Device for capping an access opening edge of a packaging body

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for capping an access opening edge of a packaging body, referred to as an opening edge, comprising: - a downstream member (24) for guiding a cap by gravity to a zone for coupling the cap to the opening edge, - means for injecting steam intended to reach at least the zone for coupling the cap to the opening edge. The steam injection means comprise nozzles carried by the downstream member (24) for guiding the cap.

Description

Device for capping an access opening edge of a packaging body

[0001] The invention relates to the capping of an access opening edge of a packaging body, i.e. the closing of the latter by a capsule. Said capping is more particularly carried out in the presence of steam, in particular so as to preserve products under vacuum. The packaging bodies are generally made of glass.

[0002] Capping is carried out in particular by screwing on a capsule, for example a “twist-off” type capsule. These twist-off capsules are provided with lugs intended to cooperate with a discontinuous screw thread of the access opening edge of the packaging body, for opening and closing in less than one turn of the opening edge of the packaging body, and are known in particular from document FR 3 011 229.

[0003] Capping devices are already known in which all the elements involved in capping are introduced into a steam containment enclosure, called a "steam chamber". More precisely, in the steam chamber, the packaging bodies pass by and a capsule is assigned to each packaging body. The capsule is held at a certain inclination and at a certain height to dock with the opening edge of the packaging body during its passage on the conveyor of the capping device, that is to say, it gradually comes into contact with the opening edge. To do this, the capsule is guided by gravity by a guide member to the docking zone of the capsule with the opening edge. The guide member is present in the steam chamber. It is equipped with a pre-screwing pad for pre-screwing the capsule onto the packaging body in order to trap the steam therein.In this known device, steam is injected so as to fill the entire steam chamber. This requires high steam pressure, which requires the overflow to be reprocessed, is associated with corrosion of the parts present in the steam chamber, and a high noise level.

[0004] FR 2 598 698 describes a downstream member for guiding a capsule by gravity towards a docking zone of a capsule with an opening edge of the packaging body. A series of nozzles, aligned along the path of the capsule, emit steam. This steam is intended to sanitize the capsule and the packaging body, without seeking to create a vacuum.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to provide a capping device consuming less steam, while making it possible to efficiently expel air and therefore oxygen (O2) from the area where the capsule docks with the opening edge, and to create a vacuum in the internal area of ​​the packaging body under the capsule.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a device for capping an access opening edge of a packaging body, called the opening edge, comprising: - a downstream member for guiding a capsule by gravity to a zone where the capsule is docked with the opening edge, the downstream member for guiding the capsule comprising two substantially parallel guide tracks each comprising a downstream guide surface with a difference in level against which the capsule is held in abutment by gravity, - steam injection means intended to reach at least the zone where the capsule is docked with the opening edge, the steam injection means comprising, for each downstream guide surface with a difference in level, a series of nozzles, called surface nozzles, aligned along the path of the capsule emerging through this surface.In addition, each guide track comprises a downstream end lateral cheek, the steam injection means comprising a nozzle arranged in this cheek, called cheek nozzle, intended to form a jet substantially transverse to the path of the capsule.

[0007] The fact that the capsule guide member includes steam injection means makes it possible to inject the steam as close as possible to the capsule and the area where it meets the opening edge of the packaging body. The capping device according to the invention therefore requires less steam pressure. It therefore makes it possible to limit the operations for treating excess steam and to reduce the operating noise level of the device.

[0008] The steam ejected by the nozzles on the downstream guide surface with a gradient is intended in particular to heat the seal located on the inner surface of the capsule. But some of these surface nozzles also participate in flushing air into the area where the capsule is docked with the opening edge.

[0009] The jet of steam substantially transverse to the path of the capsule emitted by the cheek nozzle significantly optimizes the flushing of air and its replacement by steam, between the capsule and the opening edge, as close as possible to the docking zone of the capsule on the opening edge.

[0010] Thus, surface nozzles and each cheek nozzle make it possible to efficiently expel air and therefore oxygen from the docking area of ​​the capsule with the opening edge, and to create a vacuum in the internal area of ​​the packaging body under the capsule, this with limited steam consumption.

[0011] Also, lower steam pressure is also associated with less corrosion of parts present in the area where the steam is located. Finally, because the steam injection means are carried by the downstream capsule guide member, a steam containment enclosure is used whose limits are as close as possible to the steam injection means, therefore as close as possible to the downstream capsule guide member. This makes use of a less bulky enclosure.

[0012] Depending on other optional features of the capping device taken alone or in combination:

[0013] - The steam injection means comprise, for each guide track, a nozzle, arranged under the downstream guide surface with a slope of the track, and intended to form a steam jet substantially parallel to the path of the capsule. This steam jet is intended in particular to expel the air between the capsule and the opening edge, as close as possible to the area where the capsule is docked on the edge.

[0014] - The surface nozzles are supplied with steam by an upper distribution channel, the steam injection means comprising, associated with each guide track, a lower distribution channel extending under the downstream guide surface with a difference in level of the track and under the upper distribution channel, at least one nozzle, called a transverse booster nozzle, intended to form a jet substantially transverse to the path of the capsule, being arranged in the lower distribution channel. Such a transverse booster nozzle optimizes the effect of flushing out the oxygen and the creation of the vacuum.

[0015] - The nozzle intended to form the jet of steam substantially parallel to the path of the capsule forms an emerging end of the lower distribution channel.

[0016] - The steam injection means comprising, for each lower distribution channel, a series of transverse auxiliary nozzles aligned along the path of the capsule.

[0017] - The capping device comprises a removable module carrying the downstream capsule guide member and at least part of the steam injection means, the at least part of the steam injection means being supplied by an upstream conduit, carried by the module, intended to be connected to fixed steam supply means by complementary releasable connection means. Thanks to this removable module, the capping device can thus be easily adapted to the dimensions of the capsule. Indeed, it is possible to envisage easily changing the capsule guide member within the capping device, to use a guide member adapted to the dimensions of the capsule. There is no need to change the entire capping device when changing the capsule dimension. It should be noted that this module can be used in a context without steam, the downstream capsule guide member then being devoid of steam injection means.

[0018] - The releasable connection means form removable means for fixing the module to a fixed frame. As a result, it is extremely easy and quick to mount and dismount the module on the fixed frame, ensuring both a mechanical fixing of the module on the fixed frame and a fluid connection of this module to the fixed steam supply means.

[0019] - The releasable connection means comprise: first and second plates carried respectively by the removable module and the fixed frame, first and second connection orifices provided respectively in the first and second plates, the first orifice forming a steam inlet orifice in the upstream conduit and the second orifice forming a fixed steam supply orifice, means for positioning the first and second plates with respect to each other, intended to align the first and second connection orifices with each other, means for clamping the plates with each other. The clamping means make it possible in particular to make the first and second connection orifices contiguous.

[0020] -The means for positioning the first and second plates between them comprise pin means cooperating with a complementary orifice.

[0021] - The means for clamping the plates together comprise screwing means comprising at least one screw extending through an oblong hole in the first plate carried by the removable module.

[0022] - The capping device comprises:. an upstream gravity capsule guide member, intended to be connected to the removable module, the upstream guide member being provided with adjustable means for calibrating the width and height of a path of the capsule in the upstream guide member, and. additional means for adjusting the calibration means activated by connecting the upstream guide member to the removable module. This avoids having to carry out a complex and tedious manual adjustment to adapt the capping device to the diameter and height of the capsule. It will be noted that such means for adjusting the calibration means can be used in a steam-free context, the downstream capsule guide member then being devoid of steam injection means.

[0023] - The complementary means for adjusting the calibration means comprise:. two lateral calibration elements, between which the capsule is intended to be guided, and. elastic spacing means for the lateral calibration elements intended to elastically return the lateral calibration elements to a maximum spacing position, the complementary means for adjusting the calibration means comprising a width calibration stop, carried by the removable module, intended to cooperate with a complementary width calibration stop linked to one of the lateral calibration elements so as to urge the elastic spacing means against their return force when connecting the upstream guide member to the removable module.

[0024] - The complementary means for adjusting the calibration means comprise:. a height calibration element arranged above an upstream uneven guide surface of the upstream guide member, against which the capsule is held in abutment by gravity, and. elastic suspension means of the height calibration element intended to elastically return the height calibration element to a maximum height position relative to the upstream uneven guide surface, the complementary means for adjusting the calibration means comprising a height calibration stop, carried by the removable module, intended to cooperate with a complementary height calibration stop linked to the height calibration element so as to urge the elastic suspension means against their return force when connecting the upstream guide member to the removable module.

[0025] - The elastic spacing means of the lateral calibration elements comprise connecting rods articulated with these lateral calibration elements so as to form with these lateral calibration elements an articulated polygon), the complementary width calibration stop being formed by an articulation element of the articulated polygon, the complementary height calibration stop being carried by an articulation support of the articulated polygon.

[0026] - The steam injection means also comprise a steam injection nozzle, arranged under the path of the capsule in the downstream guide member and upstream of the docking zone of the capsule with the opening edge of the packaging body, intended to form a jet substantially parallel to the path of the capsule. The steam ejected by this nozzle is intended in particular to expel the air between the capsule and the opening edge in the docking zone. It will be noted that this steam injection nozzle, arranged under the path of the capsule in the downstream guide member and upstream of the docking zone, can be used in a capping device, independently of the use of a downstream guide member as described previously.

[0027] - The capping device is intended for capping the access opening edge of a packaging body with a screw cap, in particular of the twist-off type. Brief description of the figures

[0028] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0029] is a perspective view of a device for capping according to the invention;

[0030] is a detailed view of the circled part 2 of the, showing in particular a downstream guide member;

[0031] is a front view of a portion of the downstream guide member of a capsule;

[0032] is a perspective view of the downstream guide member shown in Figures 2 and 3, in an orientation different from that of the;

[0033] is a detailed perspective view of a guide track of the downstream guide member shown in the preceding figures;

[0034] is a perspective view showing releasable connection means, to a fixed frame, of a module comprising the downstream guide member;

[0035] is a perspective view showing a first plate of the releasable connection means shown in the, in an orientation different from that of the;

[0036] is a perspective view of an upstream capsule guide member;

[0037] is a perspective view of adjustment means of calibration means in width and height of a path of the capsule in the upstream guide member;

[0038] is a view similar to showing an alternative embodiment of the downstream guide member.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 show a capping device according to the invention, designated by the general reference 10. This device 10 is intended for capping an access opening edge 12 of a packaging body 13, visible in particular on the. This opening edge 12 is intended to receive a cap 14 of a conventional type, for example a screw cap, in particular of the twist-off type. The packaging body 13 is made of a conventional material, for example glass. The cap 14 is made of a conventional material, for example metal. It comprises, on its internal surface, a conventional seal.

[0040] The capping device 10 comprises a conveying device 16 intended to convey the packaging body 13 to a docking zone of the capsule 14 with the opening edge 12, as shown in the.

[0041] The conveying device 16 comprises two endless guide belts 18, 20, substantially parallel, as shown in particular in the. These belts 18, 20 are made of a continuous material comprising for example an elastomer. The belts 18, 20 can be replaced by chains with pads, or any other endless guide member. These two guide belts 18, 20 are intended to extend laterally on either side of the packaging body 13, in contact with this body.

[0042] The conveying device 16 also comprises a drive belt 22 on which the packaging body 13 is placed. It will be noted that only one packaging body 13 is shown in the figures. However, the capping device 10 is intended to capsulate a series of packaging bodies 13 circulating in the conveying device 16.

[0043] The capping device 10 comprises a downstream guide member 24, as shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 4, and an upstream guide member 26, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8.

[0044] The upstream guide member 26 is intended to guide the capsule 14 by gravity to the downstream guide member 24.

[0045] The downstream guide member 24 is intended to guide the capsule 14 by gravity to the docking zone of this capsule 14 with the opening edge 12.

[0046] The capping device 10 also comprises steam injection means 28. Referring in particular to the, it can be seen that the steam injection means 28 comprise a steam injection nozzle 30 carried by a fixed frame 32. The steam injection nozzle 30 is arranged under the path of the capsule 14 in the downstream guide member 24 and upstream of the docking zone of the capsule 14 with the opening edge 12 of the packaging body 13. The steam injection nozzle 30 is intended to form a jet substantially parallel to the path of the capsule 14. The steam ejected by the nozzle 30 is intended in particular to expel the air between the capsule 14 and the opening edge 12 in the docking zone, replacing the air with steam.

[0047] Referring more particularly to the, it can be seen that the downstream guide member 24 comprises two guide tracks 34, substantially parallel, one of which is shown more particularly on the. Referring more particularly to this, it can be seen that each guide track 34 comprises a downstream guide surface 36, called “differenced”. During its travel, the capsule 14 is held in abutment by gravity against this differenced surface 36.

[0048] The steam injection means 28 also comprise nozzles carried by the downstream guide member 24 which will be described in more detail below.

[0049] Thus, the steam injection means 28 comprise, for each uneven surface 36, a series of nozzles 38 aligned along the path of the capsule 14 opening through this surface 36. The number of nozzles 38 is adapted according to the dimensions of the capsule. The steam ejected by the nozzles 38 is intended in particular to heat the seal arranged on the internal surface of the capsule 14. Some of the nozzles 38 also participate in the flushing of air in the docking zone of the capsule 14 with the opening edge 12, by replacing the air with steam.

[0050] It will be noted that these nozzles 38 are supplied with steam by an upper distribution channel 39.

[0051] Furthermore, the steam injection means 28 comprise other nozzles carried by the downstream guide member 24. Thus, as can be seen in particular in the, each guide track 34 comprises a nozzle 40, arranged under the downstream surface with a difference in level 36. This nozzle 40 is intended to form a jet of steam substantially parallel to the path of the capsule 14. This jet of steam is intended in particular to expel the air between the capsule 14 and the opening edge 12, in the docking zone of the capsule on the edge 12, by replacing the air with steam.

[0052] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the nozzle 40 intended to form the jet of steam substantially parallel to the path of the capsule 14 forms an emerging end of a lower distribution channel 41. This channel 41 extends under the downstream guide surface with a difference in level 36 of the track 34, and under the upper distribution channel 39 supplying the nozzles 38. It will be noted that, with each guide track 34, a lower distribution channel 41 is associated.

[0053] The steam injection means 28 also comprise other nozzles carried by the downstream guide member 24. Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, each guide track 34 comprises a downstream end lateral cheek 42 in which is arranged a nozzle 44, called cheek nozzle 44, intended to form a jet of steam substantially transverse to the path of the capsule 14. This jet of steam is intended in particular to expel the air between the capsule 14 and the opening edge 12, in the area where the capsule is docked on the edge 12, by replacing the air with steam.

[0054] It will be noted that the downstream guide member 24 as well as a part of the steam injection means, namely the injection means which are carried by the downstream guide member 24, are carried by a removable module 46 shown in particular on the.

[0055] The steam injection means carried by the module 46 are supplied by an upstream conduit 48, carried by this module 46, visible in particular in figures 2 and 4.

[0056] As can be seen in particular in these figures 2 and 4, the upstream conduit 48 is connected to different intermediate conduits carried by the module 46. In fact, the different nozzles 38, 40, 44 are connected to the upstream conduit 48 by means of different intermediate conduits 50.

[0057] It will be noted that the capping device 10 comprises a steam confinement enclosure E in which the steam injection means 28 are arranged so as to retain at least a large part of the steam in a restricted area of ​​the capping device 10. This enclosure E is delimited in particular by a hinged cover 51, visible on the. Thus, the confinement enclosure E partially or completely covers the module 46, namely a relatively restricted part of the capping device 10.

[0058] The upstream conduit 48 is intended to be connected to fixed steam supply means by additional releasable connection means 52.

[0059] Advantageously, as will be described in more detail below, these releasable connection means 52 form removable means for fixing the module 46 to the fixed frame 32.

[0060] Referring to Figures 2, 6 and 7, it can be seen that the releasable connection means 52 comprise first 54 and second 56 plates carried respectively by the removable module 46 and the fixed frame 32. First 58 and second 60 connection orifices are provided respectively in the first 54 and second 56 plates. The first orifice 58 forms a steam inlet orifice in the upstream conduit 48. The second orifice 60 forms a fixed steam supply orifice.

[0061] Furthermore, the releasable connection means 52 comprise means 62 for positioning the first 54 and second 56 plates between them, intended to align the first 58 and second 60 connection orifices between them.

[0062] Preferably, the positioning means 62 comprise pin means 64 cooperating with a complementary orifice 66. Thus, as shown in the, the second plate 56 comprises a pair of pins 64, only one of which is visible in this, intended to be fitted into a pair of corresponding complementary orifices 66. The two orifices 66 do not necessarily have the same dimensions, one being for example circular and the other oblong so as to allow easy assembly.

[0063] Finally, the releasable connection means 52 comprise means 68 for clamping the plates 54, 56 together. These means 68 for clamping the plates 54, 56 preferably comprise screwing means comprising at least one screw 68, shown diagrammatically by a dot-and-dash line on the, extending through an oblong hole 70 provided in the first plate 54. The clamping means 68 make it possible in particular to make the first 58 and second 60 connection orifices contiguous.

[0064] Because the releasable connection means 52 form the removable fixing means of the module 46, on the fixed frame 32, it is extremely easy and quick to mount and dismount the module on the fixed frame 32, this ensuring both a mechanical fixing of the module 46 on the fixed frame 32 and a fluid connection of this module 46 to the fixed steam supply means (fixed steam supply orifice 60).

[0065] Referring to Figures 2, 8 and 9, it can be seen that the upstream guide member 26 is intended to be connected to the removable module 46.

[0066] The upstream guide member 26 is provided with adjustable means 72 for calibrating the width and height of a path of the capsule 14 in this upstream guide member 26.

[0067] The calibration means 72 make it possible to adapt the path of the capsules 14 in width and height according to the dimensions of these capsules 14 to avoid in particular an overlapping of the capsules 14 (height adjustment) or a lateral deviation of the capsules 14 (width adjustment) during their path.

[0068] Advantageously, the connection of the upstream member 26 to the removable module 46 activates complementary means 74 for adjusting the calibration means 72, thereby avoiding having to manipulate different adjustment elements.

[0069] Referring to the, it can be seen that the calibration means 72 comprise two lateral calibration elements 76 between which the capsule 14 is intended to be guided, and a height calibration element 78 arranged above an upstream guide surface 80, called “difference in level”, of the upstream guide member 26 against which the capsule 14 is held in abutment by gravity.

[0070] The calibration means 72 further comprise elastic spacing means for the lateral calibration elements 76 intended to elastically return these lateral calibration elements 76 to a maximum spacing position.

[0071] The calibration means 72 also comprise elastic suspension means 84 of the height calibration element 78 intended to elastically return the height calibration element 78 to a position of maximum height relative to the uneven surface 80.

[0072] Preferably, the elastic spacing means 82 of the lateral calibration elements 76 comprise connecting rods 86 articulated with these lateral calibration elements 76 so as to form with these calibration elements 76 an articulated polygon which, in the example described, is concave.

[0073] Thus, as shown in the, the elastic spacing means 82 comprise a downstream pair of connecting rods 86 connected to the downstream ends of the lateral calibration elements 76 and an upstream pair of connecting rods 86 connected to the upstream ends of the lateral calibration elements 76. The arrangements of the downstream and upstream pairs of connecting rods 86 are similar. Each connecting rod 86 comprises a first end 86A articulated on the first end 86A of another connecting rod 86 and a second end 86B articulated on a corresponding lateral calibration element 76. This second end 86B is slidably mounted transversely relative to the lateral calibration elements 76 in a transverse support 88, downstream or upstream depending on the downstream or upstream pair of connecting rods 86 considered, secured to the height calibration element 78.The first ends 86A of the connecting rods 86 are slidably mounted, substantially parallel to the direction of the path of the capsule 14 in the upstream guide member 26, in an orifice 90 formed in the height calibration element 78. Furthermore, a tension spring 91 connects the first ends 86A of the connecting rods 86 to the transverse support 88.

[0074] As can be seen in the, the elastic suspension means 84 comprise at least one suspension assembly 92 comprising a rod 94 provided with a first end 94A linked to the height calibration element 78. The elastic suspension means 84 also comprise a compression spring 96 bearing against a first seat 98 carried by a second end 94B of the rod 94 and against a second seat 100 formed by a fixed housing element of which only a part is shown in the.

[0075] Preferably, as shown in the, the elastic suspension means 84 comprise two suspension assemblies 92 spaced from each other substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the capsule 14 in the upstream guide member 26.

[0076] As can be seen in Figures 2, 8 and 9, the complementary means 74 for adjusting the calibration means 72 comprise a width calibration stop 102 intended to cooperate with a complementary width calibration stop linked to one of the lateral calibration elements 76. More particularly, this complementary width calibration stop is formed by an articulation element of the articulated polygon which, in the example illustrated, is an articulation element of the second end 86B of a connecting rod 86 belonging to the downstream pair and slidably mounted in the transverse support 88 secured to the height calibration element 78.

[0077] Thus, the width calibration stop 102 is intended to cooperate with the articulation element of the second end 86B of a connecting rod 86 of the downstream pair, so as to urge the elastic spacing means 82 against the return force of the traction springs 91 during the connection of the upstream guide member 26 to the removable module 46.

[0078] As can also be seen in Figures 2, 8 and 9, the complementary means 74 for adjusting the calibration means 72 comprise a height calibration stop 104 intended to cooperate with a complementary height calibration stop linked to this height calibration element 78. In the example illustrated, the complementary height calibration stop is formed by the transverse support 88 which forms an articulation support of the articulated polygon.

[0079] Thus, the height calibration stop 104 is intended to cooperate with the downstream transverse support 88 so as to urge the elastic suspension means 84 against the return force of the compression springs 96 during the connection of the upstream guide member 26 to the removable module 46.

[0080] Referring more particularly to the, it can be seen that the width calibration stop 102 and the height calibration stop 104 are provided on a stop element 106, for example cut from a sheet metal, carried by the removable module 46.

[0081] Thus, in the example illustrated, to activate the complementary means 74 for adjusting the calibration means 72, when connecting the upstream guide member 26 to the removable module 46, the downstream guide member 24 is moved substantially transversely relative to the upstream guide member 26, the stop element 106 comprising a ramp 108 intended to cooperate with the downstream transverse support 88 during this movement, until the final positioning of the stops 102 and 104 against their respective complementary stops 86B and 88.

[0082] Concerning the nozzles 30, 38, 40, 44 described above which participate in the air flushing in the docking zone of the capsule 14 with the opening edge 12, by replacing the air with steam, it will be noted that the air flushing effect that these nozzles cause in the docking zone makes it possible more particularly to flush out the oxygen contained in the air from the docking zone. Furthermore, these nozzles replacing the air with steam, they make it possible to create a vacuum in the internal zone of the packaging body 13 under the capsule 14.

[0083] An alternative embodiment of the downstream guide member 24 is shown. In this figure, elements similar to those in the previous figures are designated by identical references.

[0084] In this case, the steam injection means 28 further comprise, for each lower distribution channel 41, at least one nozzle 110, called the transverse make-up nozzle 110, intended to form a jet substantially transverse to the path of the capsule 14. The transverse make-up nozzle 110 is arranged in the lower distribution channel 41.

[0085] Preferably, as illustrated in the, the steam injection means 28 comprise, for each lower distribution channel 41, a series of transverse auxiliary nozzles 110 aligned along the path of the capsule 14.

[0086] The transverse auxiliary nozzles 110 participate in the flushing of air in the docking zone of the capsule 14 with the opening edge 12, by replacing the air with steam. Thus, the transverse auxiliary nozzles 110 make it possible to flush the oxygen contained in the air from the docking zone and to create a vacuum in the internal zone of the packaging body 13 under the capsule 14.

[0087] The 110 cross-nozzles optimize the oxygen flushing effect and vacuum creation.

[0088] The nozzles 30, 38, 40, 44 and 110 described above therefore make it possible to effectively expel the oxygen from the docking zone of the capsule 14 with the opening edge 12, and to create a vacuum, with limited steam consumption.

[0089] The invention is not limited to the embodiment presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art. It is in particular possible to use the device according to the invention for capping with capsules other than screw-on capsules, and other than twist-off capsules. The conveying device of the capping device also does not necessarily comprise two guide belts and the packaging bodies could be conveyed in the capping device by any other conveying device known to those skilled in the art. Also, the invention is not limited to a capping device comprising a steam injection nozzle arranged under the path of the capsule in the downstream guide member. Such a capping device without this nozzle can be used depending on the application. List of references

[0090] 10: device for capping12: opening edge13: packaging body14: capsule16: conveying device18, 20: endless guide belt22: drive belt24: downstream guide member26: upstream guide member28: steam injection means30: steam injection nozzle32: fixed frame34: guide track36: downstream guide surface with unevenness38: surface nozzle

[0091] 39: upper distribution channel

[0092] 40: nozzle of the downstream guide member

[0093] 41: lower distribution channel 41

[0094] 42: downstream end side cheek44: cheek nozzle46: removable module48: upstream duct50: intermediate ductE: enclosure51: folding hood52: additional releasable connection means54: first plate carried by the removable module56: second plate carried by the fixed frame58: first connection orifice in the first plate60: second connection orifice in the second plate62: means for positioning the plates with respect to each other64: pin means66: additional orifice68: means for clamping the plates with respect to each other70: oblong hole72: adjustable means for calibrating in width and height74: additional means for adjusting the calibration means76: lateral calibration element78: height calibration element80: upstream guide surface of the downstream guide member82: elastic spacing means84: elastic suspension means for the height calibration element86: connecting rod articulated with the calibration element lateral86A:first end of the connecting rod86B: second end of the connecting rod88: transverse support secured to the height calibration element90: orifice in the height calibration element91: tension spring92: suspension assembly94: rod94A: first end of the rod94B: second end of the rod96: compression spring of the suspension means98: first seat100: second seat102: width calibration stop of the complementary adjustment means104: height calibration stop of the complementary adjustment means106: stop element108: ramp of the stop element

[0095] 110: auxiliary cross nozzle

Claims

'Device (10) for capping an access opening edge (12) of a packaging body (13), called the opening edge, comprising:- a downstream guide member (24) for guiding a capsule (14) by gravity to a docking zone of the capsule (14) with the opening edge (12), the downstream guide member (24) of the capsule (14) comprising two substantially parallel guide tracks (34) each comprising a downstream guide surface with a difference in level (36) against which the capsule (14) is held in abutment by gravity,- steam injection means (28) intended to reach at least the docking zone of the capsule (14) with the opening edge (12), the steam injection means (28) comprising, for each downstream guide surface with a difference in level (36), a series of nozzles (38), called surface nozzles, aligned along the path of the capsule (14) opening through this surface (36), characterized in that each guide track (34) comprises a downstream end lateral cheek (42),the steam injection means (28) comprising a nozzle (44) arranged in this cheek (42), called cheek nozzle (44), intended to form a jet substantially transverse to the path of the capsule (14)., Device (10) for capping according to claim 1, in which the steam injection means (28) comprise, for each guide track (34), a nozzle (40), arranged under the downstream uneven guide surface (36) of the track (34), and intended to form a jet of steam substantially parallel to the path of the capsule (14). Device (10) for capping according to claim 1 or 2, in which the surface nozzles (38) are supplied with steam by an upper distribution channel (39), the steam injection means (28) comprising, associated with each guide track (34), a lower distribution channel (41) extending under the downstream guide surface with a difference in level (36) of the track (34) and under the upper distribution channel (39), at least one nozzle, called a transverse auxiliary nozzle (110), intended to form a jet substantially transverse to the path of the capsule (14), being arranged in the lower distribution channel (41). Device (10) for capping according to claims 2 and 3 taken together, in which the nozzle (40) intended to form the jet of steam substantially parallel to the path of the capsule (14) forms an emerging end of the lower distribution channel (41). Device (10) for capping according to claim 3 or 4, the steam injection means (28) comprising, for each lower distribution channel (41), a series of transverse auxiliary nozzles (110) aligned along the path of the capsule (14). Device (10) for capping according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a removable module (46) carrying the downstream guide member (24) of the capsule (14) and at least part of the steam injection means (28), the at least part of the steam injection means (28) being supplied by an upstream conduit (48), carried by the module (46), intended to be connected to fixed steam supply means by complementary releasable connection means (52). Device (10) for capping according to claim 6, in which the releasable connection means (52) form means for removable fixing of the module on a fixed frame (32). Device (10) for capping according to claim 7, in which the releasable connection means (52) comprise:- first (54) and second (56) plates carried respectively by the removable module (46) and the fixed frame (32),- first (58) and second (60) connection orifices provided respectively in the first (54) and second (56) plates, the first orifice (58) forming a steam inlet orifice in the upstream conduit (48) and the second orifice (60) forming a fixed steam supply orifice,- means (62) for positioning the first (54) and second (56) plates with respect to each other, intended to align the first (58) and second (60) connection orifices with respect to each other,- means (68) for clamping the plates (54, 56) with respect to each other. Device (10) for capping according to claim 8, in which the positioning means (62) of the first (54) and second (56) plates between them comprise pin means (64) cooperating with a complementary orifice (66). Device (10) for capping according to claim 8 or 9, in which the clamping means (68) of the plates (54, 56) together comprise screwing means comprising at least one screw (68) extending through an oblong hole (70) of the first plate (54) carried by the removable module (46). Device (10) for capping according to any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising:- an upstream guide member (26) for the capsule (14) by gravity, intended to be connected to the removable module (46), the upstream guide member (26) being provided with adjustable means (72) for calibrating in width and height a path of the capsule (14) in the upstream guide member (26), and- complementary means (74, 76, 78) for adjusting the calibration means (72) activated by connecting the upstream guide member (26) to the removable module (46). Device (10) for capping according to claim 11, in which the complementary adjustment means (74) of the calibration means (72) comprise:- two lateral calibration elements (76), between which the capsule (14) is intended to be guided, and- elastic spacing means (82) of the lateral calibration elements (76) intended to elastically return the lateral calibration elements (76) towards a maximum spacing position, the complementary adjustment means (74) of the calibration means (72) comprising a width calibration stop (102), carried by the removable module (46), intended to cooperate with a complementary width calibration stop (86B) linked to one of the lateral calibration elements (76) so as to urge the elastic spacing means (82) against their return force when the upstream guide member (26) is connected to the removable module (46). Device (10) for capping according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the complementary adjustment means (74) of the calibration means (72) comprise:- a height calibration element (78) arranged above an upstream uneven guide surface (80) of the upstream guide member (26), against which the capsule (14) is held in abutment by gravity, and- elastic suspension means (84) of the height calibration element (78) intended to elastically return the height calibration element (78) to a position of maximum height relative to the upstream uneven guide surface (80), the complementary adjustment means (74) of the calibration means (72) comprising a height calibration stop (104), carried by the removable module (46),intended to cooperate with a complementary height calibration stop (88) linked to the height calibration element (78) so as to urge the elastic suspension means (84) against their return force when connecting the upstream guide member (26) to the removable module (46)., Device (10) for capping according to claims 12 and 13, in which the elastic spacing means (82) of the lateral calibration elements (76) comprise connecting rods (86) articulated with these lateral calibration elements (76) so as to form with these lateral calibration elements (76) an articulated polygon, the complementary width calibration stop (86B) being formed by an articulation element of the articulated polygon, the complementary height calibration stop (88) being carried by an articulation support of the articulated polygon. Device (10) for capping according to any one of claims 1 to 14, in which the steam injection means (28) also comprise a steam injection nozzle (30), arranged under the path of the capsule (14) in the downstream guide member (24) and upstream of the docking zone of the capsule (14) with the opening edge (12) of the packaging body (13), intended to form a jet substantially parallel to the path of the capsule (14). Capping device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the capping device being intended for capping the opening edge (12) of a packaging body (13) with a screw cap (14), in particular of the twist-off type.

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