[go: up one dir, main page]

EP2219991B1 - Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures - Google Patents

Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2219991B1
EP2219991B1 EP08854483.8A EP08854483A EP2219991B1 EP 2219991 B1 EP2219991 B1 EP 2219991B1 EP 08854483 A EP08854483 A EP 08854483A EP 2219991 B1 EP2219991 B1 EP 2219991B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
support
projections
plate
point
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP08854483.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2219991A1 (en
Inventor
Georg Zepf
Markus SCHÖNFELDER
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
Priority to SI200831011T priority Critical patent/SI2219991T1/en
Publication of EP2219991A1 publication Critical patent/EP2219991A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2219991B1 publication Critical patent/EP2219991B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • B67B3/20—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying and rotating preformed threaded caps
    • B67B3/206—Means for preventing rotation of the container or cap

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device and a method for opening or closing containers by means of screw caps.
  • a device of this kind is already out of the WO 2005/054113 A1 known.
  • the device proposed there comprises a plurality of sealing heads revolving on a closed path, each of which has a controlled gripping tongs which can be moved up and down.
  • Each of these gripper tongs is assigned in each case a control member.
  • Under each capping head a vessel holder is attached, which is arranged on a rotor and in which the container is clamped in a rotationally fixed manner. How this non - rotatable clamping is designed more accurate, is the WO 2005/054113 A1 not to be taken.
  • the EP 0989089 B1 discloses a tool for gripping a collar projecting from the neck of a plastic bottle.
  • This tool includes a main body having an inner edge that is substantially in the shape of a circular arc. The diameter of this inner edge lies between the diameter of the neck of the bottle and the diameter of the collar. Inserts are fixedly secured to the main body and carry one or more tapered projections integrally formed on the inserts. The tapered projections are intended to stab into the collar of the bottle and thus in the Interaction to form the anti-twist device for the bottle when screwing on or off the closure.
  • the invention is based on the object to provide a way for screwing screw caps on containers by the one hand when screwing the container is well secured against rotation, on the other hand, the restrictions on further transporting the containers are at least reduced.
  • a device according to claim 1 is proposed.
  • An inventive method is the subject of claim 10.
  • Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
  • Such containers may for example be bottles, in particular plastic or PET bottles.
  • these containers - and the type of containers also refers to advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention - can be, for example, bottles which have a collar in the region of their neck which protrudes from this neck.
  • a collar may be formed, for example, in the manner of a ring plate, which is formed radially inwardly of the bottle neck.
  • the device according to the invention has at least one closing head for gripping and twisting the screw cap relative to the container.
  • a closing head can for example be rotatably mounted in a horizontal bearing bridge.
  • the device has a plurality of such Verschdorfköpfe, which may be arranged distributed circumferentially, for example, along a circular path. It can be provided that each of these Verschdorfköpfe is rotatably mounted in a horizontal bearing bridge.
  • the capping head or each of the capping heads one of several, z. B. double-lever gripping arms constructed grasping forceps.
  • Such gripping arms can be arranged, for example, pivotable about a horizontal axis.
  • such gripping arms for example, below, are provided with one or more gripping jaws.
  • the closing head is driven, and in particular is driven by a motor.
  • the closing head or each closing head can be driven by means of a servomotor.
  • closure head or heads are mechanically driven by hysteresis clutches.
  • hysteresis drive or a servo drive can be provided, it being understood that other types of drive can also be provided in preferred embodiments.
  • the device according to the invention also has a supporting device for supporting the container during the twisting of the screw cap.
  • This support device forms a support area.
  • This support region is in particular such that it is designed for direct contact with the container when supporting the container, or that the container comes into contact with this support directly in contact with this support.
  • the container is provided with a collar, such as an annular disc-shaped collar which is arranged in the region of the neck of the container, and the support means for supporting the corresponding bottle or the container of this collar is formed.
  • the support means may for example comprise a second plate or be formed by such.
  • Such a second plate may for example be formed as a ring section or ring segment, wherein such a ring segment may have varying inner and outer diameter.
  • a ring segment may be formed, for example, the Grabbing collar of a bottle from below.
  • Such a ring segment may for example be provided with tabs which protrude radially inward and are intended for the engagement of a collar of the type mentioned.
  • the support device is provided with one or more spring elements.
  • the support means may comprise a second plate of the type mentioned, wherein on this second plate a resilient support, such as a support made of foam rubber or the like, is provided. It can be provided that the addressed collar of a bottle can be supported on this foam rubber pad or spring-elastic pad, so that this springs.
  • the device further comprises an anti-rotation device for the container.
  • This rotation locking device is to be prevented in particular that the container rotates during the rotation of the screw cap.
  • This anti-rotation device has at least one tapered projection.
  • This at least one tapered projection is arranged according to the invention is relatively movable relative to a supporting surface of the support area supporting the container during supporting.
  • the or the tapered projections are provided in particular for piercing into the collar of a container, wherein the container is preferably a bottle and the collar protrudes from the bottleneck.
  • the anti-rotation device has a plurality of pointed projections, which are firmly connected to each other.
  • the pointed to current Projections are fixedly arranged on a first plate.
  • the tapered projections are fixedly arranged on a support means, such as on the already mentioned second plate.
  • the surface portion of the support region which is intended to come into contact with the container or the collar for supporting, is arranged relative movable relative to the portion of the support device to which the tapered projections fixed are arranged.
  • the tapered projections on a second plate such as a second plate of the type mentioned, are fixed, or the first plate and the second plate are identical.
  • one or more spring elements are arranged on this plate, such as a resilient pad.
  • a resilient pad may for example be made of foam rubber or plastic or metal or other suitable material.
  • this pad then springs so far that the tapered projections pierce into the collar. Then, when the bottle is to be removed from the receiving device, the spring elements support the separation of tapered projections and collar.
  • a spring-elastic or resilient support can also be provided differently-type spring elements.
  • the relative mobility of the surface section of the receiving region may also be achieved via spring elements but via a relative adjustment of the substantially rigid elements relative to the pointed projections.
  • This may, for example, be such that, as already mentioned, the pointed projections are fixedly arranged on a first plate and this first plate is movable relative to a second plate on which the support region or the surface section of the support region which is responsible for Contact-stepping with the container or the collar of the container is formed, is arranged.
  • the second plate has openings or recesses through which the tapered projections can pass to stab into the collar.
  • this can be formed with recesses or openings for the passage of the tapered projections.
  • the second plate is arranged in the vertical direction above the first plate. It is preferably provided that the closing head and / or a gripping arm of the closing head and / or a gripping jaw and / or a pair of pliers is relatively movable with respect to the second plate or the support region or said surface portions of the support region, in particular relatively movable in vertical Direction, and the Relative adjustment of the or tapered projections relative to the second plate or relative to the support region on the relative displacement of the Verschicallykopfes or gripping tongs or a gripping arm of Verschdorfkopfes or a jaw against the second plate or against the said surface portion of the support area is controlled ,
  • a control device is provided for the control of the closing head or the gripping tongs or gripping jaws, which can bring about a vertical height adjustment and that depending on the height position set therewith, the tapered projections change their height position in the vertical direction. It should be noted that this applies in particular to embodiments in which a relative displacement of the tapered projections relative to the surface portion of the support region for the contact with the container or with the collar of the container is not effected via spring elements or a resilient support but by adjustment of each rigid elements relative to each other.
  • a design for driving the pointed projections is designed differently than described above, such as, for example, as a mechanical control or as an electrical control or as a pneumatic control or as a magnetic control or as a combination of the aforementioned types of control.
  • the tapered projections or their height position is controlled electromechanically or be.
  • a servomotor is provided as a drive for the screwing movement of the closing head or gripping tongs.
  • the said drive is effected by means of hysteresis clutches.
  • a method for opening or closing containers by means of screw caps according to claim 10 is also proposed. It is provided in particular that the container is moved to a support device and is supported there by means of this support means.
  • the support device may be, for example, as already described above.
  • the container may in particular have an already mentioned collar and be designed as already mentioned bottle, in particular PET bottle or glass bottle. It can therefore be provided in particular that the container is spent so that the collar of the container on the second plate, which may for example be described as elsewhere in this disclosure, supported.
  • Parallel or temporally thereafter, pointed projections of an anti-rotation device pierce a section of the container, in particular from below. This section may in particular be an already mentioned collar.
  • the screw is gripped, which can be done subsequently or before, and is bolted to the threaded neck of the container.
  • the pointed projections of the anti-rotation are removed from the portion of the container, wherein during the movement for removing the tapered projections or the support region, in particular the support surface, relative to the or the tapered projections is moved, in particular in the vertical direction.
  • pointed projections may be, for example, spikes.
  • they may be rotationally symmetric or angular in cross-section or other suitable shapes.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an exemplary device 1 according to the invention for opening or closing of containers by means of screw caps in a partial schematic view. It shows Fig. 1a a view along the line A - A from Fig. 1c , Likewise also shows Fig. 2a a view along the line A - A from Fig. 2c ,
  • This device has a in the FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c Not shown capper for gripping and twisting the screw against the container. Furthermore, the device 1 has a supporting device 10 for supporting the container during the twisting of the screw cap. In addition, the device 1 on a rotation 12 for preventing co-rotation of the container during the rotation of the screw on. The supporting device 10 forms a supporting region 14 for the contact with the container for supporting the container. Since the container is in an advantageous embodiment, a bottle, is spoken of a bottle below. This bottle has an annular flange in the region of its neck, via which the bottle is supported on the support region 10.
  • the support region 14 forms at least one surface section 16 which comes into direct contact with the annular flange or the collar of the bottle when the bottle is supported on the support region 14.
  • the anti-rotation device 12 has a plurality of pointed projections 18. These pointed projections are in particular spikes.
  • the tapered Protrusions 18 are here formed to be shaped like a pyramid formed by four triangular sides. For example, four or three or even more than four such pointed projections 18 may be provided, which are in particular positioned in a horizontal plane.
  • the tapered projections 18 are relatively movably disposed opposite the surface portion 16 of the support portion 14.
  • the support 10 has a second plate 20 on which the surface portion 16 is formed.
  • This second plate 20 is fixed and in particular not height adjustable.
  • the second plate 20 serves as a support for the bottle or its collar. It can be designed, for example, in the manner of a holding star.
  • a first plate 22 is provided. This first plate 22 is arranged vertically below the second plate 20 and adjustable relative to the second plate 20, in particular in the vertical direction. At the first plate 22, the already mentioned tapered projections or spikes 18 are formed. These protrude vertically upward from the first plate 22.
  • the first plate 22 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 28.
  • the second plate 20 is provided with recesses 24 through which the tapered projections or spikes 18 protrude can stab into the collar of a bottle.
  • This design allows the collar of the bottle to be supported on the second plate 20, at the same time piercing the tapered projections 18 in this collar and thus securing the bottle against rotation.
  • the first plate 22 can be moved away with the tapered projections 18 down relative to the second plate 20. The collar and thus the bottle is thereby prevented by the second plate 20 from being moved with the spikes 18, so that these latter detach from or from the collar.
  • a device 26 may be provided, which causes the lifting elements for the movement of the closing element or the screw cap is coupled to the lifting movement of the spikes 18. But it can also be provided that a foreign control via separate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, magnetic elements or the like for the spikes 18 takes place.
  • the plate 22 with the spikes 18 is movable.
  • the design according to the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c differs from the design according to the Figures 1a, 1b and 1c in particular in that there the tapered projections or splines 18 are not activated or moved or need not be activated or moved in order to allow them to be inserted into the collar of a positioning or positioned bottle on the support device 10.
  • a substantially rigid holding member 30 for supporting the bottle to which are the sharp-to-run projections 18 are fixed.
  • this holding part 30, which is designed here as a plate is a (spring) elastic support 32, such as foam rubber pad on which the surface portion 16 of the support portion 14 is formed.
  • the resilient support springs in and the pointed recesses 18 positioned in their openings or recesses 34 emerge and pierce the collar of the bottle.
  • the force of the relaxing spring (pad) helps release the tapered projections 18 from the collar.
  • the tapered protrusions may be referred to as controlled splines, and in the design according to FIGS Fig. 2a to 2c
  • the tapered projections may also be referred to as hidden splines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Jars (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Devices For Opening Bottles Or Cans (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung sowie ein Verfahren zum Öffnen oder Verschließen von Behältnissen mittels Schraubverschlüssen.The invention relates to a device and a method for opening or closing containers by means of screw caps.

Eine Vorrichtung dieser Art ist bereits aus der WO 2005 /054113 A1 bekannt. Die dort vorgeschlagene Vorrichtung weist mehrere auf einer geschlossenen Bahn umlaufende Verschließköpfe auf, von denen jeder eine gesteuerte auf- und zubewegbare Greifzange aufweist. Jeder dieser Greifzangen ist jeweils ein Steuerorgan zugeordnet. Unter jedem Verschließkopf ist ein Gefäßhalter befestigt, der an einem Rotor angeordnet ist und in dem das Behältnis drehfest eingespannt ist. Wie diese drehfeste Einspannung genauer gestaltet ist, ist der WO 2005 / 054113 A1 nicht zu entnehmen.A device of this kind is already out of the WO 2005/054113 A1 known. The device proposed there comprises a plurality of sealing heads revolving on a closed path, each of which has a controlled gripping tongs which can be moved up and down. Each of these gripper tongs is assigned in each case a control member. Under each capping head, a vessel holder is attached, which is arranged on a rotor and in which the container is clamped in a rotationally fixed manner. How this non - rotatable clamping is designed more accurate, is the WO 2005/054113 A1 not to be taken.

Die EP 0989089 B1 offenbart ein Werkzeug zum Greifen eines Kragens, der von dem Hals einer Plastikflasche vorsteht. Dieses Werkzeug enthält einen Hauptkörper mit einer Innenkante, die im Wesentlichen die Form eines Kreisbogens aufweist. Der Durchmesser dieser Innenkante liegt dabei zwischen dem Durchmesser des Halses der Flasche und dem Durchmesser des Kragens. An dem Hauptkörper sind Einsätze fest angeordnet, die einen oder mehrere spitz zulaufende Vorsprünge tragen, die einstückig an den Einsätzen ausgebildet sind. Die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge sind dazu bestimmt, in den Kragen der Flasche einzustechen und somit im Zusammenwirken die Verdrehsicherung für die Flasche beim Auf-oder Abschrauben des Verschlusses zu bilden..The EP 0989089 B1 discloses a tool for gripping a collar projecting from the neck of a plastic bottle. This tool includes a main body having an inner edge that is substantially in the shape of a circular arc. The diameter of this inner edge lies between the diameter of the neck of the bottle and the diameter of the collar. Inserts are fixedly secured to the main body and carry one or more tapered projections integrally formed on the inserts. The tapered projections are intended to stab into the collar of the bottle and thus in the Interaction to form the anti-twist device for the bottle when screwing on or off the closure.

Eine derartige Verdrehsicherung mit spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen, die zum Einstechen in den Kragen der Flasche bestimmt sind, um die Flaschen beim Verschrauben des Verschlusses relativ gegen Verdrehen zu sichern eignet sich gut, um beim Verschrauben des Verschlusses ein Mitdrehen der Flasche zu verhindern. Nachteilig an der vorerwähnten Gestaltung gemäß der EP 0989089 B1 ist allerdings, dass der Weitertransport der Flaschen nach dem Verschrauben durch die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge der aus der EP 0989089 B1 bekannten Art, häufig behindert wird. So kann es beispielsweise auftreten, dass die Flaschen, wenn sie aus der Halterung mit den spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen entnommen werden sollen, an diesen hängen bleiben, weil sich die Vorsprünge entsprechend fest in den Kragen eingestochen haben. Die WO2004/007291 A1 offenbart eine Vorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.Such anti-rotation with tapered projections, which are intended for insertion into the collar of the bottle to secure the bottles during screwing of the closure against rotation is well suited to prevent screwing the closure co-rotation of the bottle. A disadvantage of the aforementioned design according to the EP 0989089 B1 is, however, that the further transport of the bottles after screwing through the tapered projections of the EP 0989089 B1 known type, often obstructed. Thus, it may happen, for example, that the bottles, if they are to be removed from the holder with the tapered projections, remain hanging on these, because the projections have accordingly stuck firmly into the collar. The WO2004 / 007291 A1 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Der Erfindung liegt nun die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Möglichkeit für das Verschrauben von Schraubverschlüssen auf Behältnissen zu schaffen, durch die einerseits beim Verschrauben das Behältnis gut gegen Verdrehen gesichert ist, andererseits aber die Einschränkungen zum Weitertransportieren der Behältnisse zumindest vermindert sind.The invention is based on the object to provide a way for screwing screw caps on containers by the one hand when screwing the container is well secured against rotation, on the other hand, the restrictions on further transporting the containers are at least reduced.

Erfindungsgemäß wird eine Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 1 vorgeschlagen. Ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren ist Gegenstand des Anspruchs 10. Bevorzugte Gestaltungen sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.According to the invention, a device according to claim 1 is proposed. An inventive method is the subject of claim 10. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Es wird also insbesondere eine Vorrichtung zum Öffnen und/oder Verschließen von Behältnissen mittels Schraubverschlüssen vorgeschlagen. Derartige Behältnisse können beispielsweise Flaschen, insbesondere Kunststoff- bzw. PET-Flaschen, sein. Diese Behältnisse - und die Art der Behältnisse bezieht sich im Übrigen auch auf vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens - können beispielsweise Flaschen sein, die im Bereich ihres Flaschenhalses einen Kragen haben, der von diesem Hals abragt. Ein solcher Kragen kann beispielsweise nach Art einer Ringplatte ausgebildet sein, der radial innen an den Flaschenhals angeformt ist.It is therefore proposed in particular a device for opening and / or closing of containers by means of screw caps. Such containers may for example be bottles, in particular plastic or PET bottles. Incidentally, these containers - and the type of containers also refers to advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention - can be, for example, bottles which have a collar in the region of their neck which protrudes from this neck. Such a collar may be formed, for example, in the manner of a ring plate, which is formed radially inwardly of the bottle neck.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung weist wenigstens einen Verschließkopf für das Greifen und Verdrehen des Schraubverschlusses gegenüber dem Behältnis auf. Ein solcher Verschließkopf kann beispielsweise drehbar in einer horizontalen Lagerbrücke gelagert sein. Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Vorrichtung eine Vielzahl derartiger Verschließköpfe aufweist, die beispielsweise entlang einer Kreisbahn umfangsmäßig verteilt angeordnet sein können. Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass jeder dieser Verschließköpfe drehbar in einer horizontalen Lagerbrücke gelagert ist.The device according to the invention has at least one closing head for gripping and twisting the screw cap relative to the container. Such a closing head can for example be rotatably mounted in a horizontal bearing bridge. It may be provided that the device has a plurality of such Verschließköpfe, which may be arranged distributed circumferentially, for example, along a circular path. It can be provided that each of these Verschließköpfe is rotatably mounted in a horizontal bearing bridge.

Weiter kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Verschließkopf oder jeder der Verschließköpfe eine aus mehreren, z. B. doppelhebelartigen Greifarmen aufgebaute Greifzange umfasst. Solche Greifarme können beispielsweise um eine horizontale Achse schwenkbar angeordnet sein. Weiter kann vorgesehen sein, dass solche Greifarme, beispielsweise unten, mit einer oder mehreren Greifbacken versehen sind. Überdies kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Verschließkopf angetrieben ist, und zwar insbesondere motorisch angetrieben ist. Beispielsweise kann der Verschließkopf bzw. jeder Verschließkopf mittels eines Servomotors angetrieben sein.Further, it can be provided that the capping head or each of the capping heads one of several, z. B. double-lever gripping arms constructed grasping forceps. Such gripping arms can be arranged, for example, pivotable about a horizontal axis. It can further be provided that such gripping arms, for example, below, are provided with one or more gripping jaws. Moreover, it can be provided that the closing head is driven, and in particular is driven by a motor. For example For example, the closing head or each closing head can be driven by means of a servomotor.

Alternativ kann beispielsweise auch vorgesehen sein, dass der bzw. die Verschließköpfe mechanisch durch Hysteresekupplungen angetrieben werden. Es kann also insbesondere wahlweise ein Hystereseantrieb oder ein Servoantrieb vorgesehen sein, wobei selbstverständlich auch weitere Antriebsarten bei bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen gegeben sein können.Alternatively, it can also be provided, for example, that the closure head or heads are mechanically driven by hysteresis clutches. Thus, in particular optionally a hysteresis drive or a servo drive can be provided, it being understood that other types of drive can also be provided in preferred embodiments.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung weist ferner eine Abstützeinrichtung zum Abstützen des Behältnisses während des Verdrehens des Schraubverschlusses auf. Diese Abstützeinrichtung bildet einen Abstützbereich aus. Dieser Abstützbereich ist insbesondere so, dass er für das direkte in-Kontakt-Treten mit dem Behältnis beim Abstützen des Behältnisses ausgebildet ist, bzw. dass das Behältnis bei diesem Abstützen direkt mit diesem Abstützbereich in Kontakt tritt. Das kann beispielsweise so sein, dass das Behältnis mit einem Kragen, wie einem ringscheibenförmiger Kragen, der im Bereich des Halses des Behältnisses angeordnet ist, versehen ist und die Abstützeinrichtung für das Abstützen der entsprechenden Flasche bzw. des Behältnisses dieses Kragens ausgebildet ist. So kann die Abstützeinrichtung beispielsweise eine zweite Platte aufweisen oder von einer solchen gebildet werden.The device according to the invention also has a supporting device for supporting the container during the twisting of the screw cap. This support device forms a support area. This support region is in particular such that it is designed for direct contact with the container when supporting the container, or that the container comes into contact with this support directly in contact with this support. This can for example be such that the container is provided with a collar, such as an annular disc-shaped collar which is arranged in the region of the neck of the container, and the support means for supporting the corresponding bottle or the container of this collar is formed. Thus, the support means may for example comprise a second plate or be formed by such.

Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Abstützbereich an dieser zweiten Platte ausgebildet ist. Eine solche zweite Platte kann beispielsweise als Ringabschnitt bzw. Ringsegment ausgebildet sein, wobei ein solches Ringsegment variierende Innen- und Außendurchmesser aufweisen kann. Ein solches Ringsegment kann beispielsweise dafür ausgebildet sein, den Kragen einer Flasche von unten stützend zu greifen. Ein solches Ringsegment kann beispielsweise mit Laschen versehen sein, die nach radial innen vorstehen und für das Untergreifen eines Kragens der erwähnten Art bestimmt sind.It can be provided that the support area is formed on this second plate. Such a second plate may for example be formed as a ring section or ring segment, wherein such a ring segment may have varying inner and outer diameter. Such a ring segment may be formed, for example, the Grabbing collar of a bottle from below. Such a ring segment may for example be provided with tabs which protrude radially inward and are intended for the engagement of a collar of the type mentioned.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Abstützeinrichtung mit einem oder mehreren Federelementen versehen ist. Beispielsweise kann die Abstützeinrichtung eine zweite Platte der genannten Art aufweisen, wobei auf dieser zweiten Platte eine federelastische Auflage, wie beispielsweise eine Auflage aus Schaumgummi oder dergleichen, vorgesehen ist. Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass der angesprochene Kragen einer Flasche sich auf dieser Schaumgummiauflage bzw. federelastischen Auflage abstützen kann, so dass diese einfedert.It can be provided that the support device is provided with one or more spring elements. For example, the support means may comprise a second plate of the type mentioned, wherein on this second plate a resilient support, such as a support made of foam rubber or the like, is provided. It can be provided that the addressed collar of a bottle can be supported on this foam rubber pad or spring-elastic pad, so that this springs.

Die Vorrichtung weist ferner eine Verdrehsicherungseinrichtung für das Behältnis auf. Mittels dieser Drehsicherungseinrichtung soll insbesondere verhindert werden, dass das Behältnis während des Verdrehens des Schraubverschlusses mitdreht. Diese Drehsicherungseinrichtung weist wenigstens einen spitz zulaufenden Vorsprung auf. Dieser wenigstens eine spitz zulaufende Vorsprung ist gemäß der Erfindung relativbeweglich gegenüber einem das Behältnis beim Abstützen unterstützend kontaktierenden Oberflächenabschnitt des Abstützbereiches angeordnet. Der bzw. die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge sind dabei insbesondere zum Einstechen in den Kragen eines Behältnisses vorgesehen, wobei das Behältnis vorzugsweise eine Flasche ist und der Kragen vom Flaschenhals abragt.The device further comprises an anti-rotation device for the container. By means of this rotation locking device is to be prevented in particular that the container rotates during the rotation of the screw cap. This anti-rotation device has at least one tapered projection. This at least one tapered projection is arranged according to the invention is relatively movable relative to a supporting surface of the support area supporting the container during supporting. The or the tapered projections are provided in particular for piercing into the collar of a container, wherein the container is preferably a bottle and the collar protrudes from the bottleneck.

Bei vorteilhaften Ausgestaltungen weist die Verdrehsicherungseinrichtung mehrere spitz zulaufende Vorsprünge auf, die fest miteinander verbunden sind. Dies kann beispielsweise so sein, dass die spitz zu laufenden Vorsprünge fest an einer ersten Platte angeordnet sind. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge fest an einer Abstützeinrichtung angeordnet sind, wie beispielsweise an der bereits erwähnten zweiten Platte. Bei einer derartigen Gestaltung ist dabei insbesondere vorgesehen, dass der Oberflächenabschnitt des Abstützbereiches, der dafür bestimmt ist, mit dem Behältnis bzw. dem Kragen zum Abstützen in Kontakt zu treten, relativbeweglich gegenüber dem Abschnitt der Abstützeinrichtung angeordnet ist, an welchem die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge fest angeordnet sind. Dies kann beispielsweise so sein, dass die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge an einer zweiten Platte, wie beispielsweise einer zweiten Platte der erwähnten Art, fest angeordnet sind, bzw. die erste Platte und die zweite Platte identisch sind.In advantageous embodiments, the anti-rotation device has a plurality of pointed projections, which are firmly connected to each other. This can be, for example, that the pointed to current Projections are fixedly arranged on a first plate. But it can also be provided that the tapered projections are fixedly arranged on a support means, such as on the already mentioned second plate. In such a design, it is provided in particular that the surface portion of the support region, which is intended to come into contact with the container or the collar for supporting, is arranged relative movable relative to the portion of the support device to which the tapered projections fixed are arranged. This may for example be such that the tapered projections on a second plate, such as a second plate of the type mentioned, are fixed, or the first plate and the second plate are identical.

Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass auf dieser Platte ein oder mehrere Federelemente angeordnet sind, wie beispielsweise eine federelastische Auflage. Eine derartige federelastische Auflage kann beispielsweise aus Schaumgummi sein oder aus Kunststoff oder Metall oder einem anderen geeigneten Werkstoff. Dabei ist insbesondere vorgesehen, dass bei der Aufnahme der Flasche bzw. des Behältnisses, diese bzw. dieses auf den federelastischen Elementen bzw. der federnden Auflage abgelegt wird, und zwar insbesondere im Bereich ihres Kragens. Dabei federt dann diese Auflage ein und zwar so weit, dass die zulaufenden Vorsprünge in den Kragen einstechen. Wenn dann die Flasche von der Aufnahmeeinrichtung entfernt werden soll, unterstützen die Federelemente die Trennung von spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen und Kragen. Astelle einer federnden bzw. federelastischen Auflage können auch andersgeartete Federelemente vorgesehen sein. Alternativ zu der beispielhaft vorbeschriebenen Ausführungsvariante kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Relativbeweglichkeit des Oberflächenabschnitts des Aufnahmebereichs gegenüber den spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen nicht über Federelemente, sondern über eine Relativverstellung von den im Wesentlichen jeweils starren Elementen erreicht wird. Dies kann beispielsweise so sein, dass die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge - wie bereits erwähnt - fest an einer ersten Platte angeordnet sind und diese erste Platte relativbeweglich gegenüber einer zweiten Platte ist, an welcher der Abstützbereich bzw. der Oberflächenabschnitt des Abstützbereichs, der für das in-Kontakt-Treten mit dem Behältnis bzw. dem Kragen des Behältnisses ausgebildet ist, angeordnet ist.It can be provided that one or more spring elements are arranged on this plate, such as a resilient pad. Such a resilient pad may for example be made of foam rubber or plastic or metal or other suitable material. In this case, it is provided in particular that when receiving the bottle or the container, this or this is stored on the elastic elements or the resilient support, in particular in the region of its collar. In this case, this pad then springs so far that the tapered projections pierce into the collar. Then, when the bottle is to be removed from the receiving device, the spring elements support the separation of tapered projections and collar. A spring-elastic or resilient support can also be provided differently-type spring elements. As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment described above, however, provision may also be made for the relative mobility of the surface section of the receiving region not to be achieved via spring elements but via a relative adjustment of the substantially rigid elements relative to the pointed projections. This may, for example, be such that, as already mentioned, the pointed projections are fixedly arranged on a first plate and this first plate is movable relative to a second plate on which the support region or the surface section of the support region which is responsible for Contact-stepping with the container or the collar of the container is formed, is arranged.

Dabei kann insbesondere vorgesehen sein, dass die zweite Platte Durchbrüche oder Aussparungen aufweist, durch welche die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge durchtreten können, um in den Kragen einzustechen. Bei der beispielhaften Ausführungsform mit einer federelastischen Auflage kann diese mit Aussparungen oder Durchbrüchen für das Durchtreten der spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge ausgebildet sein.It can be provided in particular that the second plate has openings or recesses through which the tapered projections can pass to stab into the collar. In the exemplary embodiment with a resilient support this can be formed with recesses or openings for the passage of the tapered projections.

In vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung ist dabei bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung vorgesehen, dass die zweite Platte in vertikaler Richtung oberhalb der ersten Platte angeordnet ist. Vorzugsweise ist vorgesehen, dass der Verschließkopf und/oder ein Greifarm des Verschließkopfes und / oder eine Greifbacke und/oder eine Zange des Verschließkopfes relativbeweglich gegenüber der zweiten Platte bzw. dem Abstützbereich bzw. dem genannten Oberflächenabschnitte des Abstützbereiches ist, und zwar insbesondere relativbeweglich in vertikaler Richtung, und die Relativverstellung des bzw. der spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge gegenüber der zweiten Platte bzw. gegenüber dem Abstützbereich über die Relativverstellung des Verschließkopfes bzw. der Greifzange bzw. eines Greifarms des Verschließkopfes bzw. einer Greifbacke gegenüber der zweiten Platte bzw. gegenüber dem genannten Oberflächenabschnitts des Abstützbereiches gesteuert ist.In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided in the device according to the invention that the second plate is arranged in the vertical direction above the first plate. It is preferably provided that the closing head and / or a gripping arm of the closing head and / or a gripping jaw and / or a pair of pliers is relatively movable with respect to the second plate or the support region or said surface portions of the support region, in particular relatively movable in vertical Direction, and the Relative adjustment of the or tapered projections relative to the second plate or relative to the support region on the relative displacement of the Verschließkopfes or gripping tongs or a gripping arm of Verschließkopfes or a jaw against the second plate or against the said surface portion of the support area is controlled ,

Dies kann beispielsweise so sein, dass eine Ansteuerungseinrichtung für die Ansteuerung des Verschließkopfes bzw. der Greifzange bzw. der Greifbacken vorgesehen ist, welche eine vertikale Höhenverstellung bewirken kann und dass in Abhängigkeit der damit eingestellten Höhenposition die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge in vertikaler Richtung ihre Höhenstellung verändern. Anzumerken ist, dass dies insbesondere für Ausführungsvarianten gilt, bei denen eine Relativverstellung der spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge gegenüber dem Oberflächenabschnitt des Abstützbereichs für das in-Kontakt-Treten mit dem Behältnis bzw. mit dem Kragen des Behältnisses nicht über Federelemente bzw. eine federelastische Auflage bewirkt wird, sondern durch Verstellung von jeweils starren Elementen relativ zueinander.This can be, for example, such that a control device is provided for the control of the closing head or the gripping tongs or gripping jaws, which can bring about a vertical height adjustment and that depending on the height position set therewith, the tapered projections change their height position in the vertical direction. It should be noted that this applies in particular to embodiments in which a relative displacement of the tapered projections relative to the surface portion of the support region for the contact with the container or with the collar of the container is not effected via spring elements or a resilient support but by adjustment of each rigid elements relative to each other.

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass eine Gestaltung für das Ansteuern der spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge anders als vorbeschrieben ausgebildet ist, wie beispielsweise als mechanische Ansteuerung oder als elektrische Ansteuerung oder als pneumatische Ansteuerung oder als magnetische Ansteuerung oder als eine Kombination der vorgenannten Ansteuerungsarten. Beispielsweise kann auch vorgesehen sein, dass die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge bzw. deren Höhenstellung elektromechanisch angesteuert wird bzw. werden.It may also be provided that a design for driving the pointed projections is designed differently than described above, such as, for example, as a mechanical control or as an electrical control or as a pneumatic control or as a magnetic control or as a combination of the aforementioned types of control. For example, it can also be provided that the tapered projections or their height position is controlled electromechanically or be.

Gemäß einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist als Antrieb für die Schraubbewegung des Verschließkopfes bzw. der Greifzangen ein Servomotor vorgesehen. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass der genannte Antrieb mittels Hysteresekupplungen erfolgt.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, a servomotor is provided as a drive for the screwing movement of the closing head or gripping tongs. However, it can also be provided that the said drive is effected by means of hysteresis clutches.

Beim Verschließen des Schraubverschlusses auf dem Behältnis wird vorzugsweise ein konstantes Drehmoment erzeugt, das auf die Verschlusskappe wirkt.When closing the screw cap on the container, a constant torque is preferably generated, which acts on the cap.

Es wird ferner ein Verfahren zum Öffnen oder Verschließen von Behältnissen mittels Schraubverschlüssen gemäß Anspruch 10 vorgeschlagen. Dabei ist insbesondere vorgesehen, dass das Behältnis zu einer Abstützeinrichtung verbracht wird und dort mittels dieser Abstützeinrichtung abgestützt wird. Die Abstützeinrichtung kann beispielsweise derart sein, wie es bereits oben beschrieben ist. Das Behältnis kann dabei insbesondere einen bereits erwähnten Kragen aufweisen und als bereits erwähnte Flasche, insbesondere PET-Flasche oder Glasflasche, gestaltet sein. Dabei kann also insbesondere vorgesehen sein, dass das Behältnis so verbracht wird, dass sich der Kragen des Behältnisses auf der zweiten Platte, die beispielsweise wie an anderer Stelle dieser Offenbarung beschrieben sein kann, abstützt. Parallel oder zeitlich danach stechen spitz zulaufende Vorsprünge einer Verdrehsicherung in einen Abschnitt des Behältnisses - insbesondere von unten - ein. Dieser Abschnitt kann insbesondere ein bereits erwähnter Kragen sein. Während der Einstichbewegung wird der Abstützbereich bzw. die Abstützfläche relativ gegenüber dem bzw. den spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen bewegt.A method for opening or closing containers by means of screw caps according to claim 10 is also proposed. It is provided in particular that the container is moved to a support device and is supported there by means of this support means. The support device may be, for example, as already described above. The container may in particular have an already mentioned collar and be designed as already mentioned bottle, in particular PET bottle or glass bottle. It can therefore be provided in particular that the container is spent so that the collar of the container on the second plate, which may for example be described as elsewhere in this disclosure, supported. Parallel or temporally thereafter, pointed projections of an anti-rotation device pierce a section of the container, in particular from below. This section may in particular be an already mentioned collar. During the puncture movement of the support area or the Supporting surface relative to the or the tapered projections moves.

Der Schraubverschluss wird gegriffen, was anschließend oder bereits vorher erfolgen kann, und wird auf dem Gewindehals des Behältnisses verschraubt.The screw is gripped, which can be done subsequently or before, and is bolted to the threaded neck of the container.

Anschließend werden die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge der Verdrehsicherung von dem Abschnitts des Behälter entfernt, wobei während der Bewegung zum Entfernen des bzw. der spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge der Abstützbereich, insbesondere die Abstützfläche, relativ gegenüber dem bzw. den spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen bewegt wird, und zwar insbesondere in vertikaler Richtung.Subsequently, the pointed projections of the anti-rotation are removed from the portion of the container, wherein during the movement for removing the tapered projections or the support region, in particular the support surface, relative to the or the tapered projections is moved, in particular in the vertical direction.

Anzumerken ist, dass die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge beispielsweise Spikes sein können. Sie können beispielsweise rotationssymmetrisch sein oder im Querschnitt eckig oder andere geeignete Formen haben.It should be noted that the pointed projections may be, for example, spikes. For example, they may be rotationally symmetric or angular in cross-section or other suitable shapes.

Im Folgenden sollen Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der beigefügten Figuren näher erläutert werden, ohne dass hierdurch die Ausführungsbeispiele beschränkt sein sollen. Dabei zeigt:

Fig. 1a, 1b, 1c
verschiedene Ansichten einer ersten, beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform; und
Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c
verschiedene Ansichten einer zweiten, beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform.
In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures, without thereby limiting the embodiments. Showing:
Fig. 1a, 1b, 1c
various views of a first, exemplary embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c
different views of a second, exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt eine erste, beispielhafte Ausführungsform einer beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung 1 zum Öffnen oder Verschließen von Behältnissen mittels Schraubverschlüssen in teilweiser schematischer Ansicht. Dabei zeigt Fig. 1a eine Sicht entlang der Linie A - A aus Fig. 1c. Ebenso zeigt auch Fig. 2a eine Sicht entlang der Linie A - A aus Fig. 2c . FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an exemplary device 1 according to the invention for opening or closing of containers by means of screw caps in a partial schematic view. It shows Fig. 1a a view along the line A - A from Fig. 1c , Likewise also shows Fig. 2a a view along the line A - A from Fig. 2c ,

Diese Vorrichtung weist einen in den Figuren 1a, 1b, 1c nicht dargestellten Verschließkopf für das Greifen und Verdrehen des Schraubverschlusses gegenüber dem Behältnis auf. Ferner weist die Vorrichtung 1 eine Abstützeinrichtung 10 zum Abstützen des Behältnisses während des Verdrehens des Schraubverschlusses auf. Darüber hinaus weist die Vorrichtung 1 eine Verdrehsicherung 12 zum Verhindern eines Mitdrehens des Behältnisses während des Verdrehens des Schraubverschlusses auf. Die Abstützeinrichtung 10 bildet einen Abstützbereich 14 für das in-Kontakt-Treten mit dem Behältnis zum Abstützen des Behältnisses aus. Da das Behältnis in vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung eine Flasche ist, wird im Folgenden von einer Flasche gesprochen. Diese Flasche weist im Bereich ihres Flaschenhalses einen Ringflansch auf, über welchen sich die Flasche auf dem Abstützbereich 10 abstützt.This device has a in the FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c Not shown capper for gripping and twisting the screw against the container. Furthermore, the device 1 has a supporting device 10 for supporting the container during the twisting of the screw cap. In addition, the device 1 on a rotation 12 for preventing co-rotation of the container during the rotation of the screw on. The supporting device 10 forms a supporting region 14 for the contact with the container for supporting the container. Since the container is in an advantageous embodiment, a bottle, is spoken of a bottle below. This bottle has an annular flange in the region of its neck, via which the bottle is supported on the support region 10.

Der Abstützbereich 14 bildet zumindest einen Oberflächenabschnitt 16 aus, der unmittelbar mit Ringflansch bzw. dem Kragen der Flasche in Kontakt tritt, wenn die Flasche sich auf den Abstützbereich 14 abstützt.The support region 14 forms at least one surface section 16 which comes into direct contact with the annular flange or the collar of the bottle when the bottle is supported on the support region 14.

Die Verdrehsicherungseinrichtung 12 weist mehrere spitz zulaufende Vorsprünge 18 auf. Diese spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge sind insbesondere Spikes. Die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge 18 sind hier so ausgebildet, dass sie nach Art einer Pyramide gestaltet sind, die von vier dreieckigen Seiten gebildet wird. Es können beispielsweise vier oder drei oder auch mehr als vier solcher spitz zulaufender Vorsprünge 18 vorgesehen sein, die insbesondere in einer horizontalen Ebene positioniert sind.The anti-rotation device 12 has a plurality of pointed projections 18. These pointed projections are in particular spikes. The tapered Protrusions 18 are here formed to be shaped like a pyramid formed by four triangular sides. For example, four or three or even more than four such pointed projections 18 may be provided, which are in particular positioned in a horizontal plane.

Die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge 18 sind relativbeweglich gegenüber dem Oberflächenabschnitt 16 des Abstützbereiches 14 angeordnet. Die vorstehende Figurenbeschreibung zum Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß den Figuren 1a, 1b sowie 1c trifft in vorteilhafter Weise auch auf die Gestaltung den Figuren 2a, 2b und 2c zu.The tapered projections 18 are relatively movably disposed opposite the surface portion 16 of the support portion 14. The above description of the figures for the embodiment according to the FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c also advantageously applies to the design of the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c to.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß den Figuren 1a, 1b und 1c weist die Abstützeinrichtung 10 eine zweite Platte 20 auf, an welcher der Oberflächenabschnitt 16 ausgebildet wird. Diese zweite Platte 20 ist fest angeordnet und insbesondere nicht höhenverstellbar. Die zweite Platte 20 dient als Auflage für die Flasche bzw. deren Kragen. Sie kann beispielsweise nach Art eines Haltesterns ausgebildet sein. Ferner ist bei der Gestaltung gemäß den Figuren 1a, 1b sowie 1c eine erste Platte 22 vorgesehen. Diese erste Platte 22 ist vertikal unterhalb der zweiten Platte 20 angeordnet und relativ zur zweiten Platte 20 verstellbar, und zwar insbesondere in vertikaler Richtung. An der ersten Platte 22 werden die bereits angesprochenen spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge bzw. Spikes 18 ausgebildet. Diese ragen vertikal nach oben von der ersten Platte 22 ab. Die erste Platte 22 ist an einer Welle 28 schwenkbar gelagert.In the embodiment according to the Figures 1a, 1b and 1c For example, the support 10 has a second plate 20 on which the surface portion 16 is formed. This second plate 20 is fixed and in particular not height adjustable. The second plate 20 serves as a support for the bottle or its collar. It can be designed, for example, in the manner of a holding star. Further, in the design according to the FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c, a first plate 22 is provided. This first plate 22 is arranged vertically below the second plate 20 and adjustable relative to the second plate 20, in particular in the vertical direction. At the first plate 22, the already mentioned tapered projections or spikes 18 are formed. These protrude vertically upward from the first plate 22. The first plate 22 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 28.

Die zweite Platte 20 ist mit Ausnehmungen 24 versehen, durch welche die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge bzw. Spikes 18 ragen können, um in den Kragen einer Flasche einzustechen. Diese Gestaltung ermöglicht, dass der Kragen der Flasche auf der zweiten Platte 20 abgestützt wird, wobei gleichzeitig die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge 18 in diesen Kragen einstechen und somit die Flasche gegen Verdrehen sichern. Um nun die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge 18 aus dem Kragen wieder zu entfernen, kann die erste Platte 22 mit den spitz zulaufenden Vorsprüngen 18 nach unten relativ zur zweiten Platte 20 wegbewegt werden. Der Kragen und somit die Flasche wird dabei durch die zweite Platte 20 daran gehindert, mit den Spikes 18 mitbewegt zu werden, so dass sich diese letztgenannten aus bzw. von dem Kragen lösen.The second plate 20 is provided with recesses 24 through which the tapered projections or spikes 18 protrude can stab into the collar of a bottle. This design allows the collar of the bottle to be supported on the second plate 20, at the same time piercing the tapered projections 18 in this collar and thus securing the bottle against rotation. In order to remove the tapered projections 18 from the collar again, the first plate 22 can be moved away with the tapered projections 18 down relative to the second plate 20. The collar and thus the bottle is thereby prevented by the second plate 20 from being moved with the spikes 18, so that these latter detach from or from the collar.

Zur Ansteuerung der Höhenverstellung der spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge 18 kann eine Einrichtung 26 vorgesehen sein, die bewirkt, dass die Hubelemente für die Bewegung des Verschließelementes bzw. des Schraubverschlusses mit der Hubbewegung der Spikes 18 gekoppelt ist. Es kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass eine fremde Ansteuerung über separate mechanische, elektrische, pneumatische, magnetische Elemente oder dergleichen für die Spikes 18 erfolgt.To control the height adjustment of the tapered projections 18, a device 26 may be provided, which causes the lifting elements for the movement of the closing element or the screw cap is coupled to the lifting movement of the spikes 18. But it can also be provided that a foreign control via separate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, magnetic elements or the like for the spikes 18 takes place.

Die Platte 22 mit den Spikes 18 ist beweglich.The plate 22 with the spikes 18 is movable.

Die Gestaltung gemäß den Figuren 2a, 2b und 2c unterscheidet sich von der Gestaltung gemäß den Figuren 1a, 1b und 1c insbesondere dadurch, dass dort die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge bzw. Splines 18 nicht angesteuert bzw. bewegt werden bzw. nicht angesteuert bzw. bewegt werden müssen, um sie in den Kragen einer auf der Abstützeinrichtung 10 zu positionieren bzw. positionierten Flasche einstechen zu lassen. Dort ist nämlich ein im Wesentlichen starres Halteteil 30 für das Abstützen der Flasche vorgesehen, an welchem die spitz zu laufenden Vorsprünge 18 festangeordnet sind. Auf diesem Halteteil 30, das hier als Platte gestaltet ist, ist eine (feder)elastische Auflage 32, wie Schaumgummiauflage, an der der Oberflächenabschnitt 16 des Abstützbereichs 14 ausgebildet wird. Wenn die Flasche mit ihrem Kragen auf dem Oberflächenabschnitt 16 des Abstützbereichs 14 positioniert wird, federt die elastische Auflage ein und die in deren Durchbrüchen bzw. Ausnehmungen 34 positionierten spitz zulaufenden Vorspünge 18 treten heraus und stechen in den Kragen der Flasche ein. Wenn die Flasche wieder entnommen wird, unterstützt die Kraft der sich entspannenden Feder(auflage) das Lösen der spitz zulaufenden Vorspünge 18 aus dem Kragen.The design according to the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c differs from the design according to the Figures 1a, 1b and 1c in particular in that there the tapered projections or splines 18 are not activated or moved or need not be activated or moved in order to allow them to be inserted into the collar of a positioning or positioned bottle on the support device 10. Namely, there is provided a substantially rigid holding member 30 for supporting the bottle to which are the sharp-to-run projections 18 are fixed. On this holding part 30, which is designed here as a plate, is a (spring) elastic support 32, such as foam rubber pad on which the surface portion 16 of the support portion 14 is formed. When the bottle is positioned with its collar on the surface portion 16 of the support portion 14, the resilient support springs in and the pointed recesses 18 positioned in their openings or recesses 34 emerge and pierce the collar of the bottle. When the bottle is withdrawn, the force of the relaxing spring (pad) helps release the tapered projections 18 from the collar.

Bei der Gestaltung gemäß den Fig. 1a bis 1c können die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge auch als gesteuerte Splines bezeichnet werden und bei der Gestaltung gemäß den Fig. 2a bis 2c können die spitz zulaufenden Vorsprünge auch als verdeckte Splines bezeichnet werden.In the design according to the Fig. 1a to 1c For example, the tapered protrusions may be referred to as controlled splines, and in the design according to FIGS Fig. 2a to 2c The tapered projections may also be referred to as hidden splines.

Claims (10)

  1. An apparatus for the opening or closing of containers by means of screw tops, wherein this apparatus has at least one closure head for the gripping and rotation of the screw top with respect to the container, and a support device (10) for supporting the container during the rotation of the screw top and a rotation-prevention device (12) for the container to prevent joint rotation of this container during the rotation of the screw top, and wherein the support device (10) forms a support area (14) for coming into contact with the container during the support of the container, characterized in that the rotation-prevention device (12) has at least one projection (18) tapering to a point and this at least one projection (18) tapering to a point is arranged so as to be movable relative to a surface portion (16) of the support area (14) which contacts the container in a supporting manner during the support.
  2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotation-prevention device (12) has a plurality of projections (18) which taper to a point and which are joined to one another in a fixed manner.
  3. An apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection or projections (18) tapering to a point is or are arranged on a first plate (22) in a fixed manner.
  4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections (18) tapering to a point are arranged along an arc of a circle.
  5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support area (14) is formed on or by a second plate (20).
  6. An apparatus according to one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that the support area (14) is formed on or by a resilient part (32) or is mounted by way of at least one spring element (32).
  7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plate (22) or the projection or projections (18) tapering to a point is or are arranged so as to be movable relative to the second plate (20) or to the support area (14) respectively.
  8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure head has at least one pair of gripping pliers for gripping the screw top of the container in order to screw on the latter.
  9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure head and/or the at least one pair of gripping pliers is or are movable relative to the second plate (20) or to the support area (14) or the aforesaid surface portion (16) of the support area (14) respectively, and the movement of the projection or projections (18) tapering to a point relative to the second plate (20) or to the support area (14) is controlled by way of the movement of the closure head or the gripping pliers relative to the aforesaid surface portion (16) of the support area (14) relative to the second plate (20).
  10. A method of opening or closing containers by means of screw tops, with the steps:
    - bringing the container to a support device (10) and supporting the container by means of this support device (10), wherein during the supporting a support area (14), in particular a support face (16), of this support device (10) contacts the container in a supporting manner;
    - piercing a portion of the container by projections (18) - tapering to a point - of a rotation-prevention device (12), wherein during the piercing movement the support area (14), in particular the support face (16), is moved relative to the projection or projections (18) tapering to a point;
    - gripping the screw top and rotating the screw top on the threaded neck of the container;
    - removing the projections (18) - tapering to a point
    - of the rotation-prevention device (12) from the portion of the container, wherein during the movement to remove the projection or projections (18) tapering to a point the support area (14), in particular the support face (16), is moved relative to the projection or projections (18) tapering to a point.
EP08854483.8A 2007-11-28 2008-11-28 Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures Not-in-force EP2219991B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI200831011T SI2219991T1 (en) 2007-11-28 2008-11-28 Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200710057284 DE102007057284A1 (en) 2007-11-28 2007-11-28 Device and method for opening or closing containers by means of screw caps
PCT/EP2008/066389 WO2009068633A1 (en) 2007-11-28 2008-11-28 Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2219991A1 EP2219991A1 (en) 2010-08-25
EP2219991B1 true EP2219991B1 (en) 2013-05-22

Family

ID=40350219

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP08854483.8A Not-in-force EP2219991B1 (en) 2007-11-28 2008-11-28 Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2219991B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101878179B (en)
DE (1) DE102007057284A1 (en)
SI (1) SI2219991T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009068633A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102012103525A1 (en) * 2012-04-20 2013-10-24 Krones Ag Device for receiving bottles provided with a neck ring in a capper
DE102012206944A1 (en) * 2012-04-26 2013-10-31 Krones Ag Device for closing plastic bottles
DE102014105907A1 (en) * 2014-04-28 2015-10-29 Krones Ag Device and method for closing filled containers with a screw cap
DE102014107187A1 (en) * 2014-05-21 2015-11-26 Hans Heidolph Gmbh & Co. Kg rotary evaporator
CN107337168B (en) * 2017-07-25 2023-08-29 江苏新美星包装机械股份有限公司 Rotation stopping device for bottle body cap
DE102018218953A1 (en) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-07 Krones Ag Device for holding cans
DE102018221034A1 (en) * 2018-12-05 2020-06-10 Krones Ag DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLOSING A BOTTLE WITH TORQUE MEASUREMENT
DE102019113653A1 (en) * 2019-05-22 2020-11-26 Krones Ag Device for holding a container and closing device
DE102022118107A1 (en) * 2022-07-20 2024-01-25 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Device with spikes for preventing containers from twisting
DE102023117271A1 (en) 2023-06-29 2025-01-02 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Device for holding a container and closing device

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4939890A (en) * 1989-04-14 1990-07-10 Fci, Inc. Anti-rotation method and apparatus for bottle capping machines
US5826400A (en) * 1996-08-21 1998-10-27 Anderson-Martin Machine Company Plastic bottle rotation restraint for capping machine
DE69811228T2 (en) 1998-09-21 2003-11-13 Tetra Pak Plastics Ltd., Petit-Lancy Conveyor for bottles with a neck collar
DE10040374B4 (en) * 2000-08-18 2004-08-05 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Device for holding and locking a round body
US20040006951A1 (en) * 2002-07-12 2004-01-15 Riggs Donald A. Method to prevent container rotation associated with a capping machine
CN2641010Y (en) * 2003-09-12 2004-09-15 章本立 Standstill blade
DE502004003868D1 (en) * 2003-11-06 2007-07-05 Khs Ag Closing machine for closing containers or the like with screw caps
DE10356222A1 (en) 2003-12-02 2005-06-30 Krones Ag Device for screwing caps onto vessels
DE102004059478A1 (en) * 2004-12-10 2006-06-14 Khs Ag Capping machine for bottles or similar containers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101878179B (en) 2013-05-29
SI2219991T1 (en) 2013-09-30
CN101878179A (en) 2010-11-03
DE102007057284A1 (en) 2009-06-04
WO2009068633A1 (en) 2009-06-04
EP2219991A1 (en) 2010-08-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2219991B1 (en) Device and method for opening or closing containers using screw closures
EP3702318B1 (en) Capping head for closing a container with a cap
EP2295352B1 (en) Gripping unit for holding and moving items
EP2643250B1 (en) Pet bottle gripping device
EP2258623B1 (en) Method and device for processing containers
DE3323038C2 (en) Device for changing the end piece of a welding electrode
EP1980509B1 (en) Container handling machine
DE29713510U1 (en) Rotary filler
EP3753900A1 (en) Device for holding a container and closure device
DE102012015886B3 (en) Container gripper and transport element with such container grippers
EP2387542B1 (en) Closure head for container closure machines and container closure machine
EP2653436A1 (en) Device for picking up bottles with a neck ring in a capping machine
DE19523659C1 (en) Holding system for screw top bottles in filling plant
DE202018004841U1 (en) Packing tulip for the head-side gripping of bottles
EP2301885B9 (en) Device for locking containers with a lock
DE102004041749B3 (en) Device for closing bottles or similar containers
WO2018162065A1 (en) Device and method for positioning, holding, and guiding containers, in particular bottle-like containers
DE102009003649A1 (en) Treatment device i.e. labeling device, for e.g. bottle storing beverage, has holding device holding, gripping and/or rotating upper mouth and/or neck region, and actuator lifting, lowering and/or fixing holding device in positions
EP1761434B1 (en) Device and method for attaching spray pumps or similar items to containers and for locking said pumps
DE10261127B4 (en) Device for mounting parts on a base body
EP4547445A1 (en) Device and method for receiving and setting a screw
DE1925782C3 (en) Device for screwing prefabricated threaded closure capsules or -deckein on screw cap bottles or the like. container
EP1270425A1 (en) Method and device for applying tubular labels to articles
EP4484358A1 (en) Device for holding a container and closing device
EP4011819B1 (en) Device and method for closing a container with a container closure

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100611

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA MK RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: SCHOENFELDER, MARKUS

Inventor name: ZEPF, GEORG

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 613111

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502008009992

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130718

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130922

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130923

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130822

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130823

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130902

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20130522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130822

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20140225

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: KRONES A.G.

Effective date: 20131130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502008009992

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140225

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20131128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131130

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131130

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131128

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 613111

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20131128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131128

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20081128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230523

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230929

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Payment date: 20231016

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20231010

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231003

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502008009992

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SI

Ref legal event code: KO00

Effective date: 20241129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20250603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20241128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20241130