CONTAINER CLOSING OR CAPPING DEVICE FOR CLOSING CONTAINERS, SUCH AS BEVERAGE BOTTLES OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS

Abstract

A container closing or capping device for closing containers, such as beverage bottles or similar containers, includes at least one collecting device.

Claims

1. A rotary container closing device configured to close containers comprising beverage bottles or similar containers filled with a liquid beverage or liquid filling material, said container closing device comprising: a rotor having a vertical axis of rotation; closing elements being disposed at closing positions about the circumference of said rotor; said closing elements being configured to apply closures to filled containers supported at said closing positions; said rotor being configured and disposed to be rotated about the vertical axis of rotation to move said closing elements and filled containers; each of said closing elements comprising at least one roller; a cam guide arrangement being configured and disposed to engage with and guide said at least one roller to guide said closing elements in a vertical movement to control the vertical position of said closing elements upon rotation of said rotor; at least one collecting device being disposed at at least one of said closing elements; said at least one collecting device comprising at least one securing section configured to essentially conform to or essentially match at least a portion of a curved outer surface of a corresponding closing element to permit installation of said at least one collecting device at a corresponding closing position; and said at least one collecting device comprising a shell-like shape or basin-like shape and being disposed below said at least one roller to permit said at least one collecting device to catch and hold cam lubricant displaced out from between said cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller and into said at least one collecting device upon rotation of said rotor.

2. The rotary container closing device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one collecting device comprises: a bottom surface; side surfaces disposed to extend from outer edges of said bottom surface and transverse to said bottom surface; and said bottom surface and said side surfaces together form said shell-like shape or basin-like shape configured to catch and hold cam lubricant.

3. The rotary container closing device according to claim 2, wherein: said at least one securing section is configured to secure said at least one collecting device to a corresponding closing element; said at least one securing section comprises an opening in said bottom surface of said at least one collecting device; and said opening is configured to essentially match an outer circumference of a portion of its corresponding closing element.

4. The rotary container closing device according to claim 3, wherein: said opening is circular and completely surrounds said portion of its corresponding closing element; and said opening is configured and disposed to contact said portion of its corresponding closing element such that said at least one collecting device is held in a fixed position at its corresponding closing element by at least one of a form fit and a friction fit.

5. The rotary container closing device according to claim 3, wherein one of (A) and (B): (A) said at least one collecting device comprises a sealing element disposed on and to cover at least a portion of a circumferential edge of said opening; and (B) at least a portion of a circumferential edge of said opening comprises a sealing material.

6. The rotary container closing device according to claim 3, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least two of said collecting devices are disposed at one corresponding closing element, which said collecting devices are disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another along a vertical axis of the one corresponding closing element.

7. The rotary container closing device according to claim 3, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least one of said plurality of collecting devices is disposed at each of said closing elements at each of said closing positions.

8. The rotary container closing device according to claim 7, wherein: said bottom surface and said side surfaces are formed as an integral, one-piece structure comprising at least one of: a plastic, a polyamide, a metallic material, and a special steel; each of said plurality of collecting devices is essentially identical to one another; and said closing device is configured to apply crown corks or crown caps.

9. The rotary container closing device according to claim 2, wherein: said at least one securing section comprises a first securing section and a second securing section; and said at least one collecting device is disposed between two adjacent closing elements, such that said first securing section is disposed immediately adjacent one of said two adjacent closing elements and said second securing section is disposed immediately adjacent the other of said two adjacent closing elements.

10. The rotary container closing device according to claim 9, wherein: each of said first and second securing sections is formed by a portion of opposite side surfaces of said at least one collecting device; and each of said first and second securing sections is configured to essentially match a portion of an outer circumference of a portion of a corresponding closing element.

11. The rotary container closing device according to claim 10, wherein each of said collecting devices comprises a gripping element disposed on a side surface to permit manual insertion and removal of said collecting devices into and out of an installed position between adjacent closing elements.

12. The rotary container closing device according to claim 11, wherein: each of said first and second securing sections is curved to match a circular section of its corresponding closing element; and each of said first and second securing sections is disposed to contact said portion of its corresponding closing element such that said at least one collecting device is held in a fixed position between said two adjacent closing elements by a form fit and/or a friction fit.

13. The rotary container closing device according to claim 12, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least one of said collecting devices is disposed between each pair of adjacent closing elements.

14. The rotary container closing device according to claim 9, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least two of said collecting devices are disposed between one pair of adjacent closing elements, which said collecting devices are disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another along a vertical axis of each of the adjacent closing elements.

15. The rotary container closing device according to claim 9, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least one of said collecting devices is disposed between each pair of adjacent closing elements.

16. The rotary container closing device according to claim 15, wherein: said bottom surface and said side surfaces are formed as an integral, one-piece structure comprising at least one of: a plastic, a polyamide, a metallic material, and a special steel; each of said plurality of collecting devices is essentially identical to one another; and said closing device is configured to apply crown corks or crown caps.

17. The rotary container closing device according to claim 2, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least two of said collecting devices are disposed at one corresponding closing position, which said collecting devices are disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction.

18. A rotary container closing device closing element configured to close containers in a rotary container closing device having a rotor configured to support and move closing elements, said closing element comprising: a closing portion being configured to apply closures to filled containers supported at a closing position of a rotary container closing device; at least one roller being configured to engage with and be guided in a vertical movement by a cam guide arrangement of a rotary container closing device upon movement of a rotor; at least one collecting device being detachably connected to said closing portion; said at least one collecting device comprising at least one securing section configured to essentially conform to or essentially match at least a portion of a curved outer surface of a corresponding closing element to permit installation of said at least one collecting device at a corresponding closing position; and said at least one collecting device comprising a shell-like shape or basin-like shape and being disposed below said at least one roller to permit said at least one collecting device to catch and hold cam lubricant displaced out from between a cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller and into said at least one collecting device upon rotation of a rotor.

19. The rotary container closing device closing element according to claim 18, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises: a bottom surface; side surfaces disposed to extend from outer edges of said bottom surface and transverse to said bottom surface; and said bottom surface and said side surfaces together form said shell-like shape or basin-like shape configured to catch and hold cam lubricant; said at least one securing section is configured to secure said at least one collecting device to a corresponding closing portion; said at least one securing section comprises an opening in said bottom surface of said at least one collecting device; and said opening is configured to essentially match an outer circumference of a portion of its corresponding closing portion.

20. The rotary container closing device closing element according to claim 18, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises: a bottom surface; side surfaces disposed to extend from outer edges of said bottom surface and transverse to said bottom surface; and said bottom surface and said side surfaces together form said shell-like shape or basin-like shape configured to catch and hold cam lubricant; said at least one securing section comprises a first securing section and a second securing section; and said at least one collecting device is configured to be disposed between two adjacent closing portions, such that said first securing section and said second securing section are in contact with different closing portions.

21. The rotary container closing device according to claim 18, wherein said at least one collecting device comprises at least two collecting devices disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another on said closing portion.

22. A method of operating a rotary container closing device to close containers comprising beverage bottles or similar containers filled with a liquid beverage or liquid filling material, said container closing device comprising a rotor and closing elements being disposed at closing positions about the circumference of said rotor, said method comprising the steps of: rotating said rotor about a vertical axis of rotation to move said closing elements and filled containers; moving at least one roller of each of said closing elements and engaging said at least one roller with a cam arrangement; guiding said at least one roller with said cam arrangement and thereby moving said closing elements in a vertical movement; applying, with said closing elements, closures to filled containers supported at said closing positions; upon engagement of said cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller, displacing cam lubricant out from between said cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller; and catching and holding displaced cam lubricant in at least one collecting device disposed below said at least one roller and comprising a shell-like shape or basin-like shape and comprising at least one securing section configured to essentially conform to or essentially match at least a portion of a curved outer surface of a corresponding closing element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of a container handling or beverage bottling machine in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side and/or cross-sectional view of at least one possible exemplary embodiment of a closing device;

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a collecting device disposed on a portion of a closing element in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view from above of a plurality of collecting devices, which are the same or similar to the collecting device shown in FIG. 2, disposed about a central machine axis, in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a collecting device in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view from above of a plurality of collecting devices, which are the same as or similar to the collecting device shown in FIG. 4, disposed about a central machine axis, in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram representative of a portion of a cam roller arrangement in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment; and

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a closing device with more than one collecting device in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Identical reference numbers are used in the figures for elements of the invention which are the same or have the same effect. Further, for the sake of easier overview, only reference numbers are shown in the individual figures which are required for the description of the respective figure. At least one possible exemplary embodiment is also represented in the figures only as a schematic view to explain the working method. The representations in the figures serve only to explain the basic principle of at least one possible exemplary embodiment. For reasons of easier overview, the representation of some of the constituent parts of the device have been omitted.

[0048] FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of a container handling or beverage bottling machine 100 for handling containers 102, such as bottles, cans, kegs, or similar containers, in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment. The container handling machine 100 comprises a rotor or carousel 101 designed to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. A plurality of container handling arrangements 103 are disposed about the periphery of the rotor 101. The container handling arrangements 103 can be designed to perform different functions depending on the container handling machine 100, such as container filling, closing, labeling, and other such container handling functions. A first rotary container transport device 104, such as a star wheel or similar device, moves containers 102 into the container handling arrangements 103. A second rotary container output device 105, such as a star wheel or similar device, moves containers 102 out of the container handling arrangements 103. A control arrangement 106, such as a computer control arrangement, is operatively connected to the container handling machine 100 to control and/or monitor the operation of the container handling machine 100 and the components thereof.

[0049] The closing device represented by 1 in FIG. 1 is a rotary-type closing machine for closing the containers 20, such as bottles or the like, with a crown cork, which closing machine 1 is therefore also designated as a crown-cork fitter.

[0050] Represented in FIG. 1, only by way of example, is at least one possible exemplary embodiment of a closing machine 1, wherein, for reasons of easier overview, only some of the components of the whole closing machine 1 are explicitly explained, namely components which are relevant for the description of the embodiment shown, and for this purpose are provided with reference numbers in FIG. 1. For reasons of easier overview, no more detailed explanations are provided here with regard to other components and elements of the closing machine 1 which are not of particular significance in connection with embodiment shown.

[0051] Usually, with such a closing machine 1, a filling machine, not represented in greater detail in the figures, is arranged in spatial proximity upstream in a transport direction, for the filling of the containers 20 with a liquid filling product. The containers 20 filled by the filling machine are conveyed by transport devices, such as conveyor belts, to the closing machine 1, and there, on the inlet side, are transferred from a transfer element, likewise not represented in any greater detail, such as an inlet star, to the actual closing machine 1. After running through the closing machine 1, i.e., after the closing of the individual containers 20 with a crown cork, the containers 20 closed in this way are taken over on the outlet side of the closing machine 1 by a further transfer element, such as an outlet star, provided following the closing machine 1 in the transport direction, and are transported away in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. For reasons of easier overview, the delivery and provision of the individual closures, such as crown corks or caps, to the closing machine 1 is not represented in FIG. 1, since this can likewise be carried out using delivery mechanisms suitable for such closing machines commonly used in the beverage bottling or container filling industry.

[0052] The closing device 1 comprises a fixed-position central column, extending along a vertical middle axis MA, provided on which is at least one rotor 2, driven by a motor such as to circulate, and which, driven by the motor, rotates circulating in a direction of rotation indicated by a rounded arrow. Arranged at the circumference of the rotor 2 are a plurality of container closing positions BP, BP′, of which, for reasons of easier overview, only two are represented in

[0053] FIG. 1.

[0054] Each container closing position BP, BP′ comprises in each case at least one closing element 3, which extends, according to its length, along the closing element axis VA, in each case oriented vertically. When the rotor 2 circulates, the closing elements 3 can be lifted in an axial lifting movement between a raised and a lowered position, namely up and down in the vertical direction. The closing element 3 of the container closing position BP represented in FIG. 1 assumes the raised position, and that of the container closing position BP′ represented in FIG. 1 is in the lowered position. The axial lifting movement is also understood to be an adjusting lifting movement, and forms a height control mechanism for the closing elements 3, that is, the vertical position or height to which the closing elements 3 can move up or down.

[0055] For this height control, a lifting cam 4 is provided, by which the closing elements 3 are forcibly guided to circulate about the middle axis MA. For this purpose, the closing elements are provided on the upper side or upper end with a roller 5, which runs guided on a guide surface 4a of the lifting cam 4. The roller 5 therefore, by way of its running surface 5a, interacts with the guide surface 4a of the lifting cam 4, which in the meaning of the present application can be understood as the running of the roller 5 along on the guide surface 4a of the lifting cam 4, but also as the rolling of the roller 5 along the guide surface 4a of the lifting cam 4.

[0056] Since what is referred to as dry-running, that is, running without lubricant, of the rollers 5 on the lifting cam 4 cannot be achieved, or at least not practically performed, at the present time, lubrication is provided in order to make the running of the roller 5 easier, such as by the application of lubricant, such as lubricating grease, in the region of the lifting cam 4 and the roller 5. In the present case, the terms roller lubrication or lubricant application can be used synonymously with the term lubrication. The axial lifting movement of the closing elements 3 along the closing element axis VA for their height adjustment takes place during the circulation of the closing elements 3 about the middle axis MA due to the forcible guiding of the roller 5 in the lifting cam 4, and in the present case is therefore designated as a lifting cam-controlled height adjustment or as a lifting cam height control.

[0057] The lifting cam 4 of the exemplary closing device 1 exhibits an essentially L-shaped cross-section with a horizontal and a vertical limb, wherein the horizontally-oriented limb forms or provides the guide surface 4a. Over the circumference of the lifting cam 4, the vertical extension varies, in particular a length of the vertical limb, which in the container closing position BP represented exhibits the shortest length, and in the container closing position BP′ exhibits the greatest length. An outer circumference 4.1 of the lifting cam 4 is defined by the approximately vertically-oriented face surface of the horizontally oriented limb, which also forms the outer circumferential surface, in this example lying on the outside, and therefore determines the outer diameter of the lifting cam 4.

[0058] In the example represented in FIG. 1, next to the roller 5 at the closing element 3, a further roller 5′ is provided, which lies opposite the roller 5 in relation to the guide surface 4a of the lifting cam 4, and engages on the under side 4b with the horizontal limb of the lifting cam 4 with its roller surface 5b, as shown in greater detail in a schematic diagram in FIG. 6.

[0059] In order to avoid the lubricant used for lubrication falling out of the region of the lifting cam 4, and therefore passing into the hygiene area of the closing device 1, namely into the area of the containers 20 being guided past underneath the closing elements 3, in particular the area of the container mouth of these containers 20, with the present closing device 1 a shell-shaped collecting device 6 is provided at least at one of the closing elements 3 of the container closing positions BP, BP′. It should be noted that while FIG. 1 shows collecting device 6 installed in the closing machine 1, collecting device 6′ can alternatively be installed in such a closing machine 1, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0060] In greater detail, provision is made in this situation that the shell-shaped collecting device 6, provided at least at one of the plurality of closing elements 3, is configured such as to catch a lubricating agent used on the lifting cam 4 for the rolling running of the rollers 5, 5′, in that the at least one collecting device 6, with at least one securing section 7, is provided or arranged, at least partially circumferentially at an outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3, as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′.

[0061] In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3 is understood to be the outer circumferential surface, i.e., the outer casing surface of the closing element 3, such that the outer circumference 3.1 therefore forms the outer diameter of the closing element 3, or corresponds to the outer diameter.

[0062] The shell-shaped collecting device 6 exhibits in this situation an essentially flat or planar base surface 8, as well as side surfaces 9, surrounding the base surface 8 on the edge sides, such that, inside the base surface 8, a shell-shaped catchment space 10 or basin or trough or container for the lubricant is formed which is delimited on the sides by the side surfaces 9.

[0063] In this situation, the plurality of side surfaces 9 form wall surfaces, which with their free edge sections, i.e., those not in connection with the base surface 8, point essentially in the direction of the rollers 5, 5′.

[0064] In this situation, likewise, the base surface 8 can span a plane E, which is oriented perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the respective closing element axis VA of the corresponding closing element 3. In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the side surfaces 9 enclose with the plane E, running in the base surface 8, an obtuse angle of less than 120 degrees, or possibly an angle of between 90 degrees and 95 degrees. In this situation, the base surface 8, as viewed from above, is essentially configured as trapezoidal in shape or having a tapered or pie piece or wedge design in which the outer portion is larger than the inner portion.

[0065] In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the base surface 8 of the collecting device 6 is produced as one unit with the associated side surfaces 9, such as in one piece or in a unitary or integral manner, and is made of a plastic, such as a polyamide, or a metallic material, such as a special steel. Accordingly, simple and hygienic cleaning of the falling lubricant from the respective collecting device 6 is possible.

[0066] Further, the at least one collecting device 6 is provided or arranged or disposed with at least one securing section 7, at least partially circumferentially, and at least at one outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3, as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′. In the embodiment variant from FIG. 2, the securing section 7 is configured as a passage opening through the base surface 8, matched in its full circumference to the outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3. The securing section 7 is in this situation configured as a circular passage opening matched to the outer circumference 3.1, which surrounds the outer circumference 3.1 in its full circumference in contact fit, such as in a non-positive or positive fit, in such a way that the collecting device 8 is held in a fixed position, i.e., is spatially secured, at the closing element 3. The collecting device 6 is therefore configured so as to be exchangeable at the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3, and, during a dismantling of the closing element 3 for cleaning or emptying purposes, can be easily drawn upwards or downwards axially to the closing element axis VA. This also makes it possible, during maintenance work, to carry out subsequent equipping work or retrofitting on closing devices 1 which are already installed and in place.

[0067] In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, provision can also be made in this situation for the securing section 7 to comprise at its circular free edge section, facing towards the closing element axis VA, at least over part of its circumference, a sealing element, for example in the form of a circumferential sealing lip, or, as an alternative, made of a sealing material, for example of an elastically deformable plastic.

[0068] In accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment, however, provision is made for the securing section 7 to comprise at its circular free edge section, facing towards the closing element axis VA, over the full circumference, a sealing element, for example in the form of a circumferential sealing lip, or, as an alternative, is made of a sealing material, such as an elastically deformable plastic. It is therefore ensured that no lubricant, or at least a minimal amount of lubricant, can pass over the securing section 7 in the direction of the hygiene area or the mouth area, i.e., run downwards at the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3.

[0069] In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, provision can further be made in this situation for a plurality of closing elements 3, or possibly all the closing elements 3, to comprise in each case at least one collecting device 6, wherein the closing elements 3 equipped with the collecting devices 6 are assigned to respective container closing positions BP, BP′, which are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the rotor 2.

[0070] In this situation, provision can also be made for the at least one closing element 3 to comprise several, possibly two, collecting devices 6, offset along the closing element axis VA and arranged at a distance interval from one another. In other words, according to this embodiment variant, an upper collecting device 6 is therefore provided, as well as a collecting device on the closing device 3 further down in relation to the closing element axis VA. FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a closing device 3 with more than one collecting device 6 in accordance with at least one possible exemplary embodiment.

[0071] In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the plurality of collecting devices 6 are in each case configured as identical to one another. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the plurality of identically designed collecting devices 6 can be provided in an essentially circular ring form around the central middle axis MA, as well as being in contact connection among one another located on the respective closing element 3. In this connection, the collecting devices 6 can be provided essentially in a common plane or such that the planes E are coplanar.

[0072] In this situation, FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further embodiment variant of the collecting device 6′, which are provided or arranged or disposed with at least one securing section 7′, at least partially circumferentially at an outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3 as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′. In greater detail, the embodiment variant from FIGS. 4 and 5 comprise in this situation two securing sections 7′, which in each case are provided or arranged partially circumferentially at the respective outer circumference 3.1, between two adjacent closing elements 3, as well as beneath the rollers 5, 5′.

[0073] In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the securing sections 7′ are formed on two opposing side surfaces 9 of the collecting device 6′. In greater detail, in this situation the securing sections 7′, configured as side surfaces 9, are matched in at least one part section to the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3.

[0074] In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, the opposing securing sections 7′, provided as side surfaces 9, form for this purpose, at least in sections, in each case a partially circular securing section 7′, by which the collecting device 6′ is held in a fixed position between the respective outer circumferences 3.1 of two adjacent closing elements 3, in each case partially circumferentially as well as in contact fit, such as in non-positive and/or positive fit, i.e., spatially secured between the adjacent closing elements 3. In other words, the collecting devices 6′ are wedged in between two adjacent closing elements 3, wherein the shape of the securing sections 7′ follows the or matches the shape of the closing elements 3 to create a frictional engagement and/or a form fit engagement to keep the collecting devices 6′ in the position where they are installed.

[0075] Accordingly, the collecting device 6′ is configured as being exchangeable at the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3, and, during a disassembly of the closing element 3 for cleaning or emptying purposes, can be easily pushed between the respective outer circumferences 3.1 of two adjacent closing elements 3 and also drawn out again. This also makes possible the simple subsequent equipping or retrofitting of closing devices 1 which are already installed and in place, during maintenance work.

[0076] For this purpose, the collecting device 6′ can comprise, at the side surface 9 facing away from the machine axis MA, a gripping element 11, for example in the form of a retaining tab.

[0077] In at least one possible exemplary embodiment, provision can be further made in this situation that in each case at least one collecting device 6′ is provided between several adjacent closing elements 3, or possibly between all the adjacent closing elements 3, wherein the closing elements 3 equipped with the collecting devices 6′ are assigned to respective container closing positions BP. BP′, which are arranged uniformly distributed over the circumference of the rotor 2.

[0078] The foregoing example relates to a closing device 1 configured as a crown-cork fitter. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are suitable for use in or with a closing device 1 for closing containers 20 with essentially any type of container closure, such as screw closures, screw caps, and plastic screw tops. With such mechanical plastic screw tops, the lubricating situation of the running surfaces 5a of the rollers 5, 5′ of a closing element 3 on the lifting cam 4 is similar to that of the crown-cork fitter, except that, with plastic screw tops of the type referred to, there is definitely less loading or physical stresses on the rollers than with the crown-cork fitter. The collecting device 6 described heretofore can therefore likewise be used with a plastic screw top.

[0079] In operation of the closing machine 1, by using the collecting device 6 described, lubricant which drips downwards or runs down along the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3, such as grease, is caught to the greatest possible extent, or at least to a desired or predetermined or optimal level, as a result of which the grease is prevented from falling into the hygiene area of the container mouths of the containers 20 running past under the respective closing element 3. Accessibility for possible routine manual cleaning action above the carrying plate of the closing elements 3, namely in the influence region of the grease lubrication for the rollers 5, remains retained.

[0080] The invention has been described heretofore on the basis of at least one possible exemplary embodiment. It is understood that numerous modifications and derivations are possible without thereby departing from the inventive thinking underlying the invention.

[0081] The present invention is accordingly provided to catch lubricant, used on the lifting cam 4 for improving the rolling run of a roller 5, 5′, before it can penetrate into the hygiene area of the device, or even to the container mouth of the container. This is presented in detail in the description.

[0082] Provision is likewise made according to the invention, however, for the shell-shaped collecting device also to be provided so as to catch other lubricants which are encountered in the closing device and may drip. By way of example, also for catching lubricants which are used for the lubrication of pressure springs of the actual closing mechanism.

[0083] The following is at least a partial list of components shown in the figures and their related reference numerals: closing device 1; rotor 2; closing element 3; outer circumference 3.1; lifting cam 4; guide surface of the lifting cam 4a; outer circumference of the lifting cam 4.1; roller 5, 5′; running surface of the roller 5a; collecting device 6, 6′; securing section 7, 7′; base surface 8; side wall 9; catchment space 10; gripping element 11; container 20; container closing positions BP, BP′; middle axis MA; closing element axis VA; and plane E.

[0084] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a rotary-type closing device 1 for the closing of containers 20, comprising a plurality of container closing positions BP, BP′ arranged at the circumference of a rotor 2 which is driven by a motor such as to rotate about a vertical middle axis MA of the closing device 1, with in each case at least one closing element 3, wherein, for the controlling of the height, the closing elements 3 are force-guided by means of a lifting cam 4 so as to rotate about the middle axis MA, wherein, at least at one of the plurality of closing elements 3, at least one shell-shaped collecting device 6, 6′ is provided, which is configured so as to catch lubricant used on the lifting cam 4 for the rolling running of a roller 5, 5′, in that the at least one collecting device 6, 6′ is provided with at least one securing section 7, 7′ at least partially circumferentially at least at one outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3, as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′.

[0085] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the at least one shell-shaped collecting device 6, 6′ comprises a base surface 8 as well as side surfaces 9 surrounding the base surface 8 on the edge sides, such that inside the base surface 8 a shell-shaped catchment space 10 for the lubricant is formed, which is delimited on the sides by the side surfaces 9.

[0086] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the base surface 8 is configured with the associated side surfaces 9 as being one unit, in particular as being of one piece, and is made of a plastic, in particular polyamide, or a metallic material, in particular special steel.

[0087] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein a plurality of closing elements 3, preferably all the closing elements 3, are equipped with at least one collecting device 6, 6′, wherein the closing elements 3 equipped with the collecting devices 6, 6′ are assigned to respective container closing positions BP, BP′, which are uniformly distributed over the circumference of the rotor 2.

[0088] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein at least one closing element 3 comprises several collecting devices 6, 6′ provided offset along the closing element axis VA and arranged at a distance interval from one another.

[0089] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the plurality of collecting devices 6, 6′ are in each case configured as identical to one another.

[0090] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the at least one collecting device 6 comprises a securing section 7, which is configured as a passage opening in the base surface 8 in full circumference matching the outer circumference 3.1 of the associated closing element 3.

[0091] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the securing section 7 is configured as a circular passage opening in full circumference matching the outer circumference 3.1, which surrounds the outer circumference 3.1 in contact fit, in particular in non-positive and/or positive fit, in such a way that the collecting device 6 is held in a fixed position at the closing element 3.

[0092] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the securing section 7 comprises at its circular free edge section, facing towards the associated closing element axis VA, at least partially circumferentially, a sealing element, or, as an alternative, is made of a sealing material.

[0093] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the at least one collecting device 6′ comprises two securing sections 7′, which in each case are provided, in particular arranged, partially circumferentially at the respective outer circumference 3.1 between two adjacent closing elements 3 as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′.

[0094] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the two securing sections 7′ are formed at two opposing side surfaces 9 of the collecting device 6′, wherein these two side surfaces 9 are matched, at least in one part section, to the outer circumference 3.1 of the closing element 3.

[0095] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the collecting device 6′ comprises a gripping element 11 on the side surface 9 facing away from the machine axis MA.

[0096] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the two side surfaces 9 configured as securing sections 7′ form, at least in sections, in each case a partially circular section 7′, by means of which the collecting device 6′ is held between the respective outer circumferences 3.1 of two adjacent closing elements 3, in each case partially circumferentially and by fixed in place by contact fit, in particular in non-positive and/or positive fit, between the adjacent closing elements 3.

[0097] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein, between several adjacent closing elements 3, and preferably between all the adjacent closing elements 3, at least one collecting device 6′ is provided, wherein the closing elements 3 equipped with the collecting devices 6′ are assigned to respective container closing positions BP, BP′, which are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the rotor 2.

[0098] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary-type closing device 1, wherein the closing device 1 is a crown-cork fitter.

[0099] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a closing element 3 for a rotary-type closing device 1 for closing containers 20, which closing device 1 comprises a plurality of container closing positions BP, BP′ arranged at the circumference of a rotor 2 driven by a motor such as to circulate about a middle axis MA, and a lifting cam 4 for controlling the height of the closing elements 3, wherein at least one shell-shaped collecting device 6, 6′ is provided at the closing element 3, which is formed such as to catch lubricant used on the lifting cam 4 for the rolling run of rollers, in that the at least one collecting device 6, 6′ is provided with at least one securing section 7, 7′ at least partially circumferentially at least at one outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3, as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′.

[0100] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a method for closing containers 20, wherein the containers 20 are closed with closure covers, and specifically by means of a rotary-type closing device 1, comprising a plurality of container closing positions BP, BP′ arranged at the circumference of a rotor 2, driven by a motor such as to circulate about a vertical middle axis MA, with in each case at least one closing element 3, and with a lifting cam 4 for controlling the height of the closing elements 3, wherein at least at one of the plurality of closing elements 3 at least one shell-shaped collecting device 6, 6′ is provided, by means of which, in particular, lubricant is caught which is used on the lifting cam 4 for the rolling running of rollers, in that the at least one collecting device 6, 6′ is provided with at least one securing section 7,7′, at least partially circumferentially, at least at one outer circumference 3.1 of the at least one closing element 3, as well as underneath the rollers 5, 5′.

[0101] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a rotary container closing device configured to close containers comprising beverage bottles or similar containers filled with a liquid beverage or liquid filling material, said container closing device comprising: a rotor having a vertical axis of rotation; closing elements being disposed at closing positions about the circumference of said rotor; said closing elements being configured to apply closures to filled containers supported at said closing positions; said rotor being configured and disposed to be rotated about the vertical axis of rotation to move said closing elements and filled containers; each of said closing elements comprising at least one roller; a cam guide arrangement being configured and disposed to engage with and guide said at least one roller to guide said closing elements in a vertical movement to control the vertical position of said closing elements upon rotation of said rotor; at least one collecting device being disposed at at least one of said closing elements; said at least one collecting device comprising at least one securing section configured to essentially conform to or essentially match at least a portion of a curved outer surface of a corresponding closing element to permit installation of said at least one collecting device at a corresponding closing position; and said at least one collecting device comprising a shell-like shape or basin-like shape and being disposed below said at least one roller to permit said at least one collecting device to catch and hold cam lubricant displaced out from between said cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller and into said at least one collecting device upon rotation of said rotor.

[0102] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein said at least one collecting device comprises: a bottom surface; side surfaces disposed to extend from outer edges of said bottom surface and transverse to said bottom surface; and said bottom surface and said side surfaces together form said shell-like shape or basin-like shape configured to catch and hold cam lubricant.

[0103] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one securing section is configured to secure said at least one collecting device to a corresponding closing element; said at least one securing section comprises an opening in said bottom surface of said at least one collecting device; and said opening is configured to essentially match an outer circumference of a portion of its corresponding closing element.

[0104] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said opening is circular and completely surrounds said portion of its corresponding closing element; and said opening is configured and disposed to contact said portion of its corresponding closing element such that said at least one collecting device is held in a fixed position at its corresponding closing element by at least one of a form fit and a friction fit.

[0105] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein one of (A) and (B): (A) said at least one collecting device comprises a sealing element disposed on and to cover at least a portion of a circumferential edge of said opening; and (B) at least a portion of a circumferential edge of said opening comprises a sealing material.

[0106] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least two of said collecting devices are disposed at one corresponding closing element, which said collecting devices are disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another along a vertical axis of the one corresponding closing element.

[0107] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least one of said plurality of collecting devices is disposed at each of said closing elements at each of said closing positions.

[0108] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said bottom surface and said side surfaces are formed as an integral, one-piece structure comprising at least one of: a plastic, a polyamide, a metallic material, and a special steel; each of said plurality of collecting devices is essentially identical to one another; and said closing device is configured to apply crown corks or crown caps.

[0109] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one securing section comprises a first securing section and a second securing section; and said at least one collecting device is disposed between two adjacent closing elements, such that said first securing section is disposed immediately adjacent one of said two adjacent closing elements and said second securing section is disposed immediately adjacent the other of said two adjacent closing elements.

[0110] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: each of said first and second securing sections is formed by a portion of opposite side surfaces of said at least one collecting device; and each of said first and second securing sections is configured to essentially match a portion of an outer circumference of a portion of a corresponding closing element.

[0111] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein each of said collecting devices comprises a gripping element disposed on a side surface to permit manual insertion and removal of said collecting devices into and out of an installed position between adjacent closing elements.

[0112] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: each of said first and second securing sections is curved to match a circular section of its corresponding closing element; and each of said first and second securing sections is disposed to contact said portion of its corresponding closing element such that said at least one collecting device is held in a fixed position between said two adjacent closing elements by a form fit and/or a friction fit.

[0113] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least one of said collecting devices is disposed between each pair of adjacent closing elements.

[0114] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least two of said collecting devices are disposed between one pair of adjacent closing elements, which said collecting devices are disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another along a vertical axis of each of the adjacent closing elements.

[0115] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least one of said collecting devices is disposed between each pair of adjacent closing elements.

[0116] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said bottom surface and said side surfaces are formed as an integral, one-piece structure comprising at least one of: a plastic, a polyamide, a metallic material, and a special steel; each of said plurality of collecting devices is essentially identical to one another; and said closing device is configured to apply crown corks or crown caps.

[0117] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises a plurality of collecting devices; and at least two of said collecting devices are disposed at one corresponding closing position, which said collecting devices are disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction.

[0118] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a rotary container closing device closing element configured to close containers in a rotary container closing device having a rotor configured to support and move closing elements, said closing element comprising: a closing portion being configured to apply closures to filled containers supported at a closing position of a rotary container closing device; at least one roller being configured to engage with and be guided in a vertical movement by a cam guide arrangement of a rotary container closing device upon movement of a rotor; at least one collecting device being detachably connected to said closing portion; said at least one collecting device comprising at least one securing section configured to essentially conform to or essentially match at least a portion of a curved outer surface of a corresponding closing element to permit installation of said at least one collecting device at a corresponding closing position; and said at least one collecting device comprising a shell-like shape or basin-like shape and being disposed below said at least one roller to permit said at least one collecting device to catch and hold cam lubricant displaced out from between a cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller and into said at least one collecting device upon rotation of a rotor.

[0119] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device closing element, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises: a bottom surface; side surfaces disposed to extend from outer edges of said bottom surface and transverse to said bottom surface; and said bottom surface and said side surfaces together form said shell-like shape or basin-like shape configured to catch and hold cam lubricant; said at least one securing section is configured to secure said at least one collecting device to a corresponding closing portion; said at least one securing section comprises an opening in said bottom surface of said at least one collecting device; and said opening is configured to essentially match an outer circumference of a portion of its corresponding closing portion.

[0120] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device closing element, wherein: said at least one collecting device comprises: a bottom surface; side surfaces disposed to extend from outer edges of said bottom surface and transverse to said bottom surface; and said bottom surface and said side surfaces together form said shell-like shape or basin-like shape configured to catch and hold cam lubricant; said at least one securing section comprises a first securing section and a second securing section; and said at least one collecting device is configured to be disposed between two adjacent closing portions, such that said first securing section and said second securing section are in contact with different closing portions.

[0121] At least one other possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to the rotary container closing device closing element, wherein said at least one collecting device comprises at least two collecting devices disposed at different positions and spaced apart from one another on said closing portion.

[0122] At least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application relates to a method of operating a rotary container closing device to close containers comprising beverage bottles or similar containers filled with a liquid beverage or liquid filling material, said container closing device comprising a rotor and closing elements being disposed at closing positions about the circumference of said rotor, said method comprising the steps of: rotating said rotor about a vertical axis of rotation to move said closing elements and filled containers; moving at least one roller of each of said closing elements and engaging said at least one roller with a cam arrangement; guiding said at least one roller with said cam arrangement and thereby moving said closing elements in a vertical movement; applying, with said closing elements, closures to filled containers supported at said closing positions; upon engagement of said cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller, displacing cam lubricant out from between said cam guide arrangement and said at least one roller; and catching and holding displaced cam lubricant in at least one collecting device disposed below said at least one roller and comprising a shell-like shape or basin-like shape and comprising at least one securing section configured to essentially conform to or essentially match at least a portion of a curved outer surface of a corresponding closing element.

[0123] Any numerical values disclosed herein, if any, should be understood as disclosing all approximate values within plus or minus ten percent of the numerical value. Any ranges of numerical values disclosed herein, if any, should be understood as disclosing all individual values within the range of values, including whole numbers, tenths of numbers, or hundredths of numbers.

[0124] The entirety of the appended drawings, including all dimensions, proportions, and/or shapes disclosed thereby or reasonably understood therefrom, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0125] All of the patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

[0126] The corresponding foreign or international patent applications, as originally filed and as published, from which the present application claims the benefit of priority, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: PCT/EP2020/061585; WO2020/229144; and DE102019112250.3.

[0127] The following patents, patent applications, patent publications, and other documents cited in the corresponding foreign or international patent applications listed in the preceding paragraph are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein, as follows: DE102017105509A1, published Sep. 20, 2018; DE9302086U1, published Apr. 8, 1993; WO2010118806A2, published Oct. 21, 2010; DE102017112218B3, published Aug. 9, 2018; JP2003137392A, published May 14, 2003; and JPH1143195A, published Feb. 16, 1999. Some examples of closing machines with closure elements controlled by lifting cams, components of which may possibly be incorporated into or adapted for use in at least one possible exemplary embodiment of the present application, may possibly be found in DE102017105509A1 and WO2010118806A2.

[0128] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration of any embodiments disclosed herein, including the most practical or preferred embodiments at the time of filing of this application, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to such embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the present application, including the specification and the claims as originally filed, as amended, or as issued. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features or components of any disclosed embodiment can be combined with one or more features or components of any other disclosed embodiment.