EP3140240B1 - Method for operating a closing station and closing station - Google Patents

Method for operating a closing station and closing station Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3140240B1
EP3140240B1 EP15718203.1A EP15718203A EP3140240B1 EP 3140240 B1 EP3140240 B1 EP 3140240B1 EP 15718203 A EP15718203 A EP 15718203A EP 3140240 B1 EP3140240 B1 EP 3140240B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
closing
closing element
change
container
elements
Prior art date
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EP15718203.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3140240A1 (en
Inventor
Matthias Naaber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KHS GmbH
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KHS GmbH
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Priority to SI201530209T priority Critical patent/SI3140240T1/en
Publication of EP3140240A1 publication Critical patent/EP3140240A1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • B67B3/02—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying flanged caps, e.g. crown caps, and securing by deformation of flanges
    • B67B3/10—Capping heads for securing caps
    • B67B3/18—Capping heads for securing caps characterised by being rotatable, e.g. for forming screw threads in situ
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0006—Conveying; Synchronising
    • 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
    • B67B1/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying stoppers
    • 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
    • B67B2201/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional features of closing machines
    • B67B2201/10—Quick or easy connection means for connecting a capping head to a spindle
    • 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
    • B67B3/02—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps by applying flanged caps, e.g. crown caps, and securing by deformation of flanges
    • B67B3/10—Capping heads for securing caps
    • B67B3/12—Capping heads for securing caps characterised by being movable axially relative to cap to deform flanges thereof, e.g. to press projecting flange rims inwardly
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0006—Conveying; Synchronising
    • B67C2007/0066—Devices particularly adapted for container closing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1, to a capping a filling plant for filling and closing of containers according to the preamble of claim 9 and to a bottling plant with such a capping station according to the preamble of claim 17.
  • a method for operating a closing station according to the preamble of claim 1 and a closing station according to the preamble of claim 9 are from the DE 2626459 known.
  • the filled containers are transported from the container outlet of the filling machine via at least one additional transfer screw, bypassing the respective, currently unused capers divisionally synchronized to an inlet star of that capper, with the closing of the container should be done.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a remedy and improvement, i. while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, a method for operating a capping station or bottling plant as well as a capping station in such a way that a smooth change from a Be fiscalerver gleichart to another Be fiscalerverBankart is possible.
  • a method according to claim 1 is formed.
  • a closing station is the subject of claim 9.
  • a bottling plant is the subject of claim 17.
  • a special feature of the invention is that in the transport path of the container in the container transport direction to the filling machine or the container outlet following a Verschplierposition is provided on each of which a capper is arranged, which is suitable for processing container closures the current Be fiscalerver gleichart.
  • a capper is arranged, which is suitable for processing container closures the current Be fiscalerver gleichart.
  • the filling machine is in the invention preferably a filling machine of rotating design with a circumferentially driven about a vertical axis of the machine rotor, on the circumference of a plurality of filling positions for receiving and filling of a container are provided.
  • Such filling machines are familiar to the person skilled in the art.
  • each capper includes as preferred fully functional assembly, among others.
  • VA offset closing positions are provided with container receptacles and Verschdorfwerkmaschineen.
  • the latter are adapted to the nature of the respective container closure, for example, for closing the container with corks, with natural corks, with screw caps, also with rolled screw caps, with crown caps, with buckles, etc.
  • the corresponding capping and sealing tools are also known in the art.
  • the closers exchangeable for a container closure change can also be designed such that they serve as closure units on a transport element, e.g. on a rotor or rotor element, only the closing tools, while one of the container receptacles on another transport element, e.g. On a further rotor or rotor element having basic unit for several or all capper is firmly together at the capper position, so that exchanged for the container cap change only designed as a capper capper and drivingly connected to the base unit and the other components of the bottling plant.
  • Container are in the context of the invention, in particular bottles and cans, each preferably made of metal, glass and / or plastic.
  • the "closure position" is the position in the container transport path at which the currently used capper is located.
  • the in the FIG. 1 illustrated and generally designated 1 bottling plant is used to fill containers 2 with a generally liquid contents, such as a drink, and then closing the filled container 2 at its container opening with a container closure 3.
  • the container 2 are exemplified as bottles.
  • the filling plant 1 comprises a filler or a filling machine 4 of rotating design with a rotor 5 which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis MA (arrow A) and at its periphery at uniform angular intervals about the vertical machine axis MA staggered filling positions 6 are formed, which the container 2 to be filled, which has been conveyed via an outer conveyor, can be supplied via a container inlet having a transport star 7.
  • the filled containers 2 pass via a transport star 8 to a closing station 9 for applying the container closures 3.
  • the closing station 9 has two closers 9a and 9b.
  • the capper 9b are in a parking or rest position outside the Be bachelorertransportweges and the capper 9a within the Be fiscalertransportweges in a Verschcetateerposition 10 of the system 1 and the Verschmonystation 9.
  • the thus sealed with the capper 9a container 3 are over a container spout 11 having a container spout the Verschmonystation 9 forwarded to an outer conveyor.
  • the transport star 8 forms in the illustrated embodiment at the same time the container inlet of Verschlongedstation 9.
  • the only capper 10 of the bottling plant 1 is then located between the transport stars 8 and 11th
  • the capper 9a is for applying container caps 3 of one type
  • the capper 9b is for applying container caps 3 of another or other type to filled containers 2.
  • *** " It is therefore possible, by changing the capper 9a, 9b, ie by selectively positioning the capper 9a or the capper 9b at the capper position 10, to provide containers with different container closures 3, in particular also adapted to the type of container 2, wherein in the transport path Container 2 between the container outlet of the filling machine 4 (transport star 8) and the container outlet of the filling system 1 (transport star 11) only the currently used capper 9a or 9b is arranged.
  • each capper 9a and 9b has, for example, the construction known to a person skilled in the art, for example a capping machine, ie each capper 9a and 9b comprises, inter alia, one driven around a vertical machine axis and in the FIG. 1 exclusively illustrated rotor 12, on the circumference of which are provided at uniform angular intervals about the vertical capper axis VA Verschatepositionen with container receptacles and Verschdorftechnikmaschinemaschinen.
  • These are adapted to the type of the respective container closure 3, for example for closing the containers 2 with corks, with crown caps, with screw caps etc.
  • the corresponding sealing tools are also known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the cappers 9a and 9b which are exchangeable for a container cap change, can also be designed so that they only have the closing tools as capper units on a rotor or rotor element, while a basic unit having the container receptacles on a rotor or rotor element is common to all occluders 9a and 9b is fixedly disposed on the capper position 10, so that exchanged for the container cap change only designed as Verschplieraggregate capper 9a and 9b and are drivingly connected to the base unit and the other components of the bottling plant.
  • the FIG. 2 shows the filling plant 1 in the positions a - d in different operating states when changing from a container type of closure to another type of container closure.
  • the operating state shown in the position a corresponds to the operating state, as for the filling plant 1 in the FIG. 1 is reproduced.
  • the occluder 9a previously used is decoupled from the closure position 10, initially to the side, ie preferably into a horizontal or substantially horizontal sideways movement, moved to a neutral position or in an intermediate or change position, so that it is sufficiently far away from the capper position 10 and the transport stars 8 and 11.
  • the capper 9b is moved into the capper position 10 and coupled to this position or to the bottling plant 1, in such a way that a synchronous and in particular also synchronous working of the capper 9b with the other components of the bottling plant 1 is ensured and the filled containers 2 are closed with the container closures 3 associated with the capper 9b (position d of FIG. 2 ).
  • the obturator 9a is in the park or rest position assumed by the obturator 9b prior to the capper change.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 show again in a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the filling system 1 according to the invention, which are used to distinguish in the Figures 3 and 4 1a, but in terms of their basic training and operation of the above-described Appendix 1 corresponds. Shown in the Figures 3 and 4 Also, a non-rotating part of the rotor 5 4.1 of the filling machine 4, on which the ring-shaped rotor 5 in this embodiment is rotatably mounted.
  • the capper assembly comprising the two occluders 9a and 9b is provided at one end of a support arm or carrier 13 pivotally supported at its other end about an axis parallel to the axes MA and VA at a bearing 14, so that in the capper change the capper 9a and 9b having the capper assembly can be moved by pivoting the carrier 13 in the intermediate or change position.
  • a carrier 16 is pivotably provided about an axis parallel to the axes MA and VA by means of a bearing 15, so that when the capper arrangement is in the intermediate or interchangeable position, the position changes of the occluders 9a and 9b Pivoting the carrier 16 to the hinge 15 is possible.
  • the capper 9a and 9b are arranged at the same radial distance from the axis of the joint 15, in the illustrated embodiment, this axis offset by 180 ° from each other.
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a filling line 1 corresponding filling system 1 b, in which the two arranged on the pivotable about the hinge 15 supports 16 arranged closer 9 a, 9 b on a slide and rail system 17 and on a carriage 18, the part of this System is and for uncoupling the closing position in the positioner 9a and 9b, ie for moving the capper 9a or 9b in the intermediate or change position and for coupling the replaced capper 9b or 9a to the capper position 10 on a guide or Slide rail 19 is slidably guided.
  • the closing station 9 has only two closers 9a and 9b for processing two different container closures 3.
  • the closing station 9 may also have more than two capper.
  • At least the filling machine 4 and the capper 9a and 9b are not mechanically coupled, but each have their own drives in the form of servomotors, which are electronically or electronically controlled such that the synchronous, in particular also pitch-synchronous operation of the components of the filling system.
  • 1 , 1a and 1b results, for example, by electrical or electronic coupling between the drive of the filling machine 4 and the drive of the closer located in the closure position 10 closer 9a or 9b and / or by controlling these drives by a central system control. This then takes place in a simple manner purely electronically the required synchronization of each newly moved in the capper closure 9a and 9b with the entire system.
  • capper 9a and 9b when changing from a Be mutualerver gleichart to another Be fiscalerver gleichart currently located at the capper position 10 capper 9a and 9b is coupled out of this position and thus from the transport path of the container 2 and by suitable means in the intermediate or change position and the newly used capper 9b or 9a is moved from the rest position into the capper position 10 so that the replaced capper can then assume the rest position in which the newly used capper 9b or 9a was previously located.
  • the capper to be exchanged and the new capper to be used are already exchanged the intermediate or change position their position, as described above.
  • cappers are only exchanged for cappers suitable for processing a different cap type. This is not mandatory.
  • the present invention also extends to use in container handling machines in linear design. More in detail it is envisaged that cappers, which are arranged in a linear construction of the transport path of a container treatment machine, can likewise be quickly and easily exchanged for other cappers by the solutions according to the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Sealing Of Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 1, auf eine Verschließstation einer Abfüllanlage zum Füllen und Verschließen von Behältern gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 9 sowie auf eine Abfüllanlage mit einer solchen Verschließstation gemäß Oberbegriff Patentanspruch 17.The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1, to a capping a filling plant for filling and closing of containers according to the preamble of claim 9 and to a bottling plant with such a capping station according to the preamble of claim 17.

Dem augenblicklichen Stand der Technik entsprechend werden in Abfüllanlagen zum Füllen und Verschließen von Behältern mit Behälterverschlüssen unterschiedlicher Art unterschiedliche Verschließer, d.h. Verschließmaschinen benötigt, die an die Art und Verarbeitung der jeweiligen Behälterverschlüsse angepasst sind. Bekannte Arten oder Typen von Behälterverschlüssen sind u.a. Korken, auch Naturkorken, Schraubverschlüsse, auch angerollte Schraubverschlüsse, Kronkorken, Bügelverschlüsse usw. Soll nun in einer Abfüllanlage ein breites Spektrum unterschiedlicher Behältertypen verarbeitet werden, die dann auch unterschiedlich Behälterverschlussarten erfordern, so ist es notwendig, in einer Abfüllanlage mehrere unterschiedliche Verschließer vorzusehen. Hierbei ist es üblich, diese Verschließer in einer Behältertransportrichtung, in der die Behälter durch die Abfüllanlage bewegt werden, an einen Behälterauslauf der Füllmaschine anschließend kaskadenartig aufeinander folgend fest in der Abfüllanlage so vorzusehen, dass die gefüllten Behälter in der Regel zwangsläufig durch sämtliche Verschließer bewegt werden, obwohl sie dann lediglich in einem der Verschließer verschlossen werden, der für die Verarbeitung der aktuell verwendeten Behälterverschlussart geeignet ist.According to the current state of the art, in filling plants for filling and closing containers with container closures of different types, different cappers, i. Closing machines required, which are adapted to the type and processing of the respective container closures. Known types or types of container closures include i.a. Corks, also natural corks, screw caps, also rolled screw caps, crown caps, buckles, etc. If now in a bottling a wide range of different container types are processed, which then require different types of container closure, it is necessary to provide several different capper in a bottling plant. In this case, it is customary to provide these cappers in a container transport direction in which the containers are moved through the bottling plant to a container outlet of the filling machine, following each other cascade-like successively in the bottling plant so that the filled containers are generally inevitably moved through all the cappers although they are then closed only in one of the capper, which is suitable for processing the currently used Behälterverschlussart.

Ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Verschließstation gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 sowie eine Verschließstation gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 9 sind dabei aus der DE 2626459 bekannt.A method for operating a closing station according to the preamble of claim 1 and a closing station according to the preamble of claim 9 are from the DE 2626459 known.

Bei Verwendung von zwei unterschiedlichen Verschließern in einer Abfüllanlage ist es auch bekannt, die gefüllten Behälter vom Behälterauslauf der Füllmaschine über wenigstens eine zusätzliche Transferschnecke unter Umgehung des jeweiligen, aktuell nicht verwendeten Verschließers teilungssynchron an einen Einlaufstern desjenigen Verschließers transportiert werden, mit dem das Verschließen der Behälter erfolgen soll.When using two different cappers in a bottling plant, it is also known, the filled containers are transported from the container outlet of the filling machine via at least one additional transfer screw, bypassing the respective, currently unused capers divisionally synchronized to an inlet star of that capper, with the closing of the container should be done.

Nachteilig ist bei allen bekannten Abfüllanlagen, die für eine Verarbeitung von unterschiedlichen Behältertypen und damit verbunden für eine Verarbeitung von unterschiedlichen Behälterverschlussarten ausgebildet sind, dass die Behälter im noch nicht verschlossenen Zustand über relativ lange Wegstrecken transportiert werden, bis endlich das Verschließen des jeweiligen Behälters erfolgt. Dies bedeutet u.a., dass unter ungünstigen Bedingungen Schmutz und/oder das Füllgut schädigende Keime in die noch nicht verschlossenen Behälter gelangen können, was überaus unerwünscht ist. Insbesondere dann, wenn mehrere Verschließer kaskadenartig aufeinander folgend in der Transportstrecke der Behälter vorgesehen sind, so bedeutet dies ferner, dass während des Betriebes der Abfüllanlage stets sämtliche Verschließer bzw. deren Transportelemente oder Rotoren betrieben werden, was einen erhöhten Verschleiß und Energieverbrauch der Verschließer bedeutet. Weiterhin ergibt sich durch die langen Wegstrecken, auf denen die Behälter bewegt werden, auch ein erhöhter Behälterverschleiß. Werden Transferschnecken zum Umleiten der Behälter auf den jeweils geeigneten Verschließer verwendet, so bedeutet dies, dass bei einem Wechsel von einem Verschließer auf einen anderen Verschließer zahlreiche Behälterführungsteile aufwendig ausgetauscht werden müssen.A disadvantage of all known filling systems, which are designed for processing of different types of containers and associated for processing of different types of container closure, that the containers are transported in the not yet closed state over relatively long distances, until finally the closure of the respective container. This means inter alia that, under unfavorable conditions, dirt and / or germs damaging the contents can get into the containers which have not yet been sealed, which is extremely undesirable. In particular, when a plurality of capper cascading successively provided in the transport path of the container, this also means that during operation of the bottling always all capper or their transport elements or rotors are operated, which means increased wear and energy consumption of the capper. Furthermore, results from the long distances on which the containers are moved, also an increased container wear. If transfer screws are used for diverting the containers to the respective suitable capper, this means that when changing from one capper to another capper numerous container guide parts have to be exchanged in a complicated manner.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, hier Abhilfe und Verbesserung zu schaffen, d.h. unter Vermeidung der vorgenannten Nachteile ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Verschließstation oder Abfüllanlage sowie eine Verschließstation so auszugestalten, dass ein problemloser Wechsel von einer Behälterverschlussart auf eine andere Behälterverschlussart möglich ist. Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist ein Verfahren entsprechend dem Patentanspruch 1 ausgebildet. Eine Verschließstation ist Gegenstand des Patentanspruchs 9. Eine Abfüllanlage ist Gegenstand des Patentanspruchs 17.The invention has for its object to provide a remedy and improvement, i. while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages, a method for operating a capping station or bottling plant as well as a capping station in such a way that a smooth change from a Behälterverschlussart to another Behälterverschlussart is possible. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed. A closing station is the subject of claim 9. A bottling plant is the subject of claim 17.

Eine Besonderheit der Erfindung besteht darin, dass im Transportweg der Behälter in Behältertransportrichtung auf die Füllmaschine oder deren Behälterauslass folgend eine Verschließerposition vorgesehen ist, an der jeweils ein Verschließer angeordnet ist, welcher zur Verarbeitung von Behälterverschlüssen der aktuellen Behälterverschlussart geeignet ist. Beim Umstellen auf eine andere Behälterverschlussart erfolgt an der vorzugsweise einzigen Verschließerposition der Abfüllanlage ein Verschließerwechsel, d.h. der bis zur Umstellung aktuell verwendete Verschließer eines Typs wird von der Verschließerposition abgekoppelt und durch einen Verschließer eines anderen Typs ersetzt, der sich vor der Umstellung an einer Park- oder Ruheposition befand und zur Verarbeitung von Behälterverschlüssen der anderen Behälterverschlussart geeignet ist.A special feature of the invention is that in the transport path of the container in the container transport direction to the filling machine or the container outlet following a Verschließerposition is provided on each of which a capper is arranged, which is suitable for processing container closures the current Behälterverschlussart. When switching to another Behälterverschlussart takes place at the preferably single capper position of the filling a Verschließerwechsel, ie the currently used to the change capper of one type is decoupled from the capper position and replaced by a capper of another type, which was before the change to a park or rest position and the Processing of container closures of the other Behälterverschlussart is suitable.

Wesentliche Vorteile der Erfindung sind u.a.:

  • Jeder gefüllte Behälter gelangt immer auf dem kürzesten Weg in den Verschließer, d.h. jeder Behälter wird unmittelbar nach dem Verlassen der Füllmaschine verschlossen, was insbesondere aus mikrobiologischer Sicht und zur Vermeidung einer unerwünschten Verkeimung des Füllgutes von großem Vorteil ist.
  • Der Behälterauslauf der Füllmaschine, z.B. ein entsprechender Transportstern, kann weiterhin als Behältereinlauf des jeweils aktuell genutzten Verschließers verwendet werden, wodurch die Anzahl der Transportelemente, beispielsweise die Anzahl der Transportsterne usw. zwischen Füllmaschine und Verschließer reduziert wird.
  • Die Anzahl der auszutauschenden und an unterschiedliche Behältertypen anzupassenden Formatteile wird erheblich reduziert.
  • Insbesondere bei einer entsprechenden Vorbereitung in einer Abfüllanlage ist es auch möglich, diese Anlage mit einem zweiten oder weiteren Verschließer nachzurüsten, ohne dass dabei in das Anlagenlayout eingegriffen werden muss.
  • An dem in der Park- oder Ruheposition befindlichen Verschließer können bei laufender Abfüllanlage u.U. Service- und/oder Wartungsarbeiten durchgeführt werden.
Major advantages of the invention include:
  • Each filled container always arrives on the shortest path in the capper, ie each container is closed immediately after leaving the filling machine, which is particularly from a microbiological point of view and to avoid unwanted contamination of the contents of great advantage.
  • The container outlet of the filling machine, for example a corresponding star conveyor, can continue to be used as a container inlet of the currently used capper, whereby the number of transport elements, such as the number of transport stars, etc. is reduced between the filling machine and capper.
  • The number of exchangeable and to be adapted to different types of containers format parts is significantly reduced.
  • In particular, with a corresponding preparation in a bottling plant, it is also possible to retrofit this system with a second or further capper, without having to intervene in the plant layout.
  • Service and / or maintenance work may be carried out on the capper in the park or rest position while the bottling plant is running.

Die Füllmaschine ist bei der Erfindung vorzugsweise eine Füllmaschine umlaufender Bauart mit einem um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend antreibbaren Rotor, an dessen Umfang mehrere Füllpositionen zur Aufnahme und zum Füllen jeweils eines Behälters vorgesehen sind. Derartige Füllmaschinen sind dem Fachmann geläufig.The filling machine is in the invention preferably a filling machine of rotating design with a circumferentially driven about a vertical axis of the machine rotor, on the circumference of a plurality of filling positions for receiving and filling of a container are provided. Such filling machines are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

Die Verschließer sind bei der Erfindung vorzugsweise ebenfalls solche umlaufender Bauart und weisen beispielsweise den dem Fachmann bekannten Aufbau beispielsweise einer Verschließmaschine auf, d.h. jeder Verschließer umfasst als bevorzugt voll funktionsfähige Baueinheit u.a. einen um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend angetriebenen Rotor, an dessen Umfang in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen um eine vertikale Verschließerachse VA versetzt Verschließpositionen mit Behälteraufnahmen und Verschließwerkzeugen vorgesehen sind. Letztere sind an die Art des jeweiligen Behälterverschlusses angepasst, beispielsweise zum Verschließen der Behälter mit Korken, auch mit Naturkorken, mit Schraubverschlüssen, auch mit angerollten Schraubverschlüssen, mit Kronkorken, mit Bügelverschlüssen usw. Die entsprechenden Verschließmaschinen und Verschließwerkzeuge sind dem Fachmann ebenfalls bekannt.The cappers are in the invention preferably also of such circumferential design and have, for example, the known to those skilled construction of a closing machine, i. each capper includes as preferred fully functional assembly, among others. a rotatably driven about a vertical axis of the machine rotor, on its circumference at uniform angular intervals about a vertical capper axis VA offset closing positions are provided with container receptacles and Verschließwerkzeugen. The latter are adapted to the nature of the respective container closure, for example, for closing the container with corks, with natural corks, with screw caps, also with rolled screw caps, with crown caps, with buckles, etc. The corresponding capping and sealing tools are also known in the art.

Grundsätzlich können die für einen Behälterverschlusswechsel austauschbaren Verschließer auch so ausgeführt sein, dass sie als Verschließeraggregate jeweils an einem Transportelement, z.B. an einem Rotor oder Rotorelement nur die Verschließwerkzeuge aufweisen, während eine die Behälteraufnahmen an einem weiteren Transportelement, z.B. an einem weiteren Rotor oder Rotorelement aufweisende Grundeinheit für mehrere oder sämtliche Verschließer gemeinsam fest an der Verschließerposition angeordnet ist, so dass für den Behälterverschlusswechsel nur die als Verschließeraggregate ausgebildeten Verschließer ausgetauscht und antriebsmäßig mit der Grundeinheit und den übrigen Komponenten der Abfüllanlage verbunden werden.In principle, the closers exchangeable for a container closure change can also be designed such that they serve as closure units on a transport element, e.g. on a rotor or rotor element, only the closing tools, while one of the container receptacles on another transport element, e.g. On a further rotor or rotor element having basic unit for several or all capper is firmly together at the capper position, so that exchanged for the container cap change only designed as a capper capper and drivingly connected to the base unit and the other components of the bottling plant.

"Behälter" sind im Sinne der Erfindung insbesondere Flaschen sowie Dosen, jeweils vorzugsweise aus Metall, Glas und/oder Kunststoff."Container" are in the context of the invention, in particular bottles and cans, each preferably made of metal, glass and / or plastic.

Der Ausdruck "im Wesentlichen" bzw. "etwa" bzw. "ca." bedeutet im Sinne der Erfindung Abweichungen vom jeweils exakten Wert um +/- 10%, bevorzugt um +/-5% und/oder Abweichungen in Form von für die Funktion unbedeutenden Änderungen.The term "essentially" or "approximately" or "approx." means for the purposes of the invention deviations from the respective exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of insignificant for the function changes.

"Verschließerposition" ist im Sinne der Erfindung diejenige Position im Behältertransportweg, an der sich der aktuell verwendete Verschließer befindet. Weiterbildungen, Vorteile und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten der Erfindung ergeben sich auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen und aus den Figuren.For the purposes of the invention, the "closure position" is the position in the container transport path at which the currently used capper is located. Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figuren an Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
in schematischer Darstellung und in Draufsicht eine Abfüllanlage gemäß der Erfindung zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem in der Regel flüssigen Füllgut und zum anschließenden Verschließen der gefüllten Behälter;
Fig. 2
in Positionen a - d die Abfüllanlage der Figur 1 in unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen bzw. bei der Umstellung von Behälterverschlüssen eines Typs auf Behälterverschlüsse eines anderen Typs,
Fig. 3 und 4
in vereinfachter perspektivischer Funktionsdarstellung eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllanlage, in Draufsicht sowie in Unteransicht;
Fig. 5
eine Darstellung ähnlich Figur 3 bei einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:
Fig. 1
in a schematic representation and in plan view of a filling plant according to the invention for filling containers with a generally liquid filling material and for subsequently closing the filled containers;
Fig. 2
in positions a - d the filling plant of the FIG. 1 in different operating conditions or in the conversion of container closures of one type to container closures of another type,
3 and 4
in a simplified perspective functional representation of an embodiment of the filling plant according to the invention, in plan view and in bottom view;
Fig. 5
a representation similar FIG. 3 in a further embodiment of the invention.

Die in der Figur 1 dargestellte und allgemein mit 1 bezeichnete Abfüllanlage dient zum Füllen von Behältern 2 mit einem in der Regel flüssigen Füllgut, beispielsweise mit einem Getränk, und zum anschließenden Verschließen der gefüllten Behälter 2 an ihrer Behälteröffnung mit einem Behälterverschluss 3. Die Behälter 2 sind beispielhaft als Flaschen wiedergegeben. Die Abfüllanlage 1 umfasst einen Füller bzw. eine Füllmaschine 4 umlaufender Bauart mit einem Rotor 5, der um eine vertikale Maschinenachse MA umlaufend angetrieben ist (Pfeil A) und an dessen Umfang in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen um die vertikale Maschinenachse MA versetzt Füllpositionen 6 gebildet sind, denen die zu füllenden, über einen äußeren Transporteur angeförderten Behälter 2 über einen einen Transportstern 7 aufweisenden Behältereinlauf zugeführt werden. Die gefüllten Behälter 2 gelangen über einen einen Transportstern 8 an eine Verschließstation 9 zum Aufbringen der Behälterverschlüsse 3. Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform weist die Verschließstation 9 zwei Verschließer 9a und 9b auf. In dem in der Figur 1 dargestellten Betriebszustand der Abfüllanlage 1 befinden sich der Verschließer 9b in eine Park- oder Ruheposition außerhalb des Behältertransportweges und der Verschließer 9a innerhalb des Behältertransportweges in einer Verschließerposition 10 der Anlage 1 bzw. der Verschließstation 9. Die somit mit dem Verschließer 9a verschlossenen Behälter 3 werden über einen einen Transportstern 11 aufweisenden Behälterauslauf der Verschließstation 9 an einem äußeren Transporteur weitergeleitet. Der Transportstern 8 bildet bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform zugleich den Behältereinlauf der Verschließstation 9. Die einzige Verschließerposition 10 der Abfüllanlage 1 befindet sich dann zwischen den Transportsternen 8 und 11.The in the FIG. 1 illustrated and generally designated 1 bottling plant is used to fill containers 2 with a generally liquid contents, such as a drink, and then closing the filled container 2 at its container opening with a container closure 3. The container 2 are exemplified as bottles. The filling plant 1 comprises a filler or a filling machine 4 of rotating design with a rotor 5 which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis MA (arrow A) and at its periphery at uniform angular intervals about the vertical machine axis MA staggered filling positions 6 are formed, which the container 2 to be filled, which has been conveyed via an outer conveyor, can be supplied via a container inlet having a transport star 7. The filled containers 2 pass via a transport star 8 to a closing station 9 for applying the container closures 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing station 9 has two closers 9a and 9b. In the in the FIG. 1 shown operating state of the filling 1, the capper 9b are in a parking or rest position outside the Behältertransportweges and the capper 9a within the Behältertransportweges in a Verschließerposition 10 of the system 1 and the Verschließstation 9. The thus sealed with the capper 9a container 3 are over a container spout 11 having a container spout the Verschließstation 9 forwarded to an outer conveyor. The transport star 8 forms in the illustrated embodiment at the same time the container inlet of Verschließstation 9. The only capper 10 of the bottling plant 1 is then located between the transport stars 8 and 11th

Der Verschließer 9a ist zum Aufbringen von Behälterverschlüssen 3 eines Typs und der Verschließer 9b ist für das Aufbringen von Behälterverschlüssen 3 eines weiteren oder anderen Typs auf gefüllte Behälter 2 ausgebildet. Daher ist es möglich, durch Wechseln der Verschließer 9a, 9b, d.h. durch wahlweises Positionieren des Verschließers 9a oder des Verschließers 9b an der Verschließerposition 10 Behälter mit unterschiedlichen, insbesondere auch an die Art der Behälter 2 angepassten Behälterverschlüssen 3 zu versehen, wobei im Transportweg der Behälter 2 zwischen dem Behälterauslauf der Füllmaschine 4 (Transportstern 8) und dem Behälterauslauf der Abfüllanlage 1 (Transportstern 11) jeweils nur der aktuell verwendete Verschließer 9a oder 9b angeordnet ist.The capper 9a is for applying container caps 3 of one type, and the capper 9b is for applying container caps 3 of another or other type to filled containers 2. *** " It is therefore possible, by changing the capper 9a, 9b, ie by selectively positioning the capper 9a or the capper 9b at the capper position 10, to provide containers with different container closures 3, in particular also adapted to the type of container 2, wherein in the transport path Container 2 between the container outlet of the filling machine 4 (transport star 8) and the container outlet of the filling system 1 (transport star 11) only the currently used capper 9a or 9b is arranged.

Nicht nur die Füllmaschine 4, sondern insbesondere auch die Verschließer 9a und 9b weisen beispielsweise den dem Fachmann bekannten Aufbau beispielsweise einer Verschließmaschine auf, d.h. jeder Verschließer 9a und 9b umfasst u.a. einen um eine vertikale Maschinenachse umlaufend angetriebenen und in der Figur 1 ausschließlich dargestelten Rotor 12, an dessen Umfang in gleichmäßigen Winkelabständen um die vertikale Verschließerachse VA versetzt Verschließpositionen mit Behälteraufnahmen und Verschließwerkzeugen vorgesehen sind. Diese sind an die Art des jeweiligen Behälterverschlusses 3 angepasst, beispielsweise zum Verschließen der Behälter 2 mit Korken, mit Kronkorkenverschlüssen, mit Schraubverschlüssen usw. Die entsprechenden Verschließwerkzeuge sind dem Fachmann ebenfalls bekannt.Not only the filling machine 4, but in particular also the capper 9a and 9b have, for example, the construction known to a person skilled in the art, for example a capping machine, ie each capper 9a and 9b comprises, inter alia, one driven around a vertical machine axis and in the FIG. 1 exclusively illustrated rotor 12, on the circumference of which are provided at uniform angular intervals about the vertical capper axis VA Verschließpositionen with container receptacles and Verschließwerkzeugen. These are adapted to the type of the respective container closure 3, for example for closing the containers 2 with corks, with crown caps, with screw caps etc. The corresponding sealing tools are also known to the person skilled in the art.

Grundsätzlich können die für einen Behälterverschlusswechsel austauschbaren Verschließer 9a und 9b auch so ausgeführt sein, dass sie als Verschließeraggregate jeweils an einem Rotor oder Rotorelement nur die die Verschließwerkzeuge aufweisen, während eine die Behälteraufnahmen an einem Rotor oder Rotorelement aufweisende Grundeinheit für sämtliche Verschließer 9a und 9b gemeinsam fest an der Verschließerposition 10 angeordnet ist, so dass für den Behälterverschlusswechsel nur die als Verschließeraggregate ausgebildeten Verschließer 9a und 9b ausgetauscht und antriebsmäßig mit der Grundeinheit und den übrigen Komponenten der Abfüllanlage verbunden werden.In principle, the cappers 9a and 9b, which are exchangeable for a container cap change, can also be designed so that they only have the closing tools as capper units on a rotor or rotor element, while a basic unit having the container receptacles on a rotor or rotor element is common to all occluders 9a and 9b is fixedly disposed on the capper position 10, so that exchanged for the container cap change only designed as Verschließeraggregate capper 9a and 9b and are drivingly connected to the base unit and the other components of the bottling plant.

Es versteht sich, dass die Füllmaschine 4 bzw. der Rotor 5, die Transportsterne 7, 8 und 11 sowie auch der in der Arbeitsposition, d.h. an der Verschließerposition 10 befindliche Verschließer 9a, 9b und dabei insbesondere auch dessen Rotor 12 durch entsprechende Antriebe synchron und insbesondere auch teilungssynchron angetriebenen werden, sodass eine störungsfreie Weitergabe der Behälter 2 von Behältereinlauf an die Füllpositionen 6, über den Transportstern 8 an den in der Verschließerposition 10 befindlichen Verschließer 9a bzw. 9b und von dem Verschließer an den Behälterauslauf oder den dortigen Transportstern 11 gewährleistet ist.It is understood that the filling machine 4 and the rotor 5, the transport stars 7, 8 and 11 as well as in the working position, ie located on the Verschließerposition 10 capper 9a, 9b, and in particular also its rotor 12 by corresponding drives synchronously and In particular, synonymous pitch synonymous driven, so that a trouble-free transfer of container 2 of container inlet to the filling positions 6, is ensured via the transport star 8 to the present in the capper position 10 closer 9a or 9b and from the capper to the container outlet or the local transport star 11 ,

Die Figur 2 zeigt die Abfüllanlage 1 in den Positionen a - d in unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen beim Wechseln von einer Behälterverschlussart auf eine andere Behälterverschlussart. Der in der Position a dargestellte Betriebszustand entspricht dem Betriebszustand, wie er für die Abfüllanlage 1 in der Figur 1 wiedergegeben ist. Zur Umstellung der Abfüllanlage 1 auf eine andere Behälterverschlussart bzw. zur Umstellung der Anlage 1 auf die Verarbeitung von Behältern 2, die eine andere Behälterverschlussart benötigen, wird der bis dahin verwendete Verschließer 9a von der Verschließerposition 10 abgekoppelt, zunächst zur Seite hin, d.h. vorzugsweise in einer horizontalen oder im Wesentlichen horizontalen Seitwärtsbewegung, in eine neutrale Stellung oder in eine Zwischen- oder Wechselposition bewegt, sodass er ausreichend weit von der Verschließerposition 10 und den Transportsternen 8 und 11 entfernt ist. Hierfür erfolgt bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform eine Bewegung der gesamten, sämtliche Verschließer 9a und 9b aufweisende Verschließeranordnung in die Zwischen- oder Wechselposition (Position b der Figur 2). Anschließend erfolgt in der Zwischen- oder Wechselposition ein Positionswechsel zwischen den Verschließern 9a und 9b, sodass dann der Verschließer 9b diejenige Position einnimmt, die zuvor der Verschließer 9a inne hatte (Position c der Figur 2). Im Anschluss daran wird der Verschließer 9b in die Verschließerposition 10 bewegt und an diese Position bzw. an die Abfüllanlage 1 angekoppelt, und zwar in der Weise, dass ein synchrones und insbesondere auch teilungssynchrones Arbeiten des Verschließers 9b mit den übrigen Komponenten der Abfüllanlage 1 gewährleistet ist und die gefüllten Behälter 2 mit den dem Verschließer 9b zugeordneten Behälterverschlüssen 3 verschlossen werden (Position d der Figur 2). Der Verschließer 9a befindet sich in der der Park- oder Ruheposition, die vor dem Verschließerwechsel von dem Verschließer 9b eingenommen wurde.The FIG. 2 shows the filling plant 1 in the positions a - d in different operating states when changing from a container type of closure to another type of container closure. The operating state shown in the position a corresponds to the operating state, as for the filling plant 1 in the FIG. 1 is reproduced. In order to convert the filling installation 1 to another type of container closure or to convert the installation 1 to the processing of containers 2 requiring a different type of container closure, the occluder 9a previously used is decoupled from the closure position 10, initially to the side, ie preferably into a horizontal or substantially horizontal sideways movement, moved to a neutral position or in an intermediate or change position, so that it is sufficiently far away from the capper position 10 and the transport stars 8 and 11. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, a movement of the entire, all closers 9a and 9b having capper assembly in the intermediate or change position (position b of FIG. 2 ). Subsequently, in the intermediate or change position, a position change takes place between the cappers 9a and 9b, so that the capper 9b then assumes the position which the capper 9a previously held (position c of FIG FIG. 2 ). Following this, the capper 9b is moved into the capper position 10 and coupled to this position or to the bottling plant 1, in such a way that a synchronous and in particular also synchronous working of the capper 9b with the other components of the bottling plant 1 is ensured and the filled containers 2 are closed with the container closures 3 associated with the capper 9b (position d of FIG FIG. 2 ). The obturator 9a is in the park or rest position assumed by the obturator 9b prior to the capper change.

Die Figuren 3 und 4 zeigen nochmals in einer schematischen perspektivischen Darstellung eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllanlage 1, die zur Unterscheidung in den Figuren 3 und 4 mit 1a bezeichnet ist, aber hinsichtlich ihrer grundsätzlichen Ausbildung und Arbeitsweise der vorbeschriebenen Anlage 1 entspricht. Dargestellt ist in den Figuren 3 und 4 auch ein mit dem Rotor 5 nicht umlaufender Teil 4.1 der Füllmaschine 4, an welchem der bei dieser Ausführungsform ringförmig ausgebildete Rotor 5 drehbar gelagert ist.The Figures 3 and 4 show again in a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the filling system 1 according to the invention, which are used to distinguish in the Figures 3 and 4 1a, but in terms of their basic training and operation of the above-described Appendix 1 corresponds. Shown in the Figures 3 and 4 Also, a non-rotating part of the rotor 5 4.1 of the filling machine 4, on which the ring-shaped rotor 5 in this embodiment is rotatably mounted.

Wie die Figuren 3 und 4 weiterhin zeigen, ist bei der Füllmaschine 1a die die beiden Verschließer 9a und 9b aufweisende Verschließeranordnung an einem Ende eines Tragarmes oder Trägers 13 vorgesehen, der an seinem anderen Ende um eine Achse parallel zu den Achsen MA und VA an einem Lager 14 schwenkbar gehalten ist, sodass bei dem Verschließerwechsel die die Verschließer 9a und 9b aufweisende Verschließeranordnung durch Schwenken des Trägers 13 in die Zwischen- oder Wechselposition bewegt werden kann. An dem den Lager 14 entfernt liegenden Ende des Trägers 13 ist mittels eines Lagers 15 ein Träger 16 um eine Achse parallel zu den Achsen MA und VA schwenkbar vorgesehen, sodass bei in der Zwischen- oder Wechselposition befindlicher Verschließeranordnung der Positionswechsel der Verschließer 9a und 9b durch Schwenken des Trägers 16 um das Gelenk 15 möglich ist. Die Verschließer 9a und 9b sind dabei in demselben radialen Abstand von der Achse des Gelenks 15 angeordnet, und zwar bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform diese Achse um 180° gegeneinander versetzt.As the Figures 3 and 4 Furthermore, in the filling machine 1a, the capper assembly comprising the two occluders 9a and 9b is provided at one end of a support arm or carrier 13 pivotally supported at its other end about an axis parallel to the axes MA and VA at a bearing 14, so that in the capper change the capper 9a and 9b having the capper assembly can be moved by pivoting the carrier 13 in the intermediate or change position. At the end of the carrier 13 remote from the bearing 14, a carrier 16 is pivotably provided about an axis parallel to the axes MA and VA by means of a bearing 15, so that when the capper arrangement is in the intermediate or interchangeable position, the position changes of the occluders 9a and 9b Pivoting the carrier 16 to the hinge 15 is possible. The capper 9a and 9b are arranged at the same radial distance from the axis of the joint 15, in the illustrated embodiment, this axis offset by 180 ° from each other.

Die Figur 5 zeigt in einer schematischen perspektivischen Darstellung eine der Abfüllanlage 1 entsprechende Abfüllanlage 1b, bei der die beiden auf dem um das Gelenk 15 schwenkbaren Träger 16 angeordneten Verschließer 9a, 9b auf einem Gleit und Schienensystems 17 bzw. auf einem Schlitten 18 vorgesehen sind, der Teil dieses Systems ist und zum Abkoppeln des in der Verschließerposition befindlichen Verschließers 9a bzw. 9b, d.h. zum Bewegen der Verschließer 9a bzw. 9b in die Zwischen- oder Wechselposition und zum Ankoppeln des ausgetauschten Verschließers 9b bzw. 9a an die Verschließerposition 10 auf einer Führungs- oder Gleitschiene 19 verschiebbar geführt ist.The FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a filling line 1 corresponding filling system 1 b, in which the two arranged on the pivotable about the hinge 15 supports 16 arranged closer 9 a, 9 b on a slide and rail system 17 and on a carriage 18, the part of this System is and for uncoupling the closing position in the positioner 9a and 9b, ie for moving the capper 9a or 9b in the intermediate or change position and for coupling the replaced capper 9b or 9a to the capper position 10 on a guide or Slide rail 19 is slidably guided.

Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass die Verschließstation 9 lediglich zwei Verschließer 9a und 9b zur Verarbeitung von zwei unterschiedlichen Behälterverschlüssen 3 aufweist. Selbstverständlich kann die Verschließstation 9 auch mehr als zwei Verschließer aufweisen.It has been assumed above that the closing station 9 has only two closers 9a and 9b for processing two different container closures 3. Of course, the closing station 9 may also have more than two capper.

Weiterhin wurde vorstehend davon ausgegangen, dass für einen Verschließerwechsel jeweils sämtliche Verschließer 9a und 9b erst in eine neutrale Zwischen- oder Wechselposition bewegt wird, in der dann ein Positionswechsel der Verschließer 9a und 9b durch Schwenken um die vertikale Achse des Gelenks 15 erfolgt. Diese Ausbildung ermöglicht zwar den Wechsel der Verschließer bei geringem Platzbedarf, es sind aber auch Ausführungen möglich, bei denen beim Verschließerwechsel nur der auszutauschende, von der Verschließerposition 10 abgekoppelte Verschließer 9a bzw. 9b in eine Zwischenposition und dann der neu zu verwendete Verschließer in die Verschließerposition 10 bewegt werden. Auch hierbei erfolgt dann bevorzugt eine Bewegung des ausgetauschten Verschließers in diejenige Ruheposition, die zuvor von dem neu in die Verschließerposition 10 bewegten Verschließer eingenommen wurde. Erfindungsgemäß sind zumindest die Füllmaschine 4 und die Verschließer 9a und 9b antriebsmäßig nicht mechanisch gekoppelt, sondern weisen jeweils eigene Antriebe in Form von Servomotoren auf, die elektronische oder elektronisch derart gesteuert sind, dass sich die synchrone, insbesondere auch teilungssynchrone Arbeitsweise der Komponenten der Abfüllanlage 1, 1a und 1b ergibt, beispielsweise durch elektrische oder elektronische Kopplung zwischen dem Antrieb der Füllmaschine 4 und dem Antrieb des in der Verschließerposition 10 befindlichen Verschließers 9a bzw. 9b und/oder durch Steuerung dieser Antriebe durch eine zentrale Anlagensteuerung. Hiermit erfolgt dann auf einfache Art und Weise rein elektronisch die erforderliche Synchronisation des jeweils neu in die Verschließerposition bewegten Verschließers 9a bzw. 9b mit der Gesamtanlage.Furthermore, it was assumed above that for a capper change each capper 9a and 9b only in a neutral Intermediate or change position is moved, in which then a change in position of the capper 9a and 9b by pivoting about the vertical axis of the joint 15 takes place. Although this design allows the change of the capper in a small footprint, but it is also possible embodiments in which the capper change only the exchanged, uncoupled from the capper position 10 capper 9a and 9b in an intermediate position and then the newly used capper in the Verschließerposition 10 are moved. Here, too, a movement of the exchanged capper in the rest position, which was previously occupied by the new in the capper 10 position capper. According to the invention, at least the filling machine 4 and the capper 9a and 9b are not mechanically coupled, but each have their own drives in the form of servomotors, which are electronically or electronically controlled such that the synchronous, in particular also pitch-synchronous operation of the components of the filling system. 1 , 1a and 1b results, for example, by electrical or electronic coupling between the drive of the filling machine 4 and the drive of the closer located in the closure position 10 closer 9a or 9b and / or by controlling these drives by a central system control. This then takes place in a simple manner purely electronically the required synchronization of each newly moved in the capper closure 9a and 9b with the entire system.

In jedem Fall wird bei einem Wechsel von einer Behälterverschlussart auf eine andere Behälterverschlussart der aktuell an der Verschließerposition 10 befindliche Verschließer 9a bzw. 9b von dieser Position und damit aus dem Transportweg der Behälter 2 ausgekoppelt und mit geeigneten Mitteln in die Zwischen- oder Wechselposition und der neu zu verwendende Verschließer 9b bzw. 9a aus der Ruheposition in die Verschließerposition 10 bewegt, sodass dann der ausgetauschte Verschließer die Ruheposition einnehmen kann, in der sich zuvor der neu verwendete Verschließer 9b bzw. 9a befand. Bevorzugt tauschen dabei der auszutauschende Verschließer und der neu zu verwendende Verschließer bereits in der Zwischen- oder Wechselposition ihre Position, wie dies vorstehend beschrieben wurde.In any case, when changing from a Behälterverschlussart to another Behälterverschlussart currently located at the capper position 10 capper 9a and 9b is coupled out of this position and thus from the transport path of the container 2 and by suitable means in the intermediate or change position and the newly used capper 9b or 9a is moved from the rest position into the capper position 10 so that the replaced capper can then assume the rest position in which the newly used capper 9b or 9a was previously located. Preferably, the capper to be exchanged and the new capper to be used are already exchanged the intermediate or change position their position, as described above.

Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend an Ausführungsbeispielen beschrieben. Es versteht sich, dass Änderungen sowie Abwandlungen möglich sind.The invention has been described above by means of exemplary embodiments. It is understood that changes and modifications are possible.

Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass Verschließer lediglich gegen einen solchen Verschließer ausgetauscht werden, der dazu geeignet ist, einen anderen Verschlusstyp zu verarbeiten. Dieses ist jedoch nicht zwingend.It has previously been assumed that cappers are only exchanged for cappers suitable for processing a different cap type. This is not mandatory.

Vielmehr ist es im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung ebenfalls vorgesehen, Verschließer auch gegen solche Verschließer auszutauschen, die ausschließlich oder auch denselben Verschlusstyp verarbeiten können, wie der Verschließer, der auszutauschen ist.Rather, it is also provided in the context of the present invention, to replace capper against such capper, which can handle only or the same closure type, as the capper, which is to be replaced.

Diese im Rahmen der vorliegenden Anwendung vorgeschlagene Vorgehensweise ist insbesondere dann von Vorteil, wenn Verschließer zum Zwecke der Wartung, der vorbeugenden Instandhaltung oder im Falle einer Störung eines Verschließers kurzfristig ausgetauscht werden sollen.This approach proposed in the context of the present application is particularly advantageous when cappers are to be replaced at short notice for the purpose of maintenance, preventive maintenance or in the event of a malfunction of a closer.

Ebenfalls erstreckt sich die vorliegende Erfindung auch auf die Anwendung bei Behälterbehandlungsmaschinen in Linearbauweise. Mehr im Detail ist vorgesehen, dass Verschließer, welche der Transportstrecke einer Behälterbehandlungsmaschine in Linearbauweise angeordnet sind, ebenfalls durch die erfindungsgemäßen Lösungen schnell und einfach gegen andere Verschließer ausgetauscht werden können.Also, the present invention also extends to use in container handling machines in linear design. More in detail it is envisaged that cappers, which are arranged in a linear construction of the transport path of a container treatment machine, can likewise be quickly and easily exchanged for other cappers by the solutions according to the invention.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1a, 1b1, 1a, 1b
Abfüllanlagebottling plant
22
Behältercontainer
33
Behälterverschlusscontainer closure
44
Füllmaschinefilling Machine
4.14.1
feststehender Teil der Füllmaschinefixed part of the filling machine
55
Rotorrotor
66
Füllpositionfilling position
7, 87, 8
Transportsterntransport star
99
Verschließstationclosing station
9a, 9b9a, 9b
Verschließercapper
1010
VerschließerpositionVerschließerposition
1111
Transportsterntransport star
1212
Rotorrotor
1313
Trägercarrier
1414
Lager oder GelenkBearing or joint
1515
Gelenkjoint
1616
Trägercarrier
1717
Gleit- und SchienensystemSliding and rail system
1818
Schlittencarriage
1919
Gleitschieneslide
AA
Drehrichtung des Rotors 5Direction of rotation of the rotor 5
MAMA
Maschinenachse der Füllmaschine 4Machine axis of the filling machine 4
VAVA
VerschließerachseVerschließerachse

Claims (17)

  1. Method for operating a closing station (9), which is arranged in a filling plant (1, 1a, 1b) for filling containers (2) with a filling product in a container transport direction on the container transport path successively to a filling machine (4), and which comprises a closing element (9a, 9b) arranged at a closing element position (10) for closing the containers (2), wherein
    a switching of the closing station (9) from one closing element (9a, 9b) onto another closing element (9a, 9b) by a closing element change takes place in that at least one closing element (9a, 9b) is moved away or decoupled from the closing element position (10) and at least one closing element (9a, 9b) is moved out of a position of rest into the closing element position (10), and from there is coupled into the container transport path,
    characterised in that the closing elements (9a, 9b) comprise a common or individually separate drive, formed from a servomotor, which is synchronised electrically or electronically with a drive of the filling machine (4), formed from a servomotor.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that, at a switching of the closing station (9) from one closing element (9a, 9b) to another closing element (9a, 9b), there simultaneously takes place a change in the types of container closure which can be processed by the closing elements (9a, 9b).
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, at the change of closing elements, at least the closing element (9, 9b) of the one type is first moved into an intermediate position or change position, and preferably then into that position of rest from which the closing element (9b, 9a) of the other type is moved out.
  4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the use of at least two closing elements (9a, 9b) for the processing of at least two different closure types.
  5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coupling and decoupling of the respective closing element (9a, 9b) from the closing element position (10) or to the closing element position (10) and/or the transfer into the intermediate position or change position takes place by lateral movement.
  6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closing elements (9a, 9b) form a closing element unit, which, at a closing element change, is moved as a single entity into the intermediate or change position, and that in this position a position change takes place at least between the closing element (9a, 9b) of the one type and the closing element (9b, 9a) of the other type in such a way that the closing element (9a, 9b) of the one type, after the position change, adopts the position of the closing element (9b, 9a) of the other type, and vice-versa.
  7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the position change of the closing elements (9a, 9b), in the intermediate position or change position, takes place by pivoting, preferably by pivoting about a vertical axis.
  8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the use of closing elements (9a, 9b) which are configured in such a way that in each case they comprise, at a circulating transport element, such as a rotor (12), at least container carriers and also closing tools, or by the use of closing elements (9a, 9b), which comprise as closing devices in each case, on the circulating transport element, only the closing tools, while a basic unit for a plurality or for all the closing elements (9a, 9b), comprising the container receivers on a further transport element, such as a further rotor or rotor element, is arranged secured to the closing element position (10), such that, for the container closure change, only the closing elements (9a, 9b) formed as closing element aggregates are exchanged and are connected in drive fashion to the basic unit and/or the other components of the filling plant (1, 1a, 1b).
  9. Closing station, which is arranged in a filling plant (1, 1a, 1b) for filling containers (2) with a filling product in a container transport direction successively to a filling machine (4) on the container transport path, for closing the containers (2) with container closures (3), with a closing element (9a, 9b) arranged at a closing element position (10), wherein a switching of the closing station (9) from one closing element (9a, 9b) onto another closing element (9a, 9b) by a closing element change is made possible in that the closing elements (9a, 9b) can be moved alternately out of a position of rest into the closing element position (10), and at that point can be coupled into the container transport, characterised in that the closing elements (9a, 9b) comprise a common or individually separate drive, formed from a servomotor, which is synchronised electrically or electronically with a drive of the filling machine (4), formed from a servomotor.
  10. Closing station according to claim 9, characterised in that, at a switching of the closing station (9) from one closing element (9a, 9b) to another closing element (9a, 9b), there simultaneously takes place a change in the types of container closure which can be processed by the closing elements (9a, 9b).
  11. Closing station according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that, at the change of closing elements, at least the closing element (9, 9b) of the one type is first moved into an intermediate position or change position, and preferably then into that position of rest from which the closing element (9b, 9a) of the other type is moved out.
  12. Closing station according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, characterised by at least two closing elements (9a, 9b) for the processing of at least two different types of closure.
  13. Closing station according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the coupling and decoupling of the respective closing element (9a, 9b) from the closing element position (10) or to the closing element position (10) and/or the transfer into the intermediate position or change position takes place by lateral movement.
  14. Closing station according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 13, characterised in that the closing elements (9, 9a) form a closing element unit, which, at a closing element change, can be moved as a single entity into the intermediate or change position, in which position a position change takes place at least between the closing element (9a, 9b) of the one type and the closing element (9b, 9a) of the other type is possible in such a way that the closing element (9a, 9b) of the one type, after the position change, adopts the position of the closing element (9b, 9a) of the other type, and vice-versa.
  15. Closing station according to claim 14, characterised in that for the position change in the intermediate position or change position, the closing element can be pivoted, preferably pivoted about a vertical axis.
  16. Closing station according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 15, characterised in that, for a container closure change, exchangeable closing elements (9a, 9b) are configured in such a way that in each case they comprise, at a circulating transport element, such as a rotor (12), at least container carriers and closing tools, or that the closing elements (9a, 9b) which can be exchanged for the purpose of a container closure change are configured in such a way that, as closing element aggregates, in each case they comprise at the circulating transport element only the closing tools, while a basic unit for a plurality or for all the closing elements (9a, 9b), comprising the container receivers on a further transport element, such as a further rotor or rotor element, is arranged secured to the closing element position (10), such that, for the container closure change, only the closing elements (9a, 9b) formed as closing element aggregates are exchanged and are connected in drive fashion to the basic unit and/or the other components of the filling plant (1, 1a, 1b).
  17. Filling plant (1, 1a, 1b) with a filling machine (4) for filling containers (2) with a filling product and with a closing station (9), which in a container transport direction is arranged successively to the filling machine (4), and for closing the containers (2) comprises on the container transport path a closing element (9a, 9b), arranged at a closing position (10), characterised in that the closing station (9) is configured in accordance with one of the preceding claims 9 to 16.
EP15718203.1A 2014-05-05 2015-04-21 Method for operating a closing station and closing station Active EP3140240B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI201530209T SI3140240T1 (en) 2014-05-05 2015-04-21 Method for operating a closing station and closing station

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102014106205.1A DE102014106205A1 (en) 2014-05-05 2014-05-05 Method for operating a capping station, capping station and filling plant with such a capping station
PCT/EP2015/058547 WO2015169580A1 (en) 2014-05-05 2015-04-21 Method for operating a closing station and closing station

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3140240A1 EP3140240A1 (en) 2017-03-15
EP3140240B1 true EP3140240B1 (en) 2018-03-14

Family

ID=52998138

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EP15718203.1A Active EP3140240B1 (en) 2014-05-05 2015-04-21 Method for operating a closing station and closing station

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US10562747B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3140240B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102014106205A1 (en)
SI (1) SI3140240T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2015169580A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014106205A1 (en) * 2014-05-05 2015-11-05 Khs Gmbh Method for operating a capping station, capping station and filling plant with such a capping station
CN111573604B (en) * 2019-09-05 2024-04-16 深圳艾欣达伟医药科技有限公司 System and method for preparing, filling, plugging and capping AST-3424 injection
DE102022114144A1 (en) 2022-06-03 2023-12-14 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Modular container treatment system

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2359932A (en) * 1940-07-30 1944-10-10 Pneumatic Scale Corp Closure applying machine
US3660963A (en) * 1970-05-28 1972-05-09 Crown Cork & Seal Co Container closing apparatus and method
US3760561A (en) * 1971-03-01 1973-09-25 Aluminum Co Of America Capping machine and method
DE2626459C3 (en) * 1976-06-12 1982-12-23 Kronseder, Hermann, 8404 Wörth Closing device for bottles
DE4208441A1 (en) * 1992-03-17 1993-09-23 Kronseder Maschf Krones METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLOSING BOTTLES
JP3687857B2 (en) * 1992-05-29 2005-08-24 澁谷工業株式会社 Work head changer for rotary container processing equipment
ITBO20040325A1 (en) * 2004-05-20 2004-08-20 Tognazzi Srl DEVICE FOR SCREWING PLUGS ON CORRESPONDING ITEMS
DE102006062510A1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-07-03 Krones Ag Machine for labeling containers
DE102008062580B4 (en) * 2008-12-16 2023-02-02 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Article outfitting machine and method of controlling the machine
CN102574670B (en) * 2009-06-26 2014-06-25 西得乐独资股份公司 Liquid bottling method on machine, machine bottling liquid and obtained bottle
DE102012000881A1 (en) * 2011-12-14 2013-06-20 Khs Gmbh Treatment machine e.g. rotary type closing machine for container such as bottle, has head plate at upper end of central column, which is arranged to receive interacting elements with rotor, and transfer elements are held at head plate
DE102014106205A1 (en) * 2014-05-05 2015-11-05 Khs Gmbh Method for operating a capping station, capping station and filling plant with such a capping station
DE102017105509A1 (en) * 2017-03-15 2018-09-20 Khs Gmbh sealing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10562747B2 (en) 2020-02-18
US20170057799A1 (en) 2017-03-02
DE102014106205A1 (en) 2015-11-05
EP3140240A1 (en) 2017-03-15
WO2015169580A1 (en) 2015-11-12
SI3140240T1 (en) 2018-05-31

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