CAP FOR CLOSING CONTAINERS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a closer for closing containers, such as bottles, according to claim 1 and to a method for closing a container, such as a bottle, according to claim 10. State of the art

[0002] Closers are well known in the state of the art, particularly in the cosmetics industry, and the food and beverage industries. These closers can be designed as rotary machines or as linear machines. Sufficient devices for this are known in the state of the art.

[0003] The cappers each comprise one or more closure elements that apply a closure, such as a screw cap, to a container, such as a plastic container. The closure can be applied to the container either simply by pressing it on or by applying a rotating motion or torque.

[0004] The closure elements must be controlled for this purpose, as they typically first have to remove the closures from a supply and then apply them to the containers. Currently, this movement is usually controlled via cams that mechanically control the movement of the closure elements (up and down movement as well as rotation).

[0005] From DE 103 56 222 A1, an alternative device for screwing closure caps onto containers is known, wherein the gripping element of the closure element is assigned a control member which rotates with the closure element and is moved in order to open or close the gripping element.

[0006] Document GB 768 090 A describes a closer for closing containers with a closure, comprising an adjustment mechanism which can adjust a gripping element into a gripping position by the action of pressure when picking up a closure.

[0007] While these processes generally deliver a high degree of accuracy due to the mechanical control of the gripping elements' movement, allowing them to seal containers reliably and reproducibly, it is certainly difficult to apply different closures to containers with these closers, particularly with regard to the length and diameter of the closures. If a product or format change is necessary, either the individual closing elements and / or the mechanical control elements controlling the movement of the closing elements must be completely replaced, which results in considerable downtime and typically requires considerable manual effort. Task

[0008] Based on the known prior art, the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a closer with which a reliable control of the gripping and releasing of the closure is achieved and at the same time the effort in constructing the machine and / or in operating the machine can be kept as low as possible, particularly in the case of a change of brand. Solution

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the closer for closing containers, such as bottles, according to claim 1 and the method for closing a container, such as a bottle, according to claim 10.

[0010] Advantageous further developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

[0011] The closer according to the invention for closing containers, such as bottles, comprises at least one closing element for applying a closure to a container, wherein the closing element comprises a gripping element for gripping a closure and an adjusting mechanism which can move the gripping element between a gripping position in which the gripping element can grip and hold a closure, and an open position, wherein the adjusting mechanism can adjust the gripping element into the gripping position by the action of pressure when picking up a closure and can adjust it into the open position upon renewed pressure when transferring a held closure to a container, wherein the adjusting mechanism comprises a holding element which is designed to hold the gripping element in the gripping position.

[0012] Since the actuation of the gripping element and its adjustment by means of the adjustment mechanism into the gripping or open position is carried out solely by the pressure applied when picking up a closure and when transferring a held closure to a container, additional control cams that would mechanically control the movement of the gripping element are superfluous, so that the same gripping element and also the same closing element can be used even with different closures.

[0013] The holding element can, for example, develop a pre-tensioning effect which ensures that the gripping element is held in the gripping position and only moves to the open position when (renewed) pressure is applied.

[0014] In one embodiment, the gripping element comprises an engagement element for transmitting torque to the closure during application of a closure to a container.

[0015] Turning the closure element to screw the closure onto the container can thus be effectively translated into a torque acting on the closure.

[0016] It can be provided that the adjustment mechanism is designed to move the gripping element into the open position at the end of a closing process.

[0017] This design ensures that the gripping element remains in the gripping position during the closing process, i.e., during the application of the closure to the container, so that the closure is securely positioned on the container. The fact that the gripping element is moved to the open position as soon as the closure element is removed from the closure ensures that the closure cannot be accidentally removed from the container.

[0018] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism can comprise a tensioning mechanism to adjust the gripping element into the gripping position by applying pressure when picking up a closure and to adjust it into the open position when applying pressure again when transferring a held closure to a container, wherein the tensioning mechanism is designed to hold the gripping element in the closed position.

[0019] Such clamping devices are familiar from ballpoint pens or similar devices that can be moved into different positions by successive pressure. They typically comprise a guide along which an element rotates. The guide typically has two reversal points for movement, offset from one another in the direction of pressure. The guided element alternately changes from one position to the other when pressure is applied, allowing the clamping device to adjust the gripping element from the open position to the gripping position and vice versa.

[0020] Furthermore, one embodiment provides for the closer to comprise an ejection element that can interact with the adjustment mechanism of a closure element to move the gripping element from the gripping position to the open position. This ensures that the gripping element is moved into the open position even if application of the closure to the container fails, for example, if no container is positioned under the corresponding closure element and application of the closure therefore fails.

[0021] In a further development of this embodiment, it is provided that the gripping element can be adjusted from the gripping position to the open position by interaction of the ejection element with the adjustment mechanism, without any pressure being applied when transferring a held closure to a container.

[0022] For example, the ejection element can adjust the adjustment mechanism to a position (such as a "release position" in which a bolt can be released) in which the movement of the gripping element is released, so that it automatically adjusts itself (for example in conjunction with a spring element) to the open position.

[0023] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism can comprise a clamping mechanism and the ejection element can be designed to adjust a part of the clamping mechanism from a position in which the gripping element is held in a gripping position to a position in which the gripping element is transferred to the open position.

[0024] When implementing the adjustment mechanism by means of a clamping device, the part of the clamping device containing the guide of the clamping device can be moved in order to release the guided element in its movement so that the gripping element can be moved into the open position.

[0025] In a further embodiment, a spring element tensions the gripping element into the gripping position.

[0026] This ensures that in the absence of a closure or when corresponding pressure is applied, the gripping element usually remains in the open position.

[0027] Furthermore, the closing element can be arranged rotatably on the closer in order to apply a closure to a container by applying a torque, wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged so as to rotate or not rotate with the closing element.

[0028] With a rotatable adjustment mechanism, a rotationally symmetrical design is not necessary, which can simplify the design, for example, in conjunction with tensioning devices. If the adjustment mechanism is not rotatable, this can offer advantages with regard to the correct positioning of the adjustment mechanism in the vertical direction.

[0029] The method according to the invention for closing a container, such as a bottle, is carried out by means of a closer, wherein a closure for closing the container is picked up from a supply by a gripping element of a closing element and then the closure is applied to the container, wherein the closing element comprises an adjusting mechanism which moves the gripping element between a gripping position, in which the gripping element grips the closure from the supply and holds it in the gripping position, and an open position, wherein the adjusting mechanism adjusts the gripping element into the gripping position by the action of pressure when picking up the closure and adjusts it into the open position when pressure is applied again when the held closure is transferred to the container, wherein the adjusting mechanism comprises a holding element which holds the gripping element in the gripping position.This process allows for flexible application of closures of different sizes to containers.

[0030] In one embodiment, the gripping element remains in the closed position during application of the container while pressure is applied to the closure and is adjusted to the open position when the closure element is removed from the closed container.

[0031] This ensures that, as long as pressure is still being exerted by the closing element on the closure (and container), the gripping element remains in the gripping position, thus ensuring correct application of the closure. Since the gripping element is then moved to the open position (when the pressure is removed), reliable release of the gripping element from the closed container is guaranteed.

[0032] It can also be provided that the gripping element is moved from the gripping position into the open position for ejecting a closure by means of an ejection element which cooperates with the adjustment mechanism of the closure element.

[0033] This embodiment is particularly preferred to ensure that even after a container has been incorrectly closed, the closure is ejected before a new closure is picked up.

[0034] In a further development of this embodiment, it is provided that the ejection element is actuated after the optional transfer of the closure to a container.

[0035] The ejection elements arranged in the process direction after the area in which the closures are applied to the containers allow a standard actuation of the ejection element on each pass to ensure that in the event that no container has been closed, the received closure is still ejected.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the gripping element is preloaded into the open position by a spring element. Preloading the gripping element into the open position ensures correct gripping of a closure and reliable release from a sealed container.

[0037] Furthermore, the closure element can be rotated during application of the closure to the container, either with the adjustment mechanism rotating along with it or without the adjustment mechanism rotating along with it. This allows for various advantages regarding the design and movement of the closure elements. Short description of the characters

[0038] Figure 1 shows a closure element of a closer according to one embodiment. Figures 2a and b show the closure element and components thereof according to one of the embodiments. Figures 3a to d show schematically the movement sequence on the closure element when taking over a closure and transferring it to a container. Figures 4a to c show the process when ejecting a closure. Figure 5 shows schematically an embodiment of a closer. Detailed description

[0039] In Figure 1A closure element 100, such as can be part of a closure device according to the invention, is shown. The closure device itself is shown in Figure 5 shown schematically.

[0040] The closing element 100 can, for example, be arranged on a closer so that it rotates and moves to different positions. The closing element 100 essentially comprises a non-defined base body 150 (also called a housing), which can, for example, establish the connection to the closer. A gripping element 101 is provided on this base body. In the embodiment shown here, the gripping element 101 comprises several gripping jaws (also called jaws) or clamp elements 111 to 113. These are arranged such that a closure can be received between them and can be encompassed and held by the jaws 111 to 113.For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that in the inner region of the jaws 111 to 113, in which a closure 170 can be received, one or more engagement elements 190 are arranged, which can be at least partially engaged with the surface of the closure when the gripping element, in particular the jaws 111 to 113, grips the closure. These engagement elements 190 can be designed to establish a positive and / or non-positive contact between the closure and the gripping jaws 111 to 113. Through this contact, when the closure element 100 is rotated to apply the closure to a container, the torque can be transmitted to the closure by the gripping element (or the jaws 111 to 113), and a relative rotation of the closure to the closure element is avoided. This enables a secure attachment of the closure to the container.

[0041] In the embodiment shown here, the jaws 111 to 113 of the gripping element are shown as encompassing the closure 170 (in touching contact). This is to be understood as the gripping position of the gripping element 101. However, the gripping element 101 and in particular the jaws 111 to 113 are movably mounted, so that they are rotatable, for example, about the associated axes of rotation 142 and 143 for the jaws 112 and 113. For this purpose, as will be explained below, guide rollers 122 and 123 can be provided, for example, which run along an adjustment mechanism arranged, for example, in the body 150 of the closure element 100, wherein the adjustment mechanism enables movement of the rollers 122 and 123 such that rotation of the jaws 112 and 113 about the axes of rotation 142 and 143 is realized. If the jaws are open so that they cannot normally perform a gripping function, this is called the "open position".

[0042] Additionally, a spring element, such as ring 130, can be provided, which is designed to preload the gripping element in either the open or gripping position. Preloading in the open position is preferred, as this prevents a closure to be gripped from being properly gripped due to inadvertent adjustment to the gripping position, or the closure element from being unable to be released from the sealed containers after the closure has been applied.

[0043] While in the embodiment shown here, the spring element 130 is depicted as an O-ring that surrounds the individual jaws 111 to 113 from the outside, this embodiment is not mandatory. Other spring elements, such as separate tensioning fenders for each or at least one of the jaws 111 to 113, may also be provided.

[0044] In the embodiment shown here, at least jaws 112 and 113 are movable about the corresponding axes 142 and 143. In this embodiment, this can also apply to jaw 111, which is then mounted on the adjustment mechanism to be described below, so that it can move about an axis not shown here, using a roller (also not shown). Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that only one of the jaws is mounted so that it can move about a corresponding axis.

[0045] The embodiment of the gripping element with three jaws shown here is not mandatory. It is also possible to provide only two jaws or more than three jaws. Instead of jaws, other elements, such as clamping elements that only contact the container at specific points, can also be provided. The invention is not limited in this regard either, so that in general, the following description refers to a "gripping element" 101 that can be moved between a gripping and an open position to grip or release a closure. Embodiments described by way of example using jaws can also be realized in all other ways, for example, using clamping elements.

[0046] The Figures 2a and 2b show an embodiment of the closure element 100 as shown in the Figure 1shown in a side view (running through an imaginary longitudinal axis or central axis of the closure element) and in greater detail.

[0047] In the embodiment shown here, the surrounding O-ring is again provided as a spring element in the form of a rubber ring 130. This can also be made of polyurethane or other materials and / or include further elements that can realize a tensioning or springy effect. In contrast to the embodiment of the Figure 1 For the sake of simplicity, only one of the jaws, jaw 112, is shown here as being rotatably mounted about an axis 142. It is understood that all previously described and conceivable other embodiments for the gripping element can also be provided here, as long as the functions described below can be realized (in whole or in part).

[0048] As already mentioned with reference to Figure 1As described above, the closure element comprises an adjustment mechanism. This adjustment mechanism is formed by the individual elements 261, 262, 263, and 264 and is responsible for causing the movement of the gripping element between the gripping position and the open position.

[0049] In the embodiment shown here, a "tappet" 261 may be provided. This tappet can be provided with a closure (see, for example, the description of the Figures 3a to 3d ) are brought into contact and moved by pressure from the closure in the direction of the double arrow shown or at least in the direction of the element 262.

[0050] The plunger 261 can be movably mounted relative to the body 150 of the closure element, for example, with the aid of the connecting element 264. This connecting element can be designed, for example, as a rod that is movably mounted (for example, through the element 262). Furthermore, the element 263 can be assigned to the plunger 261 or any other suitable means, which can interact with the element 262 such that, when the plunger 261 is brought into contact with a closure and the closure is enclosed by the gripping element 101, the gripping element moves from the open position to the gripping position. At the same time, the invention provides that the elements 262 and 263 interact such that they together form a holding element that holds the gripping element in this position, i.e., in the gripping position, as long as a closure is arranged in the gripping element 101 (in particular, even without further or sustained pressure).

[0051] Furthermore, it is provided that the elements 262 and 263 interact in such a way that upon renewed pressure being exerted on the adjustment mechanism, for example when the closure is applied to a container, the gripping element 101 can be moved back into the open position. In particular, it can be provided that the holding element is first released, and the gripping element's gripping position is released by the holding element, so that the gripping element can move back into the open position. However, an immediate transfer to the open position does not have to occur, as described below.

[0052] While elements 262 and 263 have been described here in an abstract manner only with regard to their function, in Figure 2bA detailed implementation is described. In the embodiment shown here, element 263 and element 262 together form a "tensioning mechanism," as is known from ballpoint pens. This tensioning mechanism typically has the property of alternating between two positions when pressure is applied.

[0053] In the embodiment shown here, element 262 comprises a guide 266 for this purpose, in which element 263, which can be connected to element 264, for example, as a guide rod, can be moved according to the arrow directions shown. For this purpose, a limit stop 265 can be arranged within guide 266, so that element 263 can only follow the path shown by the arrows.

[0054] If no closure is arranged in the gripping element 101, the plunger 261 is located closer to the lower Figure 2ashown edge of the gripping element 101 and accordingly the element 263 in the position 268 shown here at the lower end of the guide 266. If a closure is introduced into the gripping element 101, the element 263 moves due to the upward movement of the element 264 along the guide 266 and finally moves into the position 263`. In this position, the element 263 is fixed and accordingly the plunger 261 is also fixed in this position in which the gripping element 101 in the Figure 2a shown closed position. If pressure is now exerted again, for example by the closure element coming into contact with a container, the element 263 moves from position 263' initially into one of the upper regions 267 (by upward movement of the plunger), from which it can then slide into the original position in the lower region 268 when the closure element is removed from the closure.

[0055] The fact that element 264, and thus element 263, does not remain in one of the areas 267 is ultimately achieved by the roller 122 and the sliding along the conically shaped plunger 261, since the roller, through the spring element 130, causes a downward movement of the plunger 261 by rotating the jaw 112 about the rotation axis 142 and thus a movement 122 directed into the base body 150. This, in turn, presses the plunger 261 downward and thus clamps the gripping element 101 into the open position. However, this movement can only be carried out if the element 263 is not mounted in position 263', since in this position, further downward movement of the element 264 is prevented. In position 263', element 262 and element 263 of the clamping mechanism together form the holding element, so that the gripping element 101 is held in the gripping position by this holding element.

[0056] Thus, the provision of the clamping mechanism and its actuation by the plunger coming into contact with the closure ensures that the closure is correctly gripped and released again after the container is closed. Any mechanical control using cams is not necessary here, as the gripping element is actuated by interaction with the closure itself.

[0057] The generally in the Figures 2a and 2b as well as with regard to the Figure 1 The given description of the functioning of the closure element should now be Figures 3a to 3d be explained further.

[0058] In the Figure 3aThe state is shown in which the closure element 100 is positioned over a closure 370, for example, in order to remove it from a supply of closures not further shown here. This is usually necessary because the closures cannot be stored in the closure element 100 itself, but must be somehow fed to the closure element 100 and then transferred from it to a container. "Self-refilling" supplies, in which a plurality of closures are stored and automatically moved into the appropriate receiving position by the closure element, can be advantageous for this purpose. However, the design of the supply of closures 370 is not limited and will not be described in detail here, as it is already sufficiently known from the prior art.

[0059] In the Fig. 3aIn the position shown, the gripping element 101, and here in particular the jaw 112, which is shown by way of example as the actually movable element of the gripping element 101, is preloaded into the open position. In this embodiment, this is achieved in that the plunger 264 is in its position closest to the closure 370 or the lower receiving end of the gripping element 101 and, due to the conical structure, the roller 122 is pressed by the spring element 130 against the further inner surface of the plunger 264, thus causing the jaw 112 to rotate about the axis 142, so that the gripping element is preloaded into the open position.

[0060] Furthermore, element 263 is shown here in a position in which it (compared to the Figure 2b ) is positioned in the guide at the lowest point 268.

[0061] As shown, the closure element is moved towards the closure 270, which it Figure 3b reached.

[0062] Since the gripping element 101 is preloaded in the open position, the closure 370 can penetrate the gripping element. The continued downward movement of the closure element exerts pressure through the closure 370 on the plunger 264, or more generally, on the adjustment mechanism, which then ensures that the gripping element is transferred from the open position to the gripping position.

[0063] In the embodiment shown here, this occurs by pushing the plunger 264 upward. Due to its conical structure, this causes the roller 122 on its surface to be pushed outward, causing the jaw 112 of the gripping element to rotate about the axis 142 in the direction of the arrow shown, and thus moving the jaw 112 toward the center of the gripping element and into physical contact with the closure 370. This rotation about the axis 142, if provided, occurs against the biasing action of the spring element 130 toward the open position.

[0064] Due to the movement of the plunger 264, the element 263 is simultaneously moved upwards when the adjustment mechanism is designed as a clamping device, so that it ultimately ends up in position 263' (see Figure 2b ) comes to rest. In this position, the gripping element is in the gripping position, as in Figure 3bis reached. Since a movement of the element 263 out of the position 263' is not possible automatically without further pressure being exerted on the plunger, the closure element can now be raised and the closure, which is reliably gripped in the gripping position of the gripping element 101, can be removed from the supply.

[0065] Next, this gripped closure is placed on a container 380 (see Figure 3c ) is applied. This is usually done by exerting considerable pressure and, if necessary, a rotational movement, which can be carried out, for example, by the entire closure element 100. When the closure is pressed onto the container 380, the plunger 364 is initially slightly lifted, which causes the element 263 to move from its position 263' to one of the positions 267 (see Fig. 2b). Since constant pressure (or essentially constant pressure, at least a pressure in the direction of the container) is exerted on the closure during application to the container 380, the gripping element remains in the gripping position despite the non-fixed positioning of the element 263. Only when, as in the Figure 3cAs shown, an upward movement of the closing element 100 occurs (i.e., usually only at the end or after completion of the closing process), the plunger moves downward and the element 263 is guided back to its starting position at the lower end of the guide 266. Meanwhile, the roller 130 runs again along the conical surface of the plunger 264, so that due to the tapering of this area during the downward movement of the plunger 264, the spring force of the spring element 130 can cause a rotation of the gripping element or gripping jaw 112 about the axis 142, causing a movement of the gripping element into the open position. This allows the lifting of the closing element from the now closed container to begin immediately.

[0066] This process is in the Figure 3d completely completed, in which the Figure 3aThe situation described above is set, in which the gripping element is pre-tensioned in the open position. This completes the closing process and the gripping element is now able to pick up a closure again.

[0067] However, complications can also arise during the described process. For example, it's entirely possible that a container fails, causing the closure element to "reach into the void," so to speak, and the closure it grips isn't transferred to a container, so the closure element would essentially remain in the gripping position.

[0068] In such a case, during the subsequent movement to the supply to pick up a new closure, a closure would already be gripped in the closing element, so that a new closure cannot be picked up, which can lead to malfunctions.

[0069] To prevent this, the Figures 4a to 4ca further embodiment in which, in addition to the previously described components, an ejection element 495 is optionally provided, which is designed such that it can interact with the adjustment mechanism such that the gripping element can be moved into the open position even without interaction with a container and, as a result, any closure that may still be gripped can be ejected. In contrast to the previously described method, in which the movement of the gripping element from the open to the gripping position and from the gripping position back to the open position was ultimately controlled by exerting pressure on the plunger or, in general, the adjustment mechanism, this targeted ejection of the closure now takes place through targeted control or actuation of the adjustment mechanism, without corresponding pressure being exerted on the adjustment mechanism (for example, mediated by the closure).

[0070] For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed here that the adjustment mechanism is again designed as a clamping mechanism, as already shown in Figure 2 but also exemplary in the Figures 3a to 3d Other embodiments are also conceivable here, and the ejection element 495 can then be adapted accordingly.

[0071] In the in the Figure 4a In the embodiment shown, it is now provided that the element 262 or the guide part 262 of the clamping mechanism, which implements the adjustment mechanism in this embodiment, comprises a region 496 tapering in the direction of the plunger 264 or in the direction of the gripping element 101. Tapering here can mean, for example, that a portion of the material of the downward-facing part of the element 262 extends further toward the center of the base body 150 of the closure element 100 than in an upper region of the element 262.

[0072] The ejection element 495 is preferably movable in the direction of the gripping area 101 and is arranged above the element 262 so that it can be inserted into the element 262. In this embodiment, the element 262 is movably mounted so that it can be moved along the direction of the arrow shown (horizontally or at least preferably perpendicular to the plane of movement of the element 263).

[0073] If the ejection element 495 is now guided along the conical region 496 in the direction of the gripping element 101, the element 262 must move outwards and away from the element 263 along the direction of the arrow shown due to the fixed position of the ejection element 495 in the horizontal plane (it can only be moved vertically towards and away from the gripping region).

[0074] This frees element 263 in its vertical movement and slides compared to Figure 2bthe element 263 completely out of the guide, which is ultimately designed as a recess, so that the element, under the influence of gravity, together with the plunger 264, is moved according to the Figure 4b shown situation downwards (i.e., towards the gripping element). Alternatively, the element 263 together with the plunger 264 can also be actively moved downwards by means of spring force or a similar force. The element is then at the level of the lower point 268 (see Fig. 2b ). During this movement, the closure 370 is now released from the gripping element 101 moving into the open position, since it is no longer gripped by, for example, the jaws of the gripping element. This is shown in the Figure 4b with the shutter 370 falling out.

[0075] In the Figure 4cThe ejection element 495 is now brought back to its original position. By providing a spring element that may additionally preload the element 262 (the preload here is in the direction of the element 263, so that the element 263 is held in the guide 266), it can be ensured that the element 262 now returns to its original position. Figure 4a The element 263 is then in the lower position 268. At the same time, the plunger is in the position shown in Figure 4c shown position as it is positioned in relation to Figure 3a was positioned before picking up a closure, and the gripping element 101 is pre-tensioned in the open position. Thus, a new closure can now be picked up and the process that in Figure 3 described, start again.

[0076] In principle, it can be provided that the process is carried out in accordance with Figure 4This is performed after each closing process performed with the closing element. This ensures that no closure remains in the gripping element and that it is always able to accept a new closure.

[0077] For this purpose, for example, the actuation of the ejection element can be realized mechanically by a control cam and a control roller (not shown here) assigned to the ejection element and rotating along the control cam, which always actuates the ejection element in the same position (approximately in the same angular position of the closing element along a closer designed as a rotary machine) after completion of the closing process, before the closing element is used again for picking up.

[0078] Alternatively, it can also be provided that after a closing process or even during it, it is determined whether an error has occurred, for example, whether the corresponding closing element has also been assigned a container to which a closure can be applied. This can be done, for example, using sensors that, for example, use a light barrier to determine whether a container is positioned in a corresponding container receptacle assigned to the closing element. Alternatively, a sensor can also be used, for example, to detect the release of the closure from the closing element during the closing process.

[0079] If a malfunction is detected such that a closure is still arranged in the closing element after the actually planned closing process, an actuator optionally assigned to the ejection element 495 or another element actuating the ejection element 495 can be actuated, for example by suitable control by a computer, in order to specifically actuate the ejection element of the closing element and to ensure ejection of the inadvertently remaining closure.

[0080] Figure 5shows a schematic representation of a closer 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. The closer 500 is designed here as a rotary machine comprising a carousel, along the periphery of which a series of closing elements 100 are arranged. Container receptacles, such as base plates or turntables 520, are assigned to the closing elements, so that a container 530 can be clamped between the closing element and the container receptacle 520 for closing the container with a closure using the closing element according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0081] In the embodiment shown here, the rotary machine is designed to be rotatable about a rotational axis R. In the transport direction of the containers (i.e., along the direction of rotation), upstream feed devices for feeding the containers to the closer and downstream discharge devices for discharging the containers from the closer can be provided. These can be implemented, for example, as rotating star wheels or other devices.

[0082] As an alternative to the rotary machine shown here, a linear machine can also be provided. In this linear machine, a series of closing elements can be arranged one after the other, with containers then being fed to them in cycles corresponding to the number of closing elements, for example, in order to close them simultaneously.

[0083] Other common designs of closures are also conceivable here.

[0084] Since the described closing elements do not require any additional or alternative external control means (control cams or actuators or the like), common and already used closers can also be equipped with the closing elements according to the invention in order to utilize the advantages of the invention.

[0085] In addition, for example, an ejection container can be provided into which closures that are to be ejected, for example if they are not closed correctly, can be sorted out with the help of the ejection element and prevent them from being distributed randomly in the machine and thus leading to malfunctions.

Claims

1. Closer (500) for closing containers (380, 530), such as bottles, comprising at least one closing element (100) for applying a closure (370) to a container (380, 530), wherein the closing element (100) comprises a gripping element (101) for gripping a closure and an adjustment mechanism, which can move the gripping element (101) between a gripping position, in which the gripping element (101) can grip and a hold a closure (370), and an open position, wherein the adjustment mechanism can adjust the gripping element (101) via a pressure impact when picking up the closure to the gripping position, characterized in that upon a renewed pressure impact upon transfer of a held closure (370) to a container (380, 530), the adjustment mechanism can adjust the gripping element in the open position, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a holding element, which is configured to hold the gripping element (101) in the gripping position.

2. Closer (500) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping element (101) comprises an engaging element (190) for transferring a torque to the closure (370) while applying a closure (370) to a container (380, 530).

3. Closer (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to move the gripping element (101) at an end of a closing process in the open position.

4. Closer (500) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a tensioning mechanism to adjust the gripping element (101) via a pressure impact when picking up a closure (370) to the gripping position, and upon renewed pressure impact when transferring a held closure (370) to a container (380, 530) to the open position, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to hold the gripping element (101) in the closed position.

5. Closer (500) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closer comprises an ejection element (495), which can interact with the adjustment mechanism of a closing element (100) to adjust the gripping element (101) from the gripping position to the open position.

6. Closer (500) according to claim 5, wherein the gripping element (101) can be adjusted by interaction of the ejection element (495) with the adjustment mechanism from the gripping position to the open position, without any pressure impact upon transferring a held closure (370) acting on a container (380, 530).

7. Closer (500) according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a tensioning mechanism and the ejection element (495) is configured to adjust a part of the tensioning mechanism from a position, in which the gripping element (101) is held in a gripping position, to a position, in which the gripping element (101) is transferred to the open position.

8. Closer (500) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closing element (100) comprises a spring element for pretensioning the gripping element (101) to the gripping position.

9. Closer (500) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the closing element (100) is arranged movable at the closer to apply a closure (370) by an effect of a torque to a container (380, 530), wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged rotating or not rotating with the closing element (100).

10. Method for closing a container (380, 530), such as a bottle, by a closer (500), wherein a closure (370) for closing a container (380, 530) is picked up from a supply by a gripping element (101) of a closing element (100) and subsequently the closure (370) is applied to the container (380, 530), wherein the closing element (100) comprises an adjustment mechanism, which moves the gripping element (101) between a gripping position, in which the gripping element (101) grabs the closure (370) from the supply and keeps it in the gripping position, and an open position, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the gripping element (101) via a pressure impact when picking up the closure (370) to the gripping position, characterized in that upon a renewed pressure impact upon transfer of the held closure (370) to a container (380, 530), the adjustment mechanism adjusts the gripping element to the open position, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a holding element, which holds the gripping element (101) in the gripping.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the gripping element (101) while applying the container (380, 530) remains in the closed position, while pressure is exerted on the closure (370), and is adjusted to the open position, when the closing element (100) is removed from the closed container (380, 530).

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the gripping element (101) is moved from the gripping position to the open position for ejecting a closure (370) by an ejection element (495), which interacts with the adjustment mechanism of the closing element (100).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the ejection element (495) is actuated after the optional transfer of the closure (370) to a container (380, 530).

14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the gripping element (101) is pretensioned to the gripping position via a spring element of the closing element (100).

15. Method according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the closing element (100) is rotated while application of the closure (370) to the container (380, 530), wherein the adjustment mechanism is rotated along or the adjustment mechanism not rotated along.