Cutting equipment and methods for cutting lids

Abstract

This document discloses an apparatus for cutting caps, comprising an engaging portion rotatable together with a spindle, the engaging portion including an axially extending protrusion for circumferentially engaging an internal protrusion of a cap, and a contact surface for engaging an internal central region of the cap, the contact surface and the engaging surface being movable to adopt a coordinated angular orientation and axial holding configuration relative to a cutting device for cutting the cap. A cap is disclosed, wherein the internal protrusion has a predetermined angular position relative to a circumferential notch on a sidewall of the cap. A method for cutting a cap is disclosed, comprising the steps of: guiding the protrusion circumferentially to engage the protrusion, guiding the contact surface axially to engage against the internal central region, and scoring the cap by means of the cutting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for cutting caps or stoppers, for example made of plastic, for closing containers such as bottles. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus for forming circumferential notches (at least for a portion or the entire circumference) on the sidewalls of a cap. The notches formed may define a retaining ring in the cap body, or a connection between the retaining ring and the sidewalls of the cap (e.g., a strap, band, or hinge, etc.), or define other parts of the cap. Background Technology

[0002] A device with a rotary structure is known, comprising spindles and a cap clamping member assembled on the periphery of the rotary table, spaced at an angle to each other and rotatable on their own. Each spindle rotates the cap on itself and moves the cap along a circular path through one or more zones, in which a cutting device is positioned to scribble or cut the sidewalls of the cap.

[0003] A known cutting device forms a weakening line on the sidewall of the lid to create a retaining band or horizontal opening on the sidewall. The type of cut performed by this device is also referred to as a "horizontal cut".

[0004] It is also known that a cutting device cuts or scribings the sidewalls of a lid at a predetermined radial position, either parallel or oblique to the lid axis, to create a weakened area in the retaining band or to define a connection (e.g., a strap, hinge, etc.) between the retaining band and the rest of the lid sidewalls. This type of cutting is also known as "vertical cutting".

[0005] Known cutting equipment includes a cutting device adapted to perform both horizontal and vertical or oblique cuts on the sidewall of a lid at a predetermined radial position on the lid.

[0006] A drawback of existing cutting equipment is that the cover is set to the spindle in an incorrect initial position, in which the predetermined start or end radial position of the cut is not coordinated with the spindle and the cutting device.

[0007] Another drawback of existing cutting equipment is the slippage between the spindle and the cover, especially during contact with the cutting device.

[0008] The incorrect initial position of the lid and the slippage caused a loss of synchronization between the lid and the components of the cutting device. This could imply cutting at a spatial location on the lid that differs from the intended spatial position, thereby diminishing the functionality of the end product.

[0009] To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, it is known to provide a clamping member mounted on a spindle, which includes a radially movable element shaped to hold the cover from within, thereby radially pushing against a plurality of points on the sidewall.

[0010] However, the clamping components consist of multiple parts, which complicates these known cutting devices. Summary of the Invention

[0011] One objective of this invention is to improve existing cutting equipment.

[0012] One objective of this invention is to address the aforementioned limitations and drawbacks of the prior art in the application of a device for cutting lids.

[0013] One objective of this invention is to ensure the correct positioning of cuts on the lid.

[0014] One advantage of this invention is that it allows for precise orientation of the lid relative to the cutting device.

[0015] One advantage of this invention is that it limits or eliminates sliding between the cover and the spindle of the cutting device.

[0016] One advantage is that it reduces production waste associated with lids equipped with grooves.

[0017] These and other objectives and advantages are achieved by a cutting device according to one or more of the appended claims.

[0018] In one example, an apparatus for cutting a lid includes: a forward path through which the lid can travel; a cutting zone disposed on the forward path; a spindle movable along the forward path and rotatable about a rotation axis, the spindle being configured to rotate the lid about the rotation axis; a support movable along the forward path together with the spindle and configured such that the lid can be held between the support and the spindle; and a cutting device for forming a notch in the lid when the spindle is in the cutting zone; wherein, specifically, the spindle includes an engaging portion facing the support for contacting and interacting with a lid disposed on the support, the engaging portion being rotatable together with the spindle, the engaging portion including a protrusion extending axially from a peripheral area of ​​the engaging portion toward the support, wherein "axial" is a predetermined reference to the rotation axis, and the protrusion including at least one mating surface configured to abut against a portion of the lid in a circumferential mating direction. The engagement portion includes a contact surface, wherein the "circumferential" direction is a predetermined reference axis of rotation to prevent relative rotation between the cover and the spindle in a predetermined position, thereby orienting the cover relative to the cutting device. The engagement portion includes a contact surface arranged in a central region of the engagement portion to contact the cover and axially hold the cover to a support. The central region is traversed by the axis of rotation, and the peripheral region is further away from the axis of rotation than the central region. The contact surface and the at least one mating surface are movable relative to each other in the axial direction to enable a coordinated angular orientation configuration and an axial holding configuration. In the coordinated angular orientation configuration, the contact surface does not axially hold the cover to the support, and the at least one mating surface abuts against the portion of the cover in the circumferential mating direction. In the axial holding configuration, the contact surface axially holds the cover to the support, and the at least one mating surface abuts against the portion of the cover in the circumferential mating direction.

[0019] In one example, a method for cutting a lid includes the following steps: placing the lid on a support such that the outer side of the bottom wall of the lid abuts the support; advancing the support along a forward path; bringing the engaging portion of a spindle toward the inner surface of the bottom wall of the lid; rotating the spindle about a rotation axis and advancing the spindle together with the support along the forward path, the engaging portion rotating together with the spindle; guiding the protrusions of the engaging portion to circumferentially abut against the protrusions of the bottom wall of the lid to allow the lid to rotate about the rotation axis and prevent the lid from rotating relative to the spindle in a predetermined position; guiding the contact surfaces of the engaging portion to axially abut against the central area of ​​the inner surface of the lid to hold the lid against the support; guiding the lid to a cutting area; and scribing the sidewalls of the lid using a cutting device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will be better understood and practiced with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 It is an axial section of a spindle and a support member disposed in a device for cutting a cover, with respect to a plane through the axis of rotation of the spindle, wherein the meshing portion of the spindle is shown in a first position and the support member is shown in a spaced-out position;

[0022] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The axial sections of the spindle and support are shown, with the meshing portion of the spindle shown in the second position and the support shown in the spaced-out position.

[0023] Figure 3 Is it like this? Figure 1 The axial section of the main shaft and support member, wherein the support member is shown in a spaced-out position and the protrusion of the meshing portion is at the same height as the cover protrusion;

[0024] Figure 4 is as follows Figure 1 The axial sections of the spindle and support are shown, wherein the meshing portion of the spindle is shown in the first position and the support is shown in the clamping position;

[0025] Figure 4A is a transverse section of the main shaft in Figure 4;

[0026] Figure 5 shows the following. Figure 1 The axial section of the head of the meshing part, and the bottom view of the head, in which the rectangular planar protrusion is highlighted;

[0027] Figure 5A Showing the axial section and bottom view of the head, highlighting the trapezoidal planar protrusion;

[0028] Figure 6 shows an axial section of the lid with respect to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the lid, and a top view of the lid, indicating the protrusion;

[0029] Figure 6A Showing the axial section and top view of the lid, with the protrusion separated from the internal components of the lid;

[0030] Figure 7 shows an axial section of the head and the lid relative to the longitudinal axis of the lid and the axis of rotation of the main shaft in a plane, with the lid in a preset position relative to the main shaft, and a bottom view section showing the relative position of the protrusion of the lid to the protrusion in the preset position.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic plan view of part of the cutting equipment, highlighting the cover and the forward path of the cutting device. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments of the invention, further illustrates the technical means employed by the present invention to achieve its intended utility model objective.

[0033] See Figure 1 , 2 3, 4, 4A, 5, 7 and 8 disclose a cutting device arranged for cutting or scoring a stopper or cap 1. The cap 1 can be used to close containers such as bottles.

[0034] Referring to the figures, each lid, for example, made of plastic, has a cup-shaped body and, more precisely, includes a circumferential area in which circumferential grooves will be formed.

[0035] Specifically, the lid 1 includes a bottom wall 11 defining the closed end of the cup-shaped body, the bottom wall including an inner surface 11a and an outer surface 11b opposite to each other. In a specific example shown in Figure 6, the bottom wall 11 is disc-shaped and includes a central region spanned by a longitudinal axis C, which is specifically orthogonal to the bottom wall 11, and a peripheral region near the outer edge of the disc and further away from the longitudinal axis C than the central region. Specifically, the lid 1 includes a side wall 12 adjacent to the bottom wall 11, which extends around the longitudinal axis C of the lid 1 to the free edge of the bottom wall 11, the free edge defining the open end of the cup-shaped body. Specifically, the side wall 12 may be a cylindrical side wall coaxial with the longitudinal axis C. This circumferential notch defines a retaining band separating the lid 1 in the body including the closed end of the lid 1 from the retaining band including the open annular portion of the lid. The circumferential notches may include multiple predetermined disassembly lines or break lines, which may be arranged on the cap 1 at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis C to define the body, the retaining band, and possible connecting portions (i.e., straps) that connect the body to the retaining band on the cap. The aforementioned circumferential area may be specifically arranged on the sidewall 12.

[0036] Specifically, the cover 1 includes a protrusion 13 that protrudes from the bottom wall 11 inside the cover 1 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis C. The protrusion 13 protrudes from the peripheral area of ​​the inner surface 11a of the cover 1. The protrusion 13 includes ribs extending in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis C.

[0037] Referring to the figures, especially Figure 6, the extension 13 has an elongated section taken on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis C—specifically a rectangle, the larger dimension of which is radially positioned relative to the longitudinal axis C.

[0038] The protrusion 13 includes at least one side exposed from the inner surface 11a of the bottom wall 11. Specifically, the at least one side is configured to operate as a circumferential mating element and has a predetermined angular position relative to the circumferential notch to define one or more break lines of the retaining strap and / or binding strap on the cover 1; the predetermined angular position serves as a reference to coordinate the cover 1 relative to the cutting device such that those break lines begin and terminate at the desired locations.

[0039] The extension 13 includes multiple surfaces that contact the surface of the spindle of the cutting device during cutting operations inside the cutting device; the mating surfaces enable the cover to be held in a predetermined radial or preset position relative to the spindle, or in an axially held configuration, as will be disclosed below.

[0040] Referring to a specific example shown in Figure 6, the protrusion 13 has a cubic shape, and the at least one side lies in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis C. The at least one side may include a first side 13a and a second side 13b. In a form not shown, the at least one side may be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the lid. The protrusion 13 further includes an upper surface 13c adjacent to the at least one side. Specifically, the upper surface 13c may be planar, and its chamfered portion may connect to the at least one side. In a form not shown, specifically, the upper surface 13c may be curved. The height of the protrusion 13 extends vertically along the longitudinal axis C by a length significantly less than the height of the sidewall 12.

[0041] The extension 13 further includes a free edge, namely the central end of the guide longitudinal axis C and the peripheral end of the guide sidewall 12.

[0042] In alternative forms not shown, the protrusion may have different shapes, such as a pin or crossbar shape.

[0043] Specifically, the lid 1 may further include internal elements, such as a sealing ring 14, which is disposed within the cup-shaped body and connected to the inner surface 11a of the bottom wall 11. The generally annular sealing ring 14, coaxial with the longitudinal axis C, protrudes from the inner surface 11a of the wall inside the cup-shaped body of the lid 1 in the same extending direction as the sidewall 12; in other words, the outer diameter of the sealing ring 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the sidewall 12. The sealing ring 14 extends along the longitudinal axis C for a length significantly less than the height of the sidewall 12 and significantly greater than the height of the protrusion 13. The sealing ring 14 and the protrusion 13 may be integral parts of the cup-shaped body of the lid 1. Referring to a specific example in FIG. 6, specifically, the peripheral end of the protrusion 13 may abut the sealing ring 14. Figure 6A In another example shown, specifically, the protrusion 13 can be separated from the sealing ring 14.

[0044] Specifically, the cutting device includes a forward path that can be traveled by the cover 1 along the forward direction T. Specifically, this forward path may include a circumferential arc and is defined in the peripheral area of ​​a spindle-holder turntable (not shown) contained in the cutting device, which rotates specifically orthogonal to the horizontal baseline of the device about a vertical axis, and causes a plurality of spindles 2 and a plurality of supports 3 arranged to move the cover 1 to rotate about the vertical axis.

[0045] Each spindle 2 has a corresponding support 3. The spindle 2 and the corresponding support 3 interact with one cover 1 at a time.

[0046] Each main shaft 2 can therefore move along the direction of travel T and rotate about its axis of rotation R. This axis of rotation R can be precisely described as vertical.

[0047] The support member 3 is movable along the forward path together with the main shaft 2, and is configured such that the cover 1 is held between the support member 3 and the main shaft 2. The support member 3 is rotatably fixed relative to its axis R'. The axis R' is parallel to the axis of rotation R of the main shaft 2, specifically, it is coaxial with the axis of rotation R.

[0048] Furthermore, the support member 3 can move along the axis R' or correspondingly along the rotation axis R (if coaxial with the axis R') in the lifting direction Y to approach the main shaft 2 to hold the cover 1 against the main shaft 2, and move in the descending direction X, which is opposite to the lifting direction Y, to move away from the main shaft 2. In other words, the support member can move axially to approach and move away from the main shaft 2, possibly taking a spaced position D and a clamping position E, in which the support member is away from the forward path, and in which the support member is close to the forward path to hold the cover 1 in a preset position.

[0049] The spindle 2 is shaped to interact with the cover 1 and guide the cover 1 to rotate about a rotation axis coaxial with the rotation axis R while the cover 1 is supported by the corresponding support 3. As will be described in detail below, the spindle 2 is shaped to abut against the protrusion 13 to prevent the cover 1 from rotating relative to the spindle 2 in a preset position during use, so as to orient the cover 1 relative to the spindle 2. Each cover 1 is thereby held between the spindle 2 and the corresponding support 3 to allow cutting operations to be performed on it at a preset position on the sidewall 12 relative to the protrusion 13.

[0050] The cutting equipment may include cutting zones 40 and 50 that are reached and crossed by the spindle 2 and the support 3 when the cutting equipment is in operation. Specifically, cutting zones 40 and 50 may include a horizontal cutting zone 40 and a vertical cutting zone 50. Figure 8 The cutting equipment is reached and crossed by the spindle 2 and the support 3 during operation of the cutting equipment. The cutting equipment further includes an inlet or feed area and a discharge area (not shown) downstream of the cutting areas 40, 50.

[0051] The cutting devices 4 and 5 may include at least one blade arranged to make circumferential cuts on the cover 1, including horizontal and / or vertical and / or oblique cuts, to form a break line on the cover for the retaining strap and / or binding strap. The at least one blade has a preset position relative to the spindle 2 such that the preset point of the at least one blade is always located at the preset point of the spindle 2. In other words, the cutting devices 4 and 5 are synchronized or coordinated with the spindle 2.

[0052] See Figure 8 When the cover 1 is in the horizontal cutting zone 40, the cover 1 interacts with the fixed cutting device 4 of the cutting equipment, specifically with the horizontal cutting blade or knife, which makes cuts on the cover 1 according to a first horizontal direction parallel to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis C of the cover 1.

[0053] The horizontal cutting zone 40 is downstream of the feeding zone along the forward path in the forward direction T.

[0054] When the cover 1 is in the vertical cutting zone 50, the vertical cutting device 5 of the cutting equipment forms one or more grooves on the cover 1 in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis C of the cover 10, i.e., one or more vertical grooves.

[0055] In the depicted form, the vertical cutting area 50 is downstream of the horizontal cutting area 40 on the forward path. In a form not depicted, the vertical cutting area 50 may be placed at the beginning of the forward path of the cover 1, and in this case, the vertical cutting device 5 forms one or more vertical notches on the cover 1 before the horizontal cutting device 4 operates on the cover 1. In another form not depicted, the horizontal cutting area may be divided into two horizontal cutting areas spaced apart from each other, the first horizontal cutting area at the beginning of the forward path and the second horizontal cutting area closer to the end of the forward path, thus providing two horizontal cutting devices, each arranged in a corresponding horizontal cutting area. In this form, the cutting device is inserted between the two horizontal cutting areas to form one or more vertical notches on the cover; in this case, the cutting notch sequence includes at least one horizontal cut, then one or more vertical notches, and then at least one additional horizontal cut again. The two horizontal cuts are not identifiable on the cover, and together they form a weakening line defining the retaining band.

[0056] Specifically, the spindle 2 includes an engaging portion facing the support 3 to interact with the cover 1 disposed on the support 3. This engaging portion is rotatable together with the spindle 2 about a rotation axis R. The engaging portion can be further moved in a direction parallel to the rotation axis R to move closer to the support 3 along the descending direction X, and to move away from the support 3 along the direction Y. In other words, the engaging portion can move between a first position M and a second position L, in the first position the engaging portion is closer to the forward path, and in the second position the engaging portion is farther from the forward path.

[0057] Specifically, the engaging portion includes a contact surface 24a arranged in the central region of the engaging portion to contact the cover 1 and axially hold the cover to the support 3, wherein "axial" is a predetermined reference axis of rotation R. Specifically, the contact surface 24a is arranged to contact the inner surface 11a of the bottom wall 11 of the cover 1. The central region of the engaging portion is traversed by the axis R. The contact surface 24a is further movable relative to the engaging portion along the axis of rotation R.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the specific example shown in section 4, a contact surface 24a is obtained on a propeller element 24 having a cylindrical shape, the longitudinal axis of which extends along the axis of rotation R. Specifically, the contact surface 24a is arranged on the end of the propeller element 24 facing the support 3. The contact surface 24a is curved and defines a convexity at the end of the propeller element 24. The function of this convexity is to form a contact area between the propeller element 24 and the cover 1, the contact area being preferably point-like to avoid or limit rotational movement from the propeller element 24 to the cover 1. The propeller element 24 is movable along the axis of rotation R. The propeller element 24 is equipped with an elastic member 27 for pushing the contact surface 24a against the cover 1 during operation. The elastic member 27 may specifically include an elastic element, such as a spring.

[0059] Specifically, the engaging portion includes a protrusion 21 that extends axially from the peripheral region of the engaging portion toward the support 3 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R. The peripheral region of the engaging portion is positioned at a greater distance from the axis than the distance between the central region of the engaging portion and the axis of rotation R. In other words, the peripheral region is farther from the axis of rotation R than the central region.

[0060] Specifically referring to Figure 5, the protrusion 21 has an elongated (more precisely, rectangular) planar cross section, i.e., cut on an orthogonal plane R, wherein the larger dimension of the protrusion 21 is radially positioned relative to the axis of rotation R.

[0061] The protrusion 21 includes at least one mating surface 21a, 21b configured to abut against a portion of the cover 1 in a circumferential mating direction, wherein the “circumferential” direction is a predetermined reference axis of rotation to prevent relative rotation between the cover 1 and the spindle 2 in a predetermined position so as to orient the cover relative to the cutting devices 4, 5.

[0062] The at least one mating surface 21a, 21b may be located in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation R. Specifically, the protrusion 21 may further include a lower surface 21c facing the support 3. Specifically, the lower surface 21c may be planar, and its chamfered portion may connect to the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b. In a form not shown, specifically, the lower surface 21c may be curved. Specifically, the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b may include a first mating surface 21a and a second mating surface 21b opposite to the first mating surface 21a. Specifically, the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b is arranged to contact at least one side of the cover 1 in a predefined position during rotation of the main shaft 2 (or correspondingly engaging portion) about the axis of rotation R, wherein the rotation of the cover 1 is synchronized with the rotation of the main shaft 2.

[0063] Specifically, see Figure 5A The protrusion 21 may have a trapezoidal planar shape. The inclination of the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b relative to the rotation R may be selected such that an optimal mating area is obtained between the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b and the at least one side of the cover 1 during use.

[0064] In a specific example of Figure 7, in a predetermined position of the spindle 2 relative to the cover 1, the second mating surface 21b contacts the first side surface 13a because, viewed from above, the spindle 2 rotates clockwise relative to the cover 1. Alternatively, in a predetermined position not shown, the spindle rotates counterclockwise 2, and the first mating surface 21a contacts the second side surface 13b of the cover 1.

[0065] The contact surface 24a and the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b are movable in the axial direction to adopt a coordinated angular orientation configuration in which the contact surface 24a does not hold the cover 1 to the support 3, and the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b abuts against the portion of the cover 1 in the circumferential mating direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the contact surface 24a and the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b may be in an axially held configuration S, in which the contact surface 24a axially holds the cover 1 to the support 3, and the mating surfaces 21a, 21b still abut the portion of the cover 1 in the circumferential mating direction (Figures 4 and 7).

[0067] In other words, during the operation of the cutting equipment, the cover 1 is positioned on the support 3, with the outer surface 11b of the bottom wall 11 resting on the support 3, while the support 3 advances along the forward path. The engaging portion approaches the inner surface 11a of the bottom wall 11 of the cover 1, while the main shaft 2 rotates together with the engaging portion and advances along the forward path. When the main shaft 2 approaches the support 3, the cutting equipment is in a position similar to... Figure 2 The configuration shown in the diagram is such that the protrusion 21 is "flush" with the extension 13 of the cover 1, meaning the lower surface 21c of the protrusion 21 is at the same height as the upper surface 13c of the extension 13 of the cover 1 (measured along the rotation R). The engaging portion remains rotating about the rotation axis R while axially descending in the descending direction X. To circumferentially mate with the extension 13, the protrusion 21 must now rotate about the rotation axis R by no more than one revolution. Once the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b of the protrusion 21 mates with the extension 13 circumferentially, and the contact surface 24a does not hold the cover 1, a coordinated angular orientation configuration is achieved. The engaging portion remains descending, guiding the contact surface 24a to contact the inner surface 11a of the cover 1; when the contact surface 24a abuts against the support 3 to hold the cover 1, and simultaneously the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b mates with the extension 13, an axially held configuration or a correspondingly preset position is achieved. The cover 1 is thus oriented in coordination with the spindle 2 and the cutting devices 4 and 5.

[0068] This protrusion 13 serves as an angular reference for the circumferential engraving. In fact, the predetermined disassembly line of the circumferential engraving references the axis of rotation R according to a preset angular distance on the side wall 12 of the cover 1, which can be measured as an angular distance relative to the protrusion 13. Because the rotation of the spindle 2 and its forward movement in the forward path are precisely synchronized with the cutting devices 4 and 5 by means of mechanical transmission, once the cover 1 is synchronized with the spindle 2, the cover 1 is also synchronized with the cutting devices 4 and 5.

[0069] The protrusion 21 protrudes vertically downwards from the head surface 23 of the engaging portion toward the support 3. The head surface 23 has an annular shape, that is, a circular dome with a smaller diameter and a larger diameter, and is located in the outer periphery of the engaging portion.

[0070] In specific examples of the figures, the head surface 23 is positioned externally relative to the contact surface 24a. The diameter of the contact surface 24a is smaller than the smaller diameter of the head surface 23, wherein the diameter is measured in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation R.

[0071] See Figure 1 As shown in Figures 4 and 7, when the contact surfaces are in the axially fixed configuration S, the head surface 23 is arranged at a vertical height greater than that of the contact surface 24a, and the lower surface 21c is arranged at a vertical height greater than that of the contact surface 24a, wherein the height is measured on the rotation axis R.

[0072] The thruster element 24 can be precisely positioned in a retracted position on the axis of rotation R, i.e., the contact surface can reach a position greater than [missing information]. Figure 3 The vertical height reached in the middle. This retracted position is specifically provided when the spindle 2 interacts with the cover equipped with internal reinforcing elements (e.g., in a radial arrangement and / or shaped panel), wherein the thickness of the central area of ​​the bottom wall is greater than the thickness of the peripheral area of ​​the bottom wall.

[0073] During use, when the engaging part engages with the cover 1 ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 When the head surface 23 is at a height greater than the upper surface 13c of the protrusion 13 (Figures 4 and 7), the lower surface 21c of the protrusion 21 is at a height greater than the inner surface 11a of the cover 1; during operation, the protrusion 21 will not interfere with the inner surface 11a of the cover 1 when the at least one mating surface 21a, 21b contacts the at least one side surface.

[0074] Specifically, the spindle 2 includes a base body 20 having a sleeve shape extending about a rotation axis R. The base body 20 is rotatable together with the spindle 2 about the rotation axis R. When the cutting equipment is in operation, the base body 20 maintains the same vertical height as the spindle 2 as it advances along the forward path.

[0075] Specifically, the engaging portion may be arranged on a clamping body 25, which has an elongated shape and slides relative to the base body 20 along a rotation axis R. The clamping body 25 may rotate together with the base body 20 about the rotation axis R to allow the engaging portion to contact the cover 1 and rotate the cover. The rotation of the clamping body 25 and the base body 20 is achieved by a guide member 26 arranged on the base body 20, which engages with a longitudinal groove 25c arranged on the elongated portion 25a of the clamping body 25, thereby preventing relative rotation between the base body 20 and the clamping body 25 and allowing axial sliding of the clamping body 25 relative to the base body 20.

[0076] A head surface 23 is disposed on a disc-shaped head portion 22. The head portion 22 is shaped to at least partially fit into the cover 1. Specifically, the head portion 22 is shaped to at least partially fit into the sealing ring 14 so as to align the longitudinal axis of the cover C with the axis of rotation R during operation.

[0077] Furthermore, specifically, the cutting device may include another elastic member 28 configured to apply an axial force of the guide support 3 to the protrusion 21, thereby allowing the protrusion 21 to be axially displaced relative to the clamping body 25 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R. The other elastic member 28 may allow, for example, when the protrusion 21 is vertically aligned with the extension 13 (…). Figure 2The protrusion 21 abuts against the cover 1 but does not hold the cover in place. See also Figure 1 Another elastic member 28 is connected to the base body 20 and the head portion 22, and may include, for example, an elastic element such as a spring.

[0078] Specifically, the spindle 2 may include an adjusting member 26a to set the distance from the protrusion 21 to the support 3, measured along the axis of rotation R. This allows the protrusion 21 to be adjusted according to the height of the protrusion 13, enabling the protrusion 21 to accommodate different types of covers 1. The adjusting member 26a may be connected to the base body 20 and the head portion 22, and may specifically include a screw-nut coupling, wherein the distance from the protrusion 21 to the support 3 is adjusted by tightening or loosening this screw.

[0079] See Figure 2 Specifically, the spindle 2 includes an annular wall 60 extending around the axis of rotation R outside the engaging portion. The annular wall 60 is arranged to provide mating to the cutting devices 4 and 5. In practice, for circumferential scoring on the cover 1, the engaging portion and the support 3 guide the inner portion of the side wall 12 of the cover 1 into contact with the annular wall 60 of the spindle 2 and position the side wall 12 between the annular wall 60 and the cutting devices 4 and 5. Specifically, the annular wall 60 is arranged on the base body 20 of the spindle 2 and defines a cavity 61, which is arranged to at least partially accommodate the clamping portion when it is in the aforementioned first position M.

[0080] The disclosed cutting equipment is suitable for implementing the cutting method to be applied to the lid 1.

[0081] See Figure 1 Specifically, the method includes arranging the cover 1 on the support 3 such that the outer surface 11b of the bottom wall 11 of the cover 1 is positioned in contact with the support 3. Furthermore, the method specifically includes the step of advancing the engagement portion of the support 3 and the spindle 2 along a semi-circular forward path defined by the spindle-holder turntable included in the cutting device, wherein the support 3 is in a spaced-out position D, i.e., a position where the support 3 is away from the forward path that the cover 1 can travel on, and the engagement portion is in a first position M close to the forward path.

[0082] See Figure 3 Specifically, the method includes: axially approaching the engaging portion of the main shaft 2 toward the inner surface 11a of the bottom wall 11 of the cover 1, i.e., guiding the engaging portion in a second position L where the engaging portion is away from the forward path and close to the support 3; rotating the main shaft 2 about the rotation axis R, and while the engaging portion rotates together with the main shaft 2, advancing the main shaft 2 together with the support 3 along the forward path.

[0083] Specifically, this method includes the following steps: guiding the protrusion 21 of the engaging portion to circumferentially mate with the protrusion 13 of the bottom wall 11 of the cover 1, so that the cover 1 rotates about rotation R and prevents the cover 1 from rotating relative to the main shaft 2 in a preset position. Specifically, this guiding circumferential mating step includes guiding the mating surfaces 21a, 21b to mate with the sides of the protrusion 13.

[0084] Furthermore, referring to Figures 4 and 7, specifically, the method includes the following steps: guiding the contact surface 24a of the engaging portion to axially abut against the central area of ​​the inner surface 11a of the cover 1 to axially hold the cover 1 against the support 3 and thus hold the cover 1 in a predetermined position. In the axial abutment step, the engaging portion is in a first position M, in which it is close to the forward path, and the support 3 is in a clamping position E, in which the support is close to the forward path.

[0085] See Figure 8 Specifically, the method includes the following steps: guiding the cover 1 into the cutting areas 40, 50, and scribing the sidewall 12 using the cutting devices 4, 5. The scribing step may include positioning the sidewall 12 of the cover 1 between the annular wall 60 of the spindle 2 and the cutting devices 4, 5.

[0086] As can be inferred from the above, the cutting device and cutting method according to the present invention can overcome the limitations and disadvantages of existing devices and methods in order to successfully achieve the intended goal.

[0087] Thanks to this invention, it is possible to synchronize the movement of the cap to be cut with the corresponding spindle and cutting device.

[0088] The apparatus and method according to the invention are particularly suitable for forming grooves on lids, specifically on lids having internal protrusions.

[0089] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cutting apparatus for cutting caps (1), comprising: - an advancement path, which is travelable by the caps (1); - a cutting zone (40, 50), which is arranged on the advancement path; - a main shaft (2), which is movable along the advancement path and rotatable about a rotation axis (R), the main shaft (2) being configured to rotate the caps (1) about the rotation axis (R); - a support (3), which is movable along the advancement path together with the main shaft (2), and which is configured so that the caps (1) can be held between the support (3) and the main shaft (2); and - a cutting device (4, 5) for making an incision in the caps (1) when the main shaft (2) is in the cutting zone (40, 50); characterized in that the main shaft (2) comprises an engagement portion, which faces the support (3) so as to interact in contact with the caps (1) arranged on the support (3), the engagement portion being rotatable together with the main shaft (2), the engagement portion comprising a protrusion (21) projecting axially from a peripheral zone of the engagement portion towards the support (3), where "axially" is intended with reference to the rotation axis (R), the protrusion (21) comprising at least one abutment surface (21a, 21b) configured to abut on a portion of the cap (1) in a circumferential abutment direction, where "circumferentially" is intended with reference to the rotation axis (R), so as to block the relative rotation between the cap (1) and the main shaft (2) in a preset position, thereby orienting the cap (1) with respect to the cutting device (4, 5), the engagement portion comprising a contact surface (24a) arranged in a central zone of the engagement portion so as to be able to contact the cap (1) and axially hold the cap (1) on the support (3), the central zone being crossed by the rotation axis (R), the peripheral zone being further from the rotation axis (R) than the central zone, the contact surface (24a) and the at least one abutment surface (21a, 21b) being movable with respect to each other in an axial direction so as to be able to assume a coordinated angular orientation configuration, in which the contact surface (24a) does not hold the cap (1) on the support (3) and the at least one abutment surface (21a, 21b) abuts on the portion of the cap (1) in the circumferential abutment direction, and an axial holding configuration (S), in which the contact surface (24a) axially holds the cap (1) on the support (3) and the at least one abutment surface (21a, 21b) abuts on the portion of the cap (1) in the circumferential abutment direction.

2. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said support (3) is axially movable to approach and move away from said main shaft (2), and assumes a spaced position (D) in which it is distanced from said advancement path, and a clamping position (E) in which it approaches said advancement path so as to be able to hold said cap (1) in said preset position.

3. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said engagement portion is movable in a direction parallel to said rotation axis (R) between a first position (M) in which it approaches said advancement path, and a second position (L) in which it is distanced from said advancement path.

4. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said protrusion (21) has an elongated planar shape, with the larger dimension of said protrusion (21) placed radially with respect to said rotation axis (R).

5. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said main shaft (2) comprises adjustment means (26a) for setting the distance of said protrusion (21) from said support (3), with said distance being taken along said rotation axis (R).

6. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said engagement portion comprises a pusher element (24), said contact surface (24a) being placed on an end of said pusher element (24) equipped with elastic means (27) arranged for axially pushing said contact surface (24a) against said cap (1) on said support (3), said contact surface (24a) being curved and defining a convexity on said end of said pusher element (24).

7. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said main shaft (2) comprises a base body (20) rotatable about said rotation axis (R) together with said main shaft (2), said engagement portion being arranged on a clamping body (25) slidable with respect to said base body (20) along said rotation axis (R), said apparatus comprising further elastic means (28) configured to exert an axial force on said protrusion (21) able to allow an axial displacement of said protrusion (21) with respect to said clamping body (25) towards said support (3).

8. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said main shaft (2) comprises an annular wall (60) external to said engagement portion and extending around said rotation axis (R), said annular wall (60) being arranged for providing a counter- abutment on said cutting means (4, 5).

9. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said spindle (2) comprises a sleeve-shaped base body (20) extending around said rotation axis (R) and rotatable around said rotation axis (R) together with said spindle (2), said engagement portion being arranged on a clamping body (25) slidable with respect to said base body (20) along said rotation axis (R), said clamping body (25) being rotatable together with said base body (20) to allow said engagement portion to contact said lid (1) and rotate said lid (1).

10. A lid (1) comprising a cup-shaped body having a bottom wall (11), wherein a side wall (12) adjoins said bottom wall (11) and extends around a longitudinal axis (C) of said lid (1), wherein a circumferential zone is equipped with at least one circumferential score defining one or more breaking lines of a guarantee band and / or a tie, and wherein a tab (13) protrudes from said bottom wall (11) inside said cup-shaped body in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis (C); said bottom wall (11) comprises an inner face (11a) and an outer face (11b) facing said inner face (11a), said tab (13) comprises a rib extending in a radial direction with respect to said longitudinal axis (C), said tab (13) comprises at least one lateral face emerging from said inner face (11a) of said bottom wall (11), said at least one lateral face being arranged in a preset angular position with respect to said circumferential score and being configured to operate as a circumferential counter-element for a spindle, said circumferential counter-element being configured to rotate said lid around said longitudinal axis (C).

11. A method for cutting a lid, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a lid according to claim 10; arranging said lid (1) on said support (3) with said outer face (11b) counter- abutting on said support (3); advancing said support (3) along said advancement path; approaching said engagement portion of said spindle (2) to said inner face (11a) of said bottom wall (11) of said lid (1); rotating said spindle (2) around said rotation axis (R) and advancing said spindle (2) together with said support (3) along said advancement path, said engagement portion rotating together with said spindle (2); guiding said protrusion (21) of said engagement portion to circumferentially counter- abut on said tab (13) of said bottom wall (11) to rotate said lid (1) around said rotation axis (R) and to block, in a preset position, the relative rotation between said lid (1) and said spindle (2); guiding said contact surface (24a) of said engagement portion to axially counter- abut against a zone of said inner face (11a) to hold said lid (1) against said support (3); guiding said lid (1) to said cutting zone (40, 50); scoring said side wall (12) by means of said cutting means (4, 5).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said guiding said protrusion (21) of said engaging portion circumferentially abutting on said overhang (13) of said bottom wall (11) comprises guiding abutting surfaces (21a, 21b) abutting on lateral faces of said overhang (13).

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step of: guiding an inner portion of a lateral wall (12) of said lid (1) in contact with an annular wall (60) of said main shaft (2); and wherein said step of scoring further comprises positioning said lateral wall (12) between said annular wall (60) and said cutting means (4, 5).

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