Device for applying a container closure to a container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for applying a container closure to a container, for example for applying a can end to a can, for example in a beverage filling plant, comprising an application unit (10) with a closure receptacle (11) for receiving a container closure, and an ejector unit (20) movable relative to the application unit (10) for ejecting a container closure received in the closure receptacle (11). An ejector part (21), for example in the form of an ejector shield, is arranged on the ejector unit (20) on its side facing the closure receptacle (11) and comes into physical contact with the container closure for ejecting the container closure. The ejector part (21) is detachably attached to the ejector unit (20) via a quick-coupling mechanism (30). It further relates to a closer (100) comprising the device (1).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying a container closure to a container, for example for applying a can lid to a can, for example in a beverage filling plant, and to a closer comprising such a device for closing containers with a container closure, for example for closing a can with a can lid. State of the art

[0002] In filling systems in which a product is filled into a container and then sealed with a container closure, closers are used to close containers with a container closure, for example, to close cans with a can lid. These closers comprise a transport unit with a plurality of container holders, each of which is designed to receive a container to be closed. Each container holder is assigned a device for applying a container closure to a container. The device receives a container closure and applies it to the container to be closed. The device for applying a container closure to a container is also referred to as a "closer head."

[0003] The closer can be designed as a rotary conveyor. In this case, the transport unit takes the form of a carousel rotating around a central axis, with the devices, or closer heads, evenly distributed around the circumference. Alternatively, the transport unit can also be designed, at least in part, for linear conveyance of the containers held in the container receptacles.

[0004] During operation, it may happen that a container closure is not properly applied to the container to be sealed and remains in the device's closure receptacle. To prevent the closure receptacle from being blocked by the remaining container closure at the receiving position where the closure receptacle is to receive a new closure, thus disrupting the proper operation of the sealer, the device can be equipped with an ejector rod that pushes the remaining container closure out of the closure receptacle.

[0005] Such an ejector rod can comprise an ejector part, for example, in the form of an ejector shield when processing cans. The shape of the ejector part is adapted to the shape of the container closure being processed and comes into physical contact with the closure when the container closure is ejected. It is known to attach the ejector part to the ejector unit with a nut. Before the ejector part is attached, the ejector rods are turned to the same height after assembly on the transport unit. The ejector parts are then attached to the ejector rods.

[0006] If the filling line is to process containers or cans of a different type and / or new can ends with a different thickness, a change in the machine settings, especially the closer, is necessary. This requires each closer device to be individually readjusted and the ejector parts to be replaced, which is a time-consuming process.

[0007] Accordingly, a change of setup or a format adjustment results in a high level of assembly effort and a high level of downtime. Description of the invention

[0008] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for applying a container closure to a container, for example for applying a can lid to a can, for example in a beverage filling plant, as well as a corresponding closer.

[0009] The object is achieved by a device for applying a container closure to a container, for example for applying a can lid to a can, for example in a beverage filling plant, with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0010] Accordingly, a device for applying a container closure to a container, for example for applying a can end to a can, for example in a beverage filling system, is proposed. The device comprises an application unit with a closure receptacle for receiving a container closure, and an ejector unit movable relative to the application unit for ejecting a container closure received in the closure receptacle. An ejector part, for example in the form of an ejector shield, is arranged on the ejector unit on its side facing the closure receptacle, which comes into physical contact with the container closure for ejecting the container closure.

[0011] The application unit can also be referred to as a "seaming head" because the application of the lid to a can can be done by folding and flanging the metal of the lid with the metal of the can body.

[0012] The ejector part is detachably attached to the ejector unit via a quick-coupling mechanism. This allows the ejector part to be detached from the ejector unit or attached to the application unit in a relatively short time, compared to the state of the art, and without the need for a tool. Accordingly, worn ejector parts can be replaced in a relatively short time. Similarly, converting the device from processing one type of container closure to another can be done in a relatively short time and easily.

[0013] The resulting comparatively quick and easy disassembly and assembly of the ejector part also allows for the seaming head or closure receptacle to be changed without significant time or technical effort, without the ejector part hindering or even blocking the process. This is because the ejector part can be quickly removed via the quick-coupling mechanism, allowing the closure removal to be replaced without significant delay and without an ejector part on the device interfering with this changeover.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the quick-coupling mechanism may comprise a coupling part attached to the ejector unit, to which the ejector part is releasably coupled. This allows the quick-coupling mechanism to be easily provided on the ejector unit.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the position of the coupling part relative to the ejector unit can be adjustable. This allows the height of the ejector part to be precisely adjusted without requiring any other length adjustment of the ejector unit, such as turning off an ejector rod of the ejector unit. Therefore, mechanical machining of the ejector unit is unnecessary.

[0016] The position of the coupling part relative to the ejector unit can be adjusted, for example, by positioning a predetermined number of shims, such as washers, between the coupling part and the ejector unit.

[0017] The shims have a predetermined thickness. The thickness of the shims used can vary. For example, shims of different thicknesses can be provided, which are selected together so that the intended height position of the ejector part is as close as possible to or corresponds to the calculated ideal height position.

[0018] The ejector unit and the coupling part can have correspondingly designed stop surfaces oriented transversely to an assembly direction in which the coupling part is mounted to the ejector unit, for example, by stretching and / or screwing. The specified number of shims can be arranged between these stop surfaces.

[0019] In this document, a "specified quantity" is defined as a quantity from zero to a plurality. For example, the specified quantity can be zero (no inserts), one insert, two inserts, etc.

[0020] The "height position" in this document corresponds to the position of the ejector part with respect to a direction of movement of the application unit and / or a normal to the transport direction of a transport unit of a sealer comprising the device and / or the direction of gravity which the ejector part has in a proper attachment state of the device to the transport unit.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the ejector part can comprise a coupling groove for receiving at least one locking body, for example, a locking ball. The locking body(s) can be used to secure the ejector part to the ejector unit.

[0022] The coupling part can comprise a locking body receptacle for receiving at least one locking body. An actuating part movable relative to the coupling part between a locking position and a release position can be arranged on the coupling part. In the locking position, the actuating part then fixes the at least one locking body in a locking position in which the at least one locking body forms a positive connection between the ejector part and the coupling part. In the release position, the at least one locking body can be disengaged from the ejector part. Alternatively, the actuating part can also be arranged on the ejector part so that it can move relative to the ejector part.

[0023] Optionally, the actuating part can be pre-tensioned into the locking position.

[0024] In this document, "accommodation" means that a body, for example, the locking body, is at least partially surrounded by the receptacle in which it is "accommodated." In other words, a "accommodated body" is physically located, with at least part of its total volume, within the volume of the receptacle that "accommodates" the body.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the ejector unit can comprise at least one locking body receptacle for receiving at least one locking body. In other words, the coupling part is then not formed as a separate component, but by a component of the application unit or by the latter. Accordingly, an actuating part that is movable relative to the application unit between a locking position and a release position can also be arranged directly on the ejector unit. In the locking position, the actuating part can optionally fix the at least one locking body in a locking position, in which the at least one locking body forms a positive connection between the ejector unit and the ejector part. Furthermore, the at least one locking body can be disengaged from the ejector part in the release position. Optionally, the actuating part is preloaded into the locking position.The at least one locking body receptacle part of the ejector unit then represents the coupling part.

[0026] The above-mentioned object is further achieved by a closer for closing containers with a container closure, for example for closing cans with a can lid, for example in a beverage filling plant, having the features of claim 7. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0027] Accordingly, a closer for closing containers with a container closure, for example for closing cans with a can lid, for example in a beverage filling plant, is proposed, comprising a container holder for holding an unsealed and filled container, for example in the form of a can holder for holding an unsealed and filled can, and a device associated with the container holder according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0028] The advantages and effects described with regard to the device can also be achieved with the sealer. Therefore, a repeated description of these is omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the device can be arranged on a transport unit that is movable in a transport direction, and the closer can further comprise a fixed guide curve for specifying the position of the ejector unit relative to the container receptacle, wherein the guide curve is designed to be height-adjustable in the direction of movement of the ejector unit.

[0030] Due to the height adjustability of the guide curve, the height position of the ejector part of the closer device can be quickly, reproducibly and precisely adjusted to the container type and / or the container closure to be processed.

[0031] If the closer comprises multiple devices, the height adjustment of the guide cam allows the height position of the ejector section of all devices to be adjusted simultaneously to the container type and / or the container closure being processed. Accordingly, fine adjustment of the height position of all ejector sections can be achieved simultaneously. Short description of the characters

[0032] Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures: Figure 1 schematically shows a sectional view through a closer for closing a can with a can lid; and Figure 2 schematically shows a sectional detail view of a device for applying a can lid to a can, as used in a plurality in the closer according to Figure 1 is installed. Detailed description of advantageous embodiments

[0033] Advantageous embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0034] In Figure 1 A schematic sectional view of a closer 100 for closing containers with a container closure is shown, in the present case, but not limited to, for closing cans filled with a beverage with a can lid. The closer 100 is provided as a component of a beverage filling system.

[0035] The capper 100 comprises a frame 110 and a transport unit 120 that can be rotated about a central rotation axis 101. The capper 100 is thus designed as a rotary conveyor, and the transport unit 120 is configured as a transport carousel. Alternatively, the capper 100 can also have a different design.

[0036] The transport unit 110 comprises a plurality of devices 1 arranged uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis of rotation 101 for applying a container closure to a container, here for applying a can lid to a can.

[0037] Each device 1 comprises an application unit 10, which can also be referred to as a seaming head and is oriented relative to the transport unit 120 in the direction of a longitudinal axis 12, which here is optionally oriented parallel to the rotation axis 101. The application unit 10 comprises a closure receptacle 11 for receiving a container closure, in this case a can end. The closure receptacle 11 can therefore be referred to as a can end receptacle.

[0038] To close the can with the can lid, the application unit 10 cooperates with a can holder (not shown here) assigned to the application unit 10, which represents an example of a container holder, and optionally with a flanging unit (not shown). The can holder is arranged below the application unit 10 with respect to the longitudinal axis 12. To apply the can lid to the unsealed can held in the can holder, the application unit 10 and the can holder are moved towards each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12. In the present case, this is achieved by the can holder being designed to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12. Alternatively or additionally, the application unit 10 can also be designed to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12.

[0039] According to this exemplary embodiment, the application unit 10 and the can holder can rotate about the longitudinal axis 12 so that the optional flanging unit arranged on the transport unit 120 can perform flanging of the edge of the can end with a can opening of the can in order to connect the can end to the can, precisely the can opening.

[0040] The device 1 further comprises an ejector unit 20 movable relative to the application unit 10 for ejecting a container closure received in the closure receptacle 11.

[0041] On the ejector unit 20, on its side facing the closure receptacle 11, an ejector part 21 is provided for ejecting a container closure located in the closure receptacle 11. When the container closure is ejected, the ejector part 21 comes into physical contact with the container closure. According to this non-limiting embodiment, the ejector part 21 has the shape of an ejector shield. Alternatively, it can also be designed, for example, as a central ejector.

[0042] The closer 100 further comprises a fixed guide curve 130 for specifying the position of the ejector unit 120 relative to the closure receptacle 11. In the present case, and not by way of limitation, the ejector unit 20 comprises a guide roller 22 that rolls on the guide curve 130. The guide curve 130 is designed such that, at a predetermined first angle of rotation or angle of rotation range relative to the axis of rotation 101, the ejector part 21 is positioned at a distance from a container closure held in the intended position in the closure receptacle 11, or is positioned such that it acts as an upper stop for the container closure. The container closure can be applied to the container to be closed within this first angle of rotation or angle of rotation range.The guide curve 130 is further designed such that in a further angle of rotation or further angle of rotation section the ejector part 21 is moved downwards so that it ejects a container closure remaining in the closure receptacle 11 from the closure receptacle 11.

[0043] The guide curve 130 is designed to be height-adjustable relative to the transport unit 120 in the direction of movement of the ejector unit 20, i.e., in this case, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12 or the central rotation axis 101. For this purpose, the guide curve 130 comprises a height adjustment device 131, via which the height position of the guide curve 130 relative to the frame 110 can be changed.

[0044] Figure 2 shows schematically a sectional view through a portion of the device 1 from Figure 1 . It can be seen from this that the ejector part 21 is detachably attached to the ejector unit 20 via a quick-coupling mechanism 30.

[0045] The quick-coupling mechanism 30 comprises a coupling part 31 attached to the ejector unit 20, to which the ejector part 21 is releasably coupled. Alternatively, the ejector unit 20 itself can form the coupling part.

[0046] A position of the coupling part 31 relative to the ejector unit 20, more precisely an ejector rod 24 of the ejector unit 20, relative to the longitudinal axis 12 is adjustable. According to this non-limiting embodiment, the position of the coupling part 31 can be adjusted by positioning a predetermined number of shims 40, which here are designed, for example, as washers, between the coupling part 31 and the ejector unit 20.

[0047] The ejector unit 20 and the coupling part 31 comprise correspondingly designed stop surfaces 23, 32, which are oriented transversely to an assembly direction in which the coupling part 31 is mounted to the ejector unit 20. The assembly direction here is oriented along the longitudinal axis 12. The specified number of shims 40 are arranged between the aforementioned stop surfaces 23, 32. The position of the coupling part 31 relative to the ejector unit 20, more precisely the ejector rod 24 of the ejector unit 20, can be adjusted by changing the number of shims 40. The position can therefore be changed by changing the number of shims 40.

[0048] As already described in the general section, the predetermined number can range from zero to a plurality of shims 40. The number and thickness of the shims 40 are selected as required to position the coupling part 31 and thereby the ejector part 21 coupled to the ejector unit 20 via the coupling part 31 at the height position provided for the ejector part 21. In Figure 2 Exactly one insert part 40 is shown. However, this is only an example.

[0049] The ejector part 21 comprises a coupling groove 34 for receiving a plurality of locking bodies 35, which are received in the locking body receptacle 36 of the coupling part 31 and are distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis 12 and are optionally designed as locking balls.

[0050] On the coupling part 31 there is a relative to the coupling part 31 between a Figure 2A movable actuating part 37 is arranged between the locking position shown and a release position. In the locking position, the actuating part 37 fixes the locking bodies 35 in a locking position, in which each locking body 35 forms a positive connection between the ejector part 21 and the coupling part 31. In the release position, the locking bodies 35 can be disengaged from the ejector part 21, so that the ejector part 21 can be removed from the coupling part 31 and replaced with a different ejector part 21. For example, this allows for quick and easy conversion from using an ejector part of a first type to an ejector part of a different type. Alternatively, worn ejector parts 21 can be easily and quickly replaced.

[0051] The actuating part 37 is preloaded into the locking position by a preloading part 38, here designed as a preload spring. By pressing the actuating part 37 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12 against the direction of the preload provided by the preloading part 38, here upwards, i.e., in the direction of the ejector unit 20, a section of reduced diameter of the actuating part 37 reaches the level of the locking bodies 35, so that these can move radially inward and the positive connection in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12 between the ejector part 21 and the locking body 35 can be released.

[0052] Where applicable, all individual features presented in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0053] 1 Device 10 Application unit 11 Closure holder 12 Longitudinal axis 20 Ejector unit 21 Ejector part 22 Guide roller 23 Stop surface 24 Ejector rod 30 Coupling mechanism 31 Coupling part 32 Stop surface 34 Coupling groove 35 Locking body 36 Locking body holder 37 Actuating part 38 Pre-tensioning part 40 Shim part 100 Closer 101 Rotation axis 110 Frame 120 Transport unit 130 Guide curve 131 Height adjustment device

Claims

1. Device (1) for applying a container closure to a container, for example for applying a can end to a can, for example in a beverage filling plant, comprising an application unit (10) with a closure receptacle (11) for receiving a container closure, and an ejector unit (20) movable relative to the application unit (10) for ejecting a container closure received in the closure receptacle (11), wherein an ejector part (21), for example in the form of an ejector screen, is arranged on the ejector unit (20) on its side facing the closure receptacle (11), which comes into physical contact with the container closure for ejecting the container closure, characterized in that the ejector part (21) is detachably attached to the ejector unit (20) via a quick-coupling mechanism (30).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe quick coupling mechanism (30) comprises a coupling part (31) fastened to the ejector unit (20), to which the ejector part (21) is detachably coupled.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a position of the coupling part (31) relative to the ejector unit (20) is adjustable, for example by positioning a predetermined number of shims (40), for example washers, between the coupling part (31) and the ejector unit (20).

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the ejector part (21) comprises a coupling groove (34) for receiving at least one locking body (35), for example a locking ball.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the coupling part (31) comprises at least one locking body receptacle (36) for receiving at least one locking body (35).

6. Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in thatan actuating part (37) which is movable relative to the coupling part (31) or on the ejector part (21) relative to the ejector part (21) between a locking position and a release position is arranged on the coupling part (31), wherein in the locking position the actuating part (37) fixes the at least one locking body (35) in a locking position in which the at least one locking body (35) forms a positive connection between the ejector part (21) and the coupling part (31), and wherein in the release position the at least one locking body (35) can be disengaged from the ejector part (21) or the coupling part (31), wherein optionally the actuating part (37) is pretensioned into the locking position.

7. A closer (100) for closing containers with a container closure, for example for closing cans with a can lid, for example in a beverage filling plant, comprising a container holder, for example a can holder, for holding an unsealed and filled container, for example a can, and a device (1) associated with the container holder according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Sealer (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (1) is arranged on a transport unit (120) which is movable in a transport direction and the closer (100) further comprises a fixed guide curve (130) for specifying the position of the ejector unit (20) relative to the closure receptacle (21), wherein the guide curve (130) is designed to be height-adjustable in the direction of movement of the ejector unit (20).

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