Device for closing a container opening with a closing cap

Abstract

The device for closing a container opening (4) with a cap (8) comprises means (10) for conveying containers (6), each with a container opening (4), in a conveying direction (F), and means (12) for feeding a cap (8) to each container opening (4). Furthermore, a pressure element (17) is provided for pressing the cap (8) onto the container opening (4). The pressure element (17) is movable in a closing direction (V) of the cap (8), which is perpendicular to the conveying direction (F) of the containers (6), such that a surface area of ​​the cap (8) is subjected to a pressure force acting in the closing direction (V) in order to partially press the cap (8) onto the container opening (4).Furthermore, the pressure element (17) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (D1) extending in the closing direction (V) such that the pressure element (17) performs a circumferential rotational movement and applies a pressure force to the closure cap (8) section by section in order to fully press the closure cap (8) onto the container opening (4) to close the container (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for closing a container opening with a closure cap.

[0002] Containers, such as bottles used in the pharmaceutical industry for storing tablets or coated tablets, are usually sealed with snap-on caps. These caps must meet a certain elasticity requirement to fit over the container openings.

[0003] Especially with very soft caps, problems can arise due to their low dimensional stability when they are pressed onto the container openings from above, as is usually the case. Certain caps are also equipped with a tamper-evident seal, such as a tear-off ring that must be removed upon first opening. When applied by machine, damage such as the premature detachment of the tear-off rings has not yet been ruled out.

[0004] JP 2004 240654 A discloses a device with the features of the preamble of claim 1, for closing container openings with a pressure element for rotatingly pressing a closure cap. The pressure element is connected to a rotating shaft.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device for closing a container opening with a cap, with which the pressing on of the cap can be carried out in a particularly gentle and reliable manner.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, the device for closing a container opening with a cap comprises means for conveying containers, each having a container opening, in a conveying direction, as well as means for supplying a cap to each container opening. The device further comprises a pressure element for pressing the cap onto the respective container opening and a movement unit for moving the pressure element. The pressure element is movable in a closing direction of the cap, perpendicular to the conveying direction of the containers, such that a surface area of ​​the cap is subjected to a pressure force acting in the closing direction in order to partially press the cap onto the container opening.The pressing element is rotatable about a first axis of rotation extending in the closing direction such that, during a circular rotation, it applies a pressing force acting in the closing direction to the cap in sections, thereby fully pressing the cap onto the container opening to close the container. The device includes a sleeve that is displaceable vertically relative to the movement unit.

[0008] This allows the cap to be pressed onto the container opening gradually, without putting excessive stress on the cap material. Only a small section of the cap is subjected to pressure at any given time.

[0009] Preferably, the pressing element has at least one roller that is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation that runs transversely to the closing direction. The at least one roller has the advantage that, when a pressing force is applied to the upper surface of the cap, it rolls with low friction, thus gently rolling the cap onto the container opening. The roller leaves no abrasion marks on the surface of the cap during the completion of the circular rotation.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one roller is made of steel or a hard plastic. Its outer surface may also be rubberized.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the closing direction is essentially vertical and the second axis of rotation is essentially horizontal. This means that when the cap is rolled on, the pressure force also acts in the vertical closing direction. This is advantageous for the closing process.

[0012] The movement unit is preferably controllable in such a way that the pressure element is moved back and forth in the closing direction and is rotated about the first axis of rotation.

[0013] A further advantage is that the motion unit can be controlled in such a way that the pressure element performs a helical movement around the first axis of rotation. In this case, the pressure element performs a combined movement consisting of the translational movement in the closing direction and the rotational movement around the first axis of rotation.

[0014] The device further comprises at least one suction element facing the container and at least one connection for attaching an external vacuum source to the suction element. The suction element has the advantage of being able to hold the elastic caps without deforming them, thus preventing damage when the caps are fed into the container openings.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the suction element is operatively connected to the movement unit in such a way that the suction element, together with the pressure element, is set into rotation about the first axis of rotation. This allows the suction and pressure mechanisms to be installed in a very compact and space-saving manner.

[0016] Furthermore, the at least one suction element can be operatively connected to the motion unit in such a way that the at least one suction element, together with the pressure unit, is set into rotation about the first axis of rotation. In this way, the at least one suction element and the pressure unit are coupled in a single unit.

[0017] The at least one suction element is attached to a sleeve that is movable relative to the pressure element in the opposite direction of closure. This allows the pressure element to continue moving in the closing direction while the sleeve is already supported by the edges of the cap and pushed upwards.

[0018] A cavity is formed in the base of the sleeve, and the pressure element is located within this cavity. This design makes the device very compact. With this arrangement, the movement of the sleeve and pressure element in the closing direction can initially occur together without the suction function being impaired by the embedded pressure element.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the movement unit comprises a spindle element which is movable in the closing direction and rotatable about its own longitudinal axis.

[0020] The pressure element is preferably attached to one end of the spindle element by means of a strut running transversely to the closing direction. Kurze Beschreibung der Figuren

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section view of a device according to the invention for closing a container opening with a cap in a first phase of a closing process; Fig. 2A shows a schematic longitudinal section view of the device. Fig. 1 in a second phase of a closing process; Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional view rotated by 180° of essential parts of the device. Fig. 2A Fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal section view of the device. Fig. 1 in a third phase of a closing process; Fig. 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section view of the device. Fig. 1 in a fourth phase of a closing process; Fig. 5 shows a perspective sectional view of the device. Fig. 4 ; and Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of essential parts of the device made of Fig. 1 from underneath.

[0022] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention for closing a container opening 4 of a container 6 with a closure cap 8. The closure caps 8 are made of a relatively soft material and are preferably provided with a tear-off ring that is released upon initial opening. A collar for opening and a hinge are also provided on the opposite side of the closure cap 8. However, the invention is also applicable to simpler closure caps 8.

[0023] Reference numeral 2 identifies the actual closing unit, which here is designed in the form of a closing head. Furthermore, in Fig. 1 Means 10 for conveying containers 6 in a conveying direction F and means 12 for feeding closure caps 8 to the container openings 4 are shown. The closure direction V is generally perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

[0024] For the means 10 for conveying containers 6 in the conveying direction F, a variety of implementations are conceivable. For example, conventional conveyor belts, suction belts, circulating transport devices with gripping elements, driven by conventional motors or by linear motor drives, etc., can be used. Preferably, the means 10 for conveying containers are operated intermittently. However, continuous operation is also conceivable. In the latter case, the sealing unit 2 must move along with the container 6 in the conveying direction F during the sealing process.

[0025] The means 12 for supplying the closure caps 8 are, as in Fig. 1 The device is designed in the form of two L-shaped gripping elements, whose short, horizontal legs 14, 16 point inwards and towards each other. The means 12 for feeding the closure caps 8 are movable horizontally and vertically. Alternatively, other feeding devices are also conceivable. In particular, the closure caps 8 can also be transported by the sealing unit 2 itself via the container openings 4.

[0026] The in Fig. 1 The closing unit 2 shown comprises a pressure element 17 and a motion unit 18. In the preferred embodiment, the motion unit 18 has a spindle element 19 that is rotatable about a vertical first axis of rotation D1. A horizontal leg 20 is attached to the lower end section of the spindle element 19, and the pressure element 17 is arranged at one outer end of this leg. The pressure element 27 is implemented in the form of two rollers 22, 24, which are rotatably mounted side by side on the leg 20 about a horizontal second axis of rotation D2. The spindle element 19 and the leg 20 are rigidly connected to each other. When the spindle element 19 rotates, the leg 20 describes a horizontal rotary motion about the vertical first axis of rotation D1. The pressure element 17 can also consist of only a roller, or other components, movably or rigidly connected to the motion unit 18, can be used, e.g.a swashplate or a pressure plunger.

[0027] The size and shape of the sealing unit 2 are preferably designed such that a variety of different formats of closure caps 8 can be applied to the corresponding containers 6 using this sealing unit 2. The pressure element 17 itself can also be selected so that it can be used for several formats.

[0028] Furthermore, the sealing unit 2 includes two integrated suction elements 26 (see Fig. 2B ), which are formed in the form of two diametrically opposed suction cups. In Fig. 1 Due to the selected view, only one suction element 26 is visible. The suction elements 26 have (see Fig. 6 ) each has a central suction opening 52. The suction openings 52 are connected either via corresponding through-openings or through-lines in the sealing unit 2 with at least one connection 56 ( Fig. 6 ) for connecting a in Fig. 2B The suction elements 26 are connected to the external vacuum source 60 shown. The suction elements 26 can also be constructed and / or arranged differently. In particular, there can be more or fewer than two suction elements 26.

[0029] The closing unit 2 comprises a sleeve 27 with a sleeve section 28 of larger cross-section and a sleeve section 30 of smaller cross-section. A first cavity 32 associated with sleeve section 30 serves to receive the spindle element 19, while a second cavity 34 associated with sleeve section 28 serves to receive the leg 20 with the pressure element 17. The first cavity 32 lies above the second cavity 34, and the cavities 32 and 34 are connected to each other. The suction elements 26 are located on both sides of the second cavity 34.

[0030] The sleeve 27 is connected to the movement unit 18 in such a way that a rotational movement of the movement unit 18 also causes a rotational movement of the sleeve 27. Furthermore, the sleeve 27 is displaceable in a vertical direction relative to the movement unit 19.

[0031] In the transition area to the second cavity 34, the first cavity 32 is provided with an enlarged cavity section with a larger cross-section. Thus, the first cavity 32 has a stepped inner surface. Correspondingly, the spindle element 19 has a flange element 38 that extends around its outer circumference. The sleeve 27, which tends downwards due to its weight, is restrained by a stop against the flange element 38. When the motion unit 18 moves freely downwards or upwards, the sleeve 27 moves along with it, resting against the flange element 38.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 6 The sleeve 27 has a base surface 43, which consists of an annular outer section 48 and an inner circular section 50. The second cavity 34 is formed in the base surface 43, in which the leg 20 with the rollers 22, 24 is arranged.

[0033] The cavity 34 extends transversely within the circular edge section 48 essentially across the diameter of the inner section 50. The leg 20 arranged in the cavity 34 also extends transversely across the diameter of the inner section 50, so that the leg 20 acts as a driver for the sleeve 27 and the suction elements 26 integrated therein when the spindle element 19 is rotated.

[0034] The following will be based on the Figuren 1 bis 5 The operating principle of the device for closing a container opening with a cap is described in more detail.

[0035] In Fig. 1 A container 6 was moved in the conveying direction F by means 10 and positioned under the sealing device 2. Likewise, a sealing cap 8 was positioned on the underside of the sealing unit 2 by means 12 for feeding closure caps. In the phase shown, the sealing cap 8 is drawn in by the suction elements 26, while the means 12 for feeding the closure caps have just been moved slightly downwards away from the sealing cap 8. The sealing cap 8 is now held in place by the suction force of the suction elements 26.

[0036] In the Fig. 1 In the upper end position of the motion unit 18 shown, the sleeve 27 rests on the flange element 38. In this arrangement, the pressure element 17 is located in the second cavity 34.

[0037] In Fig. 2A were, based on the representation in Fig. 1 , the means 12 for feeding and arranging closure caps is moved further outwards and downwards, and the closure cap 8 is still held by the suction force of the suction elements 26. In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2B (Without the container) both suction elements 26 are visible. The suction elements 26 engage diametrically opposite each other on the flat lid surface of the closure cap 8. Referring again to Fig. 2A It can be seen that the pressure element 17 is located at least partially above the circumferential edge section of the closure cover 8.

[0038] In Fig. 3 The movement unit 18 has been moved downwards in the closing direction V until the closure cap 8 rests on the rib surrounding the container opening 4. In this state, a lateral lower edge section of the sleeve 27 contacts the closure cap 8. However, the sleeve 27 continues to rest against the flange element 38. The pressure element 17 does not yet exert any force on the closure cap 8.

[0039] In Fig. 4 was finally, based on the representation in Fig. 3 The pressure element 17 is moved further downwards in the closing direction V, thereby pressing a section of the closure cap 8 onto a ridge running around the container opening 4. It is advantageous, though not absolutely necessary, that the vacuum at the suction elements 26 is switched off at this point.

[0040] Due to the support of the sleeve 27 on the side of the closure cap 8 diametrically opposite the pressure element 17, the sleeve 27 cannot follow the movement of the pressure element 17 further in the closing direction V and thus essentially remains in place. In other words, only the pressure element 17 is moved relative to the sleeve 27 in the closing direction V, thereby emerging from the cavity 34 and exerting a pressure force on the underlying section of the closure cap 8.

[0041] Based on the representation in Fig. 4 The pressure element 17 can now be rotated about the axis of rotation D1 and continuously rolls the circumferential edge section of the closure cap 8 onto the edge of the container opening 4, for example, by completing a 360° rotation. The pressure element 17 preferably rotates about the second axis of rotation D2. This rolling process is particularly gentle on the closure cap 8 and represents a reliable method for applying the closure cap 8 to the container opening 4. During the rotation, the sleeve 27 is preferably rotated along with it. At the end of the rolling process, the pressure element 17 is again in the position shown. Fig. 4 .

[0042] As in the perspective view in Fig. 5As shown, both a translational movement in the closing direction V (arrow T) and a rotational movement (arrows D) of the pressure element 17 take place to apply the closure cap 8. This can occur sequentially, as described so far, but the movements can also be combined into a helical downward movement of the pressure element 17.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the suction elements 26 and the pressure element 17 are integrated together in a single head of a device. However, the two components can also be arranged in separate heads. In this case, the head with the suction element 26 is positioned upstream of the head with the pressure element 17 in the conveying direction F.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the motion unit 18 comprises two servomotors: one servomotor for generating the vertical translational movement of the pressure element 17 and another servomotor for generating the rotary movement of the pressure element 17 about the first axis of rotation D1. The sleeve 27 with the suction elements 26 does not have its own drive. However, an additional drive for the sleeve 27 could also be provided.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve 27 is necessarily rotated along with the pressure element 17. It is also conceivable to design the device such that the sleeve 27 remains stationary when the pressure element 17 is rotated.

[0046] The spindle element 19 described so far is only one possibility for generating the movements of the pressure element 17. For the person skilled in the art, many other embodiments are conceivable that provide for the translational movement and the rotational movement of the pressure element 17.

[0047] The angle traversed by the pressure element 17 can also be slightly less than 360°. Likewise, the angle can be any greater than 360°; in particular, the pressure element 17 can also complete two full rotations.

Claims

1. A device for closing a container opening (4) with a closing cap (8), the device comprising: means (10) for conveying containers (6), each of which has a container opening (4), in a conveying direction (F); means (12) for feeding a closing cap (8) to each container opening (4); a pressing element (17) for pressing the closing cap (8) onto the respective container opening (4), and a movement unit (18) for moving the pressing element (17), wherein the pressing element (17) is movable in a closing direction (V) of the closing cap (8), which is perpendicular to the conveying direction (F) of the containers (6), in such a way that a surface portion of the closing cap (8) is acted upon by a pressing force acting in the closing direction (V) in order to press the closing cap (8) partially onto the container opening (4), and wherein the pressing element (17) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (D1), which extends in the closing direction (V), in such a way that the pressing element (17), by performing a revolving rotary movement, applies a pressing force acting in the closing direction (V) in portions to the closing cap (8) in order to press the closing cap (8) completely onto the container opening (4) in order to close the container (6), characterised in that the device comprises at least one suction element (26) facing the container (6) and at least one connection (56) for connecting a vacuum source (60) to the at least one suction element (26); the at least one suction element (26) is fastened to a sleeve (27) which is displaceable relative to the pressing element (17) counter to the closing direction (V) and which is displaceable in the vertical direction towards the movement unit (18); and a cavity (34) is formed in the bottom surface (43) of the sleeve (27) and the pressing element (17) is arranged in the cavity (34).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pressing element (17) has at least one roller (22, 24) which is mounted rotatably about a second axis of rotation (D2) which extends transversely to the closing direction (V).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that the closing direction (V) is substantially vertical and the second axis of rotation (D2) extends substantially horizontally.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement unit (18) is controllable in such a way that the pressing element (17) is moved back and forth in the closing direction (V) and is set in rotation about the first axis of rotation (D1).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that the movement unit (19) is controllable in such a way that the pressing element (17) performs a helical movement about the first axis of rotation (D1).

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the at least one suction element (26) is operatively connected to the movement unit (18) in such a way that the at least one suction element (26) is set in rotation together with the pressing element (17) about the first axis of rotation (D1).

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement unit (18) comprises a spindle element (19) which is movable in the closing direction (V) and rotatable about its own longitudinal axis.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterised in that at one end of the spindle element (19), the pressing element (17) is fastened by means of a leg (20) extending transversely to the closing direction (V).

Images