Retaining device for a bottle cap applicator and method of retaining a bottle cap
By incorporating a textured surface and radial protrusions in the cap applicator's retaining device, the problems of premature cap ejection and dimensional changes are solved, achieving stable tightening and easy removal.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, bottle caps tend to pop out prematurely when screwed onto the packaging after filling, especially bottle caps with ties, causing machine downtime or damage, and making it difficult to adapt to changes and deviations in bottle cap size.
Design a retaining device for a bottle cap applicator, comprising an opening and a circumferential surface portion, the circumferential surface portion having a textured surface and radially inwardly extending protrusions, the protrusions engaging with the weakening line or bottom edge of the bottle cap to prevent the bottle cap from accidentally dislodging.
It effectively prevents bottle caps from accidentally popping out or moving out during rotation, adapts to bottle caps of different sizes, ensures that they can be easily removed after being tightened, and reduces the risk of machine malfunction.
Smart Images
Figure CN122161775A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of food packaging. More specifically, it relates to a holding device for a cap applicator in a food packaging system, a cap applicator including the holding device, a food packaging system including a cap applicator station, and a method of holding a cap using the holding device. The holding device has an open cavity configured to receive a cap. The open cavity has a textured surface portion configured to engage with the cap received in the open cavity and transmit rotational torque to the cap. Background Technology
[0002] Packaging, especially for liquid foods, comes in a wide variety of types and forms. Various materials or combinations of materials are available for this type of packaging. Some packages are opened by deformation or puncture, while others have caps, lids, or other similar devices. Caps often have threads or other features to facilitate removal from and reattachment to the packaging.
[0003] When filling packages with caps, the caps are typically screwed onto the package after filling is complete. In this case, the caps are usually screwed onto the package directly after filling using a so-called "cap applicator." Therefore, cap applicators are typically stations or machines specifically designed for screwing caps onto packages. The cap to be screwed is usually inserted into a dedicated opening or cavity in the cap applicator, and then screwed onto the package by rotation. The interaction between the cap and the opening transmits rotational torque to the cap.
[0004] Normally, bottle caps that need to be screwed onto packaging are held in their designated openings by friction. This means the cap must fit tightly within the opening; otherwise, it may pop out or fall off before being screwed onto the packaging. Premature popping of the cap can cause a number of problems, such as machine damage or downtime. The risk of premature popping is exacerbated if the cap contains a release agent to reduce the force required to open it. The use of a release agent makes the cap surface smooth, making it easier for it to pop out of the cavity before being screwed onto the packaging.
[0005] Furthermore, the problem of bottle caps popping prematurely from the cap applicator opening has recently become more prominent. This is because many jurisdictions have recently enacted new laws requiring bottle caps to remain attached to the packaging even after opening. In this regard, modern bottle caps often come with ties. Due to their natural shape, these ties take up some of the cap's height, further reducing the friction between the cap and the cap applicator opening. Therefore, these new legal requirements have created new problems when screwing the cap back onto the packaging.
[0006] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in applying bottle caps to packaging. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to at least partially overcome one or more of the limitations of the prior art described above.
[0008] The purpose is to provide a retaining device for a cap applicator to prevent the cap from accidentally or prematurely popping out of the retaining device.
[0009] Furthermore, the aim is to provide a retaining device for a cap applicator to prevent the cap from being accidentally removed from the retaining device.
[0010] Another objective is to provide a holding device for a cap applicator that can handle large variations or deviations in cap size.
[0011] Another objective is to provide a holding device for a cap applicator that can handle caps with tethers.
[0012] According to a first aspect, a retaining device for a cap applicator in a food packaging system is provided, the retaining device comprising: an opening configured to receive a cap, wherein the opening includes a circumferential surface portion configured to surround the cap when the cap is received in the opening, wherein the circumferential surface portion includes: a textured surface portion configured to engage with the cap and transmit rotational torque to the cap when the cap is received in the opening; and one or more protrusions disposed along and extending radially inward from the circumferential surface portion, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to engage with a circumferential weakening line of the cap by pressing the cap at a location (L) when the cap is received in the opening; or, when the cap is received in the opening, to engage with a bottom edge of the cap by engaging the cap at a location of the bottom edge, thereby preventing the cap from accidentally being removed from the opening.
[0013] This provides an improved retaining device for a cap applicator in a food packaging system.
[0014] A significant advantage of this retaining device is that it can prevent the bottle cap from accidentally being removed from or popping out of the opening by means of a retaining device comprising one or more protrusions. These one or more protrusions are disposed along a circumferential surface portion and extend radially inward from the circumferential surface portion.
[0015] Therefore, when the bottle cap is received in the opening, the one or more protrusions can interact with the bottle cap by forming a mating engagement. This increases the force required to remove the bottle cap from the opening, thus preventing the bottle cap from accidentally being removed or popped out of the opening. In other words, by providing one or more protrusions, a force threshold can be introduced to initiate the removal of the bottle cap from the opening.
[0016] When the bottle cap is received in the opening, one or more protrusions can be configured to mate with the circumferential weakening line of the bottle cap. This prevents the bottle cap from accidentally moving out of or popping out of the opening by pressing the bottle cap at the location of the weakening line using the one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions can extend to the weakening line, thereby interacting with the weakening line. The one or more protrusions can penetrate the weakening line. The one or more protrusions can be aligned with the weakening line. The one or more protrusions can press the bottle cap near the weakening line. The one or more protrusions can interact with the weakening line. The one or more protrusions can hold the edge of the weakening line.
[0017] One or more protrusions may be configured to engage with the bottom edge of the cap when it is received in the opening. Thus, by engaging the cap with the bottom edge at one or more protrusions, accidental removal or ejection of the cap from the opening can be prevented. The one or more protrusions may clamp the bottom edge.
[0018] It should be noted that, in this application, the term "weakening line" can refer to any feature of the bottle cap that causes a reduction in the mechanical strength of the bottle cap at the location of the weakening line. The weakening line may surround the bottle cap. The weakening line may partially surround the bottle cap. The weakening line may be segmented. The weakening line may include or be formed by a depression in the material of the bottle cap. The weakening line may include or be formed by a thinner segment of the material of the bottle cap. The weakening line may include or be formed by a cut through the material of the bottle cap. This cut may be a cut that completely penetrates the material of the bottle cap and / or a cut that partially penetrates the material of the bottle cap. The weakening line may include or be formed by the transition between the body of the bottle cap and the tamper-evident strip and / or the easy-tear strip. The weakening line may be located on the inner and / or outer side of the bottle cap.
[0019] One or more protrusions can be evenly distributed along the circumferential surface portion. The advantage of this is that the one or more protrusions of the retaining device can apply a uniform retaining force to the cap. Furthermore, by evenly distributing one or more protrusions along the circumferential surface portion of the opening, the cap can be shaped into a symmetrical shape when received within the opening. Therefore, caps that may be tilted or non-circular can also be shaped to make them easier to screw onto packaging and reduce the risk of jamming or similar issues.
[0020] The one or more protrusions can be four to seven, preferably five. The advantage is that the one or more protrusions of the retaining device can apply a satisfactory, sufficient, or necessary retaining force to the cap, thereby preventing the cap from accidentally slipping out of the opening, while allowing the cap to be easily removed from the retaining device after it has been screwed onto the packaging. In other words, the cap can be securely held during the tightening action and can be easily removed after tightening without damage, scratches, or other adverse effects. Furthermore, the shape of the cap can be optimized by one or more protrusions, with four to seven, preferably five.
[0021] One or more protrusions have a radial extension from their bottom to their top, which can be from 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, and more preferably from 0.7 mm to 0.75 mm. The advantage is that the one or more protrusions of the retaining device can apply a satisfactory, sufficient, or desired retaining force to the cap, thereby preventing the cap from accidentally slipping out of the opening, while ensuring that the cap can be easily removed from the retaining device after screwing on. In other words, the cap can be securely held during the tightening action and can be easily removed after tightening without damage, scratches, or other adverse effects.
[0022] It should be noted that, in this application, the term "radial extension" can refer to any amount of extension of the retaining device in any radial direction. It is worth noting that one or more protrusions disposed along the circumferential surface portion extend radially inward from the circumferential surface portion, and thus extend in an inward radial direction. The radial extension of these one or more protrusions can be considered as the height from their bottom to their top.
[0023] The one or more protrusions may have a radial extension from their bottom to their top, which corresponds to 80% to 120% of the radial extension thickness of the cap at the location of the weakening line or at the bottom edge, preferably corresponding to 95% to 105% of the radial extension thickness of the cap at the location of the weakening line or at the bottom edge. The advantage is that the one or more protrusions can deflect or deform the cap, thereby enabling the one or more protrusions of the retaining device to apply a satisfactory, sufficient, or desired retaining force to the cap, thus preventing the cap from accidentally slipping out of the opening, while allowing it to be easily removed from the retaining device after being screwed onto the packaging.
[0024] The radial extension of the one or more protrusions can increase continuously from their bottom to their top.
[0025] The protrusions of the one or more protrusions may have an elongated shape extending in the circumferential direction of the retaining device.
[0026] The protrusions of the one or more protrusions may be elongated in shape and extend along the circumferential surface portion of the opening in the circumferential direction of the retaining device.
[0027] The protrusion of the one or more protrusions has a circumferential extension that is at least twice the width of the protrusion in the axial direction and twice the radial extension of the protrusion.
[0028] The top of the one or more protrusions can be configured to contact the cap at a distance of at most 1.2 mm from the weakening line of the cap or at a distance of at most 1.2 mm from the bottom edge of the cap when the cap is received in the opening. Preferably, it contacts the cap at a distance of at most 0.8 mm from the weakening line of the cap or at a distance of at most 0.8 mm from the bottom edge of the cap when the cap is received in the opening. The advantage is that the one or more protrusions can deflect or deform the cap, thereby applying a satisfactory, sufficient, or desired retaining force to the cap through the one or more protrusions of the retaining device, thus preventing the cap from accidentally moving out of the opening, while allowing it to be easily removed from the retaining device after being screwed onto the packaging.
[0029] When the cap is received in the opening, one or more protrusions can press the cap radially inward by 0.3–0.5 mm; preferably, when the cap is received in the opening, one or more protrusions can press the cap radially inward by 0.36–0.40 mm. The advantage is that one or more protrusions can press, deflect, or deform the cap, thereby enabling the one or more protrusions of the retaining device to apply a satisfactory, sufficient, or desired retaining force to the cap, preventing accidental removal of the cap from the opening, while ensuring that the cap can be easily removed from the retaining device after being screwed into the packaging.
[0030] One or more protrusions can extend over an angle of 20 to 40 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion, preferably over an angle of 25 to 33 degrees, and more preferably over an angle of 28 to 30 degrees. This has the advantage that the one or more protrusions can engage with the cap along the circumference of the cap, thereby increasing the contact area between the one or more protrusions and the cap. Furthermore, the one or more protrusions of the retaining device can apply a satisfactory, sufficient, or necessary retaining force to the cap, preventing the cap from accidentally slipping out of the opening, while ensuring that the cap can be easily removed from the retaining device after being screwed onto the packaging.
[0031] One or more protrusions may be located below the textured surface portion, which has the advantage that the protrusions can mate well with the circumferential weakening line or bottom edge of the cap. The circumferential weakening line is typically located below the textured clamping surface of the cap, meaning that one or more protrusions are usually located below the textured surface portion to mate with the circumferential weakening line of the cap.
[0032] The diameter of the opening is at least three times its depth, and / or the depth of the opening may correspond to 80% to 120% of the height of the cap to be contained in the opening.
[0033] The textured surface portion can extend to 40% to 60% of the opening depth. Its advantage is that when the cap is accommodated in the opening, the textured surface portion can engage with the cap and transmit rotational torque, thereby reducing the risk of the cap slipping out of the opening when screwed onto the packaging.
[0034] The textured surface portion can at least partially complement the outer surface of the cap to be accommodated in the opening. Its advantage is that when the cap is accommodated in the opening, the textured surface portion can engage with the cap and transmit rotational torque, thereby reducing the risk of the cap slipping out of the opening when screwed onto the packaging.
[0035] The retaining device may include a first part and a second part. The first part includes a circumferential surface portion, and the second part is configured to connect to the first part and transmit rotational torque between them. Its advantage is that by replacing the first part, the retaining device can be easily adapted to different types of bottle caps. Furthermore, by replacing the first part, the retaining device can be easily refurbished. Correspondingly, by replacing the second part, the retaining device can be easily adapted to different bottle cap applicators.
[0036] The first part and the second part can be formed of the same material. The first part and the second part can also be formed of different materials.
[0037] According to a second aspect, a bottle cap applicator for a food packaging system is provided, the applicator comprising a retaining device according to a first aspect and a driving device configured to rotate the retaining device about its central axis, thereby causing a bottle cap housed in an opening of the retaining device to rotate about the central axis.
[0038] Generally, the features and advantages described above in the first aspect (where applicable) also apply to the second aspect. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above text.
[0039] According to a third aspect, a food packaging system is provided, the system including a cap applicator station comprising one or more cap applicators according to a second aspect.
[0040] Generally speaking, the features and advantages described in the first and second aspects (where applicable) also apply to the third aspect. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the foregoing.
[0041] According to a fourth aspect, a method is provided for holding a bottle cap using a holding device of a cap applicator in a food packaging system, the holding device including an opening, wherein the opening includes a circumferential surface portion, the circumferential surface portion including a textured surface portion and one or more protrusions disposed along and extending radially inward from the circumferential surface portion, the method comprising: receiving a bottle cap having a circumferential weakening line and / or a bottom edge in the opening of the holding device such that the circumferential surface portion of the opening surrounds the bottle cap, whereby the textured surface portion engages with the bottle cap such that rotational torque of the holding device can be transmitted to the bottle cap, whereby the one or more protrusions engage with the circumferential weakening line of the bottle cap by pressing the bottle cap at the location of the weakening line, thereby preventing the bottle cap from accidentally moving out of the opening, or whereby the one or more protrusions engage with the bottom edge of the bottle cap by pressing the bottle cap at the location of the bottom edge, thereby preventing the bottle cap from accidentally moving out of the opening.
[0042] Generally speaking, the features and advantages of the first, second, and third aspects (where applicable) also apply to the fourth aspect. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the foregoing.
[0043] The broader scope of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are given by way of example only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
[0044] Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific components of the device, which may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. It must be noted that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the definite articles such as “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” in the specification and appended claims all indicate the presence of one or more elements. For example, “a unit” or “the unit” may include multiple means, etc. Furthermore, words such as “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” do not exclude other elements or steps. Attached Figure Description
[0045] The above and other aspects of the inventive concept will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various variations. These drawings should not be considered limiting, but rather for explanation and understanding.
[0046] As shown in the figure, the dimensions of each layer and region may be exaggerated for ease of illustration; therefore, they are only used to show the overall structure of various variations. The same reference numerals in the figure refer to the same elements.
[0047] Figure 1A Perspective view of an exemplary retaining device.
[0048] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining device, which includes a first part and a second part.
[0049] Figure 1C for Figure 1A Cross-sectional view of the retaining device shown.
[0050] Figure 1D for Figure 1A A top plan view of the retaining device shown.
[0051] Figure 2A for Figure 1A A perspective view of the retaining device and an exemplary bottle cap to be housed in the retaining device.
[0052] Figure 2B for Figure 2A A perspective view of the retaining device shown, wherein Figure 2A The bottle cap shown is held in place by a retaining device.
[0053] Figure 2C for Figure 2B The cross-sectional view of the retaining device shown, wherein Figure 2B The bottle cap shown is held in place by a retaining device.
[0054] Figure 2D yes Figure 2C A magnified cross-section of a portion of the image.
[0055] Figure 2E yes Figure 2C A partial enlarged cross-sectional view, but in which different types of exemplary bottle caps are contained by retaining devices.
[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary bottle cap applicator.
[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary food packaging system, which includes a cap application station containing... Figure 3 The two bottle cap applicators shown.
[0058] Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates an exemplary method of holding a bottle cap by utilizing a holding device of a bottle cap applicator in a food packaging system according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation
[0059] The inventive concept will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate currently preferred variations or embodiments of the inventive concept. However, the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the variations described herein; rather, these variations are provided to illustrate the scope of the inventive concept in detail and to fully communicate the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.
[0060] Now let's look at the attached diagram. Figure 1A , 1C Figure 1D illustrates an exemplary retaining device 100 conceived according to the invention. The retaining device 100 can be used with a cap applicator 300, which will be referred to below. Figure 3 A more detailed description will follow. This cap applicator 300 can also be used in a food packaging system 400, which will be referred to below. Figure 4 To provide a more detailed description.
[0061] Figure 1A , 1C The retaining device 100 shown in Figure 1D includes an opening 102. The opening 102 is configured to receive a bottle cap 200. Reference will be made below. Figures 2A-2E The following describes in more detail how the bottle cap 200 is held by the holding device 100. In other words, after describing the general design of the holding device 100, the interaction between the holding device 100 and the bottle cap will be described in more detail below.
[0062] The opening 102 includes a circumferential surface portion 104. When the cap 200 is received in the opening 102, the circumferential surface portion 104 is configured to surround the cap 200. In other words, the circumferential surface portion 104 is configured or designed to surround an outer surface portion of the cap 200. The circumferential surface portion 104 partially defines the opening 102 and is generally a surface portion 104 of the opening 102 that is configured or designed to interact with the cap 200 when it is received in the opening 102. However, when the cap 200 is received in the opening 102, it may also contact other surfaces or surface portions of the retaining device 100.
[0063] The circumferential surface portion 104 includes a textured surface portion 106. The textured surface portion 106 is configured to engage with the cap 200 and transmit rotational torque to the cap 200 when the cap 200 is received in the opening 102. The textured surface portion 106 may be textured in any suitable manner to enable it to interact with the cap 200 and transmit rotational torque to the cap 200 when the cap 200 is received in the opening 102.
[0064] Figure 1A , 1C The circumferential surface portion 104 of the retaining device 100 shown in Figure 1D includes five protrusions 120 disposed along the circumferential surface portion 104. For example... Figure 1D As shown, these protrusions extend radially inward from the circumferential surface portion 104, where the radial direction R is indicated by the shaded arrow. In other words, Figure 1D The shaded arrows point radially outwards, while the five protrusions 120 extend radially inwards, meaning their directions are the same as... Figure 1D The shaded arrows in the image are reversed.
[0065] According to the embodiment, one or more protrusions 120 may be provided along the circumferential surface portion 104. These protrusions may extend radially inward from the circumferential surface portion 104. For example, the one or more protrusions 120 may be 4 to 7 protrusions. For example, the one or more protrusions 120 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 protrusions. However, five protrusions 120 are generally preferred.
[0066] The protrusion 120 is configured to engage with the cap 200 to prevent the cap 200 from being accidentally removed from the opening 102. The protrusion 120 will be described in more detail below.
[0067] Now, see Figures 2A-2E . Figures 2A-2E The retaining device and bottle cap 200 are shown. Figure 2A In this configuration, the bottle cap 200 is located outside the retaining device 100 and aligned with the central axis C of the retaining device 100. The central axis C of the retaining device is... Figure 1A , 1C In 2A and 2C, they are indicated by shading. Therefore, as... Figure 2A As shown, the bottle cap 200 can be accommodated in the opening 102 of the retaining device 100 by translating along the central axis C. Figure 2B and 2C In the middle, the bottle cap 200 is housed in the opening 102 of the retaining device 100.
[0068] Therefore, in Figure 2B and 2C In the bottle cap 200, the circumferential surface portion 104 of the opening 102 surrounds the cap 200. Furthermore, the textured surface portion 106 of the circumferential surface portion 104 engages with the cap 200. More specifically, the textured surface portion 106 can engage with the outer textured surface 201 of the cap 200. Figure 2A As shown, the textured surface portion 106 and the outer textured surface 201 of the bottle cap 200 can be at least partially complementary. Through the engagement between the textured surface portion 106 and the outer textured surface 201 of the bottle cap 200, rotational torque can be transmitted to the bottle cap 200 when it is received in the opening 102.
[0069] Now for special reference Figure 2D As shown in the figure, the protrusion 120 is configured to engage with the circumferential weakening lines 202a and 202b of the bottle cap 200. When the bottle cap 200 is received in the opening 102, the protrusion 120 presses the bottle cap 200 at position L of the weakening lines 202a and 202b. This prevents the bottle cap 200 from accidentally moving out of the opening 102.
[0070] like Figure 2D As shown, protrusion 120 presses against cap 200 at the location typically indicated by L. This means Figure 2D The bottle cap 200 is pressed near both weakening lines 202a and 202b. However, the bottle cap 200 may contain only a single weakening line 202a, 202b, and be pressed only near that single weakening line 202a, 202b. Figure 2D The height H of the bottle cap 200 is greater than the depth d of the opening 102. This means that, as shown in Figure 2D, when the bottle cap 200 is received in the opening 102, it extends out of the opening 102 along the axial direction of the retaining device 100. The axial direction is typically determined by... Figure 2D and Figure 2E Arrow A in the diagram indicates this. (For example...) Figure 2D As shown, the bottle cap 200 also extends the opening 102 in a direction opposite to the axial direction indicated by arrow A. Correspondingly, the radial direction R of the retaining device 100 is... Figure 2D and Figure 2E The arrow R in the diagram indicates this.
[0071] Now for special reference Figure 2E . Figure 2E Showing with Figure 2D The bottle cap 200 has a slightly different design; how is the bottle cap 200 accommodated in the opening 102 of the retaining device 100? Figure 2E In the middle, the bottle cap 200 includes a single weakening line 202b, and its height H is less than the depth d of the opening 102. This means that, as Figure 2E As shown, when the bottle cap 200 is accommodated in the opening 102, it does not extend out of the opening 102 in a direction opposite to the axial direction A of the retaining device 100. Figure 2E The different designs of the bottle cap 200 allow the protrusion 120 shown in the figure to engage with the bottle cap 200 in different ways. In this regard, the protrusion 120 of the retaining device shown in the figure is configured to engage with the bottom edge 204 of the bottle cap 200 at position L' of the bottom edge 204. This prevents the bottle cap 200 from accidentally slipping out of the opening 102. Furthermore, Figure 2E The bottle cap 200 may not have any weakening line 202b because the protrusion 120 of the retaining device shown in the figure is configured to engage with the bottom edge 204 of the bottle cap 200 by engaging with the bottle cap 200 at position L' of the bottom edge 204.
[0072] Therefore, the protrusion 120 is configured to mate with one or more weakening lines 202a, 202b and / or bottom edge 204 of the cap 200.
[0073] like Figure 2D and 2C As shown, the depth d of the opening 102 can correspond to 80% to 120% of the height H of the cap 200.
[0074] like Figure 2D and 2C As shown, the textured surface portion 106 can extend to 40% to 60% of the depth d of the opening 102. The extension amount of the textured surface portion 106 can vary depending on different cap designs. Furthermore, the extension amount of the textured surface portion 106 can be varied to ensure that sufficient or required rotational torque can be transmitted from the retaining device 100 to the cap 200 without adversely affecting the cap.
[0075] like Figure 1A , 1C As shown in 1D, and in Figure 2D and 2EAs shown more clearly, the protrusion 120 is generally located below the textured surface portion 106 along the axial direction indicated by arrow A. However, the position of the protrusion 120 relative to the textured surface portion 106 may vary depending on the design of the cap 200 to be accommodated in the opening 102 of the retaining device 100.
[0076] like Figure 1A , 1C As shown in Figure 1D, the protrusions 120 can also be evenly distributed circumferentially along the circumferential surface portion 104. Therefore, the five protrusions 120 of the shown retaining device are as follows: Figure 1A , 1C As shown in Figure 1D, the circumferential surface portion 104 is uniformly distributed circumferentially.
[0077] like Figure 1D As shown, one or more protrusions 120 (e.g., protrusions 120 of protrusions 120) Figure 1D The five protrusions 120 in the middle can extend across angle α on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion 104. Figure 1D In this embodiment, each of the five protrusions 120 extends across an angle of 29 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion 104. However, the angle across which the protrusion 120 extends can be from 20 degrees to 40 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion 104. Preferably, the angle across which the protrusion 120 extends can be from 25 degrees to 33 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion 104. More preferably, the angle across which the protrusion 120 extends can be from 28 degrees to 30 degrees on the circumferential surface portion 104. Furthermore, different protrusions 120 can extend across different angles α.
[0078] like Figure 1C As shown, the diameter D of the opening 102 is at least three times the depth d of the opening 102. This means that a bottle cap 200 with a diameter much larger than its height can be accommodated in the opening 102 of the retaining device and can be prevented from accidentally moving out of the opening 102, as described above.
[0079] like Figure 2D and 2C As shown, the depth d of the opening 102 corresponds to 80% to 120% of the height H of the cap 200.
[0080] The following will mainly refer to Figure 2D and 2E The characteristics of the protrusion 120 of the holding device 100 shown are described.
[0081] As shown in the figure, the five protrusions 120 of the retaining device 100 typically have a radial extension e from their bottom 122 to their top 124, which is 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. In other words, the height of the protrusions 120 is typically 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm. By giving the protrusions a radial extension e (0.5 mm to 1.0 mm) from their bottom 122 to their top 124, the protrusions can engage with one or more weakening lines 202a, 202b and / or bottom edge 204 of the cap 200, thereby preventing the cap from accidentally being removed from the opening 102. The radial extension e (from their bottom 122 to their top 124) of the protrusions is preferably 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm to 0.75 mm. Different protrusions 120 may have different radial extension e from their bottom 122 to their top 124. All protrusions 120 may also have the same radial extension e from their bottom 122 to their top 124.
[0082] The five protrusions 120 of the retaining device 100 shown in the figure typically have a radial extension e from their bottom 122 to their top 124, corresponding to 80% to 120% of the radial extension thickness t of the cap 200 at position L of the weakening lines 202a, 202b. Correspondingly, the five protrusions 120 of the retaining device 100 shown typically have a radial extension e from their bottom 122 to their top 124, corresponding to 80% to 120% of the radial extension thickness t of the cap 200 at position L' of the bottom edge 204. By giving the protrusions 120 a radial extension e corresponding to 80% to 120% of the radial extension thickness t of the cap 200 at positions L of the weakening lines 202a, 202b or at position L' of the bottom edge 204, the protrusions 120 can deflect or press the cap, thereby engaging with one or more weakening lines 202a, 202b and / or the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200 to prevent the cap from accidentally being removed from the opening 102. The five protrusions 120 of the shown retaining device 100 preferably have a radial extension e corresponding to 95% to 105% of the thickness t of the cap 200 at positions L of the weakening lines 202a, 202b or at position L' of the bottom edge 204. Different protrusions 120 may have different radial extensions e relative to the radial thickness at positions L of the weakening lines 202a, 202b or at position L' of the bottom edge 204. All protrusions 120 may also have the same radial extension e relative to the radial thickness at position L of weakening lines 202a, 202b or position L' of bottom edge 204.
[0083] As shown in the figure, the top 120 of the five protrusions 120 of the retaining device 100 is typically configured to contact the cap 200 at a distance of up to 1.2 mm from the weakening lines 202a, 202b of the cap or at a distance of up to 1.2 mm from the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200 when the cap 200 is received in the opening 120. When the cap 200 is received in the opening 120, by contacting the cap 200 at a distance of up to 1.2 mm from the weakening lines 202a, 202b of the cap 200 or at a distance of up to 1.2 mm from the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200, the protrusion 120 can deflect or press the cap, thereby engaging with one or more weakening lines 202a, 202b and / or the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200 to prevent the cap from accidentally being removed from the opening 102. The five protrusions 120 of the holding device 100 shown preferably contact the cap 200 at a distance of at most 0.8 mm from the weakening lines 202a, 202b of the cap or at a distance of at most 0.8 mm from the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200 when the cap 200 is received in the opening 120. When the cap 200 is received in the opening 120, different protrusions 120 may contact the cap 200 at different distances from the weakening lines 202a, 202b or the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200. When the cap 200 is received in the opening 120, all protrusions 120 may contact the cap 200 at the same distance from the weakening lines 202a, 202b or the bottom edge 204 of the cap 200.
[0084] like Figure 2D As shown, one of the five protrusions 120 of the holding device 100 may have a local radial extension that gradually varies along the axial direction A of the holding device 100. Figure 2D The protrusion 120 shown forms a specific profile from the end 121 of the retaining device along the axial direction A. More specifically, viewed from the end 121 of the retaining device 100 along the axial direction A towards the cap abutment surface 108 of the retaining device 100, Figure 2D The protrusion 120 shown begins at a first inclined segment 120a, with the local radial extension gradually increasing along this inclined segment until the first inclined segment 120a meets the top 124 of the protrusion 120. After the top 124 (also referred to as the top segment 124), the protrusion proceeds to a second inclined segment 120b, with the local radial extension gradually decreasing along this inclined segment until the second inclined segment 120b meets the bottom 122 of the protrusion 120.
[0085] Viewed along the axial direction A of the retaining device 100, one or more protrusions 120 may sequentially include: a first inclined section 120a; a top section 124; and a second inclined section 120b.
[0086] The first inclined segment 120a may have a radial extension toward the center of the cavity 102, which gradually increases until it reaches the top segment 124, where the top segment 124 may form the point of maximum radial extension toward the center of the cavity 102, and the second inclined segment 120b following the top segment 124 may have a radial extension toward the center of the cavity 102 that gradually decreases.
[0087] refer to Figure 1D When viewed along the inner periphery of cavity 102 (i.e., the periphery direction P of cavity 120), one or more protrusions 120 may sequentially include: a third inclined segment 120c; a top segment 124; and a fourth inclined segment 120d.
[0088] The third inclined segment 120c may have a radial extension toward the center of the cavity 102, which gradually increases until it reaches the top segment 124, where the top segment 124 may form the point of maximum radial extension toward the center of the cavity 102; the fourth inclined segment 120d following the top segment 124 may have a radial extension toward the center of the cavity 102, which gradually decreases.
[0089] These angled sections facilitate efficient connection and release of the cap and cap holder, minimizing any unnecessary damage to the cap.
[0090] In this article, "axial direction" A can refer to the direction that extends along the centerline of the opening 102 and is perpendicular to the plane of the opening 102.
[0091] In this article, "radial direction" R can refer to the direction that extends outward from the centerline of the opening 102, is perpendicular to the axial direction A, and lies within the plane of the opening 102.
[0092] In this article, "peripheral direction" P can refer to the direction along the circumference of the opening 102, located in the plane of the opening 102, and perpendicular to the axial direction A and the radial direction R.
[0093] In this article, "sloping" can refer to a gradual increase or decrease in radial extension, resulting in a continuous and smooth curvature of the corresponding cross section, rather than a step or abrupt change.
[0094] The oral cavity 102 can have a cylindrical shape.
[0095] The circumferential surface portion 104 can be integrally molded as a single component. The retaining device 100, including the opening 102, can also be integrally molded as a single component.
[0096] This means that the circumferential surface portion 104 and / or the retaining device 100 can be made from a single piece of material without seams or connections, thereby enhancing structural integrity and potentially simplifying the manufacturing process.
[0097] Following the bottom 122 of the protrusion 120, the circumferential surface portion 102 of the retaining device 100 continues along the axial direction A with a fourth inclined segment 120e, the local radial extension gradually increasing along this inclined segment until the third inclined segment 120a contacts the textured surface portion 106. Following the textured surface portion 106, the circumferential surface portion 102 of the retaining device 100 continues along the axial direction A until it contacts the cap abutment surface 108. Figure 2D As shown, the textured surface portion 106 extends further inward radially than the top 124 of the protrusion 120. In other words, the textured surface portion 106 is closer to the central axis C of the retaining device 100 than the top 124 of the protrusion 120. Therefore, the outer textured surface 201 of the cap 200 can be translated to the opening without being affected or contacted by the protrusion 120. Now let's look at... Figure 1B .like Figure 1B As shown, according to an exemplary embodiment, the retaining device 100 may include a first portion 130 and a second portion 140. The first portion may include a circumferential surface portion 104. The second portion 140 may be configured to connect to the first portion 130 and transmit rotational torque between the two. Any suitable connection method between the first portion 130 and the second portion 140 can be advantageously used, as long as the rotational torque can be transmitted between the first portion 130 and the second portion 140. In addition to including the first portion 130 and the second portion 140, Figure 1B The holding device 100 shown also has, for example, a connection with... Figure 1A , 1C Features corresponding to the holding device 100 shown in 1D and 2A-2E. Please refer to the above for details.
[0098] Looking at it now Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary bottle cap applicator 300 is shown as an example. Figure 4 As shown, the cap applicator 300 is designed for use in a food packaging system 400. The cap applicator 300 includes a retaining device 100 of the type described above. Therefore, to avoid repetition, details of the retaining device 100 will not be described here.
[0099] The cap applicator 300 shown in the figure includes a drive unit 302 configured to rotate the retaining device 100. More specifically, the drive unit 302 is configured to rotate the retaining device 100 about its central axis C. Therefore, as the retaining device 100 rotates about the central axis C, the cap 200 will be received in the opening 120 of the retaining device 100 and rotate with the retaining device 100 about the central axis C. In this way, the cap 200 can be screwed onto the packaging. The drive unit 302 shown in the figure includes a motor 304 configured to rotate the retaining device 100 via a drive belt 306. The motor 304 can be, for example, an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or a hydraulic motor; the above are only some examples. The drive belt 306 can be, for example, a toothed belt or a flat belt.
[0100] Figure 4 An exemplary food packaging system 400 is shown, which includes a cap applicator station 402. The cap applicator station 402 shown in the figure includes two cap applicators 300 (as described above). Figure 3 (The type described in the text). The food packaging system 400 shown also includes other stations 404 and 406, such as a filling station and a heat treatment station.
[0101] Now, see Figure 5 . Figure 5 A method 500 for holding a bottle cap 200 will be described. More specifically, a method for holding a bottle cap 200 using a holding device 100 of a cap applicator 300 of a food packaging system 400 will be described. The holding device 100 includes an opening 102, which includes a circumferential surface portion 104, which includes a textured surface portion 106 and one or more protrusions 120 disposed along and extending radially inward from the circumferential surface portion 104. In other words, a holding device 100 of the type described above is used when performing method 500.
[0102] The method 502 includes: receiving 502 a bottle cap having circumferential weakening lines 202a, 202b and / or a bottom edge 204 in an opening 102 of a retaining device 100 such that a circumferential surface portion of the opening 104 surrounds the bottle cap 200, whereby a textured surface portion 106 engages with the bottle cap 200, such that rotational torque of the retaining device 100 can be transmitted to the bottle cap 200, whereby one or more protrusions 120 engage with the circumferential weakening lines 202a, 202b of the bottle cap 200 by pressing the bottle cap 200 at position L of the weakening lines 202a, 202, thereby preventing the bottle cap 200 from accidentally being removed from the opening 102, or whereby one or more protrusions 120 engage with the bottom edge 204 of the bottle cap 200 by pressing the bottle cap 200 at position L' of the bottom edge 204, thereby preventing the bottle cap 200 from accidentally being removed from the opening 102.
[0103] As can be seen from the above description, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be implemented in other ways within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A retaining device (100) for a cap applicator (300) in a food packaging system (400), the retaining device (100) comprising: An opening (102) is configured to receive a bottle cap (200), wherein the opening (102) includes a circumferential surface portion (104) configured to surround the bottle cap (200) when the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (102). The circumferential surface portion (104) includes: a textured surface portion (106) configured to engage with the bottle cap (200) and transmit rotational torque to the bottle cap (200) when the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (102); and one or more protrusions (120) disposed along the circumferential surface portion (104) and extending radially inward from the circumferential surface portion (104), wherein The one or more protrusions (120) are configured as follows: When the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (102), it engages with the circumferential weakening lines (202a, 202b) of the bottle cap (200) by pressing the bottle cap (200) at position (L) of the weakening lines (202a, 202b); or, when the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (102), it engages with the bottom edge (204) of the bottle cap (200) at position (L') of the bottom edge (204), thereby preventing the bottle cap (200) from accidentally being removed from the opening (102).
2. The holding device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more protrusions (120) are uniformly distributed along the circumferential surface portion (104).
3. The retaining device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more protrusions (120) are 4 to 7 protrusions (120), preferably 5 protrusions (120).
4. The retaining device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (120) of the one or more protrusions (120) has a radial extension (e) from its bottom (122) to its top (124) of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, more preferably 0.7 mm to 0.75 mm.
5. The holding device (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The protrusion (120) of the one or more protrusions (120) has a radial extension (e) from its bottom (122) to its top (124), which corresponds to 80% to 120% of the radial extension thickness (t) of the cap (200) at the position (L) of the weakening line (202a, 202b) or at the position (L') of the bottom edge (204), preferably corresponding to 95% to 105% of the thickness (t) of the cap (200) at the position (L) of the weakening line (202a, 202b) or at the position (L') of the bottom edge (204).
6. The holding device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The top (124) of one or more protrusions (120) is configured to contact the bottle cap (200) at a distance of up to 1.2 mm from the weakening lines (202a, 202b) or at a distance of up to 1.2 mm from the bottom edge (204) of the bottle cap (200) when the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (120), preferably, when the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (120), to contact the bottle cap (200) at a distance of up to 0.8 mm from the weakening lines (202a, 202b) or at a distance of up to 0.8 mm from the bottom edge (204) of the bottle cap (200).
7. The holding device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (102), the bottle cap (200) is pressed radially inward by one or more of the protrusions (120) by 0.3-0.5 mm; preferably, when the bottle cap (200) is received in the opening (102), the bottle cap (200) is pressed radially inward by one or more of the protrusions (120) by 0.36-0.40 mm.
8. The holding device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The protrusion (120) of the one or more protrusions (120) extends across an angle (a) of 20 to 40 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion (104), preferably across an angle (a) of 25 to 33 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion (104), and more preferably across an angle (a) of 28 to 30 degrees on the circumference of the circumferential surface portion (104).
9. The holding device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more protrusions (120) are located below the textured surface portion (106).
10. The holding device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The diameter (D) of the opening (102) is at least three times the depth (d) of the opening (102), and / or the depth (d) of the opening (102) corresponds to 80% to 120% of the height (H) of the cap (200) to be accommodated in the opening (102).
11. The holding device (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The textured surface portion (106) extends to 40% to 60% of the depth (d) of the oral cavity (102).
12. The holding device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The holding device (100) includes a first part (130) and a second part (140), the first part (130) including the circumferential surface portion (104), and the second part (140) being configured to connect to the first part (130) and transmit rotational torque therebetween.
13. A cap applicator (300) for a food packaging system (400) comprising a retaining device (100) according to any one of claims 1-12 and a driving device (302) configured to rotate the retaining device (100) about its central axis (C), thereby rotating the cap (200) received in the opening (102) of the retaining device (100) about the central axis (C).
14. A food packaging system (400) comprising a cap applicator station (402) including one or more cap applicators (300) according to claim 13.
15. A method (500) for holding a cap (200) by utilizing a holding device (100) of a cap applicator (300) of a food packaging system (400), the holding device comprising an opening (102) wherein the opening (102) comprises a circumferential surface portion (104) comprising a textured surface portion (106) and one or more protrusions (120) disposed along and extending radially inward from the circumferential surface portion (104), the method comprising: A bottle cap having circumferential weakening lines (202a, 202b) and / or a bottom edge (204) is received (502) in the opening (102) of the retaining device (100) such that the circumferential surface portion of the opening (104) surrounds the bottle cap (200). Thus, the textured surface portion (106) engages with the bottle cap (200), allowing the rotational torque of the retaining device (100) to be transmitted to the bottle cap (200). Thus, the one or more protrusions (120) engage with the circumferential weakening lines (202a, 202b) of the bottle cap (200) by pressing the bottle cap (200) at position (L) of the weakening lines (202a, 202), thereby preventing the bottle cap (200) from accidentally moving out of the opening (102), or Thus, the one or more protrusions (120) engage with the bottom edge (204) of the cap (200) by pressing the cap (200) at position (L') of the bottom edge (204), thereby preventing the cap (200) from being accidentally removed from the opening (102).