Cover attaching mechanism and cover attaching method

Abstract

A cover attaching mechanism (10), which is configured to attach a flange (4) of a cover device (1) to a container body. The cover attaching mechanism (10) comprises: an anvil base (11); and a cover retaining device (13), which comprises an annular body (401) and a retaining portion (410), wherein the annular body (401) is slidably arranged on the anvil base (11), and the retaining portion (410) extends in an axial direction from the annular body (401) and is capable of mechanically engaging an edge of the flange (4) of the cover device (1), so as to retain the cover device (1) on the anvil base (11). The cover attaching mechanism can be adapted to various types of cover devices, and does not require additional auxiliary power, additional signal points or program logic control, etc. Further provided is a cover attaching method for attaching a cover device to a container body by using the cover attaching mechanism.

Description

Covering mechanism and covering method

[0001] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application with application number 202310911881.1 filed with the Chinese Patent Office on July 24, 2023, entitled “Cover Applicator and Cover Applicator Method.” The entire contents of the aforementioned patent application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to a capping mechanism for attaching a flange of a cap device to a container body and a capping method for attaching a cap device to a container body using the capping mechanism. Background Art

[0003] The contents of this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] A lid-applying mechanism is typically used in packaging for storing various substances (also referred to as contents, e.g., liquid foods) to attach a lid to a container body (e.g., a semi-finished product carton). The lid comprises a lid and a flange for attaching the lid to the container body. When the lid is operated, for example, to attach the lid to the container body, it is necessary to clamp, hold, fix, or attach the lid to an anvil. To this end, the lid-applying mechanism includes a lid retaining device for retaining the lid to the anvil.

[0005] For the cover device with a groove on the flange bottom surface, a known cover holding device is provided, which holds the cover device on the anvil by means of a snap-fit ​​groove. However, this cover holding device is only applicable to the cover device with a groove on the flange bottom surface.

[0006] For a cover device having a flat flange bottom surface without a groove, a vacuum suction cup is proposed as a cover holding device for sucking the flat bottom surface of the flange of the cover device to an anvil, thereby holding the cover device.

[0007] Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0008] As described above, the cover retaining device with a mechanical snap-fit ​​groove is not suitable for a cover device having no groove on the bottom surface of the flange (the bottom surface of the flange is flat), and is therefore limited by the structure or type of the cover device.

[0009] The structure of the vacuum suction cup is relatively complex and requires additional auxiliary power (e.g., circuit or air circuit, etc.), additional signal points or program logic control, etc. Therefore, the efficiency of the capping mechanism or capping method is low and the cost is high.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In view of the above problems, the present application proposes a cover attaching mechanism, which includes a cover holding device that can be applied to cover devices of various types or structures and has a simple structure.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present application, a capping mechanism is provided for attaching a flange of a cap assembly to a container body. The capping mechanism comprises an anvil; and a cap retaining device comprising an annular body and a retaining portion. The annular body is slidably disposed on the anvil. The retaining portion extends axially from the annular body and is capable of mechanically engaging with an edge of the cap assembly flange to retain the cap assembly on the anvil.

[0013] In some embodiments, the retaining portion is dimensioned to engage an edge of a flange of the cover assembly with an interference fit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the retaining portion has an inclined guide surface configured to guide the flange of the cover device to move toward the anvil.

[0015] In some embodiments, the retaining portion extends 360 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cap retaining device includes a plurality of retaining portions discretely distributed along the circumferential direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cap attaching mechanism further comprises a biasing member, wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the cap retaining device to move the cap retaining device toward a direction of engaging with an edge of the flange of the cap device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the biasing member is disposed on a side of the cap retaining device opposite to the retaining portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the biasing member is a coil spring, and an annular groove for accommodating the coil spring is provided in the anvil.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cover sticking mechanism further includes a sliding guide structure for guiding the sliding of the cover holding device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sliding guide structure includes: a protrusion provided on the cover retaining device and a recess provided on the anvil and cooperating with the protrusion, or a recess provided on the cover retaining device and a protrusion provided on the anvil and cooperating with the recess on the cover retaining device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cap attaching mechanism further includes a positioning member for limiting the position of the cap holding device in a circumferential direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, a groove for receiving an edge of a flange of the cover device is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the retaining portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one of the sidewalls of the groove is inclined.

[0025] In some embodiments, the capping mechanism further comprises a cap pushing member for pushing the cap device toward the anvil.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover pushing member includes: a base portion for pushing the top surface of the cover device; and an extending portion extending from the base portion in an axial direction corresponding to the retaining portion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the shape or length of the extension portion is designed such that when the inner surface of the base portion abuts against the top surface of the cover device, no interference occurs between the extension portion and the retaining portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the free end of the extension has a tapered outer side.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cover pushing member has a plurality of extensions discretely arranged along a circumferential direction, and the outer side surface of the base is provided with a recessed portion at a portion corresponding to a portion between at least two adjacent extensions.

[0030] In some embodiments, the capping mechanism further comprises a releasing device for releasing the retaining portion from an edge of the flange of the cap device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the release device has an annular body and a flat surface or an inclined surface for pushing the retaining portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the release device is attached to a welding head of the welding device or is formed by a portion of the welding head.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a capping method for attaching a cap device to a container body using the capping mechanism is provided, wherein the capping method comprises the following steps: holding the cap device on the anvil by means of the cap holding device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the capping method further comprises: releasing the holding portion of the cap holding device from an edge of the flange of the cap device by means of a releasing device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the capping method further comprises: attaching a flange of the cap device to the container body.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flange of the cover device is welded to the container body by a welding device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the lid attaching method further includes: releasing the retaining portion of the lid retaining device from the edge of the flange of the lid device by means of a welding head attached to the welding device or a releasing device formed integrally with the welding head, and simultaneously welding the flange of the lid device to the container body.

[0038] In some embodiments, the capping method further comprises: moving a cap of the capping device through the aperture of the container body to attach a flange of the capping device to the inner surface of the container body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the capping method further comprises: pushing the cap device toward the anvil by means of a cap pushing member.

[0040] In some embodiments, when the cover pushing member pushes the cover device toward the anvil, the retaining portion of the cover retaining device engages with an edge of the flange of the cover device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cover pushing member is retracted after the retaining portion of the cover retaining device engages with the edge of the flange of the cover device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the capping method further includes: moving the anvil from a holding station to an attaching station so as to attach the flange of the cap device held on the anvil to the container body; and moving the anvil from the attaching station to the holding station so as to operate the next cap device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the welding device and the anvil holding the capping device are moved toward each other when attaching the flange of the capping device to the container body.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cap attaching method further comprises: applying a biasing force to the cap retaining device by means of a biasing member so that the retaining portion returns to a position where it will engage with an edge of the flange of the cap device.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cover attaching method further comprises: preventing an edge of the flange of the cover device from being lifted or curled by means of an extension portion of the cover pushing member extending in the axial direction.

[0046] Technical Effects

[0047] In the capping mechanism and capping method according to the present invention, the cap device is held on the anvil by engaging the cap retaining device with the edge of the flange of the cap device, so it can be applicable to various types of cap devices regardless of the structure of the bottom surface of the flange (for example, with grooves or without grooves).

[0048] By integrating the cover pusher into the welding head of the welding device, the cover device can be welded while the cover device is released. This can shorten the operation time and improve efficiency. Of course, according to actual needs, the operation of releasing the cover device and the operation of welding the cover device can also be performed separately.

[0049] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will become more readily understood through the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] 1A and 1B are perspective schematic diagrams of an example of a cover device applied to a cover-applying mechanism, viewed from different perspectives;

[0052] FIG2 is a conceptual diagram of a capping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG3A is a perspective schematic diagram of a cover holding device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG3B is a perspective schematic diagram of the cover holding device shown in FIG3A installed on the anvil and holding the cover device;

[0055] FIG4A is a perspective view of a modification of the plurality of cover retaining devices shown in FIG3B ;

[0056] FIG4B is a perspective schematic diagram of the cover holding device shown in FIG4A installed on the anvil and holding the cover device;

[0057] FIG4C is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of FIG4B ;

[0058] FIG5A is a perspective schematic diagram of a cover holding device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG5B is a perspective schematic diagram of the cover holding device shown in FIG5A installed on the anvil and holding the cover device;

[0060] 5C and 5D are partial cross-sectional schematic views of FIG. 5B and respectively illustrate a retaining state and a releasing state of the cover retaining device;

[0061] FIG6A is a perspective schematic diagram of a cover holding device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG6B is a schematic top view of the cover retaining device shown in FIG6A ;

[0063] FIG6C is a schematic diagram of the cover retaining device of FIG6B taken along line AA;

[0064] FIG6D is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of the holding portion of the cover holding device shown in FIG6C;

[0065] FIG6E is a perspective schematic diagram of the cover holding device shown in FIG6A installed on the anvil and holding the cover device;

[0066] 6F and 6G are partial cross-sectional schematic views of FIG. 6E and respectively illustrate a retaining state and a releasing state of the cover retaining device;

[0067] FIG7A is a perspective schematic diagram of a modification of the cover retaining device shown in FIG6A ;

[0068] FIG7B is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cover holding device shown in FIG7A installed on the anvil and holding the cover device;

[0069] FIG8A is a perspective schematic diagram of a cover push member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG8B is a schematic diagram of the cover pushing member shown in FIG8A pushing the cover device to the anvil to hold the cover device;

[0071] FIG8C is a schematic top view of the cover pusher shown in FIG8A , showing that when the cover devices overlap, the cover pusher is not obstructed by the overlapping portion;

[0072] 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams illustrating a cover-pushing process of the cover-pushing member;

[0073] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a release device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the release device shown in FIG10 being fixed to the welding device;

[0075] 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams showing a welding device welding a cap device to a container body, wherein the release device and the welding device are formed as an integral piece; and

[0076] FIG13 is a flow chart of a capping method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts or features. In addition, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For ease of illustration, some parts may be shown in an enlarged scale.

[0078] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be exhaustive and will more fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are described to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, and that the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0079] This application proposes a lid-applying mechanism, applicable to various types of lid devices having flanges, for attaching the flanges of the lid devices to a container body, such as a semi-finished carton. Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of an example lid device applicable to the lid-applying mechanism, viewed from different angles. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B , the lid device 1 includes a lid 2 and a flange 4. The flange 4 is attached to the lid 2 via a connector 6, thereby forming a single-piece lid device 1.

[0080] The lid 2 is configured to seal the contents of a finished carton (not shown) and allow the user to easily access the contents when the lid 2 is opened. When the lid 2 is twisted, the connector 6 will break to allow the lid 2 to be opened.

[0081] The flange 4 is configured to attach the lid 2 to the container body (see the container body CB in Figures 12A to 12C). In other words, the lid 2 is attached to the container body via the flange 4. The flange 4 includes a top surface 3 facing the lid 2 and extending outward relative to the lid 2, and a bottom surface 5 facing away from the lid 2. One of the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 5 can be attached to the container body. When the flange 4 is located outside the container body, the bottom surface 5 can be attached to the outer surface of the container body. When the flange 4 is located inside the container body, the top surface 3 can be attached to the inner surface of the container body.

[0082] The top surface 3 is attached to the inner surface of the container body as an example for description herein. An annular protrusion 9 may be provided on the top surface 3 at the edge 7 to improve sealing.

[0083] Bottom surface 5 is substantially flat. "Flat" as used herein refers to the flatness of the surface, excluding any recesses or protrusions resulting from the manufacturing process. These recesses or protrusions resulting from these process requirements are not specifically designed and manufactured for a specific function. For example, the central recess on top surface 8 of cover 2 shown in FIG1A and the central recess on bottom surface 5 of flange 4 shown in FIG1B are both examples of such recesses resulting from these process requirements.

[0084] It should be understood that the cover device used in the cover-applying mechanism of the present application should not be limited to the structure shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B , but can be changed as long as it is applicable to the principles of the present application.

[0085] The conceptual structure and working process of the capping mechanism 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the capping mechanism 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] As shown in FIG2 , the capping mechanism 10 includes an anvil 11, a cap holding device 13 for holding the cap device 1 on the anvil 11, a cap pushing device 15 for pushing the cap device 1 toward the anvil 11, and a welding device (e.g., an ultrasonic welding device) 17 for attaching the cap device 1 to the container body CB (as shown in FIG12A ). The various components of the capping mechanism 10 will be described in detail later.

[0087] For the capping mechanism 10 shown in FIG2 , the capping device 1 in the transport path can be pushed toward the anvil 11 by the cap pushing device 15. When the capping device 1 moves to the anvil 11, the cap retaining device 13 can engage with the capping device 1 to retain the capping device 1 on the anvil 11. Next, the anvil 11 can be moved to a welding station (i.e., an attachment station), for example, downwardly to a horizontal position aligned with the welding device 17 as shown in FIG2 . The anvil 11 and / or the welding device 17 are moved toward each other so that the cap of the capping device 1 passes through the orifice on the container body, the cap retaining device 13 is released, and the flange of the capping device 1 is welded to the container body at the same time.

[0088] It should be understood that the configuration of the capping mechanism according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific example shown in FIG1 , but can be varied according to actual needs. For example, components can be added or reduced, or the operation steps or sequence can be changed according to actual needs.

[0089] The cap retaining device 13 of the cap attaching mechanism 10 will be described in detail below. FIG3A is a perspective view of the cap retaining device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG3B is a perspective view of the cap retaining device 100 shown in FIG3A installed on the anvil 11 and retaining the cap.

[0090] 3A and 3B , the lid retaining device 100 includes an elongated body 101. The lid retaining device 100 (specifically, the elongated body 101) has a retaining portion 110 formed at a first end (the upper end in FIG. 3A ) for retaining the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the lid device 1, and a fixing portion 130 formed at a second end (the lower end in FIG. 3A ) opposite the first end for securing to the anvil 11. A transition portion 150 is formed between the retaining portion 110 and the fixing portion 130. The retaining portion 110 is configured to rotate outward relative to the fixing portion 130 to receive or release the flange 4 when subjected to downward pressure. The retaining portion 110 can have a shape that allows elastic deformation, or can be made of an elastic material. When the external force applied to the retaining portion 110 disappears, the retaining portion 110 can return to its initial position, for example, a position capable of clamping the flange 4. To facilitate movement of the retaining portion 110 relative to the fixing portion 130, the transition portion 150 can be curved or arcuate.

[0091] The retaining portion 110 is bent to form a hook shape and includes a first portion 111 extending from the transition portion 150, a bent portion 112 extending from the first portion 111 and bent, and a second portion 113 extending from the bent portion 112 and overlapping the first portion 111. The second portion 113 can form a certain angle relative to the first portion 111, thereby clamping or hooking the edge 7 of the flange 4. When the retaining portion 110 is engaged with the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the cover device 1, the free end 115 of the second portion 113 can contact, abut, or hook the edge 7 of the flange 4.

[0092] The "first end" and "second end" described herein refer to two opposite ends along the longitudinal direction (i.e., the vertical direction in FIG. 3A ) of the cover retaining device 100. The "free end" of the second portion described herein refers to the portion of the retaining portion 110 for engaging with the edge 7 of the flange 4.

[0093] 3A , the free end portion 115 may include a bent portion 115 a to prevent the end surface from scratching the inner surface of the container body. In an example not shown, the free end portion 115 may include a rounded end surface for abutting, clamping, or hooking the edge 7 of the flange 4, thereby preventing the inner surface of the container body from being scratched.

[0094] The second portion 113 may have a guide surface 113a that is inclined at a certain angle relative to the vertical direction. Thus, when the flange 4 of the cap device 1 moves toward the anvil 11, the guide surface 113a can guide the movement of the flange 4, allowing its edge 7 to enter the retaining portion 110 and be clamped or hooked by the second portion 113 when the flange 4 abuts the anvil 11. On the other hand, when downward pressure is applied to the guide surface 113a, the second portion 113 is facilitated to move outward to receive or release the flange 4.

[0095] The second portion 113 can clamp or hook the annular protrusion 9 located at the edge 7 on the top surface 3 of the flange 4. In other words, when the retaining portion 110 is engaged with the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the cover device 1, the free end 115 of the second portion 113 can engage with the radial inner side of the annular protrusion 9 of the flange 4. In this way, the flange 4 can be surely retained on the anvil 11, that is, the stability of the retention can be improved.

[0096] The cap attaching mechanism 10 may include multiple cap retaining devices 100. Referring to FIG3B , four cap retaining devices 100 are discretely distributed along the circumference and fixed to the anvil 11. In FIG3B , the four cap retaining devices 100 are clamped onto the edge 7 of the flange 4 at equal intervals along the circumference, with the free end of the retaining portion 110 of each cap retaining device 100 located radially inward of the annular protrusion 9 on the flange 4.

[0097] It should be understood that the structure, number, arrangement, etc. of the cover retaining device should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but can be changed as needed as long as the edge of the retaining flange described in this article can be achieved.

[0098] For example, Figures 4A to 4C show a variation of the multiple lid retaining devices of Figure 3B. In the example of Figures 4A to 4C, four lid retaining devices 200 are included, each of which has a hook-shaped retaining portion 210, a fixing portion 230 for fixing to the anvil 11, and a transition portion 250 located between the retaining portion 210 and the fixing portion 230. The structure of each lid retaining device 200 is the same as that of the single lid retaining device 100 shown in Figure 3A and will not be described in detail here. The differences between the configuration shown in Figures 4A to 4C and the configuration shown in Figure 3B will be described below.

[0099] In FIG3B , the plurality of cap retaining devices 100 are each formed separately and individually fixed to the anvil 11. In contrast, in FIG4A to FIG4C , the fixing portions 230 and transition portions 250 of the plurality of cap retaining devices 200 are integrally formed via a connecting portion 202. As shown in the figure, the fixing portions 230 and transition portions 250 of the four cap retaining devices 200 are formed into an annular shape via the connecting portion 202. This simplifies the installation process of the plurality of cap retaining devices.

[0100] In the examples shown in Figures 3A to 4C, the lid retaining devices 100 and 200 clamp the edge of the flange in the manner of claws, and their shape or elastic material allows the retaining portion 110 and 210 to elastically deform and return to its initial position. The lid retaining device 300 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 5A to 5D. The lid retaining device 300 similarly clamps the edge of the flange in the manner of claws, but differs from the lid retaining devices 100 and 200 in that the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 300 is movably disposed on the anvil 11.

[0101] 5A , the lid holding device 300 includes a support rod 301 movably connected to the anvil 11 and a plate 302 extending perpendicularly to the support rod 301. The support rod 301 is provided with a hole 301a for inserting the pivot 21 (see FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D ). The lid holding device 300 is pivotally connected to the anvil 11 via the pivot 21. In this way, the lid holding device 300 can rotate about the pivot 21.

[0102] A retaining portion 310 for clamping the edge 7 of the flange 4 may be formed at the upper end of the plate 302. The retaining portion 310 has an inclined guide surface 313a and a free end 315. The guide surface 313a functions similarly to the guide surface 113a shown in FIG3A : on the one hand, it guides the movement of the edge 7 of the flange 4; on the other hand, when subjected to downward pressure, it facilitates the outward movement of the retaining portion 310 to receive or release the flange 4. The free end 315 extends downward from the guide surface 313a to form a hook for clamping or abutting the edge 7 of the flange 4.

[0103] A protrusion 330 may be formed at the lower end of the plate 302. Protrusion 330 may be used to mount a biasing member, such as a spring 31 shown in Figures 5C and 5D. Spring 31 is disposed between the anvil 11 and the plate 302. Spring 31 applies a spring force to the plate 302, causing the lid retaining device 300 to rotate about the pivot 21. As shown in Figure 5C, the spring force of spring 31 causes the lid retaining device 300 to rotate counterclockwise about the pivot 21. Specifically, under the action of spring 31, the retaining portion 310 of the lid retaining device 300 is in a position to clamp the edge 7 of the flange 4.

[0104] When a downward force is applied to the guide surface 313 a , the elastic force of the spring 31 is overcome, causing the cover holding device 300 to rotate clockwise around the pivot 21 , as shown in FIG. 5D , thereby releasing the flange 4 .

[0105] The lid retaining device 300 is structured like a seesaw or lever. Multiple lid retaining devices 300 can be discretely distributed along the circumference and fixed to the anvil 11. In FIG5B , four lid retaining devices 300 are clamped onto the edge 7 of the flange 4 at equal intervals along the circumference, with the free end 315 of the retaining portion 310 of each lid retaining device 300 located radially inward of the annular protrusion 9 on the flange 4.

[0106] It should be understood that the manner in which the lid retaining device moves is not limited to the pivoting arrangement shown in the figures, but can be varied. For example, the lid retaining device can move along an inclined or curved track. In addition to the claw arrangement, other arrangements for engaging with the flange edge are also possible, such as the interference fit arrangement shown in Figures 6A to 7B (described below).

[0107] 6A to 6G illustrate a cap retaining device 400 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure that is interference-fitted with the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the cap device 1 . Referring to FIG. 6A to 6G , the cap retaining device 400 includes an annular body 401 and a retaining portion 410 .

[0108] The annular body 401 is slidably disposed or mounted on the anvil 11. The annular body 401 has a central through-hole 417 for receiving the shaft 11a of the anvil 11. The circumferential surface 416a defining the central through-hole 417 and the outer surface of the shaft 11a of the anvil 11 can serve as a sliding guide structure to guide the sliding of the cap retaining device 400. In addition, an annular recess 418 can be provided on the annular body 401 to receive the annular protrusion 11b of the anvil 11. Similarly, the surfaces 416c and 416d defining the annular recess 418 and the outer surface of the annular protrusion 11b can serve as a sliding guide structure to guide the sliding of the cap retaining device 400. In addition, the lower outer circumferential surface 416b of the annular body 401 and the surface of the anvil 11 defining the recess 11c can also serve as a sliding guide structure to guide the sliding of the cap retaining device 400.

[0109] An annular groove 412 can also be provided in the annular body 401 for receiving a biasing member, for example, a helical spring 41. Accordingly, an annular groove 11d for accommodating the helical spring 41 is provided in the anvil 11. It should be understood that the structure for the biasing member should not be limited to the annular groove shown in the figure, for example, it can be a protrusion or a plane. The helical spring 41 applies an upward elastic force (biasing force) to the cover retaining device 400 to cause it to move upward to engage with the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the cover device 1, as shown in Figure 6F. When the retaining portion 410 is subjected to a downward force, the elastic force of the helical spring 41 is overcome, causing the cover retaining device 400 to move downward until the edge 7 is released, as shown in Figure 6G.

[0110] It should be understood that the structure of the body and anvil of the cap retaining device should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but may be varied so long as the functions described herein are achieved.

[0111] The retaining portion 410 extends axially from the annular body 401 and is configured to have an interference fit with the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the cover device 1. The inner circumference of the retaining portion 410 is designed to be slightly smaller than the outer circumference of the edge 7 of the flange 4. Specifically, the retaining portion 410 has an inner surface 411 that has an interference fit with the edge 7 of the flange 4. The shape of the inner surface 411 of the retaining portion 410 corresponds to the shape of the edge 7 of the flange 4. If the edge 7 of the flange 4 is circular, the inner surface 411 of the retaining portion 410 can be curved and have an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the edge 7.

[0112] The inner circumferential surface 411 of the retaining portion 410 may be provided with a groove 413 for receiving the edge 7 of the flange 4 of the cover device 1. When the edge 7 of the flange 4 reaches the anvil 11, it can enter the groove 413, thereby alleviating deformation of the edge 7 caused by the interference fit. At least one of the sidewalls 413a of the groove 413 may be inclined to guide the edge 7 into or out of the groove 413, as shown in FIG6D . An inclined guide surface 415 is provided at the free end of the retaining portion 410 to guide the edge 7 into the retaining portion 410 from above.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 6A, three retaining portions 410 are discretely distributed along the circumferential direction. It should be understood that the number, arrangement, structure, and size of the retaining portions can be changed according to actual needs and should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the drawings.

[0114] The capping mechanism may further include a positioning member 414 for limiting the circumferential position of the cap retaining device 400, as shown in FIG6F . Positioning member 414 is used to prevent the cap retaining device 400 from rotating relative to the anvil 11. For example, positioning member 414 may be a pin and hole structure, or a concave-convex structure. It should be understood that the positioning member according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but may be modified so long as it can achieve the functions described herein.

[0115] For example, Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a variation of the cap retaining device of Figure 6A . Cap retaining device 500 shown in Figure 7A differs from cap retaining device 400 shown in Figure 6A in that retaining portion 510 of cap retaining device 500 extends 360 degrees circumferentially, whereas cap retaining device 400 includes multiple retaining portions 410 discretely distributed along the circumference. The remaining structure of retaining portion 510 and annular body 501 of cap retaining device 500 are identical to those of cap retaining device 400 and will not be described in detail here.

[0116] The retaining portion of the lid retaining device in each of the above-described embodiments mechanically engages the edge of the lid device's flange to retain the lid device on the anvil. It should be understood that this disclosure does not exhaustively enumerate all mechanical engagement methods, and the embodiments described above are merely exemplary. It should also be understood that the structure of the lid attachment mechanism and its various components (particularly, the lid retaining device and its associated components) may vary as needed, as long as they can achieve the functions described herein.

[0117] 8A to 8C , the cover pushing member 800 for pushing the cover device 1 toward the anvil 11 will be described. As shown in FIG8A to 8C , the cover pushing member 800 includes a base portion 810 and an extension portion 812 extending from the base portion 810 in the axial direction.

[0118] The base 810 is configured to apply a thrust to the lid device 1. The inner surface 810b of the base 810 can abut the top surface 8 of the lid 2 of the lid device 1, thereby applying a thrust to the top surface 8 toward the anvil 11 as the base 810 moves. The base 810 can be driven by an actuator such as a cylinder (such as the cylinder 18 shown in Figures 9A to 9C). The lid pushing member 800 and the actuator constitute the lid pushing device 15 shown in Figure 2.

[0119] The extension portion 812 is configured to prevent the edge 7 of the flange 4 from deforming, warping, or curling when the edge 7 engages with the retaining portion of the lid retaining device. The inner circumferential surface 812a of the extension portion 812 can have the same shape as the edge 7 of the flange 4, for example, an arcuate shape with the same or slightly smaller diameter. The lid pusher 800 can include multiple extension portions 812. The multiple extension portions 812 can have the same or different structures or sizes.

[0120] Preferably, the extension 812 is configured so that when the lid assembly 1 is pushed toward the anvil 11, the extension 812 corresponds to the retaining portion of the lid retaining device. This effectively prevents deformation of the edge 7 of the flange 4. Referring to FIG8B , the lid retaining device 13 is provided with three discrete retaining portions along the circumference, and the lid pushing member 800 includes three correspondingly discrete extensions 812 along the circumference.

[0121] However, it should be understood that the term "corresponding" as used herein does not imply a complete or absolute correspondence in terms of dimensions, but rather a relative concept. For example, the circumferential dimensions of the extension portion 812 may be slightly larger or smaller than the circumferential dimensions of the retaining portion of the lid retaining device. For example, the circumferential position of the extension portion 812 may be slightly offset from the circumferential position of the retaining portion of the lid retaining device, for example, they may overlap.

[0122] The shape and length of the extension 812 can be designed so that when the inner surface 810b of the base 810 abuts the top surface 8 of the lid device 1, the extension 812 does not interfere with the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 13. FIG8B shows that the lid pushing member 800 has pushed the lid device 1 against the anvil 11. At this time, the edge of the flange 4 has engaged with the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 13. The extension 812 of the lid pushing member 800 corresponds to the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 13, but does not interfere with the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 13. For example, a predetermined gap is maintained between the extension 812 and the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 13.

[0123] The free end of the extension 812 adjacent to the lid retaining device 13 may have a tapered outer side surface 812b, such that the extension 812 tapers toward the end face. The free end of the extension 812 may be radially offset inwardly by a predetermined distance relative to the retaining portion of the lid retaining device 13. This can further help prevent the edge 7 of the flange 4 from warping or curling.

[0124] It should be understood that the structure of the extension portion may vary according to actual needs (especially the holding portion of the cover holding device) and should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures.

[0125] The outer side surface of the base 810 may be provided with a recessed portion 810a at a portion corresponding to the portion between at least two adjacent extension portions 812. When the cover pushing member 800 pushes the cover device 1, the provision of the recessed portion 810a can prevent the cover device 1 from interfering with an adjacent cover device 1, particularly preventing two adjacent cover devices 1 on the transmission line from overlapping (as shown in FIG8C ).

[0126] 9A to 9C are schematic diagrams showing the cover pushing process of the cover pushing member 800. In FIG9A , the cover pushing member 800 moves to the left under the drive of the cylinder 18, and is ready to engage with the cover device 1. At this time, the anvil 11 and the cover retaining device 13 thereon are substantially aligned with the cover device 1 and the pusher 800 in the horizontal direction. When the pusher 800 moves further, it engages with the cover device 1 (specifically the cover 2 of the cover device 1) and continues to move toward the anvil 11 and the cover retaining device 13 with the cover device 1, as shown in FIG9B . In FIG9C , the pusher 800 pushes the cover device 1 to the anvil 11, so that the flange 4 abuts the anvil 11, and at this time, the retaining portion of the cover retaining device 13 engages with the edge 7 of the flange 4.

[0127] It should be understood that the structure of the cover pusher should not be limited to the specific examples shown in the figures, but can be changed as long as the functions described in this article can be achieved.

[0128] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a release device 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Release device 900 is configured to release the flange 4 (i.e., release the cap device 1) by separating the retaining portion of the cap retaining device 13 from the edge 7 of the flange 4. After the cap retaining device 13 releases the cap device 1, the cap device 1 can be removed from the anvil 11 or subjected to an operation such as welding.

[0129] 10 , a release device 900 may include an annular body 901. The annular body 901 includes an end surface 910 for pushing the retaining portion of the cap retaining device 13. The end surface 910 is shown as a flat surface in FIG10 . The flat end surface 910 may be used to push downward the top surface of the retaining portion of the cap retaining device shown in FIG6A to FIG7B , causing the cap retaining device to slide downward and disengage from the edge 7 of the flange 4, as shown in FIG6G .

[0130] It should be understood that the structure of the release device is not limited to the specific example shown in FIG10 , but may be varied so long as the functions described herein are achieved. For example, the end surface 910 may be an inclined surface to facilitate pushing the inclined guide surface of the retaining portion of the cap retaining device shown in FIG3A to FIG5D .

[0131] The release device 900 may be a separate component as shown in FIG10 . However, the release device 900 may also be mounted or fixed to other devices, for example, the release device 900 may be mounted or fixed to the welding head 17 a of the welding device 17 as shown in FIG11 . In this way, when the welding device 17 moves toward the cover device 1 , the flange 4 may be released from the cover holding device 13 by means of the release device 900 and the flange 4 may be welded by means of the welding head 17 a simultaneously.

[0132] 12A to 12C , the release device 900 may be integrated with the welding head 17 a of the welding device 17 . In other words, a portion of the welding head 17 a of the welding device 17 may serve as the release device 900 .

[0133] Figures 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams showing the welding of the cap assembly 1 to the container body CB by the welding device 17. As shown in Figure 12A, the cap assembly 1 is held by the cap holding device 13 on the anvil 11. The anvil 11 moves with the cap assembly 1 to the welding station (i.e., the attachment station) to be horizontally aligned with the welding device 17. The container body CB is positioned between the cap assembly 1 and the welding device 17.

[0134] As shown in Figure 12B, the welding device 17 and / or the anvil 11 move toward each other so that the cover 2 of the cover device 1 passes through the orifice on the container body CB, and the flange 4 abuts against the inner surface of the container body CB, the welding device 17 pushes the retaining portion of the cover retaining device 13 to move it to release the flange 4, and the welding device 17 simultaneously welds the top surface 3 of the flange 4 to the inner surface of the container body CB.

[0135] 12C , after welding is completed, the welding device 17 and / or the anvil 11 move away from each other. At this point, the cap device 1 is attached to the container body CB, and the welding device 17 and the anvil 11 also move away from the container body CB having the cap device 1 .

[0136] The above describes embodiments of the capping mechanism and its various components according to the present disclosure. Next, a capping method for attaching or attaching a cap assembly to a container body using this capping mechanism will be described. Figure 13 is a flow chart of the capping method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The capping method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can also be described in conjunction with the schematic diagram of the capping mechanism 10 in Figure 2 .

[0137] Referring to Figure 13, first, at step S11, it is detected whether there is a container body (for example, a carton). If there is no carton, the process proceeds to step S21, where a carton is supplied to a corresponding station. If a carton is detected, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0138] At step S12, it is detected whether a capping device is present. If a capping device is present, the capping device can be operated to proceed to step S13. If a capping device is not present, the capping method ends, indicating that the capping operation has been completed or a fault has occurred and needs to be checked.

[0139] At step S13 place, start the actuating member (for example, cylinder) that is used to actuate the cover-pushing member, make the cover-pushing member engage with cover device and cover device be pushed to anvil, as shown in Figure 9 A to Figure 9 C.In the process of promoting cover device, the edge of the flange of cover device can also be prevented from tilting or curling by means of the extension of cover-pushing member.When cover device is pushed to anvil, the lid retaining device on the anvil engages with the edge of the flange of cover device and therefore cover device is remained on the anvil.After cover device is remained on the anvil, the cover-pushing member can be withdrawn.

[0140] Next, step S14 is performed to move the anvil and the cover device together until it moves to the welding station (i.e., the attachment station). The actuator for moving the anvil is not limited, as long as it can achieve the functions described herein. For example, the actuator for moving the anvil can also be a cylinder.

[0141] After the anvil and the capping device are moved to the welding station, the anvil is moved toward the welding head of the welding device (step S15a), and the welding head of the welding device is simultaneously moved toward the anvil (step S15b). At this point, the container body is positioned between the capping device and the welding device (see Figure 12A). As the anvil and the welding head move toward each other, the cap of the capping device extends through the orifice of the container body, while the flange abuts the inner surface of the container body. At this point, the welding head also moves toward the capping device.

[0142] Next, in step S16 (see FIG12B ), the welding head continues to move to push the retaining portion of the cap retaining device, releasing the flange from the cap retaining device. Simultaneously, the welding head abuts against the container body CB, welding the inner surface of the container body CB to the top surface of the flange, for example, by ultrasonic welding. After the cap retaining device releases the flange, the retaining portion of the cap retaining device can be returned to a position where it will engage the edge of the flange of the next cap device, using a biasing member such as a spring. After welding is completed, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0143] At step S17, referring to FIG. 12C , the welding device and anvil may be retracted. At this point, the capping device is attached to the container body CB. The welding device and anvil may be moved away from the container body CB, away from each other. Step S17 may be the reverse of steps S15a and S15b, returning the welding device and anvil to, for example, the positions at the end of step S14.

[0144] Then, at step S18, the anvil is returned further, for example, to the position as at step S13. Step S18 may be the opposite of step S14. At this point, the capping process of the capping device is complete, and the operation can be repeated for the next capping device.

[0145] It should be understood that the capping method described with reference to FIG13 is merely exemplary. The capping method according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific example shown in FIG13 but can be varied as needed. For example, the order of executing the various steps of the capping method can be changed unless there is a conflict. For example, one or more steps can be added or omitted as needed.

[0146] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein, and that other modifications and variations may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, all components, parts, or features described herein may be replaced by other structurally and functionally equivalent components, parts, or features.

Claims

1. A capping mechanism for attaching a flange of a cap device to a container body, wherein: The covering mechanism comprises: Anvil; A cover retaining device, the cover retaining device comprising: an annular body, the annular body being slidably disposed on the anvil; A retaining portion extends from the annular body in an axial direction and is capable of mechanically engaging with an edge of a flange of a cover device to retain the cover device on the anvil.

2. The capping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining portion is dimensioned to engage with an edge of the flange of the cover device in an interference fit.

3. The capping mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The holding portion has an inclined guide surface configured to guide the flange of the cover device to move toward the anvil.

4. The capping mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The holding portion extends 360 degrees in the circumferential direction.

5. The capping mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The cap holding device includes a plurality of holding portions discretely distributed along a circumferential direction.

6. The capping mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: A biasing member is also included, wherein the biasing member is configured to apply a biasing force to the cover retaining device to move it toward a direction of engagement with an edge of the flange of the cover device.

7. The capping mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: The biasing member is provided on a side of the cap holding device opposite to the holding portion.

8. The capping mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The biasing member is a spiral spring, and an annular groove for accommodating the spiral spring is arranged in the anvil.

9. The cover sticking mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising a sliding guide structure for guiding the sliding of the cover holding device.

10. The capping mechanism according to claim 9, wherein: The sliding guide structure includes: a protrusion provided on the cover holding device and a recess provided on the anvil and cooperating with the protrusion; or a recess provided on the cover holding device and a protrusion provided on the anvil and cooperating with the recess on the cover holding device.

11. The cap sticking mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising a positioning member for limiting the position of the cap holding device in the circumferential direction.

12. The capping mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein: A groove for receiving the edge of the flange of the cover device is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the holding portion.

13. The capping mechanism according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the side walls of the groove is inclined.

14. The capping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and 13, further comprising a cap pushing member for pushing the cap device toward the anvil.

15. The capping mechanism according to claim 14, wherein: The push cover member comprises: a base for pushing against the top surface of the cover device; and An extension portion corresponding to the retaining portion extends from the base portion in the axial direction.

16. The capping mechanism according to claim 15, wherein: The shape or length of the extension portion is designed such that when the inner surface of the base portion abuts against the top surface of the cover device, no interference occurs between the extension portion and the retaining portion.

17. The capping mechanism according to claim 16, wherein: The free end of the extension has a tapered outer side surface.

18. The capping mechanism according to claim 15, wherein: The cover push member has a plurality of extensions discretely arranged along a circumferential direction, and the outer side surface of the base is provided with a recessed portion at a portion corresponding to between at least two adjacent extensions.

19. The cover sticking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 13, 15 to 18, further comprising a releasing device for releasing the retaining portion from an edge of a flange of a cover device.

20. The capping mechanism according to claim 19, wherein: The release device has an annular body and a flat surface or an inclined surface for pushing the holding portion.

21. The capping mechanism according to claim 19, wherein: The release device is attached to a welding head of the welding device or is formed by a part of the welding head.

22. A capping method for attaching a cap device to a container body using the capping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the following steps: The cover device is held on the anvil by means of the cover holding device.

23. The capping method according to claim 22, further comprising: The retaining portion of the cover retaining device is released from the edge of the flange of the cover device by means of a releasing device.

24. The capping method according to claim 22, further comprising: The flange of the cover assembly is attached to the container body.

25. The capping method according to claim 24, wherein: The flange of the cover device is welded to the container body by a welding device.

26. The capping method according to claim 22, further comprising: By means of a releasing device attached to or integrated with a welding head of a welding device, the holding portion of the cap holding device is released from the edge of the flange of the cap device, while the flange of the cap device is welded to the container body.

27. The capping method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising: The cover of the cover device is moved through the aperture of the container body to attach the flange of the cover device to the inner surface of the container body.

28. The capping method according to claim 22, further comprising: The cover device is pushed toward the anvil by means of a cover pushing member.

29. The capping method according to claim 28, wherein: When the cover pushing member pushes the cover device toward the anvil, the holding portion of the cover holding device engages with the edge of the flange of the cover device.

30. The capping method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein: After the holding portion of the cover holding device engages with the edge of the flange of the cover device, the cover pushing member is retracted.

31. The capping method according to claim 24 or 26, further comprising: moving the anvil from a holding station to an attaching station so as to attach a flange of a cap device held on the anvil to a container body; as well as The anvil is moved from the attaching station to the holding station to operate on the next cap device.

32. The capping method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein: When attaching the flange of the cap device to the container body, the welding device and the anvil holding the cap device are moved toward each other.

33. The capping method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, 28 to 29, further comprising: A biasing force is applied to the cover retaining device by means of a biasing member so that the retaining portion returns to a position where it will engage with an edge of the flange of the cover device.

34. The capping method according to claim 28 or 29, further comprising: The extension of the cover-sliding member extending in the axial direction is used to prevent the edge of the flange of the cover device from warping or curling.

Images