METHOD FOR CUTTING CONTAINER CLOSURES

Description

Description of industrial invention On behalf of: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Cooperative Society Inventors: Davide PENAZZI; Matteo VENTURINI; Ruggero MENZOLINI IPC Class: B26D 5 * * * * * Method for cutting container closures Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method for cutting closures or caps usable to close containers, such as bottles, in particular closures or caps 10 made of plastic material.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an apparatus and a suitable cutting methods for making the easy opening device with which it is equipped a closure or capsule of the type called "tethered", that is, a closure or capsule which remains attached to the container after opening. 15

[0003] The prior art includes methods for making the opening device facilitated by a "tethered" capsule by making one or more horizontal cuts on the capsule and at least one vertical or oblique cut, where "horizontal", "vertical" and "oblique" refers to the capsule arranged with its geometric axis vertical. Generally, the known methods they require that the capsule is moved, along a cutting path with fixed blades, by 20 a rotating spindle that supports the capsule and acts as a feedback element for allow for effective cutting of fixed blades.

[0004] Patent publication EP 4324761 A2 shows a cutting method in agreement with the preamble of the first claim. This known method allows a significant reduction in wear of the softest portion of the spindle due to the fact that the 25 vertical or oblique blade penetrates into the softest portion of the spindle always in the same position, so that in the first passes of the spindle the blade is vertical or oblique will dig a sort of vertical or oblique slot or groove in the material of the portion softer than the spindle and therefore, in the subsequent steps, it will always interact with that crack or groove dug previously, that is, always in the same area (linear), 30 without further damaging the spindle.

[0005] Therefore, the method known from EP 4324761 A2 allows to localize the wear of the soft part of the spindle only on a vertical or oblique area, without affect other areas which will thus be able to remain intact and not worn out for a long time 20241040_Description performing an optimal feedback function with respect to the closure during the cutting operation. The feedback function performed by the spindle is particularly effective because the vertical or oblique blade of the cutting device interferes only with an extremely limited area of ​​the spindle, namely in the 5 vertical or oblique linear zone in the soft portion of the spindle where the vertical or oblique blade, leaving the remaining part of the portion intact and whole soft of the spindle, especially the areas located in the immediate vicinity of the area that is worn and where the cutting occurs. These areas, therefore, not being worn and being adjacent to the actual cutting area, they can act as a reference element 10 for cutting with the greatest possible functionality.

[0006] An improvable aspect of the prior art described above lies in the fact that it would be desirable to further reduce the interaction between the vertical or oblique blade and the material of the soft portion of the mandrel. Summary of the invention 15

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a method for cutting closures for containers capable of satisfying the above-mentioned need.

[0008] One object is to provide a suitable cutting method for forming closures of the type called "tethered".

[0009] One advantage is to create a cutting method that ensures that, 20 when cutting the capsules, the vertical or oblique blade does not touch the bottom of the slot or groove carved by the blade itself.

[0010] One advantage is to ensure that when cutting the capsules, the blade also horizontal (or horizontal blades, if there is more than one) does not touch the bottom of the circumferential groove or groove carved by the blade itself. 25

[0011] One advantage is to ensure the effectiveness and quality of cutting of the capsules for a long working period, even in case of wear of one or more blades. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] The invention may be better understood and implemented with reference to the Attached are drawings illustrating non-limiting examples of implementation, in which: 30 Figure 1 is a section, in vertical elevation, of part of an example of a cutting apparatus usable to implement a cutting method in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlargement of a detail of Figure 1; 20241040_Description Figure 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of another example of a cutting apparatus usable to implement a cutting method in accordance with the present invention; Figure 5 is an enlargement of a detail of Figure 2 in which the 5 slot or groove dug by the vertical or oblique blade in implementation of a cutting method in accordance with the present invention. Detailed description

[0013] With reference to the figures mentioned above, with 1 it was overall indicated a cutting apparatus for cutting closures or capsules that can be used to close 10 containers, such as bottles, in particular closures or capsules made of plastic material. The cutting apparatus 1 may be suitable, in particular, for making a easy-opening device with which a closure or capsule of the type is provided called "tethered", meaning a closure or capsule that remains attached to the container after opening. 15

[0014] The cutting apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, cutting means configured to provide an easy opening device for a type 2 lock "tethered". The cutting means may comprise, in particular, a cutting device 3 with one or more horizontal blades 4 and with at least one vertical blade 5 or oblique. In the specific example, visible in figures 1 and 2, the cutting device 3 comprises two 20 horizontal blades 4 and one vertical blade 5.

[0015] The cutting means may comprise, in particular, a cutting device with a different number of horizontal blades, for example three or four or more, and with a number different from vertical or oblique blades, for example two or three or more.

[0016] The cutting device 3 may, in particular, be configured to assume 25 selectively a working position, that is, a position suitable for making cuts desired loops on a closure fed to the cutting device 3, and a position of rest, or rearward, in which the cutting device 3 is rearward with respect to the position of work in a manner that does not interfere with a closure fed to the cutting device 3 and / or with the means of powering the closure itself. 30

[0017] Displacements (e.g. linear displacements, in particular sliding on linear guides) of the cutting device 3 between the working position and the retracted position of rest can be operated manually and / or by motor means.

[0018] The cutting apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, feed means 20241040_Description configured to feed a closure 2 to the cutting means. The feeding means may comprise, in particular, at least one mandrel 6 with a soft portion 7 made of a softer material than the blades.

[0019] The power supply means may, in particular, be configured in such a way 5 that the spindle 6 passes several times in front of the cutting means, each time carrying a 2 different closure. The means of supply may comprise, in particular, a feed carousel 8 which carries the aforementioned spindle 6. The carousel 8 can be, in special, rotatable (under motorized control, for example a brushless motor) around a carousel axis X. The carousel 8 may comprise, in particular, two or more 10 mandrels 6, each of which may comprise a respective soft portion 7.

[0020] The carousel 8 may comprise, in particular, three or more spindles 6 arranged angularly spaced on one periphery of the carousel. In the specific example in figure 3, the carousel comprises twelve equally spaced spindles 6. In the specific example in figure 4, The carousel comprises six equally spaced spindles 6. 15

[0021] Each spindle 6 may, in particular, be rotatable about a respective spindle axis Y and the closure 2 can move (for example, with a movement at least (partly rolling) on ​​the cutting means so that the blades 4 and 5 penetrate with cut through the closure 2 and then sink into the soft portion 7 of the mandrel. The soft portion 7 acts as an appropriate and effective support for the side wall 20 of closure 2 during the cutting operation.

[0022] Each spindle 6 may, in particular, be rotatable about the axis of Y spindle under the command of a separate motorized drive (and controllable in independently (e.g. another brushless motor) from the drive motorized which activates the rotation of the carousel 8, or by command of the same 25 motorized drive that operates the rotation of the carousel 8.

[0023] The spindle axis Y may, in particular, be parallel to a geometric axis Z of the closure 2. The spindle axis Y can be, in particular, as in this example specific, spaced from the geometric Z axis of the closure.

[0024] The cutting apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, control means 30 configured to coordinate the rotation of the spindle 6 (around its own spindle axis Y) with the feeding of the spindle 6 itself (i.e. the movement of advancement towards the means of cutting, which in these examples includes the rotational motion of the carousel 8 which carries the spindles 6) so that the vertical blade 5 (and / or the possible oblique blade), each time 20241040_Description that the spindle 6 passes in front of the cutting means, always encounters the same area (linear) vertical or oblique of the soft portion 7.

[0025] It is possible to foresee, in particular, that the aforementioned coordination of movements (spindle rotation motion and spindle feed motion) both 5 achieved by ensuring that the ratio between the number of revolutions per unit of time of the axis of rotation of the carousel (X-axis) and of the rotation axis of each spindle (Y-axis) both equal to 1 : N, where N is equal to an integer (for example a number between 8 and 18, specifically a ratio of 1:12, or 1:13, or 1:14).

[0026] The cutting apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, a transmission 10 mechanics connecting the axis of the carousel (X-axis) with the axis of each of the above spindles (Y-axis). This mechanical transmission can be constructed so as to to achieve the aforementioned coordination of movements, in particular in order to achieve the above gear ratio equals 1 : N, with N equal to an integer.

[0027] Such mechanical transmission may comprise, in particular, a transmission 15 comprising at least one flexible transmission organ 9 (coupled to pulleys connected to the spindles 6). However, it is possible to foresee other types of transmission mechanical, for example of the gear type.

[0028] Furthermore, it is possible to provide that the cutting apparatus comprises means of electronic control for the coordinated motion control of the carousel axis and the drive axis 20 each of the above spindles in a synchronous manner, such as one or more cams electronics to coordinate the motor means for driving the carousel axis with the motor means for driving the spindle axis. In particular, it is possible to provide that the motor means for driving the spindle axis comprise a plurality of motors, in particular one motor for each spindle axis, or a single motor 25 connected to a plurality of spindle axes (e.g., to all spindle axes arranged on the carousel) by means of a mechanical transmission, for example a transmission as described above.

[0029] Each spindle 6 may comprise, in particular, a support body 10 with an annular seat open on one side. The soft portion 7 of the mandrel can 30 comprising, in particular, an annular insert insertable (in particular, axially) into the the aforementioned annular seat through the aforementioned open side (where axially is meant with reference to the spindle axis).

[0030] Each mandrel 6 may comprise, in particular, an annular element of 20241040_Description locking 11 removable fixable (e.g. by means of fastening means) screw) on the support body 10 to close the aforementioned side of the annular seat, so as to keep the ring insert locked in place.

[0031] The operation of the cutting apparatus 1 implements a cutting method that can 5 understand, in particular, the phase of feeding a spindle 6 which carries a closure 2 to a cutting device 3, wherein the cutting device 3 may comprise, as seen, one or more horizontal blades 4 and at least one vertical blade 5 (or oblique).

[0032] The spindle 6 (for example rotated by a carousel 8 along a circular feed path) can be fed to the cutting device multiple times 10 3 bringing each time a different closure 2 (for example in a known way, using a carousel 8 comprising an entry area for the closures to be cut and an exit area of the cut closures).

[0033] Each mandrel 6, as mentioned, may comprise a soft portion 7 (of annular shape and coaxial with the spindle axis Y) made of a softer material 15 of the blades. The soft portion 7 can be made of various materials such as, for example for example, in PEEK, in Delrin®, in polyethylene, in polypropylene, in polyurethane, in aluminum, in copper, tin, bronze, etc.

[0034] The cutting method may comprise, in particular, the step of rotating the spindle 6 around its spindle axis Y and move the closure 2 on the 20 cutting device 3 so that the blades 4 and 5 penetrate the closure and sink in the soft portion 7 of the mandrel (see figures 1 and 2).

[0035] The rotational motion of the spindle 6 can be, in particular, coordinated with the feed motion of the spindle 6 so that the blade is vertical or oblique, each every time the spindle is fed to the cutting device, you always encounter the same 25 vertical or oblique (linear) area of ​​the soft portion 7 of the mandrel.

[0036] For this purpose, it is possible, for example, to make the spindle carried by a carousel 8 rotating around a carousel axis X, and that the ratio between the number of revolutions per unit of time of the carousel axis X and the spindle axis Y both equals 1 : N, where N equals an integer. 30

[0037] By doing so, the vertical blade 5 (or oblique) will penetrate into the soft portion 7 of the spindle 6 always in the same position or zone (in particular, a linear zone the whose geometry substantially corresponds to the geometry of the vertical blade 5 od oblique), significantly reducing the wear of the soft portion 7, since in the first 20241040_Description spindle passages the vertical blade 5 (or oblique) will dig, in that position or area on which the blade insists each time, a sort of slot or groove (linear, vertical or oblique) in the material of the softer portion of the mandrel.

[0038] In the steps following the first, the vertical blade 5 (or oblique) will always go 5 to interact with that position or area where the crack or groove was formed (linear, vertical or oblique) previously dug, without further damaging, in other areas, the soft portion of the mandrel. Therefore, the soft portion 7 of the mandrel can be wear out in the initial phase of the device's operation, during the first steps of the spindle, in the aforementioned vertical or oblique area, i.e. with a circumstantial wear in a 10 relatively very limited area of ​​the overall circumference of the soft portion 7, after which it no longer wears out in other vertical or oblique areas.

[0039] It is observed that the shape of the worn area of ​​the soft portion may correspond substantially to the shape of the vertical or oblique blade – unless minimal dimensional differences due to any elasticity and play in the system – 15 leaving the remaining part of the material of the soft portion intact and intact, which can thus carrying out the feedback function with maximum effectiveness, for adequate execution of the cutting operation, for which the easy opening device of the closure "tethered" will be of extremely precise and high-quality construction. Any difference between the size of the worn area of ​​the soft portion and the size of the blade 20 vertical or oblique will be, as mentioned, the minimum possible difference, since the shape and the The size of the worn area is generated by the interaction between the blade itself and the soft portion of the mandrel.

[0040] The softer portion of the mandrel will also wear in areas horizontal (circumferential) due to the horizontal blades 4 of the cutting device. The 25 horizontal blades 4 will always affect and interact with the same areas horizontal wear of the soft portion at each passage of the mandrel (i.e. at each rotation of one turn of the spindle carousel).

[0041] It is observed that, in the version with single motorization with mechanical transmission to drive both the feed motion and the rotation motion 30 of the spindles, it is not necessary to perform any initial phasing to prepare the apparatus cutting to synchronise the carousel axis with the spindle axis before starting the apparatus for cutting the closures. In fact, it is not necessary for the rotating spindle 6 to be in a very precise angular position when it passes in front of the cutting device 3 (in 20241040_Description particular, in front of the vertical blade 5 or oblique) at the first pass, i.e. at the start initial of cutting apparatus 1, since it is irrelevant what exactly the area is of the softest portion of the spindle that is affected, and therefore worn, by the blade vertical or oblique, since it is sufficient that the spindle, from the second pass 5 onwards, you step in front of the cutting device in the same initial angular position as the first pass, whatever that initial angular position was.

[0042] In the case of versions with separate motors (one to operate the motion of power supply of the spindles, i.e. the rotation of the carousel, the other to activate the motion rotation of each spindle around its own axis), it is possible to perform a phasing 10 initial, at each start-up and restart of the cutting apparatus 1, in a very simple, for example by moving back the cutting device 3 (to avoid damage to the blades) and starting the engines for a sort of initial "idle" calibration, for a short time required to allow the sensing means (including, for example, sensing means) to encoder) to recognize the angular position of the various spindles with respect to the carousel and 15 then make the appropriate adjustments to re-establish synchronization.

[0043] After this short initial phasing phase, the cutting device 3 will be able to be advanced back into working position to start normal operation of the cutting apparatus. The retraction of the cutting device 3 is not strictly indispensable, but still useful to avoid any wear or damage to the 20 soft portion material 7.

[0044] It should be noted that, however, even in the case of missing or imprecise phasing, the only consequence would be the contact of the blade with an area of ​​the soft portion of spindle not previously carved, therefore without any damage to the blade (and with reduced additional wear of the soft portion), contrary to what happens, for example 25 example, in the solution of WO 2021 / 063776 A1, where there would be a contact of the blade with a hard area of ​​the spindle irreparably damaging the blade itself.

[0045] The cutting apparatus 1 may comprise, in particular, anti-rotation means (not illustrated) configured to prevent rotation of the soft portion 7 of the spindle relative to the rest of the spindle, in particular to prevent rotations around 30 to the spindle axis Y. The anti-rotation means may include, in particular, means anti-rotation 12 described in patent publication EP 4324761 A2 (illustrated therein in figures 5 to 8) which is incorporated herein by reference. The anti-rotation means, preventing the rotation of the soft portion 7 with respect to the rest of the spindle 6, 20241040_Description ensure that the area of ​​the softest portion of the spindle is affected, and therefore worn, with a vertical or oblique blade, it is always the same at each turn of the carousel.

[0046] The cutting apparatus can be controlled by a control mode suitable for reducing the risk of damage to the equipment, in particular to blades 4, 5 5 of the cutting device 3. This control method may include, in particular, a preliminary or initial start-up phase (a sort of running-in), in which for a certain period of time is expected to be "idle" operation of the spindles, that is, in the absence of the closures 2, that is with the rotation of the carousel and with the rotations of the spindles but without power supply to the closures 2. 10

[0047] This preliminary or running-in phase requires that each spindle 6 is fed several times to the cutting device 3 without bringing the closure 2 ("empty") and that during this "empty" feeding each blade (i.e. the horizontal blade(s) 4 and / or the vertical blade 5 or oblique) is moved (forward, starting from a position initial set back far from a nominal working position) so as to increase 15 gradually the depth with which the blade itself sinks into the soft portion 7, in particular until reaching, and then exceeding, the aforementioned nominal position of Work,.

[0048] "Nominal working position" means the position assumed by the blade (each horizontal blade 4 and / or the vertical blade 5 or oblique) in which the cutting edge 20 of the blade sinks into the soft portion 7 to a desired depth during the actual cutting of the capsule 2.

[0049] According to the present invention, during the preliminary phase (running in or initial start-up), each blade will sink into the soft portion 7 with a depth greater than the depth corresponding to the nominal position of 25 work, so as to form a relatively deep slot or groove, in which that is the bottom 12 of this slot or groove (figure 5) is spaced from the cutting edge of the blade when the actual cutting of the capsule 2 will be performed. In other words, the bottom 12 is further away (deeper) than the nominal working position.

[0050] Figure 5 shows the bottom 12 of the slot or groove generated by the 30 vertical blade 5 or oblique during the preliminary phase. As a result of the aforementioned phase preliminary running-in, each horizontal blade 4 will also generate a respective circumferential groove or groove whose bottom will be distant (deeper) than the nominal working position of the horizontal blade 4. 20241040_Description

[0051] In practice, during this preliminary phase, or initial start-up or running-in, the cutting device 3 is initially controlled so as to assume a rearward configuration, in which the set of blades (one or more horizontal blades 4 and at least one vertical blade 5 or oblique) is arranged in a rearward position, where 5 "backward" must be understood as referring to the nominal position set and suitable for perform the cutting of the closures 2. After that the set of blades is moved progressively forward, in particular with a controlled gradualness, in particular up to to reach and then exceed (by a predetermined amount) the nominal cutting position.

[0052] During this progressive advancement, while the carousel continues to rotate 10 and also the spindles continue to rotate (without carrying the closures 2), the blades of the cutting device 3 gradually sinks deeper and deeper into the soft portion 7 of the mandrel 6, with a depth of penetration into the soft material of the mandrels 6 which increases progressively, essentially at each turn of the carousel for each spindle. The progression can be continuous or discontinuous or mixed (in 15 partly continuous and partly discontinuous).

[0053] This control mode (progressive engraving cycle of the portions soft 7 of the spindles 6) can be, in particular, controlled by an operator via a specific command on a user interface.

[0054] When starting the progressive engraving cycle (running-in or initial start-up), it is 20 It is possible to foresee (with the carousel stopped) that the controller automatically moves back the blade group (which can be found, in particular, in the nominal working position) of a certain distance (for example, by way of example and not limited to, approximately 0.60 mm back from the normal working position of the blades).

[0055] After that the controller automatically starts the rotation of the 25 carousel and spindles carried by the carousel, starting a first phase of light engraving of the soft portions 7 of the various mandrels 6. This first engraving phase can have a pre-determined programmed duration (for example, about 2 minutes).

[0056] Subsequently, it is possible to foresee a second phase of engraving of the soft portions 7, slightly deeper than the previous one, advancing the blades 30 of a predetermined amount, for example about 0.05 mm, so the first advance of the blades could be, for example, a transition from the position – 0.60 mm to position – 0.55 mm, taking the actual position as reference zero or nominal working pressure that the blades will have to assume in normal cutting conditions 20241040_Description closures 2.

[0057] This second engraving phase could comprise, in particular, a phase initial interruption in which the rotation of the carousel is stopped, and therefore it could understand the intermediate phase of controlled advancement of the blades, and a subsequent 5 restart phase, in which the controller automatically restarts the rotation of the carousel and the spindles carried by the carousel, to actually begin the actual phase of incision of the soft portions 7. This actual incision phase can also have a predetermined programmed duration (for example, about 2 minutes).

[0058] The above mentioned interruption cycle, advance (for example of about 0.05 mm at 10 each cycle) and restart can be repeated automatically until reaching the nominal effective working position of the blades, i.e. the blade height value equal to 0.00 mm, at which the blades will cut the closures 2.

[0059] Subsequently, the second phase of engraving continues, further increasing the engraving depth of the soft portions 7 beyond the nominal working position, 15 by advancing the blades further by a predetermined amount, for example always by approximately 0.05 mm, so the advancement of the blades (i.e. the increase in depth with which the blades sink into the soft material) could include, for example, a transition from position 0.00 mm to position + 0.05 mm, always taking zero as reference the actual or nominal working position that the blades will have to assume in the situation 20 normal cut of closures 2.

[0060] The continuation of the second engraving phase will end upon reaching a desired depth achieved by gradually advancing the blades, for example up to the + 0.25 mm position (this value is for illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive).

[0061] The bottom 12 of the slot thus created will be located at a predetermined distance from the 25 actual or nominal working position of the blades in the cutting situation (the distance is (means measured in the radial direction with respect to the spindle axis). In particular, this distance between the bottom 12 and the blades (in particular, the vertical or oblique blade 5) can be greater than or equal to 0.05 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.10 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.15 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.20 mm, or greater than or equal to 0.25 mm. 30

[0062] After the above preliminary phase, each blade, in particular the blade vertical 5 or oblique, starting from the aforementioned final position of the preliminary phase, is retracted so as to place each blade in the nominal working position, after which the actual cutting phase begins, for which the 2 closures are 20241040_Description powered and moved on the cutting device 3 and each blade, in particular the blade vertical 5 or oblique, will be able to penetrate each closure 2 and sink into the portion soft 7 with the desired depth above.

[0063] Figure 5 shows the blades in the actual and nominal working position (cutting 5 of the capsules), where the distance between the cutting edge is clearly depicted front of the vertical blade 5 or oblique and the bottom 12 of the slot or groove that was was generated by the blades themselves in the material of the soft portion 7 during the aforementioned preliminary phase (initial running-in procedure) performed before starting to cut the capsules. This distance, combined with the fact that the vertical or oblique blade 5 meets the portion 10 soft 7 always in the same crack generation area, allows to reduce significantly the contact between the blade itself and the material of the soft portion.

[0064] The above values ​​of the progressive advancement phases of 0.05 mm for each cycle and engraving times of 2 minutes for each cycle are only example values and other values ​​could be programmed (e.g. 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.03 mm, 15 0.04 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.09 mm, or 0.10 mm progressive feed for each cycle, and 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, 2.5 minutes or 3 minutes of engraving time for each cycle, in any possible combination of progressive feeds and engraving times, even by programming different progressive feeds and / or engraving times between cycles (interruption, advancement, restart) and the other. 20

[0065] It is observed that, thanks to the above mentioned (radial) distance between the bottom 12 of the crack generated by the blades during the running-in phase (in the absence of the capsules) and the blades same in the actual working configuration (i.e. cutting the capsules), is reduced to considerably the risk of contact between the sharp edge of the blades and the aforementioned bottom 12 during each capsule cutting cycle. 25

[0066] This results in an overall reduction in blade wear, since, also if the initial running-in or start-up phase determines a cutting depth in the relatively high soft material, the almost total absence of the risk of contact of the blades with the bottom 12 in the actual work cycle, i.e. during the cutting of the capsules, represents a considerable advantage, which amply repays the fact of sinking the 30 blades deeper into the soft material while performing the phase preliminary running-in.

[0067] Furthermore, it was seen that the absence of the aforementioned contact, i.e. the contact between the edge cutting edge of the blades and the bottom of the slots made by the blades themselves in the material 20241040_Description soft (the vertical or oblique slot generated by the vertical or oblique blade 5 and the circumferential cracks generated by the horizontal blades 4), with consequent reduction of the interaction between the cutting device and the soft portions 7 of the various mandrels, ensures that the cutting precision of the capsules is maintained over time even after a 5 high number of cut capsules.

[0068] The method may comprise the step of detecting a position of the device cut 3, in particular a position of at least one of the horizontal blades 4 and / or a position of the vertical blade 5 or oblique and / or a position of a support block at the to which the horizontal blades 4 and the vertical or oblique blade 5 are fixed. 10

[0069] For this purpose, the cutting apparatus 1 may comprise sensor means of position configured to detect the aforementioned position. The position sensor means they can be arranged, in particular, on the support block to which the blades are fixed horizontal 4 and the vertical blade 5 or oblique or on a fixed element of the cutting apparatus 1 placed near the support block, so as to detect the relative position 15 between the support block and the fixed element.

[0070] The position sensor means are configured to output a signal indicative of the detected position. This signal is transmitted to the control vehicles cutting apparatus electronics 1. The control means are configured to control the the above-mentioned position of the cutting device 3 (i.e. the position of at least one of the 20 horizontal blades 4 and / or the position of the vertical blade 5 or oblique and / or the position of the support block to which the horizontal blades 4 and the vertical blade 5 are fixed oblique) based on the signals received from the position sensor devices.

[0071] The control means are configured to control the said position of the cutting device 3 as a function of one or more operating parameters of the cutting apparatus 1, 25 for example of the total working time in the life of the device.

[0072] The control means are configured to vary the said position of the cutting device 3 also during the working cycle of the cutting apparatus 1, in way to modify the penetration of the horizontal blades 4 and the vertical blade 5 or oblique based on a change in at least one working condition. To "change the 30 penetration" means a change in the position of the cutting device 3 based on where an increase in penetration is achieved by advancing the blades of the cutting device 3 with respect to the spindle 6 while a decrease in the penetration is achieved by moving the blades back. 20241040_Description

[0073] In particular, the control means may be configured to increase the the aforementioned penetration of the blades (i.e. a forward movement of the cutting device 3 towards the spindle 6) as the degree of wear of the blades themselves increases. This degree of wear can be verified by means of blade monitoring sensors and / or by 5 sensors for monitoring the cutting performed by the blades on the capsules and / or by an analysis performed by an operator on the blades and / or capsules.

[0074] Increase in blade penetration as the degree of wear increases allows to maintain a high efficiency and quality of cutting of the capsules in order to compensate for blade wear without the need for early blade replacement. 10

[0075] In particular, the control means may be configured to regulate in feedback the position (and therefore the penetration) of the blades as a function of a value detected a temperature of the capsules, for example a temperature of the capsules before to be cut and / or a temperature of the capsules at the entrance to the cutting apparatus 1. It is it is possible to foresee, in particular, that the control is programmed to increase the 15 penetration depth as the capsule temperature increases.

[0076] In particular, the control means may be configured to regulate in feedback the aforementioned penetration of the blades into the capsule as a function of the material with which the capsules are made. For example, the control means can be configured to adjust the aforementioned penetration of the blades into the capsule in feedback mode according to the 20 percentage content of recycled plastic material PCR present in the material of the capsules. In particular, it is possible to foresee that the control is programmed for increase the penetration depth as the percentage of PCR content decreases in capsules, although in some cases it is possible to foresee the reverse action (i.e. increasing penetration as the PCR content increases) depending on the type of material and / or the 25 type of cut to be made and / or type of capsule.

[0077] The information regarding the above mentioned percentage content of material PCR recycled plastic can be supplied to the control means (e.g. by a user interface connected to the means of control, or otherwise) which provide to control the cutting penetration of the blades into the capsule accordingly. 20241040_Description Modena, 05 / 07 / 2024 By assignment LUPPI INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SRL Viale Corassori, 54 – 41124 Modena 5 Dr. Eng. Massimo Villanova (Register Prot. No. 832 B) 20241040_Description

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of cutting closures, said method comprising the steps of: - feeding a mandrel (6) carrying a closure (2) to a cutting device (3), the mandrel comprising a soft portion (7) into which at least one blade (5) of said cutting device (3) can sink; - rotating the mandrel (6) to move the closure (2) onto the cutting device (3) such that at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade, positioned in a nominal working position, penetrates the closure (2) and sinks into said soft portion (7) to a desired depth; - coordinating the rotation of the mandrel with the feeding of the mandrel such that the vertical (5) or oblique blade, each time the mandrel (6) is fed to the cutting device (3), always encounters the same vertical or oblique area of ​​said soft portion (7);a preliminary phase being provided in which the spindle (6) is fed several times to the cutting device (3) and in which, during said feeding in said preliminary phase, said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade is moved in such a way as to gradually increase the depth with which it sinks into said soft portion (7) starting from an initial position distant from said nominal working position and arriving at a final position; said method being characterised in that, in said final position of said preliminary phase, said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade sinks into said soft portion (7) with a greater depth than the depth with which it sinks when it is in said nominal working position.; 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said preliminary phase is performed without carrying the closure (2), i.e. empty.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade, starting from said final position of said preliminary phase, is moved back so as to reach said nominal working position, after which the closure (2) is moved on said cutting device (3) and said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade penetrates the closure (2) and sinks into said soft portion (7) with said desired depth.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said vertical or oblique zone of said soft portion (7) is a linear zone with a shape 20241040_Claims corresponding to a shape of said vertical or oblique blade.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, during said preliminary step, said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade generates a slot in said soft portion (7) of the mandrel, said slot having a bottom (12) located at a distance greater than or equal to 0.05 mm from said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade in said nominal working position.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spindle (6) is carried by a carousel (8) rotating about an axis of the carousel (X), and wherein the ratio between the number of revolutions per unit of time of the axis of the carousel (X) and the axis (Y) of the spindle is equal to 1:N, with N equal to an integer.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a carousel (8) carries two or more spindles (6), each with a respective soft portion (7), said carousel (8) being driven in rotation by motor means, said two or more spindles (6) being driven in rotation about respective axes (Y) of the spindle by a single motor, distinct from said motor means of the carousel, connected to said axes (Y) of the spindle by means of a mechanical transmission.

8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a carousel (8) carries two or more spindles (6), each with a respective soft portion (7), and wherein a mechanical transmission connects a carousel axis (X) with the axes (Y) of said two or more spindles (6).

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a carousel (8) carries two or more spindles (6), each with a respective soft portion (7), the rotation and feeding of each spindle being coordinated by a coordinated motion of a carousel axis (X) and the axes (Y) of said two or more spindles (6) controlled synchronously by electronic control means.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein said carousel (8) is rotated by motor means and each spindle axis (Y) is rotated by its own drive motor distinct from the drive motors of the other spindle axes (Y) and distinct from said drive means of the carousel (8).

11. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising the step of providing means for preventing rotation of said soft portion (7) relative to the rest of the mandrel (6).

12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein use is made of a cutting apparatus comprising: - said cutting device (3) configured to provide an easy-opening device for a closure (2); and - feed means for feeding a closure (2) to said cutting device (3), said feed means comprising said mandrel (6) with said soft portion (7) configured so that at least one blade (5) of said cutting device (3) penetrates the closure (2) with a through cut and sinks into said soft portion (7) of the mandrel.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein said cutting device (3) comprises said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade, in particular for making a tethered type closure (2), said feeding means being configured so that the mandrel (6) passes several times in front of said cutting device (3) carrying each time a different closure, said apparatus comprising control means configured to coordinate a rotation of the mandrel with a feeding motion of the mandrel to the cutting device so that said vertical (5) or oblique blade, each time the mandrel (6) passes in front of the cutting device (3), always encounters the same vertical or oblique area of ​​said soft portion (7),said control means being configured to control said preliminary phase wherein said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade sinks into said soft portion (7) to a greater depth than the depth to which it sinks when in said nominal working position., 14. A method of cutting closures, in particular according to any of the preceding claims, said method comprising the steps of: - feeding a mandrel (6) carrying a closure (2) to a cutting device (3), the mandrel comprising a soft portion (7) into which at least one blade (5) of said cutting device (3) can sink; - rotating the mandrel (6) to move the closure (2) onto the cutting device (3) such that at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade, positioned in a nominal working position, penetrates the closure (2) and sinks into said soft portion (7) to a desired depth; - coordinating the rotation of the mandrel with the feeding of the mandrel such that the vertical (5) or oblique blade, each time the mandrel (6) is fed to the cutting device (3), always encounters the same vertical or oblique area of ​​said soft portion (7);- detecting a position of said cutting device (3) and controlling said position as a function of at least one operating parameter so as to modify a cutting penetration of said cutting device (3) based on a variation of at least one operating condition.; 15. Method according to claim 14, wherein said cutting penetration is modified as a function of a degree of wear of said cutting device (3).

16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said cutting penetration is modified as a function of a temperature of the closure (2).

17. Method according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein said cutting penetration is modified as a function of the material from which the closure (2) is made, in particular as a function of a recycled plastic material content present in the closure material (2).

18. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein said cutting device (3) comprises one or more horizontal blades (4) and a support block to which said at least one vertical (5) or oblique blade and said one or more horizontal blades (4) are fixed, said position of said cutting device (3) which is detected and controlled comprises a relative position of said support block with respect to a fixed element.