EP2338829B1 - Method and device for closing containers with floor guide with distance measurements - Google Patents

Method and device for closing containers with floor guide with distance measurements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2338829B1
EP2338829B1 EP10195539.1A EP10195539A EP2338829B1 EP 2338829 B1 EP2338829 B1 EP 2338829B1 EP 10195539 A EP10195539 A EP 10195539A EP 2338829 B1 EP2338829 B1 EP 2338829B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
closing
distance
cap
closure
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Not-in-force
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EP10195539.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2338829A3 (en
EP2338829A2 (en
Inventor
Hartmut Davidson
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Krones AG
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Krones AG
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Publication of EP2338829A2 publication Critical patent/EP2338829A2/en
Publication of EP2338829A3 publication Critical patent/EP2338829A3/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/26—Applications of control, warning, or safety devices in capping machinery
    • B67B3/262—Devices for controlling the caps
    • B67B3/264—Devices for controlling the caps positioning of the caps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for closing containers with screw caps.
  • Such devices have long been known from the prior art, which close, for example, PET plastic bottles with closures. These plastic bottles usually have external threads on their mouths, onto which the closures are screwed.
  • the plastic containers have a so-called circlip, over which the guarantee strip of the closure must be pushed.
  • the closure device must exceed a certain torque to overcome the circlip.
  • the JP 11 124 196 A describes a device for closing containers.
  • a control device detects a start position of a threaded engagement between the closure and the mouth of the container.
  • a displacement sensor is provided which detects an (absolute) displacement of the container closure.
  • a reverse rotation occurs until a stroke sensor detects the end of the threads. Subsequently, the closing of the containers angle of rotation controlled.
  • this procedure is relatively complicated, since, as already mentioned, the thread must first be detected via a reverse rotation.
  • the JP 61 15 591 A describes another device for closing containers with closures. Again, there is first a reverse rotation of the container closure until the threads are detected. Subsequently, a time-controlled closing or also a determination of a starting angle and then a rotation angle controlled closing takes place.
  • the DE 10 124 659 A1 describes a device for screwing screw caps on containers.
  • a speed monitoring is carried out, wherein a magnetic coupling is provided between a drivable spindle and the closing head.
  • a camera device is provided, which detects the meeting of the two threads of the closure and the container.
  • the EP 0 571 980 A2 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for closing containers, which are simpler and, if necessary, less expensive than the state of the art.
  • a device for closing containers with closures has at least one closing head which at least temporarily carries or holds the closure, and also a rotary drive which rotates the closure with respect to the container.
  • the device has a distance determination device which, at least temporarily during the closing operation, determines a distance between an opening of the container and the closure in a longitudinal direction of the container.
  • the container is usually exactly positioned in terms of height, for example via a spike plate, which holds the support ring of the container, at a suitable location in the capper, the distance of the closure or the Verschmirroredkopfes to the mouth of the container and, for example, a support device, which carries the container to be measured.
  • the invention is therefore based on the finding that from the relative position of the closure relative to the container in the longitudinal direction of the container can be closed to the closure state.
  • the rotary drive rotates the closure about a longitudinal axis of the container.
  • the invention makes use of the fact that, for example, in a closed state of the container, the closure has a precisely defined distance from the mouth. Since the closure on the one hand usually firmly fixed in the capping or closing cone and on the other hand usually a spring pushes the closure in the thread of the container, an exact altitude is given.
  • the containers are containers with threads, in particular with external threads.
  • the capping head is not only rotatable, but also movable in a longitudinal direction of the container relative to the container.
  • the rotary drive more preferably rotates the closure and the container is also preferably held against rotation.
  • the device has a processor device which determines a closure state of the closure relative to the container from the determined distance.
  • a processor device which determines a closure state of the closure relative to the container from the determined distance.
  • a distance between the thread and the mouth or another reference point of the container (or the device) is determined and then is deduced from this distance to a Verschplischreib, for example, is determined how many revolutions are still necessary are to completely close the container or to have overcome the engagement of the guarantee strip on the retaining ring.
  • the processor device can take into account special characteristics of the thread, such as a thread pitch or a thread height.
  • the distance determining means is designed such that it determines the distance at least once during the closing process, d. H. in a period in which the closure is already partially screwed onto the thread, but the container is not completely closed.
  • the drive means which is preferably a servo drive, informed, this can due to the thread pitch calculate the closing end to be reached very accurately.
  • the device according to the invention reduces the torque after safely overcoming the guarantee strip a lower final torque with which the closure is fixed on the container at the end of the closing process.
  • the distance determination device preferably determines a distance between a container-carrying element and the closing head. It should be noted that the closure is firmly fixed in the sealing cone or in the closing head and thereby results in a position of the closure head and a position of the closure.
  • the container-carrying element or support element may, for example, be a so-called spike plate, which not only supports the container on its support ring but also prevents rotation of the container.
  • the container is fixed in height.
  • the position detection device is placed in the device such that the distance is detected at a time in which the closure is already threaded into the thread of the container, but not yet screwed to this firmly.
  • the device has a biasing device, which at least temporarily zuspannt the closure during the closing operation in the longitudinal direction of the mouth of the container. This means that, for example, when the container is upright, the closure is biased towards the bottom of the container. At the beginning or during the closing process, the closure is pressed by the biasing means or spring into the thread. Thus, the position of the closure relative to the container is precisely defined. However, it would also be conceivable that a biasing device biases the closure in the opposite direction, ie away from the mouth.
  • the device has a memory device in which characteristic data for a thread of the container (and / or the closure) are stored. These data may be, for example, a thread pitch or even a thread height (of the container and / or the closure). Based on this data, the processor device can determine from a measured distance between the thread and the container by which angle of rotation the shutter is still being rotated must, in order to achieve a complete closure of the container or at least until the guarantee strip has overcome the circlip.
  • the device has a transport device which transports the container along a predetermined transport path.
  • the above-mentioned support element can be guided or moved along the transport path.
  • the device has a carrier on which a plurality of containers is arranged. So it is also possible that several Verschpenköpfe are provided so that multiple containers can be closed at the same time.
  • the predetermined transport path is a circular path.
  • the closure is advantageously applied during transport of the container on this.
  • the distance determination device has a measuring element which is selected from a group of measuring elements which contains inductively operating measuring elements, capacitively operating measuring elements, optically operating measuring elements, mechanically operating measuring elements and the like. Therefore, a wide variety of physical length measuring methods can be used. Thus, for example, a surface detection of a magnetic field change would preferably be possible, so that the position of the shutter can be determined both with regard to a height and with respect to the angular position on a circular transport path by means of a single measuring device.
  • this magnetic field change could be caused by a movement of the closing head, this closing head being arranged closer or further away from a specific sensor device.
  • the distance determination device could also be set up in such a way that the distance is measured permanently and it is determined only at a precisely determined limit value that the closing head is still rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation.
  • the distance detection device could be designed such that it outputs a signal, for example, falls below a certain distance.
  • a position of the closing head relative to the container can be changed. So the capping head, the shutter first bring to the container and then start with the actual screwing.
  • the present invention is further directed to a method for closing containers with closures, wherein the closures are turned on mouths of the containers.
  • a distance between the mouth of the container (or another area of the container) and the closure in a longitudinal direction of the container is determined at least once during the closing operation.
  • a distance between the closure and a substantially arbitrary area of the container, which serves as a reference point can be measured.
  • a distance between a support ring or a support ring supporting element and the closure is determined.
  • the distance is determined after the closing operation has begun, but (clearly) before its end.
  • the distance is determined after the closing operation has begun, but (clearly) before its end.
  • the position-determining device is arranged in its angular position variable with respect to the closing head, but also that it is arranged variably in relation to a transport device for transporting the closures.
  • the closure is biased against the mouth of the container during the closing operation.
  • the closure is biased in the direction of a container bottom relative to the thread.
  • Fig. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for closing containers 10.
  • This device has a central shaft 20 which is rotated by a drive means 36 such as a servo motor about a rotation axis X.
  • a drive means 36 such as a servo motor about a rotation axis X.
  • a plurality of drive means 4 is arranged, which thus also rotate about the axis X.
  • These drive devices 4, or servomotors serve to drive the individual Verschwinkexcellent 2, which screw container closures on the containers 10.
  • the drive device 4 drives a first gear 32, which is embodied here as a long wheel whose teeth extend in the direction of the arrow P. From this gear 32, a second gear 34 is driven. Furthermore, this gear 34 can also move relative to the first gear 32 in the direction P and thus the capping head 2 can also move in the direction P up and down.
  • the Verschplikexcellent can be arranged in a clean room and the drive device 4 outside the clean room. The actuation of the Verschwinkexcellent in the direction P can be done by a guide curve.
  • the reference numeral 8 denotes a spindle or VerInstitutwerferstange on which the capping head 2, which in turn carries a container closure 12 moves up and down.
  • the container is held by a support element 22 (ie, a member carrying the container) or a spiked carrier.
  • a support element 22 ie, a member carrying the container
  • a spiked carrier ie, a member carrying the container
  • the position of the container 10 in the direction P is precisely defined.
  • the thread is defined in a precise position in the direction P.
  • the reference numeral 18 denotes a spring element, which the closing head 2 in the direction of the container, d. H. here biased in the direction of the arrow P1. In this way, the closure is pressed into the thread and is therefore precisely defined with respect to its position.
  • the reference numeral 14 roughly indicates schematically a distance measuring device which determines a distance between the closing head 2 and the support element 22.
  • this distance measuring device 14 can be movably arranged both in a circumferential device with respect to the axis Y and in a circumferential direction about the axis X.
  • the axis Y represents the axis of rotation, with respect to which the closures screwed onto the containers 10 become.
  • this axis also represents a rotation or symmetry axis of the container 10 and in particular also the longitudinal direction L of the container.
  • the distance detection device is also movable in the direction L.
  • the reference numeral 16 denotes a processor device or control device which controls the individual drive motors 4. This control takes place in particular in response to an input signal, which outputs the distance measuring device 14. Depending on this signal, the motors 4 are controlled and, for example, given a rotation angle in which the closures are still to rotate with respect to the containers (about the axis 4) to securely close the container and in particular to cause the locking ring of the guarantee band is overcome.
  • the reference numeral 36 denotes a further drive device, which causes the transport of the containers about the axis X. On a main carrier 38, the individual drive means 4 are arranged.
  • FIG. 2 shows a more detailed representation of the process. It can be seen here again that an opening 10a of the container 10 is seated on a support element 22, wherein this support element 22 carries here pointed projections 24 which prevent rotation of the container. More specifically, the container 10 is supported on its support ring 10b on this plate. A closure 12, of which, however, only the lower part, that is to say a part of the guarantee strip, is visible here, is screwed onto the thread 10c of a corresponding container 10.
  • the closure 12 is gripped by a closing head 2, whereby the position of the closure relative to the closing head 2 is precisely defined. Via the distance measuring device 14, a distance d between the closing head 2 and the plate 22 is measured. This is conceivable, for example, if these two elements are each made of an electrically conductive material. From this distance d, the position of the closure 12 relative to the thread 10c or relative to the container 10 in the direction L of the container can thus be determined.
  • a corresponding value can be sent to the drive device 4 (also cf. FIG. 1 ) can be issued to determine by which angle of rotation the closing head is still to turn.
  • a rough distance measurement can be carried out initially in order to check whether the closure has already intervened in the thread of the container mouth. At a later point in time during the closing process, a fine measurement can then be made in order to be able to determine exactly by which angle the shutter still has to be turned. It is also possible that a rotational position of the closure is detected at least once during the closing operation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Jars (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Verschließen von Behältnissen mit Schraubverschlüssen. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind derartige Vorrichtungen seit Langem bekannt, welche beispielsweise PET-Kunststoffflaschen mit Verschlüssen verschließen. Diese Kunststoffflaschen weisen dabei üblicherweise an ihren Mündungen Außengewinde auf, auf welche die Verschlüsse aufgeschraubt werden.The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for closing containers with screw caps. Such devices have long been known from the prior art, which close, for example, PET plastic bottles with closures. These plastic bottles usually have external threads on their mouths, onto which the closures are screwed.

Bei derartigen Schraubvorgängen ist auf mehrere Gegebenheiten zu achten. So weisen beispielsweise die Kunststoffbehältnisse einen so genannten Sicherungsring auf, über welchen das Garantieband des Verschlusses geschoben werden muss. Um dies zu bewerkstelligen muss die Verschlussvorrichtung ein bestimmtes Drehmoment übersteigen, um den Sicherungsring zu überwinden.In such screwing is to pay attention to several circumstances. For example, the plastic containers have a so-called circlip, over which the guarantee strip of the closure must be pushed. To accomplish this, the closure device must exceed a certain torque to overcome the circlip.

Andererseits sollte jedoch auch darauf geachtet werden, dass ein Verschließdrehmoment einen bestimmten Grenzwert nicht überschreitet, da ansonsten eine Zerstörung des Gewindes oder des Verschlusses auftreten kann oder die Flasche zu fest verschlossen ist.On the other hand, however, care should be taken that a closing torque does not exceed a certain limit, otherwise damage to the thread or the closure may occur or the bottle is too tightly closed.

Die JP 11 124 196 A beschreibt eine Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältnissen. Dabei erkennt eine Steuerungseinrichtung eine Startposition eines Gewindeeingriffs zwischen dem Verschluss und der Mündung des Behältnisses. Weiterhin ist ein Verschiebesensor vorgesehen der einen (absoluten) Verschiebeweg des Behältnisverschlusses erkennt. Im Einzelnen erfolgt bei dieser Vorrichtung eine Rückwärtsdrehung bis ein Hubsensor das Ende der Gewindegänge erkennt. Anschließend erfolgt das Verschließen der Behältnisse drehwinkelgesteuert. Diese Vorgehensweise ist jedoch relativ aufwendig, da wie erwähnt zunächst über eine Rückwärtsdrehung das Gewinde erfasst werden muss.The JP 11 124 196 A describes a device for closing containers. In this case, a control device detects a start position of a threaded engagement between the closure and the mouth of the container. Furthermore, a displacement sensor is provided which detects an (absolute) displacement of the container closure. Specifically, in this device, a reverse rotation occurs until a stroke sensor detects the end of the threads. Subsequently, the closing of the containers angle of rotation controlled. However, this procedure is relatively complicated, since, as already mentioned, the thread must first be detected via a reverse rotation.

Die JP 61 15 591 A beschreibt eine weitere Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältnissen mit Verschlüssen. Auch hier erfolgt zunächst eine Rückwärtsdrehung des Behältnisverschlusses, bis die Gewindegänge erkannt werden. Anschließend erfolgt ein zeitgesteuertes Verschließen oder auch eine Festlegung eines Startwinkels und anschließend ein drehwinkelgesteuertes Verschließen.The JP 61 15 591 A describes another device for closing containers with closures. Again, there is first a reverse rotation of the container closure until the threads are detected. Subsequently, a time-controlled closing or also a determination of a starting angle and then a rotation angle controlled closing takes place.

Aus der EP 11 32 331 B1 ist eine Kapselmaschine und ein Verfahren bekannt. Dabei wird eine Anfangsposition eines gegenseitigen Eingriffs zwischen einem Gewinde eines Gefäßes und einem Gewinde eines Deckels erfasst wobei auch hier ein Drehen des Deckels um einem vorbestimmten Drehwinkel erfolgt und wobei die Anfangsposition des gegenseitigen Eingriffs als Bezugspunkt dient. Auch bei diesem Verfahren muss zunächst relativ aufwendig der erste Eingriff des Verschlusses mit dem Behältnis ermittelt werden.From the EP 11 32 331 B1 a capsule machine and a method is known. In this case, an initial position of a mutual engagement between a thread of a vessel and a thread of a lid is detected, wherein here too a turning of the lid takes place by a predetermined angle of rotation and wherein the initial position of the mutual engagement serves as a reference point. Also in this method, the first engagement of the closure with the container must first be determined relatively expensive.

Die DE 10 124 659 A1 beschreibt eine Vorrichtung zum Aufschrauben von Schraubverschlüssen auf Behälter. Dabei wird eine Drehzahlüberwachung vorgenommen, wobei zwischen einer antreibbaren Spindel und dem Verschließkopf eine Magnetkupplung vorgesehen ist. Aus der JP 2000 327 086 A ist eine weitere Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältnissen bekannt. Dabei ist eine Kameraeinrichtung vorgesehen, welche das Aufeinandertreffen der beiden Gewindegänge des Verschlusses und des Behältnisses erfasst.The DE 10 124 659 A1 describes a device for screwing screw caps on containers. In this case, a speed monitoring is carried out, wherein a magnetic coupling is provided between a drivable spindle and the closing head. From the JP 2000 327 086 A is another device for sealing containers known. In this case, a camera device is provided, which detects the meeting of the two threads of the closure and the container.

Die EP 0 571 980 A2 offenbart eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The EP 0 571 980 A2 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zum Verschließen von Behältnissen zur Verfügung zu stellen, welche gegenüber dem Stand der Technik einfacher und gegebenenfalls auch kostengünstiger gestaltet sind.The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for closing containers, which are simpler and, if necessary, less expensive than the state of the art.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Gegenstände der unabhängigen Ansprüche erreicht. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen und Weiterbildungen sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.This object is achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältnissen mit Verschlüssen weist wenigstens einen Verschließkopf auf, der wenigstens zeitweise den Verschluss trägt bzw. hält und ferner einen Rotationsantrieb, der den Verschluss bezüglich des Behältnisses dreht.A device according to the invention for closing containers with closures has at least one closing head which at least temporarily carries or holds the closure, and also a rotary drive which rotates the closure with respect to the container.

Die Vorrichtung weist eine Abstandsbestimmungseinrichtung auf, welche wenigstens zeitweise während des Verschließvorgangs einen Abstand zwischen einer Mündung des Behältnisses und dem Verschluss in einer Längsrichtung des Behältnisses bestimmt.The device has a distance determination device which, at least temporarily during the closing operation, determines a distance between an opening of the container and the closure in a longitudinal direction of the container.

Da das Behältnis üblicherweise höhenmäßig exakt positioniert ist, beispielsweise über eine Spike-Platte, welche den Tragring des Behältnisses hält, kann an einem geeigneten Ort im Verschließer der Abstand des Verschlusses bzw. auch des Verschließkopfes zu der Mündung des Behältnisses und beispielsweise auch einer Trageinrichtung, welche das Behältnis trägt, gemessen werden. Der Erfindung liegt daher die Erkenntnis zugrunde, dass aus der Relativposition des Verschlusses gegenüber dem Behältnis in der Längsrichtung des Behältnisses auf den Verschlusszustand geschlossen werden kann.Since the container is usually exactly positioned in terms of height, for example via a spike plate, which holds the support ring of the container, at a suitable location in the capper, the distance of the closure or the Verschließkopfes to the mouth of the container and, for example, a support device, which carries the container to be measured. The invention is therefore based on the finding that from the relative position of the closure relative to the container in the longitudinal direction of the container can be closed to the closure state.

Vorteilhaft dreht der Rotationsantrieb den Verschluss um eine Längsachse des Behältnisses. Es wäre jedoch auch möglich, das Behältnis zu drehen.Advantageously, the rotary drive rotates the closure about a longitudinal axis of the container. However, it would also be possible to turn the container.

Die im Stand der Technik teilweise vorgeschlagenen Möglichkeiten, um den Zeitpunkt des Einfädelns des Gewindes des Verschlusses und des Gewindes des Behältnis zu bestimmen sind relativ kompliziert, da weder die Behältnismündung noch der Verschluss während des Aufsetzens in Umfangsrichtung des Behältnisses positioniert ist. Damit ist es im Stand der Technik auch nicht möglich, das Verschließende d. h. den zu erreichenden Drehwinkel vorherzusagen.The ways in the art partially proposed ways to determine the timing of threading the thread of the closure and the thread of the container are relatively complicated, since neither the container mouth nor the closure is positioned during placement in the circumferential direction of the container. Thus, it is not possible in the prior art, the closing d. H. to predict the angle of rotation to be achieved.

Die Erfindung macht sich jedoch den Umstand zunutze, dass beispielsweise in einem verschlossenen Zustand des Behältnisses der Verschluss einen genau definierten Abstand gegenüber der Mündung aufweist. Da der Verschluss einerseits üblicherweise fest in dem Verschließkopf bzw. Verschließkonus fixiert ist und andererseits üblicherweise eine Feder den Verschluss in das Gewinde des Behältnisses drückt, ist eine exakte Höhenlage gegeben.However, the invention makes use of the fact that, for example, in a closed state of the container, the closure has a precisely defined distance from the mouth. Since the closure on the one hand usually firmly fixed in the capping or closing cone and on the other hand usually a spring pushes the closure in the thread of the container, an exact altitude is given.

Es handelt sich bei den Behältnissen um Behältnisse mit Gewinden, insbesondere mit Außengewinden. Vorteilhaft ist der Verschließkopf nicht nur drehbar, sondern auch in einer Längsrichtung des Behältnisses gegenüber dem Behältnis bewegbar. Der Rotationsantrieb dreht besonders bevorzugt den Verschluss und das Behältnis wird ebenso bevorzugt drehfest gehalten.The containers are containers with threads, in particular with external threads. Advantageously, the capping head is not only rotatable, but also movable in a longitudinal direction of the container relative to the container. The rotary drive more preferably rotates the closure and the container is also preferably held against rotation.

Die Vorrichtung weist eine Prozessoreinrichtung auf, welche aus dem ermittelten Abstand einen Verschließzustand des Verschlusses gegenüber dem Behältnis ermittelt. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung wird vorgeschlagen, dass zunächst ein Abstand zwischen dem Gewinde und der Mündung bzw. einem anderen Referenzpunkt des Behältnisses (oder der Vorrichtung) bestimmt wird und anschließend aus diesem Abstand rückgeschlossen wird auf einen Verschließzustand, beispielsweise ermittelt wird, wie viele Umdrehungen noch nötig sind, um das Behältnis vollständig zu verschließen oder um das Einrasten des Garantiebandes am Sicherungsring überwunden zu haben. Dabei kann die Prozessoreinrichtung spezielle Charakteristika des Gewindes wie beispielsweise eine Gewindesteigung oder auch eine Gewindehöhe berücksichtigen.The device has a processor device which determines a closure state of the closure relative to the container from the determined distance. In this embodiment, it is proposed that initially a distance between the thread and the mouth or another reference point of the container (or the device) is determined and then is deduced from this distance to a Verschließzustand, for example, is determined how many revolutions are still necessary are to completely close the container or to have overcome the engagement of the guarantee strip on the retaining ring. In this case, the processor device can take into account special characteristics of the thread, such as a thread pitch or a thread height.

Vorzugsweise ist daher die Abstandsbestimmungseinrichtung derart ausgelegt, dass sie den Abstand wenigstens einmal während des Verschließprozesses ermittelt, d. h. in einem Zeitraum, in dem der Verschluss bereits teilweise auf das Gewinde aufgeschraubt ist, jedoch das Behältnis noch nicht vollständig verschlossen ist. Wird nun die besagte Höhenlage zu diesem bestimmten Zeitpunkt exakt gemessen und diese Messung der Antriebseinrichtung, bei der es sich bevorzugt um einen Servoantrieb handelt, mitgeteilt, kann dieser aufgrund der Gewindesteigung das zu erreichende Verschließende sehr genau berechnen.Preferably, therefore, the distance determining means is designed such that it determines the distance at least once during the closing process, d. H. in a period in which the closure is already partially screwed onto the thread, but the container is not completely closed. Now, if the said altitude is precisely measured at this particular time and this measurement of the drive means, which is preferably a servo drive, informed, this can due to the thread pitch calculate the closing end to be reached very accurately.

Auch ist zu diesem Zeitpunkt genau feststellbar, ob das Garantieband bereits überwunden wurde, ob der Verschluss sauber eingefädelt wurde und wie weit man noch von einem exakten Sitz des Verschlusses auf dem Behältnis entfernt ist. Damit ist im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik eine sehr viel bessere Verschlusskontrolle möglich wobei zu berücksichtigen ist, dass Hochsitzer heute in der Verschließeinrichtung selbst noch nicht erkannt werden können. Daneben spielt auch die zum Überwinden des Garantiebandes erforderliche Kraft keine Rolle mehr so dass insbesondere während des gesamten Verschließvorganges mit dem gleichen (maximalen) Drehmoment gearbeitet werden kann. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind teilweise Vorrichtungen bekannt, welche nach Erreichen dieses maximalen Drehmoments das Drehmoment wieder reduzieren. Vorzugsweise reduziert die erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung das Drehmoment nach sicherem Überwinden des Garantiebandes auf ein niedrigeres Enddrehmoment, mit dem der Verschluss am Ende des Verschließvorganges auf dem Behältnis fixiert ist.It is also possible to determine at this point in time whether the guarantee strip has already been overcome, whether the closure has been threaded cleanly and how far away one still has from an exact seat of the closure on the container. Thus, in comparison to the prior art, a much better closure control is possible, taking into account that high-seaters today can not yet be recognized in the closure device itself. In addition, the force required to overcome the guarantee strip no longer plays a role so that in particular during the entire closing process with the same (maximum) torque can be used. From the prior art devices are partially known, which reduce the torque again after reaching this maximum torque. Preferably, the device according to the invention reduces the torque after safely overcoming the guarantee strip a lower final torque with which the closure is fixed on the container at the end of the closing process.

Bevorzugt bestimmt die Abstandbestimmungseinrichtung einen Abstand zwischen einem des Behältnis tragenden Element und dem Verschließkopf. Dabei ist zu beachten, dass der Verschluss fest in dem Verschließkonus bzw. in dem Verschließkopf fixiert ist und sich dadurch aus einer Position des Verschließkopfes auch eine Position des Verschlusses ergibt.The distance determination device preferably determines a distance between a container-carrying element and the closing head. It should be noted that the closure is firmly fixed in the sealing cone or in the closing head and thereby results in a position of the closure head and a position of the closure.

Bei dem das Behältnis tragende Element bzw. Stützenelement kann es sich beispielsweise um eine so genannte Spike-Platte handeln, welche das Behältnis nicht nur an ihrem Tragring stützt sondern auch eine Drehung des Behältnisses verhindert.The container-carrying element or support element may, for example, be a so-called spike plate, which not only supports the container on its support ring but also prevents rotation of the container.

Durch diese Spike-Platte ist das Behältnis höhenmäßig fixiert. Vorteilhaft ist die Positionserfassungseinrichtung derart in der Vorrichtung platziert, dass der Abstand zu einem Zeitpunkt erfasst wird in dem der Verschluss bereits in des Gewinde des Behältnisses eingefädelt ist, jedoch noch nicht an diesem fest angeschraubt ist.Through this spike plate, the container is fixed in height. Advantageously, the position detection device is placed in the device such that the distance is detected at a time in which the closure is already threaded into the thread of the container, but not yet screwed to this firmly.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weist die Vorrichtung eine Vorspanneinrichtung auf, welche den Verschluss wenigstens zeitweise während des Verschließvorgangs in der Längsrichtung auf die Mündung des Behältnisses zuspannt. Dies bedeutet, dass beispielsweise wenn das Behältnis aufrecht steht, der Verschluss in Richtung des Bodens des Behältnisses vorgespannt wird. Zu Anfang bzw. während des Verschließvorganges wird der Verschluss durch die Vorspanneinrichtung bzw. Feder in das Gewinde gedrückt. Damit ist die Position des Verschlusses gegenüber dem Behältnis genau definiert. Es wäre jedoch auch denkbar, dass eine Vorspanneinrichtung den Verschluss in der entgegen gesetzten Richtung, also von der Mündung weg vorspannt.In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a biasing device, which at least temporarily zuspannt the closure during the closing operation in the longitudinal direction of the mouth of the container. This means that, for example, when the container is upright, the closure is biased towards the bottom of the container. At the beginning or during the closing process, the closure is pressed by the biasing means or spring into the thread. Thus, the position of the closure relative to the container is precisely defined. However, it would also be conceivable that a biasing device biases the closure in the opposite direction, ie away from the mouth.

Die Vorrichtung weist eine Speichereinrichtung auf, in der für ein Gewinde des Behältnisses (und/oder des Verschlusses) charakteristische Daten abgelegt sind. Bei diesen Daten kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Gewindesteigung oder auch um eine Gewindehöhe (des Behältnisses und/oder des Verschlusses) handeln. Auf Basis dieser Daten kann die Prozessoreinrichtung aus einer gemessenen Entfernung zwischen dem Gewinde und dem Behältnis ermitteln, um welchen Drehwinkel der Verschluss noch gedreht werden muss, um einen vollständigen Verschluss des Behältnisses zu erreichen bzw. zumindest bis das Garantieband den Sicherungsring überwunden hat.The device has a memory device in which characteristic data for a thread of the container (and / or the closure) are stored. These data may be, for example, a thread pitch or even a thread height (of the container and / or the closure). Based on this data, the processor device can determine from a measured distance between the thread and the container by which angle of rotation the shutter is still being rotated must, in order to achieve a complete closure of the container or at least until the guarantee strip has overcome the circlip.

Vorteilhaft weist die Vorrichtung eine Transporteinrichtung auf, welche das Behältnis entlang eines vorgegebenen Transportpfades transportiert. Dabei kann beispielsweise auch das oben erwähnte Tragelement entlang des Transportpfades geführt bzw. bewegt werden. Vorteilhaft weist die Vorrichtung einen Träger auf, an dem eine Vielzahl von Behältnissen angeordnet wird. So ist es auch möglich, dass mehrere Verschließköpfe vorgesehen sind so dass mehrere Behältnisse zeitgleich verschlossen werden können. Besonders bevorzugt handelt es sich bei dem vorgegebenen Transportpfad um eine Kreisbahn. Weiterhin wird vorteilhaft der Verschluss auch während eines Transports des Behältnisses auf diesem aufgebracht.Advantageously, the device has a transport device which transports the container along a predetermined transport path. In this case, for example, the above-mentioned support element can be guided or moved along the transport path. Advantageously, the device has a carrier on which a plurality of containers is arranged. So it is also possible that several Verschließköpfe are provided so that multiple containers can be closed at the same time. Particularly preferably, the predetermined transport path is a circular path. Furthermore, the closure is advantageously applied during transport of the container on this.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform weist die Abstandsbestimmungseinrichtung ein Messelement auf, welches aus einer Gruppe von Messelementen ausgewählt ist, welche induktiv arbeitende Messelemente, kapazitiv arbeitende Messelemente, optisch arbeitende Messelemente, mechanisch arbeitende Messelemente und dergleichen enthält. Es können daher unterschiedlichste physikalische Längenmessmethoden verwendet werden. So wäre beispielsweise bevorzugt eine flächige Erfassung einer Magnetfeldänderung möglich, so dass die Position des Verschlusses sowohl hinsichtlich einer Höhe als auch hinsichtlich der Winkelposition auf einem kreisförmigen Transportpfad mittels eines einzigen Messgerätes bestimmt werden kann.In a further advantageous embodiment, the distance determination device has a measuring element which is selected from a group of measuring elements which contains inductively operating measuring elements, capacitively operating measuring elements, optically operating measuring elements, mechanically operating measuring elements and the like. Therefore, a wide variety of physical length measuring methods can be used. Thus, for example, a surface detection of a magnetic field change would preferably be possible, so that the position of the shutter can be determined both with regard to a height and with respect to the angular position on a circular transport path by means of a single measuring device.

Es könnte beispielsweise diese Magnetfeldänderung durch eine Bewegung des Verschließkopfes hervorgerufen werden, wobei dieser Verschließkopf näher oder weiter entfernt von einer bestimmten Sensoreinrichtung angeordnet ist. Auch könnte die Abstandsbestimmungseinrichtung derart eingerichtet sein, dass der Abstand permanent gemessen wird und erst bei einem exakt bestimmten Grenzwert bestimmt wird, dass der Verschließkopf noch um einen vorgegebenen Drehwinkel gedreht wird. Auch könnte die Abstandserfassungseinrichtung derart ausgestaltet sein, dass sie beispielsweise bei Unterschreiten eines bestimmten Abstandes ein Signal ausgibt.For example, this magnetic field change could be caused by a movement of the closing head, this closing head being arranged closer or further away from a specific sensor device. The distance determination device could also be set up in such a way that the distance is measured permanently and it is determined only at a precisely determined limit value that the closing head is still rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation. Also, the distance detection device could be designed such that it outputs a signal, for example, falls below a certain distance.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist eine Position des Verschließkopfes gegenüber dem Behältnis änderbar. So kann der Verschließkopf den Verschluss zunächst an das Behältnis heranführen und anschließend mit dem eigentlichen Schraubvorgang beginnen.In a further advantageous embodiment, a position of the closing head relative to the container can be changed. So the capping head, the shutter first bring to the container and then start with the actual screwing.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ist weiterhin auf ein Verfahren zum Verschließen von Behältnissen mit Verschlüssen gerichtet, wobei die Verschlüsse auf Mündungen der Behältnisse aufgedreht werden. Dabei wird wenigstens einmal während des Verschließvorgangs ein Abstand zwischen der Mündung des Behältnisses (oder einen anderen Bereich des Behältnisses) und dem Verschluss in einer Längsrichtung des Behältnisses bestimmt. Es wird dabei darauf hingewiesen, dass auch ein Abstand zwischen dem Verschluss und einem im Wesentlichen beliebigen Bereich des Behältnisses der hier als Referenzpunkt dient, gemessen werden kann. Vorteilhaft ist ein Abstand zwischen einem Tragring bzw. einem den Tragring stützenden Element und dem Verschluss bestimmt.The present invention is further directed to a method for closing containers with closures, wherein the closures are turned on mouths of the containers. In this case, a distance between the mouth of the container (or another area of the container) and the closure in a longitudinal direction of the container is determined at least once during the closing operation. It should be noted that a distance between the closure and a substantially arbitrary area of the container, which serves as a reference point, can be measured. Advantageously, a distance between a support ring or a support ring supporting element and the closure is determined.

Bei einem weiteren bevorzugten Verfahren wird der Abstand bestimmt, nachdem der Verschließvorgang begonnen hat, jedoch (deutlich) vor dessen Ende. So wäre es beispielsweise möglich, dass zunächst der Verschluss um einen bestimmten Drehwinkel gedreht wird, anschließend eine Abstandsmessung durchgeführt wird und anschließend auf Basis dieser Abstandsmessung ermittelt wird, um welchen Drehwinkel der Verschluss noch gedreht werden muss um das Behältnis vollständig zu verschließen. Es wäre auch möglich, dass der Abstand (insbesondere während des Verschließvorgangs) mehrmals bestimmt wird und die gemessenen Werte vorteilhaft zu einer Mittelwertbildung herangezogen werden.In another preferred method, the distance is determined after the closing operation has begun, but (clearly) before its end. Thus, it would be possible, for example, that first the shutter is rotated by a certain angle of rotation, then a distance measurement is performed and then determined based on this distance measurement, by which angle of rotation the shutter still has to be rotated to completely close the container. It would also be possible for the distance (in particular during the closing process) to be determined several times and for the measured values to be advantageously used for averaging.

Dabei ist es möglich, dass die Positionsverfassungseinrichtung in ihrer Winkelposition variabel gegenüber dem Verschließkopf angeordnet wird, aber auch dass sie variabel gegenüber einer Transporteinrichtung zum Transportieren der Verschlüsse angeordnet ist.It is possible that the position-determining device is arranged in its angular position variable with respect to the closing head, but also that it is arranged variably in relation to a transport device for transporting the closures.

Bei einem bevorzugten Verfahren wird der Verschluss während des Verschließvorgangs gegenüber der Mündung des Behältnisses vorgespannt. Bevorzugt wird der Verschluss in Richtung eines Behältnisbodens gegenüber dem Gewinde vorgespannt.In a preferred method, the closure is biased against the mouth of the container during the closing operation. Preferably, the closure is biased in the direction of a container bottom relative to the thread.

Weitere Vorteile und Ausführungsformen ergeben sich aus den beigefügten Zeichnungen:Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Darin zeigen:

Fig. 1
Eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Behältnissen; und
Fig. 2
eine Detaildarstellung zur Veranschaulichung des Verschließvorgangs.
Show:
Fig. 1
A schematic representation of a device for closing containers; and
Fig. 2
a detailed representation to illustrate the closing process.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung 1 zum Verschließen von Behältnissen 10. Diese Vorrichtung weist dabei eine zentrale Welle 20 auf, die von einer Antriebseinrichtung 36 wie einem Servomotor um eine Drehachse X gedreht wird. An dieser zentralen Welle 20 ist eine Vielzahl von Antriebseinrichtungen 4 angeordnet, die sich damit ebenfalls um die Achse X drehen. Diese Antriebseinrichtungen 4, beziehungsweise Servomotoren dienen zum Antrieb der einzelnen Verschließköpfe 2, welche Behältnisverschlüsse auf die Behältnisse 10 schrauben. Fig. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for closing containers 10. This device has a central shaft 20 which is rotated by a drive means 36 such as a servo motor about a rotation axis X. At this central shaft 20, a plurality of drive means 4 is arranged, which thus also rotate about the axis X. These drive devices 4, or servomotors serve to drive the individual Verschließköpfe 2, which screw container closures on the containers 10.

Im Einzelnen treibt die Antriebseinrichtung 4 ein erstes Zahnrad 32 an, welches hier als Langrad ausgeführt ist, dessen Zähne sich in Richtung des Pfeils P erstrecken. Von diesem Zahnrad 32 wird ein zweites Zahnrad 34 angetrieben. Weiterhin kann sich dieses Zahnrad 34 auch gegenüber dem ersten Zahnrad 32 in der Richtung P bewegen und damit kann sich der Verschließkopf 2 ebenfalls in der Richtung P auf und ab bewegen. Die Verschließköpfe können dabei in einem Reinraum angeordnet sein und die Antriebseinrichtung 4 außerhalb des Reinraums. Die Betätigung der Verschließköpfe in der Richtung P kann dabei durch eine Führungskurve erfolgen.In detail, the drive device 4 drives a first gear 32, which is embodied here as a long wheel whose teeth extend in the direction of the arrow P. From this gear 32, a second gear 34 is driven. Furthermore, this gear 34 can also move relative to the first gear 32 in the direction P and thus the capping head 2 can also move in the direction P up and down. The Verschließköpfe can be arranged in a clean room and the drive device 4 outside the clean room. The actuation of the Verschließköpfe in the direction P can be done by a guide curve.

Das Bezugszeichen 8 kennzeichnet eine Spindel bzw. Verschlussauswerferstange, an der der Verschließkopf 2, der wiederum einen Behältnisverschluss 12 trägt auf und ab bewegt werden kann. Das Behältnis wird über ein Abstützelement 22 (d.h. ein des Behältnis tragendes Element) bzw. einen Spiketräger gehalten. Damit ist die Position des Behältnisses 10 in der Richtung P genau definiert. Da weiterhin auch die jeweiligen Gewindehöhen und die Gewindesteigungen des Behältnisses bekannt sind, ist auch das Gewinde in einer genauen Position in der Richtung P definiert.The reference numeral 8 denotes a spindle or Verschlussauswerferstange on which the capping head 2, which in turn carries a container closure 12 moves up and down. The container is held by a support element 22 (ie, a member carrying the container) or a spiked carrier. Thus, the position of the container 10 in the direction P is precisely defined. Furthermore, since the respective thread heights and the thread pitches of the container are known, also the thread is defined in a precise position in the direction P.

Das Bezugszeichen 18 kennzeichnet ein Federelement, welches den Verschließkopf 2 in Richtung des Behältnisses, d. h. hier in Richtung des Pfeils P1 vorspannt. Auf diese Weise wird der Verschluss in das Gewinde gedrückt und ist damit hinsichtlich seiner Lage genau definiert.The reference numeral 18 denotes a spring element, which the closing head 2 in the direction of the container, d. H. here biased in the direction of the arrow P1. In this way, the closure is pressed into the thread and is therefore precisely defined with respect to its position.

Das Bezugszeichen 14 kennzeichnet grob schematisch eine Abstandsmesseinrichtung, welche einen Abstand zwischen dem Verschließkopf 2 und dem Stützelement 22 bestimmt. Je nach Anwendung kann dabei diese Abstandsmesseinrichtung 14 beweglich angeordnet sein und zwar sowohl beweglich in einer Umfangseinrichtung bezüglich der Achse Y als auch in einer Umfangsrichtung um die Achse X. Die Achse Y stellt dabei die Drehachse da, bezüglich derer die Verschlüsse auf die Behältnisse 10 aufgeschraubt werden. Diese Achse stellt dabei insbesondere auch eine Dreh- bzw. Symmetrieachse des Behältnisses 10 dar und insbesondere auch die Längsrichtung L des Behältnisses. Bevorzugt ist die Abstandserfassungseinrichtung auch in der Richtung L beweglich.The reference numeral 14 roughly indicates schematically a distance measuring device which determines a distance between the closing head 2 and the support element 22. Depending on the application, this distance measuring device 14 can be movably arranged both in a circumferential device with respect to the axis Y and in a circumferential direction about the axis X. The axis Y represents the axis of rotation, with respect to which the closures screwed onto the containers 10 become. In particular, this axis also represents a rotation or symmetry axis of the container 10 and in particular also the longitudinal direction L of the container. Preferably, the distance detection device is also movable in the direction L.

Das Bezugszeichen 16 kennzeichnet eine Prozessoreinrichtung bzw. Steuerungseinrichtung, welche die einzelnen Antriebsmotoren 4 steuert. Diese Steuerung erfolgt dabei insbesondere in Abhängigkeit von einem Eingangssignal, welches die Abstandsmesseinrichtung 14 ausgibt. In Abhängigkeit von diesem Signal werden die Motoren 4 angesteuert und beispielsweise ein Drehwinkel vorgegeben, in dem die Verschlüsse noch gegenüber den Behältnissen (um die Achse 4) zu drehen sind um das Behältnis sicher zu verschließen und um insbesondere auch zu bewirken, dass der Sicherungsring von dem Garantieband überwunden wird. Das Bezugszeichen 36 kennzeichnet eine weitere Antriebseinrichtung, welche den Transport der Behältnisse um die Achse X bewirkt. An einem Hauptträger 38 sind die einzelnen Antriebseinrichtungen 4 angeordnet.The reference numeral 16 denotes a processor device or control device which controls the individual drive motors 4. This control takes place in particular in response to an input signal, which outputs the distance measuring device 14. Depending on this signal, the motors 4 are controlled and, for example, given a rotation angle in which the closures are still to rotate with respect to the containers (about the axis 4) to securely close the container and in particular to cause the locking ring of the guarantee band is overcome. The reference numeral 36 denotes a further drive device, which causes the transport of the containers about the axis X. On a main carrier 38, the individual drive means 4 are arranged.

Fig. 2 zeigt eine detailiertere Darstellung des Vorgangs. Man erkennt hier auch wiederum, dass eine Mündung 10a des Behältnisses 10 auf einem Abstützelement 22 aufsitzt, wobei dieses Abstützelement 22 hier spitze Vorsprünge 24 trägt, welche eine Drehung des Behältnisses verhindern. Genauer gesagt wird das Behältnis 10 über seinen Tragring 10b auf dieser Platte abgestützt. Ein Verschluss 12, von dem hier jedoch nur der untere Teil, also ein Teil des Garantiebandes sichtbar ist, wird auf das Gewinde 10c eines entsprechenden Behältnisses 10 aufgeschraubt. Fig. 2 shows a more detailed representation of the process. It can be seen here again that an opening 10a of the container 10 is seated on a support element 22, wherein this support element 22 carries here pointed projections 24 which prevent rotation of the container. More specifically, the container 10 is supported on its support ring 10b on this plate. A closure 12, of which, however, only the lower part, that is to say a part of the guarantee strip, is visible here, is screwed onto the thread 10c of a corresponding container 10.

Zu diesem Zweck wird der Verschluss 12 von einem Verschließkopf 2 gegriffen wodurch die Position des Verschlusses gegenüber dem Verschließkopf 2 genau definiert ist. Über die Abstandsmesseinrichtung 14 wird ein Abstand d zwischen dem Verschließkopf 2 und der Platte 22 gemessen. Dies ist beispielsweise denkbar, wenn diese beiden Elemente jeweils aus einem stromleitenden Material gefertigt sind. Aus diesem Abstand d kann damit auch die Position des Verschlusses 12 gegenüber dem Gewinde 10c bzw. gegenüber dem Behältnis 10 in der Richtung L des Behältnisses bestimmt werden.For this purpose, the closure 12 is gripped by a closing head 2, whereby the position of the closure relative to the closing head 2 is precisely defined. Via the distance measuring device 14, a distance d between the closing head 2 and the plate 22 is measured. This is conceivable, for example, if these two elements are each made of an electrically conductive material. From this distance d, the position of the closure 12 relative to the thread 10c or relative to the container 10 in the direction L of the container can thus be determined.

In Abhängigkeit von dem gemessenen Abstand d kann ein entsprechender Wert an die Antriebseinrichtung 4 (auch vgl. Figur 1) ausgegeben werden um festzulegen um welchen Drehwinkel der Verschließkopf noch zu drehen ist.Depending on the measured distance d, a corresponding value can be sent to the drive device 4 (also cf. FIG. 1 ) can be issued to determine by which angle of rotation the closing head is still to turn.

Auch wäre es möglich, dass zunächst eine grobe Abstandsmessung vorgenommen wird, um zu prüfen, ob der Verschluss bereits in das Gewinde der Behältnismündung eingegriffen hat. Zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt während des Verschließvorgangs kann dann eine Feinmessung vorgenommen werden, um hieraus exakt zu bestimmen, um welchen Winkel der Verschluss noch gedreht werden muss. Auch ist es möglich, dass eine Drehstellung des Verschlusses wenigstens einmal während des Verschließvorgangs erfasst wird.It would also be possible for a rough distance measurement to be carried out initially in order to check whether the closure has already intervened in the thread of the container mouth. At a later point in time during the closing process, a fine measurement can then be made in order to be able to determine exactly by which angle the shutter still has to be turned. It is also possible that a rotational position of the closure is detected at least once during the closing operation.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Vorrichtungcontraption
22
Verschließkopfseaming
44
Antriebsmotor, AntriebseinrichtungDrive motor, drive device
88th
Spindelspindle
1010
Behältniscontainer
10a10a
Mündungmuzzle
10b10b
Tragringsupport ring
10c10c
Gewindethread
1212
Verschlussshutter
1414
AbstandsmesseinrichtungDistance measuring device
1616
Prozessoreinrichtung, SteuerungseinrichtungProcessor device, control device
1818
Federelementspring element
2020
zentrale Wellecentral shaft
2222
Abstützelement, StützplatteSupport element, support plate
2424
Vorsprüngeprojections
X, YX, Y
Drehachseaxis of rotation
32,3432.34
Zahnradgear
3636
Antriebseinrichtungdriving means
3838
Hauptträgermain carrier
dd
Abstanddistance
P1P1
Pfeilarrow
PP
Richtungdirection
LL
Längsrichtunglongitudinal direction

Claims (8)

  1. Apparatus (1) for closing containers (10) with screwing caps (12), wherein the apparatus (1) has a closing head (2) which at least at times carries the cap (12), and wherein a rotary drive (4) is provided which rotates the cap (12) relative to the container (10), wherein the apparatus (1) has a distance determining device (14) which at least at times during a closing process determines a distance (d) between a mouth (10a) of the container (10) and the cap (12) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container (10), wherein the apparatus comprises a processor device (16) which detects a closing state of the cap (12) relative to the container (10) from the detected distance (d) and the apparatus (1) comprises a storing device in which data characteristic of a thread are stored, characterized in that on the basis of these data the processor device detects from the measured distance (d), around which angle of rotation the cap (12) has further to be rotated in order to obtain a complete closure of the container (10).
  2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance determining device (14) determines a distance between an element (22) carrying the container (10) and the closing head (2).
  3. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a preloading device (18) which at least at times during the closing process pushes the cap (12) onto the mouth (10a) of the container in the longitudinal direction (L).
  4. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a transport device which transports the container along a predefined transport path.
  5. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distance determining device (14) has a measuring element which is selected from a group of measuring elements that contains inductively operating measuring elements, capacitively operating measuring elements, optically operating measuring elements, mechanically operating measuring elements and the like.
  6. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a position of the closing head (2) relative to the container (10) can be changed.
  7. Method for closing containers with caps (12) by means of an apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the caps (12) are rotated onto mouths (10a) of the containers, wherein at least once during the closing process a distance (d) between the mouth (10a) of the container (10) and the cap (12) in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container (10) is determined.
  8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the cap (12) is preloaded relative to the mouth of the container (10) during the closing process.
EP10195539.1A 2009-12-22 2010-12-17 Method and device for closing containers with floor guide with distance measurements Not-in-force EP2338829B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200910060625 DE102009060625A1 (en) 2009-12-22 2009-12-22 Device and method for closing containers with distance measurements

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2338829A2 EP2338829A2 (en) 2011-06-29
EP2338829A3 EP2338829A3 (en) 2012-12-26
EP2338829B1 true EP2338829B1 (en) 2016-03-02

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ID=43770607

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10195539.1A Not-in-force EP2338829B1 (en) 2009-12-22 2010-12-17 Method and device for closing containers with floor guide with distance measurements

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2338829B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102139848B (en)
DE (1) DE102009060625A1 (en)

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DE102015112574A1 (en) 2015-07-30 2017-02-02 Steinfurth Mess-Systeme GmbH Locking angle measurement with torque
CN105915897B (en) * 2016-05-30 2018-03-06 浙江宇视科技有限公司 It is a kind of to detect method and device, the video camera that video camera enclosing cover releases
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2338829A3 (en) 2012-12-26
CN102139848A (en) 2011-08-03
EP2338829A2 (en) 2011-06-29
DE102009060625A1 (en) 2011-06-30
CN102139848B (en) 2014-12-17

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