Locking head for closing a container with a container lock

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a closing head for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a container with a screw closure in a beverage filling plant, preferably for closing a container with a screw closure in an aseptic beverage filling plant. State of the art

[0002] Closing heads for closing containers with a container closure are well known in the art. For example, a container closure fed via a pick wheel is gripped by the pick wheel's clamping jaws and then held on the closing head. The closing head, equipped with the container closure, is then positioned over the container to be closed and lowered onto it to close the container with the container closure. If a screw closure is to be applied to the container, the closing head undergoes a rotational movement in addition to the lowering movement. The combination of lowering and rotation allows the container closure to be screwed onto the container.

[0003] Furthermore, the state of the art provides systems that allow the exchange of closure-related components of the closing heads, allowing the application of container closures of different geometries using the same closing head. Replacing these known components is complex, as an operator usually has to enter the machine's clean room to replace the closure-related parts.

[0004] EP 0 876 991 B1 discloses a device for screwing a cap onto a container neck, which comprises gripping means pivotable about horizontal axes and provided with clamping jaws for clamping the cap. A similar design is shown by the screwing and rolling head for attaching threaded caps, which is known from EP 1 908 725 B1.

[0005] US 5 851 042 A shows a clamping bushing for gripping container lids, which can be quickly changed by means of a locking bolt on a closure gripping system. To clamp the container lid, the segments of the clamping bushing are bent inward by means of a pressure cylinder to enable gripping of the container lid. On the one hand, with this concept, even if the clamping bushing is replaced with a clamping bushing of a different geometry, only container lids with a similar geometry can be processed. On the other hand, with the low load on the components, in particular the segments, required for continuous operation, only low pressures or clamping forces can be applied to the container lid. Furthermore, this system is only suitable for aseptic systems to a very limited extent due, among other things, to the many undercuts and sliding surfaces.

[0006] A device for closing containers with a closure having a closing head according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 2 301 885

[0007] A1. FR 2 947 247 A1 describes an ampoule crimping device in which the crimping pliers are secured by a pressure pin. Description of the invention

[0008] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a further improved closing head for closing a container with a container closure.

[0009] The problem to be solved is solved with a capping head having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the description and the subclaims.

[0010] Accordingly, a closing head for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a container with a screw cap in a beverage filling system, is proposed, which comprises a gripping mechanism holder and a stop for positioning the container closure in the axial direction of the container lid. According to the invention, the stop is locked to the gripping mechanism holder by means of a prestressed pressure pin, wherein the pressure pin (5) has a cylindrical shaft (50) and a head region (52) with an outer diameter that is larger than the cylindrical shaft (50), wherein the cylindrical shaft (50) has a locking region (54) for creating a positive connection with a recess (62) arranged on the stop (6) for receiving the locking region (54).

[0011] Because the stop is locked to the gripping mechanism holder by means of the preloaded pressure pin, a closing head can be provided that allows for quick change of the stop. In other words, the preloaded pressure pin provides a quick-change mechanism by means of which the stop can be changed quickly and easily. Preferably, the stop can be changed without the use of tools. By replacing the stop with one suitable for positioning a different container closure type, quick and easy conversion of the closing head can be provided.

[0012] To install, remove, or replace the stop, the pressure pin can be moved axially against its preload, releasing the locking mechanism with which the preloaded pressure pin secures the stop to the gripping mechanism bracket. This allows the stop to be installed, removed, and / or replaced quickly and easily on the gripping mechanism bracket.

[0013] Furthermore, a capping head with such a structure can reduce to a minimum all areas that are not and / or only difficult to access for cleaning.

[0014] The installation, removal, or replacement of the stop can still be performed in all areas of a machine and / or system containing the capping head. In particular, if the capping head is used in an aseptic system, the stop can be replaced from a cleanroom window. This allows an operator to change the stop without having to enter the cleanroom.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, a seal for sealing a stop receiving pocket against the environment is provided on the stop and / or a seal for sealing the interior of the gripping mechanism holder against the environment is provided on the pressure pin. By providing a seal for sealing a stop receiving pocket against the environment on the stop and / or a seal for sealing the interior of the gripping mechanism holder against the environment is provided on the pressure pin, a further improved cleanability of the closer head can be provided. The interior of the gripping mechanism holder and / or in particular the areas which cannot be sufficiently reached by the cleaning device during cleaning to provide a sufficient cleaning effect are sealed against the environment by the seal.Furthermore, the provision of the seal prevents any contents spilling out of the container to be sealed or other contaminants from settling or depositing in the sealed areas.

[0016] The described closing head can have at least one gripper arm, which is preloaded in the opening direction by a preloading element, preferably a compression spring. In this way, collisions and damage to the system can be avoided during operation if the gripper mechanism of the closing head is lost. In particular, in the event of a failure of the working medium for the gripper mechanism, for example, a failure of the pneumatic air supply, it can be avoided that container closures held by the gripper mechanism collide with already closed containers, or that a container closure held in the gripper mechanism collides with a new container closure provided on a pick wheel.By pre-tensioning the gripping mechanism in the opening direction, it can be ensured that if the control is lost, for example if the pneumatic air is lost, picked up container closures fall down due to the pre-tension-induced opening of the gripping mechanism and no new container closures are picked up.

[0017] Also described is a capping head for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a container with a screw cap in a beverage filling system. The capping head comprises a gripping mechanism for gripping the container closure with at least one gripping arm pivotable about a bearing and a holding jaw arranged on the at least one gripping arm for holding the container closure. The holding jaw is locked to the gripping arm by means of a preloaded pressure pin.

[0018] Because the holding jaw is locked to the gripper arm by means of a preloaded pressure pin, a capping head can be provided that allows for quick changing of the holding jaw while simultaneously ensuring secure locking during capping. In other words, the preloaded pressure pin provides a quick-change mechanism that allows the holding jaw to be changed quickly and easily. Preferably, the changing of the holding jaw can be done without tools.

[0019] By replacing a holding jaw arranged on the closing head with a holding jaw which is suitable for gripping a different container closure type, a quick and easy conversion of the closing head for closing a container from one container closure type to another container closure type can be achieved.

[0020] To install, remove, or replace the holding jaw, the pressure pin can be moved axially against its preload, releasing the locking mechanism with which the preloaded pressure pin locks the holding jaw to the gripper arm. This allows the holding jaw to be installed, removed, and / or replaced quickly and easily on the gripper arm.

[0021] Furthermore, a capping head with such a design can achieve a reduction in the number of areas that are not accessible and / or difficult to access for cleaning.

[0022] The clamping jaw can still be installed, removed, or replaced in all areas of a machine and / or system containing the capping head. In particular, if the capping head is used in an aseptic system, the clamping jaw can be replaced from a cleanroom window. This allows an operator to change the clamping jaw without having to enter the cleanroom, thus reducing setup times.

[0023] Thus, in a machine and / or system having such a closing head, the downtime required for installation, removal or replacement of the holding jaw is reduced.

[0024] Preferably, the gripper arm is pivotally mounted on a gripper mechanism holder by means of the bearing, wherein the gripper mechanism is preferably located at a lower end of the closing head.

[0025] Under the name " above " or " upper end " is understood here as the side, seen in the longitudinal axis of the closing head, on which the closing head is connected to a machine or system. Accordingly, the term " below " or " lower end " the side facing away from the connection to the machine or system, which is directed towards the container to be sealed. Since when closing containers, the unsealed containers are always transported upright due to gravity, i.e. with the unsealed mouth facing upwards, the terms " above " and " below " is also clearly defined by this.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment variant, flushing openings are also provided on the bearing and / or the articulated connection, preferably in axle receptacles of the bearing and / or the articulated connection.

[0027] In a preferred further development, the bearing of the gripper arm is also locked by means of the pre-tensioned pressure pin.

[0028] Because the gripper arm bearing is locked by the preloaded pressure pin, the gripper arm can also be replaced quickly and easily, preferably without the use of tools. Furthermore, the bearing structure for supporting the gripper arm can be easily provided, since the locking of the bearing by the preloaded pressure pin secures the bearing against the gripper arm coming loose without restricting the gripper arm's ability to pivot around the bearing. Thus, no additional parts are required to lock the bearing, which could complicate cleaning of the capping head.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the gripping arm is pivotally connected to a control element for controlling the pivoting of the gripping arm by a hinge connection, and the hinge connection between the gripping arm and the control element is locked by the pre-tensioned pressure pin.

[0030] This also allows the gripper arm to be changed quickly and easily, preferably without tools, since only the preloaded pressure pin needs to be activated or removed to unlock the articulated connection. Furthermore, a simple design of the articulated connection can be provided, since the locking of the articulated connection by the preloaded pressure pin secures the articulated connection against detachment from the gripper arm without restricting the gripper arm's ability to move articulately within the articulated connection. Thus, no additional parts that could complicate cleaning of the capping head are required to articulate the gripper arm to the articulated connection.

[0031] In a further preferred variant, a pin element held in position by means of the pre-tensioned pressure pin is provided for locking the gripper arm to the bearing and / or for securing the articulated connection against loosening, wherein the pin element is preferably received in a pin receiving bore in the interior of the gripper arm.

[0032] By providing a pin element held in position by means of the preloaded pressure pin for locking the gripper arm to the bearing and / or for securing the articulated connection against loosening, the pressure pin can be made smaller in terms of its dimensions, since the preloaded pressure pin only has to hold the pin element in position for locking the bearing and / or the articulated connection. Preferably, this also allows the holding jaw to be replaced without this having any influence on the locking of the articulated connection and / or the bearing. Thus, the holding jaw can be replaced by axially displacing the preloaded pressure pin against its preload, and the locking of the bearing and / or the articulated connection can be released by removing the pressure pin, wherein the removal of the pressure pin can provide a change in the position of the pin element.

[0033] Because the pin element is preferably accommodated in a pin-receiving bore inside the gripper arm, it can be ensured that the pin element is securely held in position. Furthermore, this arrangement eliminates the need for increased cleaning of the capping head.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure pin has a cylindrical shaft and a head region with an outer diameter that is larger than the cylindrical shaft. The cylindrical shaft has a locking region for creating a positive connection with a recess arranged on the retaining jaw for receiving the locking region. The locking region preferably has the outer diameter of the head region. The recess preferably forms an undercut in the extension direction of the retaining jaw, so that a positive locking is easily possible.

[0035] Because the pressure pin has a cylindrical shaft and a head region with an outer diameter that is larger than the cylindrical shaft, wherein the cylindrical shaft has a locking region for creating a positive connection with a recess arranged on the holding jaw for receiving the locking region, a secure holding of the holding jaw can be provided by the preloaded pressure pin. The locking region of the pressure pin can be pushed out of the region of the recess by axially displacing the pressure pin against the preload, so that the positive connection is released and the holding jaw can be removed from the gripper arm. In the installed position, the locking region can be pressed into the recess by means of the preload, whereby the positive connection can be closed and the holding jaw can be locked on the gripper arm.The actuation in the axial direction of the preloaded pressure pin can preferably be carried out without tools.

[0036] The holding jaw preferably has an insertion area with a recess and a round, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section, which is inserted into the gripper arm. The insertion area preferably has an insertion slot through which the shaft of the pressure pin can be pushed into the gripper arm when the holding jaw is inserted.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, a prestressing element, preferably an elastomer and / or a spring, particularly preferably a compression spring, is provided for prestressing the pressure pin.

[0038] By providing a preloading element, preferably an elastomer and / or a spring, particularly preferably a compression spring, for preloading the pressure pin, a simple and reliable preloading of the pressure pin can be achieved. Furthermore, during the design of the capping head, the preload acting on the pressure pin in an installed state can be determined or calculated. Furthermore, the preload can be provided permanently.

[0039] Preferably, the preload element is arranged rotationally symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the pressure pin, particularly preferably around the cylindrical region of the pressure pin. This allows for a uniform preload acting on the pressure pin and a secure position of the preload element relative to the pressure pin.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, a seal is provided on the head region of the pressure pin and / or between the holding jaw and the gripper arm to seal the interior of the gripper arm against the environment.

[0041] By providing a seal on the head region of the pressure pin and / or between the holding jaw and the gripper arm to seal the interior of the gripper arm from the environment, a further improved cleanability of the closer head can be achieved. The interior of the gripper arm and / or in particular areas that cannot be sufficiently covered by a cleaning device during cleaning to provide a sufficient cleaning effect are sealed from the environment by the seal. Furthermore, the provision of the seal prevents filling material spilling out of the container to be sealed or other contaminants from becoming trapped or deposited in the sealed areas.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the bearing has a bearing pin around which the gripping arm can pivot and which is held in a fixed position in its longitudinal axis by means of the pre-tensioned pressure pin.

[0043] Because the bearing has a bearing pin around which the gripper arm can pivot and which is held in a fixed position along its longitudinal axis by the preloaded pressure pin, a very simple and stable bearing arrangement can be provided. Furthermore, such a bearing arrangement is easy to seal, preferably by providing sealing rings between the bearing pin and its receptacles.

[0044] Holding the bearing pin in the fixed position by the pressure pin can be achieved by providing a recess, preferably a groove, into which the pressure pin engages in a form-fitting manner. Alternatively, the recess, preferably the groove, can also interact with the pin element positioned by the pressure pin or with another element that serves to lock the bearing to the pressure pin.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the articulated connection has a connecting bolt which is held in a fixed position in its longitudinal axis by means of the pre-tensioned pressure pin.

[0046] Because the articulated connection has a connecting pin, which is held in a fixed position along its longitudinal axis by the preloaded pressure pin, a very simple and stable articulated connection can be provided. Furthermore, such an articulated connection is easy to seal, preferably by providing sealing rings between the connecting pin and its receptacles.

[0047] Holding the connecting pin in the fixed position by the pressure pin can be achieved by providing a recess, preferably a groove, into which the pressure pin engages in a form-fitting manner. Alternatively, the recess, preferably a groove, can also interact with the pin element positioned by the pressure pin or with another element that serves the pressure pin to lock the joint connection.

[0048] In a preferred development, the pressure pin has a securing arrangement which enables axial displacement of the pressure pin and secures the pressure pin against slipping out of the gripping arm, and which preferably comprises a screw, a ball and a threaded bore arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure pin for receiving the screw and the ball.

[0049] Because the pressure pin has a locking arrangement that allows axial displacement of the pressure pin and secures it against slipping out of the gripper arm, it is possible to achieve axial movement of the pressure pin. Consequently, the pressure pin can be moved, against the preload, within the range of motion provided by the locking arrangement, from a position in which the holding jaw is locked to a position in which the holding jaw is unlocked.

[0050] If the securing arrangement comprises a screw, a ball and a threaded bore arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure pin for receiving the screw and the ball, a particularly simple and reliable securing arrangement can be provided. The ball and the screw are located in the threaded bore when not installed. After inserting the pressure pin into the gripper arm, the screw can be tightened so that the ball partially emerges from the pressure pin and preferably engages in a securing recess in the gripper arm, which extends in the axial direction of the pressure pin. In the area of ​​the securing recess, the pressure pin can be displaced axially, preferably by the ball rolling between the screw and the securing recess.Falling out of the pressure pin can be prevented by a positive fit in the axial direction of the pressure pin, which is formed by contact of the ball with a wall of the securing recess and with the threaded bore.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the gripping arm has a bore for receiving the pressure pin.

[0052] The gripper arm's bore for receiving the pressure pin allows for a particularly easy-to-clean capping head, as only one bore opening needs to be sealed, while the gripper arm otherwise has no areas where foreign matter can accumulate or which are difficult for the cleaning device to reach. Furthermore, this ensures secure reception and positioning of the pressure pin.

[0053] Also described is a closing head for closing a container with a container closure, preferably for closing a container with a screw cap in a beverage filling system, comprising a gripping mechanism with at least one gripping arm for gripping the container closure. The gripping arm is preloaded in the opening direction.

[0054] In this way, collisions and damage to the system can be avoided if control of the gripping mechanism of the capping head is lost during operation. In particular, if the working medium for the gripping mechanism fails, for example a failure of the pneumatic air, this can prevent container closures held by the gripping mechanism from colliding with already closed containers or a container closure held in the gripping mechanism from colliding with a new container closure provided on a picking wheel. By pre-tensioning the gripping mechanism in the opening direction, it can be ensured that in the event of control loss, for example a loss of pneumatic air, picked container closures fall down due to the pre-tension-induced opening of the gripping mechanism and no new container closures are picked up.

[0055] This also prevents damage to filled containers that need to be sealed and prevents contamination of the beverage filling plant's cleanroom with product and / or broken glass. This also reduces or even eliminates unwanted downtime for cleaning the plant.

[0056] The pre-tension in the opening direction can also ensure that the closing of the gripping mechanism has to be operated actively, namely via the control of a control device. In other words, the gripping and release of the container closures can be operated actively, which can result in improved control. Due to the active closing of the gripping mechanism, the holding force applied to a container closure can also be actively varied and adapted to different container closure types, geometries and material combinations. This can reduce or even prevent the application of excessive holding forces and the associated effects such as deformation or scratching of the container closure. This allows the container closure to be handled as gently as possible while at the same time securely closing the container.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the gripping arm is pre-tensioned by a pre-tensioning element, preferably a compression spring.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the pretensioning element is arranged in an actuating cylinder, preferably a pneumatic cylinder.

[0059] Because the preloading element, preferably a compression spring, is arranged in the actuating cylinder, the number of parts that are difficult to clean in the clean room can be reduced, since the actuating cylinder itself provides encapsulation for the compression spring.

[0060] In some system designs, the actuating cylinder is also mounted outside the cleanroom, so the pre-tensioning element is also located outside the cleanroom, which may be advisable from a hygienic perspective. By locating the pre-tensioning element in the actuating cylinder, the cleanability of the capping head is significantly improved. This arrangement is therefore particularly suitable for use in aseptic beverage filling systems.

[0061] The described closing head with the gripping arm(s) pre-tensioned in the opening direction can also be combined particularly advantageously with the embodiments described above in which the holding jaws and / or the bearings and / or the stops are locked by means of pre-tensioned pressure pins. Short description of the characters

[0062] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures: Figure 1A schematically shows a perspective side view of a capping head with a spring-closing gripping mechanism; Figure 1B schematically shows a perspective side view of a capping head with a spring-opening gripping mechanism; Figure 2A schematically shows a sectional view of the capping head from Figure 1A along the section line AA; Figure 2B schematically shows a sectional view of the capping head from Figure 1B along the section line AA; Figure 3Detail view Z of a holding jaw made of Figure 2A ; Figure 4the capping head Figure 1A in a schematic sectional view along the section line BB from Figure 1A; Figure 5 shows a partially sectioned, perspective view of a holding jaw and a pressure pin; Figure 6 shows a closing head for applying a container closure to a container to be closed; Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view of the closing head from Figure 6 ; Figure 8 a schematic representation of an actuating cylinder; and Figure 9 a schematic sectional view through the actuating cylinder from Figure 8 . Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0063] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, and equivalent elements are designated by identical reference numerals. To avoid redundancies, some of these elements will not be described repeatedly in the following description.

[0064] Figure 1Ashows a schematic perspective side view of a capping head 1 with a spring-loaded gripping mechanism 2 for gripping and holding a container closure 17 when closing a container to be closed. The capping head 1 extends along a longitudinal axis L. This longitudinal axis L also defines the axis of symmetry of the closure 17 and, in the case of a screw closure, coincides with the axis of rotation of the screw closure when screwing onto the container and thus also with the container axis during screwing.

[0065] On a gripping mechanism holder 9 provided on the capping head 2, three gripping arms 3 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the capping head 1 and are each pivotably mounted on the gripping mechanism holder 9 by means of a bearing 7. The individual gripping arms 3 thus form an angle of 120° with the adjacent gripping arms 3 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. In this embodiment, the bearing 7 is designed as a pin bearing with a bearing pin 70. Alternatively, other bearing shapes or variants can also be used.

[0066] At the lower end of each gripper arm 3, a holding jaw 4 is arranged, whereby the closing head 1 can grip and hold a container closure 17 to be applied to the container to be closed with the holding jaws 4. The gripper arms 3 are articulated at their upper end via an articulated connection 8 to a control element 308 for controlling the gripping mechanism 2. To form the articulated connection, a connecting pin 80 is arranged on each gripper arm 3, which engages in two elongated hole loops 120 of the control element 308 arranged on both sides of each gripper arm 3. The elongated hole loops 120 are shaped such that the connecting pin 80 can slide along the respective elongated holes.

[0067] The slotted loops 120 of the control element 308 are oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis L. Thus, the upper ends of the slotted loops 120 are closer to the longitudinal axis L than their lower ends. Accordingly, the upper ends of the slotted loops 120 are arranged on a circle having a smaller radius than the circle on which the lower ends of the slotted loops 120 are arranged. Due to this arrangement of the slotted loops 120, the gripping mechanism 2 is in a closed state when the connecting bolts 80, as in Figure 1Ashown, are located at the respective lower ends of the elongated hole loops 120. The connecting pins 80 are pressed outwards to the larger radius by the elongated hole loops 120, so that the gripping arms 3 are rotated around the bearing pins 70 such that the holding jaws 4 are arranged in the closed position. By correspondingly displacing the connecting pins 80 upwards along the elongated hole loops 120 by lifting the control element 308, the gripping mechanism can be opened accordingly, since the connecting pins 80 are then forced to a smaller radius by the elongated hole loops 120 and the gripping arms 3 pivot accordingly around the bearing pins 70 into the open position.

[0068] The slotted loops 120 are preferably linear. Depending on the desired movement profile of the gripper arms 3, however, curved slotted loops 120 can alternatively be used to achieve different dependencies between the height position of the control element 308 and the respective opening position of the holding jaws 4.

[0069] In this spring-closing embodiment of the closing head 1, the control element 308 is pressed towards the top of the closing head 1 by a compression spring 302 arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis L, so that in the Figure 1In the situation shown, the connecting pins 80 are located at the lower end of the elongated hole loops 80 and the gripping arms 3 and thus also the holding jaws 4 are in the closed position in which a container closure could be gripped. Due to the spring-closing design, the container closure would be securely held between the holding jaws 4 due to the spring tension of the compression spring 302, even without further activation of the control element 308.

[0070] An actuating cylinder is arranged above the control element 308 concentrically to the longitudinal axis L. When the actuating cylinder extends, it presses on the control element 308 and moves it toward the underside of the closing head 1 against the spring tension applied by the pretensioning element 32. As a result, the connecting pins 80 in the elongated hole loops 120 move toward their upper ends, which causes the gripping arms 3 to pivot. Since the upper ends of the elongated hole loops 120 are located closer to the longitudinal axis L, the gripping arms 3 pivot about the bearing 7, so that the holding jaws 4 are moved outward and the gripping mechanism 2 is consequently in an open position.

[0071] For positioning the container closure to be gripped, a stop 6 is arranged on the gripping mechanism holder 9. When the container closure is gripped, the stop 6 comes into contact with the top side of the container closure, so that its position is determined with respect to the longitudinal axis L and a secure holding of the container closure by the holding jaws 4 with a correct position of the container closure is achieved.

[0072] In Figure 1B In an alternative, a capping head 1 is shown which has a spring-opening gripping mechanism. This capping head 1 has, in principle, the same elements as the one shown in Figure 1A shown. However, the control element 308 is biased in the opening direction of the gripping arms 3, i.e., it is biased downwards. This position is shown in Fig. 1B and the gripping arms 3 are pivoted outwards, so that the gripping mechanism is opened and the gripping arms 3, as shown in the Figure 1B shown, can be guided over the container closure 17. In other words, the gripping mechanism is in the open position without the application of any further control, so that a container closure would fall out of the gripping mechanism.

[0073] By means of a control device 300, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises an actuating cylinder, the control element 308 can now be actively moved upwards to achieve an active closing of the gripping arms 3 by pivoting them around the bearing pins 70. By means of the control device 300, the control element 308 can thus be actively controlled so that the gripping arms 3 are pivoted in the closing direction and a container closure can be held accordingly between the holding jaws 4. The strength of the clamping applied by the holding jaws 4 is predetermined by the control device 300 and in particular by the actuating cylinder.

[0074] A prestressing element 302 for applying the prestress in the opening direction is, as for example also in Figure 7 shown, in the form of a spring in the actuating cylinder 301. The prestressing element 302 in the form of a spring acts in the opening direction on the piston 303 of the actuating cylinder 301 and thus via an actuating rod 304 on the control element 308. Accordingly, the prestressing element 302 acts directly on the control element 308 and applies a force in the opening direction. By applying pneumatic air to the actuating cylinder 301, the piston 303 can be raised against the prestress and the control element 308 is then raised accordingly via the actuating rod 304, so that the gripper arms 3 can be pivoted in the closing direction and a container closure can be held.

[0075] Figure 2Ashows a sectional view of the closing head 1 with the spring-closing gripping mechanism 2 from Figure 1A , whereby no container closure is shown here held between the gripping arms 3.

[0076] Figure 2B shows schematically a sectional view of the closing head 1 with spring-opening gripping mechanism 2 from Figure 1B , wherein a schematically illustrated container closure 17 is held by the gripping mechanism 2.

[0077] The container closure 17 rests with its upper side against the stop 6 and is held by the three holding jaws 4, which are brought radially from the outside via the gripper arms 3. The control device 300, via the control element 308 and the gripper arms 3, exerts a holding pressure, which can be determined during the dimensioning of the closing head 1, from the holding jaws 4 onto the container closure 17, which enables the container closure 17 to be held securely and the container to be closed to be reliably closed with the container closure 17.

[0078] Figure 3 shows a detailed view Z of the quick-change mechanism of the holding jaws 4 from Figure 2AEach of the gripping arms 3 has a bore 30 in which a pressure pin 5 is arranged, which has a cylindrical shaft 50 and a head region 52. The head region 52 of the pressure pin 5 has a larger outer diameter than the cylindrical shaft 50. A seal 53 is arranged between the head region 52 and the gripping arm 3 to seal the bore 30 against the environment when the pressure pin 5 is inserted.

[0079] Furthermore, a locking region 54 is arranged on the cylindrical shaft 50 of the pressure pin 5, which, in the illustrated embodiment, has the outer diameter of the head region 50. An elastic preloading element 11 in the form of a coil spring is arranged between the locking region 54 and a shoulder 36 of the bore 30. The preloading element 11 is in a tensioned state and thus presses against the locking region 54 and pushes it out of the bore 30 in one direction.

[0080] In order to prevent the pressure pin 5 from moving completely out of the bore 30, a securing arrangement 14 is provided which enables axial displacement of the pressure pin 5, but at the same time secures the pressure pin 5 against falling out of the gripping arm 3. In this case, a screw 140 is screwed into a threaded bore arranged perpendicular to the pressure pin axis D of the pressure pin 5, and thereby positions a ball which partially emerges from the pressure pin 5 and engages in a securing recess 32 of the gripping arm 5, which extends in the axial direction of the pressure pin 5. In the region of the securing recess 32, the pressure pin 5 is axially displaceable by the ball rolling between the screw 140 and the securing recess 32.A movement of the pressure pin 5 out of the bore 30 is prevented by a positive connection in the axial direction of the pressure pin 11, which the ball enters into due to contact with a side wall of the securing recess 32, as well as with a wall of the threaded bore.

[0081] In each gripper arm 3, the respective holding jaw 4 is inserted into the gripper arm 3 with an insertion area 40 and locked by means of the preloaded pressure pin 5. The locking area 54 of the pressure pin 5 engages in a complementary recess 42 of the holding jaw 4, with the preloading element 11 pressing the locking area 54 into the recess 42. This provides a clamped positive connection between the pressure pin 5 and the holding jaw 4. To seal the interior of the gripper arm from the environment, a seal 13 is arranged between the holding jaw 4 and the gripper arm 3.

[0082] To disassemble the holding jaw 4, the pressure pin 5 is axially displaced against the preload in the direction of the preload element 11. This pushes the locking area 54 out of the recess 42, so that the positive locking is released and the holding jaw 4 can be pulled out of the gripper arm 3.

[0083] To mount another holding jaw 4, the pressure pin 5 must be moved accordingly in the direction of the preload element 11 so that the holding jaw 4 can be inserted into the gripper arm 3. After inserting the holding jaw 4 and releasing the pressure pin 5, its locking area 54 is pressed back into the recess 42 of the holding jaw 4, whereby the holding jaw 4 is locked in the gripper arm 3.

[0084] A basic representation of the holding jaw 4 and the pressure pin 5 is also shown in Figure 5, which shows a partially sectioned perspective view of the holding jaw 4 and the pressure pin 5. It can be seen that the insertion area 40 of the holding jaw 4 is provided with an insertion slot 44, which is designed such that the shaft 50 of the pressure pin 5 can be inserted therein.

[0085] To mount the holding jaw 4, the insertion area 40 is inserted into the complementary recess in the gripper arm 3. The insertion area 40 is in the Figure 5shown with a round cross-section, but it can also have an elliptical or polygonal cross-section - for example, to provide an anti-twist device. When the insertion area 40 is inserted into the gripper arm 3, the insertion slot 44 slides over the shaft 50 of the pressure pin 5. When the holding jaw 4 is mounted, the pressure pin 5 is pressed into the bore 30 against the preload of the preload element 11 to such an extent that the locking area 54 is raised sufficiently that it does not collide with the insertion area 40 of the holding jaw 4. Rather, only the shaft 50 interacts with the insertion area 40 and in particular the insertion slot 44.

[0086] If the insertion area 40 is pushed far enough into the gripper arm 3, the pressure pin 5 is allowed to move in the direction of the preload. This causes the pressure pin 5 to move relative to the insertion area 40, and the locking area 54 engages with its complementary recess 42. The recess 42 forms an undercut in the extension direction of the insertion area 40. The positive fit created in this way allows the holding jaw 4 to be locked to the gripper arm 3. The holding jaw 4 can therefore no longer be pulled out of the gripper arm 3 in the locked position.

[0087] For disassembly, the pressure pin 5 is then moved again against the preload, so that the locking area 54 lifts out of the recess 42 and the positive locking is thus released. The insertion area 40 can then be pulled out of the gripper arm 3 in the withdrawal direction, with the shaft 50 of the pressure pin 5 sliding through the insertion slot 44.

[0088] Like the Figures 2A and 2B As can be seen, the gripper arm 3 further has a pin receiving bore 34 in which a pin element 10 is received. The pin receiving bore 34 adjoins the bore 30 for receiving the pressure pin 5.

[0089] The pin element 10 is positioned and held by the preloaded pressure pin 5, wherein, in the embodiment shown, the pressure pin presses the preload element 11 against an end face of the pin element 10. Alternatively, the pressure pin 5 can also have direct contact with the pin element 10 for positioning the pin element 10.

[0090] With the help of the pin element 10, the bearing 7 is locked via the pressure pin 5. The pin element 10, positioned by the pressure pin 5, engages in a groove 72 of the bearing pin 70, so that the latter is held in a fixed position with respect to its longitudinal axis. This ensures a secure locking of the bearing pin 70 and thus of the bearing 7 by the pressure pin 5, without impairing the pivoting of the gripper arm 3 around the bearing 7.

[0091] Furthermore, the articulated connection 8 between the gripper arm 3 and the control element 308 is also locked by the preloaded pressure pin 5. The pin element 10, positioned by the pressure pin 5, engages in a groove 82 of the connecting bolt 80, so that the latter is held in a fixed position along its longitudinal axis. This ensures a secure locking of the connecting bolt 80 and thus of the articulated connection 8 by the pressure pin 5.

[0092] To replace the gripper arm 3, the pressure pin 5 and the pin element 10 must be removed. The connecting bolt 80 and the bearing bolt 70 can then be moved axially out of the bearing so that the gripper arm 3 can be removed and, if necessary, replaced with a different gripper arm. The other gripper arm can then be attached to the closer head 1 by inserting the bearing bolt 70 or another bearing bolt into the bearing 7 and the connecting bolt 80 or another connecting bolt into the articulated connection 8. The articulated connection 8 and the bearing 7 are to be locked using the pressure pin 5 inserted into the other gripper arm. Likewise, the pin element 10 and another pin element, the geometry of which may be adapted, can be included to lock the articulated connection 8 and / or the bearing 7 using the pressure pin 5.

[0093] The stop 6 is inserted concentrically to the longitudinal axis L into a stop receiving pocket 90 of the gripping mechanism holder 9 and locked by another preloaded pressure pin 5. To seal the stop receiving pocket 90 from the environment, a seal 13 is arranged between the stop 6 and the gripping mechanism holder 9.

[0094] In Figure 4 the capping head 1 is made of Figure 2B in a schematic sectional view along the section line BB from Figure 2B shown. The pin element 10 received in the pin receiving bore 34 of the gripper arm 3 engages in the groove 72 of the bearing pin 70, whereby the latter and thus the bearing 7 are locked in the axial direction of the bearing pin 70.

[0095] A pressure pin 5 arranged in a receiving bore 92 of the gripping mechanism holder 9 has a cylindrical shaft 50 and a head region 52, wherein the head region 52 has an outer diameter that is larger than the cylindrical shaft 50. A seal 53 for sealing the receiving bore 92 from the environment is arranged between the head region 52 and the gripping mechanism holder 9. Furthermore, a locking region 54 is arranged on the cylindrical shaft 50, which has the outer diameter of the head region 50. To preload the pressure pin 5, an elastic preloading element 11 in the form of a spiral spring is arranged between the locking region 54 and the bottom of the receiving bore 92. The preloading element 11 is in a tensioned state and thus presses against the locking region 54.

[0096] In the capping head 1, the stop 6 is preferably centrally locked to the gripping mechanism holder 9 by means of the preloaded pressure pin 5, with an insertion area 60 of the stop being inserted into a stop receiving pocket 90 of the gripping mechanism holder 9. The locking area 54 of the pressure pin 5 engages in a complementary recess 62 of the stop 6, with the preloading element 11 pressing the locking area into the recess 62. This provides a tensioned positive connection between the pressure pin 5 and the stop 6.

[0097] To disassemble the stop 6, the pressure pin 5 must be axially displaced against the preload in the direction of the preload element 11. This pushes the locking area 54 out of the recess 62, so that the positive locking is canceled and the stop 6 can be removed from the gripping mechanism holder 9. After removing the stop 6, the pressure pin 5 is pressed by the preload element 11 into the positive locking position described above, created by the securing arrangement.

[0098] To mount another stop 6, the pressure pin 5 must be moved accordingly in the direction of the preload element 11 so that the stop 6 can be inserted into the gripping mechanism holder 9. After inserting the stop 6 and releasing the pressure pin 5, its locking area 54 is pressed back into the recess 62, whereby the stop 6 is locked in the gripping mechanism holder 9.

[0099] Figure 6shows a closing head 1 for applying a container closure 17 to a container to be closed and Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view through this capping head 1.

[0100] The container closure 17 is received by the gripping mechanism 2 in the closing head 1 and can be applied or screwed onto the container. The necessary stroke for picking up the container closure 17 from a pick wheel, for subsequently transporting the container closure 17 over the mouth area of ​​the container to be closed, and for lowering the container closure 17 onto the mouth, is introduced into the closing head 1 via a roller 201.

[0101] If the closing head 1 is placed incorrectly on the container to be closed or on the picking wheel or if another collision with the container occurs, the resulting shock can be absorbed by a damping element 202.

[0102] The torque required for screwing a container closure 17 onto a container to be sealed is transmitted from a drive pinion 203, driven by a drive, via a drive wheel 204 to a rotating sleeve 209. The torque is transmitted from the rotating sleeve 209 to the gripping mechanism holder 9 via a tightly welded magnet system for cleanroom applications, which comprises an external magnet 208 for transmission and an internal magnet 207 for absorbing the torque. A bearing 307 serves to transfer the opening and closing movement from the stationary to the rotating part.

[0103] Accordingly, the torque can then act from the rotating sleeve 209 via the gripping mechanism holder 9 onto the gripping arms 3 and thus also onto the container closure 17 held between them. This allows the container closure 17 to be screwed onto the container.

[0104] Since the Figure 6 and 7 Since the closing head 1 shown is preferably intended for the hygienic filling and closing of containers, two additional sealing components, preferably in the form of a bellows, are provided. The first sealing component 205 serves to seal the clean room from the environment. The second sealing component 206 serves to seal the control device 300 of the gripping mechanism 2.

[0105] In addition to a lifting device 200 for raising and lowering the closing head 1 onto the container to be closed, the closing head 1 also comprises the control device 300 for controlling the gripping mechanism 2. The control device 300 comprises an actuating cylinder 301, a piston rod 305 which is fixedly connected to the actuating rod 304, and a bearing 307 which is connected to the control element 308 in such a way that the movement emanating from the actuating cylinder 301 is transmitted to the control element 308.

[0106] Figure 8 shows an actuating cylinder 301 of the control device 300, from which the piston rod 305 protrudes. Figure 9 shows the actuating cylinder 301 in a schematic sectional view.

[0107] To enable the spring-assisted opening of the grippers 3 of the Figure 1BTo effect the spring-opening closing head 1 shown, a force must act on the control element 308 in the direction of the underside of the closing head 1, so that the connecting pins 80 in the elongated hole loops 120 are moved toward their upper ends. Because the upper ends of the elongated hole loops 120 are located closer to the longitudinal axis L, pivoting of the gripping arms 3 about the bearing 7 is achieved, so that the gripping mechanism 2 is in an open position.

[0108] This force for opening the gripping mechanism 2 is generated by a preloading element 302 designed as a spring. The preloading element or spring is accommodated in the actuating cylinder 301, so that a particularly hygienic design of the control device 300 can be achieved.

[0109] In the absence of a force acting on the piston 303 by a working medium, the force of the preloading element 302 acts on the piston 303 connected to the piston rod 305, so that the piston 303 and the piston rod 305 are located at the lowest point of the actuating cylinder 301. To close the gripping mechanism 2, the actuating cylinder 301 is pressurized with the working medium, so that the piston 303 moves upward, i.e., against the direction of the spring force. This causes the piston rod 305 and thus the control element 308 to move toward the top of the closing head 1, pivoting the gripping arms 3 into the closed position. The connecting bolts 80 then move in the elongated hole loops 120 toward their lower ends.Because the lower ends of the elongated hole loops 120 are at a greater distance from the longitudinal axis L than the upper ends, the gripping arms 3 pivot about the bearing 7, so that the gripping mechanism 2 is then in a closed position. List of reference symbols

[0110] 1 Sealing head 10 Pin element 11 Preload element 120 Slotted hole loop 13 Seal 14 Securing assembly 140 Screw 17 Container closure 18 Bearing 2 Gripping mechanism 200 Lifting mechanism 201 Roller 202 Damping element 203 Drive pinion 204 Drive wheel 205 Sealing element 206 Sealing element 207 Inner magnet 208 Outer magnet 209 Rotating sleeve 3 Gripping arm 30 Bore 32 Securing recess 34 Pin receiving bore 36 Shoulder 300 Control device 301 Actuating cylinder 302 Preload element 303 Piston 304 Actuating rod 305 Piston rod 306 Connecting assembly 307 Bearing 308 Control element 4Holding jaw 40Insertion area 42Recess 44Insertion slot 5Pressure pin 50Shaft 52Head area 53Seal 54Locking area 55Set screws 6Stop 60Insertion area 62Recess 63Seal 7Bearing 70Bearing bolt 72Groove 8Joint connection 80Connecting bolt 82Groove 9Grip mechanism holder 90Stop receiving pocket 92Location bore LLongitudinal axis DPressure pin axis

Claims

1. Closure head (1) for closing a container with a container closure (17), preferably for closing a container with a screw closure in a beverage filling system, comprising a gripping mechanism holder (9) and a stop (6) for positioning the container closure (17) in the axial direction of the container closure (17), characterized in that the stop (6) is locked to the gripping mechanism holder (9) by means of a pre-tensioned pressure pin (5), and the pressure pin (5) has a cylindrical shaft (50) and a head area (52) with, by comparison with the cylindrical shaft (50), a greater external diameter, wherein the cylindrical shaft (50) has a locking area (54) for creating a form closure with a recess (62) disposed on the stop (6) for accommodating the locking area (54).

2. Closure head (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a seal (13) is provided on the stop (6) for sealing a stop accommodation pocket (90) against the environment, and / or a seal (13) is provided on the pressure pin (5) for sealing the interior of the gripping mechanism holder (9) against the environment.

3. Closure head (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a pre-tensioning element (11), preferably an elastomer and / or a spring, particularly preferably a pressure spring, is provided for pre-tensioning the pressure pin (5).

4. Closure head (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the locking area (54) preferably has the external diameter of the head area (52).