Cutting apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses a cutting device for cutting a lid, the lid having a cup body and having a base wall, side walls, and a protrusion extending beyond the lid from the side walls, comprising: - a forward path for the lid to travel in a forward direction; - a main shaft capable of moving along the forward path and rotating about its axis, the main shaft being configured to interact with the lid and cause the lid to rotate about the axis; - a support member capable of moving along the forward path with the main shaft, configured to interact with the lid and hold the lid against the main shaft; - a cutting device arranged to form a cut in the side wall of the lid when the main shaft reaches a cutting area provided in the forward path, wherein the main shaft includes a hollow housing configured to accommodate the protrusion to stop the rotation of the lid relative to the main shaft at a preset position during use, thereby orienting the lid relative to the cutting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cutting device for cutting caps or stoppers made of plastic for sealing containers (e.g., bottles). In particular, the invention relates to a device for forming slits in the sidewalls of the cap. The formed slits may form tamper-evident rings in the body of the cap, or form connecting portions (e.g., strips, straps, or hinges) or define other parts of the cap between the tamper-evident ring and the sidewalls of the cap. Background Technology

[0002] Known cutting equipment typically features a disc conveyor structure comprising a clamping mechanism for holding a cap and multiple spindles. The clamping mechanism and spindles are mounted to the periphery of the disc conveyor and spaced apart from each other, and are self-rotating. Each spindle is configured to engage within the cap to rotate the cap on itself and transport the cap along a circular path through one or more zones in which cutting devices are arranged, thus forming cuts in the sidewalls of the cap or cutting the sidewalls of the cap.

[0003] Known cutting equipment includes blades suitable for cutting the sidewalls of a lid or making slits in the sidewalls of a lid to obtain circumferential weakening lines, thereby forming tamper-evident strips or horizontal openings on the sidewalls. The type of cutting performed by such equipment is also called horizontal cutting.

[0004] Known cutting equipment is also adapted to cut or make slits in the sidewalls of the cover at defined radial locations at one or more points or areas, in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the cover, to obtain a weakened area in the tamper-evident band or to define a connection (e.g., a strap or hinge) between the tamper-evident band and the remainder of the cover sidewalls. This type of cutting by such equipment is also known as a vertical cut.

[0005] Known cutting devices include cutting apparatuses adapted to form both circumferential and vertical cuts on the sidewalls of a lid in a predetermined radial position. These cutting apparatuses adapted to form vertical cuts typically include an element for horizontal cutting, with an element provided with a vertical blade to form a cut on the lid by vertical cutting positioned downstream of this element.

[0006] One drawback of existing cutting equipment is slippage between the spindle and the cover, especially during contact with the cutting device. This slippage causes a loss of synchronization between the components of the cutting device and the cover. This can mean that the cut on the cover is not in the intended spatial position, rendering the final product unusable.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, in the prior art, a clamping mechanism is provided that is mounted to a spindle, the spindle including a radially movable element shaped to hold the cover from the inside of the cover, and the clamping mechanism radially pressing against several inner points of the sidewall.

[0008] However, the clamping mechanism consists of multiple components, which makes these cutting devices complex.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the lid must be shaped to interact with the aforementioned clamping mechanism to hold the lid's surface. This inevitably leads to increased structural complexity and higher production costs, especially when the lid also has a non-axisymmetric external shape, such as a lid with lugs or gripping portions or finger-jointing parts—also known as peak-shaped or beret lids in Italian—and / or with raised external hinges on the periphery, as in snap-on lids. In fact, in addition to the irregular external shape, a complex internal structure for the lid body must be provided, increasing the cost of designing the apparatus for lid production. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of the present invention is to improve known cutting equipment.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device that can overcome the limitations and defects of the prior art.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device for forming slits in a lid, wherein the correct position of the slits on the lid is ensured, particularly the correct position of vertical slits.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device for forming cuts on non-axisymmetric caps or caps with irregular outer contours, particularly caps provided with lugs or gripping portions and / or caps with external hinges (e.g., snap-on caps).

[0014] These objectives are achieved by a cutting device according to one or more of the following claims.

[0015] The device under discussion may include a spindle adapted to house elements protruding from the cover body within a hollow housing.

[0016] The device under discussion may include a cutting device mounted in the spindle that rotates with the cover and forms a cut on the cover when the cover is at a predetermined point on the forward path inside the cutting device.

[0017] As a result of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a cutting device for forming slits in a lid, which allows for precise orientation of the lid relative to a blade, particularly a vertical cutting blade.

[0018] As a result of the present invention, a cutting device for forming slits in an externally non-axisymmetric cover can be obtained, which externally restricts or eliminates slippage between the cover and the main shaft of the cutting device.

[0019] The device according to the invention is able to obtain cutouts on covers with protrusions (e.g., lugs or gripping portions or hinges raised relative to the sidewalls, particularly on snap-on type covers).

[0020] Thanks to this invention, the number of defective products in the production of caps with notches can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of non-limiting example to better understand and practice the invention, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 It is an axial cross-sectional view of the spindle unit and the support unit for supporting the cover, which are provided in the cutting equipment for cutting the cover, wherein the spindle unit and the support unit for supporting the cover are shown in a spaced-apart configuration;

[0023] Figure 2 It is the clamping configuration and the horizontal cutting area Figure 1 A partially enlarged axial cross-sectional view of the main spindle unit and the support unit used to support the cover;

[0024] Figure 3 It is the clamping configuration and the vertical cutting area with Figure 1 A similar axial cross-sectional view of the main spindle unit and a partial cross-sectional view of the support unit used to support the cover;

[0025] Figure 4 It is included Figure 1 A bottom view of the spindle in the spindle unit;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An axial cross-sectional view of a portion of the main shaft, showing the housing used for the snap-on cover;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic device for the supply area of ​​the cutting equipment used to supply the cap;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of the cutting equipment, showing the horizontal and vertical cutting zones;

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The enlarged detail image shows the snap-on cover of the vertical cut area and the cut position;

[0030] Figure 9 It is suitable for installation Figure 4 A 3D view of the snap-on cover in the main shaft;

[0031] Figure 9A yes Figure 9 Axial cross-sectional view of the snap-on cover;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective view of a cover with a belt hinge, suitable for housing in a second embodiment of the spindle;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a partial perspective view of a cover with an arc-shaped hinge, suitable for housing in a third embodiment of the main shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figures 1 to 7 A cutting device 1 is disclosed, which is arranged to cut a stopper or cap 10 or to make a cut in the stopper or cap 10. The cap 10 can be used to close a container, such as a bottle.

[0035] refer to Figure 9 Each lid 10 (e.g., made of plastic) has a cup shape and includes:

[0036] -The base or upper wall is basically circular;

[0037] - For example, a side wall 12 that is substantially cylindrical, which extends from the periphery of the upper wall 11 in a direction parallel to the main axis C of the cover 10 to the free edge 14 of the cover;

[0038] - A protrusion 16, extending from the sidewall 12 to the body of the cover 10, hereinafter referred to as "external protrusion 16", distinguishes the external protrusion 16 from any inwardly projecting elements of the cover body, such as fastening threads or sealing rings. The protrusion 16 results in the cover 10 being non-axisymmetric.

[0039] exist Figure 9 and Figure 9A In the embodiment of the cover, the cover 10 is of the snap-on type, and the protrusion 16 is a lug or gripping portion or engagement portion for the fingers - also known as a "tongue" or "peak" in Italian - which is arranged to be gripped and pushed upward by the user's fingers during the opening of the cover 10, to which it has been applied.

[0040] The protrusion 16 may be a plate, i.e., substantially flat, for example having a planar shape reminiscent of a crescent. In particular, the protrusion 16 extends in a generally radial direction, i.e., generally orthogonal to the main axis C of the cover 10, and extends over a specific circumferential portion of the sidewall 12 of the cover 10 at an intermediate height between the free edge 14 of the sidewall 12 and the height of the upper wall 11.

[0041] The protrusion 16 includes a plurality of surfaces that, during a cutting operation within the cutting apparatus 1, contact or are surrounded by the adjoining and containing surfaces of the spindle of the cutting apparatus; the adjoining and containing surfaces enable the cover to be held in a predetermined radial position relative to the spindle, as will be disclosed below.

[0042] exist Figure 9 In one embodiment, the protrusion 16 includes a first side surface 16a and a second side surface 16b opposite to each other, the first side surface 16a and the second side surface 16b extending substantially parallel to the main axis C of the cover 10 and laterally constraining the protrusion 16a in the circumferential direction. A front surface 16d connects the first side surface 16a and the second side surface 16b and, together with the first side surface 16a and the second side surface 16b, defines the thickness of the protrusion 16. Furthermore, the protrusion 16 includes an upper surface 16c and a lower surface 16e opposite to each other and substantially parallel to each other. The extent of the upper surface 16c and the lower surface 16e in their respective planes orthogonal to the main axis C is greater than the thickness of the protrusion 16, i.e., greater than the extent of the sides 16a, 16b and the front surface 16d along the main axis C. In other words, the lower surface 16e and the upper surface 16c have a circumferential extent on the cover 10, i.e., a larger dimension measured along the outer periphery of the cover 10. The thickness of the protrusion 16 is substantially constant, but it may not be constant; for example, it may vary gradually, or the upper surface 16c or the lower surface 16e may include ridges or recesses.

[0043] The lid 10 may also include internal elements, such as a sealing ring 13, which is arranged within the cup body and connected to the inner surface 11b of the base wall 11. Figure 9A The generally cylindrical sealing ring 13 is substantially coaxial with the side wall 12 and protrudes from the inner surface 11b of the base wall or upper wall 11 within the cup body of the lid 10 in the same direction as the extending direction of the side wall 12; in other words, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 13 is smaller than the outer diameter of the side wall 12. The length of the sealing ring 13 extending along the main axis C is significantly less than the height of the side wall 12. The sealing ring 13 may be an integral part of the cup body of the lid 10.

[0044] refer to Figure 9A The base wall 11 is provided with an outer surface 11a and an inner surface 11b. The outer surface 11a is disposed outside the cup body, and the inner surface 11b is disposed inside the cup body of the lid 10. The inner surface 11b may further include a peripheral portion 11c disposed inside the cup body of the lid 10 and near the side wall 12. The peripheral surface 11c is therefore defined by the side wall 12 and internal elements, particularly by the sealing ring 13. The peripheral surface 11c has, for example, a circular crown shape.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the cutting device 1 includes a disc conveyor 20 of a known type with a spindle held in place, of which only a small portion is shown. The disc conveyor 20 rotates about a vertical axis of rotation, which is not shown but is substantially parallel to... Figure 1 The main axis C of the cover 10 is provided, and it is set for use in the forward direction T ( Figure 7 A plurality of main shafts 70 and a plurality of corresponding supports 93 of a cover 10 moving along a forward path rotate about a vertical axis, the forward path being substantially defined within the peripheral circumferential region of the disc conveyor belt 20. Each main shaft 70 mates with a corresponding support 93. The main shaft 70 and the corresponding support 93 interact with one cover 10 at a time. Each main shaft 70 is included in a main shaft unit 60 and each support 93 is included in a support unit 90.

[0046] Each spindle 70 can therefore move in the forward direction T and rotate about the axis R of its spindle unit 60.

[0047] The support member 93 can move along the forward path with the main shaft 70 and is rotatably fixed relative to its axis R'. The axis R' is parallel to the axis R of the main shaft 70, and in particular, coaxial with the axis R.

[0048] Furthermore, the support member 93 can move along the axis R', or if it is coaxial with the axis R', it can equivalently move along the axis R according to the lifting direction S1 to approach the main shaft 70 to keep the cover 10 against the main shaft 70 and release the cover 10 according to the descending direction S2 opposite to the lifting direction S1 and be able to receive a new cover.

[0049] The spindle 70 is shaped to interact with the cover 10 and cause the cover 10 to rotate about a rotation axis coaxial with the axis R, while the cover 10 is supported by a corresponding support member 93. As detailed below, the spindle 70 is shaped to accommodate the protrusion 16, thereby stopping the rotation of the cover 10 relative to the spindle 70 at a preset position during use, thereby orienting the cover 10 at a set angular position.

[0050] Therefore, each cover 10 is held between the spindle 70 and the corresponding support 93 to allow the cover 10 to be cut at a set position of the sidewall 12 relative to the protrusion 16.

[0051] The cutting device 1 includes a horizontal cutting zone 40 that is reached and passed through by the spindle unit 60 and the corresponding support unit 90 during operation of the cutting device 1. Figure 2 and 7 ) and vertical cutting area 50 ( Figure 3 and 7 The cutting equipment 1 also includes an inlet or supply area 30, such as... Figure 6 As shown; and the unloading area downstream of the vertical cutting zone 50 (not shown).

[0052] refer to Figure 2 and 7 When the cover 10 is in the horizontal cutting zone 40, the cover 10 interacts with the fixed cutting device of the cutting equipment 1, particularly the horizontal cutting blade or cutter 41. This forms a cut on the cover 10 at an intermediate height according to a first horizontal direction, which is parallel to a plane orthogonal to the main axis C of the cover 10. The intermediate height is between the height at which the outer protrusion 16 connects to the body of the cover 10 and the height corresponding to the free edge of the sidewall 12. The horizontal cutting blade or cutter 41 may be configured to obtain a circumferential weakening line on the cover 10 to form an anti-tamper strip.

[0053] The horizontal cutting zone 40 is located downstream of the supply zone 30 and along a forward path having a generally circumferential arc shape along the forward direction T. The horizontal cutting blade 41 includes a cutting edge 43 (e.g., Figure 7 As shown in the plan view, the cutting edge 43 is generally circumferentially arc-shaped and lies on a horizontal plane at a height relative to the guide element 44, which acts as a contrast surface on which the cover 10 rolls during the horizontal cutting operation, while the cover 10 rotates itself driven by the spindle 70. The horizontal cutting blade 41 is detachably mounted to the first frame 42, for example, connected to the base (not shown) of the disc conveyor 20. Figure 1 The position of the horizontal cutting blade 41 relative to the spindle 70 and its corresponding height relative to the edge surface 66 of the lower end 65 of the spindle 70 are shown.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 When the cover 10 is in the vertical cutting zone 50, the cutting device 80 of the cutting device 1 forms one or more cuts on the cover 10 according to a second direction, which is substantially parallel to the main axis C of the cover 10, i.e., forming one or more vertical cuts. When the number of vertical cuts is greater than one, the angular positions of the multiple vertical cuts may depend on the extent of the horizontal cuts formed in the horizontal cutting zone 40 and / or the shape elements present in the cover 10, for example, on the position of the external protrusion 16 and the extent of the circumferential protrusion of the cover 10.

[0055] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, on a substantially circumferential arc-shaped forward path on which the disc conveyor 20 travels through multiple spindle units 60 and multiple support units 90, causing multiple covers 10 to travel, the vertical cutting zone 50 is downstream of the horizontal cutting zone 40. In an embodiment not shown, the vertical cutting zone 50 may be located at the beginning of the forward path of the cover 10, and in this case, the cutting device forms one or more vertical cuts on the cover 10 before the horizontal cutting blade 41 acts on the cover 10. In another embodiment not shown, the horizontal cutting zone may be divided into two horizontal cutting zones spaced apart from each other, wherein the first horizontal cutting zone is located at the beginning of the forward path, and the second horizontal cutting zone is closer to the end of the forward path, thereby providing two blades for horizontal cutting, each blade arranged in a corresponding horizontal cutting zone. In this embodiment, a cutting device is inserted between the two horizontal cutting zones to form one or more vertical cuts on the cover; in this case, the sequence of cutting or slits includes at least one horizontal cut, followed by one or more vertical cuts, and then again at least one additional horizontal cut. The two horizontal cuts on the cover may be indistinguishable, both forming weakening lines defining the tamper-evident band. The vertical cutting zone 50 includes a roller 51 adapted to abut a cam profile of a contrast element 82 disposed within the cutting device 80; contact between the roller 51 and the contrast element 82 ensures that the cutting device 80, mounted on a spindle 70, rotates with the spindle unit 60 and is movable relative to the spindle 70, as will be disclosed below. The roller 51 is rotatably mounted at a set angular position outside the disc conveyor 20 onto a shaft 52 fixed to a second frame 54. The second frame 54 and shaft 52 are fixed relative to the disc conveyor 20, while the roller 51 can rotate on the shaft 52. The second frame 54 may also correspond to a first frame 42 that mounts the fixed cutting device, i.e., the horizontal cutting blade 41.

[0056] The cutting device 80 is arranged to make cuts on the side wall 12 of the cover 10 when the spindle 70 reaches the cutting zone 50, which is located in the forward path along the forward direction T.

[0057] The cutting device 80 is mounted on the main shaft 70 and rotates together with the main shaft 70 about the axis of rotation R of the main shaft 70. The cutting device 80 includes a swing arm 81, which is oscillating about a swing axis O orthogonal to the axis R. Unlike the illustration, the swing axis O may also be inclined relative to the axis R. In other words, the swing axis O is not parallel to the axis R. The swing arm 81 may have, for example, a generally U-shaped or arched raised section. At least one blade 84 for vertical cutting is mounted at the free end or lower end of the swing arm 81. The blade 84 for vertical cutting thus has a cutting edge that is substantially parallel to the main axis C of the cover 10. The lower end of the swing arm 81 may include multiple blades, particularly blades for vertical cutting, for example, these blades are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other at a set distance. Some of the multiple blades may be staggered to form cuts of different heights on the sidewall 12 of the cover 10. Of course, the blade 84 may also be a blade for inclined cutting, i.e., inclined relative to the main axis C of the cover 10 but not for horizontal cutting. Therefore, the swing arm 81 may include one or more blades for vertical cutting, or one or more blades for inclined cutting, or any combination of blades for vertical cutting and blades for inclined cutting.

[0058] The vertical cutting device 80 also includes a comparator element 82, whose cam profile is designed to contact the roller 51. The vertical cutting device 80 also includes an elastic element 83, such as a spring, which is connected to the spindle 70 and ensures that the swing arm 81 can act as a follower when the comparator element 82 contacts the roller 51. The ends of the elastic element 83 are connected via known connectors to a substantially central portion of the swing arm 81 facing the spindle 70 and a side portion of the spindle 70 facing the swing arm 81, respectively.

[0059] Then, the swing arm 81 can swing between two positions relative to the main shaft 70: such as Figure 1 The open position J is shown, in which the blade 84 for vertical cutting is further apart from the spindle 70; and as shown Figure 3 The closed or cutting position K is shown, in which the blade 84 for vertical cutting is closer to the spindle 70 and interacts with the sidewall 12 of the cover 10 during operation.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 The swing arm 81 and the vertical cutting device 80 are held in the open position J by the force generated by the extended elastic element 83.

[0061] refer to Figure 3The swing arm 81 is driven to swing by the roller 51, which is mounted on a fixed second frame 54 located in the cutting zone 50 outside the main shaft 70. The vertical cutting device 80 is held in the closed or cutting position K by the action of the roller 51 contacting the cam profile of the compressive element 82 and the elastic element 83, thereby causing the vertical cutting blade or multiple vertical cutting blades 84 to abut against the side wall 12 and form a cut at a set point on the side wall 12.

[0062] Special Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The comparator element 82, fixed to the swing arm 81, has a cam or convex contact profile shaped to contact the roller 51 at a set point along the path traversed by the comparator element. This path is defined by a combination of the rotational motion of the disc conveyor 20 along its vertical axis and the rotational motion of the spindle unit 60 along its axis R. The contact between the roller 51 and the contact profile of the comparator element 82 of the vertical cutting device 80 ensures that the vertical cutting blade or multiple blades 84 can gradually move to the sidewall 12 of the cover 10 until a cut is formed at a set point in the sidewall 12.

[0063] For reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The spindle unit 60 includes a spindle 70 and a spindle holding shaft 62 coupled together by a known detachable coupling method. This coupling ensures that the cutting device 1 can be equipped with potentially different spindles (or components thereof) suitable for operating or removing the spindle 70 on different types of covers for general maintenance tasks. The spindle 70 and the spindle holding shaft 62 are coupled to ensure that the spindle unit 60 as a whole can rotate about its axis R. Bearing 61 ( Figure 1 and 3 The inner ring is mounted on the main shaft retaining shaft 62, and the outer ring is mounted on the frame 63 of the disc conveyor belt 20.

[0064] The spindle retaining shaft 62 is also connected to a drive mechanism via a transmission that drives the rotational movement of the spindle unit 60 along its axis R. This transmission is designed to synchronize the rotational movement of the disc conveyor 20 with the rotational movement of the spindle unit 60. In other words, the angular position of the disc conveyor 20 matches the set angular position of the spindle unit 60 about its axis R. Furthermore, throughout the entire operation of the cutting device 1, the spindle unit 60 remains substantially at the same height as the bottom of the device (not shown) and is orthogonal to the axis R.

[0065] Each spindle 70 can therefore move in the forward direction T and rotate about the axis R of the spindle unit 60. As disclosed below, the spindle 70 is shaped to interact with the cover 10 such that the cover 10 rotates about a rotation axis and stops rotating at a set angular position, the rotation axis being coaxial with the axis R.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 The spindle 70 has a generally cylindrical shape and is provided with an upper end 64 for coupling with the spindle shaft 62 and a lower end 65 arranged in use to interact with the cover 10. The spindle 70 also includes a cavity 75 in which a clamping insert 71 is at least partially inserted, the clamping insert being arranged to interact with the cover 10, and particularly to contact the portion of the cover 10 other than the protrusion 16.

[0067] The spindle 70 includes a directional seat or hollow housing 74 on the edge portion of the cavity 75, which is adapted to receive at least a portion of the protrusion 16 of the cover 10 to allow the cover 10 to be oriented at an angle about axis R relative to the spindle 70. In this way, the cover 10 can be oriented relative to each cutting device of the cutting device 1, such as relative to the blade 41 and / or the cutting device 80, thus ensuring the precise position of the cuts on the sidewall 12 of the cover 10.

[0068] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The directional seat or hollow housing 74 includes abutment surfaces 74a and 74b, which are arranged to abut against corresponding side surfaces 16a and 16b of the protrusion 16. Each abutment surface is shaped to engage with the corresponding side surface 16a and 16b to stop rotation of the cover 10 caused by the spindle 70. The hollow housing 74 also includes a containing surface 78 or upper surface, which is arranged to face the surface 16c of the protrusion 16. In other words, the containing surface 78 or upper surface is substantially orthogonal to the axis R and restricts axial movement of the protrusion 16 within the directional seat 74. The directional seat or hollow housing 74 is thus a cubic recess connected to the cavity 75. The directional seat or hollow housing 74 also includes a front surface 74d, which is arranged to face and abut against the front surface 16d of the protrusion 16. The front surface 74d also serves as an enclosing surface, i.e., the front surface 74d accommodates or restricts the movement of the protrusion 16 within the orientation seat 74, and the front surface 74d is the surface of the orientation seat 74 furthest from the axis R. The abutment surfaces 74a and 74b are not orthogonal to the axis R; in particular, the abutment surfaces 74a and 74b are surfaces extending in a direction parallel to the axis R, but may also be inclined relative to the axis. The hollow housing 74 also has a planar shape substantially the same as the planar shape of the protrusion 16; in particular, the volume and shape of the hollow housing 74 are such that, apart from possible gaps, the overall dimensions of the protrusion 16 can be traced.

[0069] The directional seat or hollow housing 74 accommodates an external protrusion, which may have a geometry different from that of the external protrusion 16, provided that the overall dimensions of the external protrusion (in the case where the protrusion 16 is defined by the sides 16a and 16b, the front surface 16d and the upper surface 16c) can be accommodated in the housing defined by the directional seat 74.

[0070] The directional seat 74 of the spindle 70 is shaped to accommodate the protrusion 16 to stop the rotation of the cover 10 relative to the spindle 70 at a preset position during use, thereby oriented the cover 10 relative to the cutting device 80.

[0071] The spindle 70 also includes a stop surface 77, which is arranged to contact the outer surface 11a of the base wall 11 outside the cup body. When the cover 10 is held between the support 93 and the spindle 70, the stop surface 77 contacts the surface 11a. The stop surface 77 includes a surface having a generally rounded arc shape.

[0072] The clamping insert 71 can be in a stationary position L (e.g., along an axis coaxial with axis R) Figure 1 (as shown) and working position M (as shown) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The clamping insert 71 moves axially between the support 93 and the spindle 70, and in the rest position L, it is further away from the bottom region 76 and does not interfere with or contact the cover 10 according to the relative position between the support 93 and the spindle 70. In the working position M, the clamping insert 71 is closer to the bottom region 76 of the cavity 75 and contacts the outer surface 11a of the cover 10 during operation. The clamping insert 71 is annular in shape and is fixed to the bottom region 76 of the cavity 75 by an elastic mechanism (e.g., spring 68). One or more rigid centering elements, such as centering pin 67, are arranged to guide the clamping insert 71 during axial movement. A top plate 76 is also shown in the bottom region, and therefore there are one or more concave housings ( Figure 5 The clamping insert 71 has a concave housing or a dead hole on its upper surface, adapted to engage the ends of the elastic mechanism 68 and one or more rigid centering elements 67, respectively. The concave housing on the upper surface of the clamping insert 71 is arranged at a concave housing on the top plate 76. The elastic mechanism 68 and one or more rigid centering elements are arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the axis R of the spindle unit 60.

[0073] A spring 68 connected to the bottom area 76 and the clamping insert 71 is arranged to press the clamping insert 71 against the outer surface 11a of the base wall 11 of the cover 10 during operation.

[0074] The clamping insert 71 can slide along the rod 72 fixed to the spindle 70 in the substantially central area of ​​the top plate 76. The rod 72 has a substantially cylindrical shape and has a section that widens in diameter in the portion facing the cover 10, namely the head 73. The head 73 functions as a stop element for clamping the insert 71 in the rest position L, so that the clamping insert 71 is held within the cavity 75.

[0075] The clamping insert 71 has a lower surface as an end face 79, which has a crown arc shape and its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the crown arc of the stop surface 77.

[0076] As described above, the clamping insert 71 can move between a rest position L and a working position M along a direction substantially parallel to the axis R of the spindle unit 60. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the working position M, the clamping insert 71 is positioned such that the end face 79 of the clamping insert 71 for contacting the outer surface 11a is at substantially the same height as the outer surface 11a. In the working position M, the end face 79 of the clamping insert 71 contacts the corresponding crown arc portion of the outer surface 11a of the upper wall 11 of the cover 10 and is at a higher height relative to the height obtained in the rest position L of the clamping insert 71; in the working position M, the clamping insert 71 applies pressure to the outer surface 11a of the upper wall 11 of the cover 10 by means of the spring 68.

[0077] refer to Figure 1 In the rest position L, the clamping insert 71 is positioned such that the end face 79 is at a lower height than the stop surface 77. In other words, in the rest position L of the clamping insert 71, the spring 68 is at its maximum extension and the head 73 prevents the clamping insert 71 from translating further downward. In the rest position L, the end face 79 of the clamping insert 71 protrudes downward to a height below the lower end of the head 73, which is lower than the height of the stop surface 77.

[0078] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The spindle 70 also has a side recess or side housing extending from a portion of the side surface to the axis R of the spindle 70. The side recess is adapted to accommodate the vertical cutting device 80.

[0079] The support unit 90 includes a support member 93, which is also referred to as a lifter 93. In use, the support unit 90 moves in a basic rotational motion about the vertical axis of rotation of the disc conveyor belt 20, because the support unit 90 is connected to the disc conveyor belt 20 via a connecting mechanism (not shown).

[0080] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3The lifter 93 has a generally cylindrical shape extending along the main axis R' of the support unit 90, and is provided with a lower end for coupling with a cam mechanism (not shown) and an upper end facing the cover 10 and the main shaft 70 in use.

[0081] As disclosed in the preceding paragraphs, the support member 93 can move along the forward path with the main shaft 70 and is rotatably fixed relative to the axis R' and therefore also relative to the axis R. The axis R' of the support member 93 is, for example, coaxial with the axis R of the main shaft 70. The support member 93 is shaped to interact with the cover 10 and hold the cover 10 against the main shaft 70.

[0082] As described above, the support member 93 can move along axis R', or if axis R is coaxial with axis R', it is equivalently movable along axis R in the lifting direction S1 and the lowering direction S2, to move toward and away from the main shaft 70, respectively. Therefore, the support member 93 can... Figure 1 The spacing configuration D shown (where support member 93 is spaced further away from spindle 70) and Figure 2 and Figure 3 The clamping configuration E shown (where the support 93 is closer to the spindle 70 to hold the cover in a set angular position) is driven between.

[0083] Translational movement of the support unit 90 along the lifting direction S1 or the lowering direction S2, i.e., along the axis R', is possible because the support unit 90 is connected to a cam mechanism (not shown), which controls its axial movement between the spacing configuration D and the clamping configuration E in sync with the rotation of the disc conveyor belt 20.

[0084] The support 93 also includes an additional cavity 95, into which an additional clamping insert 91 is at least partially inserted, the additional clamping insert 91 being available along axis R' in an additional working position M'. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The positions shown are between (as shown) and the other stationary position L' (as shown). Figure 1 Axial movement between (as shown), in another working position M' the additional clamping insert 91 is closer to the base wall 96 of the additional cavity 95 and interacts with the internal element 13 of the cover 10 during operation (particularly by pressing the internal element 13), in another rest position L' the additional clamping insert 91 is farther from the base wall 96 and does not interact or contact the internal element 13 of the cover 10 during operation based on the relative position between the support 93 and the spindle 70.

[0085] The support 93 also includes a rod element 92, on which another clamping insert 91 can slide. The rod element 92 is provided with another head 86, which acts as a stop element for the other clamping insert 91 when the other clamping insert 91 is in another stationary position L'.

[0086] The additional clamping insert 91 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape, and its hole at the center is coupled with the cylindrical portion of the additional rod element 92 with a gap, allowing the additional clamping insert 91 to slide axially until it abuts against the additional head 86. The additional rod element 92 is fixed to the support 93 in the central region of the base wall 96.

[0087] The additional clamping insert 91 can be moved between two positions L' and M' by means of an additional resilient mechanism, such as a spring 88, and one or more additional rigid guide and centering elements, such as guide and centering pins 87. The additional resilient mechanism 88 is connected to the base wall 96 and to the additional clamping insert 91, and is arranged to press the additional clamping insert 91 against the inner element 13 of the cover 10 during operation, particularly when the support 93 is in the clamping configuration E and the additional clamping insert 91 is in the other working position M'. The additional clamping insert 91 has a recess or dead hole on its lower surface, respectively adapted to engage the end of the additional resilient mechanism 88. The concave housing or dead hole on the lower surface of the additional clamping insert 91 is arranged at the recess on the base wall 96, so that the additional resilient mechanism 88 is arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the axis R' of the support unit 90. Furthermore, one or more additional rigid guide and centering elements 87 are arranged parallel to the axis R'. For example, the guide and centering pin 87 is fixed to another clamping insert 91 and received in a sliding hole obtained in the base wall 96, which can slide within the sliding hole to guide the other clamping insert 91 to move along the axis R'.

[0088] As can be seen from the above description and from the figures, the structure of the additional clamping insert 91 and the element that allows it to slide is the same as the structure of the element that ensures the movement of the clamping insert 71 in the cavity 75 provided on the spindle 70.

[0089] The additional clamping insert 91 has an upper surface facing the spindle 70 and, in use, the cavity of the hollow body of the cover 10. The additional clamping insert 91 also has an end surface 99, which may be crown-shaped. This end surface 99 is arranged to contact the internal element 13, or, if the internal element 13 is not present, to contact the lower surface 11b of the base wall 11 of the cover 10.

[0090] The support member 93 includes a contact surface 97 arranged to contact the peripheral portion 11c of the inner surface 11b of the base wall 11. The contact surface 97 is in particular the upper end surface of the annular wall 94 that defines another cavity 95 of the support member 93.

[0091] When the cover 10 is held between the support 93 and the spindle 70, i.e., in the clamping configuration E of the support 93, the contact surface 97 contacts the peripheral portion 11c. This contact surface 97 has a crown shape and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface 99 of the additional clamping insert 91. The contact surface 97 also includes the outer crown arc of the support 93, which is radially farther from the axis R, and equivalently farther from the axis R' when axes R and R' are coaxial.

[0092] refer to Figure 3 In another working position M', the additional clamping insert 91 is positioned such that the end surface 99 of the additional clamping insert 91 for contacting the internal element 13 is substantially lower in height than the contact surface 97. In fact, in the other working position M', the end surface 99 of the additional clamping insert 91 contacts the lower edge of the sealing ring 13 of the cover 10, and the additional clamping insert 91 applies pressure to the lower edge of the sealing ring 13 of the cover 10 by means of an additional elastic element 88.

[0093] Refer again Figure 1 In another rest position L', the additional clamping insert 91 is positioned such that the end surface 99 is at the same height as the contact surface 97. In other words, in the other rest position L' of the additional clamping insert 91, the additional elastic mechanism 88 is in a state of maximum extension, and the adjacent annular surface of the additional head element 86 prevents the additional clamping insert 91 from translating further upward.

[0094] In the spaced configuration D of the support units 90, the support units 90 are not attached to the cover 10, and the height of the contact surface 97 is substantially the same as the height of the guide plane 27 of the disc conveyor belt 20, at which the cover 10 provided from the supply area 30 is transported. The spaced configuration D of the support units 90 corresponds to the rest position L of the clamping insert 71. The spaced configuration D of the support units 90 also corresponds to another rest position L' of the other clamping insert 91. In other words, when the support units 90 and the support members 93 are in the spaced configuration D, the clamping insert 71 and the other clamping insert 91 are in their respective rest positions L and L'.

[0095] refer to Figure 3In the clamping configuration E of the support unit 90, the support unit 90 is coupled to the cover 10 and its height allows the cover 10 to contact the clamping insert 71 of the spindle 70, and the protrusion 16 is inserted into the guide seat 74. The clamping configuration E of the support unit 90 corresponds to another working position M' of the other clamping insert 91. The clamping configuration E of the support unit 90 also corresponds to the working position M of the clamping insert 71. In other words, when the support unit 90 and the support member 93 are in the clamping configuration E, the clamping insert 71 and the other clamping insert 91 are in their respective working positions M and M'.

[0096] In the clamping configuration E, in the spaced structure D of the support unit 90, in the corresponding working positions M', M and rest positions L', L of the other clamping inserts 91 and 71, the rotation axis R of the spindle unit 60 and the rotation axis R' of the support unit 90 are substantially aligned with each other and on the main axis C of the cover 10.

[0097] For reference Figure 6 As described above, the cutting device 1 includes an inlet or supply zone 30. The supply zone 30 is located downstream of the aforementioned workstation (not shown), such as a forming station for forming the caps 10, from which the cutting device 1 receives a plurality of caps 10. In the supply zone 30, each cap 10 is slightly rotated to facilitate insertion of its external protrusion 16 into the orientation seat or hollow housing 74 of the spindle 70 (when the support 93 brings the cap 10 to the vicinity of the spindle 70). The supply zone 30 may include a conveyor belt 31, such as a conveyor belt of a known type, adapted to move a plurality of caps 10 arranged in a row along the supply direction A while keeping the concave side of the caps 10 facing down, i.e., the base wall or upper wall 11 facing up. The conveyor belt 31 conveys a plurality of covers 10 (which are not oriented at an angle about their main axis C) to a predetermined orientation zone 22, which includes a predetermined orientation member 22 and a curved guide 32, both of which extend in a substantially circumferential arc shape plane and define a channel for the covers 10 and are adapted to guide and allow each cover to rotate slightly.

[0098] The pre-direction member 21 has:

[0099] - A groove 24 for an external protrusion, adapted to an external protrusion 16 of one of the receiving covers 10;

[0100] - Transition zone 26, wherein the inclined surface of the predetermined member 21 gradually extends from the groove 24 to the outer edge of the predetermined member 21 to form a set angle of rotation of the predetermined member 21; the transition zone 26 is adapted to gradually advance the cover 10 into the curved guide 32;

[0101] - The adjacent portion of the sidewall 23, i.e., the recess shaped to couple with a portion of the sidewall 12 of the cover 10, to ensure that the cover can rotate about its own axis.

[0102] During use, refer to Figure 6 Conveyor belt 31 pushes multiple covers 10 along the supply direction A. A pre-direction member 21, driven by circular motion, receives the sidewalls 12 of the covers 10 and pushes them by abutting against a curved guide 32 via sidewalls 23. The engagement between the pre-direction member 21 and the curved guide 32 thus allows for slight, directional rotation along the main axis C of the protrusion 16 until it engages with the corresponding recess of the protrusion 24; this occurs along a path having a generally circumferential arcuate shape (extending along the length of the curved guide 32 of the supply area 30). Multiple pre-direction zones 22 may be provided on the edge of the pre-direction member 21, for example, multiple pre-direction zones 22 spaced apart from each other at the same angular distance.

[0103] At the mating portion between the predetermined member 22 and the bending guide 32, the support unit 90 is moved upward by a cam mechanism in a lifting direction S1 parallel to the axis R' to intercept the cavity of the cover 10 and bring the cover 10 to the main shaft 70. The support member 93, particularly the annular wall 94, and additional clamping inserts 91 enter the cavity of the cover 10. In this way, the support member 93 lifts the cover 10 from the same height as the guide plane 27 to a higher height, so that the clamping inserts 71 of the main shaft 70 interact with the cover 10 and contact the outer surface 11a of the upper wall 11. The clamping inserts 71 and the additional clamping inserts 91 perform a progressive clamping operation due to the elastic mechanisms 68, 88. Simultaneously, the main shaft 70 rotates synchronously with the disc conveyor 20 on the axis R.

[0104] During the ascent of the support unit 90 along the lifting direction S1, the clamping insert 71 of the spindle 70 contacts the cover 10 and transmits rotational motion about the axis R to the cover 10. In the support unit 90, the dimensions of the contact surface 97, the annular wall 94 of the support member 93, and the additional clamping insert 91 are designed to ensure that the cover 10 can rotate relative to the support member 93 when the cover 10 is rotated by the spindle 70.

[0105] The approach movement of the support unit 90 along the lifting direction S1 to the main shaft unit 60, together with the rotation of the main shaft unit 70 about the axis R, ensures that the cover 10 rotates from the main shaft 70 and that the outer protrusion 16 of the cover 10 rotates into the guide seat 74 and remains in that position (due to the pressing action of the cover operated by the clamping insert 71 and another clamping insert 91). Specifically, the abutment surfaces 74a and 74b of the guide seat 74 tend to be located at the sides 16a and 16b of the outer protrusion 16, respectively. Depending on the rotation direction of the main shaft unit 60 and the cover 10 about the axis R, it is assumed that one of the side surfaces 74a or 74b of the guide seat or hollow housing 74 contacts the corresponding side surface 16a or 16b of the protrusion 16. This contact limits or even prevents the cover 10 from sliding relative to the main shaft, thus also ensuring the synchronization of the cover 10 with the disc conveyor belt 20. The directional seat or hollow housing 74 facilitates the transmission of rotational motion from the spindle 70 to the cover 10 and ensures the definition of the angular position of the cover relative to the spindle 70. In other words, once the directional seat 74 is engaged by the protrusion 16, the rotational motion of the spindle unit 60 about axis R is transmitted to the cover 10 without slippage between the cover 10 and the spindle 70, and the rotational motion of the cover 10 is synchronized with the disc conveyor 20 and the spindle unit 60. Furthermore, the clamping insert 71 moves from the rest position L to the working position M; another clamping insert 91 moves from another rest position L' to another working position M', while the support unit 90 moves from the spaced configuration D to the clamping configuration E. The cutting device 80 is in the open position J.

[0106] The spindle unit 60 and support unit 90, rotating together with the disc conveyor belt 20, travel along a circumferential arc path to maintain the cover 10 within a force sufficient to keep the protrusion 16 of the cover 10 contained within the hollow housing 74 of the spindle 70. However, the cover 10 rotates together with the spindle 70 by sliding on the support member 93, which remains fixed relative to the rotation of the spindle 70. The spindle unit 60 and the corresponding support unit 90 move from the supply area 30 and bring the cover 10 to the vicinity of the horizontal cutting area 40. In the horizontal cutting area 40, the horizontal cutting blade 41 forms a slit of a predetermined circumferential size on the sidewall 12 of the cover 10 at a set height. The overall length of this slit is equal to the length of the interaction between the cutting edge 43 of the horizontal cutting blade 41 and the cover 10. Depending on the shape of the cutting edge 43 of the blade, the horizontal cutting blade 41 can form multiple spaced horizontal cuts in which the material of the cover 10 is not perforated; for example, if the horizontal cutting blade 41 forms cuts that are close to each other and substantially equal, the interruption between the cuts forms a so-called bridge on the sidewall 12, which connects the tamper ring to the rest of the sidewall 12. When the cover 10 reaches the vertical cutting area 50, one or more vertical cuts with larger interruptions can be formed, i.e., a larger area of ​​non-perforated sidewall 12.

[0107] As the initial circular arc path continues, the main shaft unit 60, rotating with the disc conveyor belt 20 and on its axis R, moves away from the horizontal cutting zone 40 and to the vicinity of the vertical cutting zone 50. At the set point on the path, the cutting device 80 interacts with the roller 51 from the open position J to the closed or cutting position K, thereby forming a cut on the side wall 12 of the set portion of the cover 10.

[0108] In one embodiment, when the clamping insert 71 and the other clamping insert 91 are both in their respective working positions M and M', the support unit 90 can rotate freely on its axis R', and thus can be dragged by the rotational movement of the spindle unit 60; in this embodiment, when the support unit 90 is in the clamping configuration E, the rotational movement about the axis R of the spindle 70 is transmitted to the support unit 90 by the cover 10. Further embodiments, not shown, may also be provided, in which the rotational axis R of the spindle is not coaxial with the rotational axis R' of the support unit.

[0109] Due to the construction of the spindle, a cutting device can be obtained for making cuts from the outside in a non-axisymmetric cover without restricting or even eliminating all sliding between the cover and the spindle of the cutting device.

[0110] Due to the hollow housing 74, the cutting device 1 ensures the correct positioning of the cuts on the cover, particularly the vertical cuts. In fact, the hollow housing allows for precise orientation of the cover relative to the blades of the cutting device within the cutting apparatus, especially the vertical cutting blades. The correct positioning of the cover 10 relative to the cutting device enables higher cutting accuracy, resulting in a more repeatable final product.

[0111] The cutting device 1 disclosed above performs horizontal and vertical cuts on a snap-on cover, wherein the external protrusion 16 is a lug or engagement portion that engages with a finger, on which the user actuates to open the container to which the cover is applied. By employing a shape different from that of the hollow housing of the spindle disclosed and shown, and optionally the shape of the corresponding clamping insert and / or support of the spindle, the cutting device can also be used in a form with a shape similar to... Figure 9 Cutouts and notches are formed on the different protruding portions of the snap-on cover for finger engagement. For example, the hollow housing may be shaped to at least partially accommodate the hinge on the cover (as provided in the embodiments disclosed below). In these embodiments, common portions of the cover 10 are indicated by the same reference numerals. Functionally similar but differently shaped portions are indicated by reference numerals having the same units and tens digits but with the hundreds digit added.

[0112] refer to Figure 10An embodiment is shown in which the cover 110 includes an externally projecting portion 116 with a complex shape, the externally projecting portion 116 including multiple portions projecting from the sidewall 12, these portions defining a belt hinge 106. The overall shape of the belt hinge 106 is reminiscent of an upturned trapezoid or "V" shape. The externally projecting portion 116 includes three joints 104, 105a, 105b, two of which are upper joints 105a, 105b, and one of which is a lower joint 104. The externally projecting portion 116 also includes two inclined strips 106a, 106b whose directions converge at the free edges 14 of the cover 116. The joints 104, 105a, 105b are elongated cuboid elements positioned at different heights on the sidewall 12. Two inclined strips 106a and 106b connect to corresponding portions of the same lower joint 104 and upper joints 105a and 105b in a region near the free edge 14 of the cover 110. The two upper joints 105a and 105b are located at the same height on the sidewall 12 of the cover 110 and are angularly spaced from each other. The end face of the belt hinge 106 includes a plurality of first side faces 116a and a plurality of second side faces 116b opposite to the first side faces 116a. The first and second side faces 116a and 116b are the surfaces belonging to the joints 104, 105a and 105b and the inclined strips 106a and 106b. The first and second side faces 116a and 116b extend substantially parallel to the main axis of the cover 110 and laterally constrain the outward protrusion 116 in the circumferential direction.

[0113] The two inclined strips 106a and 106b each include a corresponding front surface 116d; the front surface 116d is the surface at the maximum distance from the axis of the cover 110.

[0114] The protrusion 116 also includes a plurality of upper surfaces 116c, particularly the upper surfaces 116c for each portion of the upper joints 105a, 105b. The two upper surfaces 116c are at the same height, measured along the axis of the cover 110, i.e., aligned. The protrusion 116 also includes a lower surface 116e, which is opposite to the upper surfaces 116c and is the surface of the lower joint 104. The upper surfaces 116c and lower surfaces 116e are substantially parallel to each other, so that the distance between the upper surfaces 116c and lower surfaces 116e along the axis of the cover 110 is constant. The upper surfaces 116c and lower surfaces 116e are substantially flat, but may also include ridges or recesses. The lower surfaces 116e and upper surfaces 116c have a generally circumferential extent relative to the cover 110, i.e., a size greater than that measured along the perimeter of the cover 110.

[0115] The functions of the first and second sides 116a, 116b are the same as Figures 1 to 9The sides 16a and 16b of the cover 10 have the same function. If the total dimensions of the outer protrusion 116 defined by the more distant sides 116a and 116b—that is, the sides 116a and 116b of the two upper joints 105a, 105b—and the outer protrusion 116 defined by the front surface 116d and the upper surface 116c are contained in the seat defined by the orientation seat 74, then the cutting device 1 can be used to form a cut in the cover 110 having the belt hinge 106.

[0116] As an alternative to the above-disclosed device embodiments, embodiments of the cutting device (not shown) can be provided, wherein the spindle has an oriented seat or hollow housing shaped to accommodate the external protrusion 116. Specifically, the hollow housing includes one or more abutment surfaces arranged to abut one or more sides, such as one or more first sides 116a or one or more second sides 116b or all sides 116a, 116b. Also in these embodiments of the cutting device, the hollow housing is shaped to have abutment surfaces non-orthogonal to the axis R to engage with the corresponding sides 116a, 116b to stop the rotation of the cover 110 relative to the spindle at a predetermined position during use, thereby orienting the cover 110 relative to each cutting device 41, 80. As for... Figures 1 to 9 In one embodiment, the hollow housing further includes a containing surface arranged to face the upper surface 116c of the outward protrusion 116, i.e., a surface with a larger circumferential range, which is substantially orthogonal to the axis of the main shaft. The hollow housing may have a planar shape substantially the same as the planar shape of the outward protrusion 116.

[0117] For reference Figure 11 The illustration shows a cover embodiment 210 with an external protrusion 216, which includes an arcuate hinge 206. The arcuate hinge 206 includes an arcuate band 206, which has an arcuate shape with two joints (lower joint 204 and upper joint 205) that connect the arcuate shape to the sidewall 12 of the cover 210. The two joints 204 and 205 are parallel linear regions located at different heights on the sidewall. In addition to the two joints 204 and 205, the arcuate band 206 protrudes from the sidewall 12. On two opposite sides of the arcuate band 206, two adjacent side surfaces 216a and 216b with a crown-shaped arcuate shape can be seen.

[0118] The top region 216d of the arcuate band 206 furthest from the axis of the cover 201 defines the overall size of the protrusion 216 in the radial direction.

[0119] Similar to the case of cover 101, in cover 201, the functions of adjacent side surfaces 216a and 216b are the same as... Figures 1 to 9The side surfaces 16a and 16b of the cover 10 have the same function. If the overall dimensions of the protrusion 216 defined by the adjacent side surfaces 216a and 216b and the top region 216d and the upper joint 205 are contained in the seat defined by the orientation seat 74, the cutting device 1 can then be used to form a cut in the cover 210 having the arcuate hinge 206.

[0120] Alternatively, embodiments of the cutting device (not shown) may be provided, wherein the spindle has a directional seat or hollow housing shaped to receive the outer protrusion 216. Similar to the embodiments disclosed above, and without listing the same considerations herein, the hollow housing specifically includes one or more abutment surfaces arranged adjacent to one or more adjacent side surfaces 216a or 216b. The hollow housing also includes a receiving surface for receiving the upper engagement 205 and a front surface arranged facing the top region 216d. Also in these embodiments, the hollow housing may have a planar shape substantially the same as the planar shape of the outer protrusion 216.

[0121] In all the embodiments of the cover described above, the dimensions of the hollow shell will be appropriately set to accommodate the envisioned protrusion.

[0122] Protrusions 116 and 216 (if present) are interchangeable. Each protrusion can be applied to a snap-on cap or a screw-on cap, for example... Figure 10 and Figure 11 The cap. If the cap has an external protrusion 116 or 216 and a lug-type or finger-jointing protrusion at a diametrical position opposite to the protrusion 116 or 216 (similar to...) Figure 9 and Figure 9A If the protrusion 16 is specified in the text, then in these cases, the cutting device includes a spindle having more than one hollow housing, particularly having two hollow housings that are diametrically opposed.

[0123] Because it can make cuts at defined angular positions on the cap with high precision and repeatability, the cutting device according to the invention is able to obtain cuts on caps with irregular, non-axisymmetric outer contours, especially caps with external protrusions, such as lugs or clamping portions and / or with external hinges, such as snap-on caps or caps with hinges protruding from the sidewalls of the cap, whether snap-on or screw caps, the external protrusions are used to allow the cap to pass through the directional seat of the spindle.

[0124] In fact, by positioning the cover at an angle to the main shaft using an directional seat located in the main shaft, slippage of the cover on the main shaft can be avoided, thereby preventing loss of relative position between the cover and the cutting device. Due to this invention, the number of defective products in the production of covers with notches can be reduced.

[0125] Furthermore, providing an orientation seat in the spindle makes the cutting device simpler than known cutting devices, which include clamping mechanisms with radially movable elements to hold the cover within the clamping mechanism.

[0126] The cutting equipment is more versatile than known equipment because, once the size limitations of the orientation seat are determined, the same spindle can be used for caps with protrusions of different shapes.

Claims

1. A cutting device (1) for cutting a lid (10; 110; 210), the lid (10; 110; 210) comprising a cup body having a base wall (11), side walls (12), and a portion protruding from the side walls (12) of the lid (10; 110; 210) into the lid (10; 110; 210). Protrusions other than 210) (16; 116； 216), the cutting device includes: -The cover (10; 110; 210) is capable of traveling along the forward direction (T) along a forward path. - A main shaft (70) capable of moving along the forward path and rotating about its axis (R), the main shaft (70) being shaped to interact with the cover (10; 110; 210) and cause the cover (10; 110; 210) to rotate about the axis (R). - A support member (93) capable of moving along the forward path with the main shaft (70), the support member (93) being shaped to support the cover (10; 110; 210) to interact with the cover (10; 110; 210) and keep the cover (10; 110; 210) close to the main shaft (70). - A cutting device (41, 80) arranged to cut in the sidewall (12) of the cover (10; 110; 210) when the spindle (70) reaches the cutting zone (40, 50) provided on the forward path. The main shaft (70) is characterized in that it includes a hollow housing (74) formed to accommodate the protrusions (16; 116; 216) and configured to stop the rotation of the cover (10; 110; 210) relative to the main shaft (70) at a preset position during use, such that the cover (10; 110; 210) is oriented relative to the cutting device (41, 80).

2. The cutting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow housing (74) includes abutment surfaces (74a; 74b) arranged to abut against the sides (16a; 16b; 116a; 116b; 216a; 216b) of the protrusion (16; 116; 216).

3. The cutting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the abutting surfaces (74a; 74b) are not orthogonal to the axis (R).

4. The cutting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The hollow shell (74) further includes a containing surface (78) arranged as a face (16c; 116c) facing the protrusion (16; 116), the face (16c; 116c) having a main extent circumferentially around the cover (10; 110), and the containing surface (78) being orthogonal to the axis (R).

5. The cutting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The hollow shell (74) also includes an additional containing surface (74d) arranged to face another face (16d; 116d; 216d) of the protrusion (16), the additional containing surface (74d) being further away from the axis (R).

6. The cutting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow housing (74) has the same planar shape as the protrusion (16; 116; 216).

7. The cutting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support (93) is movable toward and away from the main shaft (70) and is drivable between a spaced configuration (D) and a clamping configuration (E), wherein in the spaced configuration (D) the support (93) is farther away from the main shaft (70), and in the clamping configuration (E) the support (93) is closer to the main shaft (70) to hold the cover (10; 110; 210) in the preset position.

8. The cutting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spindle (70) includes a stop surface (77) arranged to contact the outer surface (11a) of the base wall (11) outside the cup body, the stop surface (77) contacting the outer surface (11a) when the cover (10; 110; 210) is held between the support (93) and the spindle (70).

9. The cutting device (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The stop surface (77) includes a crown-shaped arc.

10. The cutting apparatus (1) according to claim 9, wherein the spindle (70) further comprises a cavity (75) into which a clamping insert (71) is at least partially inserted, the clamping insert (71) being arranged to contact a portion of the cover (10; 110; 210) excluding the protrusion (16; 116; 216), the clamping insert (71) being axially movable along the axis (R) between a working position (M) and a rest position (L), wherein in the working position (M), the clamping insert (71) is closer to the bottom region (76) of the cavity (75) and contacts the outer surface (11a) during operation, and in the rest position (L), the clamping insert (71) is farther from the bottom region (76).

11. The cutting device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the elastic mechanism (68) is connected to the bottom region (76) and the clamping insert (71) and arranged to press the clamping insert (71) against the outer surface (11a) during operation.

12. The cutting device (1) according to claim 10, wherein in the working position (M), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) of the clamping insert (71) for contacting the outer surface (11a) is at the same height as the stop surface (77); in the rest position (L), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) is at a lower height than the stop surface (77).

13. The cutting device (1) according to claim 11, wherein in the working position (M), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) of the clamping insert (71) for contacting the outer surface (11a) is at the same height as the stop surface (77); in the rest position (L), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) is at a lower height than the stop surface (77).

14. The cutting device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the end surface (79) has the shape of at least one crown-shaped arc, the outer diameter of the crown-shaped arc being smaller than the inner diameter of the crown-shaped arc of the stop surface (77).

15. The cutting device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the end surface (79) has the shape of at least one crown-shaped arc, the outer diameter of the crown-shaped arc being smaller than the inner diameter of the crown-shaped arc of the stop surface (77).

16. The cutting apparatus (1) according to claim 8, wherein the spindle (70) further comprises a cavity (75) into which a clamping insert (71) is at least partially inserted, the clamping insert (71) being arranged to contact a portion of the cover (10; 110; 210) excluding the protrusion (16; 116; 216), the clamping insert (71) being axially movable along the axis (R) between a working position (M) and a rest position (L), wherein in the working position (M), the clamping insert (71) is closer to the bottom region (76) of the cavity (75) and contacts the outer surface (11a) during operation, and in the rest position (L), the clamping insert (71) is farther from the bottom region (76).

17. The cutting device (1) according to claim 16, wherein the elastic mechanism (68) is connected to the bottom region (76) and the clamping insert (71) and arranged to press the clamping insert (71) against the outer surface (11a) during operation.

18. The cutting device (1) according to claim 16, wherein in the working position (M), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) of the clamping insert (71) for contacting the outer surface (11a) is at the same height as the stop surface (77); and in the rest position (L), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) is at a lower height than the stop surface (77).

19. The cutting device (1) according to claim 17, wherein in the working position (M), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) of the clamping insert (71) for contacting the outer surface (11a) is at the same height as the stop surface (77); in the rest position (L), the clamping insert (71) is positioned such that the end surface (79) is at a lower height than the stop surface (77).

20. The cutting device (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 and 16-19, wherein, The support (93) includes a contact surface (97) arranged to contact a peripheral portion (11c) of the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11b), the peripheral portion (11c) being disposed inside the cup body near the side wall (12), the contact surface (97) contacting the peripheral portion (11c) when the lid (10; 110; 210) is held between the support (93) and the main shaft (70).

21. The cutting device (1) according to claim 20, wherein the contact surface (97) includes at least one peripheral crown arc of the support (93) radially away from the axis (R).

22. The cutting device (1) according to claim 20, wherein, The support (93) further includes an additional cavity (95) into which an additional clamping insert (91) is at least partially inserted. The additional clamping insert (91) is configured to interact with an internal element (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210), the internal element (13) being disposed within the cup body and connected to the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11). The additional clamping insert (91) is capable of moving along the support (93). 3) The axis (R') moves axially between an additional working position (M') and an additional rest position (L'), wherein in the additional working position (M') the additional clamping insert (91) is closer to the bottom wall (96) of the additional cavity (95) and interacts with the internal elements (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210) during operation, and in the additional rest position (L') the additional clamping insert (91) is farther from the bottom wall (96).

23. The cutting device (1) according to claim 22, wherein a further resilient mechanism (88) is connected to the bottom wall (96) and the further clamping insert (91), and is arranged to press the further clamping insert (91) against the internal element (13) during operation.

24. The cutting device (1) according to claim 22, wherein in the other working position (M'), the other clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the other clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the other clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

25. The cutting device (1) according to claim 23, wherein in the other working position (M'), the other clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the other clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the other clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

26. The cutting device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The support (93) includes a contact surface (97) arranged to contact a peripheral portion (11c) of the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11b), the peripheral portion (11c) being disposed inside the cup body near the side wall (12), the contact surface (97) contacting the peripheral portion (11c) when the lid (10; 110; 210) is held between the support (93) and the main shaft (70).

27. The cutting device (1) according to claim 26, wherein the contact surface (97) includes at least one peripheral circular arc of the support (93) radially away from the axis (R).

28. The cutting device (1) according to claim 26, wherein, The support (93) further includes an additional cavity (95) into which an additional clamping insert (91) is at least partially inserted. The additional clamping insert (91) is configured to interact with an internal element (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210), the internal element (13) being disposed within the cup body and connected to the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11). The additional clamping insert (91) is capable of moving along the support (93). 3) The axis (R') moves axially between an additional working position (M') and an additional rest position (L'), wherein in the additional working position (M') the additional clamping insert (91) is closer to the bottom wall (96) of the additional cavity (95) and interacts with the internal elements (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210) during operation, and in the additional rest position (L') the additional clamping insert (91) is farther from the bottom wall (96).

29. The cutting device (1) according to claim 28, wherein a further resilient mechanism (88) is connected to the bottom wall (96) and the further clamping insert (91), and is arranged to press the further clamping insert (91) against the internal element (13) during operation.

30. The cutting device (1) according to claim 28, wherein in the additional working position (M'), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the additional clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

31. The cutting device (1) according to claim 29, wherein in the other working position (M'), the other clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the other clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the other clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

32. The cutting device (1) according to claim 30, wherein the contact surface (97) has a crown shape, the inner diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface (99).

33. The cutting device (1) according to claim 31, wherein the contact surface (97) has a crown shape, the inner diameter of the crown shape being larger than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface (99).

34. The cutting device (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The support (93) includes a contact surface (97) arranged to contact a peripheral portion (11c) of the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11b), the peripheral portion (11c) being disposed inside the cup body near the side wall (12), the contact surface (97) contacting the peripheral portion (11c) when the lid (10; 110; 210) is held between the support (93) and the main shaft (70).

35. The cutting device (1) according to claim 34, wherein the contact surface (97) includes at least one peripheral crown arc of the support (93) radially away from the axis (R).

36. The cutting device (1) according to claim 34, wherein, The support (93) further includes an additional cavity (95) into which an additional clamping insert (91) is at least partially inserted. The additional clamping insert (91) is configured to interact with an internal element (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210), the internal element (13) being disposed within the cup body and connected to the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11). The additional clamping insert (91) is capable of moving along the support (93). 3) The axis (R') moves axially between an additional working position (M') and an additional rest position (L'), wherein in the additional working position (M') the additional clamping insert (91) is closer to the bottom wall (96) of the additional cavity (95) and interacts with the internal elements (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210) during operation, and in the additional rest position (L') the additional clamping insert (91) is farther from the bottom wall (96).

37. The cutting device (1) according to claim 36, wherein a further resilient mechanism (88) is connected to the bottom wall (96) and the further clamping insert (91), and is arranged to press the further clamping insert (91) against the internal element (13) during operation.

38. The cutting device (1) according to claim 36, wherein in the additional working position (M'), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the additional clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

39. The cutting device (1) according to claim 37, wherein in the additional working position (M'), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the additional clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

40. The cutting device (1) according to claim 38, wherein the contact surface (97) has a crown shape, the inner diameter of the crown shape being larger than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface (99).

41. The cutting device (1) according to claim 39, wherein the contact surface (97) has a crown shape, the inner diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface (99).

42. The cutting device (1) according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein, During operation, when the spindle (70) is in the working position (M), the support (93) is in the other working position (M') to hold the cover in the preset position, and when the spindle (70) is in the rest position (L), the support (93) is in the other rest position (L').

43. The cutting device (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The support (93) includes a contact surface (97) arranged to contact a peripheral portion (11c) of the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11b), the peripheral portion (11c) being disposed inside the cup body near the side wall (12), the contact surface (97) contacting the peripheral portion (11c) when the lid (10; 110; 210) is held between the support (93) and the main shaft (70).

44. The cutting device (1) according to claim 43, wherein the contact surface (97) includes at least one peripheral crown arc of the support (93) radially away from the axis (R).

45. The cutting device (1) according to claim 43, wherein, The support (93) further includes an additional cavity (95) into which an additional clamping insert (91) is at least partially inserted. The additional clamping insert (91) is configured to interact with an internal element (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210), the internal element (13) being disposed within the cup body and connected to the inner surface (11b) of the base wall (11). The additional clamping insert (91) is capable of moving along the support (93). 3) The axis (R') moves axially between an additional working position (M') and an additional rest position (L'), wherein in the additional working position (M') the additional clamping insert (91) is closer to the bottom wall (96) of the additional cavity (95) and interacts with the internal elements (13) of the cover (10; 110; 210) during operation, and in the additional rest position (L') the additional clamping insert (91) is farther from the bottom wall (96).

46. ​​The cutting device (1) according to claim 45, wherein a further resilient mechanism (88) is connected to the bottom wall (96) and the further clamping insert (91), and is arranged to press the further clamping insert (91) against the internal element (13) during operation.

47. The cutting device (1) according to claim 45, wherein in the additional working position (M'), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the additional clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

48. The cutting device (1) according to claim 46, wherein in the additional working position (M'), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) of the additional clamping insert (91) for contacting the internal element (13) is at a lower height than the contact surface (97), and in the rest position (L), the additional clamping insert (91) is positioned such that the end surface (99) is at the same height as the contact surface (97).

49. The cutting device (1) according to claim 47, wherein the contact surface (97) has a crown shape, the inner diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface (99).

50. The cutting device (1) according to claim 48, wherein the contact surface (97) has a crown shape, the inner diameter of which is greater than the outer diameter of the outer crown arc of the end surface (99).

51. The cutting device (1) according to any one of claims 45 to 50, wherein, During operation, when the spindle (70) is in the working position (M), the support (93) is in the other working position (M') to hold the cover in the preset position, and when the spindle (70) is in the rest position (L), the support (93) is in the other rest position (L').

52. The cutting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The cutting device (80) is mounted on the spindle (70) and is capable of rotating together with the spindle (70) about the axis (R). The cutting device (80) includes a swing arm (81) that swings about a swing axis (O) which is not parallel to the axis (R). A single blade (84) or multiple blades selected from the group consisting of blade options including: a single blade or multiple blades for vertical cutting, a single blade or multiple blades for inclined cutting, and any combination of the foregoing.

53. The cutting device (1) according to claim 52, wherein, The swing arm (81) is driven to swing by a cam profile (82) formed on the swing arm (81) and the cam profile is shaped to interact with a roller (51) mounted to a fixed frame (54) located in the cutting area (50) outside the main shaft (70).

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