection 26 of the base housing 8th connected is.

In practice, the annular plate works 40 like a kind of lid, which rotates on the annular projection 26 is attached; The latter therefore performs a guiding function for the rotation.

In particular, the annular plate comprises 40 a radially inner flat part 41 which extends at right angles to the axis A, a radially outer conical part 42 with to the base housing 8th attentive taper and a circumferential annular rim 43 which is radially outward with the annular projection 26 cooperates.

As in 1 . 5 and 8th can be seen, include the funding 6 an annular, rotating organ 44 coaxially and cantilevered at the annular plate 40 attached and with several peripheral seats 45 which is angled equidistant about the axis A for holding the respective container 3 are arranged.

In particular, the rotating organ includes 44 an inner cylindrical clamp 46 with axis A, the top projecting at the part 41 the annular plate 40 is attached several spokes 47 extending radially outward from the clamp 46 projecting in uniformly distributed positions about the axis A, and an annular plate 48 attached to the free ends of the spokes 47 in parallel position to the part 41 the annular plate 40 attached and with seats 45 is provided. In practice, the seats define 45 the range P of the tanks 3 ,

The group 35 for holding and moving the Aufbringorgane 7 , which is known per se and is not described in detail, is projecting upwards from a tubular shaft 50 worn outside on the shaft 34 with respect to the latter is rotatably applied about the axis A and a base plate 51 has that up at the part 41 the annular plate 40 is attached.

How special in 8th can be seen, are the lower part of the shaft 50 and the base plate 51 both inside the clamp 46 accommodated.

With reference to 1 . 5 and 8th is the unit 5 also with a movement group 52 equipped, which is essentially an electric motor 53 and a gear transmission 54 includes the rotational movement on the annular plate 40 transferred to.

In particular, the electric motor 53 protruding at the bottom 20 the base wall 11 of the base housing 8th attached and protrudes over the opening 24 with its exit wave 55 into the interior of the base housing 8th in; more precisely, the shaft extends 55 coaxially through the corresponding opening 24 ,

The gear 54 includes a pinion 56 that on the shaft 55 attached, and a guided gear 57 which is rotatable coaxially on the shaft 34 near the disk element 36 is appropriate.

The gear 57 is also angular with the annular plate 40 via an axial succession of support rings 58 in the illustrated case three, and a rotary plate 59 connected between the upper wall 12 of the base housing 8th and two of the backup rings 58 pushed.

More specifically, the turntable has 59 a radially outer ring 60 on the top wall 12 adjacent to the edge of the opening 15 is fixed, and a radially inner ring 61 that is axially between two of the support rings 58 is stapled, one of which in the opening 15 attacks.

With reference to 2 . 7 and 9 includes the work unit 5 ' analogous to the work unit 5 a central tubular cylindrical shaft 34 ' on which the funding 6 ' and a group 35 ' for holding and moving the Aufbringorgane 7 ' are rotatably mounted.

As in 7 and 9 recognizable, is the shaft 34 ' coaxial with its lower end with an annular disc element 36 ' provided in the interior of the base housing 8th add and for example with screws 37 ' coaxial at the edge 33 the opening 14 can be fixed; in this way, the shaft becomes 34 ' coaxial with the base housing 8th attached and is partially housed in the interior.

The disc element 36 ' therefore forms part of the interface means 10 ' ,

The work unit 5 ' also includes a tubular shaft 50 ' on the outside of the shaft 34 ' the latter being rotatably mounted about the axis A and wholly with an annular plate 40 ' is provided, the radially projecting from the shaft 50 ' protrudes and sliding with the annular projection 26 of the base housing 8th connected is.

The plate 40 ' is also one of the interface means 10 ' and defined analogous to the plate 40 the work unit 5 a kind of lid rotatably mounted on the annular projection 26 is attached; also in this case exercises the annular projection 26 Guide function for rotation off.

The annular plate 40 ' is shaped flat and extends parallel to the disc element 36 '; the annular plate 40 ' is also with a circumferential annular rim 43 ' provided on the outside radially with the annular projection 26 cooperates.

With reference to 2 and 7 include the funding 6 ' an annular, rotating plate-like organ 44 ' coaxially cantilevering on the shaft 50 ' mounted at an axial distance from that of the annular plate 40 ' is predetermined, and with several peripheral seats 45 ' which is angled equidistant about the axis A for holding the respective container 3 ' are arranged. The seats 45 ' Define the range P of the tanks 3 ' ,

The group 35 ' for holding and moving the Aufbringorgane 7 ' , which is known per se and not described in detail, is projecting from the shaft 50 ' in a higher position with respect to the rotating organ 44 ' carried.

With reference to 2 . 7 and 9 is the unit 5 ' also with a movement group 52 ' equipped, which is essentially an electric motor 53 ' and a gear transmission 54 ' Includes the rotation of the shaft 50 ' transferred to.

In particular, the electric motor 53 ' protruding at the bottom 20 the base wall 11 of the base housing 8th attached and protrudes over the opening 25 with an exit shaft 55 ' into the interior of the base housing 8th in; also in this case the wave extends 55 ' coaxially through the corresponding opening 25 ,

The gear 54 ' includes a pinion 56 ' that on the shaft 55 ' attached, and a guided gear 57 ' which is rotatable coaxially on the shaft 34 ' near the disk element 36 ' attached and angular with a lower end of the shaft 50 ' connected is.

A turntable 59 ' is between the top wall 12 of the base housing 8th and the annular plate 40 ' pushed.

In 6 is in its entirety with 5 '' a possible variant of the work unit 5 shown on the base housing 8th Can be attached to a corking machine 1'' to build; the work unit 5 '' is described below only as far as they differ from the work unit 5 is different, wherein the same or equivalent parts are given with respect to those already described with the same reference numbers.

In particular, the work unit processes 5 '' same closure devices 2 and the same containers 3 by the work unit 5 be processed, and differs from the latter by the fact that they have different diameter of the distance P of the container 3 forms.

More specifically, the work unit points 5 '' a rotating organ 44 '' and a group 35 '' for holding and moving the Aufbringorgane 7 on, the smaller diameter than that of the rotating organ 44 and the group 35 the work unit 5 to have.

To the correct attachment of the work unit 5 '' on the base housing 8th to ensure the disc element 36 and the annular plate 40 otherwise, both in shape and dimensions, compared to the analogous components of the unit of work 5 unchanged.

From an examination of the features of the machines 1 . 1' and 1'' Obtained according to the present invention, the advantages that it offers, clearly outlined.

In particular, the machines are 1 . 1' and 1'' characterized by the fact that they consist of a single base housing ( 8th ) are formed, with the various work units 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' can connect, which can process the same containers and the same closure devices, but define different diameters in the distance of the container (unit 5 and 5 '' ), or even different containers and different closure devices (unit 5 and 5 ' ) can process.

In this way, it is possible to achieve a considerable reduction in the number of components for different machines, which leads to significant savings in the cost of storage of the same.

Finally, it is clear that on the machines described and illustrated here 1 . 1' . 1'' Changes and variants can be made without this leaving the scope defined by the claims.

Claims (12)

Contraption ( 1 . 1' . 1'' ) for applying removable closure devices ( 2 . 2 ' ) on appropriate containers ( 3 . 3 ' ), the machine ( 1 . 1' . 1'' ) Comprises: - proppant ( 4 . 4 ' ); and - work equipment ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ), which are supported by the 4 . 4 ' ) and in turn with carousel-shaped funds ( 6 . 6 ' ) are provided to the containers ( 3 . 3 ' ) along a predetermined distance (P, P ') about an axis (A) to advance successively, and with several Aufbringorganen ( 7 . 7 ' ) which are advanced about the axis (A) and which can be selectively displaced at least in a direction (B, B ') parallel to the axis (A) in order to move the respective closure devices ( 2 . 2 ' ) on the corresponding containers ( 3 . 3 ' ) to apply; characterized in that the support means ( 4 . 4 ' ) a self-supporting base housing ( 8th ), which in turn contains first interface means ( 9 ) and in that the work equipment comprises at least two different types of work modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ), the respective second interface means ( 10 . 10 ' ) with the first interface means ( 9 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) can be alternately connected to different machines ( 1 . 1' . 1'' ) for applying closure devices ( 2 . 2 ' ) on containers ( 3 . 3 ' ) to build. Device according to Claim 1, in which the working means comprise at least three different types of working modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ), which corresponding second interface means ( 10 . 10 ' ) alternating with the first interface means ( 9 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) can be connected to different machines ( 1 . 1' . 1'' ) for applying closure devices ( 2 . 2 ' ) on containers ( 3 . 3 ' ) to build. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein two ( 5 . 5 '' ) of the different types of working modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ) the same containers ( 3 ) and the same closure devices ( 2 ) and make different diameters of the track (P). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which two ( 5 . 5 ' ) of the different types of working modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ) different containers ( 3 . 3 ' ) and various closure devices ( 2 . 2 ' ) to process. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the different types of working modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ) a central shaft ( 34 . 34 ' ), on the corresponding funding ( 6 . 6 ' ) and corresponding Aufbringorgane ( 7 . 7 ' ) are movably mounted. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the base housing ( 8th ) is box-shaped, of several legs ( 29 ) and a base wall ( 11 ), an upper wall ( 12 ) with a through opening ( 15 ) and a side wall ( 13 ) comprising the ground and top walls ( 11 . 12 ) connects at the edge; where the first interface means ( 9 ) a part ( 33 ) of the base wall ( 11 ) and an annular projection ( 26 ) projecting outwardly from the upper wall ( 12 ) stands out; and in which the second interface means ( 10 . 10 ' ) a part of the lower end ( 36 . 36 ' ) of the shaft ( 34 . 34 ' ) extending into the base housing ( 8th ) coaxial with the opening ( 15 ) and on the part ( 33 ) of the base wall ( 11 ), and an annular plate ( 40 . 40 ' ) rotatably mounted on the shaft ( 34 . 34 ' ) is mounted and slidably with the annular projection ( 26 ) of the upper wall ( 12 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) can connect. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each of the different types of working modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ) a tubular shaft ( 50 . 50 ' ), which is externally on the shaft ( 34 . 34 ' ) and with respect to the shaft ( 34 . 34 ' ) is rotatable, which the conveying means ( 6 . 6 ' ) and the applicators ( 7 . 7 ' ) and with the annular plate ( 40 . 40 ' ) is firmly connected. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the base wall ( 12 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) an opening ( 14 ) which is coaxial with the opening ( 15 ) of the upper wall ( 12 ), and its peripheral edge ( 33 ) the part of the base wall ( 12 ), on which the part of the lower end ( 36 . 36 ' ) of the shaft ( 34 . 34 ' ) can be attached. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the opening ( 14 ) of the base wall ( 11 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) a smaller diameter than the opening ( 15 ) of the upper wall ( 12 ) having. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, in which each of the ground and top walls ( 11 . 12 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) a disk-shaped main part ( 20 ) with an associated opening ( 14 . 15 ) and a lateral extension ( 21 ) of the main body ( 20 ) and with a corresponding through opening ( 30 ) is provided; and at the side wall ( 13 ) both the main parts ( 20 ) as well as the extensions ( 21 ) of the ground and upper wall ( 11 . 12 ) at the edge connects. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the through openings ( 30 ) of the extensions ( 21 ) of the ground and upper wall ( 11 . 12 ) of an anti-rotation rod ( 32 ) that can be used with the working module ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ) which can be connected to the base housing ( 8th ) connected is. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, in which each of the different types of working modules ( 5 . 5 ' . 5 '' ) Comprises: - an electric motor ( 53 . 53 ' ) projecting downwards at the base wall ( 11 ) of the base housing ( 8th ) and an exit shaft ( 55 . 55 ' ) in an associated further through opening ( 24 . 25 ) in the base wall ( 8th ), and a gearbox ( 54 . 54 ' ) inside the base housing ( 8th ) can be accommodated to the movement of the exit shaft ( 55 . 55 ' ) of the motor ( 53 . 53 ' ) on the tubular shaft ( 50 . 50 ' ) transferred to.

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