Capping module

Abstract

The invention relates to a capping module (10) used for capping filled bottles in a filling line, comprising at least one cap tightening device (20) in connection with at least one body (11 ). The novelty of the invention is that it comprises at least one adjustment system (21) having at least one claw (212) for tightening the cap, which can move closer to and further away from the cap to be adjusted according to different cap sizes in order to adapt said capping module (10) to different types of bottle filling lines, and said adjustment system (21) comprises at least one processor unit capable of controlling the operating parameters.

Description

[0001] CAPPING MODULE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a capping module used for capping filled bottles in a filling line, comprising at least one cap tightening device in connection with at least one body.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Capping modules are important systems used in many industries, ensuring safe and effective closing of caps. They are widely used especially in packaging, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Conventional capping systems are generally based on mechanical arms, spring-loaded mechanisms, or pneumatic systems. These systems ensure that the caps are placed on various containers such as bottles, jars or boxes and closed tightly. The tightness, proper fit, and sealing of the caps are critical to the shelf life and safety of the products. For this reason, capping modules operate at a certain torque and speed, ensuring that each product is capped in accordance with the standards.

[0006] One of the biggest problems encountered with existing capping modules is that they lack the flexibility to accommodate different types of caps and containers. Standard capping modules are designed to seal caps of a specific size or type, which reduces the efficiency of the system when there is a need to seal different types of caps and containers on the same production line. Furthermore, existing solutions are often insufficient to ensure stability and consistency in high-speed production lines. Especially in medical and food packaging processes where sterilization of products is crucial, even a small disruption in the capping process can result in large costs.

[0007] Having to buy different machines each time for different types of caps can create great challenges in terms of both cost and production space. Purchasing a special machine for each new type of cap increases capital investments and causes occupation of more space on the production line. This can adversely affect the operational efficiency of businesses. Furthermore, the labor requirements and potential downtime associated with machine changes can slow down the production flow. As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a capping module for eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages and bringing new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0010] An object of the invention is to introduce a capping module easily adaptable to different filling lines.

[0011] To achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will emerge from the following detailed description, the present invention is a capping module used for capping filled bottles in a filling line, comprising at least one cap tightening device in connection with at least one body. The novelty is that it comprises at least one adjustment system having at least one claw for tightening the cap, which can move closer to and further away from the cap to be adjusted according to different cap sizes in order to adapt said capping module to different types of bottle filling lines, and said adjustment system comprises at least one processor unit capable of controlling the operating parameters. Thus, an easy, simple and effective cap tightening structure is provided.

[0012] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one mounting foot detachably connectable with a surface. Thus, a modular structure is obtained.

[0013] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said processor unit is a PLC control unit. Thus, the appropriate parameters are automatically selected.

[0014] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said processor unit comprises at least one screen. This ensures that the appropriate parameters can be selected. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that there are two of said claws positioned opposite each other, in order to tighten caps of different sizes. Thus, the bottle cap is tightened in a proper and stable manner.

[0015] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the claw contains a holder. Thus, it is ensured that the cap to be tightened is held.

[0016] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said holder has a V-form. This ensures a safe cap tightening.

[0017] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said claw comprises at least one guide. This ensures a proper contact of the claw.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said guide is essentially in threaded form. This ensures a proper connection.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the adjustment system comprises at least one arm having at least one guide corresponding to the guide in the claw. This ensures that the arm and claw are properly connected.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processor unit is capable of controlling the parameters of cap tightening time, tightening speed, tightening torque, tightening operation delay, input sensor delay. Thus, efficient and reliable operation is ensured by controlling the parameters.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 shows a representative isometric view of the capping module of the invention.

[0023] Figure 2 shows a representative side view of the capping module of the invention.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a representative isometric view of the cap tightening device of the invention.

[0025] Figure 4 shows a representative side view of the cap tightening device of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is explained by way of example only for a better understanding of the subject, which shall not create any limiting effect.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a representative isometric view of the capping module (10) of the invention. Accordingly, the capping module (10) ensures that the caps of the bottles are closed in the filling line. The capping module (10) allows the caps of the bottles to be closed in the filling line. The filling line can be liquid, solid or gas filling line. Said capping module (10) ensures that the caps of the bottles that have been filled are closed safely and quickly. The capping module (10) ensures that the caps are fitted to each bottle with the correct torque and in the correct position.

[0028] Figure 2 shows a representative side view of the capping module (10) of the invention. Accordingly, the capping module (10) comprises at least one body (11). Said body (11) provides the main carrier structure of the cap tightening device (20). In a preferred embodiment, at least one drive element providing the required power to the cap tightening device (20) is located inside the body (11).

[0029] Figure 3 shows a representative isometric view of the cap tightening device (20) of the invention. Accordingly, the capping module (10) comprises at least one cap tightening device (20) to close the caps of the bottles. Said cap tightening device (20) is connected on the body (11). The cap tightening device (20) extends from the body (11) towards the bottle cap. In this way, it tightens the caps of the bottles by turning them around the central axis of the cap with the drive it receives from the drive element inside the body (11).

[0030] The cap tightening device (20) comprises at least one adjustment system (21) to accommodate different cap sizes. In this way, it ensures that the caps are securely placed and tightened, preventing leaks and loose caps. The cap tightening device (20) comprises at least one arm (215) for connection to the body (11). In a preferred embodiment, the number of arms (215) is two. Said arms (215) extend from the body (11 ) towards the claw (212). The cap tightening device (20) comprises at least one claw (212) for tightening the caps. In a preferred embodiment, there are two claws (212) positioned opposite each other. The arm (215) connects the body (11 ) and the claw (212). The claw (212) can be connected to the arm (215) by means of at least one groove (213). Said groove (213) is essentially a cavity extending along the first axis (I). Therefore, the fastener passed through said groove (213) also passes through at least one hole in the arm (215) to be connected with the claw (212) and connects the arm (215) with the claw (212).

[0031] Said groove (213) allows the claw (212) to be adjusted according to the size of the cap. When the cap size increases, the fastener in the groove (213) is loosened and the claws (212) are moved away from each other, and again the connection with the arm (215) is tightened and fixed. Thus, the distance between the two claws (212) increases. As a result, it is possible to adjust to a bottle with a large cap size. When the cap size decreases, the fastener in the groove (213) is loosened and the claws (212) are moved closer to each other, and again the connection with the arm (215) is tightened and fixed. The operator expands and contracts the claws (212) along the groove (213) on the first axis (I) according to the appropriate size of the cap. In this way, by using the adjustment system (21), the use of extra apparatus for different bottle cap sizes is prevented.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a representative side view of the cap tightening device (20) of the invention. Accordingly, the claw (212) comprises at least one holder (216) for tightening the caps of the bottles. The holder (216) grips the caps of the bottles from at least two different points on the side surface and tightens the cap by rotating the claw (212) on its own axis. The holder (216) is in a "V" form for easy tightening of the cap. In a preferred embodiment, the holder (216) has an inclined structure having a cavity for tightening the cap. The side surfaces of the cap fit into said cavity such that the holder (216) grips and tightens the cap.

[0033] The claw (212) comprises at least one guide (214). The guide (214) extends along the first axis (I), on the surface of the claw (212) facing the arm (215). The guide (214) consists of a threaded structure and the protrusions that form this threaded structure extend perpendicular to the first axis (I). The arm (215) also contains another guide, corresponding to the guide (214) on the claw (212). The guides (214) on the surfaces where the arm (215) and the claw (212) come into contact interact with each other. That is, a linear positioning is possible on the axis perpendicular to the first axis (I) by engaging the guide (214) on the claw (212) with the guide on the arm (215). To make it even clearer, the guides (214) essentially ensure that the claw (212) is exactly perpendicular to the ground at zero degrees. Thus, a stable and proper connection without axial misalignment is ensured.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the cap tightening device (20) can move up and down on the axis of the cap in order to tighten the caps of the bottles progressing on the line. In this way, the cap tightening device (20) approaches the bottle cap on the line, closes it tightly with the claw (212), and moves upwards to wait for the new bottle. Thus, a quick cap tightening is achieved.

[0035] It comprises at least one processor unit capable of controlling operating parameters. Said processor unit is the PLC control unit. It ensures that the capping module (10) is capable of adapting to different lines. Thanks to the programming flexibility offered by the PLC, changes made to the production line can be quickly adapted and the overall efficiency of the system can be increased. The control unit facilitates the adaptation of the capping module (10) to different filling lines and offers the user the possibility of a flexible control. In order to achieve this, it controls parameters such as cap tightening time, tightening speed, tightening torque, tightening operation delay, input sensor delay. Thanks to the control of these parameters, special recipes can be saved regarding caps and bottles. Name, number and image can be assigned to these recipes. This enables quick and practical switching between different bottle and cap types, automatically adjusting the appropriate torque and speed. In other words, the operator can save said recipes created specifically for different filling lines, and when a different type of bottle is to be filled, the production line can be easily switched thanks to the saved recipes. Thus, it is easy to switch between different filling lines. As a result, the use of the PLC control unit eliminates the loss of time caused by manual adjustments, accelerating the production process and increasing the level of automation.

[0036] The capping module (10) comprises at least one screen (13) allowing easy switch to different programs. Said screen (13) allows switching between different programs by touch operation. In other words, recipes can be easily generated via the screen (13). Furthermore, saved bottle and cap images and generated recipes can be selected to allow the capping module (10) to adapt to differing types of bottles and caps, i.e. to adapt to different filling lines. By selecting from the screen (13), it is possible to switch between different bottle and cap types quickly and practically. In this way, the appropriate torque is selected. It can be used automatically on the desired line with the program selected from the screen (13). The capping module (10) being equipped with a screen (13) integrated into the PLC control unit provides great convenience for users.

[0037] Said screen (13) makes it possible to quickly switch between different cap types and sizes. The operator can optimize the capping process by making the necessary adjustments on the screen (13). This feature reduces manual intervention and avoids operational errors during each change in the production line. The capping module (10) comprises at least one mounting foot (12) to be mounted on different filling lines. Said mounting foot (12) allows the capping module (10) to be easily inserted and fixed according to the structure of the filling lines. The mounting foot (12) allows the position of the capping module (10) on the filling line to be easily adjusted. The mounting foot (12) is easily fixed to the line, ensuring a stable and secure mounting.

[0038] The capping module (10) has its own pneumatic and electrical panel. This provides an advantage in terms of operational efficiency and system integration. It eliminates possible incompatibilities that may arise from the connection of the capping module (10) with other lines. This makes it easier to integrate or transport the module to different production lines. Furthermore, maintenance and repair processes are simpler and faster. For customers who have a filling and capping group on the same chassis but are not satisfied with the capping group, this capping module (10) can be easily adapted without interfering with the machines. The capping module (10) can be integrated without the need for any structural changes in existing machines. In this way, customers save time and cost.

[0039] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to what is described for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can produce similar embodiments in the light of what is explained above, without deviating from the main theme of the invention. REFERENCE NUMERALS GIVEN IN THE DRAWING

[0040] 10 Capping Module

[0041] 11 Body

[0042] 12 Mounting Foot

[0043] 13 Screen

[0044] 20 Cap Tightening Device

[0045] 21 Adjustment System

[0046] 212 Claw

[0047] 213 Groove

[0048] 214 Guide

[0049] 215 Arm

[0050] 216 Holder

[0051] (I) First Axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. A capping module (10) used for capping filled bottles in a filling line, comprising at least one cap tightening device (20) in connection with at least one body (11), characterized in that it comprises at least one adjustment system (21) having at least one claw (212) for tightening the cap, which can move closer to and further away from the cap to be adjusted according to different cap sizes in order to adapt said capping module (10) to different types of bottle filling lines, and said adjustment system (21) comprises at least one processor unit capable of controlling the operating parameters.

2. A capping module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one mounting foot (12) detachably connectable with a surface.

3. A capping module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said processor unit is a PLC control unit.

4. A capping module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said processor unit comprises at least one screen (13).

5. A capping module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that there are two of said claws (212) positioned opposite each other in order to tighten caps of different sizes.

6. A capping module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the claw (212) comprises a holder (216).

7. A capping module (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that said holder (216) has a V-form.

8. A capping module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said claw (212) comprises at least one guide (214).

9. A capping module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said guide (214) is essentially in threaded form.

10. A capping module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment system (21) comprises at least one arm (215) having at least one guide corresponding to the guide (214) in the claw (212).

11. A capping module (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processor unit is capable of controlling the parameters of cap tightening time, tightening speed, tightening torque, tightening operation delay, input sensor delay.

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