Apparatus for manufacturing tear-off lids

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for manufacturing tear-off lids (27) on the upper side of which a tear-off foil (24) is sealed or adhered to a sealing surface (18) arranged around a removal opening (17). The apparatus comprises conveying means (13) for the lid blanks (9), lid rings (8) and tear-off lids (27) and processing stations which are arranged one after the other in the conveying direction with processing zones. At least some of the processing stations have lifting tables (5) which are moved upwards and downwards intermittently along lifting table guides (6). According to the invention, the lifting table guides (6) are arranged in the region of the processing zones of the apparatus, viewed in the conveying direction, more precisely on exactly one of the two sides of the processing zones. As a result, the region on the other side of the processing zone remains largely free of obstructions and an excellent accessibility of the processing zone is obtained for inspection purposes and for maintenance work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing tear-off caps. Background Technology

[0002] Peel-off caps (so-called Peel Off Ends or POE) are known, for example, by DE-U 298 17 592 or by DE-U 92 03953.

[0003] refer to Figures 1 to 6 The manufacture of the tear-off cap according to the prior art can be briefly explained as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0004] Figure 1 Showing the cover blank 9. In the known manufacturing equipment 10 (see...) Figure 6 The transport path begins with a stack 11 containing multiple such cap blanks 9, which are stacked individually and processed along the transport path by different processing stations 14, 19, 21, 25, 26, wherein the cap blanks 9 are first used to form a cap ring 8 (see...). Figure 2 And these cap rings are then further processed until the finished tear-off cap 27 (see Figure 5 The cover blank 9 is, for example, a round or elliptical disc made of coated and therefore corrosion-resistant metal, particularly coated galvanized iron or aluminum sheet. The disc has, for example, a diameter of 11 cm. These blanks 9 are pre-formed at their edges 12 by a machining machine (not shown), and the edge 12 is then used to secure the completed tear-off cap 27 to the container 28 or can by a folding connection. This is known to those skilled in the art and will not be further explained here.

[0005] In manufacturing equipment 10, the conveyor 13 that transports the cover blank, cover ring, and tear-off cover along the transport path in the direction of arrow A from one processing station to the next consists, in particular, of two parallel toothed belts, on which are provided receiving portions for the cover blank or cover ring, as is known to those skilled in the art from WO 2006 / 017953. This will not be further explained here. In the corresponding processing stations, as is known to those skilled in the art according to the prior art and shown only schematically here, the blank or ring to be processed is lifted by the conveyor, processed by the processing station, and then returned to the conveyor. This is indicated by upward and downward arrows in the processing stations. In each processing station, the drive unit of the processing station is shown below the conveyor mechanism. The drive unit is used to lift and lower the blank and cover ring and to perform the corresponding processing steps.

[0006] In the stamping station 14, the cover ring 8 is first formed from the cover blank 9 by punching down the middle portion 16 of the blank, which is usually removed as scrap (see...). Figure 2 Therefore, a tear-off opening 17 is formed, which is subsequently closed with a tear-off foil 24 in a later manufacturing step. The tear-off opening 17 then retains a sealing flange 18. In the processing station 19, the edges of the tear-off opening 17 are stretched upwards to form a flange 20 (see...). Figure 3 The flange 20 is rolled up in another processing station 21 toward or away from the take-out opening to form a so-called "curl". This curl 22, which forms the edge of the take-out opening 17, then protects the user of the can from the sharp cutting edge 23 when removing the contents of the can. Depending on the periphery of the curl, it is called a "C-curl" (the cutting edge is not located within the curl) or a "retort-curl" (the cutting edge is located within the curl), and a "curl" rolled away from the take-out opening is called a "reverse-C-curl" or a "reverse-retort-curl". In the case shown here, the so-called retort-curl 22 is formed (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0007] The manufacturing steps to date have been carried out in a position where the cover blank 9 and cover ring 8 are arranged with their subsequent upper side, or rather, with the sealing flange 18 pointing downwards. This is also a preferred embodiment in the present invention. As already mentioned, the blank 9 or ring 8 is lifted, processed, and returned in each of the processing stations 14, 19, and 21 by the conveyor 13, after which the conveyor performs conveying steps that guide the cover blank 9 or cover ring 8 to the next processing station. If the manufacturing steps are carried out using the downward-pointing sealing flange 18 as shown, then immediately following is a turning station 23 that turns the cover ring 8, so that the sealing flange 18 is on top in the conveyor 13 and processing stations 25, 26 after the turning station 23 for further processing.

[0008] The torn foil 24 is then sealed to the sealing flange 18, which can be done in two stages using the pre-sealing station 25 and the main sealing station 26. This sealing process is also known to those skilled in the art and will not be further explained here. Next, other processing stations may be used to emboss the sealing foil 24, position the torn tab 15, and perform a sealing test. This is also known to those skilled in the art and will not be further explained here. The completed torn cap 27 is output at the end of the known manufacturing equipment 10 (see...). Figure 5The removal opening 17 of the tear-off cap is covered by a tear-off foil 24, which seals against the sealing flange 18. The edge of the removal opening 17 is formed here by a curved neck curl 22. The completed tear-off cap 27 can be secured to the outer casing of the can (which is located in...) by means of its folded edge 12. Figure 5 (Only the wall portion 28 is shown in the middle) and thus the can is sealed. This is done during the filling operation, in which the can has already been filled with filler. The filled can can then be opened by tearing the tear foil 24 off the cap ring 8 with its tear tab 15, thereby exposing the removal opening 17.

[0009] The manufacturing equipment 10 for tearing open the lid can be configured as a single-rail or multi-rail machine, and can be designed as a linear or rotary machine. An unresolved problem to date is the poor accessibility of the processing area for maintenance work; therefore, currently known machines must be accessible from both sides. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing tear-off caps, wherein the processing area is significantly more accessible than in currently known apparatus of the same type for use in maintenance work.

[0011] This task was accomplished using a device for manufacturing tear-off caps.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing tear-off caps, wherein a tear-off foil is sealed or adhered to a sealing surface arranged around a removal opening on the upper side of the tear-off cap. The apparatus (also commonly referred to as a "sealing machine") includes a conveying device for cap blanks, cap rings, and tear-off caps, and processing stations, each of which is sequentially arranged along the conveying direction for processing the cap blanks, cap rings, and tear-off caps, forming a processing area extending along the conveying direction of the apparatus. At least a portion of the processing stations have lifting platforms for receiving lower processing tools, which intermittently move upward and downward along lifting platform guides during the prescribed operation of the apparatus, and whereby the lower processing tools work from below relative to the corresponding upper processing tools, which are supported on a fixed yoke.

[0013] According to the present invention, the lifting platform guide device is arranged in the area near the processing area of ​​the equipment when viewed along the conveying direction, more precisely, on exactly one side of the two sides of the processing area.

[0014] As a result, the area on the other side of the processing area remains largely unobstructed, and the processing area enjoys excellent accessibility for inspection purposes and maintenance work.

[0015] Preferably, the device is further configured such that at least a portion of the yoke is movable along a yoke guide for maintenance purposes, the yoke guide being arranged in an area near the processing area of ​​the device when viewed in the conveying direction.

[0016] Here, it is further preferred that the yoke guide device is arranged on exactly one side of the processing area, advantageously on the side where the lifting platform guide device is also provided. This allows the yoke to move along the guide device for maintenance or inspection purposes without affecting accessibility.

[0017] In the last mentioned case, it is further preferred that the lifting platform guide device and the yoke guide device are at least partially configured as a common lifting platform-yoke guide device.

[0018] Preferably, all yoke guide devices are configured as a common lifting platform-yoke guide device.

[0019] This can save costs and structural space.

[0020] Advantageously, these processing stations of the device according to the invention are arranged on a common, preferably inseparable, machine frame. In this way, the assembly, testing, and startup of the device become significantly easier. The orientation of the station modules relative to each other can already be done in the factory.

[0021] Preferably, the machine frame has a substantially L-shaped or T-shaped cross-section when viewed along the conveying direction, having a horizontal base plate and a central or rear wall perpendicular to the base plate, the central or rear wall forming part of the load-bearing structure of the machine frame. The central or rear wall is therefore suitable for undertaking load-bearing and positioning functions.

[0022] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the lifting platform guide device, and advantageously the yoke guide device, is also fixed to the center wall or rear wall.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a linear processing zone, i.e., it is designed as a linear machine, and is preferably configured as a single track.

[0024] In this case, the processing stations of the equipment according to the invention are arranged on a common machine frame, which has a substantially L-shaped or T-shaped cross-section when viewed along the conveying direction. More preferably, the equipment includes a control cabinet arranged on the side of the central or rear wall away from the processing stations. The control cabinet can already be fixedly installed on the machine frame and wired in the factory, which enables significant savings in installation, testing, transportation, and start-up time.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, each lifting platform is equipped with exactly one machining tool at the bottom.

[0026] Preferably, at least a portion of the lower machining tools are secured to the corresponding lifting platform using a quick-clamping locking system, particularly a zero-point clamping system. Such clamping systems are, for example, supplied by STARK Clamping Systems GmbH in Austria under the product name "ROEMHELD SPEEDYmetec". This significantly facilitates tool replacement.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the yoke is disposed on a plurality of lifting platforms. This reduces the technical cost of the equipment and further improves accessibility.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises multiple separate processing stations for the processing steps of stamping, stretching, rolling, pre-sealing, main sealing and embossing.

[0029] Advantageously, the lifting platforms of the processing stations for the stretching and rolling steps and / or the lifting platforms of the processing stations for the pre-sealing and main sealing steps work relative to a common yoke.

[0030] It is also advantageous here that the lifting platform of the processing station for the stamping step and / or the lifting platform of the processing station for the embossing step are respectively relative to their own yokes only configured on the lifting platform.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferred that the lifting platforms of the processing stations for the stamping, stretching and rolling steps and / or the lifting platforms of the processing stations for the main sealing and embossing steps each have a common drive device, in particular a common servo motor.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the lifting platform of the processing station used for pre-sealing of the processing steps has its own drive unit, in particular its own servo motor.

[0033] These previously mentioned measures can reduce the cost of equipment technology and further improve accessibility without sacrificing manufacturing precision. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other design features, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0035] Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the cover blank 9 is shown;

[0036] Figures 2 to 4 Longitudinal sections of the cover ring 8 during different stages of manufacturing;

[0037] Figure 5 Showing a longitudinal section of the completed torn-open cap 27;

[0038] Figure 6 This is shown as a method for manufacturing a tear-off cap or for implementing [the following]. Figures 1 to 5 A schematic side view of the device according to the prior art;

[0039] Figure 7 A perspective view of the operator side of the apparatus for manufacturing a tear-off cap according to the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A perspective view of the device with the covering removed;

[0041] Figure 9 This illustrates the case where the conveying device is additionally removed, such as Figure 8 Diagram;

[0042] Figure 10 This illustrates the case of additionally removing the station frame, as shown below. Figure 9 Diagram;

[0043] Figure 11 Show Figure 10 A perspective view of the back side of the device;

[0044] Figure 12 Show Figures 7 to 11 A perspective view of the combined lifting platform and yoke guide device of the stamping station in the equipment; and

[0045] Figure 13 Show Figures 7 to 11 A perspective view of the combined lifting platform and yoke guide device of the traction station and rolling station of the equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0046] References at the beginning of the article Figures 1 to 6 The manufacture of the tear-off cap 27 according to the prior art is explained as is known to those skilled in the art. This explanation is referenced herein to avoid repetition.

[0047] Figure 7 A perspective view of the operator side of the apparatus 1 for manufacturing a tear-off cover 27 according to the invention is shown, wherein, on the upper side of the tear-off cover, a tear-off film 24 is sealed or adhered to a sealing surface 8 arranged around a removal opening 17. As can be seen, the processing area of ​​the apparatus 1 is completely covered and is separated from the surrounding environment on the operator side by two upward-pivoting doors 2 with glass fronts.

[0048] Figure 8 Show Figure 7The image shows a perspective view of the equipment with the cover and door 2 removed. As can be seen, the equipment is configured as a single-track system and includes a conveyor 13 for the cover blank 9, cover ring 8, and tear-off cover 27, as well as processing stations 14, 21, 25, 26, and 29. These processing stations are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction (from left to right) for processing the cover blank 9, cover ring 8, and tear-off cover 27, forming a linear processing zone extending along the conveying direction of the equipment. The turning station is not shown.

[0049] Figure 9 As shown Figure 8 Such a diagram, but with the conveyor 13 and station drive unit removed, as in combination Figure 9 As can be seen, processing stations 14, 21, 25, 26, and 29 are configured with yokes 4 within station frame 3 and have lifting platforms 5 for accommodating lower processing tools (not shown). Each lifting platform 5 is precisely positioned to accommodate a lower processing tool, which is secured to the corresponding lifting platform using a quick-clamping locking system. Processing stations 14 and 29 each have their own yoke 4. Processing stations 19 and 21, as well as 25 and 26, share a common yoke 4.

[0050] Figure 10 As shown Figure 9 Such a diagram, but additionally removing the station frame 3 with yoke 4, as in further combination Figure 10 As can be seen, the lifting platform 5 is provided with a lifting platform guide device 6. During the operation of the equipment as specified, the lifting platform moves intermittently upward and downward along the lifting platform guide device, and works from below relative to the upper processing tools (also not shown) provided, which are supported on a fixed yoke 4.

[0051] The yokes 4 are equipped with yoke guide devices 7, along which they can move for maintenance purposes. They are secured to the station frame 3 using a quick-clamping locking system.

[0052] Here, the lifting platform guide device 6 and the yoke guide device 7 are configured as a common lifting platform-yoke guide device 6, 7 and are arranged in the area near the processing area of ​​the equipment when viewed along the conveying direction (from left to right), more precisely on the side of the processing area away from the operator.

[0053] As can be further seen, processing stations 14, 21, 25, 26, and 29 are arranged on a common, inseparable machine frame 30, which has a substantially T-shaped cross-section when viewed along the conveying direction. The machine frame has a horizontal base plate 31 and a central wall 32 perpendicular to the base plate, which forms part of the load-bearing structure of the machine frame 30. The lifting platform guide device 6 and the yoke guide device 7 are fixed to the central wall 32.

[0054] Figure 12 A perspective view of the combined lifting platform and yoke guide devices 6 and 7 of the stamping station 14 and embossing station 29 is shown. As can be seen, these guide devices 6 and 7 each have two long guide rods 34, which are fixed to the central wall 32 by means of a fixing body 35. The guide sleeve 36 of the lifting platform 5 extends on the lower portion of the guide rods 34, and the guide sleeve of the yoke (not shown) extends on the upper portion of the guide rods 34 as shown in the figure.

[0055] Figure 13 A perspective view of the combined lifting platform and yoke guide devices 6 and 7 of the stretching station 19 and the rolling station 21 is shown. It can be seen that these guide devices 6 and 7 together have two long guide rods 34 and two short guide rods 37, which are fixed to the central wall 32 by means of a fixing body 35. The guide sleeves 36 of the two lifting platforms 5 extend on the lower portions of the long guide rods 34 and on the short guide rods 37, and the guide sleeve of the common yoke (not shown) extends on the upper portion of the long guide rods 34, which is exposed in the view.

[0056] Figure 11 Show Figure 10 A perspective view of the back side of the device, as shown by Figure 11 It can be seen that the equipment includes a control cabinet 33, which is arranged on the side of the central wall 32 away from the processing stations 14, 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29.

[0057] Processing stations 14, 19, 21, 25, 26, and 29 perform the following processing steps: stamping (processing station 14), stretching (processing station 19), rolling (processing station 21), pre-sealing (processing station 25), main sealing (processing station 26), and embossing (processing station 29).

[0058] The lifting platforms 5 of processing stations 19 and 21 for the stretching and rolling steps and / or the lifting platforms 5 of processing stations 25 and 25 for the pre-sealing and main sealing steps operate relative to a common yoke 4.

[0059] The lifting platform 5 of the processing station 14 for the stamping step and / or the lifting platform 5 of the processing station 29 for the embossing step work relative to their own yoke 4 which is only provided on the lifting platform 5.

[0060] As by Figure 8 It can be seen that the lifting platforms 5 of processing stations 14, 19 and 21 for the processing steps of stamping, stretching and rolling, and the lifting platforms 5 of processing stations 26 and 29 for the processing steps of main sealing and embossing, each have a common drive device with a common servo motor 38, while the lifting platform 5 of processing station 25 for the processing step of pre-sealing has its own drive device with a servo motor 38.

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in this application, and it should be clearly noted that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and may also be practiced in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for manufacturing a tear-off cap (27), wherein, On the upper side of the tear-off cover, the tear-off foil (24) is sealed or adhered to the sealing surface (18) arranged around the removal opening (17). The equipment includes a conveying device (13) for the cover blank (9), cover ring (8), and tear-off cover (27), and processing stations (14, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) arranged sequentially along the conveying direction for processing the cover blank (9), cover ring (8), and tear-off cover (27) and forming a processing area of ​​the equipment (1) extending along the conveying direction. At least some of the processing stations (14, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) have lifting platforms (5) for accommodating lower processing tools. These lifting platforms intermittently move upward and downward along the lifting platform guide device (6) during the prescribed operation of the equipment (1), and the lower processing tools work from below relative to the upper processing tools, which are supported on a fixed yoke (4). The characteristic feature is that the lifting platform guide device (6) is arranged in the area near the processing area of ​​the equipment (1) on exactly one side of the two sides of the processing area when viewed along the conveying direction.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the yoke (4) is movable along the yoke guide (7) for maintenance purposes, which are arranged in the area near the processing area of ​​the equipment (1) when viewed in the conveying direction.

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The yoke guide device (7) is arranged on exactly one side of the two sides of the processing area.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The yoke guide device (7) is arranged on the side of the processing area where the lifting platform guide device (6) is located.

5. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The lifting platform guide device (6) and the yoke guide device (7) are at least partially configured as a common lifting platform-yoke guide device.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, All the yoke guide devices are configured as a common lifting platform-yoke guide device.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The processing stations (14, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) are arranged on a common machine frame (30).

8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The processing stations (14, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) are arranged on a common, indivisible machine frame (30).

9. The device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The machine frame (30) has a substantially L-shaped or T-shaped cross-section when viewed along the conveying direction. The machine frame has a horizontal base plate (31) and a central wall (32) or rear wall that is perpendicular to the base plate. The central wall or rear wall forms part of the load-bearing structure of the machine frame (30).

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, At least a portion of the yoke (4) is movable along the yoke guide (7) for maintenance purposes. These yoke guides are arranged in the area near the processing area of ​​the equipment (1) when viewed in the conveying direction. The lifting platform guide (6) is fixed to the central wall (32) or the rear wall.

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The yoke guide device (7) is fixed on the central wall (32) or the rear wall.

12. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The equipment has a linear processing area.

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The device is configured as a single track.

14. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The device has a linear processing area and includes a control cabinet (33) arranged on the side of the central wall (32) or rear wall away from the processing stations (14, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29).

15. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Each lifting platform (5) is equipped with a machining tool at exactly one of its lower parts.

16. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, At least a portion of the lower processing tools are fixed to the corresponding lifting platform (5) using a quick clamping locking system.

17. The device (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The rapid clamping and locking system is a zero-point clamping system.

18. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, At least a portion of the yoke (4) is movable along the yoke guide (7) for maintenance purposes, and at least a portion of the yoke (4) is secured by a quick-clamping locking system.

19. The device (1) according to claim 18, wherein, The rapid clamping and locking system is a zero-point clamping system.

20. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, At least a portion of the yoke (4) is disposed on multiple lifting platforms (5).

21. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the apparatus comprising a plurality of separate processing stations (14, 19, 21, 25, 26, 29) for the following processing steps: stamping, stretching, rolling, pre-sealing, main sealing, embossing.

22. The device (1) according to claim 15, wherein, At least a portion of the yoke (4) is disposed on a plurality of lifting platforms (5), the lifting platform (5) for the processing station of the processing steps of stretching and rolling and / or the lifting platform (5) for the processing station of the processing steps of pre-sealing and main sealing respectively working relative to a common yoke (4).

23. The device (1) according to claim 21, wherein, The lifting platform (5) of the processing station used for stamping and / or the lifting platform (5) of the processing station used for embossing work relative to their own yoke (4) which is only provided on the lifting platform (5).

24. The device (1) according to claim 21, wherein, The lifting platform (5) of the processing station for the processing steps of stamping, stretching and rolling and / or the lifting platform (5) of the processing station for the processing steps of main sealing and embossing each have a common drive unit (38).

25. The device (1) according to claim 21, wherein, The lifting platform (5) of the processing station used for pre-sealing of the processing steps has its own drive unit (38).

26. The device (1) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein, The drive device (38) is a servo motor.

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