ES339613A1 - Cap crimping apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A crimping head for applying a closure cap 24 loosely seated on a bottle has crimping elements 29 connected to an axially movable plunger 6 and forming a complete annulus in a contracted position when cammed inwards by a segmented ring 34, and a vertically movable ring member 55 that presses down a portion 59 of the cap providing a pull tab. The elements 29 are pivoted on a collar 18 secured to the plunger 6, a cap engaging member 20 being slidable in the plunger against a spring 23. The plunger 6 is slidable against a spring 14 within a shaft 1 to the lower end of which is secured cam ring 34 which is expandable outwards against the pressure of a spring collar 43 in the event that a misaligned bottle puts undue pressure on the elements 29. A retainer plate 47 is floatingly mounted by screws 49 on the cam ring 34, the cam segments being permitted to shift radially relative to the plate. The member 55 rests in slots 57 in the plate 47, Fig. 4 (not shown), so that it has limited horizontal play and may also rise relative to the plate. In operation, as the head descends, the member 20 contacts the cap 24 and retracts until the cap 24 engages a recess 17 in the plunger 6. During descent of the plunger, the member 55 also descends, correcting bottle misalignment and subsequently wiping down the tear tab 59. The shaft 1 and ring 34 then move relative to the plunger 6 so that the cam surface 38 of the ring engages the elements 29 to cause them to press the cap flange beneath the bottle lip.